Abstract: Systems and method relating generally to solid state memory, and more particularly to systems and methods for recovering data from a solid state memory. In one embodiment, the systems and methods include providing a flash memory circuit including a superset of memory cells, accessing a data set from a group of memory cells using a standard reference value to distinguish bit values in the group of memory cells, and based at least in part on determining that the group of memory cells was a last written group of memory cells, re-accessing a data set from the group of memory cells using a last written reference value to distinguish bit values in the group of memory cells.

Abstract: A disc drive system provides increased reliability by detecting and correcting errors associated with bit-patterned media. Write synchronization errors associated with bit-patterned media are addressed by including data storage for temporarily storing data that is being written to the disc drive. The data is read from both the disc drive and the storage medium and compared to detect write synchronization errors. A disc drive system for correcting write synchronization errors includes an encoder, non-volatile storage, and decoder device for implementing a parity-based scheme for increased reliability. Data strings being written to the disc drive are combined in an encoder to generate a parity string. The address of the data being written to the disc drive, along with the updated parity string is stored to the non-volatile storage. The data strings are read from the disc drive by the decoder.

Abstract: An optical read/write apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an optical head unit (2a, 2b) which focuses a write light beam and a read light beam onto an optical storage medium (100) and which generates a signal based on the light beam that has been reflected from the optical storage medium; and a control section (6) which controls the optical head unit (2a, 2b) so that the optical head unit records a mark on the optical storage medium by irradiating the optical storage medium with the write light beam and reads the recorded mark on the optical storage medium with the read light beam. After having started to record the mark on the optical storage medium by irradiating the optical storage medium with the write light beam and before forming the recorded mark completely, the optical head unit (2a, 2b) reads the recorded mark on the optical storage medium with the read light beam.

Abstract: An implementation of a system disclosed herein provides a method of deferring decoding of a data sector received at a read channel of a storage device, in response to determining that a data sector cannot be decoded by a first decoder and storing the data sector for further processing by a second decoder.

Abstract: A media processing system that produces discs with assured quality suited to long-term data storage. A data write unit writes data on a recording surface of a disc. A label print unit prints on the label side of the disc. An error rate measurement unit measures the error rate of the disc D after writing data is completed. An error rate evaluation unit determines if the media error rate measured by the error rate measurement unit is less than or equal to a preset threshold value. When the error rate evaluation unit determines that the media error rate is less than or equal to the threshold value, the label print unit prints a label image on the label side.

Abstract: A tape recording apparatus in communication with a tape medium, and includes a head and a controlling unit to control the head to read and write data to the tape medium, wherein the controlling unit performs operations, comprising: determining an overwrite starting position by skipping data units whose beginning position cannot be determined until a data unit is reached having a beginning position that can be determined; and performing an overwrite operation at the overwrite starting position at the data unit whose beginning position can be determined.

Abstract: An optical read/write apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an optical head unit (2a, 2b) which focuses a write light beam and a read light beam onto an optical storage medium (100) and which generates a signal based on the light beam that has been reflected from the optical storage medium; and a control section (6) which controls the optical head unit (2a, 2b) so that the optical head unit records a mark on the optical storage medium by irradiating the optical storage medium with the write light beam and reads the recorded mark on the optical storage medium with the read light beam. After having started to record the mark on the optical storage medium by irradiating the optical storage medium with the write light beam and before forming the recorded mark completely, the optical head unit (2a, 2b) reads the recorded mark on the optical storage medium with the read light beam.

Abstract: An exemplary optical pickup comprises: first, second and third photosensitive elements which are arranged to respectively receive a main light beam and first and second sub-light beams reflected from an optical storage medium; and fourth and fifth photosensitive elements which are arranged to receive the rest of the light that has also been emitted from a light source but has not been reflected from the optical storage medium. A signal that has been written on the optical storage medium with the main light beam for writing is read by performing an arithmetic operation on the signal output of the second or third photosensitive element and that of the fourth photosensitive element.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an optical read/write apparatus performs both the operation of writing data on an optical disc and the operation of reading data written on the disc. The apparatus includes: a motor which drives the disc; a first optical pickup which irradiates the disc with a first light beam, thereby writing data on the disc; a second optical pickup which irradiates the disc with a second light beam and detects the second light beam reflected from the disc, thereby reading the data written by the first pickup on the disc; an evaluation section which obtains a distortion evaluation value of a signal waveform representing the reflected light detected by the second pickup while the disc is being driven by the motor; and a control section which controls, based on the distortion evaluation value, the power of the first light beam emitted from the first pickup.

