Abstract: Laser write parameters in an optical drive are calibrated. A parameter range for the write parameters is set based on a recordable medium, and a number of test runs are recorded on the recordable medium while varying the write parameters. Write performance characteristics over the test runs are measured. Based on the measured performance characteristics, actual write parameters are selected for use in writing actual data.

Abstract: A recording method is provided, which comprises the steps of (a) generating a plurality of pulse sequences corresponding to a plurality of linear velocities, (b) while rotating a recording medium with a linear velocity selected from the plurality of linear velocities, forming at least one of a recording mark and a space by irradiating the recording medium with a pulse sequence selected from the plurality of pulse sequences, the pulse corresponding to the linear velocity. The step (a) comprises the steps of (a-1) measuring at least one first recording parameter corresponding to at least one linear velocity selected from the plurality of linear velocities, (a-2) determining a second recording parameter corresponding to the plurality of linear velocities based on the at least one first recording parameter measured, and (a-3) generating the plurality of pulse sequences corresponding to the plurality of linear velocities based on the second recording parameter measured.

Abstract: A focusing servo device, an optical disc recording/reproducing device and a focus-searching method are provided for making a focus of an energy beam emitted by a pick-up unit to fall in an accessible range of a data layer of a disc. The method comprises the following steps: recording the deviation of the focal point during each predetermined period when the focal point of the energy beam is fallen in the accessible range such that the optical disc recording/reproducing device is operated in a feedback control mode; determining a focus-searching range based on the recorded deviation of the focal point; and moving the focal point in the focus-searching range to make the focal point to fall in the accessible range when the focal point of the energy beam is fallen out of the accessible range such that the optical disc recording/reproducing device is operated in a focus-searching mode.

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus includes a pause circuit for pausing data encoders upon receiving a pause signal so that a write operation may be paused without writing dummy data, thereby maintaining data succession. The optical disc apparatus also includes a circuit for accurately determining a write start location by referring to previously written data. A processor generates a pause signal when the amount of data in the optical drive apparatus data buffer is low, and removes the pause signal when additional data from a host is received. The processor may also automatically reduce the write speed of the optical disc apparatus upon a pause condition, thereby preventing the necessity for excessive pausing.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and a system to read and buffer an audio data file from an optical storage medium into a buffer memory. The data file comprises blocks sequentially stored in the medium. Each block comprises a subcode block with encoded subcodes and a corresponding main data block with encoded audio data. The method first designates a starting block where buffering starts and searches for the starting block in the blocks. After the starting block is searched, trigger a main data block decoding procedure to decode the starting block and main data blocks in later blocks. According to the timing when the main data block decoding procedure is triggered, decide the timing to trigger buffering the decoded subcodes to the buffer memory. Therefore, the subcodes and corresponding audio data belonging to the same block before decoding can be buffered into the same buffer unit after decoding.

Abstract: A data recording method is disclosed which includes the steps of: firstly recording audio data onto a temporary storage medium following retrieval of the audio data from an external storage medium in response to an audio data import request; detecting whether a leading frame of the audio data held on the temporary storage medium references a preceding frame; and secondly recording the audio data held on the temporary storage medium to a storage medium in accordance with an outcome of the detecting step.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus for outputting a plurality of picture data forming reproduced data to a reproduction apparatus for reproduction, the data processing apparatus having a processing circuit for judging if the reproduction rate of the picture data by the reproduction apparatus is slower than a transfer rate for transferring the picture data to the reproduction apparatus and outputting all of the picture data forming the reproduced data to the reproduction apparatus when judging as a result of the judgment that the reproduction rate is slower than the transfer rate.

Abstract: An optical recording/reproducing apparatus and a method for determining an optimal reproducing speed, the method comprising the steps of reading data from an optical disk to detect information on a bit rate of the data recorded on the optical disk, comparing the detected bit rate with a predetermined threshold value, and if the bit rate exceeds the threshold value, increasing a reproducing speed of the optical recording/reproducing apparatus by a predetermined level to determine the reproducing speed, and reproducing the data from the optical disk by regulating the reproducing speed according to the determined reproducing speed. The reproducing speed of the optical recording/reproducing apparatus is properly regulated according to a bit rate of the data recorded on the optical disk, thereby improving the reproducing performance thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium, including a reading unit configured to read control information from a specific area of the recording medium, the control information including playback speed information and a maximum transfer rate information specifying a maximum transfer rate needed by an application. The playback speed information is distinguished from the maximum transfer rate information and the playback speed is for suitably reproducing main data from the recording medium. Also included is a controller configured to control the reading unit and the recording medium with respect to driving and servo control in order to reproduce the main data recorded on a main data area of the recording medium in response to the playback speed information and/or the maximum transfer rate information.

