CA2191953C - Data transmission system, data recording and reproducing apparatus and recording medium each having data structure of error correcting code - Google Patents

Abstract

A data transmission system for transmitting information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data. A read--out controller controls a transmitter to transmit the data and the parity so that each data component of the data obtained by dividing the data of one data block area into a plurality of data components and each parity component of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are transmitted at intervals of each sector having a sector address. The sector is defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount. Since the parity is not recorded in a bunched continuous area but rather dispersed throughout the sector, the information data can be regularly read thereby simplifying that data reproducing and the read-out apparatus.

Description

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DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, DATA RECORDING AND REPRODUCING
APPARATUS AND RECORDING MEDIUM EACH HAVING DATA STRUCTURE
OF ERROR CORRECTING CODE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION' The present :invention relates to a data transmission system, a data reccDrding and reproducing apparatus, and a recording medium. Each of these include a data structure of error correcting code, a data structure for use in a recording med:i.um, a niethod for arranging a parity of an er.ror correction code, a method for transmitting inf:ormat ion dat<_a, a method for receiving information data, a method foa-- rec.ording information data in a recording nledium, and a metizod for reproducing information data from a recording rnedium.

In particular, the present invention relates to a data transmission system for transmitting data through:
(a) a communication line; (b) a data recording and reproducing apparatus fo.x- :t:'ecordinc_; cJ.ata into a recording mediurn and reproducing dat: a f:rom t rte recording medium; and (c) a recording mediun such as an c:~pt i.c:a1 disk, a magneto-optical disk, a inagnetic disk, a _:m~ act disk, a magnetic tape, a serniconductor mE>m0ry, or :-he :1. ike . Each of the above include a data s~_ruc-tur_e of error correcting code, a data structure for use ir~ a, recordang medium, a inethod for arranging a parity of an F=or cor.r.-ect:ing code, a method for transmitt.ing infox}mat.ic:an data, a method for receiving information data, a method foi.- recording information data in a recording medium, and a method for reproducing information data from a recording me(Jium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When. transmitting and rec.-,ording a large amount of digital data, an error correcting code (referred to as an ECC hereinafter) is widely used f(.:)r the purpose of improvirig the reliability of the d.ata..

The ECC word generated by attaching a parity to original data increases the redundancy of the data having the parity. The ECC has the capab3.lities of detecting and correcting errors gene .r.at:.ed i.n the ~Drc:cess of transmitting, recording and reproducing the data.

In general,'; hEa ECC has a hi gher error correcting capability when the EC'C wc3rc:l has ~:in _ncre.ased redundancy, i.e., when the ECC word includes a greater amount of parity symbols. Therefore, the ECC word in(:-:ludes a plurality of parity symbols or bytes.

Conventionally, when ECC encoding a large amount of data for transmitting or recording, thF= data is divided into a plurality of blocks each ha=vra_ng a predetermined length, and a parity is:, at t:, ac hec:a e.Ac}i hl.ock. Then, the parity is arranged irt tJie: tail c.?f the block to be corrected. That is, in the conveni_.a onal process of data transmission, the data has been trarisrrdtted with the parity added to the t.ail of each data bl.oc-:k.. Alternatively, in the data recording process, t.he par. ;.t.y lias been recorded in a position adjacent to each data block. Conventional data recording methods using ECC will be discussed hereinbelow in conjunction with the drawings.

An arrangement of the dat:a and the parity of the ECC word in a convent.i.ona.l data reco:r-ding method is shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a logical data format of one block of an opti.cal disk in which data and a parity are recorded by a prior art method f:or arranging the parity of the ECC.

The block is divided into a data area 90, a row parity area 54, and a column parity ar-ea 53, depending on the type of information data recarded. In the present case, the parity is a part of: the ECC word. As is apparent from Fig. 1, the row parity area 54 ,ind the column parity area 53 partially overlap.

One block is comprised ot 11:D6 data frames 51 and 12 parity frames. In the preserit c::,ase, the frame 51 means a group of data or parities corresponding to one row of each block, and r.,onstr'_icts ari EC"C word i.n the row direction.

Each data frame 51- is comprised of data of 158 bytes and a row parity of 1.() symbol..~; ea{:h of which consists of one byte (referred to a.:.- a (.1 ;,a:r ity hereinafter) for error correction of the data. ThirtF.en data frames constitute one sect.or 52. The refore, one block is comprised of twe:a-ve sf~~c t(,r-s 52 in c<;ise. A phys:ical sector address 50 for each sector :.)2 i. s wri tten at the head of each sector 52 (refEerred tc) as a sector address hereinafter). Further, i.t is that a synchronous --4-..

(Sync) pattern (not showri) is genera.l..ly added to the head of each frame.

