Abstract: A method of analyzing the quality of optical effects on an optical recording medium as well as applications of the method in connection with optimizing a write strategy and analyzing the write quality for an optical recording medium are disclosed. The method comprising the steps of determining waveforms of a measured (61) and a nominal (60) optical signal, and calculating an amplitude-difference parameter from a difference (62-65) in the measured and nominal waveforms. A quality measure of the optical effects can thereby be determined from the amplitude-difference parameter. The applications of the method include, but are not limited to: a device for reading optical effects from an optical storage medium with means for determining the an amplitude-difference parameter, an optical recording apparatus with means for adjusting the power level and/or level duration in a write strategy and an IC for controlling an optical storage apparatus.

Abstract: A signal evaluation method according to the present invention is a method for evaluating a read signal, retrieved from an information recording medium, based on a binarized signal generated from the read signal by a PRML method.

Abstract: A method applied to an optical storage medium for identifying a boundary between a first area and a second area is provided. The first area and the second area store information with different characteristics. The method includes moving an optical pickup unit in a radial direction for accessing the optical storage medium to generate a read-back signal, generating a feature signal according to the read-back signal detecting the feature signal to generate a plurality of detection values successively, dynamically selecting a plurality of monitored values from the detection values while the optical pickup unit is accessing the optical storage medium, and identifying the boundary between the first area and the second area according to the monitored values.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus provided with identifying information acquisition means to read recording medium identify information recorded on a recording medium and a storage unit to store the recording medium identify information acquired by the identifying information acquisition means so that the recording media which have been played are registered as library information. When a recording medium is to be played, this library information is used to determine whether to allow bonus images to be reproduced.

Abstract: A recording parameter setting device including a trial recording parameter setting section and a reproduced signal quality judging section. The reproduced signal quality judging section judges whether or not a reproduced signal obtained by reproduction of the trial recording carried out in accordance with the trial recording parameter satisfies a predetermined reproduced signal quality. If no, the recording parameters of the predetermined recording mark length or longer are further classified into detailed groups and trial recording is carried out again. If the reproduced signal satisfies the predetermined reproduced signal quality, the reproduced signal quality judging section sets the trial recording parameters as a recording parameter. This makes it possible to form a recording mark capable of surely providing a good reproduced signal quality while the number of recording parameters to be used is reduced.

Abstract: A method of determining the type of disk loaded on an optical disk drive, and an optical disk drive using the method are provided. The disk decision method includes operations of detecting a change in the magnitude of a focus error signal generated during a focus search for a recording layer of a disk closest to an outermost layer of the disk, wherein the change in the magnitude of the focus error signal depends on a change in a recording layer of the disk for which aberration correction is performed, and determining a recording layer architecture of the disk according to the detected change in the magnitude of the focus error signal.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus for measuring a distance to a target point in a target area comprises a laser oscillator for generating a laser beam having a first wavelength, a nonlinear crystal into which the laser beam having the first wavelength generated by the laser oscillator enters, the nonlinear crystal generating a laser beam having a second wavelength, a collimator lens at which the laser beam having the first wavelength generated by the laser oscillator and the laser beam having the second wavelength generated by the nonlinear crystal are concentrated and are transformed into parallel light flux, a laser device provided with the laser oscillator, the nonlinear crystal, and the collimator lens, an output unit for outputting the laser beam having the first wavelength and the laser beam having the second wavelength at the same time, which are emitted by the laser device, while scanning the target area, a selective reflective mirror for selectively reflecting the laser beam having the first wavelength

Abstract: The statistical circuit includes a pulse-width measuring unit, serially coupling delay units, a logical circuit and counters. The pulse-width measuring unit is for receiving a sampling signal and generating a pulse-width signal. A pulse occurs on the pulse-width signal as the sampling signal has status change. The delay units include a first delay unit for receiving the pulse-width signal and outputting delay signals according to the trigger of a reference clock. The output of the first delay unit is used as a reset signal. The logic circuit is for receiving the pulse-width signal and the reset signal and generating a counting signal. The counting signal is enabled for a period of time as a pulse occurs on the pulse-width signal. The counters are respectively for receiving the delay signals and counting the number of the received delay signals in a first status as the trigger signal is enabled.

