Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: A recording medium, such as a high-density and/or optical recording medium including segment information recorded thereon, and apparatus and methods for recording to and reproducing from the recording medium, in order to improve data protection, data management and/or reproduction compatibility. The recording medium may contain at least one segment area which is an area on the disc controlled by a plurality of valid PACs and if the designated segment areas overlap with one another, control information of the respective PACs which control the overlapped area may be applied to control the overlapped area.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus, has a reading unit which, if a transfer delay address is found, stores data in the transfer delay address, in a memory, and stores data in a range from the transfer delay address to an additional address located at an outer periphery in a certain distance and which, if the address to be read on the optical disc is present in the transfer delay address, reads data corresponding to the address to be read as stored in the memory, and a control unit which, if the address to be read on the optical disc is present in the additional address, reads the data corresponding to the address to be read as stored in the memory, by the reading unit, and increases a rotation rate of the optical disc up to a predetermined number of revolutions.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player includes a first file comprising a first control logic; and a second file comprising a second control logic. The first file is configured to direct the player to play a first content data stored on the optical article, when the first control logic is read by the player. The player is directed to read the second file if the player cannot read the first file. The second file is configured to direct the player to play a second content data stored on the article when the second control logic is read by the player. The optical article includes a mark containing an optical state change material disposed on at least a portion of the first file, wherein the mark is in one of a first optical state or a second optical state, and wherein the first control logic can be read only when the mark is in the second optical state.

Abstract: The digital copying machine has a printer, a writer and optionally a disk destruction devise connected to a personal computer by a USB port cable. The computer can select files from its hard drive and place them in a folder for writing on a disk in the digital copying machine. The personal computer can also make copies of a disk in its disk drive or make copies of portions of the disk in its disk drive and add files from the computer hard drive or from memory. The digital copying machine can print on the disks to identify them. The digital copying machine has a robotic arm for removing disks from a stack and placing them in the writer, the printer or on a finished stack. Software in the personal computer can be programmed for the number of copies to be made and what is printed on the disks.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for protecting RFID encoded content based upon a spin rate of a media within which an RFID tag containing the content is embedded. The solution can include a step of securing tag encoded content stored on an RFID tag embedded in an optical media. A spin rate the optical media can be determined. The tag encoded content can be selectively unprotected when the detected spin rate is approximately equal to a previously established rate or is between a previously established range of values. The spin rate can be based upon a rotational velocity of the optical media and/or a rotational acceleration of the optical media.

Abstract: A recording medium, and a method and apparatus of controlling an access to the recording medium are disclosed. Physical access control (PAC) information that is pre-recorded on a recording medium is extracted. Then, a PAC identification is extracted from the PAC information. An access to the recording medium is controlled using first control information that is included in the PAC information, when the PAC identification is known. Alternatively, the access to the recording medium is controlled using second control information that is included in the PAC information, when the PAC identification is unknown.

Abstract: A positioning system in an optical card reading apparatus, for accurately positioning the optical card (801) relative to the probe array (102) used to read the data stored on the card. The card (801) is provided with a pattern of servo bands (800) and the sensor (103) used to read out data stored on the optical card (801) has a windowing function which is used to narrow its field of view (802) to define a region of interest (900) corresponding to one or the servo bands (800), and the output is fed to an analogue-to-digital converter. Thus, the “windowing” function of the sensor (103) is used to increase the readout speed and, therefore, the speed of detection of servo marks (800) to enable more rapid positioning of the probe array (102) relative to the optical card (801).

Abstract: A search method of efficiently retrieving information is provided. A search light 21 is generated from a search condition (S1). The search light is irradiated onto a hologram 104a recorded in a hologram recording layer 104 (S2). When the search light interferes with the hologram and a reproduction light is generated, address information of the hologram from which the reproduction light is generated is identified using an address light 23 that reads the address information. The identified address light is recorded (S3). When the search light does not generate the reproduction light from the hologram, the search light is irradiated onto another hologram 104b recorded in the hologram recording layer.

