Abstract: A reproducing device includes decoding processors and output controllers, and performs synchronous reproduction for reproducing a content item decoded by one of the decoding processors by at least two of the output controllers and separate reproduction for reproducing the content item decoded by one of the decoding processors by one of the output controllers. The reproducing device includes: a manager that manages an allowed number of reproductions of the content item; a determiner that determines, when a reproduction instruction is given, based on the allowed number of reproductions of the content item, whether the separate reproduction is possible and whether the synchronous reproduction is possible; and a controller that performs the separate or synchronous reproduction, based on the determination. The manager decrements by one the allowed number of reproductions of the content item when the separate reproduction is performed, and does not decrement it when the synchronous reproduction is performed.

Abstract: Amplitude or phase modulated un-compensated wobble patterns representing address patterns for track addresses of optical media are generated. A filter is applied to the un-compensated wobble patterns to pre-compensate the un-compensated wobble patterns. When an inverse of the filter is applied to a signal representing the pre-compensated wobble patterns in the presence of noise, the noise is suppressed and the un-compensated wobble patterns are substantially recovered.

Abstract: There is provided an audio playback device that prevents a user from losing an opportunity to use a content that is not playable on an AOP mode. In the case where the playback device functions on the AOP mode, when a DVD-Audio disk 1 being a subject of playback contains an ATT_GR that is not playable in the AOP mode, a navigation manager 11 of a DVD-Audio playback device displays such situation on a display device 15 via a display control unit. On the other hand, in the case where the playback device functions in a VCAP mode, when the DVD-Audio disk 1 being the subject of playback contains an ATT_GR that is playable only in the VCAP mode, the navigation manager 11 displays the ATT_GRN of the ATT_GR on the display device 15 via the display control unit to urge the user to use the ATT_GR.

Abstract: The invention relates to a format for storing information on an optical recording medium. According to said format the record carrier comprises a synchronization pattern, which synchronization pattern comprises an identifying part consisting of a bit sequence chosen from 100 101, 010 101, 101 001, 010 100 or 100 100.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of encoding and decoding techniques in an optical storage system having a multi-head detector. In one embodiment, source data may be encoded using error correction coding (e.g., turbo coding) techniques, and the encoded data may be interleaved and distributed to more than one detector head of the multi-head detector. Data recorded in an optical disc may be retrieved by the multi-head detector, and a read data from more than one detector head may be concurrently decoded to retrieve estimates of the original information in the source data. Further, more than one encoder/decoder may be used, and each encoder/decoder may encode or decode data from multiple data heads. Some embodiments also include replicating multiple discs.

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: First data representing user data and third data use the same error correction codes. The first data has a first error correction block structure and the third data has a second error correction block structure. That is to say, the first data and the third data have their respective error correction block structures proper for them. In particular, the recording density of the third data is made less dense than the recording density of the first data, and the number of correction codes in the first error-correction block is set at a multiple of m whereas the number of correction codes in the second error-correction block is set at n/m times the number of correction codes in the first error-correction block so that a data-piece count in the second error-correction block is also n/m times a data-piece count in the first error-correction block. As a result, it is possible to provide a good technique of recording shipping-time information onto a high-recording-density disc.

Abstract: Where a clock frequency based on which encoding is performed has deviated over time, problems such as that an appropriate digital signal can not be outputted occur. To solve the problems, it is arranged such that when a decoder decodes video data and audio data, a control variable for controlling a frequency of a clock recovered by a clock generating portion is recorded as needed in a recording portion, and when the decoder decodes data recorded in the recording portion, the clock generating portion is controlled by using the control variable so that system time information generated by the counter synchronizes with time information extracted upon reception of a digital broadcasting program.

Abstract: An optical disk reproducing apparatus has a circuit for detecting a difference in modulation scheme between two types of optical disks in a reproduction signal and a circuit for determining the modulation schemes of the disks on the basis of the difference. Thus the apparatus can reproduce the two optical disks with use of the circuit which determines the modulation schemes of the disks to be reproduced.