Abstract: Provided is an optical disk device capable of recording and/or reproducing information on optical disks with high reliability; and a method for controlling the optical disk device. The position of an optical lens where the amplitude of a reproduction signal during the period corresponding to a minimum-length recording mark and a space having the same length reaches its maximum is detected; and the detected position is set as a reference position for the objective lens relative to the optical disk, for use in focus control. Also, the position of the objective lens where the result of multiplication of resolution and modulation becomes greatest is detected; and the detected position is set as a reference position for the objective lens relative to the optical disk, for use in focus control.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a disk drive configured to write data to a disk being rotated by a spindle motor has a synchronous clock generator that generates a synchronous clock to use during the write operation. The synchronous clock generator inputs the rotational acceleration of the spindle motor, as feed-forward control value, to the feedback control system provided in the drive disk, thereby generating a clock that is synchronous with the rotational speed of the disk.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reproduction apparatus includes an execution unit configured to execute an advanced application, a detection unit configured to detect a series of keys which are operated by a user while the advanced application is executed, a recording unit configured to record key macro information formed of the detected series of keys and operation timings of the series of keys, and a key event generating unit configured to read the key macro information recorded by the recording unit and to generate a series of key events corresponding to the series of keys at the operation timings.

Abstract: A method and a device for fast disc recognition for use in read/write performances when an optical disc is connected to an optical drive, including the provision of a set S of parameters for safe data transfer between the drive and the disc, the direct calibration during a disc recognition step only of those parameters out of said set S in need of a direct calibration, the start of a read/write data transfer sequence after said disc recognition step is finalized and the calibration of the remaining parameters at first after or during one or more data transfer read/write sequences.

Abstract: A method for calibrating focus balance of an optical disk drive includes the steps of: zeroing a reference value; presetting a variable and a direction for calibrating the focus balance; generating a new C1C2 signal according to the preset variable for calibrating the focus balance; determining whether the value of the new C1C2 signal is larger than the value of a previous C1C2 signal or not by way of comparing, and changing the direction if yes or otherwise keeping the direction; and checking whether the value of the new C1C2 signal is larger than a threshold value C1C2T or not, and continuing calibrating the focus balance if yes or otherwise ending calibrating so that the focus balance can be rapidly achieved.

Abstract: In an optical disk system using a PRML identification system, a method for deriving an optimum recording wave in a short period of time is provided. Parameters of the recording wave are adjusted by using an evaluation value obtained by a signal evaluation method which is suitable for the PRML identification system as an index. In this case, as a parameter adjusting method, a plurality of adjusting methods are utilized.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus is constructed for writing or reading information by irradiating a laser beam onto an optical disk while rotating the optical disk under a focus control of the laser beam relative to the rotated optical disk. In the optical disk apparatus, an irradiating section is operated to irradiate a laser beam onto the optical disk. A determining section determines a process pattern of the focus control by operating the irradiating section to irradiate the laser beam onto a predetermined area of the optical disk and by monitoring the laser beam reflected back from the predetermined area. A focusing section performs the focus control to regulate a spot diameter of the laser beam based on the determined process pattern during either of the writing or reading of information.

Abstract: A processing method of an optical disc recording/playback signal includes: measuring a length of a first mark of a predetermined coding length which appears immediately following a shortest space recorded on the optical disc; measuring a length of a second mark which appears immediately following a longest space recorded on the optical disc and which has the same coding length as the first mark; and calculating a heat interference amount based on a difference of the measured length of the first mark and the measured length of the second mark. The method may further include specifying a laser power at a time of forming a space or a cooling pulse width, according to the heat interference amount.

Abstract: A method for performing optimal recording power calibration (OPC) on a recording medium, such as a DVD-RW, is characterized by flagging the address of the last test data. The method enables a recording position of the last test data to be quickly retrieved by recording position information of a power calibration area, in which the last test data is recorded, and indication information (such as a flag bit) indicating the recording position information is the last test data, in a specific area of the recording medium, such as the second field (field 1) of the format 1 RMD (recording management data). Such a method shortens the processing time prior to the OPC, and does not require the recorder to employ registers to determine the address of the last test data.