In the column parity 5:1), twelve bytes in the direction of column constitute one parity (referred to as a C2 parity hereinafter). The parity is used for correcting an error of the 156-byte data series located upward in an identical column. The above-mentioned 156-byte data and 12-byte parity construct an ECC word in the column direction. Fig. :I. shows a logical format of one block, and the block is physically written continuously in a sequence from the frame located in the uppermost position of the block, onto a track of an optical disk iri a manner as shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, paying attention to the data series in the direct:i..on of t hE-! column, data are discretely arrarlged ori tlYie disk. This arrangement is referred to as an interleave.

Thus, conventionally, Jn k>oth (a) the data arrarigement in t:.he direction of t:.t-te row, i. e., the data series which i.s not: interleaveA -rnd (b) the data arrarigement in the direcl_iori of tlie:- co:.umn, i. e., the data series which is :inter.leavecl, the data area 90 in which data is arranged and the parity area 93 in which the parity is arranged have been clearLy distinrjj.,t.;shed from each other.

However, according to the recent trend of increasing the storage capacities and reducing the access times of optical disks, upon reading data from an optical disk in which the ciata has been written by the prior art arrangemerit method, there are n;any problems as detailed below.

..5_ Timings for detecting sector addresses upon continuously reading out information alon_q a track will be considered with ref:erence to Fig. 3. In this case, the information data is sequentially read out from the frame located in t.he uppermost positior-i of the block shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, the twelve sector addresses are detected at a predetermined regular time interval.
However, since the twelve column parity frames of the column parity 53 are subsequently read out, a certain time interval continues f:or which no sector address is detected.
Thereafter, the next bl.ock is read out, and then, the similar phenomenon occurs repetitively.

Thus, according to the conventional method for arranging the parity of.- the ECC, the t:.imings for detecting the sector addresses become irregular. T'herefore, upon retrieving a desired sector address, ~i complicated control circuit and a complicated calculatclr cir.,-cui.t are riecessary, which reduces read-out time. J:n th:i.s case, for example, by providing only the row parity without adding the column parity itself, the tiniings for detecting the sector addresses ean be made regul.ar. However, with only the row parity, the data correcting capahi lity is reduced, which impairs the reliability cA: the zF.r <. :dE:ci dat::a.

SiTNIMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the pre:Dent invention is to provide a data transmission systerr-. comprising a data transmitter and a data receiver, said system being capable of regularly transm-wtti.nq :i.nformat.ion data in a data area, and regularly receiving the irrforrsiation data arranged regularly in the data area wit:hout impairing the reliability of the transrnitted data.

A second objecct ot the present invention is to provide a data. recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a data recorder and a dat.a reproducer, said apparatus being capable of regularly recording or writing information data in a data area, and regularly reproducing or reading-out the information data arranged regularly in the data area without,. impairing t:he reliability of the recorded data..

A third object of the present invention i_s to provide a recording medium, in which information data can be regularly recorded or written in a (data area, and the recorded informatio;:-i data arranged regularly in the data area can be reproduced or read out- without impairing the reliability of the recorded data.

A fourth object of the 1:)re sent invention is to provide a data struct.ure for use in a recording rYrediurri, in which informatiorr data cari be regularly recorded or written in a data area, and the rE'corded information data arranged regularly in the data area cari be reprodur,ed or read out wi.thout impair. ing the re1 :i;abil. it:y c i t:he r ecorded data.

A fifth object c)f the pxe:_,ent invention is to provide a method for, arranging a parity of an ECC, by which information data can be recli.zlarly recc:irded or written in a data area, and the recorded infor_-n at:ion data arranged regularl.y in the data area cari be reproduced or.- read out without impaiY-ing ttte reliability cf the recorded data.

A sixth object:.: of the present invention J_s to provide a method for transmitting information data, capable of regularly transmitting information data in a data area.

A seventh object of the present invention is to provide a method fo.r receiving inf.orm~ation data, capable of regularly receiving information dat.a arranged regularly in the data area without, iinpairing the reliability of the transmitted data.

An eighth object of the present invention is to provide a method for recording info.rmat::ion data, capable of regularly recording or writing inf,z)rwation data in a data area of a recording medium.

A ninth object of the present invention is to provide a met.hod, for reproducing i.nfo:~:mation data, capable of regularly reproducing or read:i.ng out information data arranged regularly in the data area of the recording medium without impairing the reliability cf the transmitted data.
In order: to achieve tkie above -ment.Loned objective, according t:o a. first aspect of the present irivention, there is provided a data transmission systern for transmitting information dat.a witr: a parity of an error correcting code for correc'~7ing an errc:,r.: in the information data, comprising a data t::.:ransmitt:er anci. a data receiver, wherein said data transmat.ter comprises:

first storage means for storing information data to be transmitted;

second storage means for stor ing a par-ity of an error correcting code;

write control means for writing input information data to be transmitted into said first storage means;

parity generating means for generating a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code for correcting an error of the information data using a predetermined error correcting coding method in response to the iriformation data stored in said first storage means, and writing the parity into said second storage means;

