Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for detecting a reproduction stop date when reproduction of image data is stopped in the past, and for determining a reproduction start position in the image data on a basis of the reproduction stop date, and further for starting the reproduction of the image data from the determined reproduction start position in response to an instruction of starting reproduction.

Abstract: An optical disc player discriminates an attribution of tracks recorded onto a disc inserted in the player, and normally reproduces MP3 tracks recorded onto discs inserted into a plurality of disc drivers using an MP3 decoder. Also, according to a method of reproducing an optical disc, the optical disc player discriminates a kind of an inserted disc as an audio file disc, an MP3 file disc, or a general data file disc and normally performs a reproducing operation for the files or music recorded onto the inserted disc.

Abstract: Audio is adaptively associated with speakers, depending on the speaker configuration that is present. Each speaker it receives an audio assignment based on its individual spectral characteristics. As more speakers are added, content is adaptively associated with that you speaker, and taken away from the previous.

Abstract: Described herewith is an optical disk manufacturing apparatus for reading recorded digital data from an optical disk, comprising an encryption unit (22, 23) for encrypting entered digital data according to a plurality of key information; an optical disk substrate manufacturing unit 2 for manufacturing an optical disk substrate 4 on which the encrypted digital data and key information are recorded in the form of physical form changes; a reflection film forming unit 41 for forming a reflection film on the optical disk substrate 4; and a key information recording unit 7 for recording key information on the optical disk substrate on which the reflection film is formed. The reflection factor of the optical disk is changed locally, thereby giving a jitter to the position information of each pit edge, and desired data is recorded additionally according to this jitter. Pits, etc.

Abstract: An evaluation method for calculating an identification signal by using PRML, comprises a table storing true patterns and ideal signals thereof, false patterns corresponding to the true patterns and ideal signals thereof, and Euclidean distance between the true pattern and the false pattern, a calculating unit, when a recording signal synchronized with an identification signal coincides with any pattern of the table, calculates a distance between Euclidean distance between the ideal signal of the true pattern and a reproduction signal and Euclidean distance between the ideal signal of the false pattern and a reproduction signal, and an evaluation unit which evaluates an identification signal by using an average and standard deviation of difference. A table for patterns is created for a likely mistaken pattern, whereby calculating an evaluation value with high precision, of a signal quality, with a small amount of calculation.

Abstract: When recording to an optical disk under zoned constant linear velocity (ZCLV) or partial constant angular velocity (PCAV) control, a plurality of super link points are dynamically set in the packet link areas. In this way, packet units recorded on a track of the optical disk are kept continuous.

Abstract: In audio contents which have cells for defining an audio title playback unit and whose actual playback sequence is determined by defining the playback sequence of the cells, cell information to specify the cells is provided with identification information to identify the types of the cells according to the difference in the contents of the data included in the cells. One type of the contents of the data in the cells is for obtaining the length of the silent period of time. The identification information corresponding to the cell indicates a silent cell.

Abstract: A playback apparatus includes a data source (1) that provides a data stream signal (d0), and a device (2) responsive to the data stream signal. The device forms a first data stream (d1) in a first data format (F1), wherein the first data stream (d1) includes a data field (D1) that is encoded in a second data format (F2). A code converter (3) is responsive to the first data stream (d1), and converts selected parts of the first data stream (d1) to a second data stream (d2) that has data encoded in a third data format (F3). An output decoder (5) forms playback signals from the second data stream (d2). The playback signal may be audio and/or video signals that are presented to the appropriate audio transducer or display device for presentation to a playback apparatus user(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using physical synchronization markers during optical disc data acquisition are provided. In accordance with this invention, physical synchronization markers on optical discs and/or disc covers can be used to determine absolute and/or relative positions on the disc or cover and control data acquisition. A method for acquiring data includes detecting at least one physical synchronization marker and reading data in response to detecting the marker.