Abstract: A disc-shaped information recording medium has a first and a second recording layer. A buffer area is arranged adjacent to a recording area of each of the layers for preventing deviation of the recording position onto/from each of the layers. A first part of the information is written along a first track path on the first recording layer, a predetermined amount of first buffer data in a part of the buffer area of the first recording layer is written into the first recording layer, and inter-layer jump is performed from the first recording layer to the second recording layer. A predetermined amount of second buffer data in the buffer area of the second recording layer is written in the second recording layer and write element is controlled to write a second part of the information to be recorded, on the second recording layer by changing the recording direction.

Abstract: This optical disc drive has an optical pickup head that emits a light beam to an optical storage medium, detects the light beam reflected from the optical storage medium, and outputs a signal based on the received reflected light; a jitter measuring unit for measuring jitter in signals output from the optical pickup head; and an evaluation unit for determining from the measured jitter if the optical storage medium is good or defective. The jitter measuring unit measures jitter in a train of 3T or longer marks or spaces from an optical storage medium to which digital information is recorded as a train of marks or spaces of length kT based on a period T and an integer k of two or more.

Abstract: A system for reading an information carrier having a data layer (101) on which is stored a data set. A probe array generating means (104) generates an array of light spots (102) which is applied to the data layer (101). The resultant output light beams are representative of the binary value of data stored in the data layer (101). Macro-cell scanning is effected in a single dimension by moving the array of light spots (102) relative to the data layer (101) along a path (A,B) which is non-parallel to the axes of the matrix defining the probe array. One-dimensional scanning results in a less complex system.

Abstract: In a motor, a retaining claw with a slanted surface is arranged around the upper end of a tubular portion of a housing for mounting a rotor. A cylindrical portion is integrally formed in a peripheral area of a rotational axis of a turntable. A retaining member with retaining portions having a J-shaped cross section is attached to the lower surface of the turntable. Arms of the retaining portions are located in the vicinity of the lower end of the cylindrical portion. In mounting the rotor onto the housing, the retaining portions contact the slanted surface and the arms are elastically deformed. Upon completion of the mounting, the arms return to a state before the elastic deformation, so that the retaining claw prevents the rotor from coming off.

Abstract: An optical disk drive apparatus is provided has a reading section which reads the reflection of a laser beam from a disk to produce a read signal, a filter section which filters the read signal with the use of three or more different cutoff frequencies upon receiving a control signal from a two or more bits control line, a reproducing section which playbacks the read signal filtered by the filter, and a control section which provides the filter with the control signal along the two or more bits control line so that the filtering action with the three or more different cutoff frequencies of the filter is carried out throughout three or more consecutive periods respectively.

Abstract: Provided are a recording/reproducing apparatus and method for optimizing data recording. The recording/reproducing apparatus sets a predetermined length which is an integer multiple of a unit recording length and sets a plurality of recording parameters, with reference to mark/space combinations which can be configured within the predetermined length ahead of a start point of a mark for recording data and mark/space combinations which can be configured within the predetermined length behind an end point of the mark for recording data. Accordingly, by setting a predetermined length and limiting conditions for optimizing recording parameters, and considering run-length combinations which can be configured within the predetermined length, it is possible to quickly and efficiently optimize parameters.

Abstract: An optical element is disposed on an optical path between a beam branching element and a photodetector. The optical element is disposed at a focal position of a stray light beam reflected by a recording layer except a target recording layer, and shields or attenuates the light beam in a region where the stray light beam converges.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A reproduction signal evaluation method of this invention includes the step of obtaining a reproduction signal from an information recording medium on which digital information is recorded with record marks having different sizes, the step of obtaining the amplitude of a first reproduction signal, of the signals contained in the reproduction signal, which reflects digital information recorded with a record mark having the maximum size, the step of obtaining the amplitude of a second reproduction signal, of the signals contained in the reproduction signal, which reflects digital information recorded with a record mark having the second smallest size, the step of obtaining an evaluation value from the ratio of the amplitudes of the first and second reproduction signals, and the step of evaluating a characteristic of the reproduction signal on the basis of the evaluation value.