transmitting means for transmitting the information data stored in said first storage means together with the parity stored in said second storage means; and read-out control means for controlling said transmitting means to transmit the information data stored in said first storage mearls and t:.1le parit:.y stored in said second storage means so t:hat eack; data component of the information data obtained by di.vidJLny the information data of one data block area int.<.:> a plux ala. ty of data components and each parity component of t.he parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block are~,r into a plurality of parity components are transmitted at intervals of each sector having a sector address, said sect:.or being defined as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of _ q -a predetermined data amount: into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount, wherein data receiver comprises:

receiving means for receiving each data component of the information data and each parity component of the parity which are transmitted at iz-it:.erval.s of each sector by said transmitting means;

data extracting means for extracting the information data of one block area by combining a plurality of data components received by said receiving means;

parity extracting means f:c.>r extracting the parity of one block area by combinirig a plurality of parity components received by said receivir:g means; and error correcting means for correcti.ng an error in the information data of one block area extracted by said data extracting means, using a predetermined error correcting decoding method, baseci on the parity of one block area extracted by said parity extracting means, and outputting an error-correct:ed a_nfion data.

In the above-mentioried data transmission system, the parity preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is compri.s6::d of a plurality of f rames , wherein said read-out contro1, means controls said transmitting means to transnut the xow parity at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data transmitter for transmitting information data with zi parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, comprising:

first storage means for storing information data to be transmitted;

second storage means for st:oring a parity of an error correcting code;

write control means for vrrit:ing input information data to be transmitted into said fi.rst storage means;
parity gerierating means for generating a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code for correcting an err:or of the information data using a predetermined error c..C>rrect:i_ng coding method in response to the iriformation data stored in said first storage means, and writing the par:-ty into said second storage means;

transmitting means for transmitting the information data stored in said first storage means together with the parity stored a.ri said second storage means; and read-out control means f'or controlling said - .11 --transmitting means to transmit the information data stored in said first storage means and the parity stored in said second storage means so that eacl-i data component of the information data obtained by dividinc.4 the information data of one data block area into a plural:i..ty of data components and each parity component of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are transmitted at. intervals of each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount.

In the above-mentioned data transmitter, the parity preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, wherein said read-out control mearis controls said transmitting means to transmit the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity in the last frame of each sectc~r.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data receiver for receiving information data wit.h a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, comprising:

receiving means for receiving each data component of the information data and each parity component of the parity which are transmitted at intervals of each sector;

data extracting means for extracting the information data of one block area by combiriing a plurality of data components received by said receiving means;

parity extracting means for extracting the parity of one block area by combining a plurality of parity components received by said receiving means; and error correcting ctteans for correcting an error in the information data of one block area extracted by said data extracting means, using a predetermined error correcting decoding method, based on the parity of one block area extracted by said parity extracting means, and outputting an error-corrected information data.

According to a fourth aspect cDf the present invention, there is provided ~i data recording and reproducing apparatus for recording information data with a parity of an error cor:rect.i.ng code for correcting an error in the information data into a recording medium, and reproducing the i_nformatiori data with the parity from said recording medium, comprising a dar-a recorder and a data reproducer, wherein said data recorder comprises:

first storage means for storing information data to be recorded;

second storage means fox: storirig a parity of an error correcting cocie;

write control means for writing input information data to be recorded into said first storage means;

parity generating means for generating a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code for correcting an error of the information data using a predetermined error correcting coding method in response to the information data stored in said first storage means, and writing the parity into said second storage means;

recording means for recording into sai.d recording medium, the information data st.orE~d in said first storage means together with the parity stored in said second storage means; and read-out cont.r..o1. means for controlling said recording means to record the inforrnation data stored in said first storage means and the parity stored iri said second storage means so that each riata component Of the information data obtained by da..vidi.ng the information data of one data block area int.o a p_luxality of data components and each parity component of t:.he pai-ity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at int.ervals of each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount, wherein data reproducer comprises:

repr.oducirig means for reproducing each data component of the information data and each. parity component of the parity whicti are recordeci at intervals of each sector in said recording medium;

data extracting means for extracting the information data of one block area by combining a plurality of data components reproduced by said reproducing means;

parity extracting means for extracting the parity of one block area bv combining a plurality of parity components reproduce3 by said reproducing means; and error correcting means for correcting an error in the information datia of one block area extracted by said data extracting means, using a predetermined error correcting decoding method, based on the parity of one block area extracted h)y said parity extracting means, and outputting an error-corrected information data.

In the above-mentioned apparatus, the parity preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurali.t.:y of frames, wherein said read-out cont.rc-al means controls said recording means to record the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data coniponeiit, and the column parity in the :Last frame of each sector.

According to a fi.fth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data recorder= for recording information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an err_or in the i.nformati.on data into a recording medium, comprising:

first storage means for storing information data to be recorded;

second storage means for storing a parity of an error correcting code;

write control means for writing input information data to be recorded into said f.irst. st:.orage means;

parity generating mearis for generating a parity to form an error correcting word ol an error correcting code for correcti.ng an error of the ;.nformation data using a predetermined error correcting coding method in response to the information ciata stored in said first storage means, and writing the parity int.o said seco.id storage means;

recordi_ng means for recording into said recording medium, the information data stored in said first storage means together with th.e parity st.ored iri said second storage means; and read-out control rneans :f'or controlling said recording means to record the information data stored in said first storage means and the parity stored in said second storage means so that each data component of the information data obtained by da.viding the information data of one data block a:rea into a plurality of data components and each parity component of t:he parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plu-rality of sectors each having an identical data amount.

In the above-mentioned data recorder, the parity preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a pl.urali_ty of frames, wherein said read-out control means controls said recording means to record the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data component., and the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data reproducer for reproducing information data with a parity of an error correcting code from a recording medi.u.m, comprising:

reproducing means for x-eprodt.icing each data component of the information data and each parity component of the parity which are recorded at intervals of each sector in said recording medium;

data extracting means f'or extracting the information data of one block area by combining a plurality of data components reproduced by said reproducing means;

parity extracting means for extracting the parity of one block area by combining a plurality of parity components reproduced by said reproducing means; and error correcting means fox- correcting an error in the information data of one b1.ocY: area extracted by said data extracting means, using a predetermined error correcting decodincr tnethod, based on the parity of one block area extracted by said parity extracting means, and outputting an error--corrected inforntation data.

According to a seventh aspect, of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium having a data structure of information data and a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, said recording medium being usable by zi data reproducer, said recording me:dium comprising:

data reproducer readable information data; and data reproducer readab'Le parity of an error correcting code, wherein each data component of the information data obtained by dividing tt-ie i.rifc7rmat:ion data of one data block area into a plurality of. clata components and each parity component of the parity ohtai.ned by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as an data area obtained by divic.iing one data b1oc;{ area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount.

In the above-mentioned x:ecording medium, the parity preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sec:tor is comprised of a plurality of frames, wherein the row parity is recorded at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity is recorded in the :.Last frame of each sector.

According to an eightll aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data structure for use in a recording medium having informatio-I data and a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, said s.-fac.o:r_dirig mec:,lium being usable by a data reproducer, said data structure comprising:

data reproducer readable information data; and data reproducer readable parity of an error correcting code, wherein each data componerit of the information data obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components and each parity component of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address, said sector beinc:l c.lef.ined as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of-; sectors each having an identical data amount.

In the above-mentioned dzita. structure, the parity preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a pluralit:.y of frames, wherein the row parity i:s recorded at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity is recorded in the last frame of each sector.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nie~::hod for arranging a parity of an error correct;.ing code for cor:recting an error in the information data, in a recorciing mediurn, including tYre following step of:

arranging the iraformation c]ata and the parity so that each data component c>f the a.nfcõ)rmation data obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components and each parity component of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at inter.vals of each sector havirig a sector address, said sector being defined as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality ot sectors each having an identical data amount.

In the above-mentioned method, the parity preferably iricludes a row parity aric:i a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, wherein said arranging step includes the step of arranging the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for transmitting information data with a parity of an error correcting code for cor.rectirig an error in the i.ri#:ormation data, including the following steps of:

writing input informatioii data to be transmitted into first storage means;

generating a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error co.rrectiny cc.x:le for correcting an error of the inf_orntat_Lora data us.J..r.zg G. predetermined error - 21 . .

correcting coding rnethod in response to the information data stored in said first storage means, and writing the parity into said second storage means;

transmitting the information data stored in said first storage means together with LhE parity stored in said second storage means; and controlling to transmit. tlie information data stored in said first storage means and the parity stored in said second storage means so that each data component of the information data obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area in~~o a plurality of data componerits and each parity component, of: the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are transmitted at intervals of each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermiried dat,a amount :i.n.t.o a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount.

In the above-mentioned method, the parity preferably includes a row parity and a co:Lumn parity, and each sector is comprised of a plural.it:.yo of frames, wherein sa.id controllinq step includes the step of controlling to transmit the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided ta. method for receiving information data with a parity of: an error= correcting code for correcting an error iri. the information data, including the following steps of:

receiving each data component of the information data and each parity component of the parity which are transmitted at intervals of each sector;

extractinci the information data of one block area by combining a plurality of received dat.a conlponents;
extracting the parity of one block area by combining a plurality of received j,:aarit:.y components; and correcting an error in t.:he information data of one block area extracted, using a predetermined error correcting decoding method, based an the parity of one block area extracted, and outputting ari error-corrected informat:ion data.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, t.here is provided a m~::thod for recording information data with a parity of an error cor.recting code for correcting an error in the information data into a recording medium, including the following steps of:

writing input :informati.on data to be recorded into first storage means;

gerie-r. atinq a1:aarity to f oj: m, ar:. error correcting code word of an error correcting code for correcting an error of the informat.ion data using a predetermined error correcting coding method iri response to the information data stored in said first storage means, and writing the parity into second storage means;

recording into said x-ecordi_ng medium, the information data stored in said first storage means together with the parity stored in said second storage means; and controlling to record t:hc:; information data stored in said first storage means and t.4-ie parity stored in said second storage means so that each data component of the information data obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a pl.ur al:it:y of data components and each parity component of the parity obtairied by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as an data area obtained by dividitig o:'iE=~ data :block, area of a predetermined data amount into apl.urality of sectors each having an identical data amount.

In the above -ment: ionec:t method, the parity preferably includes a row parity and a co:lumn parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, wherein said controlling step includes the step of controlling to record t::he row parit.y at the tail of each frame after each data companent, and the column parity in the last frame cf. each se:.:,t:c::.r.

According to airci_rteeritr a:spect of the present invention, there is provided a Methc>d f.or reproducing information data with a parity of an :_ r. ror correcting code from a recording medium, including hFtolLowi ng steps of:

reproducing each data component of the information data and each parity component of the parity which are recorded at intervals cA each sectcr in said recording medium;

extracting the information data of one block area by coznbining 13 plurality ~f clata components reproduced;

extracting the parity j*' one block area by combining a plurality of parity cc>mporcenns reproduced; and correct inq an error in t:s;e information data of one block area extracted, using a predetermined error correcting decodi.ng methcd, basec:i c>r thE! parity of one block area extracted, and outputt, i.nc? <.:rn error--corrected information data.

In accordance witri one aspect of the present invention there is provided a data transmission system for transmitting information data witi; a:Dari_ty of an error correcting code for correcta_ng -:rn error in said information data, comprising a data tr a:rsmitter and a data receiver, wherein said data t: r_ansini t.'.er comprises: a first storage device that stores i.nformation data to be transmitted; a second storage devi ce chat stores a parity - 24a -of an error correcting code; a wri..te control device that writes input information data ta I)e t:ransmit:ted to said first storage device; a parity qenerating device that generates a parity to fcrm an error correcting code word of an error correcting code to correct an error of said information data us:ing a predeterm:.ir ed error correcting coding method in response to said inaormation data stored in said first storage device, and writing the parity to said second storage device; a transm.itting device that transmits said :informat ion data stored in said first storage device and said parity 3tc:red in said second storage device; and a read-out:. control device that controls said transmitting device to transmit said information data stored in said f.':i rs'. storage device and said parity stored in said second s~c=rage device, so that each data component of.s aid .inforrri.:,.tion data, obtained by dividing said information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components, aracl E ach parity component of said parity, obtained by dividing said parity of one block area into a plurality of pax i t-y components, are transmitted at intervals of eaK sector having a sector address, so that said plurality ct parity components are dispersedly arranged in one block to be transmitted, said sector being defined as a data are..a obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of se.ctcrs, each having an identical data amount, and wherein said data receiver comprises: a receiving device that receives each ddta component of said information data and each parity component of said parity - 24b -transmitted at intervals of eac:h sector by said transmitting device; a data extracting device that extracts said information data or.' one block area by combining a plurali:.y of data cornponents received by said receiving device; a parity extracting cievice that extracts said parity of one block area by combining a plurality of parity components received by said receiving device; and an error correcting device that corr.ecLs an error in said information data of one blc>ck area extracted by said data extracting device, using a predetermined error correcting decoding method, based ori said parity of orre block area extracted by said parity extracting device, and outputting an error-corrected information daLa, wY-rerein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a pluraiity of frainios, and wherein said read-out control device controls 5<3in transmitting device to transmit the row parity at Lhe t:_aiof each frame after each data component, an(d the column ,)ar:ity iri the last frame of each sector.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a data transmitter for transmitting information data with a parit.y of_ an error correcting code for correcting :rr: error in said information data, comprising: a f~~irsu storage device that stores information data to be transmitted; a second storage device that stores a parity o+:_ an error correcting code; a write control device that wriLes input information data to be transmitted to said fir~.}t storage device; a parity generating device that generates a parity to form - 24c -an error correcting code word of an error correcting code that corrects an error oi said information data using a predetermined er_ror correcting cc:7c:in.1 method in response to said information data stored :_r: said first storage device, and writing the pari.ty to E.aid second storage device; a transmitti_nq device than t ransrru_ts information data stored in said first storage device said parity stored in said second storage devi.ce; and a read-out control device that controls said transmitting device to transmit said i nformation data .>t "red in said first storage device and said parity stored in said second storage device so that each data component of said information data, obtained by di~/~i..dir,:g said information data of one data olock area :intI.~ ~ plurality of data components, and each parity component of said parity, obtained by dividing said parity at c;ne bloc:k area into a plurality of parity components, are transmitted at intervals of each sector having asec.=tor address, so that said plurality of parity components are dispersedly arranged in one block to be tra:risml t: teca, said sector being defined as a data area obtained by c:Li vidi_ng one data block area of a predetermined data amou.lt- into a plurality of sectors, each having an identical data amount, wherein the parity includes a row parity and acoi_umn parity, and each sector is comprised of a pl..ural.ity o#: frames, and wherein said read-out control device controis said transmitting device to transmit the row ~.~arit: ' :,,t the tail. of each frame after each data component, and t;ze column parity in the last frame of each sector.

