RU2262141C2 - Optical disk and physical address format - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: optical data carriers.

SUBSTANCE: disk has track grooves, along which main information is recorded. Track groove is divided on multiple blocks. Each of multiple blocks includes multiple frames. Each of multiple frames contains oscillations of one of multiple given oscillation shapes, characterizing sub-information. Each of multiple blocks contains address information, represented by shape of oscillations of at least one of multiple frames.

EFFECT: lesser amount of service data, decreased possibility of increase in number of errors.

4 cl, 42 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an optical disc medium for recording information (e.g., digital video information) with high density, as well as an apparatus for operating an optical disc and a method for reproducing an optical disc used for an optical disc medium.

Prior art

Recently, the recording density on optical media drives is becoming increasingly high. In general, a recordable optical disc medium has track grooves previously applied thereto, and information is recorded along the track grooves, i.e. in the track grooves or in the spaces between the track grooves (hereinafter referred to as the "field"). Track grooves are in the form of sinusoidal oscillations, and information is recorded in synchronization with pulses generated based on the oscillation period. To record information in the required position on the recordable surface of the optical disc media, addresses are provided along the track groove. Three examples of address provisioning structures will be described below.

(1) Japanese Laid-open Publication No. 6-309672 discloses an optical disk on which track grooves in the form of waves are formed locally and interleaved, and address information can be reproduced in the form of so-called auxiliary pits (pre-pit). In this case, in the track groove there are sections of information recording intended only for the address, and sections intended only for data.

(2) Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 5-189934 discloses an optical disk on which there are frequency-modulated oscillations of the grooves, and address information (sub-information) is recorded using the wave frequency. In this case, information data is written over the address information.

(3) Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 9-326138 discloses an optical disc on which auxiliary pits are formed between adjacent track grooves and addresses are formed using auxiliary pits.

Given the future need for high density recordings, all of the above structures have their drawbacks.

In structure (1), the space available for data is reduced by the size of the space required for the addresses (the so-called service space). Thus, the memory capacity inevitably decreases by the amount of space for the addresses.

Structure (2) has the following disadvantage. Vibrations of the grooves were originally created primarily for the purpose of generating synchronizing pulses for recording information, and therefore are preferably formed with a single frequency. If all the oscillations of k are generated with a single frequency, then high-precision synchronizing recording signals can be generated by simple multiplication and synchronization of the oscillation reproduction signal using a phase-locked loop (PLL) or a similar device. However, if the waves have many frequency components, then it is necessary to reduce the frequency band suitable for the PLL, compared with the case of waves with a single frequency, in order to avoid pseudo-synchronization of the PLL. In this case, undesirable cases may occur when the PLL is not able to sufficiently compensate for phase jitter caused by beating of the disk engine or, for example, disc decentration. This leads to the fact that jitter is stored in the recorded signal.

In the case where the recording layer formed on the recording surface of the optical disc is a phase transition film, the signal-to-noise ratio of the recording layer may undesirably decrease upon repeated overwriting. Even in cases where this occurs, oscillations with a single frequency can eliminate the noise component using a band-pass filter for a narrow frequency band. However, in the case of frequency-modulated waves, the bandwidth of the transmitted frequencies should be increased taking into account the modulated frequencies. As a result, the noise component is mixed with the vibration reproduction signal, which further enhances phase jitter. An increase in jitter is undesirable because with an increase in recording density, the allowable limit of jitter is reduced.

In structure (3), auxiliary pits naturally affect the reading of information stored in adjacent track grooves. Thus, it is difficult to create a sufficient number of auxiliary pits, each of which would have a sufficient length. Therefore, there is an undesirable probability of an increase in the number of error detection, especially at a sufficiently high recording density.

In the light of the problems described above, the aim of the present invention is to create an optical disk carrier, which minimizes service data and describe addresses using oscillations having a single frequency, the creation of an apparatus for working with an optical disk and a method for reproducing (duplicating) an optical disk carrier.

Description of the invention

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an optical disc medium includes a track groove along which basic information is recorded. The track groove is broken into many blocks. Each of the multiple blocks includes multiple frames. Each of the plurality of frames includes a groove with a surface in the form of vibrations of a certain shape, which carry subinformation, selected from a plurality of predetermined vibration forms. Each of the many blocks contains address information. The address information is represented by a sequence of at least one sub-information element represented by a waveform of a groove of at least one of the plurality of frames.

In one embodiment, each of the multiple blocks includes multiple sectors. Many sectors include many frames. The address information is represented by a sequence of at least one sub-information element represented by a waveform of a groove of at least one of a plurality of frames included in at least one of the sectors.

In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of address information elements. Many elements of the address information are identical. Each of the plurality of address information elements is represented by a sequence of at least one sub-information element.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of address information elements includes a sequence number, the sequence number indicating the position of the corresponding address information element among the plurality of address information elements.

In one embodiment of the invention, the address information is represented by a plurality of bits, and the plurality of bits are represented by at least one sequence of sub-information from the least significant bit to the most significant bit.

In one embodiment, each of the multiple blocks includes multiple sectors. Many sectors include many frames. Address information is represented by at least one sequence included in multiple sectors. Information indicating a sector order among a plurality of sectors is represented by a part of at least one sub-information element.

In one embodiment of the invention, information indicative of at least one error detection code and error correction code is provided as part of at least one sub-information element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the track groove has an identification mark formed therein indicating the beginning of each of the plurality of blocks.

In one embodiment, an identification mark is made by cutting a track groove.

In one embodiment, the identification mark is made by locally varying the width of the track groove.

In one embodiment, the identification mark is made by varying the amplitude of the waveform of the grooves.

In one embodiment, the plurality of waveforms of the grooves include a first waveform and a second waveform, differing from each other by at least a rise gradient or a fall gradient, wherein the first waveform and the second waveform indicate different subinformation elements.

In one embodiment of the invention, the multiple waveforms of the grooves include a first waveform and a second waveform different from each other by a fill factor, wherein the first waveform and the second waveform indicate different subinformation elements.

In one embodiment, a plurality of waveforms of grooves are provided on one side of the track groove.

In one embodiment of the invention, the track groove includes an identification mark indicating at least either the beginning or the end of at least one sub-information sequence.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the plurality of blocks comprises a plurality of at least one sub-information sequence. The identification tag includes the beginning of at least one sub information sequence. The identification tag has a shape identical to another identification tag of at least one sub-information sequence in one block.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the plurality of blocks comprises a plurality of at least one sub-information sequence. An identification tag indicates the start of at least one sub-information sequence. At least one identification tag has a shape different from the shape of another identification tag of at least one sub-information sequence in one block.

In one embodiment of the invention, an identification tag indicates the end of at least one sub information sequence. The identification mark is formed by combining the first waveform of the grooves and the second waveform of the grooves, which differ from each other by at least a rise gradient or a fall gradient, with a third waveform of the grooves, which is a sinusoidal waveform.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the plurality of blocks comprises a plurality of at least one sub-information sequence. An identification tag indicates the end of at least one sub information sequence. The identification tag has a shape identical to another identification tag of at least one sub-information sequence in one block.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the plurality of blocks comprises a plurality of at least one sub-information sequence. An identification tag indicates the end of at least one sub information sequence. At least one identification tag has a shape different from that of another identification tag in at least one sub-information sequence in one block.

In one embodiment of the invention, an identification mark is created by cutting a portion of the field between adjacent sections of the track groove.

In one embodiment of the invention, an identification mark is created by cutting the field between adjacent sections of the track groove.

In one embodiment, single frequency dummy data is recorded in an identification tag.

In one embodiment, the number of sub-information elements indicating the low-order bit of the address information exceeds the number of sub-information elements indicating the high-order bit of the address information.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an optical disc medium includes a recording reproduction area and a disc management area. The recording playback area includes a first track groove along which basic information is recorded. The disc management area includes a second track groove made in at least an inner region or an outer region of the optical disc carrier. The second track groove includes a plurality of predetermined waveforms of the surface of the grooves. The control information of the optical disc carrier is represented by a combination of a plurality of predetermined waveforms of the grooves.

In one embodiment, the plurality of predetermined waveforms of the surface of the grooves includes a first waveform and a second waveform that differ from each other by at least a rise gradient and a fall gradient, and a third waveform of the grooves, which is a sinusoidal waveform.

In one embodiment, the first track groove comprises a plurality of predetermined waveforms of the grooves. The number of waveforms of the grooves, indicating 1-bit (single-bit) information in the field of disk management, differs from their number in the field of recording and playback.

In one embodiment, the first track groove includes a plurality of predetermined waveforms. The first track groove and the second track groove differ in oscillation frequency.

In one embodiment, the first track groove includes a plurality of predetermined waveforms of the grooves. The second track groove has a larger amplitude than the first track groove.

In one embodiment of the invention, adjacent portions of the second track groove have a constant phase difference of the waveforms of the grooves equal to π / 2 × (2n + 1), where n is an integer.

In one embodiment, the second track groove has a larger groove pitch than the first track groove.

In one embodiment, an identification mark is made in the track groove by varying the phase of the at least one waveform of the grooves.

In one embodiment, an identification mark is made in the track groove by varying the frequency of the at least one waveform of the grooves.

In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of waveforms of grooves are provided at regular intervals.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for reproducing an optical disc carrier including a track groove along which basic information is recorded. The track groove is divided into many blocks. Each of the multiple blocks includes multiple frames. Each of the plurality of frames includes a groove surface encoding subinformation, and representing vibrations of one shape selected from a plurality of predetermined waveforms, each of the plurality of track groove blocks contains address information. The address information is represented by a sequence of at least one sub-information element represented by the waveform of the grooves of at least one of the plurality of frames. The apparatus for working with an optical disk includes a conversion section for reading basic information and subinformation from the optical disk carrier and generating a playback signal; a computing section with a reproduction signal for generating a TE signal (tracking error signal) and an RF signal (radio frequency signal) from the reproduction signal; a clock generation section for generating a clock signal from a TE signal; a section for generating a two-level pulse signal from the TE signal; a block mark signal detection section for detecting a block mark signal by an RF signal; and a sub-information generating section for generating a sub-information signal from the synchronization signal, a two-level pulse signal, and a block mark signal.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for reproducing an optical disc medium that includes a track groove along which basic information is recorded. The track groove is divided into many blocks. Each of the multiple blocks includes multiple frames. Each of the plurality of frames includes one waveform of grooves representing sub information among a plurality of predetermined waveforms of the grooves. Each of the many blocks contains address information. The address information is represented by a sequence of at least one sub-information element represented by the waveform of the grooves of at least one of the plurality of frames. The method includes the steps of reading basic information and subinformation from an optical disc carrier and generating a playback signal; generating a TE signal and an RF signal from a reproduction signal; generating a clock signal from the TE signal; generating a two-level pulse signal from the TE signal; block label detection signal by RF signal; and generating a sub-information signal from the clock signal, a two-level signal, and a block label signal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 1 in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 illustrates an optical disc media of Example 1 in accordance with the invention,

Figure 3 illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 2 in accordance with the invention,

Figure 4 illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 3 in accordance with the invention,

5 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 4 in accordance with the invention,

6 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 5 in accordance with the invention,

7 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 6 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 8 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 7 in accordance with the invention,

Fig.9 illustrates an optical disc medium according to Example 7 in accordance with the invention,

Figure 10 illustrates the address structure of the optical disc media of Example 7 in accordance with the invention,

11 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 8 in accordance with the invention,

12 illustrates the address structure of an optical disc medium of Example 8 in accordance with the invention,

13 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 9 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 14 illustrates an address structure of an optical disc medium of Example 9 in accordance with the invention,

15 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 10 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 16 illustrates the address structure of an optical disc medium in Example 7 in accordance with the invention,

17 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 12 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 18 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 12 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 19 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc carrier of Example 12 in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 20 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 12 in accordance with the invention,

21 illustrates the address structure of an optical disc medium in Example 13 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 22 illustrates the address structure of an optical disc medium of Example 11 in accordance with the invention,

Figa illustrates a device apparatus for working with an optical disc medium according to Example 14 in accordance with the invention,

Figv is a functional diagram illustrating a method of reproducing information on an optical disc medium according to Example 14 in accordance with the invention,

24 illustrates an optical disc carrier of Example 15 in accordance with the invention,

Figa illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 15 in accordance with the invention,

Figv illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 15 in accordance with the invention,

Figa illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 15 in accordance with the invention,

Figv illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 15 in accordance with the invention,

Figa illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 16 in accordance with the invention,

Figv illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media according to Example 16 in accordance with the invention,

Figa illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 17 in accordance with the invention,

Figv illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media according to Example 17 in accordance with the invention,

Figa illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 18 in accordance with the invention,

Figv illustrates the track groove on the optical disc media of Example 18 in accordance with the invention,

30 illustrates a conventional optical disc medium,

Fig. 31 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 20 in accordance with the invention,

32 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 21 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 33 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 22 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 34 illustrates an apparatus for operating an optical disc carrier of Example 14 in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 35 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 19 in accordance with the invention, and

Fig. 36 illustrates a track groove on an optical disc medium of Example 15 in accordance with the invention.

Preferred Embodiment

The invention is illustrated by the following examples.