Abstract: An information processing device may include a first frame provided with a scanner for reading information recorded on a medium, a second frame which faces the first frame across a traveling path and is provided with a pressing member for pressing the medium toward a reading face of the scanner, a support plate which supports the pressing member and whose one end is axially supported with the second frame to be movable between a locked position where the pressing member is protruded in the traveling path and an open position where a reading face of the scanner is exposed, a locking part for locking the support plate to the second frame at the locked position, and a half lock preventing mechanism for preventing a half-lock state when the support plate is locked to the second frame.

Abstract: Decrypting information corresponding to a selected track, file pointer information, and index information are read out from a track information table having the decrypting information corresponding to each track, the file pointer information showing one of a plurality of files with headers, and the index information showing a position in the file. The header of the file with the header is read out on the basis of the file pointer information and position information in the file corresponding to the index information is detected from the header. A part of data of the file is read out on the basis of the position information and the read-out data is decrypted on the basis of the decrypting information.

Abstract: A control circuit for an optical record medium processing device and a method of controlling the optical record medium processing device are implemented in a computer system in both power-on and power-off status. The control circuit provides a control signal to enable the optical record medium processing device to automatically respond to the control signal and work correspondingly, regardless of whether the computer system is powered or not.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: An optimal recording apparatus and method for optical recording media are disclosed which are capable of recording data on the optical recording medium under optimum conditions in an optical recording/reproducing apparatus. In accordance with the optimal recording apparatus and method, a reference power value recorded on an optical recording medium is first read out. Test data is then recorded onto a first field of a test data in the optical recording medium under a condition in which a recording power value is varied with reference to the read power value. The test data recorded on the first field is subsequently reproduced in order to determine an optimum recording power value from the reproduced characteristics. Based on the determined optimum recording power value, test data is recorded on a second field of the test area under a condition in which a format of recording signals is varied. The test data recorded on the second field is subsequently reproduced in order to determine an optimum write strategy.

Abstract: In a recording medium, the physical characteristic information of the recording medium, and more specifically, the configuration (shape and size) and the moment of inertia of the disc, is recorded. This enables a recording apparatus or a reading apparatus to easily and correctly determine the physical characteristics of the disc, and thus to perform suitable settings for the recording or reading operation.

Abstract: A method of recording read/write compatibility information on an optical disc. Extended part version information, latest part version having recording capability, and latest part version having reproducing capability are stored in n.xy form on 6 bytes of a reserved zone of a physical format information zone of the optical disc. A recording/reproducing apparatus to record extended part version information on a reserved zone of a physical format information zone of a recording medium. The recording/reproducing apparatus has a base part version and a comparing unit to determine recording/reproducing compatibility with a recording medium having a detailed extended part version stored in a reserved zone of a physical format information zone.

Abstract: An optical record carrier recording method forms pits and lands by directing a radiation beam (12) onto a recording surface (21) of an optical record carrier (20). The radiation beam for each pit to be recorded is set to at least one write power level (Pw) capable of forming a pit during a write power irradiation period (31) and, for each land between the pits, to at least one bottom power level (P0) incapable of forming a pit during a bottom power irradiation period (51).

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: A plurality of pits representing recording target information are formed on an optical disk, while a laser light having a predetermined power is irradiated onto the optical disk. When information is being recorded, a condition index representing a recording condition of the optical disk is derived with the use of an equation which is changeable in accordance with the kind of the optical disk and the operational environment of a recording apparatus. The power of the laser light irradiated onto the optical disk is adjusted so that the recording condition may be a predetermined recording condition based on the derived condition index.

Abstract: A controller for a data recorder controls data recording to prevent buffer overrun errors. The data recorder emits a laser beam against a recording medium to record data. The data has a level that determines the power of the laser beam. When there is a possibility of a buffer overrun, the controller interrupts data recording. The controller interrupts data recording when the power of the laser beam is a low level and restarts data recording with the laser beam generated at the low level.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: An optical pickup including a stem; a substrate mounted on the stem; a laser diode mounted on, and electrically insulated from, the substrate; and a photodetector provided on the substrate for detecting return light from an object to be irradiated. The substrate is biased at a given voltage and has an insulating member opposed to the stem. The laser diode has a first electrode opposed to the substrate with a first insulating film, a conductor film, and a second insulating film interposed between the first electrode and the substrate.