Abstract: A system includes a first manufacturing apparatus (510) for manufacturing a plurality of record carriers, such as DVDs, with a pre-recorded area storing the same content. A second manufacturing apparatus (520) stores an identifier in an identifier area of the record carriers. The identifier is unique for distinct groups of record carriers. Each group is associated with a distinct playlist. The playlists differ in at least a selection of content parts that can be accessed and/or a sequence in which content parts can be accessed. A reading device (530) includes means (532) for receiving a record carrier, means (536) for reading an identifier stored in the identifier area, means (537) for obtaining an associated playlist for the read identifier, and means (538) for providing access for rendering to content parts on the playlist.

Abstract: A method for using an optical sensor array to control a labeling device includes scanning a surface texture of an imageable media with the optical sensor array, collecting surface data corresponding to the surface texture of the imageable media, and controlling the labeling device in response to the surface data.

Abstract: An information storage medium, a recording and/or reproducing apparatus and a recording and/or reproducing method area, the information storage medium including an access control area for recording access control data (ACD) having common information set so that even a recording and/or reproducing apparatus that cannot recognize a predetermined function applied to the medium can control access to the medium, the ACD including ACD attribute information providing information indicating whether or not to delete the ACD when the medium is re-initialized. According to the information storage medium, when the disc is re-initialized, by recording common information in relation to disc access control which even a drive system with a different standard can know, a drive system that cannot recognize a function applied to the disc as well as a drive system that can recognize the function can perform an appropriate operation by referring to this common information, such that compatibility of the disc can be improved.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus for controlling two optical pickups in an optimized way in response to operation modes for rotating the optical disk. When receiving a request for seeking one optical pickup from a HOST, a CPU judges whether to move the other optical pickup synchronously to satisfy positional restriction of the two optical pickups. Furthermore, when operating one optical pickup upon, for example, a read request. from the HOST, the CPU judges whether to move the other pickup to follow.

Abstract: The drive apparatus of the present invention includes: a recording/reproduction section; and a drive control section.

Abstract: A recording method for recording, on a write once type information recording medium, management information representing a recording state of the write once type information recording medium is provided. The information recording medium includes data including a first synchronization signal. The information recording medium has a second synchronization signal pre-recorded by cutting. The recording method includes the steps of (a) performing a recording operation for recording the management information at a predetermined position of the information recording medium based on the first synchronization signal; (b) determining whether the recording operation in step (a) is normally terminated or not; and (c) when the recording operation in step (a) is not normally terminated, performing a recording operation for recording the management information at the predetermined position of the information recording medium based on the second synchronization signal.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: Techniques for managing the storing of a digital asset by a first computer in a computer system that further comprises a second computer. The first computer receives a communication from the second computer including the digital asset, determines whether the digital asset has been stored by the first computer, and when it has not, stores a copy of the digital asset. The digital asset is identified by a first identifier based, at least in part, on its content. In one embodiment, the first identifier is the only identifier that can be used to identify the digital asset in communication between the first and second computers. In another embodiment, the computer system further stores a unit of data comprising the first identifier and metadata relating to the digital asset.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a portable rotary disk type storage device provided with a form factor allowing dimensions of an accommodation space in a longitudinal and a lateral direction to be reduced. In one embodiment, the storage device has a head disk assembly provided with a rotary disk recording medium and a casing accommodating the rotary disk recording medium and forming a totally closed space. The device further has a PCB provided with a connection pad disposed substantially parallel with a recording surface of the rotary disk recording medium and connectable to a host system connector and a control circuit for the head disk assembly and connected to the head disk assembly with an FCP and mechanically released therefrom. Housings accommodating the head disk assembly and the PCB and having an opening portion in alignment with the connection pad are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disc detecting method in a multi-disc optical storage apparatus, which comprises receiving an electronic signal and determining whether to perform a complete disc detecting process or not when the multi-disc optical storage apparatus is turned on or a multi-disc magazine is inserted into the multi-disc optical storage apparatus. If the multi-disc optical storage apparatus decides not to perform the complete disc detecting process, the multi-disc optical storage apparatus can enter to be standby to wait for further commands from users. If the multi-disc optical storage apparatus decides to perform the complete disc detecting process, the detecting result will be then stored in a memory for providing a reference to the subsequent accessing.