Abstract: A file-based recordable disc playback apparatus includes a signal decrypting means 4 for decrypting a signal read from a recordable disc 1, a subcode analyzing means 5 for extracting subcode data from the decrypted signal, and for analyzing the subcode data, a decoding means 6 for decoding the decrypted signal, a file system analyzing means 10 for analyzing a file system on the basis of a decoded output, a TOC information processing means 11 for analyzing TOC data from a subcode analyzed output, a session information processing means 12 for processing session information on the basis of the analyzed data, a memory for storing various data from the above-mentioned analyzing means 10 and processing means 11 and 12, and an external interface 14 for changing a procedure for analyzing the file system according to an instruction from outside the apparatus.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a first recording area for recording first information and first management information regarding handling of the first information; and a second recording area for recording second information generated based on the first information, and second management information regarding handling of the second information.

Abstract: An audio/video data recording/reproducing device is provided that allows all video and audio signals, which can be displayed by a display of the audio/video data recording/reproducing device proper, to be output to an exterior through a digital interface. Such audio/video signals are in the forms of, for example, files as recorded including a moving picture file, a still picture file, and a file resulting from synthesization of a moving picture file with a still picture file. When the digital interface of the recording/reproducing device is connected to a digital TV, a synthesized signal from a synthesizing part 117, after being encoded into an MPEG-TS in an encoder 103, is output from a 1394 interface part 121. When the digital interface is connected to another editor or recording device, a recording signal from a reproducing part 116 is output as it is from the 1394 interface part 121.

Abstract: An optical disc recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing data in and from an optical disc by the use of the optical disc as a recording medium, comprises analog processing means including a binarization unit for subjecting a signal read from the optical disc to binarization and a servo unit for controlling recording and reproducing a signal in and from the optical disc; synchronous clock generating means for generating a synchronous clock signal which is synchronized with the signal read from the optical disc; address detecting means for detecting address information indicating a physical position on the optical disc based on the signal read from the optical disc, and outputting a signal indicating the address information and a signal indicating that the address has been detected when the address information has been detected; a sector counter for holding a sector count value of a sector as a recording unit on the optical disc, and updating the sector count value according to the sync

Abstract: An optical disc recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing data in and from an optical disc by the use of the optical disc as a recording medium, comprises analog processing means including a binarization unit for subjecting a signal read from the optical disc to binarization and a servo unit for controlling recording and reproducing a signal in and from the optical disc; synchronous clock generating means for generating a synchronous clock signal which is synchronized with the signal read from the optical disc; address detecting means for detecting address information indicating a physical position on the optical disc based on the signal read from the optical disc, and outputting a signal indicating the address information and a signal indicating that the address has been detected when the address information has been detected; a sector counter for holding a sector count value of a sector as a recording unit on the optical disc, and updating the sector count value according to the sync

Abstract: High bit-rate data and low bit-rate data for the same material are recorded in time division. Meanwhile, the recorded low bit-rate data is read out so as to be used for verification or time-shift playback. In a time-shift playback process, a plurality of tags, each tag containing low-resolution data, is read out at a time so that the read out low-resolution data are played back within excessive time generated by successively recording a plurality of cartons. For example, five cartons corresponding to an input video signal for 10 seconds are successively recorded. Within the resulting excessive time of 1.6 (=5×0.32) seconds, five tag are successively read out so as to play back the low-resolution data for the reproduction time of 10 seconds. The present invention is applicable to a disc recorder.

Abstract: Compressed audio data for 5.1 channels stored in the DVD-ROM 11A is read by the AC-3 decoder 12 of a pseudo multi-channel stereo play-back apparatus and, after expansion, stored temporarily in a buffer 13, channel by channel. Among stored audio data stored in the buffer 13, audio data for left and right channels and for a front center channel are then subjected to the phase transformation. Audio data for left and right front channels are mixed with the phase transformed audio data by first and second mixing circuits 21 and 22 and mixed audio data are converted into analog audio signals by first and second D/A converters. The apparatus is capable of pseudo reproduction of the multi-channel audio signals stored in a recording medium such as a DVD-ROM by two channel play-back with an excellent sound effect which is not obtainable by usual two-channel play-back systems.

Abstract: An optical recording medium having a track including plural pits formed based on first data and lands defined between neighboring pits, these pits are deformed as they are recorded based on second data. The first and second data are synthesized and reproduced to realize audio reproduction with a broad frequency range. The first data are adapted to be reproducible by a customary disc reproduction device. The reproduction of the first data is controlled by the second data to protect recorded data.

Abstract: First data representing user data and third data use the same error correction codes. The first data has a first error correction block structure and the third data has a second error correction block structure. That is to say, the first data and the third data have their respective error correction block structures proper for them. In particular, the recording density of the third data is made less dense than the recording density of the first data, and the number of correction codes in the first error-correction block is set at a multiple of m whereas the number of correction codes in the second error-correction block is set at n/m times the number of correction codes in the first error-correction block so that a data-piece count in the second error-correction block is also n/m times a data-piece count in the first error-correction block. As a result, it is possible to provide a good technique of recording shipping-time information onto a high-recording-density disc.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a multiple detecting unit having n detectors, and a controller which selects one of the n detectors and controls the selected detector to output a binary signal. In the apparatus, a plurality of detectors are used to detect a signal read from an optical storage medium, and the optimum detector is selected in consideration of a quality of the signal and detection conditions, thereby increasing the efficiency of a signal reproduction. The apparatus can selectively compensate for disturbance of a signal where data from the optical storage medium is reproduced. The apparatus may control a run length of the signal to be 3T.

Abstract: A data demodulation process rate is varied according to a reproduction state, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining a reading performance in a favorable state. A channel rate process data demodulation device performs a data demodulation process by employing channel bit frequency. Further, a half rate process data demodulation device performs a data demodulation process by employing frequency half as high as the channel bit frequency. These devices demodulate digital data from an optical recording medium. A process rate switching device switches a process rate at data demodulation, whereby demodulation is performed by switching between the data demodulation devices according to a quality of a reproduction signal, so as to reproduce the digital data recorded on the optical recording medium.

Abstract: A data processor compatible for use with a CD and a DVD includes a first modulation circuit for modulating recording data for recording on a CD to generate first modulated data. A second modulation circuit modulates recording data for recording on a DVD to generate second modulated data. A write signal generation circuit generates a first write signal, which is written to the CD, from the first modulated data, and a second write signal, which is written to the DVD, from the second modulated data. The write signal generation circuit is commonly used for the CD and the DVD to reduce the circuit area of the data processor.

Abstract: A data demodulation process rate is varied according to a reproduction state, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining a reading performance in a favorable state. A channel rate process data demodulation device performs a data demodulation process by employing channel bit frequency. Further, a half rate process data demodulation device performs a data demodulation process by employing frequency half as high as the channel bit frequency. These devices demodulate digital data from an optical recording medium. A process rate switching device switches a process rate at data demodulation, whereby demodulation is performed by switching between the data demodulation devices according to a quality of a reproduction signal, so as to reproduce the digital data recorded on the optical recording medium.

Abstract: A data recording medium has plural recording areas. The recording medium includes a first recording area for recording data allocated with address data, a second recording area for recording data having allocated address data different from the address data allocated to the data recorded in the first recording area, and identification data recorded in the second recording area for discriminating the first and second recording areas from each other.

Abstract: A data demodulation process rate is varied according to a reproduction state, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining a reading performance in a favorable state. A channel rate process data demodulation device performs a data demodulation process by employing channel bit frequency. Further, a half rate process data demodulation device performs a data demodulation process by employing frequency half as high as the channel bit frequency. These devices demodulate digital data from an optical recording medium. A process rate switching device switches a process rate at data demodulation, whereby demodulation is performed by switching between the data demodulation devices according to a quality of a reproduction signal, so as to reproduce the digital data recorded on the optical recording medium.