Abstract: An optical storage system, for dynamically controlling the rate of recording data to an optical medium includes: a buffer, for buffering data to be recorded to the optical medium; a data recording block, coupled to the buffer and the optical medium, for recording data from the buffer to the optical medium at a recording speed; and a control block, coupled to the buffer and the data recording block, for monitoring an amount of data buffered in the buffer, and adjusting the recording speed by comparing at least one criteria with the amount of data buffered in the buffer.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and a system to read and buffer an audio data file from an optical storage medium into a buffer memory. The data file comprises blocks sequentially stored in the medium. Each block comprises a subcode block with encoded subcodes and a corresponding main data block with encoded audio data. The method first designates a starting block where buffering starts and searches for the starting block in the blocks. After the starting block is searched, trigger a main data block decoding procedure to decode the starting block and main data blocks in later blocks. According to the timing when the main data block decoding procedure is triggered, decide the timing to trigger buffering the decoded subcodes to the buffer memory. Therefore, the subcodes and corresponding audio data belonging to the same block before decoding can be buffered into the same buffer unit after decoding.

Abstract: A read channel apparatus is disclosed for reading data recorded on an optical storage system. An exemplary sampling device samples an analog read signal generating from the optical storage system to generate a sequence of sample values. A subtractor subtracts an estimated DC offset from the sample values to generate a sequence of DC-removed sample values. An equalizer equalizes DC-removed sample values in accordance with a target spectrum to generate a sequence of equalized sample values. First and second interpolators interpolate the equalized sample values to respectively generate sequences of even-time sample values and odd-time sample values. A data sequence composed of the even-time and the odd-time sample values is substantially synchronized to the baud rate. A timing recovery controller controls the interpolators to synchronize the even-time and odd-time sample values to the baud rate.

Abstract: A read channel apparatus is disclosed for reading data recorded on an optical storage system at a predetermined baud rate. The apparatus asynchronously samples an analog read signal generating from the optical storage system and subtracts an estimated DC offset from the asynchronous sample values to generate a sequence of asynchronous DC-removed sample values. The asynchronous DC-removed sample values are separately interpolated by two interpolators to generate a sequence of synchronous even-time sample values and a sequence of synchronous odd-time sample values respectively. The synchronous even-time and odd-time sample values are separately equalized by two equalizers in accordance with a target spectrum to generate a sequence of even-time equalized sample values and a sequence of odd-time equalized sample values respectively. A DC offset estimator generates the estimated DC offset from the even-time equalized sample values and the odd-time equalized sample values.

Abstract: The present invention provides an audio data recording medium reproducer, wherein CPU 10 which writes audio data read by reader 11 into buffer memory 13 and buffer memory controller 21 which transfers the data to buffer memory 22 and inputs it into DAC 23 at a predetermined data rate are connected by a bus, and furthermore, CPU 20 for controlling a user interface is separately provided. Provision of a plurality of such simple controllers reduces costs to be lower than in the case of providing one high-performance controller. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to separately construct the respective functional parts as units.

Abstract: An optical disc device records data on an optical disc by projecting a laser beam on the optical disc such that a linear density of the data becomes substantially constant. The optical disc device comprises velocity judging means, velocity changing means, recording velocity detecting means, and recording velocity transmitting means. The velocity judging means is for judging a recordable velocity for an optical recording medium inserted into the optical disc device. The velocity changing means is for changing a recording velocity designated from a host. The recording velocity detecting means is for detecting the recording velocity during a recording. The recording velocity transmitting means is for transmitting information concerning the detected recording velocity to the host.

Abstract: An information reproducing method includes the steps o of reading information from an information medium that is rotated, and determining a rotation velocity of the information medium on the basis of a data transfer rate based on a specification of a read request.

Abstract: A read channel apparatus is disclosed for reading data recorded on an optical storage system at a predetermined baud rate. The apparatus asynchronously samples an analog read signal generating from the optical storage system and subtracts an estimated DC offset from the asynchronous sample values to generate a sequence of asynchronous DC-removed sample values. The asynchronous DC-removed sample values are separately interpolated by two interpolators to generate a sequence of synchronous even-time sample values and a sequence of synchronous odd-time sample values respectively. The synchronous even-time and odd-time sample values are separately equalized by two equalizers in accordance with a target spectrum to generate a sequence of even-time equalized sample values and a sequence of odd-time equalized sample values respectively. A DC offset estimator generates the estimated DC offset from the even-time equalized sample values and the odd-time equalized sample values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for dynamically varying a linear velocity of an optical drive during a write operation to an optical disc to reduce the likelihood of a buffer under-run event. By reducing a linear velocity and writing speed while the optical drive writes on the disc, an embodiment of the invention preserves the buffer and reduces a minimum data transfer rate required to sustain writing to the disc for a sustained period of time. The basic components of one embodiment of a CD-RW drive (100) in which the present invention may be implemented include a controller (110), a microcontroller (112), a nonvolatile memory (114), which stores firmware (116) executed by the microcontroller (112), a buffer (118), a spindle motor (120) and an optical pick-up (122).

Abstract: Parameters characterizing physical operation of a rotating structure (disk drive) are determined by sending appropriate commands and examining the response. The measured parameters are then used to balance various requirements. For example, when starting retrieval of a data stream, a speed which leads to highest effective retrieval rate may be used such that the data elements are available quickly for use. On the other hand, in a playback mode (or a shock mode), a speed which consumes the lowest amount of electrical energy can be used.

