Abstract: A recording mark is formed on a recording medium by a predetermined recording signal, a playback signal of the recording mark formed on the recording medium is obtained, and an expected value signal of the playback signal based on the recording signal is generated. Based on an amplitude error between the playback signal and the expected value signal, and for each predetermined unit of the recording signal, a deviation amount of a mark shape of the recording mark from which the playback signal is obtained with respect to a mark shape of an ideal recording mark is calculated, and a mark shape of the recording mark formed on the recording medium is estimated. Based on the deviation amount of the mark shape of the recording mark, a correction amount is calculated for each predetermined unit of the recording signal, and a level of the recording signal is adjusted.

Abstract: An image processing device has a function for plotting a luminance gradient co-occurrence pair of an image on a feature plane and applying an EM algorithm to form a GMM. The device learns a pedestrian image and creates a GMM, subsequently learns a background image and creates a GMM, and calculates a difference between the two and generates a GMM for relearning based on the calculation. The device plots a sample that conforms to the GMM for relearning on the feature plane by applying an inverse function theorem. The device forms a GMM that represents the distribution of samples at a designated mixed number and thereby forms a standard GMM that serves as a standard for image recognition. When this mixed number is set to less than a mixed number designated earlier, the dimensions with which an image is analyzed are reduced, making it possible to reduce calculation costs.

Abstract: A user playing a computer simulation streamed from a simulation server can shake the simulation controller to cause the simulation console to pseudo-randomly select another simulation in a playlist and automatically start presentation of the other simulation. In this way, the user can shuffle through simulations on the playlist.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first storage unit having a semiconductor memory, a second storage unit, an acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating a temperature in the first storage unit, a comparison unit that compares the temperature information acquired by the acquisition unit with a threshold, and a control unit. Based on the temperature information indicating a temperature below the threshold, the control unit causes the first storage unit to store data. Based on the temperature information indicating a temperature at or above the threshold, the control unit causes the second storage unit to store data without causing the first storage unit to store the data.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a data refresh method and apparatus for use with a vector-by-matrix multiplication (VMM) array in an artificial neural network are disclosed. Various embodiments of a data drift detector suitable for detecting data drift in flash memory cells within the VMM array are disclosed.

Abstract: A sample processing kit including a centrifugal microfluidic component and a collection component detachably fitted into the microfluidic component is provided. Upon the application of the sample processing kit, target molecules or cells may be separated and collected by the collection component for further experimentation.

Abstract: At least one video stream that is encoded video information, and a management information file indicating attributes relating to the entire recording medium, are recorded in a recording medium. The management information file includes attribute information indicating whether the dynamic range of luminance of an initial video stream, which is played first out of the at least one video stream when the recording medium is inserted into a playback device, is a first dynamic range, or a second dynamic range that is broader than the first dynamic range.

Abstract: Despite many practical limitations imposed by mobile device platforms and application execution environments, vocal musical performances may be captured and continuously pitch-corrected for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. Based on the techniques described herein, even mere amateurs are encouraged to share with friends and family or to collaborate and contribute vocal performances as part of virtual “glee clubs.” In some implementations, these interactions are facilitated through social network- and/or eMail-mediated sharing of performances and invitations to join in a group performance. Using uploaded vocals captured at clients such as a mobile device, a content server (or service) can mediate such virtual glee clubs by manipulating and mixing the uploaded vocal performances of multiple contributing vocalists.