Abstract: A DVD audio data structure following high-sound-quality specifications is realized, making the best use of the audio data structure standard in DVD video. A first sample data string created by digitizing a first channel audio signal at a first sampling frequency in a first number of quantization bits, a second sample data string created by digitizing a second channel audio signal at a second sampling frequency in a second number of quantization bits, and header data including timing data to synchronize the first sample data string with the second sample data string are recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: An information signal is read from a recording medium to generate a reproduced signal. A sync detector detects a sync signal in the reproduced signal on a pattern search basis during operation in a direct mode. The sync detector sets a detection window and detects a sync signal in the reproduced signal in the detection window during operation in an inertia mode. A special pattern signal in the reproduced signal is detected and counted to generate a count result. The count result is reset in response to detection of a first special signal in the reproduced signal. A detection flag is generated in cases where a second special signal in the reproduced signal is detected when the count result denotes a last sector in a block of the reproduced signal. The sync detector changes its operation from the inertia mode to the direct mode when the detection flag is generated.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for use with an information storage medium that includes a lead-in area, a user data area, and a lead-out area is read by a recording and/or reproducing apparatus. Information about whether the information storage medium is compatible with a drive following an older version of standards is recorded in at least one of the lead-in and lead-out areas. Accordingly, the recording performance thereof is improved, and a drive following an older version of standards can record data on or reproduce data from a newer version of an information storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus of recording an audio signal composed of several tracks on a recording medium in a manner that the tracks can be distinguished each other in a recorded audio signal. The present track-synchronous recording method detects a no-sound interval longer than a predetermined time that is included in an input audio signal during recording the input audio signal, and records an audio signal following the detected no-sound interval with a different track number from that of recorded audio signal preceding the detected no-sound interval. Therefore, it is possible to individually distinguish tracks on a copy medium even though those not having any track information are copied thereto from an original at a time.

Abstract: An information recording medium on which are recorded substantial data and reproduce control information for reproducing the substantial data, wherein the reproduce control information includes first reproduce control information required for reproducing the substantial data in all available reproduce patterns, and second reproduce control information required for reproducing the substantial data in a portion of the available reproduce patterns.

Abstract: An information recording medium is provided with: an object data file for storing object data which constitutes a series of content information, such as picture information and audio information, and a play list information file for storing play list information which defines a reproduction sequence of the object data by a unit of a play list. The information recording medium is further provided with a disc information file for storing a plurality of title play lists including, (i) play list specification information for specifying the play list information which defines the play list to be reproduced, (ii) Pre command information, and (iii) Post command information, which indicate a command to be executed before and after the reproduction, respectively, based on the play list information.

Abstract: A data-modulating apparatus for modulating data having a basic data length of m bits, to a variable-length code(d, k; m, n: r) having a basic code length of n bits. A sync signal is added to a recieved train of codes after a minimum run, the sync signal having a pattern that breaks a maximum run. The pattern is repeated twice continuously, and the minimum run is repeated no more than six times. The first bit of the sync signal is “1” when the train of modulated codes that immediately precedes the sync signal is included in the termination table used to terminate, at a desired position, a code when less than a predetermined number of variable length codes are available.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing energy consumption during data read/write operations in a disk-based memory system is provided. The method includes the steps of reading a data clip length, Ls and determining an available energy-optimum recordable track segment.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for compensating during a data writing process for a transformation of input data by an optical disc data storage channel. A write strategy matrix is derived that maps a plurality of input sequences to a plurality of write strategy parameters. The input sequences each include a plurality of input data elements. When an input sequence is received, the write strategy matrix is used to determine in selected write strategy parameter that corresponds to the input sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for precisely and adequately evaluating actual quality of reproduced data whenever applying a maximum likelihood decoder for converting signal reproduced from a recording medium into binary signal. Based on data arrays of a pair of binary data outputted from a “Viterbi” decoder, SAM values are secured by selecting any of path-metric differential values (00) and (11) being the difference between a pair of values compared when renewing path-metric values PMM (00) and (11) outputted from the “Viterbi” decoder. The minimum SAM value for an ideally-reproduced signal is outputted from a constant generating circuit. If the SAM values are verified as valid, and yet, if the SAM values coincide with the equation “input SAM values”?“data value outputted from the constant generating circuit”, then squared values outputted from a square circuit are averaged by an averaging circuit. Finally, the average value is outputted as the reproduced signal evaluation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording data wherein the amount of light reflected from a disk is detected, and it is determined according to the amount of reflected light whether the disk is a recordable disk or a rewritable disk. The disk is controlled according to the result of determination such that it is rotated at a constant angular velocity (CAV) or at a constant linear velocity (CLV) and recording is executed. Further, rotation driving control of the disk is selected according to factors other than the type of the disk, such as according to whether random recording is allowed or not, according to a recording state in the disk, according to whether an alternative area is provided or not, according to a recording start position, or according to whether initialization is required or not. CLV control or CAV control is appropriately selected for a disk at recording to suppress a reduction in accessibility and a reduction in data transmission rate.