Abstract: First and second laser beam sources generate first and second laser beams of different wavelengths, respectively. A first collimating lens diverges the first laser beam at a predetermined angle so as to permit a fracture surface aberration of the first laser beam to fall below a predetermined value when the first laser beam generated from the first laser beam source is collected on the signal layer of the optical disk. A light receiving lens collects the laser beam reflected from the signal layer of the optical disk on a photo diode in the form of an optical spot of a predetermined size. A holographic lens has a pattern by which the first laser beam is converted into parallel rays so that the size of a spot of the first laser beam becomes identical with the size of a spot of the second laser beam as projected on the detecting section.

Abstract: In a write process through channels Ch1, Ch2, and Ch3, the deadline of each channel is set based on the transfer rate variable by the ratio of dummy packets to valid packets, and deadline information is written with write data on a disk. In a read process through a channel Ch4, the deadline is set according to the deadline information read with read data from the disk. Then, data is sequentially processed in order from the data having the earliest deadline. Considering the difference in transfer rate between outer and inner zones on the disk, a write zone is determined. When data is simultaneously recorded through the channels Ch1 and Ch2 on an ASMO in a groove-land record system, the data is sequentially recorded through the channel Ch1 on the groove and through the channel Ch2 on the land.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of generating an optical recording pulse having multi-pulse patterns suitable for a high-density and high-speed optical medium are provided. The apparatus for generating the optical recording pulse having a multi-pulse chain includes a recording pulse generator generating the optical recording pulse and a controller connected to the recording pulse generator controlling the recording pulse generator so that according to the type of an optical medium or a recording speed of the optical medium, there can exist at least two different widths in respective pulses of the multi-pulse to form a mark on the optical medium.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: An optical information recording method records information with respect to an optical information recording medium having a multi-layer structure recording layer formed by a plurality of recording layers each capable of recording information, and carries out an Optimum Power Control (OPC) prior to carrying out the recording. Recording conditions that are used when carrying out the OPC are read from one of the recording layers of the optical information recording medium to which the recording is to be made, where each of the recording layers is recorded with the recording conditions therefor, and the OPC is carried out using the read recording conditions.

Abstract: A method for recording information is disclosed in which an information recording medium is irradiated with a recording energy beam power-modulated into at least a record power level and a record-ready power level lower than the record power level. When forming a mark portion of a predetermined length, the radiation energy of the energy beam is increased as compared with when forming a mark portion of a different length before or after the first pulse of an energy beam pulse train including at least a pulse for forming the mark portion. Also, only in the case where the energy beam is modulated by the power lower in power level than the record-ready power level after the last pulse of the energy beam pulse train including at least one pulse for forming a mark portion and the mark portion is followed by a space portion of a predetermined length, the particular radiation energy of low power level is reduced as compared with when the mark portion is followed by a space potion of a different length.

Abstract: A tracking control method measures an optimum offset by measuring a light beam irradiation state of a light beam while offsetting a tracking target position of the light beam on a recording medium so that an optimum light beam irradiation state is obtained at the tracking target position, and carries out a tracking control by setting the measured optimum offset.

Abstract: An information recording method of recording information, in which laser light is applied to a recording medium while depending on predetermined information said laser light is modulated and the intensity of said light is controlled to form recording mark areas at which reflectivity of said recording medium changes, depending on the intensity of said applied light, wherein before starting data recording, said light is applied to said recording medium at predetermined light intensity, reflection light from said recording mark areas of said recording medium is received, the amount of said reflection light is detected, and a light intensity controlling reference value is calculated on the basis of the amount of said detected light, and during data recording, reflection light from said recording mark areas of said recording medium is received, the amount of said reflection light is detected, and a light intensity controlling detection value is calculated on the basis of the amount of said detected light, correcte

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.

Abstract: A recording medium has first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively. The first information signal has a size Ya. The second information signal has a size Yb. A head operates for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium. A buffer memory operates for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively. The first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb are lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp.