Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an information recording and reproducing technique capable of improving the reliability of information recorded on a recording medium. A recording condition comprising amplitude information and the ratio of the amplitude to the recording power is previously recorded on the recording medium. Using this previously recorded information, information is recorded and then immediately reproduced to calculate the optimum recording power from the amplitude information obtained from the reproduced signal. By adapting the recording condition accordingly, it is possible to secure reliability of information in performance.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus records the record data onto an information recording medium, which is provided with wobbled tracks and on which pre-format address information is recorded. The information recording apparatus is provided with: an optical pickup; a detector for detecting a push-pull signal on the basis of an output of the optical pickup; a timing generator for generating a timing signal by detecting the pre-format address information and by detecting a slot unit smaller than a data management unit of the pre-format address information on the basis of a cycle of the push-pull signal; and a system controller for detecting an optimum recording laser power by recording or reproducing a test signal on the tracks while changing a recording laser power on the basis of the timing signal.

Abstract: Prior to a main record, a trial write of data in an optical disc is performed in accordance with the characteristics between a record velocity and an optimum record power (Steps S2 to S4). The quality of a signal reproduced from the trial-written data is measured (Step S5). It is judged from the measured quality of the reproduced signal whether the predetermined velocity is a recordable velocity satisfying the characteristics between the record velocity and the optimum record power (Step 5). The main record is executed in accordance with the judgment result.

Abstract: In an optical disk drive, running OPC (ROPC) is performed without fail, to thus enhance recording quality. ROPC is performed by use of a remaining portion of an area for APC operation within an APC area of a recording unit (RUB) in a next-generation optical disk such as a blu-ray disk. ROPC is performed by means of tentatively writing test data having a length of 50 T longer than a specified length of data to be recorded; and detecting level B of the amount of light reflected at that time. The APC area is formed from five wobble periods. APC is performed in periods of first two wobbles, and ROPC is performed in remaining three wobble periods.

Abstract: An information storage medium and an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing the information storage medium capable of controlling optimal recording power without an influence of an optimal power control (OPC) area in a layer upon an OPC area in a different layer. The information storage medium includes at least one information storage layer including an optimal power control area for obtaining an optical recording condition. OPC areas in adjacent information storage layers are disposed within different radiuses of the information storage medium. Accordingly, even when the information storage medium is made eccentric or has a manufacturing error, a recording property of the information storage medium is prevented from being degraded due to an influence of an OPC area in an information storage layer upon an OPC area in an adjacent information storage layer.

Abstract: A method is used for calibrating a writing power of an optical storage carrier player. The player has an access device for writing data onto the optical storage carrier. The carrier includes a center, an inner power calibration area (first calibration area), a data storage area, and an outer power calibration area (second calibration area). The method determines a writing location of the data in the data storage area, and controls the access device to perform an optical power calibration process in either the inner power calibration area or the outer power calibration area according to the writing location. Once completed, the method then utilizes a result of the optical power calibration process to determine a required writing power, and finally controls the access device to write the data to the optical storage carrier in the writing location with the required writing power.

Abstract: Methods, software, and apparatus for the calibration of writing characteristics for writing to an optical storage medium, and methods of encoding calibration pattern data and calibration instructions are disclosed. The method of calibration generally includes the steps of (a) receiving pattern data and instructions synchronized with the pattern data, (b) writing the pattern data to the optical storage medium in accordance with the instructions, (c) reading a readback signal corresponding to the pattern data from the optical storage medium, (d) processing the readback signal in accordance with the instructions, and (e) determining a value of a writing characteristic for writing data to the optical storage medium based at least in part on the readback signal. The method provides the ability to flexibly set test parameters and to quickly and accurately test the write characteristics of a recordable or re-writable optical storage medium.