.- 24d -In accordance w-1th yet ar.other aspect of the present invention there is provided a data recording and reproducing apparatus for recording nformation data with a parity of an error correct.ing c:ocle for correctirlg an error in said info:rrnation data ir:.to a recording medium, and reproducing said inf:ormatiorl ~ata with said parity from said recording medium, comprising a data recorder and a data reproducer, wherein said data i-ec:order comprises: a first storage device that stores intormation data to be recorded; a second storage device thcat stores a parity of ari error correcting code; awrat::e control device that writes input information data to be recorded into said first storage device; a parity generating device that generates a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code to correct an error of said information data using a predetermir,ed error correcting coding method in response to said inxormation data stored in said first storage device, and writing said parity into said second storage device; a recording device that records, to said recording medium, s6id information data, stored in said first storage devic(_>, and said parity, stored in said second storage device; and a read-out control device than coritrols said recording device to record said information data storW a n sa_id first storage device and said parity stored in said second storage device so that each data componerit of said information data, obtained by dividing informatior, data of one data block area into a plurality oi: data components, and each parity component of sa~~d parity, obtained by dividing said -- 24e -parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded at interva1s of each sector having a sector address, so that saio plurality of parity components are dispersedly a.rrangcad in one block to be transmitted, said sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one da~.,~~i .k.;lock area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount, wFierein data reproducer comprises: a reproducing device that r.eproduces each data component of said info rrrtat i on data and each parity component of said parity whicn are zecorded at intervals of each sector in said rec.ording medi;.a.rr,; a data extracting device that extracts information data of one block area by combining a plurality ot data components reproduced by said reproducing device; a parity extracting device that extracts said parit.y of one b 1ocvk ax'ea by combining a plurality o.f: parity coruponent:.s reproduced by said reproducing device; and arr error correcti_ng device that corrects an error in said inf-ormat.i_c.~~~,n data of one block area extracted by said data extrai.tinq device, using a predetermined error correcting decoding method, based on said parity of one block area ex~-rac.ted by said parity extracting device, and outputting an error-corrected information data, wherein the parity :.ncludes a row parity and a column pa.rity, and eacY-i s~ ctc, r:is comprised of a pl.uralit.y of frames, and wherein s,::A.i.d i-ead-out control device controls said recording c:ic~v:ice to record the row parity at the tail ot each t' ~~~~ame after each data - 24 f -component, and the column parity :ir~~, t:ne last frame of each sect:or.

In accordance with stil:i yet another aspect of the present invention the1 e is z::rovLded a data recorder for recording informat ion data with a parity of an error correcting code for correct:ing arl error in said information data into a recording medium, comprising: a first storage device thar- stores int-c:r.mation data to be recorded; a second storage device that stores a parity of an error correcting code; a write control device that writes input information data to be recorded to said first storage device; a parity generating c:evice that generates a parity to form Ein error correcting word of an error correcting code to corrE~~~c-4. an error of said information data using a predetermined error cDr:recting coding method in response to said information dara stored in said first storage device, arid writ,~ing said par:_t_y to said second storage device; a recoraing device tnat records, to said recording medium, said informaLio l,.i~,ta stored in said first storage device and said parity stored in said second storage device; and a read--<}ut control device that controls said rec:ordir:q device to record said information data stored in said first storage device and said parity stored in said secc>nd storage dev ic.e:: , so that each data component of said information data, obtained by dividing said information data of one data blor;k area into a plurality of data components, and each parity component of said parity, obtained by dividing said parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded 24g _ at intervals of each sector havinc, a sector address, said sector being defined as a data a:rca obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having ar. identical data amount, wherein the parity is dispersedly arrariged in each sector, wherein the parity includes a rcjw parity and a column parity, and eac7-; sector is c:ompr:;.;:>ec::i of a plurality of frames, and wherein said read-out cohtrol device controls said recording device to iFUcord the raw parity at the tail of each frame after eaciz data corr.porient, arid the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

In accordance with ti>t i l i yot. another aspect of the present invention t~.hCere is prc:vided a method for arranging a parity of an erroi aorrecting code for correcting an error in an information ciata, in a recording medium, comprising: arranging the information data and a parity so that each data componFvnt of the iriformation data, obtained by clividing the: L;ifcrmation data of one data block area into a plurality of data components, and each parity component of the parity, obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address sucli tLat the parity is dispersedly arranged in each secto;_, the sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors, each having an identical ciata amount, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, each sector comprising a plurality of irames, and wherein the _ 24h -arranging of the information data and the parity comprises arranging the row pa.r.ity at. a tail af. each frame after each data component, an(i arrangi_nc.x ~:. co] umn parity in a last frame of each sector.

