Abstract: A CPU (50) generates a real recording address y from y=n(x−m)+m, where absolute time x is obtained from an ATIP decoder (48). Recording density scale factor is denoted by n and recording start address is denoted by m. Using the real recording address y, an encoder (40) performs encoding and data recording is performed.

Abstract: In an optical disk data erasing apparatus, it is judged whether a loaded optical disk is a write-once optical disk or not, and when the optical disk is a write-once optical disk, disk recording information of the optical disk is obtained according to an instruction from a host computer, and overwriting of the optical disk is performed by irradiating the optical disk with a laser beam having a recording power equal to or higher than that at recording, thereby erasing data recorded on the optical disk. Therefore, the optical disk data erasing apparatus can completely erase the data recorded on the optical disk, easily and inexpensively, without having to use a special apparatus, and without generating substances deleterious to environment.

Abstract: A recording medium is formed of a plurality of flash memories. A recording medium controller manages the recording status of the plurality of flash memories in units of blocks. The recording medium controller controls a data recording process so that data is recorded in such a manner that one or more parallel block sets are constructed which consist of one or more blocks the number of which is determined in accordance with a minimum number of blocks required to obtain a minimum waiting time in the process of recording data in a parallel fashion into the one or more blocks of the recording medium, and the data is recorded in the parallel fashion in the one or more blocks of the one or more parallel block sets, thereby recording data on the recording medium at a high speed.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording a continuous synchronous information stream in intermediate portions of a recording track on a record carrier, which portions are intermediate between pre-recorded track portions which are to be retained. The track is searched for an intermediate track portion which is released for recording, and such track portion is scanned by a write head. The received information stream is formatted and supplied to an input buffer, from which it is supplied to the write head. The apparatus includes means which, during scanning of an intermediate track portion, detects when a position proximate the end thereof is reached. Read-out from the buffer and recording is then interrupted, and a search is made to position the wite head at a succeeding released intermediate track portion. Read-out from the buffer and recording is then resumed. The rate of read-out and recording is adjusted to maintain a predetermined degree of filling of the buffer.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus capable of detecting an accurate tracking error even if a reflectance or a transmittance of respective information recording layers varies when information is recorded onto a multilayer optical information recording medium having a plurality of information recording layers, wherein the apparatus comprises a detecting device for detecting a position of a boundary portion between a recorded area where the information has already been recorded and an unrecorded area in the information recording layer; an inhibiting device for inhibiting recording the information onto an area in one information recording layer in a case where the boundary portion in an information recording layer may affect a tracking servo for recording the information onto said one information recording layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of selectively overwriting data written in a multi-session disk. To selectively overwrite a session or sessions in a multi-session disk, this method checks the size of new data requested to be written, searches the multi-session disk for a single or a plurality of consecutive sessions whose total size is larger than the size of the new data, overwrites the single or the plurality of consecutive sessions discovered in the searching step with the new data, and updates temporary management information for tracks recorded in the multi-session disk to reflect the overwritten session or sessions in the temporary management information. Accordingly, one or more sessions having useless data can be selectively overwritten without affecting other sessions having important data, and storage efficiency of a rewritable disk can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of selectively overwriting data written in a multi-session disk. To selectively overwrite a session or sessions in a multi-session disk, this method checks the size of new data requested to be written, searches the multi-session disk for a single or a plurality of consecutive sessions whose total size is larger than the size of the new data, overwrites the single or the plurality of consecutive sessions discovered in the searching step with the new data, and updates temporary management information for tracks recorded in the multi-session disk to reflect the overwritten session or sessions in the temporary management information. Accordingly, one or more sessions having useless data can be selectively overwritten without affecting other sessions having important data, and storage efficiency of a rewritable disk can be improved.

Abstract: A boundary position search method and an information recording apparatus are provided for rapidly transferring a recording/reproducing head to a boundary position between a recorded region and an unrecorded region of a recording disc when new information data is recorded on the recording disc. In response to a recording start instruction, the recording/reproducing head is first forcedly transferred in a radial direction of the disc, while confirmation is made as to the presence or absence of an RF signal carrying an information signal in a read signal. A slider unit is controlled to stop a transfer operation of the recording/reproducing head when a transition is detected from a state in which an RF signal exists to a state in which no RF signal exists.