Abstract: A data-overwriting technique that facilitates determining whether data is new or old. A tape recording apparatus includes: a receiving unit for receiving information on overwrite starting position and an overwrite request; a trying unit for trying to determine a beginning position of a data unit; an overwrite executing unit for executing overwriting from the determined overwrite starting position in response to a success of the determination by the trying unit; and a type judging unit for judging whether the data unit that is recorded at the overwrite starting position is a null data unit or not in response to a failure of the determination by the trying unit. The trying unit responds to judgment that the data unit is the null data unit by determining a beginning of a data unit following the data unit as the overwrite starting position.

Abstract: A verifying device includes a receiving unit operable to receive data recorded on a recording medium and a verifying unit operable to verify the received data. The verifying unit sets a predetermined first range and a second range that includes a plurality of the first ranges on the received data, performs first verification about an error on data included in the first range out of the received data, performs second verification about an error on data included in the second range out of the received data on the basis of a result of the first verification, and determines whether the recorded data is successfully recorded on the recording medium on the basis of the results of the first and second verification.

Abstract: A data-overwriting technique that facilitates determining whether data is new or old, when reading thereof. A tape recording apparatus includes: a receiving unit for receiving information on overwrite starting position and an overwrite request; a trying unit for trying to determine a beginning position of a data unit based on the information on an overwrite starting position, wherein the data unit is a unit of writing data recorded on a tape medium; an overwrite executing unit for executing overwriting from the determined overwrite starting position in response to a success of the determination by the trying unit; and a type judging unit for judging whether the data unit that is recorded at the overwrite starting position is a null data unit or not in response to a failure of the determination by the trying unit. The trying unit responds to judgment that the data unit is the null data unit by trying to determine a beginning of a data unit following the data unit as the overwrite starting position.

Abstract: Even when recording data which is continuously inputted at a high speed, it is possible to correct a recording error and reproduce preferable AV data without a noise upon reproduction. A recording error detection circuit (14) detects an error generation upon recording according to the fluctuation of amplitude of a tracking error signal or a focus error signal. A recording signal processing circuit (6) again records (performs skip recording) the same data in a region subsequently adjacent to a region where a recording error has occurred. When performing the skip recording, address information contained in the recording data is rewritten into address information on a new recording region. Moreover, an identifier (skip mark) indicating that a recording error has occurred is added to the pattern of the link region of the recording data.

Abstract: A media processing system enables producing a copy of media based on the state of media deterioration. An error rate measurement unit measures the error rate of recorded media after specific data is written to the media; an error rate evaluation unit determines if the media error rate measured by the error rate measurement unit is less than or equal to a preset threshold value; and a data recording unit that, when the error rate evaluation unit determines the error rate exceeds the specific threshold value, writes specific data recorded to the recorded media to other unused media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of writing data to a disc (OD). The method comprised: a) performing a plurality of writing actions in which a plurality of data portions are written to the disc, b) performing a plurality of verification actions in which written data portions are at least partly verified and at least part of the data portions are replaced if needed. The method further comprises a2) performing a decision action for each writing action in which a decision whether or not to perform the verification action for a specific written data portion is taken.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of writing data to a disc (OD). The method comprised: a) performing a plurality of writing actions in which a plurality of data portions are written to the disc, b) performing a plurality of verification actions in which written data portions are at least partly verified and at least part of the data portions are replaced if needed. The method further comprises a2) performing a decision action for each writing action in which a decision whether or not to perform the verification action for a specific written data portion is taken.

Abstract: To adjust the parameters of a write strategy for recording data on an optical recording medium, the jitter value of a reproduced signal obtained from recorded data is detected. If the jitter value exceeds a prescribed threshold, a write strategy parameter having a comparatively small effect on the jitter value is adjusted, and subsequent data are written on the recording medium using the adjusted parameter. Parameters are selected for adjustment in ascending order of their effect on the jitter value. Stable data recording can thereby be carried out without significant jitter degradation.