Abstract: A DVD audio signal reproducer reproduces a DVD to generate a DVD reproduced audio signal. A reproduced signal determiner determines whether the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal or a 2-channel digital audio signal, and generates a determination signal. If the determination signal indicates that the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal, a digital surround effector converts the DVD reproduced audio signal to a 2-channel digital surround audio signal.

Abstract: According to an optical disc recording control method, a drive, and a recording system of the present invention, in a drive of an optical disc, when data transfer from a host computer is interrupted while data transmitted from the host computer is being recorded in a track of the disk, the recording in the track is stopped and the recording process is switched to record data in a lead-out area, and when the recording process for the lead-out area is ended, track information (TOC data and PMA data) from the first track up to the last track is modified in accordance with the track data which has been actually recorded on the disk, and the modified track information is recorded in a lead-in area and a PMA.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus which realizes high density disc recording using an existing disc and an existing recording signal processor. When recording data on a recordable disc corresponding to an existing first standard, either one of first and second recording signal processors 9 and 10 can be selectively used, so that data recording in the high density recording mode which allows data generated by the second recording signal processor 10 to be recorded on a recordable disc corresponding to the first standard can be performed. As a result, the existing second standard data format can be used with regard to a disc corresponding to the existing first standard, so that recording can be performed at a higher density than when the first standard data format is used for the same disc, thereby increasing recording capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recording medium. First data is recorded in the medium, in the form of a track consisting of a plurality of bits. Second data is recorded in the form of a plurality of bits that are displaced in the direction at right angles to the track. The content data representing the contents of the first data is recorded in the recording medium, too. The content data includes identification data that indicates whether the second data is recorded in the recording medium.

Abstract: A controller for recording data on a CD with a DVD recorder. The controller includes an LPP decoder, an ATIP decoder for decoding address information of a CD, and an address converter for converting an ATIP address into an LPP address. When recording DVD format data on a CD, a write timing generation circuit is driven in response to the LPP address, which is converted from the ATIP address. The write data is modulated for use in the CD, and the intensity of the write data is adjusted for use in the CD.

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: A recording method of the present invention includes a first process for recording audio data consecutively in a first recording area of a recording medium and a second process for recording audio data, which have a file format having the same file contents as audio data recorded in said first recording area, in a second recording area of said recording medium, can process audio data having a consecutive recording format and audio data having a file format, and thus makes it possible to use conveniently.

Abstract: A method of recording in which supplied data is recorded by performing an encrypting process to at least a part of the supplied data, an encoding process is executed by using a first error correction code, in the case where the supplied data is recorded without performing the encrypting process, an encoding process is executed by using a second error correction code, and the encoded data is recorded onto a recording medium.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to easily and quickly decode a plurality of types of compressed audio data. A compressed audio data reproduction apparatus comprising a plurality of decoders configured to decode compressed audio data of respective exclusive compression forms, a compression form identifying portion configured to identify the compression form based on header information of the compressed audio data, and a selector configured to select the decoders corresponding to the compression form identified by said compression form identifying portion from said plurality of decoders.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus which reads compressed information recorded on a recording medium by one of a plurality of different compression methods, writes the compressed information read into a memory, supplies the compressed information in the memory, to an expander in the order of writing and outputs reproduced information. The type of compression method used in compressing the information read from the recording medium is determined and the timing of starting to read the compressed information from the memory is controlled in accordance with a determination.