Abstract: To ensure compatibility of apparatus, seamless_connection_flag is set to 1 when a succeeding play item can be reproduced in seamless reproduction consecutive to a previous play item and set to 0 when seamless reproduction cannot be guaranteed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disc drive which can detect an end portion of recorded data recorded in an optical disc loaded in the optical disc drive. The optical disc drive comprises an optical disc driving mechanism for rotating an optical disc; an optical pick-up for recording and playing back data to and from the optical disc; signal processor for processing signals read out from the optical disc through the optical pick-up; a controller for controlling at least the optical disc driving mechanism, the optical pick-up and the signal processing means, signal generating means for generating a signal of which level changes with one EFM frame as a unit in response to the presence or absence of the recorded data; and a circuit for detecting an end portion of the recorded data recorded onto the optical disc by utilizing the generated signal.

Abstract: When an error has occurred during the recording of an optical disk, the track recording system is changed from a variable-length packet write system to a fixed-length packet write system employing an arbitrary length (step S2). A check is performed to determine whether before the error occurred the number of blocks used for recording was equal to or greater than 300, which is the minimum block length for one track (step S4). When at least 300 blocks have not been used for recording, by using as a recording unit a fixed-length packet having the arbitrary length, the dummy data are continuously recorded until the used block count reaches 300 (steps S5 to S7). Thus, when an error occurs during the recording of dummy data (Yes at step S6), one fixed-length packet is added (step S8) and the recording of dummy data is continued.

Abstract: A high-density optical disk includes lands and grooves which are alternately formed to different depths around tracks of the optical disk and on each of the lands and grooves user information marks are formed. A mirror region is formed at a region of a change between a land and a groove, to guide a beam to sequentially access from a track to an adjacent next track, wherein the land and the groove are formed next to the mirror region, and a change between the land and the groove can be recognized by the detection of the mirror region.

Abstract: In order to keep the continuity in time of a reproducing operation, it is necessary to have contiguous physical recording of the data having over a predetermined quantity. However, there was a problem that the data fragmentation might be generated in copy type recording medium when the copy and that superscription continuity in time was not maintained. When judged whether the reproduction of the data with continuity in time is possible or not, before reproducing the data, and in the case of not, the data which was discontiguous is rearranged to be contiguous. According to this invention, the failure does not occur in the reproducing operation, even though the data fragmentation may be generated by the copy.

Abstract: A stable rewritable multi-layer information recording medium capable of suppressing noises and a recording apparatus for the same. The multi-layer information recording medium is capable of recording/rewriting information, provided with a plurality of recording layers sequentially layered through spacer layers. Each recording layer is made of a material that changes reflectance upon irradiation of a beam of light, each recording layer is provided with alternately and adjacently aligned information rewritable regions and pre-pit regions where predetermined information has been written. Average reflectance of the rewritable regions is different from average reflectance of the pre-pits regions. In this construction, the pre-pit regions have recording marks that lessen a difference between the average reflectance of the rewritable regions and the average reflectance of the pre-pit regions.

Abstract: A method for selectively enabling writing of data multiple times onto a write-once read-many optical disk by a host system, the disk having a disk type indicator, and each sector having a SWF field and a flag field and user data, wherein new data bits replace existing data bits in a one-for-one ratio without mapping, comprising the steps of: reading a disk type indicator; setting a firmware flag allowing writing to the disk if the disk type is erasable WORM; receiving a write command from the host system, the command specifying a sector to write to; reading the contents of the disk SWF and flag fields for the sector; overwriting all user data on the sector with all zeroes if the firmware flag is set; replacing every user data bit in the sector with a zero in a one-for-one ratio without mapping; and resetting the contents of the disk SWF and flag fields to indicate the sector is available for writing.

Abstract: Audio-centered information is stored on a unitary medium by using a Table-of-Contents (TOC) mechanism that specifies an actual configuration of various audio items on the medium. In particular, each one of a set of one or more Track Areas gets at least two mutually logically conforming Sub-TOCs assigned. This allows to retrieve any constituent Sub-TOC part from at least any correct copy of the Sub-TOCs. Furthermore, one or more Master-TOCs are provided for specifically pointing to each of the Sub-TOCs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus distribution system in which compressed audio data and relevant information ancillary to the compressed audio, such as data size data, picture information and the text information, are packeted and transmitted or received on the packet basis by time divisional multiplexing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of overwriting data of a rewritable disk quickly, which regards a rewritable disk as empty irrespective of whether or not the disk contains written data, or modifies not-empty-regarded information about a rewritable disk to empty one, based on a user's request; transmits disk information including said regarded or modified empty information to a host connected through an interface; and writes input data received from an external source from start of data recordable zone of the rewritable disk. This data overwriting method enables old data to be overwritten with new data without physical data erasing operation, thereby eliminating relatively long waiting time of a user until an inserted disk becomes empty.