Abstract: When data is to be written on an optical disc in the unit of a sector, an attempt is made to read a block A to which a write sector belongs for the purpose of judging whether the block can be normally read. If the block A is not successfully read, it is judged to be a defective area, and an alternative write is performed in an alternative area in the unit of a sector. The alternative write may be performed so that a plurality of sectors belonging to the same block are dispersively written in different blocks d, E. When new data is to be written in a new sector in such a situation, data is acquired from the dispersed other sectors, merged with the new data, and collectively rewritten in the same block E.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing an optical disc device and a recording condition setting method which can automatically determine an optical recording condition to an optical disc, and the optical disc device comprises an optical pickup which records data on a disc; a data encoder which modulates data to be recorded; a recording timing setting means which sets a timing of recording the data on the disc; a phase error detection means which measures an error amount of a mark recorded on the disc from a position where the mark should be properly located; an error convergence means which calculates error information indicating an optimum position of the mark; a recording timing calculation means which calculates a correction value of the recording timing to be set on the recording timing setting means, based on the error information; and a control means which feedbacks an output of the recording timing calculation means to the recording timing setting means, thereby to optimize the recording timing.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus is provided with a recording controller for recording data on an information recording medium, a verification controller for verifying whether or not the recorded data can be correctly reproduced, a continuous recording controller for providing a gap region of a specified interval between a verification region and a recording region and successively performing a verify processing and a record processing with rotation waiting in between, an error region discriminator for discriminating an error region in the event of an error in the process of performing the verify processing and the record processing, and an error processor for performing an error processing according to the error region. The error processor performs an error processing different from the one performed when an error occurred in either one of the verification region and the recording region if an error is discriminated to have occurred in the gap region.

Abstract: A write analysis system is described for an optical drive, where the optical drive includes an optical storage medium. The write analysis system includes a filter that receives a reflected signal that is based on a reflection of a diffracted laser beam. The reflection of the diffracted laser beam includes a reflection of a first write signal. The filter generates a filtered signal by filtering the first write signal from the diffracted laser beam. The system also includes a read-back module that receives the filtered signal and that compares the filtered signal to a second write signal that was written to the optical storage medium prior to the first write signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling recording of an optical disc device and an optical disc device using the method. The optical disc device performs recording of data on a labeled surface of the optical disc. The device includes a buffer memory, a record unit and a controller. The buffer memory stores data and the record unit records data on the labeled surface of the optical disc from the buffer memory. The controller controls the record unit such that when a recording error occurs, the recording is stopped and when the error is corrected, data is recorded from a stopped position.

Abstract: In order to ensure recording quality while suppressing the adverse effects due to performance variations among apparatuses and disc radial positions on an optical disc, an optical disc apparatus according to the present invention performs, at the time of data recording, the steps of: acquiring a jitter value and ? value from a reproduced signal based on laser light reflected from the optical disc in relation to a disc radial position; learning a ? value when the acquired jitter value is a minimum as a target ? value; and, if a jitter value acquired thereafter is larger than the minimum jitter value by a preset reference value or above, correcting recording power based on the magnitude relation and the difference between the ? value associated with the acquired jitter value and the target ? value or performing trial record processing.

Abstract: The disk recording device of the present invention includes a recording means and a file system recording means. The recording means performs recording of an image signal upon a recordable type optical disk. The file system recording means includes an address information search means and an address information recording means. If the recording of the file system has failed, the address information recording means records the address information in the lead-in region, but does not thus record the address information if it is already recorded in the lead-in region, or the like.

Abstract: A recording medium for storing defect management information to record real time data, a defect managing method therefor, and a method of recording real time data. The recording medium stores information representing use or non-use of linear replacement defect management in which a defective area on the recording medium is replaced with the spare area, in order to record real time data. While maintaining compatibility between the defect managing method and a defect managing method based on a current DVD-RAM standard, i.e., while allowing a report of the fact that there are blocks which have not been linearly replaced, linear replacement is not performed when real time data is recorded. Thus, real time data can be recorded and reproduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of writing data to a disc (OD). The method comprising a) performing a writing action in which a first data portion is written to the disc; a2) deciding to perform b) or not and b) verifying at least part of the first data portion that is written to the disc and deciding to replace the first data portion that is written to the disc or not. Finally the method comprises c) performing a further writing action in which a second data portion is written to the disc.