Abstract: A tape drive-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: detecting a read error, determining whether a current tension setting of the magnetic tape is accurate, determining whether the read error is part of an error burst in response to determining that the current tension setting of the magnetic tape is accurate, sending instructions to perform a first re-read attempt in response to determining that the read error is not part of an error burst, determining whether the first re-read attempt was performed successfully, selecting a range of tension settings in response to determining that the first re-read attempt was not performed successfully, selecting a range of lateral offsets, sending instructions to apply each unique combination of tension settings and lateral offsets, for each of the unique combinations applied, sending instructions to perform a second phase re-read attempt, and determining whether the second phase re-read attempt was performed successfully.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a data storage device having error detection and correction capabilities. The data storage device includes an information encoder/decoder having error checking circuitry to determine whether one or more errors present in an input datastream. When the one or more errors are present in the input datastream, the information encoder/decoder activates error correction circuitry to correct the one or more errors when present in the input datastream. Otherwise, when the one or more errors are not present in the input datastream, the information encoder/decoder deactivates the error correction circuitry. This activation and deactivation conserves power when compared to conventional data storage devices. Any error correction circuitry, if present, in these conventional data storage devices continuously remain active even when the one or more errors are not present in the input datastream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for recording data on a recording medium. The invention relates to the implementation of the timeshift function in a part of said recording medium called the timeshift buffer memory having a size defined in terms of recording capacity. For the timeshift buffer memory, a first threshold defines a capacity limit, a second threshold defines a recording time limit. The device records the data in the timeshift buffer memory as long as the second threshold is not reached and when the second threshold is reached before the first threshold, the processor truncates the start of the timeshift buffer memory when the data being read are not located at the start of the buffer memory or moves to reading the data of the timeshift buffer memory when the data being read are located at the start of the timeshift buffer memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detection and tracking of a signal envelope. The circuit comprises absolute value circuitry configured to receive data samples and output a first value corresponding to the magnitude of said data samples. An envelope tracker maintains an envelope output value and compares the first value to the current envelope output value and modifies the envelope output value based on said comparison to provide the envelope output value with predetermined attack and decay characteristics. The absolute value circuitry has a first input for receiving a first digital signal at a first sample rate and a second input for receiving an interpolated version of the first digital signal at a second sample rate which is higher than the first sample rate and outputs the first value based on the magnitudes of the samples received at the first input and the samples received at the second input.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting media defects using a multi-sensor transducer. In some embodiments, a first pattern is written to a first track on a rotatable storage media and a second pattern is written to a second track on the media. A first read sensor of a multi-sensor transducer senses the first pattern from the first track and a second read sensor of the multi-sensor transducer concurrently senses the second pattern from the second track. At least one storage media defect is detected responsive to the sensed first and second patterns.

Abstract: Provided is a system including an optical disc drive and a user terminal, and a method of processing a file. The optical disc drive may be connected to the user terminal. According to various aspects, the user terminal may include a file system for identifying a file format of the file recorded on an optical disc. The user terminal may search for a file recorded in an optical disc via the file system, and play the file through downloading.

Abstract: A recording waveform is adjusted based on the fluctuation amount of the mark edge position, focused on that fluctuation of a mark edge position is increased in aged deterioration of a recording signal. Specifically, the recording waveform is adjusted such that a fluctuation amount becomes minimum or a threshold value or less. Then, information is recorded on the optical disc using the recording waveform. Further, provided is a recording medium or an information recording apparatus which stores parameters of the recording waveform.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, wherein the head comprises a laser operable to heat the disk while writing data to the disk. A laser power of the laser is initialized, and a test pattern is written to the disk. The test pattern is read from the disk to generate a read signal, and a quality metric and a track width of the test pattern is measured based on the read signal. The laser power is adjusted and the process is repeated until at least one of the quality metric substantially matches a target value and the track width substantially matches a track width threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is related to systems and methods for adaptive parameter modification in a data processing system.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system includes a head carriage unit adapted for rotational motion and having multiple heads disposed at a working surface, the head carriage unit adapted for rotational motion. The system also includes a tape drive unit configured to move a tape media past the working surface of the head carriage unit, the tape media having a width approximately equal to a width of the working surface of the head carriage unit. As the head carriage unit rotates and the tape moves past the working surface, a first head is configured to write a data track on the tape and a second head is configured to thereafter read the data track, where data read by the second head is for use in verifying data erasure.

