Abstract: A database storage system based on Jukebox comprises a server, a jukebox and a magnetic disk storage. The database management system comprises a field structure generation module, a record index generation module, a storage space allocation module, a storage space status module, a record linkage module, a record split module; further comprises a database creation and input on optical disk module, a search-term storage module, a search-term index generation module. By means of the present invention, a database is directly created on a write-once optical disk or an optical disk of other types, data is input into the database on the optical disk; full-text search for the databases on the optical disks in the jukebox can be performed within seconds, an original file of a database file on an optical disk can be retrieved within seconds, solving effectively the technical problems of managing and accessing large-scale optical disks with databases.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a rotation driving portion that rotates and drives an optical disc master; and a recording portion that performs an information recording on the optical disc master, by performing a laser beam irradiation on the optical disc master, based on a recording waveform which has a land pulse of a first power, a recording waveform portion having a recording pulse of a second power higher than the first power, and a cooling pulse which has a third power lower than the first power and is inserted between the land pulse and the recording waveform portion.

Abstract: A player is provided that is capable of playing discs of either a first or a second configuration. Both types of discs can be double-sided optical discs formed with data tracks. In one configuration, the tracks on one side follow one spiral while the tracks on the other side follow a second spiral, the two spirals being oriented in opposite directions as viewed from the respective sides, and therefore being mirror images of each other. This allows data to be read by a player seamlessly from both sides of the disc without changing the direction of rotation of the disc. In the other configuration, the tracks follow identical spirals. The disc is then rotated in one direction for one side and the other direction for the other side.

Abstract: A signal drive apparatus includes a first buffer circuit where a signal converted into an electric signal from a first light signal is amplified; a second buffer circuit where a signal converted into an electric signal from a second light signal is amplified; a control circuit causing one of the first and second buffer circuits to be in an operating state and causing an output stage of the other buffer circuit to be in an idle state of a high impedance, so as to output a changeover control signal which picks up either the first or the second light signal; and a voltage changeover circuit causing any one of the output stages of the first and the second buffer circuits to be in the idle state and supplying a transistor constituting the output stage with a bias voltage equal to or less than a withstand voltage of the transistor.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus (1) is provided with: an offset adding device (19-1, 19-2) for adding a first offset value (OFS) which can be set to be variable, to a read signal (RRF) read from a recording medium (100); a correcting device (18) for correcting waveform distortion occurring in a read signal corresponding to a long mark, of the read signal to which the first offset value is added; an offset subtracting device (19-2, 19-3) for subtracting a second offset value (OFS) which can be set to be variable, from the read signal in which the waveform distortion is corrected; and a waveform equalizing device (15) for performing a waveform equalization process on the read signal in which the second offset value is subtracted.

Abstract: A controller for secure digital recording apparatus and apparatus adapted for secure digital recording. The controller including a receiver for receiving at least one input signal from at least one element of a recording apparatus, monitoring means for monitoring a signal representing a condition status of an element of a recording apparatus, whereby a recording operation is prevented unless the monitored signal indicates the condition status satisfies a predetermined requirement. In particular, requirements as to input signals and digital recording media must be satisfied before a recording operation is allowed.

Abstract: A method of detection is described to be used in file system-based player devices to determine the type of compact disk that has been inserted into a player. The method automatically distinguishes between the DTS-CD format and standard audio CDs. The method allows the operating system or CPU software to take appropriate action to decode and playback the audio stream once the a decision between standard audio CD or DTS-CD is made.

Abstract: There is provided an optical information recording/reproducing apparatus capable of obtaining a high super-resolution effect using an optical information recording medium in which a super-resolution thin film is formed. An optical information recording medium 1 having a super-resolution layer is irradiated with a laser light in a light emission pattern such that a bias light emission portion that does not cause the super-resolution layer to be in the state of super-resolution and a pulse light emission portion that causes the super-resolution layer to be in the state of super-resolution alternatively appear, and reflected light is detected. A reproduction signal based on the pulse light emission portion and a reproduction signal based on the bias light emission portion are acquired.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus includes a storage part which stores a plurality of items of contents data; reproduction means for reproducing contents in any one of reproduction modes including a normal reproduction mode that reads the contents data stored in the storage part in a predetermined order for reproduction, and a recommend mode that selects one part of the contents data stored in the storage part as a recommended piece of music for reproduction; and reproduction mode control means for changing the reproduction mode in the reproduction means to the recommend mode when a predetermined recommend mode changing condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A recording/reproducing apparatus is provided which can write continuously a file of large-capacity at high-speed. A record area of HDD is provided with a disk cache area for temporarily storing data to be written. The disk cache area is defined as a area that is not used by a host apparatus (3) in an LBA space, and the disk cache area is disposed in an area with a high transfer rate such as an outer circumferential area of a disk (10). A file transferred from the host apparatus (3) is written in the disk cache area, and the file is transferred from the disk cache area to a usual user area during an idle period to release the disk cache area and prepare for next transfer data write.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus includes a storage unit having a plurality of content data stored therein, a reproducing unit reading out the content data stored in the storage unit and reproducing the read content data, and a driving unit driving a predetermined driven unit according to the content of the content data reproduced in the reproducing step. The reproducing unit has two reproduction modes, that is, a normal reproduction mode in which the content data stored in the storage unit are reproduced in a predetermined order and a recommend mode in which some of the content data stored in the storage unit are selected as recommended music files and the selected content data are reproduced. When the reproducing unit operates in the recommend mode, the driving unit drives the driven unit more quickly than in the normal reproduction mode.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the position of an optical head of a disc during high speed recording. In one embodiment of the method, an optical disc has a plurality of tracks. The method comprises implementing CLV recording by said optical drive, determining a wobble signal based on address information contained in said plurality of tracks of said optical disk and determining a wobble clock signal based on said wobble signal. The method further comprises decoding said wobble clock signal by a decoder, said decoder to provide a sync clock signal to an encoder loop circuit, said sync clock signal based on said wobble clock signal generating an encoder clock signal using said encoder loop circuit. In addition, the method comprises comparing said sync clock signal to said encoder clock signal to provide a position command to position the optical head of said optical drive.

Abstract: An apparatus which stabilizes an operation of a disc driver in a mode conversion setting section includes a pickup which reads information from a disc that is inserted into the disc driver, a filter which performs a low-pass filtering of a servo error signal that is generated during an operation of the pickup, a selector which selects one of the servo error signal and the low-pass filtered servo error signal from the filter and outputs the selected servo error signal to drive the pickup using the selected servo error signal, and a control signal generator which generates a signal to control the selector to select the low-pass filtered servo error signal in a mode conversion setting section of the disc driver. Accordingly, a defocus and a detrack can be prevented in the mode conversion setting section of the disc driver.

Abstract: An optical recording method and apparatus with different recording rates are provided for effectively increasing the average recording rate. The optical recording method includes the steps of: controlling a recording rate with a constant linear velocity (CLV) control mode; recording data; judging whether the recording rate has to be increased according to a rotating speed of a spindle motor or a recording position; and performing a process for changing the rotating speed if the recording rate is increased, and continuing recording data at the same recording rate if the recording rate is not increased. The step for changing the rotating speed includes the steps of: pausing recording data; registering a paused zone of a disc; determining a new rotating speed of the spindle motor, and driving the spindle motor at the new rotating speed; and linking recording zones to continue recording data at a new recording rate from the paused zone, when the rotating speed of the spindle motor is stable.

Abstract: A hard disk A has is constructed to include: a disk 10 in which copy protection information is written in advance in a surface shape such as slits or corrugations in a pre-recording region 13 over a substrate 11 other than a data storage region 12; a pickup unit 20 for reading the copy protection information on the disk 10; and a copy protect unit 42 made operative, when it copies the encrypted data over the data storage region 12 of the disk 10 in response to the demand of the external device B: to perform an authentication with reference to the copy protection information read by the pickup unit 20; and to output the information on the secret key, as contained in the copy protection information, to the external device B which has been recognized to be correct by that authentication.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus for forming an image on an optical disk according to dot data which defines density of dots of the image, the optical disk apparatus includes: a framing unit which makes a frame data by grouping a plurality of unit data, wherein when the dot data, the dot data are treated as the unit data; a pit forming unit which sequentially forms pits defined by a bit train signal of the frame data; a discrimination unit which determines whether the section in the frame data corresponding to the dot data is a predetermined value; and a gate unit which, in case the discrimination result by the discrimination unit is affirmative, supplies the bit train signal to the pit forming unit and, in case the discrimination result by the discrimination unit is negative, interrupts supply of the bit train signal to the pit forming unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a control method of recording speed in an optical disc drive. Firstly it is determined whether the recording speed is higher than a data transfer rate from the host to the data buffer in the optical disc drive. If so, the recording speed is set to the data transfer rate and disc writing is continued with a constant linear velocity (CLV) mode.

Abstract: A controller (30) is capable of operating in two possible operative modes, each mode having a corresponding characteristic (11; 12). Said characteristics have an overlap in a range of error signal values [TLL–TN]. The controller is capable of switching from one mode to another, based on the value of the time-derivative (( ) of the input error signal (e), so that, for a certain input error signal within said range [TLL–TN], the controller can be in any of its modes.

Abstract: A reproducing apparatus for detecting a reproduction stop date when reproduction of image data is stopped in the past, and for determining a reproduction start position in the image data on a basis of the reproduction stop date, and further for starting the reproduction of the image data from the determined reproduction start position in response to an instruction of starting reproduction.

Abstract: An optical recording method and apparatus with different recording rates are provided for effectively increasing the average recording rate. The optical recording method includes the steps of: controlling a recording rate with a constant linear velocity (CLV) control mode; recording data; judging whether the recording rate has to be increased according to a rotating speed of a spindle motor or a recording position; and performing a process for changing the rotating speed if the recording rate is increased, and continuing recording data at the same recording rate if the recording rate is not increased. The step for changing the rotating speed includes the steps of: pausing recording data; registering a paused zone of a disc; determining a new rotating speed of the spindle motor, and driving the spindle motor at the new rotating speed; and linking recording zones to continue recording data at a new recording rate from the paused zone, when the rotating speed of the spindle motor is stable.

Abstract: An apparatus which stabilizes an operation of a disc driver in a mode conversion setting section includes a pickup which reads information from a disc that is inserted into the disc driver, a filter which performs a low-pass filtering of a servo error signal that is generated during an operation of the pickup, a selector which selects one of the servo error signal and the low-pass filtered servo error signal from the filter and outputs the selected servo error signal to drive the pickup using the selected servo error signal, and a control signal generator which generates a signal to control the selector to select the low-pass filtered servo error signal in a mode conversion setting section of the disc driver. Accordingly, a defocus and a detrack can be prevented in the mode conversion setting section of the disc driver.

Abstract: An optical recording method and apparatus with different recording rates are provided for effectively increasing the average recording rate. The optical recording method includes the steps of: controlling a recording rate with a constant linear velocity (CLV) control mode; recording data; judging whether the recording rate has to be increased according to a rotating speed of a spindle motor or a recording position; and performing a process for changing the rotating speed if the recording rate is increased, and continuing recording data at the same recording rate if the recording rate is not increased. The step for changing the rotating speed includes the steps of: pausing recording data; registering a paused zone of a disc; determining a new rotating speed of the spindle motor, and driving the spindle motor at the new rotating speed; and linking recording zones to continue recording data at a new recording rate from the paused zone, when the rotating speed of the spindle motor is stable.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a data area for recording data; and a drive information area for recording at least one piece of drive information. The data area is divided into a plurality of segmented areas in a radial direction of the information recording medium. Each at least one piece of drive information includes a recording and reproduction condition corresponding to at least one of the plurality of segmented areas.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a data recording area for recording data; a first drive information area for recording first drive information: and a second drive information area for recording second drive information. The first drive information and the second drive information each include a plurality of recording and reproduction conditions, and the plurality of recording and reproduction conditions each define an operation condition of an information recording and reproduction apparatus, which can have the information recording medium mounted thereon, for recording and reproducing the data. The plurality of recording and reproduction conditions are arranged in the order of time at which the plurality of recording and reproduction conditions are recorded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording data wherein the amount of light reflected from a disk is detected, and it is determined according to the amount of reflected light whether the disk is a recordable disk or a rewritable disk. The disk is controlled according to the result of determination such that it is rotated at a constant angular velocity (CAV) or at a constant linear velocity (CLV) and recording is executed. Further, rotation driving control of the disk is selected according to factors other than the type of the disk, such as according to whether random recording is allowed or not, according to a recording state in the disk, according to whether an alternative area is provided or not, according to a recording start position, or according to whether initialization is required or not. CLV control or CAV control is appropriately selected for a disk at recording to suppress a reduction in accessibility and a reduction in data transmission rate.

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing apparatus which allows freer utilization of data compressed under different data compression schemes. When data recorded on a magneto-optical disc of an MD under the ATRAC compression scheme is converted into that of the ATRAC3 compression scheme and re-recorded on the magneto-optical disc, selector switches are changed over in a predetermined combination. The data recorded under the ATRAC compression scheme is read and demodulated by a signal processing unit. The demodulation data is decoded into linear PCM data by a data expansion decoder. The linear PCM data is converted into data of the ATRAC3 compression scheme by a data compression encoder. The resultant is modulated by the signal processing unit and re-recorded on the magneto-optical disc. Here, the track numbers of the data originally recorded under the ATRAC compression scheme are kept unchanged, and associated with the data which is converted and recorded under the ATRAC3 compression scheme.

Abstract: An wobble signal detection circuit that is provided on an optical disk device and can detect a wobble signal having high accuracy and stability at least when recording information on an optical disk. This wobble signal detection circuit can be applied to plural types of optical recording media. With the wobble signal detection circuit, during a period for forming a space region, a first voltage signal provided from a first light receiving element is sampled and amplified to be a target voltage, a second voltage signal provided from a second light receiving element is sampled and amplified to be the target voltage. The difference between the two amplified signals are output as the wobble signal. The first and second light receiving elements are divided from each other in the direction tangential to a recording region on the optical recording medium.

Abstract: An optical record carrier includes an information layer having substantially parallel tracks (11-16). The information is recorded in a pattern of optically detectable marks. The tracks are arranged in groups, each group including at least one first track (11, 13, 15) having broad marks (18) and at least one second track (10, 12, 14, 16) having narrow marks (17) of a second width smaller than the first width. The radiation spot (19) for which the secretary is designed to be scanned the width, is larger than the track period.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recording data on an optical recording medium form a mark or a space by using a recording waveform having an erase pattern containing a multi-pulse. The method and the apparatus prevent distortion of the mark or the space and improve a mark shape such that a recording/reproducing characteristic of the optical recording medium is improved.

Abstract: In a CIRC encoder for carrying out error correction coding processing with a CIRC, a first interleaver and a second interleaver are provided which have different delay parameters, and these interleavers are switched in accordance with the recording density of an optical disc for recording data. Also, in a CIRC decoder, a first deinterleaver corresponding to the first interleaver and a second deinterleaver corresponding to the second interleaver are provided, and these deinterleavers are switched in accordance with the recording density of an optical disc for reproducing data. A recording/reproducing system is realized which is capable of carrying out appropriate recording and reproduction of data to and from an optical disc having a higher recording density can be carried out and is also capable of handling an optical disc of an existing format.

Abstract: A write pulse generator is provided with an adjusting section which adjusts a width of write pulses to be generated, a plurality of registers in which control values of adjusting made by the adjusting section are set, a selecting section which selects a control value from the registers and supplies the control value to the adjusting section, and a timing generator. The registers are successively arranged in a plurality of stages so that the control values are successively copied to the registers in subsequent stages. The timing generator generates timings at which the control values are successively copied to the registers in the subsequent stages. The selecting section selects and supplies to the adjusting section the control value held by a register in a final stage.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus comprises an information obtaining device which obtains necessary information for reproduction from a loaded recording medium and a reproduction control device which exerts control to reproduce recorded information from the recording medium based on the obtained information, and the apparatus prompts a user to select a type of the recording medium, accepts selection of the type of the recording medium from the user, and obtains the necessary information for reproduction from the recording medium according to the selected type of the recording medium.

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: An apparatus for writing on and reading an overwritable optical disk comprises an identifier detector that identifies a recording condition in the sector to be overwritten, and a delay time controller circuit that sets a variation range of the start point for writing according to the recording condition. The record timing of the modulated data signal is changed at random within the set variation range when overwriting the sector of the optical disk.

Abstract: The write-timing calibration involves (1) writing a calibration data sequence referenced to a physical timing clock (such as a wobble clock on a DVD disk), (2) measuring the timing offset or phase offset between the calibration data sequence and the clock, (3) writing a test data sequence using the same or a different recording device, (4) measuring the timing offset or phase offset between the test data and the clock, (5) comparing the timing offsets of the calibration and test data sequences, with respect to the clock, (6) iteratively adjusting the timing of the beginning of the write process, and repeating steps (3), (4) and (5) until the timing offsets are equal to within a defined tolerance, and (7) Adjusting the delay of the write driver relative to the clock by the amount determined in step (6), for equal timing offsets of the calibration and test data sequences.

Abstract: To enable a plurality of types of optical discs different in recording density from each other and quickly getting “ready” for writing and/or reading data to and/or from each of such optical discs, various controlling conditions requisite for the data writing and reading operations are stored in a memory for both optical discs having first and second recording densities, respectively. For a shorter time up to a “ready” state for data write or read, a controller makes an instant discrimination, based on the pattern of a sync signal “SYNC” included in an ATIP wobble signal supplied from an ATIP decoder, between the optical disc having the first recording density and that having the second recording density, reads, from the memory, controlling conditions corresponding to the result of the disc type discrimination, and sets operating parameters for each component of the optical disc drive.

Abstract: When data recording on a disk is interrupted due to the termination of data reception and recording is then resumed with reception of new data, specific data generated by a data generator (23) is added to the last block of the data received immediately before recording interruption and to the first block of the data received immediately after release of recording interruption to secure the interleave length of the aforementioned last and first blocks, respectively. Thus, the data in the last block of the received data is modulated into recording data and is recorded on the disk before recording interruption. Disk recording is resumed with recording data obtained by modulating data of the first block of the newly received data so that new recording data can be recorded so as to be continuous to the terminal end of the data already recorded on the disk without employing any link blocks.

Abstract: A laser beam is irradiated from a pickup head on a disk. Light reflected by the disk is detected by the pickup head. The data is binarized by a data slice circuit, and a synchronizing clock and a synchronizing signal are extracted by a PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit. The center frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator of the PLL and synchronizing signal separation circuit continuously changes according to a control voltage. A disk motor control circuit continuously changes the rotation speed of the disk in accordance with a control instruction from a system controller. The disk rotates at the highest rotation speed at which a data read operation is normally performed. The characteristics of the voltage controlled oscillator change in correspondence with the rotation speed of the disk.

Abstract: An information recording medium includes a data recording area for recording data; a first drive information area for recording first drive information; and a second drive information area for recording second drive information. The first drive information and the second drive information each include a plurality of recording and reproduction conditions, and the plurality of recording and reproduction conditions each define an operation condition of an information recording and reproduction apparatus, which can have the information recording medium mounted thereon, for recording and reproducing the data. The plurality of recording and reproduction conditions are arranged in the order of time at which the plurality of recording and reproduction conditions are recorded.

Abstract: An optical disk recording apparatus is designed for recording information on an optical disk by irradiation of a laser beam according to a given control procedure under a given recording condition. In the optical disk recording apparatus, an acquiring section acts when an operation of recording information is performed for acquiring the recording condition associated to the operation to be performed. A selecting section selects a control procedure according to the acquired recording condition from a plurality of different control procedures which are prepared beforehand. A control section controls the irradiation of the laser beam according to the selected control procedure during the operation of recording information. The selecting section selects the control procedure effective to enable the control section to regulate an irradiation power of the laser beam with a regulation accuracy matching a quality level of recording information indicated by the acquired recording condition.

Abstract: A rewriteable type optical recording medium for recording information has an information recording area for recording information and a recording/reproduction condition recording area for recording at least one recording/reproduction condition to be used in a recording/reproduction apparatus and at least one set of apparatus information for identifying a recording/reproduction apparatus which uses the at least one recording/reproduction condition. A plurality of recording/reproduction conditions and a plurality of sets of apparatus information, each one the plurality of sets of apparatus information corresponding to one of the plurality of recording/reproduction conditions, can be recorded on the rewriteable type optical recording medium and overwritten on the rewriteable type optical recording medium.

Abstract: A rewriteable type optical recording medium for recording information has an information recording area for recording information and a recording/reproduction condition recording area for recording at least one recording/reproduction condition to be used in a recording/reproduction apparatus and time information representing a date on which the at least one recording/reproduction condition was recorded. A plurality of recording/reproduction conditions and a plurality of time information, each one the plurality of time information corresponding to one of the plurality of recording/reproduction conditions, can be recorded on the rewriteable type optical recording medium and overwritten on the rewriteable type optical recording medium.

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

Abstract: A method for controlling a system for processing stored information on a storage medium, includes the following steps. Information on the storage medium is played back using one of a plurality of repeat modes during a play mode of operation. During the play mode of operation, a user is provided with an opportunity to select a repeat mode from among the plurality of repeat modes. The playback of the information on the storage medium is then changed to the selected repeat mode during the play mode of operation. Apparatus for processing information includes playback circuitry for retrieving information from the storage medium during a play mode of operation. A user control device is coupled to playback circuitry and receives user input.

Abstract: A rewriteable type optical recording medium for recording information has an information recording area for recording information and a recording/reproduction condition recording area for recording at least one recording/reproduction condition to be used in a recording/reproduction apparatus and at least one set of manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer of a recording/reproduction apparatus which uses the at least one recording/reproduction condition. A plurality of recording/reproduction conditions and a plurality of sets of manufacturer information, each one the plurality of sets of manufacturer information corresponding to one of the plurality of recording/reproduction conditions, can be recorded on the rewriteable type optical recording medium and overwritten on the rewriteable type optical recording medium.

Abstract: An optical recording medium has a recording/reproduction conditions recording area for recording recording/reproduction conditions and recording/reproduction apparatus information identifying the recording/reproduction apparatus using the recording/reproduction conditions. When the optical recording medium is accessed in a recording/reproduction apparatus, the recording/reproduction conditions for the recording/reproduction apparatus are used. Therefore, recording or reproduction can be performed with use of optimum recording/reproduction apparatus information appropriate for the optical recording medium and for the recording/reproduction apparatus. When the optical recording medium is used for the first time, test recording is performed by using a test recording region provided in the optical recording medium, and the obtained recording/reproduction conditions are recorded.

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: An optical recording medium has a recording/reproduction conditions recording area for recording recording/reproduction conditions and recording/reproduction apparatus information identifying the recording/reproduction apparatus using the recording/reproduction conditions. When the optical recording medium is accessed in a recording/reproduction apparatus, the recording/reproduction conditions for the recording/reproduction apparatus are used. Therefore, recording or reproduction can be performed with use of optimum recording/reproduction apparatus appropriate for the optical recording medium and for the recording/reproduction apparatus. When the optical recording medium is used for the first time, test recording is performed by using a test recording region provided in the optical recording medium, and the obtained recording/reproduction conditions are recorded.

Abstract: An optical disk having a plurality of substantially concentric tracks, each of which includes a plurality of segments each comprising a servo area ARs provided with servo pits for giving servo information to a disk drive and a data area ARd. Identification marks SGM, ADM, STM1, STM2 are recorded in the servo area ARs. The identification marks SGM, ADM, STM1, STM2 provide information for identifying the respective segments depending on the recording position in the servo area ARs.

Abstract: This invention prepares two control voltage to be input to a VCO circuit. The first control voltage is used to continuously change the oscillation frequency of the VCO circuit. The second control voltage is used to continuously change the first control voltage/oscillation frequency characteristics. The invention also includes a phase detecting circuit for comparing the phase of the data read from a disk with that of the output from the voltage-controlled oscillator, a frequency detecting circuit for comparing the frequency of the data read from the disk with that of the output from the voltage-controlled oscillator, a first filter circuit for equalizing signals representing the detection results obtained by the phase detecting circuit and the frequency detecting circuit, and a second filter circuit for extracting only a low-frequency component from the output from the first filter circuit. The output from the first filter circuit is used as the first control voltage.