Abstract: A method of designing a thermally-assisted magnetic recording apparatus having a magnetic recording medium, a heater and a magnetic head includes, determining a stable retention time tst for recorded magnetization and a thermal-fluctuation stability coefficient ?st calculated from ?(T)=KuV/kBT, where Ku is a magnetic anisotropy energy density, V is an activation volume, and kB is Boltzmann's constant, obtaining an equivalent degradation time tEQ calculated from tEQ=?(?tEQ), that sums values of ?tEQ within a period of time ?t for a time span during which the medium is substantially degraded, where ?tEQ=exp(ln(?t)????st) and ? is a thermal-fluctuation stability coefficient for a medium temperature T in ?t, and determining specifications of the medium, the heater and the magnetic head in a manner to meet the relationship of tEQ<tst.

Abstract: A servo control apparatus of an optical pickup includes an extractor for extracting an error signal from a read signal; an equalizer including a phase compensator for equalizing the error signal to generate a drive signal; a driver for changing the servo position of the optical pickup in response to the drive signal; a dropout detector for extracting an envelope signal from the read signal to detect a dropout of the read signal; and a controller. The controller changes an equalization characteristics of the equalizer in accordance with an amplitude of the envelope signal during the period of time when the dropout occurs or in response to an occurrence of the dropout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modulating data modulates data having a length of m-bits to a variable length code having a basic code length of n-bits. A SYNC but insertion section adds a sync signal to a train of codes, after a minimum run. The sync signal has a pattern that breaks a maximum run.

Abstract: A method and device for recording information signals on a partly recorded writable record carrier (11), e.g. an optical disc. An information signal represents at least one information unit. The record carrier has a recording track which comprises preformed track position information indicative of locations for recording the information units. From the information signal a modulated signal is generated, and the recording track is scanned for recording the modulated signal. If recording is after and adjacent an existing recorded unit, linking information is read from an end boundary area of the existing recorded unit and used for logically generating the modulated signal. If recording is before and adjacent to an existing unit, linking information is read from a begin boundary area of the existing unit and thereafter used for logically generating the modulated signal.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for reproducing a plurality of information data recorded on a recording medium in accordance with reproduction control data that indicates a reproduction procedure of the plurality of information data, wherein a reproduction order designated by the reproduction control data is changed in accordance with the recording positions of the plurality of information data on the recording medium, the plurality of information data are reproduced in accordance with the changed reproduction order to be written in a memory, the plurality of information data are read out from the memory in the order designated by the reproduction control data, and the content of the reproduction control data is changed in accordance with the changed reproduction order.

Abstract: A recording disc capable of recording a recording mark in a reproduction control data area of a recording disc for authoring. In the recording disc, a disc address indicating a position on the disc is recorded at a constant linear velocity in advance and has an information data area where a recording mark string carrying information data is recorded. Further, this recording disc includes a reproduction control data area where a disc address is recorded at a constant angular velocity in advance and recording marks in the recording mark string carrying the reproduction control data are to be recorded in the direction orthogonal to a plurality of adjacent tracks.

Abstract: A data recording and/or reproducing method and apparatus. The apparatus may include one or more buffer memories, a recorder, a controller, and/or a reproducing unit. Continuous picture and/or speech data may be stored, recorded, and/or reproduced. The size of a recording unit may be controlled such that it corresponds to the amount of picture and/or speech data recorded by the recorder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a wobble signal read from an optical disc. The wobble signal detection apparatus comprises an analog/digital (A/D) converter for A/D-converting an analog wobble signal, read from the optical disc and then band pass filtered, a slope detector for detecting a slope of the A/D-converted wobble signal according to a variation thereof, and a wobble signal detector for detecting a peak point of the A/D-converted wobble signal using the detected wobble signal slope, and detecting/outputting a square-wave wobble signal with a high level or low level transition at the detected peak point. The slope detector calculates variations of data values of the A/D-converted wobble signal sampled within a predetermined period on the basis of predetermined different weights, accumulates the calculated values and detects the slope of the A/D-converted wobble signal on the basis of the accumulated value.

Abstract: A digital signal recording disc has a first area and a second area. The second area differs from the first area. The first area stores a first-channel digital audio signal and a second-channel digital audio signal. The first-channel digital audio signal results from quantizing a first-channel analog audio signal with a first quantization bit number. The second-channel digital audio signal results from quantizing a second-channel analog audio signal with a second quantization bit number. The second area stores information of the first and second quantization bit numbers.