Abstract: A recording adjustment method capable of controlling an edge position of a mark with high accuracy. Based on an acquired read-out signal waveform, a starting position of a last pulse is adjusted such that a so-called L-SEAT shift value for an end edge of the mark becomes minimum.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system includes a head carriage unit adapted for rotational motion and having multiple heads disposed at a working surface, the head carriage unit adapted for rotational motion. The system also includes a tape drive unit configured to move a tape media past the working surface of the head carriage unit, the tape media having a width approximately equal to a width of the working surface of the head carriage unit. As the head carriage unit rotates and the tape moves past the working surface, a first head is configured to write a data track on the tape and a second head is configured to thereafter read the data track, where data read by the second head is for use in verifying data erasure.

Abstract: A read signal evaluating means for ensuring compatibility in an optical phase multilevel recording and reading system is provided. In addition, a decoding means not large in circuit scale is provided. An optical phase is modulated based on user data, and phase information thus obtained is recorded in a recording medium. Then, the phase information recorded in the recording medium is optically read, and is converted into an electric signal. The signal is subjected to adaptive equalization and to partial response most-likely decoding. A shift in a time axis direction from a target wave of a predetermined pattern is detected from the read phase information and a statistical average is calculated. Meanwhile, a value of the phase read from the predetermined pattern is extracted from the read phase information and a statistical average is calculated.

Abstract: Provided is a system including an optical disc drive and a user terminal, and a method of processing a file. The optical disc drive may be connected to the user terminal. According to various aspects, the user terminal may include a file system for identifying a file format of the file recorded on an optical disc. The user terminal may search for a file recorded in an optical disc via the file system, and play the file through downloading.

Abstract: Recording mark forming method utilizing a device including a laser and a laser drive carried by a pickup having a movement drive wherein a control controls the drives to irradiate a recording medium with laser pulse sequences to form recording marks having recording mark lengths between a predetermined and maximum lengths, a top section, a last section including a cooling period, and an intermediate period. Heat of mark front edges is controlled by top section recording parameters classified according to recording mark lengths and recording parameters of first through maximum recording mark lengths are classified into a same group. Heat of mark rear edges is controlled by cooling start positions for cooling periods classified according to recording mark lengths. Cooling start positions for a second predetermined mark length through the maximum mark length are classified into a same group. The second mark length is longer than the first mark length.

Abstract: The present invention optimizes recording power based on correct ? value. Whether an average of modulation values between the 2-4th AUNs is equal to or less than 65% of an average of modulation values between the 5-7th AUNs or not is judged. Otherwise, the gradual emission is performed, the ? value is measured, and then the following requirement is judged: (average of ? values between 5-7th AUNs)?(average of ? values between 2-4th AUNs)?0.18 If each requirement is satisfied, track shift is judged to occur. The recording area of high output is compared with the recording area of lower output to judge whether or not magnitude relation matches the correct magnitude relation. Also, whether the difference between the ? value of high output and the ? value of lower output is equal to or more than the predetermined value (0.18) or not is judged.

Abstract: An optical storage system includes an optical pick-up head for receiving and transforming an optical signal into an electric signal; a pre-amplifier for receiving the electric signal and outputting a RF signal and a position error signal; a data and timing recovery unit for receiving the RF signal and generating a modulated signal and a clock signal; an error correction unit for generating a data signal according to the modulation signal and the clock signal; a defect signal generator for receiving the RF signal and generating a defect signal according to the RF signal, wherein the defect signal is enabled when the RF signal has a defect; and an error correction controller for receiving the defect signal and generating an error correction control signal according to the defect signal, wherein the error correction unit further receives the error correction control signal and adjusts the decoding strategy of the error correction unit according to the error correction control signal.

Abstract: A combinatorial chemical formation and assay disc (1) having a base (20) and an upper surface (26) and a lower surface, one of the upper or lower surfaces being an assay surface and a data surface (40) spaced from the assay surface wherein the data surface is on or within the assay disc. The assay surface has a conductive layer (64) on the base, a dielectric or photo-conductive layer (66) on the conductive layer and a chemically functional layer (68, 69) on the dielectric or photo-conductive layer. The assay surface may be planar or include three dimensional features (100, 168).