Abstract: A laser beam is irradiated from a pickup head on a disk. Light reflected by the disk is detected by the pickup head. The data is binarized by a data slice circuit, and a synchronizing clock and a synchronizing signal are extracted by a PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit. The center frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator of the PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit continuously changes according to a control voltage. A disk motor control circuit continuously changes the rotation speed of the disk in accordance with a control instruction from a system controller. The disk rotates at the highest rotation speed at which a data read operation is normally performed. The characteristics of the voltage controlled oscillator change in correspondence with the rotation speed of the disk.

Abstract: Audio data which are read out from a compact disc drive are written into a hard disk drive (6) at a rate that is higher than an audio playback rate. The written audio data are read out at a rate which is higher than the audio playback rate, and than output to audio output interfaces (buffer memories). The audio output interfaces read out the audio data at the playback rate and output the data. Since the hard disk drive (6) can perform reading/writing at a rate which is sufficiently higher than the playback rate of audio data, monitoring is enabled while performing ripping.

Abstract: A method for controlling reproduction speed of an optical disk is disclosed in which when a data recorded in an optical disk is read, stored and transmitted to a connected instrument through a digital interface, the speed in reading and reproducing the data recorded in the optical disk is controlled to be varied at a high speed or at a low speed according to a transmission rate or a residual amount of the stored data. By doing that, the output image is prevented from temporary pausing and noise images such as a flicker is originally prevented from outputting.

Abstract: To resume data writing onto a disk, a recording start position detection means (19) detects a recording start position, and a synchronous setting means (20) synchronizes recording data with recorded data on a disk so that recording data successive to the recorded data on the disk can be additionally written onto the disk without a break. Data writing onto a disk is suspended until an amount of data equivalent to data writing capacity has been stored in the buffer memory (13). Data writing is resumed upon detection of the fact that an amount of data equivalent to data writing capacity has been stored in the buffer memory (13). With the above, power consumption can be reduced during a period when recording capability of a disk recording device exceeds the data transfer speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an audio data recording medium reproducer, wherein CPU 10 which writes audio data read by reader 11 into buffer memory 13 and buffer memory controller 21 which transfers the data to buffer memory 22 and inputs it into DAC 23 at a predetermined data rate are connected by a bus, and furthermore, CPU 20 for controlling a user interface is separately provided. Provision of a plurality of such simple controllers reduces costs to be lower than in the case of providing one high-performance controller. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to separately construct the respective functional parts as units.

Abstract: Multi-rate optical disc recording method and apparatus wherein data are recorded on the optical disc in accordance with a transfer rate of data, thereby preventing an unnecessary waste of a storage area in the optical disc and also enhancing a recording time of the optical disc. Said method and apparatus exploit a transfer rate detector for detecting a transfer rate of a digital signal generated at a digital signal source. This transfer rate detector allows a rotation velocity controller to rotate the optical disc at a speed corresponding to the transfer rate of the digital signal, in response to the transfer rate of the detected digital signal. Also, the transfer rate detector allows a recording portion to record the digital signal on the optical disc at the detected transfer rate.

Abstract: A recording method, a recording apparatus, a reproducing method and a reproducing apparatus for a recording medium such as an optical disk or the like are able to simultaneously record and simultaneously reproduce a plurality of independent information or to execute the recording and the reproduction thereof simultaneously with ease. The apparatus includes a plurality of buffers (7a, 7b) for respectively, individually and temporarily memorizing a plurality of independent recording data or reproducing data and a pickup (2) for recording the recording data memorized in the respective buffers (7a, 7b) on respective different recording areas in a time-division manner and reproducing data recorded on the respective different recording areas in a time-division manner.

Abstract: This invention prepares two control voltage to be input to a VCO circuit. The first control voltage is used to continuously change the oscillation frequency of the VCO circuit. The second control voltage is used to continuously change the first control voltage/oscillation frequency characteristics. The invention also includes a phase detecting circuit for comparing the phase of the data read from a disk with that of the output from the voltage-controlled oscillator, a frequency detecting circuit for comparing the frequency of the data read from the disk with that of the output from the voltage-controlled oscillator, a first filter circuit for equalizing signals representing the detection results obtained by the phase detecting circuit and the frequency detecting circuit, and a second filter circuit for extracting only a low-frequency component from the output from the first filter circuit. The output from the first filter circuit is used as the first control voltage.

Abstract: A recording method, a recording apparatus, a reproducing method and a reproducing apparatus for a recording medium such as an optical disk or the like are able to simultaneously record and simultaneously reproduce a plurality of independent information or to execute the recording and the reproduction thereof simultaneously with ease. The apparatus includes a plurality of buffer means (7a, 7b) for respectively, individually and temporarily memorizing a plurality of independent recording data or reproducing data and a pickup (2) for recording the recording data memorized in the respective buffer means (7a, 7b) on respective different recording areas in a time-division manner and reproducing data recorded on the respective different recording areas in a time-division manner.