Abstract: A method of preventing a fraudulent use of an optical disk having a read-write region and a read-only region, comprising the steps of: writing data for designating the boundary between the read-write region and the read-only region into a predetermined block of the optical disk; reading the data out of the predetermined block prior to the execution of the software recorded on an optical disk as an object of fraudulent use check; reading data out of a block which is assumed to be in the read-only region by reference to the data read out of the predetermined block, and writing the data read out of the block in the assumed read-only region into the same block; reading data out of a block which is assumed to be in the read-write region by reference to the data read out of the predetermined block, and writing the data read out of the block in the assumed read-write region into the same block; and judging that the optical disk as an object of fraudulent use check is not a fraudulent copy when the data writing opera

Abstract: A magnetic tape library apparatus having a magnetic tape cartridge entry unit and an automatic cartridge ejection includes a cell unit having a plurality of cells each accommodating a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive unit for writing and reading data to and from any one of the magnetic tape cartridges, and an accessor for automatically switching magnetic tape cartridges between cell unit and magnetic tape drive unit. The magnetic tape cartridge entry unit of the library apparatus includes a stacker for stacking a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges entered externally, and a delivery mechanism for delivering to the accessor each cartridge separated from the stacked cartridges in the stacker. The automatic cartridge ejection unit receives the cartridge from the accessor and transports it to an appropriate position for delivery onto a tray.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a transformation pattern generating mechanism comprising: a key input section for inputting a key for encryption; a transformation pattern generating section for generating a transformation pattern for transformation of input data; and an output section for outputting the generated transformation pattern; wherein, when a number sequence corresponding to a predetermined transformation pattern is input as the key to the key input section, said transformation pattern generating section generates and outputs the predetermined transformation pattern corresponding to the number sequence.

Abstract: An optical disk includes a user accessible area having a plurality of blocks and flag data recorded on the optical disk. The flag data indicates whether or not each of the blocks is in an erased state in which there is no recorded data. A flag area stores the flag data, and area data indicating that the optical disk has the flag area is recorded on the optical disk.

Abstract: A file management system for a partially rewritable single storage medium increases a Rewritable Zone and an unrewritable Read Only Zone, where a desired number of files and pieces of medium management information, including management information for respective files, are written when the Read Only Zone is manufactured. The file management system comprises a reading device and a creating device. The reading device reads the medium management information written in the Read Only Zone upon commencing the use of the storage medium. The creating device creates, in the Rewritable Zone, file management information necessary for using the storage medium based on the medium management information read from the reading device, according to the usage status of the storage medium.

Abstract: A magnetic tape library apparatus having a magnetic tape cartridge entry unit and an automatic cartridge ejection includes a cell unit having a plurality of cells each accommodating a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive unit for writing and reading data to and from any one of the magnetic tape cartridges, and an accessor for automatically switching magnetic tape cartridges between cell unit and magnetic tape drive unit. The magnetic tape cartridge entry unit of the library apparatus includes a stacker for stacking a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges entered externally, and a delivery mechanism for delivering to the accessor each cartridge separated from the stacked cartridges in the stacker. The automatic cartridge ejection unit receives the cartridge from the accessor and transports it to an appropriate position for delivery onto a tray.

Abstract: A method produces and an apparatus includes an optical disk, with a center, having a rewritable area and a read-only area located further out from the center than the rewritable area. The method includes the steps of and the apparatus includes units for registering first management information concerning a dummy file in a file address management area located further in toward the center than the rewritable area, the dummy file having a capacity corresponding to that of the rewritable area; registering second management information concerning files to be written into the read-only area in the file address management area so that the second management information is subsequent to the first management information and registering the files into the read-only area; and erasing the first management information from the file address management area.

Abstract: In a method for preventing unauthorized use of a recording medium having a user accessible area and a user inaccessible area, first information is read from the user inaccessible area of the recording medium. The first information is compared with second information concerning a true recording medium (lawfully produced copy). It is then concluded that the recording medium is the true recording medium when the first information corresponds to the second information.

Abstract: A character string retrieval system retrieves a character string corresponding to a retrieval key input thereto from a text file including a plurality of characters.

Abstract: A write control method for writing optical disk data wherein pits are written by a write signal composed of mark signal parts and space signal parts, and a length of each pit represents the optical disk data, comprising the steps of: converting the mark signal parts to pulses and generating a series of pulse trains which correspond to lengths of the mark signal parts, respectively; controlling a lengths and/or amplitude of each of the pulse trains in accordance with a length of the space signal part immediately before the mark signal part; and applying successively the controlled pulse trains to a laser irradiation device so that the pits are written.

Abstract: A cartridge loading/unloading apparatus having a base, and a carrier movably supported on the base and capable of carrying a tape cartridge. The carrier with the cartridge is moved between an unloading position and a loading position by a drive motor by way of a cam member, a flexible arm, and a pivot arm. A stopper is provided for retaining the carrier at the loading position. The carrier is urged against the stopper by a deformation of the flexible arm at the loading position.

Abstract: An erasable optical disc medium on which information is recorded and read by using a laser beam, which comprises (i) a phase transition type information recording layer, (ii) an optical interference layer and (iii) an optical reflection layer, formed in this order on a transparent substrate, in such a state that a reflectance of the medium is higher before information is recorded and a reflectance of the recorded portions of the medium is lower after recording.

Abstract: Recording and erasing optical information can be done by using an alloy film capable of forming two stable crystalline states differing in crystal texture and optical characteristics by being irradiated with optical energies under different conditions. A thin memory film preferably including 60 to 90 atom % of Indium (IN) and 10 to 40 atom % of Bismuth (Bi) is formed on a substrate.

Abstract: Recording and erasing optical information can be done by using an alloy film capable of forming two stable crystalline states differing in crystal texture and optical characteristics by being irradiated with optical energies under different conditions. The thin memory film preferably includes not more than 60 atom % of Gallium (Ga) and not less than 40 atom % of Antimony (Sb).

Abstract: Recording and erasing optical information can be done by using an alloy film capable of forming two stable crystalline states differing in crystal texture and optical characteristics by being irradiated with optical energies under different conditions. The memory film includes 35-45 atom % of indium (In) and 55-65 atom % of antimony (Sb). The memory film may include an additional element M selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, P, S, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Te, Tl, Pb, Bi, and a combination of these elements, the composition of the memory film being expressed by the formula (In.sub.x Sb.sub.1-x).sub.1-y M.sub.y.

Abstract: A compatible optical disk in which information can be reproduced by a player normally used exclusively for reproduction, and writing, rewriting and erasure can be performed, comprises a recording film material characterized in that the reflectivity of a flat portion of the disk is lower than 50% in an erased or unrecorded state and the reflectivity of a recorded area is increased by recording by an irradiation of light, a light beam-guiding groove (12) formed on the surface of the disk substrate so that information is recorded or read out along the trough portion (12) or crest portion (17) of the guiding groove, and the reflectivity is enhanced in the crest portion (17) between the troughs or in the trough portion (12) between the crests.

Abstract: Recording and erasing optical information can be done by using an alloy film capable of forming two stable crystalline states differing in crystal texture and optical characteristics by being irradiated with optical energies under different conditions. The memory film includes 35-45 atom % of Indium (In) and 55-65 atom % of antimony (Sb).

Abstract: An optical recording medium using a recording layer of an alloy taking two different crystalline states exhibiting different reflectivities is preferably manufactured by depositing a plurality of layers, each of which consists essentially of an element or an intermetallic compound, i.e. a material having a lower crystallizable temperature, to form a recording layer having a desired average chemical composition, while heating a substrate on which the recording layer is being deposited.