Abstract: An optical disc apparatus includes an optical pickup for outputting an output signal according to reflected light from an optical disc medium, measures a level of a reflected signal corresponding to reflected light from a medium surface prior to reading of information recorded on the medium, predicts, based on the measured level of the reflected signal, whether or not the reflected signal from the medium surface will satisfy a predetermined detection condition when a focus state is to be detected, and uses a result of the predicting to detect a state where the output signal satisfies the predetermined detection condition as a state where a focus of an objective lens included in the optical pickup is on a signal surface of the medium while relatively moving the objective lens with respect to the medium surface when the information recorded on the medium is to be read therefrom.

Abstract: A reproduction signal evaluation method evaluates the quality of a reproduction signal reproduced from an information recording medium based on a binary signal generated from the reproduction signal using a PRML signal processing system. A pattern extraction step extracts, from the binary signal, a specific state transition pattern which has the possibility of causing a bit error; a step computes a differential metric based on the binary signal; an extraction step extracts the differential metric which is not greater than a predetermined signal processing threshold; a step determines a mean value of the differential metrics which are not greater than the signal processing threshold and extracted in the extraction step; a standard deviation computing step determines a standard deviation which corresponds to an error rate predicted from the mean value; and an evaluation step evaluates a quality of the reproduction signal using the standard deviation.

Abstract: A recording parameter setting device setting parameters of pulse sequences forming recording marks on recording media. The device includes a storage section storing first and second look-up tables, and a recording parameter setting section for obtaining from the tables and setting parameters corresponding to recording information. The pulse sequences form at least marks equal to or longer than a first predetermined length but not longer than a maximum mark length, and include top and last sections. Also, the first lookup table stores parameters for top sections that control heat of front edges of marks classified into a same group. The second lookup table stores parameters for last sections for controlling heat of rear edges that are equal to or longer than a second predetermined recording mark length, that is longer than the first predetermined recording mark length, through the maximum recording mark length and classified into a same group.

Abstract: Provided is a photo detecting element that has a simplified structure and that is easily manufactured and assembled, and an optical pick-up device including the photo detecting element.

Abstract: Provided is a recording adjustment method capable of controlling an edge position of a mark with high accuracy. Based on the acquired read-out signal waveform, a starting position of a last pulse is adjusted such that a so-called L-SEAT shift value for an end edge of the mark becomes minimum.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk including a plurality of tracks, a head coupled to an actuator arm actuated over the disk, and control circuitry operable to first seek the head from a first track to a second track, read data from the second track to generate a first read signal, second seek the head from the second track to a third track, read data from the third track to generate a second read signal, third seek the head from the third track to a fourth track, and read data from the fourth track to generate a third read signal. The first, second, and third read signals are evaluated to qualify the disk drive, wherein the first, second, and third seeks are executed in proximity so as to excite the actuator arm with a jitter motion.

Abstract: A disc inspecting method includes: forming recording marks on a disc; scanning the recording marks from inside to outside or from outside to inside of the disc by a pickup unit to read a reproduction signal while rotating a spindle to move a slider by each predetermined width; acquiring reproduction data from the reproduction signal in a signal acquiring unit; and determining whether or not the reproduction data is proper in a calculation unit, and optimizing a formation condition of the recording marks when it is determined that the reproduction data is not proper.

Abstract: A model is derived for write parameters of a laser in an optical drive. A parameter range for the write parameters is set based on a recordable medium. A number of test runs are recorded on the recordable medium while varying the write parameters. Write performance characteristics are measured over the test runs, and a model of write performance as a function of the write parameters is derived. Values for write parameters are selected for use in writing actual data based on the derived model. A first section of user data is written to the data-carrying region of the recordable medium using the selected values. The write performance characteristics of the first section of user data are measured, and the model is updated by including the measurements from the data-carrying region. New values for the write parameters of the laser are selected based on the updated model.

Abstract: Generating a virtual CD recorder by using a storage device is proposed. The storage device includes a first data sector for storing auto-run data and a second data sector for storing table of content (TOC) information data. When the storage device is connected to a host, a detecting module of the host detects whether the TOC information data exists in the second sector. When the TOC information data exists or could be accessed, a reading module can read a first disc image file based on the TOC information data. A burning module can record data into a second disc image file and update the TOC information data associated with the second disc image file in the second sector.