Abstract: A method of detecting a reproducing signal, and a circuit therefor. This circuit includes a detector, a control unit and a compensator. The detector detects the outputs of an optical detection device corresponding to a combination of signals corresponding to sections of the optical detection device arranged in the tangential direction, the outputs corresponding to a combination of signals corresponding to sections of the optical detection device arranged in the radial direction, and/or the outputs corresponding to a combination of signals corresponding to sections of the optical detection device arranged diagonally. The control unit provides a selection control signal and a compensation signal on the basis of the results of detection of the data conditions recorded on the optical recording medium, the interference between optical signals reflected/diffracted from pits in close proximity to each other and from adjacent tracks on a recording medium, and/or various system states.

Abstract: With an object of executing excellent finishing processing when information is recorded to a rewritable type record medium or a write once type record medium, the finishing processing is switched by whether a kind of a medium for recording information is the rewritable type record medium or the write once type record medium and a method of executing the finishing processing is switched based on a state of supplying power.

Abstract: Information recording is conducted in the form of the simple format. When the simple format is indicated, the recording control data is not recorded in a lead-in area LIA, and after the information to be recorded is recorded in a data recording area DRA, the recording control data is recorded in a recording manager area RMA and a lead-out area LOA, in the data recording area DRA, recording manager area RMA, lead-in area LIA, and lead-out area LOA, which are predetermined according to the standard format. Further, when the finalizing processing is indicated, by recording again the recording control data according to the standard format to the information recording medium in which the information recording is conducted according to the simple format, the information recording medium which can be applied to the common information recording and reproducing apparatus, is easily realized.

Abstract: A storage apparatus, capable of record or reproduce of an optical information recording medium in which ROM information is recorded with phase pits and RAM information is recorded on top of a recording region of the phase pits, has a main controller that, when the output of the recording information detection system—a system for detecting reflected light of a laser beam from the optical information recording medium and generating signals corresponding to ROM and RAM information—simultaneously contains ROM and RAM signals corresponding to ROM and RAM information, performs negative feedback control of a semiconductor laser emission using ROM signal in the output of the recording information detection system and performs control so as to obtain read-out and played-back ROM signal from the output of an optical intensity detection system for detecting the intensity of the laser light.

Abstract: High bit-rate data and low bit-rate data for the same material are recorded in time division. Meanwhile, the recorded low bit-rate data is read out so as to be used for verification or time-shift playback. In a time-shift playback process, a plurality of tags, each containing low resolution data, are read out at a time so that the read out low resolution data are played back within excessive time generated by successively recording a plurality of cartons. For example, five cartons corresponding to an input video signal for 10 seconds are successively recorded. Within the resulting excessive time of 1.6 (=5×0.32) seconds, five tag are successively read out so as to play back the low resolution data for reproduction time of 10 seconds. The present invention is applicable to a disc recorder.

Abstract: In a CIRC encoder for carrying out error correction coding processing with a CIRC, a first interleaver and a second interleaver are provided which have different delay parameters, and these interleavers are switched in accordance with the recording density of an optical disc for recording data. Also, in a CIRC decoder, a first deinterleaver corresponding to the first interleaver and a second deinterleaver corresponding to the second interleaver are provided, and these deinterleavers are switched in accordance with the recording density of an optical disc for reproducing data. A recording/reproducing system is realized which is capable of carrying out appropriate recording and reproduction of data to and from an optical disc having a higher recording density can be carried out and is also capable of handling an optical disc of an existing format.

Abstract: Audio data of 20 bits is separated into first data of upper 16 bits and second data of lower 4 bits. EFM modulation data is formed from the first data. A laser beam is on/off controlled in correspondence to the logic level of channel data obtained by NRZI modulating a serial data train. The first data, therefore, is recorded in a manner similar to the case of a compact disc. Each pit is controlled so as to have a displacement in the right/left direction for the track center in accordance with the second data and the deviated pit is formed. When data is recorded by the displacement of the pit, since a high frequency component of a tracking error signal changes upon reproduction, the second data can be extracted from the tracking error signal.