Example 1

Figure 2 illustrates an optical disc carrier 20 of Example 1 of the invention. The optical disc carrier 20 has a recording surface 101 on which a spiral track groove 102 is formed. As shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the track grooves 102 differs in different blocks. 1, a block mark (identification mark) 210 is a cut portion of a track groove 102 and is an indication of the start of each block.

Each block is divided into N sectors 25 (N = 32 or 16), and each sector 25 (subblock) is divided into M frames, indicated by numbers from # 0 to # 25 (M = 26). Each frame (the basic unit of information) has a predetermined number of periodically arranged oscillations 26 or 27. Oscillations 26 and 27 have predetermined shapes that differ from each other and represent sub-information ("0", "1" or "S"). Each type of subinformation ("0", "1" or "S") is represented by one waveform 26 or 27. The type of subinformation and waveform (oscillations 26 or 27) are in one-to-one correspondence. More specifically, the vibrations 26 and 27 both have in general the shape of the teeth with different rise parameters (rise gradients) and fall parameters (fall gradients). Fluctuations 26 or 27 are formed according to the type of sub information (“0” or “1”). The sequence of subinformation is represented by a combination of vibrations 26 and 27.

The difference in the gradient of the rise and the gradient of the decline between the oscillations 26 and 27 can be easily determined using a push-pull detection signal as follows. The scanning laser beam is directed into the track groove 102 and a differential signal is generated indicating the difference in the amount of light incident on the detector portions of the light pickup element divided in a direction perpendicular to the track groove 102 (radial direction) of the optical disc carrier 20 (i.e., push-pull signal). Thus, a detecting signal is obtained having a rise gradient and a fall gradient, varying depending on whether the sub information corresponds to the values “0” or “1”. This difference in the rise gradient and the fall gradient can be easily identified, for example, by differentiating the detection signal.

Thus, the type of subinformation can be determined by the value obtained as a result of differentiation. However, when using differentiation, the noise component naturally increases. For an optical disc carrier having a low signal-to-noise ratio, detection errors should be expected. In this example, each type of vibration 26 and 27 is repeated many times in order to increase the reliability of detection.

Basic information (eg, rewritable user data) is recorded in a separate block 241 along the track groove 102, starting with the label of block 210. The separate block 241 has a predetermined length, for example, 64 kB (or 32 kB). The basic information can be recorded in the form of recording marks 28. The recording mark 28 is applied by phase transition of the recording layer. A separate unit is an information processing unit and is, for example, a unit with an error correction code (ECC). Block 241 is divided into 32 sectors 25 if N = 32 (or 16 sectors 25 if N = 16). Each sector 25 is a subunit having a length of 2 kB. Each sector 25 is divided into 26 frames, numbered from # 0 to # 25, with M = 26.

A frame is the basic unit of information recorded in track groove 102. In FIG. 1, frame # 0 is indicated by 22, and frame # 1 is indicated by 23. As shown in frames 22 and 23, each frame includes one type of groove profile oscillation, formed in advance on a periodic basis. Thus, each of the frames 22 and 23 describes a one-bit sub information (1-bit) of "0", "1" or "S". A subinformation group of size 26 bits (M = 26), which is included in each sector 25, indicates the block ID (address information) of the corresponding unit block 241. At the beginning of each frame from # 0 to # 25, a SYNC mark is recorded. The SYNC mark is a synchronization signal recorded to indicate the beginning of each frame of basic information when recording basic information in the form of recording marks 28. The period of oscillation of the grooves is used as clock signals to synchronize the rotation of the optical disk media 20 and record signals, and is also used as synchronization signal when playing address information.

In addition to address information, the unit ID may include an error correction code, an error detection code or a parity code, or the like, for correcting or detecting detection signals.

Frame 22 includes only vibrations 26 having a slight rise gradient and a large fall gradient. Frame 23 includes only oscillations 27 having a large rise gradient and a slight fall gradient. If, for example, one frame includes 8 vibrations, then one sector 25 includes 8 × 26 = 208 vibrations (including vibrations 26 and 27).

The sub-information group recorded in sector 25 can be accurately identified, since a difference in the rise gradient and the fall gradient between 208 oscillations 26 and 27 as a whole can be detected, despite some detection errors caused by noise. Read reliability is further enhanced by repeating the same block ID 32 times (if N = 32) or 16 times (if N = 16). According to an Example of a specific technique for identifying a subinformation group, the differential waveform of a push-pull signal is sampled and stored for each rise and each falloff, and the logical product of the rise gradients and the logical product of the fall gradients are compared. Thus, the noise component is eliminated and only the sub-information component can be extracted.

In this example, the label of block 210 is a cut-off portion of the track groove 102, and therefore, the basic information in the label of block 210 is preferably not overwritten. The reason for this is that the amount of reflected light varies significantly depending on the presence or absence of a groove, and this significant difference acts on the playback signal as an external disturbance. In this example, the section including the label of block 210 is designated as the recording section of VFO 21. The recording section of VFO 21 is used to record the VFO 211, which is a single frequency signal for adjusting the PLL frequency to reproduce the basic information that is recorded after the recording section of the VFO 21. Even in the case of slight external fluctuations, the VFO 211 simply causes a local phase jitter and does not directly lead to any errors. In addition, the VFO 211 is single-frequency and therefore allows us to separate the frequency of the external disturbance created by the label block 210.

In this example, one unit block 241 (one block) is divided into 32 (or 16) sectors 25, and each sector 25 is divided into 26 frames (frames # 0 to # 25). In each of the frames from # 0 to # 25, vibrations 26 or 27 are preliminarily formed, having a shape corresponding to sub information. Since the sub-information group recorded in one sector 25 is a block ID, the same block ID (address information) can be re-formed in 32 (or 16) sectors 25 included in a separate block 241.

In this case, the subinformation group may include a serial number indicating the order of the repeated block ID (address information), i.e. an indication that the specific block ID is fifth, tenth, etc. Such a number is suitable for determining ultimately the address number by seniority. In addition, this number provides useful information for signal processing, for example, which of the sectors 25 in the block is currently being read or which sub-information group in the block contains an error.

In the case of an optical disc carrier having a plurality of recording surfaces or layers, the serial number of the recording layer may be included in the subinformation group. Thus, the recording surface can be easily identified.

As described above, in this example, one information block is divided into 32 (N = 32) or 16 (N = 16) sectors, and each sector is divided into 26 (M = 26) frames. In each of the 26 frames, groove vibrations with a shape corresponding to sub information are pre-formed. The same block ID (address information) is generated in all 32 (or 16) sectors of the block. Thus, the address is formed without the need to use any service space, i.e. without the need for auxiliary pits between track grooves.

The groove vibrations used in this example have a single constant frequency, although these vibrations have different rise and fall gradients according to the type of sub information. Thus, a clock signal for recording, having a reduced phase jitter, can be isolated by first using a band-pass filter that ensures that only the oscillation frequency of the groove passes to exclude the noise component, and then synchronizes and multiplies the obtained frequency using the PLL.

The read reliability of a block ID can be increased by repeating the same block ID.

In this example, the block ID has 26 bits, which corresponds to the number of frames. The number of bits of the address information is not limited to 26 and can be any desired number in accordance, for example, with the amount of data recorded on the optical disc medium or with the type and system of the error correction code.

In this example, the unit block is divided into 32 sectors with N = 32 (or 16 sectors with N = 16). The present invention is not limited to so many sectors.

In this example, the sub information is recorded in 26 frames included in each sector with M = 26. The present invention is not limited to so many frames.

In this example, the sub information is recorded after modulating the sawtooth grooves into the vibrations. The present invention is not limited to such a waveform of the groove. Subinformation may be recorded after modulation into the vibrations of the grooves having the form, for example, shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 7, as described below.

In this example, the block label is a cut section of the track groove. The present invention is not limited to this form of block label. For example, the block label may be modulated into vibrations having a shape, for example, shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, as described below.

Example 2

Figure 3 illustrates the track groove 10 of Example 2 of the present invention. The track groove 10 may be formed on the optical disc carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2, instead of the track groove 102 shown in FIG. 1. In this example, the track groove 10 has vibrations 28 denoting the sub information “S” recorded in frame 24, in addition to vibrations 26 in frame 22, denoting sub information “0”, and vibrations 27 in frame 23, denoting sub information “1”. As in Example 1, the address information is represented by a combination of subinformation "0" and subinformation "1". The subinformation "S" is at the beginning of the block and is used to indicate the beginning of the block instead of the block label 210 shown in FIG. In this way, the overhead necessary for the label of block 210 can be eliminated. In this example, the vibrations 28 representing the sub-information “S” have a steep rise gradient and a steep fall gradient.

Example 3

Figure 4 illustrates the track groove 11 of Example 3 in accordance with the invention. The track groove 11 may be formed on the optical disc carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2, instead of the track groove 102 shown in FIG. 1. In the first and second examples, oscillations of the same shape corresponding to one type of sub information are periodically repeated, and for different types of sub information, oscillations having different rise and fall gradients are used. In this example, the vibrations of the grooves 29 and 30 are formed so that they have different fill factors in accordance with the type of subinformation. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the vibrations of the groove 29, denoting the sub information “0” recorded in frame 32, have a large width in one of the regions of the apex or trough of the vibrations (in the region of the trough in the example in FIG. 4), and the vibrations of the groove 30, denoting the sub information “1” recorded in frame 34, have a large width in another of the regions of the peak or trough of the waves (in the region of the peak of the waves in the example of FIG. 4). This distinguishing feature eliminates the need to differentiate the playback signal to identify the type of sub information. The reproduction signal can be identified by simply measuring the duty cycle using a synchronizing or similar device. Thus, the effect of noise can be reduced.

Example 4

Figure 5 shows the track groove 200 of Example 4 in accordance with the invention. The track groove 200 may be formed on the optical disc carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2, instead of the track groove 102 shown in FIG. 1. In Example 1, a portion of the track groove 102 is cut to create a block label 210. In this example, instead of the block label 210, the block label 212 is used, formed by locally increasing the width of the track groove 200. When recording or playing back basic information, the beginning of the block can be identified by detecting the block label 212 Using the mark of block 212 avoids cutting off a portion of the track groove 200, whereby basic information can also be recorded in the mark area of block 212. As a result, it can be reduced the amount of additional area for service information.

Example 5

6 illustrates the track groove 201 of Example 5 in accordance with the invention. The track groove 201 may be formed on the optical disc carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2, instead of the track groove 102 shown in FIG. 1. In Example 1, a portion of the track groove 102 is cut off to create a block label 210. In this example, instead of the block label 210, the block label 213 is used, formed by a local increase in the amplitude of the vibrations. When recording or playing back basic information, the beginning of the block can be identified by detecting the label of block 213. As in Example 4, using the label of block 213 avoids cutting off the track groove 201, so that the basic information can also be recorded in the label of block 213.

Example 6

7 illustrates a track groove 202 and a field 203 of Example 6 in accordance with the invention. The optical disc carrier in this example has oscillations of the grooves 220 and 230 formed from only one side of the track groove 202. Examples 1-5 relate to an optical disc carrier recorded in a track on which basic information is recorded in the track groove. There is another type of optical disc carrier, the so-called field-track disc. On optical discs of this type, the basic information is recorded both in the grooves and in the fields (the space between two adjacent grooves) along track groove 202. Examples 1-5 can be combined with a field-track type optical disc carrier described in this an example.

In Fig. 7, subinformation "0" and subinformation "1" are recorded along one side of track groove 202. Oscillations 220 generated in frame 221 indicate subinformation "0", and vibrations 230 generated in frame 231 indicate subinformation "1" . Thus, the track groove 202 and the field 203 adjacent to the track groove 202 are represented by the same address. The basic information is recorded both in the track groove 202 and in the field 203. When recording the basic information in this way, the pitch of the tracks can be reduced, which allows for a high recording density.

Example 7

9 illustrates an optical disc carrier 800 of Example 7 in accordance with the invention. The optical disc medium 800 has a recording surface 801, which has a spiral track groove 802 formed thereon. As shown in FIG. 8, the track grooves 802 have a shape different in different blocks. In FIG. 8, a block mark (identification mark) 810 is a cut portion of a track groove 802 and is a pointer indicating the beginning of each block.

Each block is divided into N sectors 825 (N = 32 or 16), and each sector 825 is divided into M frames from # 0 to # 25 (M = 26). Each frame has a predetermined number of periodically repeating oscillations 826 or 827. The oscillations 826 and 827 have predetermined shapes that are different from each other, and denote sub information (“0”, “1” or “S”). Each type of subinformation ("0", "1" or "S") is represented by one waveform of the groove 826 or 827. The type of subinformation and the shape of the grooves (vibrations 826 or 827) are related by a one-to-one relationship. More specifically, the vibrations 826 and 827 are generally sawtooth and have different shapes of the rise section (or rise gradient) and the fall section (fall gradients). Oscillations 826 or 827 are formed according to the type of sub information (“0” or “1”). The sequence of sub information is represented by a combination of vibrations of grooves 826 and 827.

The difference in the values of the gradient of the rise and the gradient of the decline between the grooves 826 and 827 can be easily determined using a differential push-pull detection signal as follows. A scanning laser beam is directed into track groove 802 and a differential signal is generated indicating the difference in the amount of light received by the detector portions of the light pickup element divided along a line perpendicular to track groove 802 (radial direction) of the optical disc carrier 800 (i.e., a push-pull signal ) In this way, a detection signal is obtained having a rise gradient and a fall gradient, varying depending on whether the sub-information has a value of “0” or “1”. This difference in the values of the rise gradient and the gradient of the decline can be easily identified by, for example, differentiating the detected signal.

Thus, the type of subinformation can be determined by the value obtained as a result of differentiation. However, when using differentiation, the noise component naturally increases. For an optical disc carrier having a low signal to noise ratio, a detection error should be expected. In this example, to improve detection reliability, each oscillation element 826 and 827 is repeated many times.

Basic information is recorded in a separate block 841 along the track groove 802, starting with the label of block 810. A single block 841 has a predetermined length, for example, 64 kb (or 32 kb). The basic information can be recorded in the form of recording marks 28. A separate unit is an information processing unit, and is, for example, a unit with an error correction code (ECC). A separate block 841 is divided into 32 sectors 825 if N = 32 (or 16 sectors 825 if N = 16). Each sector 25 is a subunit having a length of 2 kB. Each sector 25 is divided into 26 frames from # 0 to # 25 at M = 26. At the beginning of each frame from # 0 to # 25, a SYNC mark is written, which is used as a synchronization signal when playing data.

A frame is the basic unit of information recorded in track groove 802. In Fig. 8, frame # 0 is denoted by 822, and frame # 1 is denoted by 823. As shown in frames 822 and 823, each frame includes one type of vibration pre-generated and arranged periodically. Thus, each of frames 822 and 823 contains a 1-bit subinformation "0", "1" or "S". A 26-bit sub-information group (M = 26) included in each sector 825 denotes at least a portion of the block ID (address information) of the corresponding unit block 841.

Each frame from # 0 to # 25 is assigned one-bit information. For example, 8 frames (i.e. 8 bits) are defined as the 1-byte portion of the block ID. The next 8 frames are defined as parity of 1 byte of the block ID. The next 5 frames define the 5-bit byte sector number. The remaining 5 frames define a 5-bit sector number parity bit. The sector number indicates the order of the sector among multiple sectors (i.e., fifth sector, tenth sector, etc.). Each parity indicates at least either an error detection code or an error correction code.

The sub information for one sector, defined as described above, is located, for example, in 4 sectors 825 (i.e., a group of sectors 825 '). By specifying a part of the block ID, i.e. 1 byte for each of the 4 sectors, you can represent a 32-bit block ID (8 bits × 4 = 32 bits).

10 illustrates a typical sub-information format recorded in sectors 825 of an individual block 841 and frames from # 0 to # 25. 10, the sector numbers are indicated in the leftmost section. To the right of them is the sub information recorded in the frames of each of the sectors. It is assumed that a separate block 841 includes 32 sectors. Sector numbers in brackets "()" indicate sector numbers in the case where a separate block 841 includes 16 sectors. Each of frames # 0 through # 25 includes 1 bit of sub information. In this example, a separate block 841 is a block with an error correction code (ECC).

Next, the contents of sector 0 will be described. From frames # 0- # 25 of sector 0, frames # 0 to # 7 are encoded sequentially, starting with the least significant bit (LSB), the first 1 byte of 4 bytes (32 bits) of the ECC block address . In frames # 8 through # 15, the subinformation of the first 1 byte of 4 bytes of the parity control address of the ECC block is encoded. In frames # 16 through # 20, 5 bits of sub information representing a sector number are encoded. In frames # 21 through # 25, 5 bits of sub information representing the sector number parity are encoded. As shown in FIG. 8, in sector 0, 1 byte with the value “01h” is encoded as part of the block ID.

Next, the contents of sector 1 will be described. From frames # 0- # 25 of sector 1, in frames # 0 through # 7, the second 1 byte of 4 bytes (32 bits) of the ECC block address is encoded sequentially, starting with the least significant bit. In frames # 8 through # 15, the subinformation of the second 1 byte of 4 bytes of the parity of the ECC block address is encoded. In frames # 16 through # 20, 5 bits of sub information representing a sector number are encoded. In frames # 21 through # 25, 5 bits of sub information representing the sector number parity are encoded. As shown in FIG. 8, in sector 1, 1 byte with a value of “23h” is encoded as part of the block ID.

Next, the contents of sector 2 will be described. From frames # 0 to # 25 of sector 2, in frames # 0 to # 7, the third 1 byte of 4 bytes (32 bits) of the ECC block address is encoded sequentially, starting with the least significant bit. In frames # 8 through # 15, the subinformation of the third 1 byte of 4 bytes of the parity of the ECC block address parity is encoded. In frames # 16 through # 20, 5 bits of sub information representing a sector number are encoded. In frames # 21- # 25, 5 bits of sub information representing the sector number parity are encoded. As shown in FIG. 8, in sector 2, 1 byte with a value of “45h” is encoded as part of the block ID.

Next, the contents of sector 3 will be described. From frames # 0 to # 25 of sector 3, in frames # 0 to # 7, the fourth 1 byte of 4 bytes (32 bits) of the ECC block address is encoded sequentially, starting with the least significant bit. In frames # 8 through # 15, the subinformation of the fourth 1 byte out of 4 bytes of the parity control address of the ECC block is encoded. In frames # 16 through # 20, 5 bits of sub information representing a sector number are encoded. In frames # 21 through # 25, 5 bits of sub-information representing the parity of the sector number are encoded. As shown in FIG. 8, in sector 3, 1 byte with a value of “67h” is encoded as part of the block ID.

Thus, the 32-bit block ID "76543210h" is represented by combining 1-byte information from each of the 4 sectors 825.

The 4 bytes of the block ID in sectors 825 are preferably arranged in read order, i.e. sequentially from the first read sector 825 to the last read sector 825 and from the least significant bit to the most significant bit of the block ID.

Next, the contents of sectors 4 and others will be described. In sectors 4-7, the content description of sectors 0-3 is repeated. Similarly, in sectors 8-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-23, 24-27 and 28-31, the description of the contents of sectors 0-3 is repeated.

As a result, information in 4 sectors is described 8 times (4 times if a unit block 841 includes 16 sectors). Thus, the parity information for implementing error correction can be added to each individual block 841. The reliability of reading the block ID can be improved.

Since sector numbers are described even if 1 byte of the block ID is missing, the missing 1 byte can be easily identified by reading the sector number. Thus, the reliability of reading the block ID can be improved.

The fact that sector numbers are described provides the following advantage. If the data is not read continuously, for example, after a search operation, then immediately after the search operation instead of reading a separate block 841, starting from the label of block 810 at its beginning, the sector number for sector 825 can be read. Thanks to this operation, the ID block can be accurately defined by reading sub information in 4 sectors 825, starting from an arbitrary sector 825.

Since the block ID is accurately determined by simply reading any group of sectors 825 ', each of which includes 4 sectors (8 kB = 2 kB × 4), subsequent processing (data reading, data writing, etc.) can be performed quickly.

Even if up to 4 sectors the block IDs are not read correctly due to a scratch on the disk (defect), the exact block ID can be read from a group of sectors without a defect. Thus, a significantly higher level of reliability of reading the block ID is guaranteed.

Instead of a sector number in one sector group 825 ′, an ID number may be described indicating the order of the sector among 4 sectors 825 (i.e., the first sector, second sector, etc.) included in one sector group. If in Fig. 10, frames # 16- # 25 show a 5-bit sector number and 5-bit parity of the sector number, then Fig. 16 illustrates a 2-bit ID number, 2-bit parity ID number and 6-bit serial the number of the repeating block ID indicating the order of the repeating block ID, in frames # 16- # 25.

In the case of using ID numbers, 5 bits of sub information required for each sector number can be reduced to 2 bits. By using the remaining 8 bits (frames # 18- # 25), the ability to correct error ID numbers can be improved, or the sequence number of the block ID can be described.

Using the description of ID numbers provides the following benefits. If the data is not read continuously, for example, after a search operation, then immediately after the search operation, instead of reading a separate block 841, starting from the label of block 810 at its beginning, sector ID 825 can be read. Thanks to this operation, the block ID can be precisely determined by reading the sub information of 4 sectors 825, starting with an arbitrary sector 825.

In the case where the subinformation includes the sequence number of the block ID, the sequence number can be used to accurately determine the address number by seniority. In addition, this number contains useful information for signal processing, for example, which sector 825 in the block is currently being read or which sub-information group in the block is erroneous.

In the case of an optical disc carrier having a plurality of recordable surfaces or layers, the serial number of the recording layer may be included in the subinformation group. Thus, the recording surface can be easily identified. For example, one of four identical serial numbers in FIG. 16 may be replaced by the serial number of the recording layer. Thus, the recording surface can be easily identified.

In this example, the block ID has 32 bits. The number of bits of address information is not limited to 32, and can be any necessary number in accordance, for example, with the amount of data recorded on the optical disc media, or with the type and system of the error correction code.

In this example, a separate block is divided into 32 sectors with N = 32 (or 16 sectors with N = 16). The present invention is not limited to so many sectors.

In this example, the sub information is recorded in 26 frames, which are included in each sector with M = 26. The present invention is not limited to so many frames.

In this example, the sub information is recorded after modulating the sawtooth grooves into the vibrations. The present invention is not limited to such a waveform of the groove. Subinformation can be written after modulation into oscillations having the form, for example, shown in Fig. 4 or 7.

In this example, the block label is a cut section of the track groove. The present invention is not limited to this form of block label. For example, the block label may be modulated into vibrations having a shape, for example, shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

Example 8

11 illustrates the track groove 1102 of Example 8 in accordance with the invention. The track groove 1102 may be formed on the optical disc carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2, instead of the track groove 102 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the shape of the track groove 1102 differs in different blocks. 11, a block mark (identification mark) 1110 is a cut portion of a track groove 1102 and is a pointer indicating the beginning of each block.

Each block is divided into the number N of sectors 1125 (N = 32 or 16), and each sector 1125 is divided into the number of M frames from # 0 to # 25 (M = 26). Each frame contains a predetermined number of periodically repeating vibrations of the groove 1126 or 1127. The oscillations of the grooves 1126 and 1127 have predetermined shapes that differ from each other and are carriers of sub-information ("0", "1" or "S"). Each type of sub information ("0", "1" or "S") is represented by one waveform of the groove 1126 or 1127. The type of sub information and the form of vibration of the groove (vibration 1126 or 1127) are in one-to-one correspondence. More specifically, the vibrations of the grooves 1126 and 1127 have a generally sawtooth shape and have different shapes of the rise sections (or rise gradient) and the shape of the fall sections (fall gradients). Track grooves 1126 or 1127 are formed according to the type of sub information (“0” or “1”). The sequence of subinformation is represented by a combination of vibrations of the grooves 1126 and 1127.

The difference in the gradient of the rise and the gradient of the decline between the oscillations of the grooves 1126 and 1127 can be easily determined using the differential push-pull detection signal as follows. The scanning laser beam is directed into the track groove 1102, and a differential signal is generated indicating the difference in the amount of light received by the detector portions of the light pickup element divided along a line perpendicular to the track groove 1102 (radial direction) of the optical disc carrier 20 (i.e., push-pull signal). In this way, a detection signal having a rise gradient and a fall gradient, varying depending on whether the sub information has a value of “0” or “1”, is obtained. This difference in the rise gradient and the fall gradient can be easily identified, for example, by differentiating the detection signal.

Thus, the type of subinformation can be determined by the value of the value obtained as a result of differentiation. However, when using differentiation, the noise component naturally increases. For an optical disc carrier having a low signal to noise ratio, detection errors should be expected. In this example, each type of vibration of the grooves 1126 and 1127 is repeated many times in order to increase the reliability of detection.

Basic information is recorded in a separate block 1141 along the track groove 1102, starting with the label of block 1110. A single block 1141 has a predetermined length, for example, 64 kB (or 32 kB). The basic information can be recorded in the form of recording marks 28. A separate block is a unit of information processing and is, for example, a block with an error correction code (ECC). A separate block 1141 is divided into 32 sectors 1125 if N = 32 (or 16 sectors 1125 if N = 16). Each sector 1125 is a subunit having a length of 2 kb. Each sector 1125 is divided into 26 frames from # 0 to # 25 at M = 26. At the beginning of each of the frames # 0 to # 25, the SYNC mark is recorded as the clock signal used to reproduce the data.

A frame is the basic unit of information recorded in track groove 1102. In FIG. 11, frame # 0 is indicated by 1122, and frame # 1 is indicated by 1123. As shown in frames 1122 and 1123, each frame includes one type of groove vibration generated in advance and recurring. Thus, each of frames 1122 and 1123 describes 1 bit of sub-information "0", "1" or "S". A 26-bit sub-information group (M = 26) included in each sector 1125 indicates at least a portion of the block ID (address information) of the corresponding individual block 1141.

The block ID may include an error correction code, an error detection code or a parity code, and the like. to correct or detect detection signals, in addition to information indicating the address.

26 frames in each sector 1125 are divided into, for example, the first 13 frames (frames # 0- # 12; the first group of frames) and the second 13 frames (frames # 13-25; the second group of frames). In every 13 frames, 1 sub-information bit is recorded as part of the block ID. Thus, in each sector 1125, 2 bits of sub information are recorded as part of the block ID.

12 illustrates a typical sub-information format recorded in sectors 1125 of an individual block 1141 and frames from # 0 to # 25. 12, the leftmost section indicates sector numbers. To the right of it is shown the sub information recorded in the frames of each sector. In the first 13 frames 1 bit of sub information is recorded, and in the second 13 frames (group of frames) 1 bit of sub information is recorded. In this example, the unit block 1141 is an ECC block. Each of BO-B31 indicates the serial number of the bit (i.e., whether the corresponding bit is the first bit, second bit, etc.) in the address of the ECC block.

Next, the content of sector 0 will be described. From frames # 0 to # 25 of sector 0, the frames 1 # to # 12 (the first group of frames) encode the first 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address (LSB). In frames # 13- # 25 (the second group of frames), sub information about the second 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 11, in sector 0, 2 bits of information (“0” and “1”) are encoded as part of the block ID.

In the first frames of sector 0, instead of the first 1 bit of the address of the ECC block (LSB), the SYNC code "S" can be encoded indicating the beginning of the address of the ECC block. The SYNC "S" code can be used as a clock signal to reproduce the address of the ECC block or as an identification mark for detecting the beginning of the address of the ECC block.

Next, the contents of sector 1 will be described. Of the frames from # 0 to # 25 of sector 1 in frames # 0- # 12, the third 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. In frames # 13- # 25, the subinformation of the fourth 1 byte out of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 11, in sector 1, 2 bits of information (“0” and “1”) are encoded as part of a block ID.

Thus, the 32-bit block ID is represented by a combination of 2 bits of information from each of the 16 sectors 1125.

If the ECC block has a length of 32 kB and the unit block 1141 is divided into 16 sectors 1125, a 32-bit block can be obtained by writing 2 bits of subinformation to each sector 1125.

In the case where the ECC block has a length of 32 kB, one block ID is represented by 16 sectors, as described above. In the case where the ECC block has a length of 64 kB, one separate block 1141 contains 32 sectors 1125. In sectors 16-31, the contents of sectors 0-15 are re-described. Thus, information in 16 sectors (sub-information group) is described twice.

Since the subinformation in a separate block 1141 is recorded repeatedly, the block ID is completely determined by reading a total of 16 sectors, i.e. 32kB (2kB × 16). Thus, subsequent processing (reading data, writing data, etc.) can be carried out quickly. Since the block ID is repeated twice in a separate block 1141, it is possible to increase the reliability of reading the block ID.

Instead of rewriting the block ID in a single block 1141, information other than the block ID may be included. For example, a block ID number may be included in a subinformation group. The serial number can be used to fully determine the address number by seniority. In addition, such a number contains useful information for signal processing, for example, which sector 1125 in the block is currently being read or which sub-information group in the block is incorrect.

In the case of an optical disc carrier having a plurality of recording surfaces or layers, the serial number of the recording layer may be included in the subinformation group. Thus, the recording surface can be easily identified, as described above with reference to Fig.16.

In this example, the block ID has 32 bits. The number of bits of the address information is not limited to 32, and can be any desired number in accordance with, for example, the amount of data recorded on the optical disc medium or the type and system of the error correction code.

In this example, a separate block is divided into 32 sectors with N = 32 (or 16 sectors with N = 16). The present invention is not limited to so many sectors.

In this example, the sub information is recorded in 26 frames that are part of each sector with M = 26. The present invention is not limited to so many frames.

In this example, the sub information is recorded after modulation into gear sawtooth oscillations. The present invention is not limited to such a waveform. Subinformation can be recorded after modulation into oscillations having the form, for example, shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 7.

In this example, the block label is a cut section of the track groove. The present invention is not limited to this form of block label. For example, the block label may be modulated into vibrations having a shape, for example, shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

Example 9

13 illustrates the track groove 1302 of Example 9 in accordance with the invention. The track groove 1302 may be formed on the optical disc carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2, instead of the track groove 102 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 13, the track groove 1302 has a different shape in different blocks. 13, a block mark (identification mark) 1310 is a cut portion of a track groove 1302 and is a pointer marking the beginning of each block.

Each block is divided into N sectors 1325 (N = 32 or 16), and each sector 1325 is divided into M frames from # 0 to # 25 (M = 26). Each frame contains a predetermined number of periodically repeating vibrations 1326 or 1327. The oscillations of the grooves 1326 and 1327 have different predetermined shapes and represent sub-information (“0”, “1” or “S”). Each type of subinformation ("0", "1" or "S") is represented by a specific waveform 1326 or 1327. The type of subinformation and waveform (oscillation of the groove 1326 or 1327) are in one-to-one correspondence. More specifically, the oscillations 1326 and 1327 both have a generally sawtooth shape, with different shapes of the rise sections (or rise gradient) and the fall sections (fall gradients). Fluctuations in the groove 1326 or 1327 are formed according to the type of sub information (“0” or “1”). The sequence of subinformation is represented by a combination of oscillations 1326 and 1327.

The difference in the gradient of the rise and the gradient of the decline between the oscillations of the grooves 1326 and 1327 can be easily determined by the differential push-pull detection signal as follows. The scanning laser beam is directed to the track groove 1302 and a differential signal is generated indicating the difference between the amounts of light received by the detector portions of the light pickup element divided along a line perpendicular to the track groove 1302 (radial direction) of the optical disc carrier 20 (i.e., a push-pull signal ) Thus, a detection signal having a rise gradient and a fall gradient, depending on whether the sub information has a value of “0” or “1”, is obtained. This difference in the rise gradient and the fall gradient can be easily identified by, for example, differentiating the detection signal.

Thus, the type of subinformation can be determined by the value obtained as a result of differentiation. However, when using differentiation, the noise component naturally increases.

For an optical disc with a low signal-to-noise ratio, detection errors should be expected. In this example, each waveform 1326 and 1327 is repeated multiple times to increase detection reliability.

Basic information is recorded in a separate block 1341 along the track groove 1302, starting with the label of block 1310. The separate block 1341 has a predetermined length, for example, 64 kB (or 32 kB). The basic information can be recorded in the form of recordable labels 28. A separate block is a unit of information processing and is, for example, an ECC block. A separate block 1341 is divided into 32 sectors 1325 if N = 32 (or 16 sectors 1325 if N = 16). Each sector 1325 is a subunit having a length of 2 kB. Each sector 1325 is divided into 26 frames from # 0 to # 25 at M = 26. At the beginning of each of the frames # 0 to # 25, the SYNC mark is recorded as the clock signal used to reproduce the data.

A frame is the basic unit of information recorded in track groove 1302. In FIG. 13, frame # 0 is indicated by 1322, and frame # 1 is indicated by 1323. As shown in frames 1322 and 1323, each frame includes one type of vibration generated previously and recurring. Thus, in each of frames 1322 and 1323, 1 sub-information bit “0”, “1”, or “S” is described. A subinformation group of 26 bits (M = 26) included in each sector 1325 indicates at least a portion of the block ID (address information) of the corresponding individual block 1341.

26 frames in each sector 1325 are divided into, for example, the first 13 frames (frames # 0- # 12; the first group of frames) and the second 13 frames (frames # 13- # 25; the second group of frames). In 13 frames of the first group of frames, periodically repeating oscillations of the same shape are preliminarily formed. In 13 frames of the second group of frames, periodically repeating oscillations of the same shape are preliminarily formed. Thus, in each sector 1325, 2 bits of sub-information “0”, “1” or “S” are described. The 32 sub-information bits in each sector 1325 indicate at least a portion of the block ID (address information) of the corresponding individual block 1341.

The block ID may include, in addition to address information, an error correction code, an error detection code or a parity code, etc. to correct or demodulate detection signals.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example sub-information format recorded in sectors 1325 of an individual block 1341 and frames from # 0 to # 25. 14, sector numbers are indicated in the leftmost section. To the right of them is the sub information recorded in the frames of each sector.

Next, the contents of sector 0 will be described. In all frames from # 0 to # 25 of sector 0, the first 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address (LSB) is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in sector 0, 1 bit of the BO sub information (“0” or “1”) is encoded.

Next, the contents of sector 1 will be described. In all frames from # 0 to # 25 of sector 1, the first 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address (LSB) is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in sector 1, 1 bit of the BO sub information (“0” or “1”) is encoded.

In sector 1, the VO sub-information encoded in sector 0 is re-described.

Next, the contents of sector 2 will be described. In all frames from # 0 to # 25 of sector 2, the second 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in sector 2, 1 bit of sub-information B1 (“0” or “1”) is encoded.

Next, the contents of sector 3 will be described. In all frames from # 0 to # 25 of sector 3, the second 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in sector 3, 1 bit of sub-information B1 (“0” or “1”) is encoded.

In sector 3, sub-information B1 encoded in sector 2 is re-described.

Thus, in even sectors up to sector 12, the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh 1 bits out of 32 bits of the ECC block address are encoded, respectively. In odd (N) sectors, up to sector 13, the same sub-information is encoded as in even (N-1) sectors.

Next, the contents of sectors 14-24 will be described.

Next, the contents of sector 14 will be described. In all frames from # 0 to # 25 of sector 14, the eighth 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in sector 14, 1 bit of sub-information B7 is encoded (“0” or “1”).

Next, the contents of sector 15 will be described. In all frames from # 0 to # 25 of sector 15, the ninth 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in sector 15, 1 bit of sub information B8 (“0” or “1”) is encoded.

Similarly, in sectors up to 24, 1 bit of sub information is described.

Next, the contents of sectors 25-31 will be described.

Next, the contents of sector 25 will be described. From frames # 0 to # 25 of sector 25, in frames # 0 through # 12 (the first group of frames), the 19th 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in the first group of frames of sector 25, 1 bit of sub information B 18 is encoded (“0” or “1”).

From frames # 0 to # 25 of sector 25, in frames # 13 to # 25 (the second group of frames) the 20th 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in a second group of frames of sector 25, 1 bit of sub information B 19 is encoded (“0” or “1”).

Next, the content of sector 26 will be described. From frames # 0 to # 25 of sector 26, in frames # 0 through # 12 (the first group of frames), the 21st 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in the first group of frames of sector 26, 1 bit of sub information B20 is encoded (“0” or “1”).

From frames # 0 to # 25 of sector 26 in frames # 13 to # 25 (the second group of frames), the 22nd 1 bit of 32 bits of the ECC block address is encoded. As shown in FIG. 14, in the second group of frames of sector 26, 1 bit of sub information B21 (“0” or “1”) is encoded.

Similarly, in sectors up to 31, 1 bit of sub information is described.

As mentioned above, in this example, the number of sectors and the number of frames in which the sub information is described varies depending on the position of the block ID bit (i.e., the least significant bit or the most significant bit). In this example, the BO sub information is the least significant bit (LSB), and the sub information B31 is the most significant bit (HSB).

In a system for reading analog information stored, for example, on an optical disk, the ID of a block of data read in analog mode increases sequentially, starting with the least significant bit. For two neighboring block IDs, the values of the block IDs differ by only "1". Thus, the block ID can be determined by simply reading the few least significant bits of the ID of the block being read, since the remaining high bits can be determined based on the value read from the block ID immediately preceding the given one, or based on the value read from the block ID preceding the current ID block, and separated from it by a certain number. In this case, the reliability of reading the few least significant bits of the block ID is important. In this example, the least significant bits of the block ID are distributed across many sectors, i.e. in larger numbers than the other higher bits, as shown in FIG. Thus, the reliability of reading the least significant bits of the block ID and, therefore, the read efficiency of the block ID can be increased.

In this example, the block ID has 32 bits. The number of bits of the address information is not limited to 32 and can be any necessary number in accordance with, for example, the amount of data recorded on the optical disc medium or the type and system of the error correction code.

In this example, a separate block is divided into 32 sectors with N = 32 (or 16 sectors with N = 16). The present invention is not limited to so many sectors.

In this example, the sub information is recorded in 26 frames included in each sector at M = 26. The present invention is not limited to so many frames.

In this example, the sub information is recorded after modulation in the fluctuations of the serrated sawtooth shape. The present invention is not limited to such a waveform. Subinformation can be recorded after modulation into oscillations having the form, for example, shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 7.

In this example, the block label is a cut section of the track groove. The present invention is not limited to this form of block label. For example, the block label may be modulated into vibrations having a shape, for example, shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

Example 10

15 illustrates the track groove 1502 of Example 10 in accordance with the invention. A track groove 1502 may be formed on the optical disc carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2, instead of the track groove 102 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 15, the shape of the track groove 1502 differs in different blocks. 15, a block mark (identification mark) 1510 is a cut portion of a track groove 1502 and is a pointer indicating the beginning of each block.

Each block is divided into N sectors 1525 (N = 32 or 16), and each sector 1525 is divided into M frames from # 0 to # 25 (M = 26). Each frame contains a predetermined number of periodically repeated vibrations of the groove 1526 or 1527. The oscillations 1526 and 1527 have different predefined shapes and indicate sub information (“0”, “1” or “S”). Each type of sub information ("0", "1" or "S") is represented by one waveform 1526 or 1527. The type of sub information and the shape of the grooves (oscillations 1526 or 1527) are in one-to-one correspondence. More specifically, the vibrations 1526 and 1527 both have a generally serrated sawtooth shape with different shapes of the rise sections (or rise gradient) and shapes of the fall sections (fall gradients). Fluctuations in the groove 1526 or 1527 are formed according to the type of sub information (“0” or “1”). The sequence of subinformation is represented by a combination of oscillations of the grooves 1526 and 1527.

The difference in the rise and fall gradients between the vibrations of the grooves 1526 and 1527 can be easily determined by the differential push-pull detection signal as follows. The scanning laser beam is guided into track groove 1502 and a differential signal is generated indicating the difference in the amount of light received by the detection portions of the light pickup element separated by a line perpendicular to track groove 102 (radial direction) of the optical carrier disk 20 (i.e., a push-pull signal ) In this way, a detection signal having a rise gradient and a fall gradient, varying depending on whether the sub information has a value of “0” or “1”, is obtained. This difference between the rise and fall gradients can be easily identified by, for example, differentiating the detection signal.

Thus, the type of subinformation can be determined by the value of the value obtained as a result of differentiation. However, when using differentiation, the noise component naturally increases. For an optical disc carrier having a low signal-to-noise ratio, detection errors should be expected. In this example, each type of oscillation 1526 and 1527 is repeated many times to increase detection reliability.

Basic information is recorded in a separate block 1541 along the track groove 1502, starting with the label of block 1510. A single block 1541 has a predetermined length, for example, 64 kB (or 32 kB). The basic information can be recorded in the form of recordable labels 28. A separate block is a unit of information processing and is, for example, an ECC block. A separate block 1541 is divided into 32 sectors 1525 with N = 32 (or 16 sectors 1525 with N = 16). Each sector 1525 is a subunit having a length of 2 kB. Each sector 1525 is divided into 26 frames from # 0 to # 25 at M = 26. At the beginning of each of the frames # 0 to # 25, the SYNC mark is recorded as the clock signal used to reproduce the data.

A frame is the basic unit of information recorded in track groove 1502. In Fig. 15, frame # 0 is indicated by 1522, and frame # 1 is indicated by 1523. As shown in frames 1522 and 1523, each frame includes one type of vibration generated in advance and recurring. Thus, in each of the frames 1522 and 1523, 1 sub-information bit “0”, “1”, or “S” is described. Subinformation is presented in the form of SYNC information. A sub-information group of 26 bits (M = 26) included in each sector 1525 indicates at least a portion of the block ID (address information) of the corresponding individual block 1541.

Each sub-information is assigned 1 bit of sub-information and, thus, the 32-bit block ID is encoded in 32 consecutive frames (sub-information group).

The block ID may include, in addition to address information, an error correction code, an error detection code or a parity code, and the like. for correction and detection of detecting signals.

As described above, the block ID is represented by a combination of 1-bit information associated with each of the 32 frames. Thus, the full block ID is represented by a 32-bit sub-information group.

If the ECC block has a length of 64 kB, then each block includes 32 sectors. Accordingly, one block includes 832 frames (= 32 × 26). If the block ID is represented by 32 frames (one group of frames), then the block ID can be repeated in a separate block 1541 26 times (i.e. the same block ID is described in 26 frame groups).

If the ECC block has a length of 32 kB, then each block includes 16 sectors. Accordingly, one block includes 416 frames (= 16 × 26). If the block ID is represented by 32 frames (one group of frames), then the block ID can be repeated in a separate block 1541 13 times (i.e. the same block ID is described in 13 frame groups).

Thus, the block ID is represented by 32 frames (one group of frames), and the block ID is encoded many times in a separate block 1541.

Thus, the block ID is completely determined by reading only 32 frames. Thanks to this, subsequent processing (reading data, writing data, etc.) can be done quickly.

Since the block ID is repeated in a separate block 1541 many times, the reliability of reading the block ID can be increased.

Information other than the block ID may be included, as described above with reference to FIG. 16, although in this case the number of repetitions of the block ID in a separate block 1541 is reduced. For example, a block ID sequence number may be included in the sub-information group. The serial number can be used to determine the full address number according to the principle of seniority. In addition, such a number contains useful information for signal processing, for example, which of the sectors 1525 in the block is currently being read or which sub-information group in the block contains an error.

In the case of an optical disc carrier having a plurality of recording surfaces or layers, the serial number of the recording layer may be included in the subinformation group. Thus, a recording surface can be easily identified. For example, one of four identical sequence numbers in FIG. 16 may be replaced by the sequence number of the recording layer. Thus, a recording surface can be easily identified.

In this example, the block ID contains 32 bits. The number of bits of the address information is not limited to 32, and can be any necessary number in accordance with, for example, the amount of data recorded on the optical disc medium or the type and system of the error correction code.

In this example, a separate block is divided into 32 sectors with N = 32 (or 16 sectors with N = 16). The present invention is not limited to so many sectors.

In this example, the sub information is recorded in 26 frames that make up each sector with M = 26. The present invention is not limited to so many frames.

In this example, the subinformation is recorded after modulation into gear sawtooth oscillations. The present invention is not limited to such a waveform. Subinformation can be recorded after modulation into oscillations having the form, for example, shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 7.

In this example, the block label is a cut portion of the track groove. The present invention is not limited to this form of block label. For example, the block label may be modulated into vibrations having a shape, for example, shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6.

Example 11

22 illustrates the track groove 1602 of Example 11 in accordance with the invention. A track groove 1602 may be formed on the optical disc carrier 20 shown in FIG. 2, instead of the track groove 102 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 22, the shape of the track groove 1602 is different in different blocks.

As shown in Fig.22, the ECC block, which is the unit for generating the block address, is divided into four sections PID - PID0-PID3. Sections PID PID0, PID1, PID2, and PID3 are indicated by 2202, 2204, 2206, and 2208, respectively. PID sections 2202, 2204, 2206, and 2208 are preceded by buffer sections 0-3, respectively. The buffer sections 0, 1, 2, and 3 are respectively indicated by 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207. Each buffer section 2201, 2203, 2205, and 2207 includes a block mark (identification mark) 2220. In FIG. 22, a block mark (identification mark) 2220 represents a cut portion of track groove 1602 and is a pointer to the beginning of each PID section.

As described above, the block is divided into four PID sections (N = 4), and each PID section is further divided into M frames (M = 52). Each frame (for example, each of frames 2222, 2223, 2224, and 2225) contains a predetermined number of vibrations 2226, 2227, 2229, or 2230 located along track groove 1602, starting from the label of block 2220. Vibrations 2226, 2227, 2229, and 2230 differ between itself in a form that is predetermined and represents sub-information ("0", "1", "S" or "B"). Each type of sub information ("0", "1", "S" or "B") is represented by one waveform 2226, 2227, 2229 or 2230. The type of sub information and the form of vibration (vibrations of the grooves 2226, 2227, 2229 or 2230) are in one-to-one correspondence. More specifically, vibrations 2226, 2227 and 2228 all have a generally serrated sawtooth shape, and vibrations 2230 have a sinusoidal shape. Fluctuations 2226, 2227, 2228, and 2230 have different shapes of uplifts (or rise gradient) and recessions (fall gradients). Fluctuations 2226, 2227, 2229 or 2230 are formed according to the type of sub information (“0”, “1”, “S” or “B”).

The difference in the rise and fall gradients of the oscillations 2226, 2227, 2229 and 2230 can be easily determined by the differential push-pull detection signal as follows. The scanning laser beam is directed into track groove 1602 and a differential signal is generated indicating the difference in the amount of light incident on the detector portions of the photosensitive member separated by a line perpendicular to track groove 1602 (radial direction) of the optical disc carrier 20 (i.e., push-pull signal). Thus, a detection signal is obtained having a rise gradient and a fall gradient, varying depending on whether the sub information has a value of “0”, “1”, “S” or “B”. This difference in the rise gradient and the fall gradient can be easily identified by, for example, differentiating the detection signal.

Thus, the type of subinformation can be determined by the value of the value obtained as a result of differentiation. However, when using differentiation, the noise component naturally increases. For an optical disc carrier having a low signal-to-noise ratio, detection errors should be expected. In this example, each type of oscillation 2226, 2227, 2229 and 2230 is repeated many times for reliable detection.

Next, the contents of the PID section will be described. Each PID section includes 52 frames, each of which contains 372 bytes, and thus has a length of 19344 bytes (= 372 bytes × 52). The PID 2202 (PID0) section includes 8 bits of PID 2209 information, a 24-bit address information block 2210, 16 bits of IED 2211 information and a 4-bit address label (AM) 2212.

The PID information 2209 is the number of the corresponding PID section (i.e. whether this PID section is a PID0, PID1, PID2 or PID3 section). The address information of block 2210 is the address information assigned to each block, and is the same for PID0-PID3 of the same ECC block. The IED information 2211 is an ID error detection code generated based on the PID information 2209 and the address information block 2210.

The address mark 2212 is located at the end of the PID 2202 section (end section) and is used to detect the beginning of the PID 2204 section, which immediately follows the PID section 2202. The address mark 2211 includes sub information “B” using sinusoidal oscillations, such as, for example, oscillations 2230 in frame 2225, in addition to the subinformation "1", "0", or "S". The address mark 2212 is represented by a combination of the sub information "S" recorded using vibrations 2229 in frame 2224 and the sub information "B". For example, address tag 2212 contains 4 bits of "SBBS" information. When such a data sequence is detected, preparation is made for the detection of the next buffer section or PID section.

Since the subinformation "B" is used only for the address mark, the address mark can be easily distinguished from sections containing other information. Thus, it is possible to increase the accuracy of detection of the address mark.

Next, the contents of the buffer section will be described. In contrast to the PID section, each buffer section has a block label 2220 recorded in advance on the disc. The mark of the block 2220 is, for example, a mirror mark, which is a cut portion of the track groove 1602, as shown in Fig.17, described below. The buffer section 2201 precedes the section PID 2202 (PID0) and is also the beginning of the ECC block.

Buffer sections 0-3 are pre-created before PID0-PID3, respectively, and each has a length of 93 bytes. Block Label (Mirror Label) 2220 is approximately 2 bytes long. In each buffer section, dummy data may be recorded to increase the accuracy of detecting the label of block 2220.

Suitable fictitious data may be, for example, information containing a simple repeat of 4T tags and 4T spaces. Thus, the recordable label of the single-frequency component and the block label can be separated by frequency to facilitate detection. Thus, the block label can be more easily detected.

As described above, one ECC block is divided into four PID sections, and each buffer section is preceded by a PID section. A block label is formed in each buffer section indicating the start of the PID section. Such PID sections are repeated in the ECC block. Since the block ID is completely determined by reading only 1/4 of the ECC block, subsequent processing (reading data, writing data, etc.) can be done faster.

Since the block ID is repeated many times in the ECC block, the reliability of reading the block ID can be increased.

In this example, one ECC block is divided into four PID sections. The present invention is not limited to so many PID sections. One ECC block can be divided into an arbitrary integer number of PID sections.

In this example, the sub information is recorded after modulation into gear sawtooth oscillations. The present invention is not limited to such a waveform. Subinformation can be recorded after modulation into oscillations having the form, for example, shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 7.

In this example, the block label is a cut section of the track groove. The present invention is not limited to this form of block label. For example, a block mark may be modulated into vibrations having the shape of, for example, shown in FIGS. 5 or 6. Alternatively, a block mark may be modulated into vibrations having the shape of, for example, shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 18 or FIG. .19.

Example 12

17 illustrates a track groove 1702 of Example 12 in accordance with the invention. The track groove 1702 is formed by modifying the buffer section of the track groove 1602 shown in FIG.

17, reference numeral 1701 denotes a buffer section 0, and 1705 denotes each of the buffer sections 1-3. A track groove 1702 is formed on the disk in advance, having the form of a continuous sequence of many sinusoidal oscillations, and each buffer section has a length of 93 bytes. The buffer section includes nine oscillations. The buffer section 0 has the marks of blocks 1703 and 1704, each in the form of a cut section of the track groove 1702, and the buffer sections 1-3 each has the mark of the block 1706 in the form of a cut section of the track groove 1702.

As described in Example 11, buffer sections 0-3 precede the corresponding PID sections and may be the beginning of the address information. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a satisfactory high level of readability of the buffer sections 0-3. In the case when the block label is repeated many times (for example, twice) in the buffer section; those. when the buffer section contains many of the same block labels, the block label can be detected with a high level of reliability, even if one of the block labels cannot be detected due to external interference, such as, for example, noise or a defect. In the case when the block label is repeated many times at a certain interval, the exact block label can be easily distinguished from the block pseudo-label generated by noise, defect, etc.

The number and shape of block labels formed in buffer sections 0-3 may be the same. For example, one label block 1703 can be created in each of the buffer sections 0-3. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the number and shape of block labels formed in different buffer sections 0-3 may differ from each other. For example, the number of block labels in buffer section 0 may differ from their number in buffer sections 1-3. In this case, a larger number of block labels are created in buffer section 0 than in other buffer sections to increase the readability of buffer section 0, which serves as the beginning of the ECC block. 17, two block labels 1703 and 1704 are provided in the buffer section 0, while in each of the buffer sections 1-3 there is one block label 1706. If the number or shape of the block labels formed in the buffer section 0 is different from their number or forms in buffer sections 1-3, the block label in buffer section 0 can be easily distinguished from the block label of other buffer sections. Thus, the input address of the ECC block can be completely determined without reading the PID section completely.

On Fig provided a lot of labels blocks that are in the same position in the phase of the oscillations. According to another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 18, the block labels can be arranged with a phase difference of 180 degrees with respect to oscillations (block labels 1703 and 1804).

In this example, each block label has a physical length of 2 bytes, but the present invention is not limited to such a length. An optimal design length can be selected which is determined based on the diameter of the optical spot. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, a block label may have a physical length of 4 bytes.

In cases where the block label may have a physical length of 4 bytes, as shown in FIG. 19, the physical length of the block label in buffer section 0 may differ from its length in buffer sections 1-3. Thus, the reliability of reading the block label in the buffer section 0 can be improved. If the length of the block label formed in the buffer section 0 differs from its length in the buffer sections 1-3, the block label in the buffer section 0 can be easily distinguished from the block label in another buffer section.

Next will be described, with reference to Fig. 20, an optical disc medium on which the block labels are auxiliary pits formed in a field. 20 illustrates a track groove 2002 on such an optical disc medium. The track groove 2002 is obtained by modifying the buffer section of the track groove 1602 shown in FIG. In Figure 20, reference numeral 2001 denotes buffer section 0, and 2005 denotes each of buffer sections 1-3. The 2004 block marks are formed on the field 2003 between adjacent sections of the track groove 2002 of the buffer section 0. The 2004 block marks are cut sections of the 2003 field. When scanning the 2002 track groove with an optical spot 2007, the 2004 block marks are scanned at a position halfway from the center of the 2007 optical spot by half track width.

Label blocks 2004, formed on the field 2003, as shown in Fig.20, can be detected using a differential signal indicating the difference in the amount of light received on two separate detector section of the light-picking element (for example, a push-pull signal). Using this differential signal, the PID sections described above are detected. The block address can be determined using a similar differential signal. Thus, the address of the block and the PID section can be detected without switching the differential signal to the sum signal. Due to this, the detection signal section can have a simpler circuit.

In the case where one buffer section contains a plurality of identical block labels, such as block labels 2004 in FIG. 20, the number of block labels in the buffer section 0 and in the buffer sections 1-3 may vary.

For example, if buffer section 0 includes two block labels 2204, and buffer sections 1-3 each have one block label 2204, the reliability of reading the block label in buffer section 0 can be improved. If the number of block labels formed in the buffer section 0 differs from their number in the buffer sections 1-3, the block label in the buffer section 0 can easily be distinguished from the block label in other buffer sections.

In each buffer section, dummy data may be recorded in order to increase the accuracy of detection of the block label.

Suitable dummy data may be, for example, information including a simple repetition of 4T tags and 4T spaces. Thus, the recordable label of the single frequency component and the block label can be separated by frequency to facilitate detection. Thanks to this, the block label can be more easily detected.

Example 13

21 illustrates a PID section 2100 of an optical disc medium of Example 13 in accordance with the invention. The PID section 2100 is formed by modifying the PID0-PID3 shown in FIG. The PID 2100 section includes 52 frames, each of which contains 372 bytes, and thus has a length of 19344 bytes (= 372 bytes × 52). The PID section 2100 includes 8 bits of PID information 2209, a 24-bit block of address information 2210, 16 bits of information IED 2211 and a 4-bit address label (AM) 2212 in the form of an identification label. PID information 2209, address information block 2210 and IED information 2211 are similar to those described in Example 11.

The address mark 2211 is located at the end of the PID 2100 section and is used to detect the beginning of the PID section immediately following the PID 2100 section. The address mark 2211 is a 4-bit information element including, in addition to the sub information “1”, “0”, or “S ", sub information" B ". Address mark 2211 is represented by a combination of sub information "S" and sub information "B". The address tag may be different combinations of sub information in different sections of the PID 2100. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the address tag 2107 of the PID3 includes 4 bits of SSSS information. When this combination is detected, it is identified as address tag 2107 PID3. Thus, preparation can be made for detecting the identification mark in the buffer section immediately preceding the next PID0 or address PID0.

Address label 2101 PID0, address label 2103 PID1 and address label 2105 PID2 include each "SBBS", which is different from address label 2107 PID3. Since the contents of the PID3 address tag are different from the PID0-PID2 address tags, the PID3 address tag is easily distinguishable from the address tags of other PID sections. Thus, the detection accuracy of the PID3 address tag can be improved. More specifically, the start of a block can be more easily determined using such different combinations of sub-information.

Address labels PID0-PID2 can be formed in the form of vibrations of the same shape (i.e., in the form of the same combination of sub-information). For example, address labels PID0-PID2 may all include "SBBS".

The address marks 2101, 2103, 2105 and 2107 shown in FIG. 21, which contain information represented by vibrations of the track groove, can be detected by a differential signal indicating the difference in the amount of light incident on two separate detector sections of the light pickup element (e.g. push-pull signal). PID information 2209, address information block 2210, and IED information 2211 are detected using such a differential signal. The block address or identification tag preceding each PID section can be detected using a similar differential signal. Thus, the beginning of each PID section, the beginning of the block, and the address of the block can be detected without switching the differential signal to the summing signal and the differential signal. Due to this, the detection signal section can have a simpler circuit.

To improve the accuracy of detection of address marks 2101, 2103, 2105, and 2107, dummy data can be recorded in the track groove portions corresponding to the address marks.

Suitable fictitious data may be, for example, information including a simple repetition of 4T marks and 4T spaces. Thus, the recorded label of the single-frequency component and the block label can be divided by frequency to simplify their detection. Thanks to this, the block label can be more easily detected. The address marks depicted in FIG. 21 can be detected using the differential signal described above. Thus, address marks can be detected when recording user data itself instead of dummy data, in sections of the track groove corresponding to address marks.

The identification tag in the buffer section and the address tag can be used in combination. The identification tag in the buffer section is, for example, a 2-byte mirror tag, and thus provides a very high level of positioning accuracy. Because of this, such combined use can improve the positioning accuracy with which recording starts at the time of linking for additional recording or dubbing.

Example 14

Figa illustrates an apparatus for working with optical disks 2300 according to Example 14 in accordance with the invention. The apparatus for working with optical disks 2300 reproduces the sub information recorded on the optical disc carrier using combinations of the many waveforms described in the previous examples to provide recording and playback of basic information. On Fig depicts a block diagram illustrating the operation of the apparatus for working with optical disks 2300 depicted in Fig.23A.

The apparatus for working with optical disks 2300 includes a conversion section 2330, a calculation section with a playback signal 2308, a focus position control section 2309, a movement position control section 2310, a sub information detection section 2312, a laser drive section 2313, a playback signal processing section 2314, and an address processing section drive control information / information 2315. The conversion section 2330 includes a semiconductor laser 2302, a collimator lens 2303, a beam splitter 2304, a beam converging section 2305, a light an irradiating lens 2306, a photodetector section 2307, and an actuator 2311. An optical disc apparatus 2300 directs a light beam to an optical disc medium 2301 to read basic information and sub information recorded on the optical disc medium 2301, and converts the basic information and sub information into playback signal.

As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, a light beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 2302 is collected on the information-bearing surface of the optical disk carrier 2301 using a collimator lens 2303, a beam splitter 2304, and a light beam converging section 2305. The collected light is then reflected and scattered by the optical disk carrier 2301 and collected in the section of the photodetector 2307 using the information section of the light rays 2305, the beam splitter 2304 and the light-collecting lens 2306. Photosensitive elements A, B, C and D of the light detection section 2307 each gene iruyut voltage signal in accordance with the amount of received light as a reproduction signal 2320 (S100 step).

The calculation section with the reproduction signal 2308 processes the reproduction signal 2320 using the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. The FE signal (focus error) 2321, which is generated at the output of the calculation section with the playback signal 2308 as a result of such calculations, is sent to the focus position control section 2309. The TE signal (tracking error signal) 2322, which is generated at the output of the calculation section with the signal playback 2308 as a result of such calculations, enters the position control section 2310. The RF signal (radio frequency signal) 2323, which is generated at the output of the calculation section with the playback signal 2308 as a result of their computations supplied to sub-information detection section 2312 and the reproduction signal processing section 2314 (S200 step).

The focus position control section 2309 drives the actuator 2311 by means of a voltage output signal in accordance with the FE signal 2321 to control the focus position of the optical spot on the information surface of the optical disc carrier 2301. The position of the move position control 2310 drives the actuator 2311 with using the voltage output corresponding to the TE signal 2322 to control the position of the movement of the optical spot on the information surface of the optical of the carrier disk 2301. The optical spot, which is controlled by the focus position and the position of movement, is used to read auxiliary pits or marks and spaces on the optical disk carrier 2301. Labels and spaces on the optical disk carrier 2301, which is a disk with phase transition, reflect light with different reflectivity. This reads the information recorded on the optical disc media 2301. In the case of a push-pull system, the TE signal 2322 is the result of calculating the difference in the amount of light received by the two photosensitive sections of the light detection section 2307. Each of the two photosensitive sections includes two of four photosensitive elements A, B, C and D and is limited by a line parallel to the direction of the track. In this case, the difference is (A + D) - (B + C). The RF signal 2323 is the result of calculating the sum of the amounts of light received by the four photosensitive elements A, B, C and D. In this case, the sum is (A + B + C + D). In the case of an astigmatic system, the FE signal 2321 is the result of calculating (A + C) - (B + D).

Subinformation is reproduced as follows.

The TE signal 2322 and the RF signal 2323 generated by the computing section with the playback signal 2308 enter the sub information detection section 2312 and are used to decode the sub information. The sub information detected in the sub information detection section 2312 is supplied to the address information processing / disc management information processing section 2315 and to the laser drive section 2313.

As shown in FIG. 34, the sub information detection section 2312 includes a clock generation section 3410, a two-level pulse signal generation section 3411, a third BPF (band pass filter) 3403 as a block mark detection signal section and a sub information generation section 3412.

The sync pulse generation section 3410 includes a first BPF 3401 and a sync detection section 3404. The bi-level pulse signal generation section 3411 includes a second BPF 3402, a comparator 3405 and an integrator 3408. The sub information generation section 3412 includes a precedence determination section 3406 and a sub information decoder 3407.

The first BPF 3401 is designed so that its filtering constant allows you to select a wobbled signal modulated in the TE signal 2322. From the TE signal 2322, the first BPF 3401 generates an output signal 3401 'containing a fundamental component having a sinusoidal waveform synchronized with the oscillations track grooves. The synchronization detection section 3404 receives the output signal 3401 ′ and generates a clock signal 3404 ′ synchronous with the signal read from the optical disc medium 2301 (Fig. 23A) (step S300). The clock signal 3404 'is used to synchronize the sub information signal.

The second BPF 3402 is a differential filter for detecting the steep edge of a sawtooth wave signal modulated into the TE signal 2322. Depending on the phase (or direction) of the steep edge, the second BPF 3402 generates an upstream or downstream differential pulse signal 3402 '. The differential pulse signal 3402 'is the output signal supplied to the comparator 3405. The comparator 3405 compares the stabilized two-level voltage signal supplied through the feedback circuit through the integrator 3408 with the differential pulse signal 3402' and generates a two-level pulse signal 3405 'with an upward and downward state differential pulse signal 3402 'equal to "0" and "1" (step S400). The output two-level impulse signal 3405 'is supplied to the precedence determination section 3406.

The third BPF 3403 filters the RF signal 2323 in such a way as to detect the tag signal of block 3403 'and fully determine the beginning of the sub-information group (step S500). The detected tag signal of block 3403 'is supplied as an output signal to the precedence determination section 3406, where the detected tag signal of block 3403' is used for time synchronization.

The precedence determination section 3406 compares the number of pulses “0” and pulses “1” of a two-level pulse signal 3405 ′ over a predetermined time interval by the synchronization signal generated by the system clock signal 3404 ′ and the tag signal of block 3403 ′. Thereafter, the precedence determination section 3406 generates, as output signals, pulses that make up the majority of the pulses over a given period of time, arriving at the sub-information decoder 3407 as a two-level data signal 3406 '. The sub-information decoder 3407 checks for errors in the two-level data signal 3406 '. If the two-level data signal 3406 'does not contain errors, the sub-information decoder 3407 generates a two-level data signal 3406' as a sub-information signal 3420 (for example, address information) at the output (step S600).

According to the procedure described above, the sub information signal 3420 recorded on the optical disc carrier 2301 is reproduced. The optical disc apparatus 2300 can determine which block of information in the track groove is currently being reproduced based on the address information included in the reproduced sub information signal 3420. When recording basic information on an optical disk-carrier 2301, the address of the block located directly in front of the block to which the basic information is to be recorded is determined tion, after which is predictive prediction that the next block is a block in which main information to be recorded. Thus, the basic information can be recorded from the beginning of the target block.

Example 15

Next will be described the input section and the output section of the optical disc media of Example 15 in accordance with the invention.

The lead-in portion and the lead-out portion of a conventional optical disc medium 3001 will be described with reference to FIG. The optical disc medium 3001 includes an input portion 3003 located in the inner peripheral region, an output portion 3004 located in the outer peripheral region, and a recording and reproducing portion located between the input portion 3003 and the output portion 3004. In FIG. 30, a fragment 3007 is shown in enlarged scale. The lead-in section 3003 has pre-formed auxiliary pits 3006. By reading the difference in reflectivity between the auxiliary leagues and the rest of the surface, information “0” or “1” is read. Introductory section 3003 contains pre-recorded disc management information. The disc management information includes, for example, disc reproduction power information, servo information, optimum recording power information. The recording and reproducing portion 3004 has a preformed track record groove 3002. By controlling movement along track groove 3002, rewritable data is recorded in track groove 3002 or data recorded on track groove 3002 is erased.

In a conventional optical disc carrier 3001, the lead-in portion 3003 and lead-out portion 3005 differ from the recording and reproducing portion 3004 in the form of auxiliary pits 3006 and the shape of the track groove 3002. Thus, it is necessary to use two tracking systems with switching between them. More specifically, differential phase tracking (DPD) tracking is used for the lead-in portion 3003 and lead-out portion 3005, and tracking using a push-pull system using diffraction on track groove 3002 is used for the recording and reproducing portion 3004.

According to Example 15 of the present invention, an optical disc carrier is provided that allows the use of the same tracking system for the lead-in portion, lead-out portion, and the recording and reproducing portion. Such an optical disc carrier can simplify the tracking operation.

Hereinafter, an optical disc medium of Example 15 will be described. FIG. 24 illustrates an optical disc medium 2400 of Example 15. The optical disc medium 2400 includes an input portion 2401, a recording and reproducing portion 2402, and an output portion 2403. The input portion 2401 and output portion 2403 comprise pre-recorded disc management information. Both the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403 may further comprise a portion different from the portion for recording user data, i.e. plot for test recording. 24, an insertion portion 2401 may be created on a portion from an edge of a circle having a radius of 22.59 mm from the center of the optical disc carrier 2400 to an edge of a circle having a radius of 24.02 mm from the center of the optical disc carrier 2400. 2401 includes a disc management portion (a portion from an edge of a circle having a radius of 22.59 mm from the center to an edge of a circle having a radius of 24,000 mm from the center) containing pre-recorded disc management information. Introductory section 2401 may also include a rewritable section for test recording on an optical disc medium or disk drive. Overwriting information on the disk management area is prohibited in principle. In this example, the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403 denote a disk control portion.

Next, a track groove 3631 having a spiral shape and formed on the recording surface of the optical disc carrier 2400 will be described with reference to FIG. 36. A track groove 3631 is formed at the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403. The track groove 3631 contains periodically repeated vibrations of a given shape 3626 , 3627 and 3628. Oscillations 3626, 3627 and 3628 have different predetermined shapes that differ from each other, and denote sub information (“0”, “1”, “S” or “B”). Each type of sub information ("0", "1", "S" or "B") is represented by one waveform 3626, 3627 or 3628. The type of sub information and the wave form (oscillations of the groove 3626, 3627 or 3628) are in one-to-one correspondence. More specifically, the vibrations 3626 and 3627 are generally sawtooth, and the vibrations 3628 are generally sinusoidal with different shapes of the rise regions (or rise gradients) and the fall regions (fall gradients), as shown in Fig. 36. The disc management information is a subinformation sequence described by a combination of vibrations 3626, 3627 and 3628.

The difference in the rise gradient and the fall gradient between the oscillations 3626, 3627 and 3628 can be easily detected using the differential push-pull detection signal as follows. The scanning laser beam is guided into track groove 3631 and a differential signal is generated indicating the difference in the amount of light entering the detector portions of the photosensitive member divided along a line perpendicular to track groove 3631 (radial direction) of the 3400 optical disc (i.e., push-pull signal). The result is a detection signal having a rise gradient and a fall gradient, varying depending on whether the sub-information has a value of “0” or “1”. This difference in the rise gradient and the fall gradient can be easily identified, for example, by differentiating the detection signal. The type of subinformation can be determined by the value of the value obtained as a result of differentiation. The sub information at the lead-in section 2401 and the lead-out section 2403 is used as disc management information for the recording and reproducing section 2402.

On Fig frame 3620, including the label block 3630, has nine vibrations 3628, pre-formed so that they contain sub-information "In". Each of 52 frames 3621 after the label of block 3630 contains a total of 36 vibrations 3626 and 3627, indicating subinformation "0" and subinformation "1". In the case of an optical disc carrier 2400 having the CLV format in this example, the physical frequency of the generated vibrations 3626 and 3627 is constant and equal to fb from the outermost to the outermost track.

With reference to FIGS. 25A and 25B, a comparison of the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403 with the recording and reproducing portion 2402 will be described.

FIG. 25A illustrates a track groove 2502 in a recording and reproducing portion 2402. A frame 2510 including a label of a block 2520 contains nine oscillations 2528 (sinusoidal) preformed so as to contain sub-information “B”. Each of 52 frames 2511 after the label of block 2520 contains a total of 36 vibrations 2526 and 2527 (sawtooth), containing sub-information "0" and sub-information "1". In the case of an optical disc carrier 2400 having the CLV format in this example, the physical frequency of the generated vibrations 2526, 2527 and 2528 is constant and equal to fa from the outermost track to the outermost track (1 wave: 124 channel bits). The oscillation swing is constant and is 22.5 nm (nmpp).

At the recording and playback portion 2402, a recording mark is recorded after it is modulated. In this example, a 46D modulated signal with a length limitation of 2T (minimum length) is recorded in track groove 2502. The length of the channel bit at this point is equal to 0.0771 microns. The laser light used to record and reproduce the signal has an average wavelength of 405 nm (+ 10nm, -5 nm), and a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.85 ± 0.01.

FIG. 25B illustrates a track groove 3631 at an lead-in portion 2401 and a lead-out portion 2403. The track groove 3631 has the characteristics described above with reference to FIG. The physical frequency fb with which the vibrations 3626, 3627 and 3628 are formed in the input section 2401 and the output section 2403 is ten times higher than the frequency fa with which the oscillations 2526, 2527 and 2528 are generated in the recording and reproducing section 2402. By setting a higher frequency fluctuations can increase the amount of information per unit area.

In the lead-in portion 2401 and lead-out portion 2403, a plurality of vibrations indicate 1 bit of sub information. Between the input section 2401 and the output section 2403, in the recording and reproducing section 2402, the number of oscillations encoding 1 bit of information, which corresponds to the minimum unit of sub information, may differ. By reducing the number of vibrations representing 1 bit of information in the input portion 2401 and the output portion 2403 compared to the recording and reproducing portion 2402, vibrations encoding the disc management information can be efficiently generated in a relatively small area of the input portion 2401 and the output portion 2403.

As described above, the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403 include a track groove 3631 having periodically repeating vibrations of a predetermined shape, each waveform of the track groove 3631 representing disc management information. Since periodically repeating vibrations are also formed in the track groove 2502 included in the recording and reproducing portion 2402, the same tracking system can be used for the entire optical disc carrier 2400. Since the oscillation frequency at the input portion 2401 and the output portion 2403 is ten times higher than in the recording and reproducing portion 2402, and one oscillation denotes 1 bit of subinformation, the amount of information recorded per unit area increases. Thus, vibrations encoding disc management information can be efficiently recorded in a limited space of the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403.

In this example, the oscillation frequency in the lead-in portion 2401 and lead-out portion 2403 is ten times higher than in the recording and reproducing portion 2402, however, the present invention is not limited to such a numerical value.

In this example, oscillations of the serrated sawtooth form are described. Fluctuations in accordance with the invention are not limited to this form.

In this example, one wobble indicates 1 bit of information. A plurality of vibrations may indicate 1 bit of information.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B, the oscillation frequency fb in the input section 2401 and the output section 2403 may be less than the oscillation frequency fa in the recording and reproducing section 2402. Thus, the signal-to-noise ratio for detecting vibrations in the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403 may be increased. Due to this, the reliability of reading disk management information at the input section 2401 and the output section 2403 can be improved.

In this example, the vibrations in the lead-in section 2401 and the lead-out section 2403 have the same frequency, which is different from the oscillation frequency in the recording and playback section 2402. In the case where the disc control information is recorded only in the lead-in section 2401, only the oscillation frequency of the lead-in section 2401 can be different from the frequency in the recording and playback section 2402.

In this example, the optical disc medium 2400 includes an input portion 2401 and an output portion 2403. The optical disc media 2400 may include, in addition to the recording and reproducing portion 2402, only the input portion 2401 or only the output portion 2403.

Example 16

Figa and 27B depict the track grooves 2502 and 2731 of the optical disc media of Example 16 in accordance with the invention.

The track groove 2502 shown in FIG. 27A is the same as the track groove 2502 described above with reference to FIG. 25A and is formed in the recording and reproducing portion 2402 of the optical disc carrier 2400 shown in FIG. 24. The track groove 2731 shown in FIG. 27B may be formed at the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403.

Frame 2510, including the label of block 2520, has nine sinusoidal waveforms 2528 'that encode sub-information "B". Each of the 52 frames 2511 after the label of block 2520 contains a total of 36 sawtooth gears 2526 'and 2527', which encode sub information "0" and sub information "1". In the case of an optical disc carrier 2400, which in this example has the CLV format, the physical frequency with which the vibrations 2526, 2527 and 2528 are generated is constant and equal to fa from the outermost track to the outermost track (1 oscillation: 124 channel bits) . The amplitude of the oscillations, representing the amplitude of the oscillations, is constant and equal to Ca.

The track grooves shown in FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B differ in oscillation amplitude, which is the amplitude of the oscillations, from the oscillations shown in FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B. If the oscillation amplitude of the track groove 2502 in the recording and reproducing portion 2402 in FIG. 27A is Ca, then the amplitude of the oscillations of the track groove 2731 in the lead-in section 2401 and the lead section 2403 in FIG. 27B is Cb, with Cb> Ca.

The amplitude of the oscillation signal at the time of reproduction is proportional to the number of oscillations. Thus, if the amplitude of the oscillations in the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403 is larger than the amplitude of the vibrations in the recording and reproducing portion 2402, then the signal-to-noise ratio during oscillation detection at the time of reproduction improves. Due to this, the reliability of reading the disc management information can be improved.

In this example, the optical disc medium 2400 includes an input portion 2401 and an output portion 2403. The optical disc media 2400 may include, in addition to the recording and reproducing portion 2402, only the input portion 2401 or only the output portion 2403.

Example 17

Figa and 28B depict the track grooves 2502 and 2831 of the optical disc media of example 17 in accordance with the invention.

In FIG. 28A, vibrations 2826 are generated in the CLV format, and the physical frequency of vibrations 2826 is a constant from the outermost track to the outermost track. Thus, the phases of two adjacent vibrations 2826 are shifted depending on the position of the recording track and the radial position. During playback, interference from an adjacent track occurs with a phase shift, and the amplitude of the vibration signal detected by the playback signal periodically changes with a phase shift. Oscillations with a minimum variable amplitude of the oscillation signal have a reduced signal-to-noise ratio.

The track grooves shown in Fig. X 28A and 28B, differ from those shown in Fig. X 25A and 25B, according to the following characteristics. In the track grooves 2831, the vibrations 2827 are made in the CAV format and, therefore, the phase difference of the oscillations 2827 between two adjacent track grooves is always π / 2.

If the vibrations in the recording and reproducing portion 2402, the input portion 2401, and the output portion 2403 are in CAV format, then the amplitude of the oscillation signal during playback will be constant. Due to this, the reliability of detecting vibrations can be improved.

In this example, the phase difference is π / 2. The oscillations usually have a large steepness of rise in the position of phase 0 and a large steepness of decline in the position of phase π. If sections with high slope are in the π / 2 and 3 × π / 2 positions at π / 2 × (2n + 1) (n is an integer), then the effect of crosstalk from the adjacent recording track can be reduced. The magnitude of the phase difference is not limited to these values and may have any other constant value.

Fluctuations in the recording and reproducing portion 2402, the input portion 2401, and the output portion 2403 can be made in the ZCLV format used in DVD-RAM, instead of the CAV format.

By performing oscillations in the CAV format or in the ZCLV format, instead of the CLV format, it is possible to increase the reliability of the address information reproduced from the recording and reproducing portion 2402.

In this example, the optical disc medium 2400 includes an input portion 2401 and an output portion 2403. The optical disc media 2400 may include, in addition to the recording and reproducing portion 2402, only the input portion 2401 or only the output portion 2403.

Example 18

Figa and 29B depict the track grooves 2502 and 2931 of the optical disc media of example 18 in accordance with the invention.

The track groove 2502 shown in FIG. 29A is the same as the track groove 2502 described above with reference to FIG. 25A and is formed in the recording and reproducing portion 2402 of the optical disc carrier 2400 shown in FIG. 24. The track groove 2931 shown in FIG. 29B may be formed in the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403.

The track groove 2502 shown in FIG. 29A has a track pitch (distance between two adjacent recording tracks) equal to TPa. Basic information is recorded in track groove 2502 using a groove recording system.

The track grooves shown in FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B are different from those shown in FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B in terms of track pitch. If the pitch of the track recording groove 2502 in the recording and reproducing portion 2402 in FIG. 29A is TPa, then the pitch of the track recording groove 2931 in the input portion 2401 and output portion 2403 in FIG. 29B is TPb, with TPb> TPa. If, for example, information recorded using a track recording system on an optical disc carrier having a track pitch TPa = 0.32 μm (the distance between two adjacent tracks) is reproduced using an optical spot with a wavelength of 405 nm and a numerical aperture value ( NA) of 0.85 as optical constants, the amplitude of the angular tracking error signal obtained by the push-pull system will be very small. As the step of the recording track increases, the amplitude of the tracking error signal increases accordingly. If the magnitude of the amplitude of the oscillations is constant, then the amplitude of the oscillation signal generally increases in proportion to the amplitude of the tracking error signal. Thus, with increasing step of the track, the amplitude of the oscillation signal during playback increases.