Abstract: An optical information reproducing device includes a light focusing unit for generating near-field light, a signal quality measuring circuit for measuring reproduction signal quality of the optical information recording medium using the near-field light generated by the light focusing unit, a gap length determining circuit for determining a gap length between the light focusing unit and a surface of the optical information recording medium as a set value based on a measurement result on the reproduction signal quality in the signal quality measuring circuit, and a gap control circuit for controlling a gap between the light focusing unit and the surface of the optical information recording medium based on the set value determined in the gap length determining circuit. Information is reproduced from the optical information recording medium using the near-field light generated by the light focusing unit.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for efficiently calibrating an optical recording device. The method can include receiving a first signal corresponding to a wobbled track of a memory medium, phase-locking a second signal to the first signal, the second signal being used to extract embedded information in the wobbled track, and determining an optimum setting of the optical recording device based on a locking quality of the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A recording medium having a data structure of a control information recorded on the recording medium or to be recorded/reproduced on/from the recording medium, characterized in that the control information is associated with a specific recording velocity and the control information includes write strategy information dependent on a type information indicating whether the control information is associated with CAV mode or CLV mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for equalizing a holographic image page and for compensating nonlinearity of a holographic data storage channel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for equalizing a holographic image page includes receiving the holographic image page and dividing the holographic image page into a plurality of local image regions. The method further includes generating a local alignment error vector for each local image region, computing a local finite impulse response kernel for each local image region according to the corresponding local alignment error vector, and adjusting misaligned pixels of each local image region using the corresponding local finite impulse response kernel.

Abstract: In write power adjustment for an optical disc having a plurality of information storage layers, data of trial writing is varied by the influence of layers other than a target layer. It is difficult, therefore, to determine optimal write power. A modulation M[m] is obtained from a reproduction signal amplitude of a signal subjected to the trial writing performed with use of write powers Pw[m] (m being an integer) of a plurality of kinds. At least an optimum write power intercept Pint_opt is determined by fitting a relation between the Pw[m] and the M[m] by a modulation characteristic formula M=Masy×(1?(Pint?Pasy)/(Pw?Pasy)) having an asymptotic modulation Masy, a write power intercept Pint, and an asymptotic write power Pasy as parameters. Approximation accuracy by the fitting and/or quality of the trial writing signal are evaluated with use of at least the M[m], the modulation characteristic formula, and the Pint_opt.

Abstract: A method for identifying digital data and reproducing the same by executing a software program stored in a memory of a computer is disclosed. The method includes: reading a plurality of source mediums; identifying digital data of the plurality of source mediums; saving the digital data as a temporary file; receiving a request for selecting a target medium, wherein the target medium is used for storing the digital data of the plurality of source mediums; determining a quantity of the target medium to be used for writing according to the size of the digital data and the size of the target medium; and writing the digital data of the plurality of source mediums into the target medium.

Abstract: The present invention achieves tracking servo using a recording signal on a grooveless optical disc. Trial writing signals are written by using multiple recording conditions, and a recommended recording condition having favorable qualities of a reproduction signal and a tracking error signal is determined based on the trial writing signals. Then, recording is performed by using the recommended recording condition. In addition, by using a recording condition determined based on an optimum power control performed prior to the recording, signals are recorded adjacent to each other in at least two tracks. Signals are recorded by using the determined recording condition under which a tracking error signal quality obtained from the recording signal matches a desired value of a tracking error signal quality of the medium.

Abstract: The invention provides an information recording medium including highly reliable power calibration areas, as well as an information recording and reproducing device utilizing it. The medium is an information recording medium having a recording layer including a data recordable area 50 for recording user information signals, a lead-in area provided on the inner periphery of the data recordable area 50, an inner power calibration area provided further on the inside of the lead-in area for recording test recording patterns, and a recording management area for recording management information related to the inner power calibration area. An outer power calibration area 70 is provided on the outer periphery of the final point of recording of the user information signal on the recording layer.