Abstract: An optical disk according to the present invention is the optical disk on which secret information on unique information given to a specific optical disk manufacturer or a specific optical disk and information recorded on an infringement disk list of identifying an illegitimate optical disk manufacturer or an illegitimate optical disk are recorded in advance, and the optical disk has an area in which reproduction-only encrypted data encrypted based on the secret information and the information on the infringement disk list is recorded in advance or an area capable of recording the encrypted data to be encrypted based on the secret information and the information on the infringement disk list.

Abstract: A reproduction-only optical information storage medium including a plurality of areas and at least one transition area. Each transition area is located between two adjacent areas. The transition area allows data to be smoothly reproduced from the reproduction-only optical information storage medium at a low error generation rate. Also, since the optical information storage medium provides standards for the transition area, it is compatible with existing optical information storage media.

Abstract: A lead-out area is recorded and a session is formed each time a file is recorded with the data structure of a disc recorded with the conventional CD-R multi-session method. The latest file structure recorded in the last session is read with a multi-session disc by reading in series the start address of the next session recorded in the lead-in area of each session. This information read in series is dependent upon the number of file write operations, and as the number of writes increases, the slower the latest file structure retrieval process becomes. In a write-once medium in which the file management information and unrecorded area information are update recorded at each recording session, chaining information is recorded at each file write. Furthermore, an area for recording a plurality of continuously recorded chaining information is reserved, and access in the latest chaining information retrieval process is accelerated.

Abstract: A method for recording data in a rewritable recording medium comprising the steps: of comparing the size of the sectioned interval unit of the recording medium with an input unit data to be recorded; and recording the unit data in the sectioned interval unit. A data track of the program area of the rewritable recording medium is sectioned into interval units of a predetermined size and data inputted by the user is recorded by the section interval unit, so that editing such as data rewriting in the sectioned interval unit is possible, which facilitates using of the rewritable recording medium. Also, since the data can be re-recorded partially, the durability of the recording medium can be extended.

Abstract: Audio is adaptively associated with speakers, depending on the speaker configuration that is present. Each speaker it receives an audio assignment based on its individual spectral characteristics. As more speakers are added, content is adaptively associated with that you speaker, and taken away from the previous.

Abstract: A drive device having an improved capability of reproducing data is disclosed. If an error occurs during a reproducing operation, reproduction is retried after changing amplitude reference values depending on whether the recording laser power is adequate. This makes it possible for the retrying operation to successfully read data that the previous reproducing operation failed to correctly read owing to an inadequate recording laser power. The determination as to whether the recording laser power is adequate is performed on the basis of the degree of asymmetry of the waveform of a data signal read by head means.

Abstract: A circuit for recovering the timing reference signal includes a superheterodyne phase locked loop. The recovery circuit avoids the need for a phase linear filter with a large percentage bandwidth and allows placement of the filter at a point in the recovery circuit where the center frequency to be passed is substantially fixed. The recovery circuit thus constructed further allows the bandwidth of the filter to be narrower and tailored to match the modulation characteristics of the timing recovery signal. This further results in a better signal-to-noise ratio into a limiter and phase detector, improving the performance of the phase locked loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a data area D,E or D,G, reserved in accordance with a first specification, as useful data area G in accordance with a second specification.

Abstract: A DVD-Audio which includes a data zone for storing data to be reproduced and an information zone for storing information on the data to be reproduced. The information zone includes directories of a video title set (VIDEO_TS) and an audio title set (AUDIO_TS). The AUDIO_TS directory includes information on an audio manager (AMG) having information on audio titles. The data zone includes the audio titles each having an audio title set information (ATSI) followed by a plurality of contiguous audio objects (AOBs). The ATSI includes a plurality of audio stream attributes each having an audio coding mode, first to third quantization bit numbers, first to third sampling frequencies and decoding algorithm information relating to the number of audio channels. Each of the AOBs includes a plurality of audio packs recorded with audio data corresponding to the decoding algorithm stored in the audio stream attribute.

Abstract: Described herewith is an optical disk manufacturing apparatus for reading recorded digital data from an optical disk, comprising an encryption unit (22, 23) for encrypting entered digital data according to a plurality of key information; an optical disk substrate manufacturing unit 2 for manufacturing an optical disk substrate 4 on which the encrypted digital data and key information are recorded in the form of physical form changes; a reflection film forming unit 41 for forming a reflection film on the optical disk substrate 4; and a key information recording unit 7 for recording key information on the optical disk substrate on which the reflection film is formed. The reflection factor of the optical disk is changed locally, thereby giving a jitter to the position information of each pit edge, and desired data is recorded additionally according to this jitter. Pits, etc.