Abstract: An optical disk includes a first area, a second area having time information undistinguishable from time information of the first area and a third area having unique time information. The third area is divided into a plurality of sub-areas. Peculiar zone numbers are assigned to zones each representing the first area, the second area or any of the sub-areas and recorded in an associative-relation table memory for a management purpose. A zone number assigned to a zone of the present position of an optical pickup or a zone number assigned to a zone of a target position serving as a seek destination of the optical pickup is stored in a zone-number-storing memory for the purpose of managing the position of the optical pickup.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a lead-in area and a data area for storing contents information. The lead-in area includes a first lead-in information area and a second lead-in information area. The first lead-in information area corresponds to a first playback mode. The second lead-in information area corresponds to a second playback mode different from the first playback mode. The first lead-in information area has a first depth and is designed for storing lead-in information related to the contents information stored in the data area. The second lead-in information area includes pre-pits having a second depth greater than the first depth. The pre-pits represent predetermined information, such as information of copyright protection, related to the contents information stored in the data area.

Abstract: A method for automatically locating a set of optimal controller parameters for an optical drive includes the steps of generating a plurality sets of numerical values each having a number of the numerical values equal to a number of the controller parameters in the set of optimal controller parameters, driving the optical drive to search a plurality of tracks based on each of the plurality of numerical value sets so as to obtain a search result, if the search result meets a predetermined result, an optimal numerical value set among the plurality sets of numerical value is taken as the optimal controller parameters, and if the search result does not meet the predetermined result, generating a new plurality sets of numerical values as the plurality sets of numerical values and going back to the step of driving until the search result meets the predetermined result. As such, the optimal controller parameters of the optical drive can be automatically located.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information recording apparatus including a head unit which records data and detects a reflected light by irradiating a laser light onto a recording medium having a recorded area, an unrecorded area, and a management area, and a control unit which controls the head unit so that pattern data is recorded in the unrecorded area of the recording medium to perform finalizing process onto the recording medium, the finalizing process is interrupted in accordance with an interrupting instruction, and an interrupted position of the finalizing process is recorded in management information of the recording medium.

Abstract: A media picker assembly includes a frame, a plunge assembly operable to travel along a predetermined axis of the frame to engage and disengage a media cartridge, and first and second cables coupled to the frame for transmitting first and second predetermined sets of signals, respectively.

Abstract: An optical pickup that improves recording and reproducing performances on a disc without increasing the cost includes first and second magnets. The first magnet is placed on protrusions provided to a first wall portion of a base of an actuator portion. Both end portions of the bottom surface of the first magnet, the first wall portion on a surface facing a second wall portion, and a pedestal are adhered together by using an UV adhesive. Similarly, a second magnet is placed on protrusions provided to the second wall portion of the base. Both end portions of the bottom surface of the second magnet, the second wall portion on a surface facing the first wall portion, and a pedestal are adhered together by using an UV adhesive.

Abstract: An optical disk physical has a recording region divided into zones, each zone including physical tracks adjacent to each other. An integer number of sectors are provided in each physical track. The angular recording density is higher in the more outward zones such that the linear recording density is substantially constant throughout the recording region, and logical tracks are formed of a predetermined number of sectors, independent of the physical tracks. The conversion between the logical track and sector addresses read from the disk and the linear logical addresses supplied from a host device is easy. The addresses written in headers of the sectors in the logical track in which data are actually recorded, including substitute sectors used in place of defect sectors, are preferably consecutive to further facilitate the conversion between the logical track and sector addresses read from the disk and the linear logical addresses supplied from the host device.