Abstract: An information storage medium and a method and apparatus for recording/reproducing data on/from the information storage medium. The information storage medium includes a plurality of recording layers, each having a user data area, on which data can be recorded by a pickup. Data is recorded in the order of recording layers from closest to farthest from the pickup, and a recordable region in a user data area of a recording layer on which data is to be recorded is smaller than that in a recording layer between the pickup and the recording layer on which data is to be recorded. Each recording layer contains a recordable region in a user data area and a optimum power control (OPC) area in order to maintain the same recording/reproducing characteristics between the plurality of recording layers.

Abstract: An information storage medium and an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing the information storage medium capable of controlling optimal recording power without an influence of an optimal power control (OPC) area in a layer upon an OPC area in a different layer. The information storage medium includes at least one information storage layer including an optimal power control area for obtaining an optical recording condition. OPC areas in adjacent information storage layers are disposed within different radiuses of the information storage medium. Accordingly, even when the information storage medium is made eccentric or has a manufacturing error, a recording property of the information storage medium is prevented from being degraded due to an influence of an OPC area in an information storage layer upon an OPC area in an adjacent information storage layer.

Abstract: Means is provided that produces stabilized trial write results when, for example, servo misalignments are caused due to deviations on an optical disc that requires trial writes at high linear velocity. A recording method produces a recording parameter in the event of recording information into an arbitrary address position in the manner that a recording parameter is obtained through a predetermined calculation method from the results of learning of recording parameters on two or more zones of the optical disc where the linear velocities are different form one another. In a zone where the linear velocity is low, the method determines an optimal recording parameter from a jitter value of a reproduced signal waveform generated in a trial write. In a zone where the linear velocity is high, the method determines an optimal recording parameter in accordance with information obtainable from an amplitude value of a reproduced signal generated in a trial write.

Abstract: An information storage medium having a plurality of information storage layers, each of which includes an optimal power control (OPC) area for obtaining an optimal recording condition, wherein OPC areas in odd-numbered and even-numbered information storage layers are disposed not to face each other and not to contact each other, or partially overlap each other and lock out use of the overlapped portion. Therefore, when an OPC area of one information storage layer performs OPC, this OPC does not affect another information storage layer.

Abstract: An information storage medium and an apparatus for recording and/or reproducing the information storage medium capable of controlling optimal recording power without an influence of an optimal power control (OPC) area in a layer upon an OPC area in a different layer. The information storage medium includes at least one information storage layer including an optimal power control area for obtaining an optical recording condition. OPC areas in adjacent information storage layers are disposed within different radiuses of the information storage medium. Accordingly, even when the information storage medium is made eccentric or has a manufacturing error, a recording property of the information storage medium is prevented from being degraded due to an influence of an OPC area in an information storage layer upon an OPC area in an adjacent information storage layer.

Abstract: An information storage medium having a plurality of information storage layers, each of which includes an optimal power control (OPC) area for obtaining an optimal recording condition, wherein OPC areas in odd-numbered and even-numbered information storage layers are disposed not to face each other and not to contact each other, or partially overlap each other and lock out use of the overlapped portion. Therefore, when an OPC area of one information storage layer performs OPC, this OPC does not affect another information storage layer.

