JPH11250558A - Recording medium discriminating method, discriminating device, recording and/or reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To discriminate the kind of an optical disk before performing servo control. SOLUTION: For example, a laser diode for compact disk(CD) is turned on [1] and is driven to transfer a focus of a light beam [2]. A low frequency component of a detected signal is monitored at this state [3]. And the low frequency component is judged whether it is equal to a specified level or more (FOK=H) or not [4]. Furthermore, an error signal of a tracking servo is measured [5] and the peak-to-peak(PP) value of the tracking error(TE) signal is judged whether it is larger than an optional reference value or not [6]. And when the value is larger than the reference value, the optical disk is discriminated as the compact disk(CD) [7] and when the value is smaller than the reference value, the optical disk is discriminated as a high density optical disk like a digital video disk(DVD) [8].

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a compact disc (CD) and a digital video disc (DV).
The present invention relates to a recording medium discriminating method, a discriminating device, and a recording and / or reproducing device suitable for use in a device for recording and / or reproducing a plurality of types of discs such as a high-density optical disc such as D). More specifically, the types of these discs are determined in advance so that the recording and / or reproduction can be started more quickly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a compact disc (CD),
Devices for recording and / or reproducing a plurality of types of discs such as a high-density optical disc such as a digital video disc (DVD) have been considered. That is, for example, a compact disc (CD) and a digital video disc (DV)
In the case of high-density optical discs such as D), the appearance of these discs is similar, and it is possible to design an apparatus having a common drive mechanism for these discs.

However, for example, such a compact disk (CD) and a digital video disk (DVD)
For example, the interval (pitch) between tracks on which information pits are provided is 1.6 μm for a compact disk (CD).
In a high-density optical disk such as a digital video disk (DVD), the difference is as large as 0.74 μm.

[0004] The size of information pits also varies accordingly, so that the wavelength of a light (laser) beam used when recording and / or reproducing these information pits is, for example, a compact disk (CD). Then 76
The difference is 0 nm, such as 635 nm or 650 nm in a digital video disk (DVD).

Accordingly, in an apparatus for recording and / or reproducing a plurality of types of discs such as a compact disc (CD) and a high-density optical disc such as a digital video disc (DVD), for example, a drive mechanism for the disc is provided. It is necessary to determine the type of the loaded disc, switch the wavelength of the light (laser) beam according to each disc, and switch the drive characteristics of the disc drive mechanism and the playback unit drive mechanism.

If the recording and / or reproduction of the disk is performed without the proper switching and with the discrepancy, it becomes difficult to perform, for example, servo control by a disk driving mechanism or a reproducing means driving mechanism. Also, if you try to force the servo control, the control gain will not match and the control will oscillate,
If a control voltage or the like exceeding an allowable level is applied, a device such as a drive mechanism of the reproducing unit may be damaged.

[0007]

On the other hand, in a conventional apparatus, a recording surface of a disk is irradiated with a light beam of a predetermined frequency, for example, and the frequency of the irradiated light beam and recording on the recording surface are performed. Conventionally, the type of a disc is determined by measuring interference fringes of light formed between the track and the track pitch. However, such a means requires a special light detecting means and a circuit, etc., and the precision thereof is also required to be extremely high, so that the price is expensive and cannot be easily used. .

Further, for example, using a normal servo means,
It is also conceivable to provide an algorithm for sequentially searching each type of disk for a state in which servo control can be normally performed. However, in this method, it takes a long time to discriminate each disc, and the time until all discs are discriminated becomes extremely long. For this reason, it is impossible to quickly start recording and / or reproduction.

This application has been made in view of the above points, and the problem to be solved is that conventional methods and apparatuses require special means and circuits for discriminating the type of disk. It is necessary or the time required to make a determination is extremely long.

[0010]

Therefore, in the present invention, the type of the disc is determined by measuring the level of a tracking error signal indicating that the light beam has crossed the track. According to this, no special means or circuits are required, and the time is shortened by performing the determination before performing the servo control, so that the recording and / or the rapid recording can be performed.
Alternatively, it can be activated at the time of reproduction.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the present invention, at least when discriminating the types of a plurality of types of optical recording media having different track pitches, the recording medium is irradiated with a light beam for reproducing a recording medium having a wide track pitch. Under the condition that the focus signal indicating the focus state of the light beam obtained from the detection signal of the light beam reflected from the recording medium is within a predetermined range.
The level of a tracking error signal indicating that the light beam obtained from the detection signal has traversed the track is measured, and when the level of the tracking error signal is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the recording medium has a narrower track pitch. It becomes.

As described above, for example, a compact disk (CD) and a digital video disk (DVD)
For example, the interval (pitch) between tracks on which information pits are provided is 1.6 μm for a compact disk (CD).
In a high-density optical disk such as a digital video disk (DVD), the difference is as large as 0.74 μm.

For this reason, for example, a compact disk (C
The wavelength of the light beam for recording and / or reproducing in D) is 7
While the numerical aperture of the condenser lens is 80 nm and the numerical aperture of the condenser lens is 0.45, the wavelength of the digital video disc (DVD) is 635 nm or 650 nm and the numerical aperture is 0.60. As a result, the spot size (irradiation diameter) of the light beam of the compact disc (CD) is approximately 1.6 times larger than the spot size of the light beam of the digital video disc (DVD).

Therefore, for example, a compact disk (C
D) Light beam for digital video disc (DVD)
When the recording surface is irradiated, the light beam spot
As a result, it is not possible to obtain reflected light for each track. The inventor of the present application has paid attention to this point.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a recording and / or reproducing apparatus to which a recording medium determining method, a determining apparatus, and a recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention are applied.

In FIG. 1, an optical recording medium (hereinafter referred to as an optical disk) 1 such as a high-density optical disk such as a compact disk (CD) or a digital video disk (DVD) is provided. Further, an optical pickup device 2 is provided. The light (laser) beam 3 from the pickup device 2 is
And the reflected light from the recording surface of the optical disc 1 is detected by the pickup device 2.

Further, there is provided a recording / reproducing circuit 4 for processing signals such as video signals, audio signals, and information signals in accordance with respective predetermined recording formats. Then, through the recording / reproducing circuit 4, an information signal to be recorded / reproduced on / from the optical disk 1 by the above-described pickup device 2 is input / output to / from the outside. At the same time, the recording / reproducing circuit 4 detects an arbitrary reflected light from the optical disk 1 and supplies the detection signal to the servo processing circuit 5.

The servo processing circuit 5 analyzes a detection signal of any reflected light from the optical disk 1 detected by the recording / reproducing circuit 4 described above. As a result, the servo processing circuit 5 detects, for example, the focus position of the light beam 3 emitted from the above-described pickup device 2 to the optical disc 1, and passes the pickup device 2 through the focus servo circuit 6 so that the focus becomes a predetermined position. Is supplied with a control signal.

Further, for example, the position of the track irradiated with the light beam 3 is detected, and a control signal is supplied to the pickup device 2 through the tracking servo circuit 7 so that the track is at a predetermined position. The control signal is also supplied to the threader device 8 that moves the pickup device 2. Further, the rotational speed of the optical disc 1 is detected, and a control signal is supplied to a spindle motor 10 for driving the optical disc 1 through a spindle servo circuit 9 so that the speed becomes a predetermined value.

In this manner, for example, the optical disk 1 is rotated at a predetermined speed, and the light beam 3 from the pickup device 2 is focused on a desired track on the recording surface of the optical disk 1 so as to focus on a predetermined track. Irradiated. The light beam 3 is controlled by a signal from the recording / reproducing circuit 4 to record and / or reproduce an arbitrary signal such as a video signal, an audio signal, and an information signal.

In this apparatus, for example, a part of the detection signal analyzed by the above-mentioned servo processing circuit 5 is supplied to the determination means 11. As a result, the discriminating means 11 discriminates the type of the optical disc 1 mounted on a compact disc (CD) or a high-density optical disc such as a digital video disc (DVD) as described below.

That is, FIG. 2 shows an example of a processing procedure performed by the determination means 11. In FIG. 2, when the process is started, the light beam 3 is applied in the first step [1].
For example, a laser diode (LD) for forming is turned on. Here, the laser diode emits a light beam 3 having a large beam diameter, for example, for a compact disk (CD).

Next, in step [2], a condenser lens (not shown) for moving the focal point of the light beam 3 is driven. As a result, for example, the focal position of the light beam 3 applied to the disk 1 is gradually changed. In this state, the low frequency component of the detection signal is monitored in step [3]. Here, when this low frequency component is higher than a predetermined level, the light beam 3
It can be determined that the focal point is within a predetermined focusing range. Therefore, in step [4], it is determined whether or not the low frequency component is higher than a predetermined level (FOK = H).

In step [5], an error signal of the tracking servo is measured, and in step [6], the peak-to-peak (P) of the tracking error (TE) signal is measured.
P) It is determined whether the value is larger than an arbitrary reference value. If this value is larger than the reference value, it is determined in step [7] that it is a compact disk (CD), and if it is smaller than the reference value, it is determined in step [8] that it is a high-density optical disk such as a digital video disk (DVD). Then the processing is ended (end).

That is, in this process, in step [1], the condenser lens is gradually driven, for example, as shown by the waveform A in FIG. As a result, the low frequency component of the detection signal is extracted with a level change as shown in FIG. 3B, and a focus servo error signal as shown in FIG. 3C is formed from this detection signal. Then, during the period in which the focus error signal is obtained, a tracking error signal is extracted as shown in FIGS.

When the recording surface of the compact disc (CD) is irradiated with the light beam 3 for the compact disc (CD), a high-level tracking error signal is extracted as shown in FIG. 3D. However, when the light beam 3 is applied to the recording surface of a high-density optical disk such as a digital video disk (DVD), the light beam 3
Spots straddle two or more tracks at the same time, and the level of the tracking error signal decreases as shown in FIG.

Therefore, the peak-to-peak (PP) value of the tracking error signal is compared with an arbitrary reference value. If the PP value is larger than the reference value, it is determined that the tracking error signal is a compact disc (CD). The disc can be identified as a high-density optical disc such as a digital video disc (DVD).

Therefore, in this apparatus, the type of the disc is determined by measuring the level of the tracking error signal indicating that the light beam has traversed the track, so that no special means or circuit is required, and the servo is not required. By performing the determination before performing the control, the time can be shortened, and the recording and / or reproduction can be quickly started.

As a result, in the conventional method and apparatus, a special means or a circuit is required for discriminating the type of the disc, or the time required for discrimination becomes extremely long. According to the present invention, these problems can be easily solved.

FIG. 4 shows another example of the processing procedure performed by the determination means 11. In the example of FIG. 4, for example, after it is determined in step [4] of FIG. 2 that the low-frequency component is higher than or equal to the predetermined level (FOK = H), for example, in step [11] of FIG. Tracking servo circuit 7
To apply a kick pulse. Thereby, for example, the condenser lens (not shown) of the pickup device 2 is vibrated, and the path of the light beam is fluctuated.

That is, in this case, the path of the light beam 3 is varied so as to cross the track on the recording surface of the disk 1, and the peak-to-peak (PP) value of the tracking error signal and the reference The comparison with the value can be performed reliably. Note that the above-mentioned kick pulse is applied to the FOK signal shown in FIG.
It can be formed as shown by G2 and G3.

FIG. 6 also shows another example of the processing procedure performed by the determining means 11. In the example of FIG. 6, for example, after monitoring of the low frequency component of the detection signal is started in step [3] of FIG. 2, a wobble signal as shown in G of FIG. Superimposed on
After step [5], step [22] determines that the low frequency component has fallen below a predetermined level (FOK = L), and stops the wobble signal in step [23].

That is, in this case, by superimposing the wobble signal on the tracking signal, for example, the condensing lens (not shown) of the pickup device 2 is vibrated positively, and the path of the light beam 3 is changed, and 1 crosses the track on the recording surface. Then, the peak-to-peak (PP) value of the tracking error signal can be reliably compared with the reference value.

FIG. 8 shows still another example of the processing procedure performed by the determination means 11. In the example of FIG. 8, for example, after monitoring of the low frequency component of the detection signal is started in step [3] of FIG. 2, a control signal is supplied to the spindle motor 10 in step [31], and Rotation starts. Also, after step [5], as step [32], the low frequency component is equal to or lower than a predetermined level (FOK =
L), the rotation of the disk 1 is stopped in step [33].

That is, in this case, the rotation of the disk 1 results in the same state as the track vibrating due to the eccentricity and the like included in the normal disk 1. Thus, for example, the path of the light beam 3 crosses the track on the recording surface of the disk 1, and the peak-to-peak (PP) value of the tracking error signal can be reliably compared with the reference value. .

FIG. 9 shows still another example of the processing procedure performed by the determination means 11. In the example of FIG. 9, for example, after the monitoring of the low frequency component of the detection signal is started in step [3] of FIG. 2, a control signal is supplied to the threader device 8 in step [41], and the pickup device 2 Is moved. After step [5], step [4]
2) the low frequency component is below a predetermined level (FOK = L)
Is determined, the movement of the threader device 8 is stopped in step [43].

That is, in this case, for example, G in FIG.
The movement of the threader device 8 is performed during the period shown in FIG. The movement of the threader device 8 (the pickup device 2) causes, for example, the path of the light beam 3 to cross the track on the recording surface of the disk 1, and the peak-to-peak (PP) value of the tracking error signal and the reference value Can be surely compared.

Further, in FIG. 11, for example, after the monitoring of the low frequency component of the detection signal is started in step [3] of FIG. 2, for example, focus servo is executed in step [51], and the tracking error signal is generated. It performs detection. Therefore, according to this example, it is possible to more reliably compare the peak-to-peak (PP) value of the tracking error signal with the reference value. The tracking servo is performed after the type of the disc 1 is determined as shown in step [52].

As described above, in each processing procedure performed by the above-described determination means 11, it is possible to reliably compare the peak-to-peak (PP) value of the tracking error signal with the reference value. Further, the processing procedures of the above-described examples can enhance the respective effects even if they are combined with each other. Further, the above-described determination means 11 may be provided as a part of software in the servo processing circuit 5, for example.

According to the above-described recording medium discriminating method, discriminating apparatus, and recording and / or reproducing apparatus, when discriminating at least the types of a plurality of types of optical recording media having different track pitches, a wide track pitch is used. A focus signal indicating the focus state of the light beam obtained from a detection signal of the light beam reflected from the recording medium by performing control to irradiate the recording medium with a light beam for reproducing the recording medium and gradually change the focus thereof. Under the condition that is within a predetermined range, the level of a tracking error signal indicating that the light beam obtained from the detection signal has traversed the track is measured. By judging that the recording medium has a smaller pitch, no special means or circuits are required, and before performing servo control To shorten the time to perform another, it is capable of performing activation at rapid recording and / or reproducing.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0042]

Accordingly, claims 1, 17, and 3 can be used.
According to the third aspect, the type of the disc is determined by measuring the level of the tracking error signal indicating that the light beam has traversed the track, so that no special means or circuit is required, and servo control is not performed. By performing the discrimination before performing the above, the time can be shortened, and the recording and / or reproduction can be quickly started.

As a result, in the conventional method and apparatus, a special means or a circuit is required for discriminating the type of the disc, or the time required for discrimination becomes extremely long. According to the present invention, these problems can be easily solved.

Further, in the inventions of the claims other than the above, automatic control for making the path of the light beam fluctuate and / or gradually change, or driving the recording medium, and further setting the focus signal within a predetermined range. By performing the tracking error signal level measurement, the level of the tracking error signal can be detected more reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an example of a recording and / or reproducing apparatus to which a recording medium determining method, a determining apparatus, and a recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to the present invention are applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation;

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram for the explanation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of another example.

FIG. 5 is a waveform chart for the explanation.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of another example.

FIG. 7 is a waveform chart for the explanation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of another example.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of another example.

FIG. 10 is a waveform chart for the explanation.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of another example.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Optical disk, 2 ... Pickup device, 3 ... Light beam, 4 ... Recording / reproducing circuit, 5 ... Servo processing circuit, 6 ... Focus servo circuit, 7 ... Tracking servo circuit, 8 ...
Threader device 9, 9 spindle servo circuit, 10 spindle motor, 11 discriminating means

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 8, 1998

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Claims (48)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium discriminating method for discriminating at least types of a plurality of types of optical recording media having different track pitches, wherein the recording medium is irradiated with a light beam for reproducing the recording medium having a wide track pitch. Under the condition that the focus signal indicating the state of the focus of the light beam obtained from the detection signal of the light beam reflected from the recording medium is in a predetermined range, the focus is gradually changed. Measuring a level of a tracking error signal indicating that the light beam obtained from the detection signal has traversed a track, and when the level of the tracking error signal is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the track pitch is narrower on a recording medium. A recording medium discriminating method characterized by discriminating that there is. 2. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 1, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while varying the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. . 3. The recording medium discrimination method according to claim 1, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. Method. 4. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 1, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied, and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording medium discriminating method, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured. 5. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is driven to measure the level of the tracking error signal. 6. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 5, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. . 7. The recording medium discrimination method according to claim 5, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. Method. 8. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 5, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording medium discriminating method, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured. 9. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 1, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured in a state in which the focus signal is automatically controlled to be within a predetermined range. Medium determination method. 10. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 9, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. . 11. The recording medium discrimination method according to claim 9, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. Method. 12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied, and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording medium discriminating method, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured. 13. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 9, wherein the recording medium is driven to measure the level of the tracking error signal. 14. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 13, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while varying the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. . 15. The recording medium discrimination method according to claim 13, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. Method. 16. The recording medium discriminating method according to claim 13, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied, and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording medium discriminating method, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured. 17. A recording medium discriminating apparatus for discriminating at least types of optical recording media having different track pitches, wherein the recording medium is irradiated with a light beam for reproducing the recording medium having a wide track pitch. Focus control means for gradually changing the focus, and a condition that a focus signal indicating a focus state of the light beam obtained from a detection signal of the light beam reflected from the recording medium is within a predetermined range. A measuring means for measuring a level of a tracking error signal indicating that the light beam obtained from the detection signal has traversed a track, wherein the track pitch is higher when the level of the tracking error signal is equal to or less than a predetermined value. A discriminating unit for discriminating that the recording medium is a narrow recording medium. 18. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. . 19. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the level measurement of the tracking error signal is performed while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. apparatus. 20. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied, and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording medium discriminating apparatus for measuring a level of the tracking error signal. 21. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured by driving the recording medium. 22. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while varying the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. . 23. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. apparatus. 24. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording medium discriminating apparatus for measuring a level of the tracking error signal. 25. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured in a state where the automatic control for setting the focus signal within a predetermined range is performed. Medium discriminator. 26. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while varying the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. . 27. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. apparatus. 28. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied, and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording medium discriminating apparatus for measuring a level of the tracking error signal. 29. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured by driving the recording medium. 30. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. . 31. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. apparatus. 32. The recording medium discriminating apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording medium discriminating apparatus for measuring a level of the tracking error signal. 33. A recording and / or reproducing apparatus for discriminating at least types of plural types of optical recording media having different track pitches and recording and / or reproducing the recording medium according to the discriminated types. Focus control means for irradiating the recording medium with a light beam for reproducing the recording medium having a wide track pitch to gradually change the focus thereof; and a detection signal of a reflected light of the light beam from the recording medium. A measurement for measuring a level of a tracking error signal indicating that the light beam has crossed a track obtained from the detection signal under a condition that a focus signal indicating a focus state of the light beam is within a predetermined range. Means for determining that the recording medium has a narrower track pitch when the level of the tracking error signal is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Recording and / or reproducing apparatus, characterized by comprising determining means for. 34. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. And / or a playback device. 35. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. And / or a playback device. 36. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording and / or reproducing apparatus for measuring the level of the tracking error signal while performing the measurement. 37. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured by driving the recording medium. 38. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. And / or a playback device. 39. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. And / or a playback device. 40. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied, and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording and / or reproducing apparatus for measuring the level of the tracking error signal while performing the measurement. 41. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the level measurement of the tracking error signal is performed in a state where the automatic control for setting the focus signal within a predetermined range is performed. Recording and / or playback device. 42. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. And / or a playback device. 43. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the level measurement of the tracking error signal is performed while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. And / or a playback device. 44. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is varied, and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording and / or reproducing apparatus for measuring the level of the tracking error signal while performing the measurement. 45. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured by driving the recording medium. 46. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. And / or a playback device. 47. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the level of the tracking error signal is measured while gradually changing the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium. And / or a playback device. 48. The recording and / or reproducing apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is changed, and the path of the light beam applied to the recording medium is gradually changed. A recording and / or reproducing apparatus for measuring the level of the tracking error signal while performing the measurement.