In accordance with st:.i_ll yet: another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for transmitting information data witl--: a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, comprising: wri.ti_ng input information data to be transmitted into a first storage c:ievice; generating a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code to correct an err::)x of the information data using a predetermined error correcting code method in response to the information data w:-ored in said first storage device, and wr:Lti.ng the parity into a second storage device; t:ransmitting the in:f=ormaticn data, stored in the first storage device, arid the parity, stored in the second storage device; and cont.x. o l.:l i nq the transmitting of the informati.on data and tl-ie pa:r i t~,~ so that each data component of the informati.on datar obtained by divi_ding the information data o E one c:lat <~~, block area into a plurality of data components, and each parity component of the parity, obtained by d. i. vidi.ng the parity of one block area into a plurality of pa rit y components, are transmitted at intervals of eacli 3ector having a sector address such that the parity is clispersedly arranged in each sector, the sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividinq one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a piurality of sectors, -- 24i -each sector having an identical data amount, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, each sector comprising a p1_ural;i.ty of_ t'rames, and wherein the controlling of the transmitting cf information data and the parity compri.se.> controlling a transmission of the row parity to be at. a tail of each frame after each data component, and controlling a transmission of a column parity to be in a last frame of each sector.

In accordance with stil.i yet another aspect of the present invention there is pr(-:vided a method for recording information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an t:-rror in, the information data recorded to a recording medium, comprising: writing input information data, to be recoroed, to a first storage device; generating a parity to form ~an error correcting code word of an error correcting code to correct an error of the information data using a predetermined error correcting coding m.ethod i.n response to the information data stored in the first storage device, and writing the parity to a second storagE device; recording the information data, stored i.n the ft.r::,t: storage device, and the parity, stored in the second s.,orage device, to the recording medium; and control.l.' ng ttie recording of the information data and t:h~:~r. par!t,:.y so that each data component of the infor.mation dar:.a, :>btained by dividing the information data of one datr., block area into a plurality of data components, and eacL parity component of the parity, obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded ? 4 j -at intervals of each sector having t::a sector address such that the parity is dispersedly arranqed, the sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amour, nto a plurality of sectors, each sector having an identical data amount, wherein the pari.ty includes a row parity and a column parity, each sector compr:i_s.ing a p1.uralit-y of frames, and wherein the controi.l-ing of tW, recording of the information data and the parity (:emprises controlling a recording of the row parity to be at a tail of each frame after each data component:., and :::onLrc>1. 1 i ng a recording of a column parity to be in a last frame of each sector.

In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention there is pr.ovideci a recording medium having a data st:ructure oi_ i.nformatic.an data and a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, said recording modi irn being usable by a data reproducer, said recording nzedium ccnprising: data reproducer readable information data; and data reproducer readable parity of an error correcting code, wherein each data component of the i-nformat.:.nr, data obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components anc each parity component of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at intervals along each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a pr:=edeterm i,Ne.:.1 data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical da ta amount.

24k, _ In accordance with st:i.7.7 yk=t: another aspect of the present invent.i.on there is provided a data structure for use ir a recording medium having information data and a parity of a:i error correcting code for correctirrg an error in the information data, said recording medium being usable by a data reproducer, sali_d data structure comprising: dat:.a reprodtac::e.t_ ret c.ib:.~ information data;
and data reproducer_ readabl.e par:i.tyo u,: an error correcting code, whereiri ea(..h data componerit: )(- the information data obtained by dividing the i:iformatmic:.n data of one data block area into a pluraLity of data c:omponents and each parity component of t.he par.it.y obta;ned by dividing the parity of orle block ar.,:-ea i.n to i p1 _zralit:y of parity comporlerits are recorded at. intc a1:7 along each sector having a sector address, said c,ecLur being defined as a data area obtained by dividing orr.:a dar--a block area of a predetermined dat:a amount: into a pi.ur<zlity of sectors each having an identical dat:.a amr.au.nt:.

According to the pr_esent. L.r.vention, a parity is not recorded in a bunched contini..aou5 area but recorded dispersedly in each sec-tor of the =.zrea:-> in which the data to be corrected is recorded. The.refo_~e, the information data arranged regularly in the data ~~iYea is regularly read -,25-out, thereby simplifying and i.mproving the data reproducing or read-out apparatus by allowing for a higher operating speed.

Further, according to the present invention, the parity is not solely transmitted continuously but transmitted in such a manner t:.Yiat it is dispersedly mixed with the data to be corrected. Tf-ie above arrangement produces such an advantageous effect that the irlformation data arranged regularly in the data area can be transmitted at a predetermined constant time int:erval.

Furthermore, ac.;cc>rding to t.1ie present invention, when interleaved symbol data or ECC block data is received, the data series and t.:.he parity are reproduced from the symbol data or ECC block data, so tliat the error generated in the data series is corrected. Therefore, when the parity is dispersedly transmitted, th=.> data series and the parity are easily recognized, thereb ,, enabling the error generated in the data series to be corrected.