Abstract: Test writing is executed while skipping areas where deviations are present on an optical disk to thereby improve accuracy and reliability of an optimum recording condition to be derived. A deviation detecting unit detects the deviations of a guide groove on the optical disk on the basis of a fluctuation amount of a focus error signal or a tracking error signal, and registers information of the detected deviations onto a memory. A test writing processing unit refers to the memory, and records and reproduces a test signal while skipping the areas where the deviations are detected.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus and a recording parameters setting method are provided to more effectively execute recording parameter learning during data recording on the optical disk, thereby shortening the time required for setting an optimum recording parameter. A phase error detection unit detects a phase error amount from a reproduction signal of actual data being recorded. A phase error adjustment unit adjusts recording parameters (recording strategy) set by a recording parameters setting unit based on the detected phase error amount. The phase error amount detection is executed simultaneously with a verify process of the actual data. If a verify process judgment results says that a target quality is not attained, test writing by a test signal is not executed but the adjustment of recording parameters is conducted on the basis of the phase error amount.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for determining a pattern for modulating the power of a laser beam which can determine a pattern for modulating the power of a laser beam so that data can be recorded in a write-once type optical recording medium with a laser beam having a low recording power at a high linear recording velocity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus establish manufacturer-specific test writing parameters for writing of a writable optical storage media in accordance with the media manufacturers, which are experimentally determined and stored into a certain storing unit; determine an optimum writing light power based on the determined optimum writing parameters; and write an input signal into the user's data region of the optical disk.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical recording medium recording apparatus, includes: an optical pickup section configured to irradiate laser light on an optical recording medium to perform recording or reproduction of information on or from the optical recording medium; a control section configured to control the optical pickup section; and a storage section configured to store in advance an evaluation function for adjusting the intensity of the laser light in response to reflected light of the laser light when information is to be recorded on the optical recording medium; wherein the control section being operable to interrupt a recording process of information onto the optical recording medium midway of the recording process and reproduce information recorded before the interruption and then adjust the evaluation function based on a detection result of reflected light upon the reproduction.

Abstract: If data is recorded using a disc with deviating characteristics and a recorder with deviating characteristics, data will not be appropriately recorded, and errors will occur in the read signal. Standard recording pulse parameters specifying recording pulse positions for plural possible mark length and space length combinations are read from a writable optical disc, these standard recording pulse parameters are then used for test writing, the standard recording pulse parameters are changed uniformly or individually, a best recording pulse parameter is thus obtained, and jitter can be reduced.

Abstract: An optical disk drive that can automatically adjust an erase power to an appropriate level to keep the error rate low and not to shorten the life of an erasable optical disk. The optical disk drive obtains a reference erasing modulation factor using a test area of the erasable optical disk when the disk is set. While overwriting data in the erasable optical disk, the optical disk drive obtains an erasing modulation factor based on the read signal detected in an erased region from time to time to adjust the erase power so that the erase power continually adjusted to the appropriate level.

Abstract: In an optical recording medium having two information recording layers, a highly reliable recording can be conducted in one of the recording layers in the back regardless of the recording state of the other recording layer closer to the side of the disc on which light is incident. A first photodetector 115 detects reflected light from a recording layer 103 in the back when the light is focused thereon. A second photodetector 116 is disposed outside the periphery of the first photodetector 115 and detects reflected light from a recording layer 105 located in front. When recording in the recording layer in the back, the write power is controlled in accordance with the output level of the second photodetector.

Abstract: An optical disk drive apparatus for recording a predetermined signal on an optical disk by varying predetermined recording conditions and detecting recording characteristics based on a reproduction signal of the predetermined signal is provided. The optical disk drive apparatus includes a reproducing part for reproducing the predetermined signal for a plurality of times; and recording characteristics detecting part for detecting the recording characteristics based on a plurality of reproduction signals supplied from the reproducing part.

Abstract: A write power control method of controlling a recording pulse of a laser diode. The method including the steps of: setting, to a target value, a measured value corresponding to an optimum write power determined in an optimum write power determining process performed before recording information; comparing the target value with an output level measured in power control; and controlling an erase power to approach the target value based on a result of the comparison. The recording pulse is a multi-pulse defined by a peak power, the erase power, and a bottom power; and the erase power, at a time when the multi-pulse is not being output, is used in the step of controlling the erase power.

Abstract: An optical disk drive and recording power determination method determine the optimum power with consideration for the recording state of a base layer track when determining the optimum power by test recording before recording user data. After recording at a second recording power that is higher than a first recording power by a specific amount, recording is performed at a third recording power that is lower than the first recording power by a specific amount, and the first recording power is set to the recording power for data recording when a specified playback signal quality is achieved.