Abstract: An optical recording device includes: a light source for emitting light of plural wavelengths; an optical waveguide formed by a crystal defect in a photonic crystal, into which light emitted from the light source is launched; an information recording/erasing unit for changing the shape of the photonic crystal near the optical waveguide; and a light detecting unit for detecting the light emitted from the optical waveguide. A contact probe of the information recording/erasing unit applies pressure to one of a plurality of periodically arranged columnar holes of the photonic crystal to widen its diameter, thereby capturing light of a wavelength ?k corresponding to the information to be recorded. Since the optical waveguide extends parallel to the crystal surface, the optical recording device can be integrated with an optical circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of recording and reproducing sample data to/from a recording medium and a sample data containing recording medium. According to the present invention, contents are recorded on a recording medium with additional sample data which is a part of the contents. And, when the contents of the recording medium are requested to be reproduced, the sample data or all the contents are reproduced based on whether a reproduction approval key is received or not. Owing to the present invention, a user can confirm easily, without purchasing a corresponding reproduction approval key, whether a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM and a DVD-RAM has contents he or she wants.

Abstract: In an optical recording medium of the present invention, plural pits which carry main information recorded in a user area and tangential push/pull (T-PP) information required for reproducing the main information recorded in T-PP area are formed. The pit length in a track direction is formed according to the main information, and the pit depth is formed according to the T-PP information, and copyright protection information by digital watermarking is embedded in the main information. Also, if the optical disk by unauthorized copying is loaded, a reproducing apparatus restricts the reproduction thereof.

Abstract: For an optical recording medium having a phase change type recording layer on it's a substrate and having as read only area and a writable area in a recording area, a data recording method is provided which records data in the writable area. This data recording method comprises a transfer step of transferring program data recorded in the read only area in a practical form to an external computer, and an execution step (step A10) of automatically executing the program data in the external computer to record data in the writable area, which can facilitate manufacturing and reduce the possible of destruction or falsification of ROM data.

Abstract: An optical disc includes a plurality of lands and grooves alternately arranged in a radial direction of the optical disc, each land wobbling in the radial direction and recording a header recording part for holding address information, there being a difference in elevation between each land and each groove, each grove having a data recording part for storing data, wherein the header recording parts offset alternately for respective lands in the radial direction, the data recording part in the groove and the header recording part in the land are arranged offset in a circumferential direction of the optical disc, and the header recording part in each land enables the same address information to be reproduced for two groove at both sides of each land.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data are provided. Information data and recording medium management information concerning a recording medium are recorded on the recording medium. The recording medium management information includes initialization time-and-date information concerning time and date of initialization of the recording medium, creation time-and-date information concerning time and date of creation of the recording medium management information, and update time-and-date information concerning time and date of update of information data written on the recording medium.

Abstract: A record medium preventing a first drive device from reading data therefrom while allowing a second drive device to read the data therefrom wherein data-read operation is performed according to volume management information stored in the record medium, including a predetermined area which stores record-medium-identification information therein, and a volume management information area which is different from the first predetermined area, and stores the volume management information therein.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk having an asynchronous partition and a first and second isochronous partition, wherein the asynchronous partition is located between the first and second isochronous partitions in order to reduce the seek time for the disk drive when seeking between the asynchronous and isochronous partitions.

Abstract: A recording medium on which digital data is recorded in synchronism with pre-recorded address data. At least a portion of the address data is converted in accordance with a pre-set conversion rule.

Abstract: A recording-medium management apparatus includes a playback unit and a recording-medium management unit. The playback unit includes a reading unit for automatically reading an identifier from a recording medium when data is played back and a transmission unit for transmitting the read identifier to the recording-medium management unit. The recording-medium management unit includes a setting information management unit for managing setting information corresponding to the identifier, a check unit for checking whether or not the setting information corresponding to the identifier received from the playback unit is managed by the setting information management unit, and an obtaining-and-transmitting unit for obtaining the setting information corresponding to the identifier from the setting information management unit and transmitting the setting information to the playback unit.

Abstract: A recording medium storing a write protection information, and a write protection method for protecting data recorded on a recordable and/or rewritable disc from unwanted overwriting or erasing. In order for write protection of a disc in a bare state that is usually used in a cartridge having a recognition switch for write-protection, such as a DVD-RAM, write protection information is recorded in a Lead-in area, a Lead-out area or a recording information area other than a user data area of the disc, and the data is protected from unwanted overwriting or erasing using the write protection information. Also, even though the write protection information stored on a disc does not match the state of a recognition switch of a case for write-protection, the data can be prevented from unwanted overwriting or erasing. Thus, the write protection can be ensured when a recordable and/or rewritable recording medium, such as DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW, is used in a bare state.