Abstract: A disk apparatus includes a slot. A magnetooptical disk is attached to the slot. When the slot is closed, a system controller inputs a corresponding signal to a CPU. The CPU applies a read-out command of disk information to the disk controller. The disk controller drives a spindle motor, an optical pick-up and a recording head in order to read-out vacant capacity information from the magnetooptical disk. The read-out vacant capacity information is sent back to the CPU, and then saved in a flash memory by the CPU.

Abstract: An optical recording apparatus includes a CD-R drive which writes data to a CD-R. A close session processor performs session closing in order to enable a CD-ROM drive, which is only capable of reading data, to read information written to the CD-R. An LCD panel displays information concerning session closing performed by the close session processor. A control unit causes the LCD panel to display the information concerning session closing based on whether session closing has been performed by the close session processor.

Abstract: An information editing apparatus for editing recording information already recorded on a write-once recording medium such as DVD-R is provided. In this apparatus, a remaining capacity in the DVD-R is detected. Then, it is determined whether the recording information can be edited or not on the basis of the detected remaining capacity and an amount of information to be recorded in the unrecorded area by editing the recording information. Further, a result of the determination is notified.

Abstract: An optical disk unit for recording information on and reproducing information from a disk recording medium by projecting a light beam thereonto includes a signal level detection part detecting a level of a track error signal generated based on reflected light of the light beam from the disk recording medium, a scattered light detection part detecting scattering of the reflected light, and an off-track detection part which detects an off-track of the light beam using detection signals supplied from the signal level detection part and scattered light detection part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disk drive apparatus which has a manual search function with improved operability. Upon manual search for information TNO(n+1) recorded on the outer periphery of a information write/read medium to information TNO(n) recorded on the inner periphery, there may be an gap (no sound) portion in the information between the outer and inner peripheries. In this case, the information is searched by the front-end position Pb on the outer periphery. Thereafter, no search is performed on the gap (no sound) portion through skipping from the front-end position Pb to the terminal end position Pc of the information TNO(n). Thus, only necessary information is continuously searched upon the manual search without searching the gap (no sound) portion which is not necessary for the user. Thus, the user is provided with improved operability.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disc drive which can detect an end portion of recorded data recorded in an optical disc loaded in the optical disc drive. The optical disc drive comprises an optical disc driving mechanism for rotating an optical disc; an optical pick-up for recording and playing back data to and from the optical disc; signal processor for processing signals read out from the optical disc through the optical pick-up; a controller for controlling at least the optical disc driving mechanism, the optical pick-up and the signal processing means, signal generating means for generating a signal of which level changes with one EFM frame as a unit in response to the presence or absence of the recorded data; and a circuit for detecting an end portion of the recorded data recorded onto the optical disc by utilizing the generated signal.

Abstract: Data is recorded on packet basis to a track of an optical recording medium and the data is pseudo-erased by erasing contents information of the track having the data. Information indicating the end position of the packet containing the data is recorded on the optical recording medium and a new data is recorded to the track where the data has been pseudo-erased in accordance with the information indicating the end position of the packet.

Abstract: To provide a method for optimizing the optical output from an optical head when recording data onto an optical disk, each time a suspension of data recording onto the disk is determined, the optical head reads data recorded onto the disk before the suspension, and recording state of this data is judged. Based on the judged recording state, the optical output from the optical head to be emitted when resuming the data recording is controlled. A timing at which to suspend data recording can be desirably set, so that the recording state of the recorded data in the disk can be judged at desirable timing in data recording operation, so that the optical output from the optical head is controlled based on the judged recording state.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus includes: a unit for applying a predetermined processing to record information divided into error correction units and generating processed record information including a plurality of record units; and a unit for recording the processed record information on an information record medium; a unit for recording, after the recording of the processed record information, predetermined dummy information of an information amount corresponding for the plurality of record units, on the information record medium, subsequent to the processed record information recorded.