Abstract: Within an optical disk recording/reproducing apparatus, equipped with a test writing method during the recording operation, for improving accuracy on calculating the most-suitable power and recording quality, thereby recording data through irradiation of a laser beam of a predetermined power onto a optical disk, defining test writing areas on an inner periphery side and an outer periphery side and an area recordable with data between those inner periphery side and outer periphery side, or reproducing data recorded thereon from a reflection light thereupon, wherein a controller circuit 9 executes a test writing process, with selecting a test writing area on a periphery side being large in a ratio of difference, upon basis of ratios of the differences between powers on an inner periphery and an outer periphery of said disk, which are set up at present, and control data on the inner periphery and the outer periphery, which are recorded on said optical disk loaded therein, when executing the test writing process

Abstract: If data is recorded using a disc with deviating characteristics and a recorder with deviating characteristics, data will not be appropriately recorded, and errors will occur in the read signal. Standard recording pulse parameters specifying recording pulse positions for plural possible mark length and space length combinations are read from a writable optical disc, these standard recording pulse parameters are then used for test writing, the standard recording pulse parameters are changed uniformly or individually, a best recording pulse parameter is thus obtained, and jitter can be reduced.

Abstract: A laser beam from a pickup is focused on an information recording medium, such as a DVD-R/RW, to record information. When the power of the laser beam is calibrated, the laser beam emitted from the pickup is received by a light receiving unit such as an FMD. The level of the received laser beam is detected, the power ratio of the laser beam is determined based on the result, and the power of the laser beam is calibrated so that the power ratio matches a predetermined reference power ratio. This method enables information to be recorded with optimum recording characteristic because the reference power ratio shows the power ratio for recording information at the optimum characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determining an optimum recording power suitable for a disc loaded in a disc drive. The apparatus includes a pickup unit and a control unit. The pickup unit records data in a predetermined area on the disc and reproduces the recorded data from the disc. The control unit controls the disc drive to record data in the predetermined area of the disc using a preset reference recording power. The control unit detects a plurality of recording powers using reproduction signals of the predetermined area reproduced from the pickup unit and one or more reference values, and decides an optimum recording power for the disc based on the detected plurality of recording powers. Thus, the recording power used by an active layer of the disc can be prevented from varying due to hardware error in the disc drive with respect to various kinds of discs.

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: A method of recording data into a recording medium by forming a recording region which is physically different from the nonrecorded portions is disclosed. The optical data recording/reproducing method includes a first trial writing operation in which trial writing data are recorded into the recording medium while changing the recording power conditions, the recorded trial writing data are reproduced, and the reproduced trial writing data are evaluated to set an optimum recording power. The method also includes a second trial writing operation in which trial writing data are recorded into the recording medium while changing the servo conditions, the recorded trial writing data are reproduced, and the reproduced trial writing data are evaluated to set optimum servo conditions.

Abstract: A method for determining the writing power of data recording devices. First, the inner circle and outer circle of recording media are processed with optimum power calibration (OPC) to obtain an inner circle optimum writing power and an outer circle optimum writing power respectively. The writing power is determined according to the inner circle optimum writing power, outer circle optimum writing power, and/or the time of write speed is raised from the minimum write speed to the maximum write speed of the data recording device.

Abstract: An optical disc drive that can surely erase the trial writing data recorded in the Test Area is disclosed. The optical disc drive of the present invention has a rotation driving mechanism for rotating a loaded optical disc, and an optical pick-up capable of recording data to the optical disc by emitting a laser beam onto the optical disc drive. In the erasing procedure for erasing the trial writing data recorded in the Test Area, CW erase procedure is carried out and the optical disc drive tries to reproduce the trial writing data. Then, it is determined whether an HF signal is detected or not, and the CW erase procedure is carried out again in the case where the HF signal is detected.

Abstract: A reverse pattern is formed in a track adjacent to a specified track on an optical recording medium with a predetermined light beam capable of writing large recording marks. Thereafter, a normal pattern is formed in an area, of an adjacent track, which is adjacent to the reverse pattern in the specified track with recording light beams of various strengths, the adjacent track being adjacent to the specified track. The specified track is read to detect a plurality of read-out signals according to individual light beam conditions. The adjacent track is read to detect a plurality of read-out signals according to individual light beam conditions. An optimum recording condition is determined for the specified track from the plurality of light beam condition and the read-out signals from the specified track and the adjacent track, and information is recorded in the specified track according to the optimum recording condition.