Abstract: A recording medium reproducing device is provided which device varies a tempo and a key of music reproduced from audio data recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium reproducing device comprises means for calculating a variable width of the key according to a varied tempo, means for adding the variable width of the key to a variable width of the key according to a varied key so as to have a summed variable width of the key, and means for displaying the summed variable width of the key.

Abstract: The invention provides a reliable write method of data on an optical record carrier without changing the conventional configuration of an information recording apparatus. The invention uses the errors occurred in reading ATIP codes and/or the reflected signal from the surface of the record carrier to decide if the storage unit on the record carrier is eligible to store data. The defective storage units are labeled as unrecordable.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disk barcode forming method wherein, as information to be barcoded, position information for piracy prevention, which is a form of ID, is coded as a barcode and is recorded by laser trimming on a reflective film in a PCA area of an optical disk. When playing back the thus manufactured optical disk on a reproduction apparatus, the barcode data can be played back using the same optical pickup.

Abstract: A DVD audio data structure following high-sound-quality specifications is realized, making the best use of the audio data structure standard in DVD video. A first sample data string created by digitizing a first channel audio signal at a first sampling frequency in a first number of quantization bits, a second sample data string created by digitizing a second channel audio signal at a second sampling frequency in a second number of quantization bits, and header data including timing data to synchronize the first sample data string with the second sample data string are recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: An information volume is recorded in sectors of a track of a record carrier in compliance with the CD-ROM XA standard. The information volume includes data files, control information for controlling the search for information in the recorded information volume, and a file location table with file location entries containing an identification and an address of the data files. The file location table has a size of at most one sector. This method of recording enables a relatively simple microprocessor to retrieve the recorded information, while maintaining compatibility with the CD-ROM XA standard.

Abstract: In audio contents which have cells for defining an audio title playback unit and whose actual playback sequence is determined by defining the playback sequence of the cells, cell information to specify the cells is provided with identification information to identify the types of the cells according to the difference in the contents of the data included in the cells. One type of the contents of the data in the cells is for obtaining the length of the silent period of time. The identification information corresponding to the cell indicates a silent cell.

Abstract: A storage and reproducing apparatus includes a signal processing block, a memory, a reproduction block, an operation block, and a control block. The memory stores a digital signal outputted from the signal processing block and management data of the digital data. The reproduction block converts a digital signal read out from the memory into an audible sound for reproduction output. The control block, according to an input from the operation block, writes a digital signal and management data into the memory and reads out a digital signal and the management data stored in the memory and, according to an operation of the operation block, reads management data from the memory. The control block interrupts reproduction by the reproduction unit and starts writing further data into the memory in response to an input from the operation unit to designate for writing the further data into the memory during reproduction.

Abstract: A data storage system achieves improved bandwidth efficiency using a modulated recording signal, channel linearization, and a compressor circuit for compressing peak amplitude of the recording signal. In a preferred embodiment, quadrature amplitude modulation and demodulation is utilized. Another embodiment achieves improved bandwidth efficiency using a recording medium having a substantially rectangular magnetic flux versus magnetic field intensity hysteresis characteristic and a substantially rectangular Kerr rotation versus magnetic field intensity hysteresis characteristic. Yet another embodiment achieves improved bandwidth efficiency using a storage medium having a substantially abrupt flux transition.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a plurality of sectors each of which has a sector header area storing a unique sector number and a data storage area for storing user data. User data to be recorded onto the information recording medium is scrambled using a data scramble key generated from a unique medium identifier of the information recording medium and a sector number of a sector into which the user data is to be recorded. The medium identifier used here has been scrambled using a medium identifier scramble key generated from predetermined data and a sector number of a sector into which the medium identifier is to be stored, and stored in that sector. In so doing, security is ensured not only for each individual information recording medium but also for each individual sector, with it being possible to protect data recorded on the information recording medium against unauthorized reproduction.

Abstract: An information recording method for recording information on an optical disk by a recording pulse train of an optical beam emitted by an optical source includes the steps of (a) changing a recording channel clock period T in accordance with a change of a recording linear velocity so that a recording linear density is kept constant, and (b) updating values of parameters Ttop, Tmp and &rgr; at intervals based on a desired recording linear velocity. A symbol Ttop is a ratio of a width of a top heating pulse in the recording pulse train to the recording channel clock period T. A symbol Tmp is a duty ratio of each heating pulse in a multi-pulse section following the top heating pulse. A symbol &rgr; is a ratio of a recording power Pw at the desired linear velocity to an optimal recording power Pwmin at a minimum recording linear velocity (&rgr;=Pw/Pwmin).