Abstract: A data writing control device enable quickly writing data to optical discs. A reading process unit 62a, 62b reads data in predetermined read units from a storage device (hard disk drive 14) that has a head and stores the data. A storage unit (buffers 63a and 63b) has a storage area for storing the read units of data read by the reading process unit 62a, 62b. A writing process unit 64a, 64b acquires data stored in the storage unit in write units, which are smaller than the read units, and supplies the acquired write units of data to an optical disc drive is connected as a peripheral device.

Abstract: A drive apparatus of the present invention includes: a recording/reproduction section and a drive control section. The drive control section performs a process including: receiving a recording instruction including a location at which data is to be recorded; determining a track among at least one tracks corresponding to the location included in the recording instruction; controlling the recording/reproduction section to record data at a replacement location in the user data area instead of the location included in the recording instruction; determining whether or not the recording of the data at the replacement location in the user data area has succeeded; and when the recording of the data at the replacement location in the user data area has failed, controlling the recording/reproduction section to record the data at a location in the spare area.

Abstract: A reproduction signal evaluation unit includes a pattern detection section for extracting, from a binary signal, a specific state transition pattern which has a possibility of causing a bit error; a differential metric computing section for computing a differential metric based on the binary signal of the extracted state transition pattern; an error computing section for computing an error rate predicted based on an integration value that is integrated by an integration section, a count value that is counted by a pattern count section, an integration value that is integrated by another integration section, and a count value that is counted by another pattern count section, and a standard deviation computing section for computing a standard deviation based on the computed error rate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a misjudgment correction circuit, including, an edge detection section configured to detect, in a binarized full addition signal obtained by adding first and second signals of the same or opposite polarity, edges at which the logic value of the binarized signal changes, a push-pull signal acquisition section configured to acquire a binarized push-pull signal obtained by subtracting the second signal from the first signal, a majority decision calculation section configured to acquire, in chronologic order, a plurality of logic values of the push-pull signal between the two adjacent edges so as to determine, by a majority decision, the more numerous of the two logic values, and a wave correction section configured to correct the push-pull signal between the edges to the more numerous logic value determined by the majority decision calculation section.

Abstract: A reproduction signal evaluation method according to the present invention relates to adjustment of an edge portion between a shortest mark and a shortest space in a data sequence including marks and spaces in combination that is recordable on an information recording medium. In a pattern including a shortest mark and a shortest space adjacent before or after the shortest mark, a shift amount of an edge of the shortest mark is obtained from a differential metric calculated regarding one of a first pattern in which a space adjacent to the shortest mark and not adjacent to the shortest space is longer than the shortest space; and a second pattern in which a mark adjacent to the shortest space and not adjacent to the shortest mark is longer than the shortest mark.

Abstract: A reproduction signal evaluation method evaluates the quality of a reproduction signal reproduced from an information recording medium based on a binary signal generated from the reproduction signal using a PRML signal processing system. A pattern extraction step extracts, from the binary signal, a specific state transition pattern which has the possibility of causing a bit error; a step computes a differential metric based on the binary signal; an extraction step extracts the differential metric which is not greater than a predetermined signal processing threshold; a step determines a mean value of the differential metrics which are not greater than the signal processing threshold and extracted in the extraction step; a standard deviation computing step determines a standard deviation which corresponds to an error rate predicted from the mean value; and an evaluation step evaluates a quality of the reproduction signal using the standard deviation.

Abstract: A recording apparatus records music on a recording medium. The recording apparatus may access a music piece purchasing data base and select music to be recorded on the recording medium from the music piece purchasing data base. A total playing time of the selected music is calculated. Further, a remaining recording time of the recording medium is calculated, the remaining recording time being the recording capacity of the recording media before the selected music is recorded on the recording medium. Then, it is judged whether or not the total playing time of the selected music is greater than the remaining recording time. A warning is issued when it is judged that the total playing time is greater than the remaining recording time.