Abstract: An information recording method using a read modify write operation includes determining whether a write command is inconsistent or not, on the basis of a unit of a cluster. When the write command onto the rewritable type optical disk needs verification and the read modify write operation is executed, then a verify process is conducted only upon a part of the information, which is written through the read modify write operation. The method achieves an increase in recording speed and an improvement on reliability of recorded information through the read modify write, even when the verify process is unnecessary.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to curtail the time required from the receipt of a demand for certification processing of a rewritable optical disk from an apparatus of the higher order to the receipt of a demand for recording processing. In order to achieve this object, a digital data recording method for recording on a rewritable optical disk includes certification processing including a first step of recording certification data for the certification processing on the optical disk, a second step of recording user data different from the certification data on the optical disk after the first step, and a third step of reproducing the data recorded in the first step or the second step after the second step, and switches the certification processing based on the result reproduced in the third step.

Abstract: An optical disk writing apparatus maintaining appropriate write power in real time with a simple configuration includes a buffer for recording data, a binarization circuit supplying data to the buffer, an LD writing data recorded in the buffer onto a DVD disk, a detector reading out from the DVD disk a signal representing data written by the LD at an arbitrary time during a period starting from when the amount of data recorded in the buffer and not yet written onto the DVD disk becomes zero until the amount of data reaches a predetermined number of ECC blocks, and a servo processor correcting an error in the data read out by the detector for every data amount susceptible to error correction at one time, evaluating the writing of the LD using the corrected signal, and controlling the energy density to be employed in writing data onto the DVD disk by the LD according to its own evaluation.

Abstract: An optical disk device includes a pickup head configured to record and read data on and from an optical disk, and a recording/reproducing circuit such as a RF amplifier. The optical disk device also includes a control section configured to determine whether or not recording of data by the pickup head is normal and exercises control for predetermined instructions to be given to the pickup head based on the result of determination. If it is determined that the recording by the pickup head is erroneous, the control section carries out a control process such as to stop recording and then resume recording at a position moved a predetermined amount from an error position at which the pickup head has stopped recording.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus includes: a recording device capable of recording information into a data area of an information recording medium, by irradiating laser light, in conformity with a predetermined error correction method; an optimum-recording-power detecting device for obtaining an optimum recording power of the laser light, by recording test writing data into a data area portion with a length which is equal to or less than an allowable defect length in the predetermined error correction method, within the data area, by using the recording device; and a controlling device for controlling the recording device to record the information into the data area with the obtained optimum recording power.

Abstract: A recording medium for storing defect management information to record real time data, a defect managing method therefor, and a method of recording real time data. The recording medium stores information representing use or non-use of linear replacement defect management in which a defective area on the recording medium is replaced with the spare area, in order to record real time data. While maintaining compatibility between the defect managing method and a defect managing method based on a current DVD-RAM standard, i.e., while allowing a report of the fact that there are blocks which have not been linearly replaced, linear replacement is not performed when real time data is recorded. Thus, real time data can be recorded and reproduced.

Abstract: A recording medium for storing defect management information to record real time data, a defect managing method therefor, and a method of recording real time data. The recording medium stores information representing use or non-use of linear replacement defect management in which a defective area on the recording medium is replaced with the spare area, in order to record real time data. While maintaining compatibility between the defect managing method and a defect managing method based on a current DVD-RAM standard, i.e., while allowing a report of the fact that there are blocks which have not been linearly replaced, linear replacement is not performed when real time data is recorded. Thus, real time data can be recorded and reproduced.

Abstract: A recording medium for storing defect management information to record real time data, a defect managing method therefor, and a method of recording real time data. The recording medium stores information representing use or non-use of linear replacement defect management in which a defective area on the recording medium is replaced with the spare area, in order to record real time data. While maintaining compatibility between the defect managing method and a defect managing method based on a current DVD-RAM standard, i.e., while allowing a report of the fact that there are blocks which have not been linearly replaced, linear replacement is not performed when real time data is recorded. Thus, real time data can be recorded and reproduced.

Abstract: A method of controlling recording of an optical disc device and an optical disc device using the method. The optical disc device performs recording of data on a labeled surface of the optical disc. The device includes a buffer memory, a record unit and a controller. The buffer memory stores data and the record unit records data on the labeled surface of the optical disc from the buffer memory. The controller controls the record unit such that when a recording error occurs, the recording is stopped and when the error is corrected, data is recorded from a stopped position.

Abstract: A recording medium for storing defect management information to record real time data, a defect managing method therefor, and a method of recording real time data. The recording medium stores information representing use or non-use of linear replacement defect management in which a defective area on the recording medium is replaced with the spare area, in order to record real time data. While maintaining compatibility between the defect managing method and a defect managing method based on a current DVD-RAM standard, i.e., while allowing a report of the fact that there are blocks which have not been linearly replaced, linear replacement is not performed when real time data is recorded. Thus, real time data can be recorded and reproduced.

Abstract: In order to ensure recording quality while suppressing the adverse effects due to performance variations among apparatuses and disc radial positions on an optical disc, an optical disc apparatus according to the present invention performs, at the time of data recording, the steps of: acquiring a jitter value and ? value from a reproduced signal based on laser light reflected from the optical disc in relation to a disc radial position; learning a ? value when the acquired jitter value is a minimum as a target ? value; and, if a jitter value acquired thereafter is larger than the minimum jitter value by a preset reference value or above, correcting recording power based on the magnitude relation and the difference between the ? value associated with the acquired jitter value and the target ? value or performing trial record processing.

Abstract: To adjust the parameters of a write strategy for recording data on an optical recording medium, the jitter value of a reproduced signal obtained from recorded data is detected. If the jitter value exceeds a prescribed threshold, a write strategy parameter having a comparatively small effect on the jitter value is adjusted, and subsequent data are written on the recording medium using the adjusted parameter. Parameters are selected for adjustment in ascending order of their effect on the jitter value. Stable data recording can thereby be carried out without significant jitter degradation.

Abstract: An information storage apparatus records, reproduces and/or erases information with respect to a recording medium. The apparatus includes a servo error generation detector for detecting a generation of a servo error based on at least one of servo signals including a focus error signal and a tracking error signal which are derived from output signals of a light receiving element, and a data recording resuming section for temporarily interrupting a data recording with respect to the recording medium, temporarily turning OFF a servo and then turning ON the servo again, to thereafter synchronize recording data to recorded data already recorded on the recording medium, and resume recording of the recording data continuing without a discontinuity to an end of the recorded data recorded immediately before the interruption of the data recording, when the generation of the servo error is detected while recording data on the recording medium.

Abstract: A digital video recorder writes data on a selected one of a first storage medium and a second storage medium. The recorder includes an abnormal state detector for detecting any abnormal event that possibly occurs while the recorder is writing the data on the first storage medium. If the abnormal state detector senses the abnormal event while the recorder is writing the data on the first storage medium, then the recorder stops writing the data on the first storage medium and starts writing the data, which should have been written on the first storage medium only, on the second storage medium instead.

Abstract: When writing data to an optic disc with a constant linear velocity, and encountering a disc error, data is written into the defect management area of the disc without changing the rotational speed of the disc, or at least without changing the rotational speed of the disc sufficiently to maintain a constant linear velocity. This allows an increase in the rate at which data may be written to the optical disc. It also avoids or reduces the need for the rotational speed of the disc to be changed, which allows a further improvement in the time taken to write data to the disc. In order to continue writing data to the disc without changing the rotational speed, the data rate must be increased while writing to the defect management area. For this to be possible, the data must be written into an “iced” or unformatted part of the defect management area.

Abstract: There are problems that recording degradation happens, and an error occurs in reproduction unless appropriate recording pulse conditions are determined. A recording pulse controlling method according to the present invention is a recording pulse controlling method for adjusting recording pulses for recording information on a writable optical disc, which includes a mark length adjustment step and a mark position adjustment step. The mark length adjustment step is a step for adjusting a recording mark length adjustment parameter, and the recording mark length adjustment parameter is adjusted to have a value for forming a recording mark having a length closest to a predetermined recording mark length.

Abstract: The latest management data recorded in a recording medium is read. Then, it is judged whether the fault is in this latest management data or not. When it is judged the fault is not in this latest management data, a data size of user data under the management of this latest management data is compared with a data size of the user data recorded actually in the recording medium. In the judgment explained above, when the latest management data cannot be read, when it is judged the fault is in the latest management data or when it is judged a data size of user data under the management of the latest management data is not identical to a data size of the user data recorded actually in the recording medium, management data can be updated by analyzing the user data recorded in the recording medium.

Abstract: An optical disc has spatial features (notches, bumps, etc.) that intentionally distort the analog Read Data signal. For a mark or space that is centered on a spatial feature, the distortion does not affect the resulting binary Read Data signal. If an edge of a mark or space is near the spatial feature, the resulting binary Read Data signal is altered. For calibration, marks or spaces are written adjacent to spatial features, with a range of times for initiating the writes. The result is a range of write times that do not alter the binary Read Data signal. From these known times and spatial locations, it is known when a mark or space must be written to ensure accurate spatial placement.

Abstract: When data is to be written on an optical disc in the unit of a sector, an attempt is made to read a block A to which a write sector belongs for the purpose of judging whether the block can be normally read. If the block A is not successfully read, it is judged to be a defective area, and an alternative write is performed in an alternative area in the unit of a sector. The alternative write may be performed so that a plurality of sectors belonging to the same block are dispersively written in different blocks d, E. When new data is to be written in a new sector in such a situation, data is acquired from the dispersed other sectors, merged with the new data, and collectively rewritten in the same block E.

Abstract: An optical disk drive for optimizing laser power to be used at the time of recording operation. In a DVD-R drive and a DVD-RW drive, a controller performs OPC to set recording power and records RMD serving as recording management data in an RMA serving as a recording management area. The RMD are verified. When the RMD can be read, the number of PI errors in the RMD is detected. If the number of PI errors is equal to or less than an allowable value, data are recorded in a data area at that recording power. If the number of PI errors exceeds the allowable value, OPC is again performed, to thereby reset the recording power.

Abstract: A method for real time recording and playback of data to and from an optical recording medium, and a method for managing a file thereof is disclosed. In the present invention, the host controls real time data writing by providing a signal requesting for information on a defective area to the device for recording/playback of data to/from an optical disk before providing a write command. Accordingly, the write command is generated such that data is not written on the defective areas, based upon the returned information on the defective area. Alternatively, the host may first provide a write command to the device for recording/playback of data to/from an optical disk, upon which information on defective areas is returned. Thus, the host generates and provides a new write command such that data is not written on a defective area based upon the returned information on the defective area.

Abstract: A method for real time recording and playback of data to and from an optical recording medium, and a method for managing a file thereof is disclosed. In the present invention, the host controls real time data writing by providing a signal requesting for information on a defective area to the device for recording/playback of data to/from an optical disk before providing a write command. Accordingly, the write command is generated such that data is not written on the defective areas, based upon the returned information on the defective area. Alternatively, the host may first provide a write command to the device for recording/playback of data to/from an optical disk, upon which information on defective areas is returned. Thus, the host generates and provides a new write command such that data is not written on a defective area based upon the returned information on the defective area.

Abstract: An optical information recording and reproducing apparatus that determines the quality of recorded information through a beta value from information on the amplitude of a reproduced signal and if the beta value is outside the permissible range, outputs information on error to a host computer. Immediately after the information is recorded the information is reproduced first and second kinds of information including information on the amplitude of the reproduced signal and performance information or error information obtained from a binarized signal of that reproduced signal, respectively are used to determine the quality of the reproduced signal. Recording power condition is changed based on the first kind of information and a recording pulse width condition or reproduction condition is changed based on the second kind of information to ensure the reliability of the information recorded.

Abstract: Method and related apparatus for generating fixed packets while writing data into CDs. The present invention records a total-block number of a write-in data with a counter, and a waiting-coding number with another counter, so as to generate fixed packets efficiently and correctly, and prevent buffer under run when writing the write-in data to the CD.