Abstract: An optical disc, as an information recording medium for storing map audio object recorded on the optical disc in a constant bit rate format or a variable bit rate format and a recording position on the disc, can reduce a size of the map information. The map information stored in the optical disc records a playback duration for only first and last units of a plurality of audio object units (AOBU) comprised in an audio object (AOB) for each AOB when audio data in the variable bit rate mode is to be recorded, and records the sizes and playback duration of the AOBU for the last one of AOBUs comprised in AOB and for any one of the AOBUs except for the last AOBU.

Abstract: A signal can be detected based on a level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by setting the recording density of a header field in a linear direction lower (coarse) than that of a user data recording field. Further, a signal can be detected based on the level slice system and detection delay time can be reduced by using a mark position form having a large detection margin as an information recording system of the header field. A readout error of a sector number due to a detection error is compensated for by recording address marks AM for attaining byte synchronization of the header field in both of a head portion and tail portion of information recorded in the header field.

Abstract: A recording device includes a write head adapted to record an electronic data stream on a recording medium and a read head adapted to read the electronic data stream from the recording medium. The read head is selectively and independently positionable on the recording medium relative to the write head. The read head may be adapted to selectively read previously recorded portions of the electronic data stream from the recording medium simultaneously while the write head records the electronic data stream on the recording medium in real time.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide multi-channel reproducing apparatuses and multi-channel reproducing loudspeaker apparatuses that can be easily connected to one another. In the multi-channel reproducing apparatus 1, a DSP 6 converts an inputted audio signal to audio signals for a plurality of channels, adds channel identification information to each audio signal and multiplexes the audio signals to generate a multi-channel reproducing signal. The DSP 6 supplies the multi-channel reproducing signal to a plurality of multi-channel reproducing loudspeaker apparatuses 201 to 20n that are dispersedly arranged. These multi-channel reproducing loudspeaker apparatuses 201 to b 0n input the multi-channel reproducing signal from an input terminal 20a and output the signal to outside from an output terminal 20b.

Abstract: A recordable optical information medium includes a recording area including a guide groove on which a recording material layer is provided for forming at least one recording mark which represents first information modulated by a first modulation system; and a pit area including at least one concave and convex type pit which represents second information modulated by a second modulation system. The guide groove and the at least one pit have substantially the same depth. The first modulation system and the second modulation system are different from each other.

Abstract: A DVD audio signal reproducer 132—2 reproduces a DVD to generate a DVD reproduced audio signal S5.1c, S2c. A reproduced signal determiner 134 determines whether the DVD reproduced audio signal is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal or a 2-channel digital audio signal, thereby generating a determination signal SW. If the determination signal SW indicates that the DVD reproduced audio signal S5.1c, S2c is a 5.1-channel digital surround audio signal S5.1c, a digital surround effector 160 converts the DVD reproduced audio signal S5.1c to a 2-channel digital surround audio signal S2cd.

Abstract: A recording and reproduction apparatus and method for recording and reproducing different types of data including AV data and PC data on a disc type medium. The type of the recorded data determines the length of recording units used to record the data on the disc. Management information including identification indicating one of the respective types of data is stored at least at two location of a logical volume.

Abstract: A controller for recording data on a CD with a DVD recorder. The controller includes an LPP decoder, an ATIP decoder for decoding address information of a CD, and an address converter for converting an ATIP address into an LPP address. When recording DVD format data on a CD, a write timing generation circuit is driven in response to the LPP address, which is converted from the ATIP address. The write data is modulated for use in the CD, and the intensity of the write data is adjusted for use in the CO.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a multiple detecting unit having n detectors, and a controller which selects one of the n detectors and controls the selected detector to output a binary signal. In the apparatus, a plurality of detectors are used to detect a signal read from an optical storage medium, and the optimum detector is selected in consideration of a quality of the signal and detection conditions, thereby increasing the efficiency of a signal reproduction. The apparatus can selectively compensate for disturbance of a signal where data from the optical storage medium is reproduced. The apparatus may control a run length of the signal to be 3T.