Thus, by increasing the pitch of the recording track TPb at the input portion 2401 and the output portion 2403 compared to the pitch of the track TPa at the recording and reproducing portion 2402, the signal-to-noise ratio for detecting grooves can be increased.

In another embodiment, if TPb <TPa, then groove vibrations encoding disc management information can be efficiently recorded in limited areas of the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403.

In Examples 15-18, the oscillation frequency, the amplitude of the oscillations, the phase difference of the oscillations compared with the vibrations of the adjacent recording track, the pitch of the track, etc. the lead-in portion 2401 and lead-out portion 2403 differ from similar characteristics of the recording and reproducing portion 2402. Many of these factors for lead-in and lead-out portions 2401 and 2403 may differ from the recording and reproducing portion 2402.

In the recording track of the disc control area in the input portion 2401 and the output portion 2403, recorded marks are not generated. Thus, it is possible to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for the playback signal of the disc control area and, as a result, increase the read reliability of the disc control area.

In this example, the optical disc medium 2400 includes an input portion 2401 and an output portion 2403. The optical disc media 2400 may include, in addition to the recording and reproducing portion 2402, only the input portion 2401 or only the output portion 2403.

Example 19

Fig. 35 illustrates the track groove 3531 of an optical disc carrier of Example 19 in accordance with the invention.

The track groove 3531 shown in FIG. 35 may be formed on the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403 of the optical disc carrier 2400 shown in FIG. 24.

The track groove 3531 shown in FIG. 35 differs from the track groove 3631 shown in FIG. 25B in that the track groove 3531 has a single frequency recording mark recorded on the lead-in portion 2401 and the lead-out portion 2403 (i.e., in the track groove 3531) in write once mode. For example, a recording mark is recorded having a recordable channel bit length of 0.0771 μm by creating a signal consisting of repeating marks 8T and 8T spaces in the write-once mode repeated to the track groove 3531 with drive control information. Thus, information can be reproduced using a playback apparatus that does not support the tracking functions of a push-pull system (apparatus with a DPD tracking system). Hardware compatibility can be improved.

In this example, the optical disc medium 2400 includes an input portion 2401 and an output portion 2403. The optical disc media 2400 may include, in addition to the recording and reproducing portion 2402, only the input portion 2401 or only the output portion 2403.

Example 20

Fig. 31 illustrates the track groove 3101 of an optical disc carrier of Example 20 in accordance with the invention.

In Example 1, the label of block 210 is created by cutting off the track groove 102. In this example, the label of block 3104 is formed by local inversion of the oscillation phase 3126 in the track groove 3101. The thus formed label of block 3104 does not require cutting the portion of the track groove 3101, so the information can be recorded on the label block 3104. As a result of this, you can reduce the size of the service area.

Example 21

32 illustrates the track groove 3201 of the optical disc carrier of Example 21 in accordance with the invention.

In Example 1, the label of block 210 is created by cutting a portion of track groove 102. In this example, a plurality of labels of blocks 3204a and 3204b are formed by local inversion of the oscillation phase 3226 in track groove 3201. The labels of blocks 3204a and 3204b thus formed do not require cutting of a portion of track groove 3201 and, in addition, the continuity of the oscillation phases 3226 is maintained, with the exception of the portion located between the marks of blocks 3204a and 3204b. Due to this, reproduction can be carried out without a significant change in the phase of the synchronizing oscillation pulses and without generating a phase difference in the PLL. Basic information may be recorded on the labels of blocks 3204a and 3204b. As a result, the size of the service area can be reduced.

Example 22

Fig. 33 illustrates the track groove 3301 of an optical disc carrier of Example 22 in accordance with the invention.

In Example 1, the label of block 210 is created by cutting off a portion of track groove 102. In this example, the label of block 3304 is generated as an oscillation 3326 having a locally higher frequency than oscillation 26. The thus formed label of block 3304 does not require cutting of a portion of the track groove 3301, whereby information can be recorded on the label portion of block 3304. As a result, the size of the service area can be reduced.

In Examples 1, 4, 5, 7-12, 15, 16, and 19-22, track grooves having block marks are disclosed. A track groove may be created on the optical disc carrier without a block label.

Industrial applicability

As described above, in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of vibrations of predetermined forms are generated in the track recording groove in which basic information is recorded in blocks. The vibrations display special sub information described by frames obtained by dividing the block by a given number K. Due to the formation of an oscillation containing sub information in a plurality of frames, i.e. repeatedly, the address information in the block can be formed with insignificant sizes of the area of service information or without it. A single frequency oscillation reproduction signal (i.e., a clock signal) can be obtained. Thus, an optical disc medium suitable for recording with high density can be obtained.

Sub information that is part of a sub information group indicates a sector number or ID number. If the data are not read in analog mode, for example, after a search operation, then immediately after the read operation, the sector number or ID number of the sector can be read instead of the block label at the beginning of the block. Thus, the block ID can be read from an arbitrary sector. Thanks to the complete determination of the block ID by reading only a group of sectors, including many sectors in the block, subsequent processing (reading data, writing data, etc.) can be faster.

The block ID is repeated many times in one block. Thus, the reliability of reading the block ID can be improved.

In the lead-in section and the lead-out section, the disk control information is encoded using pre-formed gear sawtooth oscillations. Thus, the same angular displacement tracking system can be used for the entire disc. The design of the optical disc apparatus can be simplified.

Oscillations are performed with different frequencies in the input and output sections and in the recording and playback section. The disc management area can be efficiently recorded on a limited space of the lead-in portion in the interior of the disc and the lead-out portion in the outer portion of the disc.

Claims (36)

1. An optical disc carrier, including a track groove, along which basic information is recorded, in which the track groove is divided into many blocks, each of the many blocks includes many frames, each of the many frames contains vibrations of one characteristic: form sub information from a variety of predetermined forms oscillations, each of the plurality of blocks contains address information and address information is represented by a string of at least one sub-information element represented by an oscillation form in m at least one of the many frames. 2. The optical disc medium according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of sectors, the plurality of sectors include a plurality of frames, and the address information is represented by a string of at least one sub-information element represented by a waveform of at least one of the plurality of frames, included in at least one of the sectors. 3. The optical disc medium according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of address information elements, the plurality of address information elements are identical, and each of the plurality of address information elements is represented by a string of at least one sub-information element. 4. The optical disc medium according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of address information elements includes a sequence number for indicating the order of the corresponding address information element among the plurality of address information elements. 5. The optical disc medium according to claim 1, wherein the address information is represented by a plurality of bits represented by at least one line of sub information from the least significant bit to the most significant bit. 6. The optical disc medium of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of sectors, the plurality of sectors include a plurality of frames, the address information is represented by at least one line included in the plurality of sectors, and information indicating the order of the sector among the plurality sectors, represented by part of at least one element of subinformation. 7. The optical disc medium of claim 1, wherein the information indicating at least an error detection code or an error correction code is represented as part of at least one sub-information element. 8. The optical disc carrier according to claim 1, in which the track groove has an identification mark formed therein indicating the beginning of each of the plurality of blocks. 9. The optical disc carrier of claim 8, wherein the identification mark is created by cutting the track groove. 10. The optical disc medium of claim 8, wherein the identification mark is created by locally changing the width of the track groove. 11. The optical disc medium of claim 8, in which the identification tag is created by locally changing the amplitude of the waveform. 12. The optical disc medium of claim 1, wherein the plurality of waveforms include a first waveform and a second waveform that differ from each other by at least a rise gradient or a fall gradient, wherein the first waveform and the second waveform denote different elements of subinformation from each other. 13. The optical disc carrier according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of waveforms include a first waveform and a second waveform different from each other in terms of duty cycle, wherein the first waveform and the second waveform indicate subinformation elements that are different from each other. 14. The optical disc carrier of claim 1, wherein the plurality of waveforms are performed along one edge of the track groove. 15. The optical disc medium of claim 1, wherein the track groove includes an identification mark indicating at least the beginning or end of at least one line of sub information. 16. The optical disc medium of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of at least one sub information line, an identification mark indicates the beginning of at least one sub information line, and the identification mark has a shape identical to another identification mark in at least one line of sub information of one block. 17. The optical disc medium of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of at least one sub information line, an identification mark indicates the beginning of at least one sub information line, and the at least one identification mark has a shape, different from the shape of another identification mark in at least one line of sub-information of one block. 18. The optical disc medium of claim 15, wherein the identification mark indicates the end of at least one line of sub information and the identification mark is formed by a combination of a first waveform and a second waveform, differing from each other by at least a rise gradient or a fall gradient, with the third form of oscillation, which is a sinusoidal oscillation. 19. The optical disc medium of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of at least one sub information line, an identification mark indicates the end of the at least one sub information line, and the identification mark has a shape identical to another identification mark in at least one line of sub information of one block. 20. The optical disc medium of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks includes a plurality of at least one sub information line, an identification mark indicates the end of at least one sub information line, and the at least one identification mark is shaped, different from the shape of another identification mark in at least one line of sub-information of one block. 21. The optical disc carrier of claim 8, wherein the identification mark is made by cutting a portion of the field between adjacent sections of the track groove. 22. The optical disc carrier of claim 15, wherein the identification mark is made by cutting a portion between adjacent parts of the track groove. 23. The optical disc medium of claim 15, wherein the single-frequency fictitious data is recorded on the identification tag. 24. The optical disc medium according to claim 1, in which the number of subinformation elements encoding the least significant bit of the address information is greater than the number of subinformation elements indicating the major bit of the address information. 25. An optical disc medium comprising a data recording and reproducing area and a disc management area in which: the data recording and reproducing area includes a first track groove along which basic information is recorded, the disc management area includes a second track groove created in at least one of the inner portions and the outer portions of the optical disc carrier, the second track groove includes a plurality of predetermined waveforms and control information of an optical disc medium is represented by a combination of a plurality of predetermined waveforms. 26. The optical disc carrier of claim 25, wherein the plurality of predetermined waveforms include a first waveform and a second waveform, differing from each other by at least a rise gradient and a fall gradient, and a third waveform, which is a sinusoidal wave. 27. The optical disc medium of claim 25, wherein the first track groove includes a plurality of predetermined waveforms, and the number of waveforms representing 1-bit information in the disc control area differs from their number in the recording and reproducing section. 28. The optical disc carrier of claim 25, wherein the first track groove includes a plurality of predetermined waveforms, and the first track groove and the second track groove differ in frequency of the waveforms. 29. The optical disc carrier of claim 25, wherein the first track groove includes a plurality of predetermined waveforms, and the second track groove has a larger amplitude of the waveforms than the first track groove. 30. The optical disc carrier of claim 25, wherein the vibrations in adjacent portions of the second track groove have a constant phase difference equal to π / 2 · (2n + 1), where n denotes an integer. 31. The optical disc medium of claim 25, wherein the second track groove has a track pitch greater than the first track groove. 32. The optical disc medium of claim 8, wherein the identification mark is made by changing the phase of at least one waveform in the track groove. 33. The optical disc carrier of claim 8, wherein the identification mark is made by changing the frequency of at least one waveform in the track groove. 34. The optical disc carrier according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of waveforms are made having an identical period. 35. An apparatus for reproducing an optical disc medium including a track groove along which basic information is recorded, in which the track groove is divided into many blocks, each of the many blocks includes many frames, each of the many frames includes sub-information-bearing vibrations of one shape selected of the many specified waveforms, each of the many blocks contains address information represented by a string of at least one sub-information element represented by the form oscillations of at least one of the plurality of frames, which includes: a conversion section for reading basic information and sub information expressed by vibrations in one of a plurality of predetermined waveforms from the optical disc carrier and generating a playback signal; a calculation section for a reproduction signal for generating a tracking error signal and a radio frequency signal for the reproduction signal; a clock synchronization signal generation section for generating a clock signal from a tracking error signal; a two-level pulse signal generation section for generating a two-level pulse signal from the tracking error signal; a block mark signal detection section for detecting a block mark signal by an RF signal, and a sub-information generating section for generating a sub-information signal by a synchronizing clock signal, a two-level pulse signal, and a block mark signal. 36. A method of reproducing an optical disc medium including a track groove along which basic information is recorded, in which the track groove is divided into many blocks, each of the many blocks includes many frames, each of the many frames includes sub-information-bearing vibrations of one shape selected from a plurality of predetermined waveforms, each of the plurality of blocks contains address information represented by a string of at least one sub-information element represented by a ring form banyi of at least one of the many frames, which includes the stages: reading the basic information and subinformation, expressed by fluctuations in one of the many specified waveforms, from the optical disc carrier and generating a playback signal; generating a tracking error signal and an RF signal from the reproduction signal; generating a clock signal from a tracking error signal; generating a two-level pulse signal from a tracking error signal; detecting a block label signal by an RF signal and generating a sub-information signal from a clock signal, a two-level pulse signal, and a block mark signal.

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