Abstract: A method for reproducing information recorded on a disc is provided. In the method, a reproduction signal is irradiated towards the disc to produce a corresponding read signal. Also, the reproduction signal is positioned at a first position within a non-program area of the disc and is attempted to be focused on the disc. If the reproduction signal is focused on the disc, the method determines if the read signal has a valid signal level. If the read signal does not have the valid signal level when the reproduction signal is positioned at the first position, the reproduction signal is moved to a second position within a program area of the disc while the reproduction signal remains focused on the disc. Then, the method determines if the read signal has the valid signal level when the reproduction signal is positioned at the second position. Also, a disc player that employs the method and a software program that instruct a controller to perform operations in accordance with the method are also provided.

Abstract: A pickup is moved in the radial direction of a partial CD-R, and the end position of a recorded area in the partial CD-R is detected based on a feature signal (on track signal) in the radial direction obtained during the movement. Information recorded in the recorded area is reproduced based on the detected end position, so that an accessing inability can be avoided, and the information in the recorded area can correctly be reproduced. Thus, information recorded in the partial CD-R can correctly be reproduced.

Abstract: A servo control apparatus for carrying out a servo control when information is reproduced from an information record medium having an embossed area where information cannot be recorded, such as DVD-RW, is provided. The servo control apparatus detects a position of a light spot formed by the light beam except the embossed area on the information record medium, and shifts the light spot beyond the embossed area to a predetermined target position to be radiated with the light beam, which is positioned in another side of the embossed area on the information record medium, on the basis of the detected position.

Abstract: By reducing the number of seek operations in an operation to play back a signal from a recording medium, the amount of data temporarily stored in a read buffer memory employed in a signal recording/playback apparatus is large enough to be output as a playback signal during a seek operation, allowing a continuous playback operation to be carried out. In order to reduce the number of seek operations, a signal is always recorded onto the recording medium in continuous free areas each having a size equal to or larger than a predetermined recording/playback time length which is typically set at 1 minute. If it is necessary to insert an additional signal having a length smaller than the predetermined recording/playback time length into a point of insertion in an area already occupied by an existing signal, a continuous free area with a size equal to or larger than the predetermined recording/playback time length is newly allocated to the additional signal.

Abstract: A recording/playback apparatus provided by the present invention comprises at least two recording/playback units. When the size of a recordable area left in a recording medium mounted on one of the recording/playback units undergoing a recording operation first is detected to become equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, a recording operation is started in the other recording/playback unit so that it is possible to obtain a recording result without losing information due to replacement of a recording medium.

Abstract: An optical disc drive has a function that detects an end portion of recorded data recorded in an optical disc loaded in the optical disc drive. The function is achieved by the method comprising the steps of setting a detection starting position and a detection ending position on the optical disc; dividing the number of tracks between the detection starting position and the detection ending position into more than three divided portions defined by dividing points; detecting presence or absence of the recorded data at the dividing points sequentially from the detection starting point; and determining that the end portion of the recorded data lies in a divided portion specified between the dividing point at which presence of the data is detected and the adjacent other dividing point at which absence of the data is detected.

Abstract: A video camera using a disk-type recording medium is capable of allowing the user to extend the remaining record time easily. In the control sequence, step 2 detects whether the record time extension key is pressed. The sequence proceeds to step 3 if the key is pressed, or otherwise proceeds to step 5. Step 3 calculates the extendable remaining record time and displays it. When the storage space runs out during the recording of the video signal of an intended shot scene, step 4 searches for the largest record area or nearest record area of NG scene based on management information which is recorded on the recording medium for the video signal of each shot scene, moves the recording head to the area, and records the video signal of intended scene continuously by overwriting in the area. Step 5 detects whether the record time remains. The sequence proceeds to step 6 to terminate the recording operation if the record time runs out, or otherwise returns to step 2.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing data retrieval rates for constant angular velocity and hybrid constant linear velocity/constant angular velocity CD-ROM drives. The data stored on CD-ROMs is normally placed starting with the innermost tracks and proceeding outward to the edge of the disk. Any unused or spare capacity occurs as an unused band at the outer edge of the disk. Because access times for files greater than a certain threshold size decrease with increasing radius at which the files are located on a CD-ROM for constant angular velocity and hybrid constant linear velocity/constant angular velocity CD-ROM drives, placing data files at the outer portions of the CD-ROM and leaving unused spare capacity towards the center of the CD-ROM will give better data retrieval rates when the CD-ROM is read in constant angular velocity or hybrid constant linear velocity/constant angular velocity CD-ROM drives.