Abstract: Because of the reduced track pitch of DVD compared to that of CD, the running-OPC procedures (ROPC) currently used in CD-RW systems do not function well in recordable and rewritable DVD systems. The present invention proposes to use the reflected signal from the writing spot itself instead of the satellite spots used in the CD-RW running-OPC procedure. This is realized by sampling the RF-signal reflected from the writing spot at the high-reflective crystalline level. This sampled signal (?) is fed into a power control loop (a so-called ?-loop) to keep it at a constant level.

Abstract: A recording condition compensation method for preventing a degradation of recording quality and stably achieving excellent recording quality is provided for an information recording apparatus. This method includes the steps of detecting temperature information in the vicinity of a light source at a predetermined timing, acquiring wavelength information of an optical beam emitted from the light source based on the detected temperature information and pre-acquired wavelength temperature characteristic information of the optical beam emitted from the light source, acquiring wavelength dependency information of a recording condition for an information recording medium, and compensating the recording condition for recording information on the information recording medium based on the wavelength information and the wavelength dependency information of the recording condition.

Abstract: An optical information recording apparatus for recording information on an optical information recording medium with multiple recording layers is disclosed. The optical information recording apparatus, performing an OPC operation before performing the recording, includes a reading part reading information on the type of the medium recorded thereon, a storage unit storing information on a recording condition at the time of performing the OPC operation for each recording layer with respect to each medium type, a recording condition obtaining part reading out the recording condition corresponding to the read type when the recording condition is stored in the storage unit, and reading the recording condition recorded in a corresponding one of the recording layers recording their respective recording conditions when the recording condition is not stored in the storage unit, and an OPC performance part performing the OPC operation using the obtained recording condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling recording optical power. When a recording operation is paused, a playback signal characteristic for recorded data is detected. The recording optical power is controlled based upon the detected playback signal characteristic and hence the recording operation is resumed at the controlled recording optical power. Therefore, even though a characteristic of an optical pickup or disc varies when the recording operation is paused and resumed, an optimum recording operation can be performed and a playback characteristic for recorded data can be improved.

Abstract: Processing to confirm management information during starting processing of a disk device is completely executed in a short period of time without scanning a data area to thereby minimize the period of time for the starting processing. The management information confirming processing can be executed after the disk device notifies the condition to the host or the user. Therefore, the response characteristic of the disk device is improved. Authentication information to certify that management information recorded on a disk is valid and invalidating information to invalidate the authentication information are provided. When the invalidating information to invalidate the authentication information is present, it is possible to determine that the management information is invalid or is possibly invalid. When the invalidating information to invalidate the authentication information is absent, it is possible to determine that the management information is valid according to the authentication information.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus is disclosed. A light emitting element emits a laser beam directed to a recordable optical disk. A driver rotates the optical disk. A first optimum recording power obtaining part performs test recording on the optical disk while the optical disk is rotated by the driver and output power of the light emitting element is varied so as to obtain an optimum recording power based on a reproduction signal in a test recorded area. A temperature measuring part measures the temperature in the vicinity of the light emitting element. A memory stores the optimum recording power obtained by the first optimum recording power obtaining part and the measured temperature when the optimum recording power is obtained. A temperature-dependent recording power obtaining part refers to the optimum recording power and the associated temperature stored in the memory so as to obtain an optimum recording power according to the temperature measured by the temperature measuring part in real recording.