Abstract: A software driven method for recording data to optical media is provided. Embodiments include a software-driven method for writing multi-session optical media that is compliant with UDF Revision 1.02 standards and specifications. An optical media with one or more sessions recorded to the media space is received for recording a subsequent session. The start of the first partition space in a first session is located and a sector is determined for the start of the subsequent session. Data is prepared for recording to the subsequent session, and the partition space of the subsequent session is defined to start at the sector of the start of the first partition space in the first session on the optical media. File identification and file entry structures are imported into the subsequent session, and the subsequent session is written in compliance with UDF Revision 1.02, and providing access to all user data recorded to the multi-session optical media space.

Abstract: An information recording device which handles a plurality of recording surfaces has a recording device which, when the remaining recording capacity of a first recording surface is less than a predetermined capacity, continues to record the target information onto a first recording surface, and records the same target information onto a hard disk as well. When a second recording surface is provided, the recording device stops recording onto the hard disk, and records following target information onto the second recording surface, and records the target information, which was partially recorded on the hard disk, so as to be duplicated with a part of the target information recorded on the first recording surface.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing data to and/or from a recording medium having a data area in which data are stored and a management data area in which management data for managing these data are stored has a selecting circuit, a reading circuit, and a transfer circuit. The selecting circuit selects, in accordance with a user operation, album management data to be stored in the recording medium. The album management data are stored in the management data area and manage, as a data group, plural data stored in the data area. The reading circuit reads the selected album management data and the data group managed thereby. The transfer circuit transfers the read group management data and the read data album managed thereby to an external device.

Abstract: Congested rewriting in the same area is to be evaded to suppress the tendency towards occurrence of defective areas. When a stream 1 has been recorded, the last written address, representing the last written position, is stored. When recording a stream 2 next, recording is started directly following the position indicated by the last written address for the stream 1. The last written address, corresponding to the last address of the recording position, is stored. If the stream 2 is erased for recording a stream 3, recording is started not at a position directly following the last written address of the stream 1, but from a position directly following the last written address of the stream 2. When the stream 3 has reached the end of a recording area, the next following data is recorded as from a position directly following the stream 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disk cartridge in which a disk-like recording medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk and a magnetic disk is accommodated within a disk compartment of a cartridge housing, a disk recording medium device in which the disk-like recording medium is accommodated in advance within the disk compartment so as to become freely rotatable and a disk recording and/or reproducing apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information by using this disk recording medium device.

Abstract: A disk cartridge, which is easy to handle, is provided. The disk cartridge includes a cartridge main body having: an opening facing a disk; and a shutter for opening and closing the opening. A part of the cartridge main body is formed in an approximately semicircular shape. Such a shape allows a user to easily know an insertion direction. Moreover, since the cartridge main body does not have any corners, the insertion into a drive device is simplified. The shutter is provided pivotably for the cartridge main body. Any one of a plurality of types of medium can be provided in the disk cartridge. When the disk cartridge is inserted into an external device such as the drive device, the device receives a signal indicating the type of medium, which is transmitted through an electric terminal, so as to perform a process in accordance with the type of medium.

Abstract: A lever switch includes a common contact and a fixed contact both prepared on at least an inner bottom face, or any one of inner faces of walls surrounding the inner bottom face, and a movable contact which touches or leaves at least one of the common contact or the fixed contact when a lever rotates. Terminal sections of the common contact and the fixed contact extend through walls of the housing. This structure allows the lever switch to fix those terminal sections to a wired board, thereby preventing the lever switch from coming off from the wired board. As a result, the lever switch can work with reliability.

Abstract: A disc braking device is utilized in an optical disc drive. The disc braking device is installed on a disc tray of an optical disc drive. Without being affected by an covering component or the location of the disc braking device, the disc braking device makes a disc stop rotating in a more direct and efficient way. The disc braking device contains a structure portion; a braking rod installed and not fixed on the structure portion; and a braking component installed on the braking rod and utilized for making the disc stop rotating.