Abstract: An edge position of a recording pulse is corrected according to multi-valued information for determining the width of a mark in an edge position correction circuit, thereby it is possible to form a mark edge in a correct position when a mark with any width is to be corrected to enable a correct multi-valued recording/reproducing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical information reproducing method of detecting a record mark formed in an optical information recording medium and generating a reproduced signal, comprising the steps of: detecting a mark length of each record mark on basis of a reproduced signal, and correcting the reproduced signal by a correction amount corresponding to the detected mark length, and an optical information reproducing apparatus for detecting a record mark formed in an optical information recording medium and generating a reproduced signal, comprising: a detection circuit for detecting a mark length of each record mark on basis of a reproduced signal, and a correction circuit for correcting the reproduced signal by a correction amount corresponding to the detected mark length.

Abstract: A recording apparatus for recording data on a rewritable optical recording medium includes a read/write head for reading and recording data, an error corrector for finding and correcting errors in the recorded data read, and a controller for controlling the recording and reading of the data. The recording apparatus is capable of performing fast and efficient examination of formatted recording medium in order to adapt a data recording strategy, so as to increase the efficiency of writing operations.

Abstract: In a method of transforming a recording power level into multi-levels by using an extra recording power level, the optimum value of each recording power level is obtained, thereby achieving recording with good accuracy. By including a first test writing step (S1–S3) of performing test writing of predetermined first test data while varying the recording power in stages, and calculating an optimum recording power from the reproduction signal, and a second test writing step (S4–S6) of setting the recording power to the calculated optimum recording power and performing test writing of predetermined second test data while varying in stages the extra recording power applied in a part of a time period in which the optimum recording power is applied, and calculating an optimum extra recording power from the reproduction signal, the recording power and the extra recording power are separately calculated by test writing, and with which information is recorded.

Abstract: An optical disk device for estimating optimum recording power for high speed recording at an outer part of an optical disk, with high accuracy, even when an OPC for high speed recording at the outer part cannot be performed. The optical disk device includes a first optimum recording power calculation part for performing test recording at a first speed lower than the maximum recording speed of a test area by using recording parameters of a required recording speed to calculate first optimum recording power, and a second optimum recording power calculation part for performing test recording at a second speed to calculate second optimum recording power. The first speed is different from the second speed. The optical disk device further includes an estimation part for estimating optimum recording power based on the first optimum recording power and the second optimum recording power.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus for recording data on an optical disk. Prior to recording data on the optical disk, a controller records test data in a test area of the optical disk, thereby optimizing write power. After having recorded the test data, the controller computes a difference between jitter or an error rate obtained when test data are overwritten at write power higher than that used for recording test data and jitter or an error rate obtained when test data are overwritten at write power lower than that used for recording the test data. A jitter or error rate difference is detected while write power is changed. Write power at which the jitter or error rate difference is smaller than or equal to a predetermined threshold value is selected as optimum write power, and data are recorded in a data area.

Abstract: A laser power selecting method includes the steps of recording an asymmetry measuring recording pattern in an optical disk trial-writing area while a laser power is being changed, reproducing a signal from the trial-writing area to calculate an asymmetry value from the waveform of the reproduced signal, determining the change rate of asymmetry from the relation between a laser power when the recording pattern is recorded and the calculated asymmetry value, and setting a laser power, at which the determined change rate of an asymmetry value is maximum, as a recording power used when recording on an optical disk.

Abstract: A method of determining a recording power used to record information to an optical disc, includes carrying out test recording which records predetermined data to a predetermined area of the optical disc to determine the recording power, and recording predetermined data with a power equal to or more than the determined recording power to an area adjacent to the predetermined area.

Abstract: A method of determining a recording power used to record information to an optical disc, includes carrying out test recording which records predetermined data to a predetermined area of the optical disc to determine the recording power, and recording predetermined data with a power equal to or more than the determined recording power to an area adjacent to the predetermined area.

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: A recording/reproducing apparatus is disclosed which records and reproduces data to and from an optical disc using a laser beam. In accordance with an error rate detected from the data that have been recorded and reproduced to and from the optical disc, the apparatus controls the intensity of the laser beam in order to ensure error-free recording of the data.