These and other object.;. and features of the present invention wila become ca.c,ar from the following desc.ription taken in corajunct_io,l wit.h the preferred embodiments thereof wi.tti ref...erence to the accompariying drawings throughout which 7. ,i.ke par1:::;~ ar.-E.:! designated by like reference riumerals.

Brief Description of Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a logical data format of one block of an opt.A.cal disk in which a parity of an ECC is recorded by a prior art method for arranging a parity of an ECC word;

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a frame and a sector written on a track o~.- a prior art optical disk;

Fig. 3 is a timing chart showing timings for detecting sector addresses when reading out the prior art optical disk shown in Figs. 1 and 2,;

Fig. 4 is a scYiematic diagram showing a logical data format of one block of an optical disk of a recording medium of a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic csiagram showing a logical data format of a header written in. the optical disk of the recording medium shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 i s a t,: i mi.ng chari:. showing timings for detecting sector addresses in the first preferred embodiment;

Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a read only optical disk in which the parity is written by the method for arranging the parity of: the ECC of the first preferred embodiment;

.- 27 -Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view showing a rewritable optical disk in which the parity is written by the method for arr. anging the pari.l.:y of an ECC of the first preferred embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a composition of a data transmission system of a second preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

Fig. 1..0 is a block diagram showing a composition of a data transmitter shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing a composition of a data receiver shown iri Fig.9;

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of a memory write controller shown in Fig.. 10;

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a first part of a process of a parity generator showri in Fig. 10;

Fig. 14 is a.f:l.owchar_t showing a second part of the process of the parity generato7- shown in Fig. 10;

Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a process of a memory read-out controller showri .i.n Fig. 10;

Fig. 1.6 is a flowchart showa..ng a first part of a process of a data recei.ver showri in Fig. 11;

Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing a second part of the process of the data receiver shown in Fig. 1.1; and Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing a composition of a phase-change type optic:a1.. disk recording and . ?. 8 -reproducing apparatus of a third preferred embodiment according to the present inventiol-1.

An arrangement of the data and the parity of the ECC
word in a conventiona.l dat::.a x'ecorci.:in.g method is shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a logical data format of one block of an optical.. disk in which data axLd a parity are recorded by a prior art mE:!thod for arranging the parity of the ECC.

The block is divided into a data area 90, a row parity area 54, and a column parity area 53, depending on the type of information data recr::>.r_-dec1. In the present case, the parity is a part of t:.he E~~;~C word. As is apparent from Fig. 1, the row parity area 54 and the column parity area 53 partially overlap.

One block is c(:ampr:i_sed of 1':~~6 data frames 51 and 12 parity frames. In the present case, the frame 51 means a group of data or parities correspondi.ng to one row of each block, and, con.st2:'uct s an ECcword in the row direction.

Each data frame 51 is cr~mpri sed. of data of 158 bytes and a row parity of _l..(:) symt>ols e,:.Ich of which consists of one byte (referred to _is a Cl paz: i:.y hereinafter) for error correction of the data. Thirteen data frames constitute one sector ~)2. Therefore, one block is comprised of twea_ve sE:1ct~;~r.~:~ 52 ixi t_hl:~; c~~~;~e. A physical sector address 50 for each sector is written at the head of each sector. 52 (referred to as a sector address hereinafter). Furthe:t_, it.. is riott>d that a synchronous ...2~_ (Sync) pattern (not showri) is generally added to the head of each frame.

In the column parity 53, twelve bytes in the direction of column constitute one parity (referred to as a C2 parity hereinafter). The parity is used for correcting an error of the 156-byte data series located upward in an ident-Lcal. column. The above --ment.i.oned 156-byte data and 12-byte parity construc~t an ECC word in the column direction. Fig. 1 shows a logical format of one block, and the block is physically wr:itter continuously in a sequence from the frame located in the uppermost position of the block, onto a t..rack of an op,t:a.cal disk ir.t a manner as shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, paying attention to the data series in the directi.on of the column, data are discretely arrangec, on tY-ie disk. I'his arrangement is referred to as an interleave.

Thu.s, convent:i.or.laa.l.y, j n k:aotYa (a) the data arrangement in the direct.ion of the row, i.e., the data series whicl-i is riot ar7terleaved and (b) the data arrangernent iri tr_e direction of ti-ie c(:_)lumr, i. e., the data series which is interleaved, the dr,lta area 90 in which data is arranged and t..he pa:r.-ir.~, area 91 i..n which the parity is arranged have been clearly distinguished from each ottier.

However, ac:co~,ld:i.ng to t:;k~e recent trend. of increasing the storage capacities <:rnd reducing the access times of opti_cal di.-,ks, ac>(:.)n read:i.ilcx data from an optical disk in which the data Yias been wr i.tte:n by the prior art arrangement method, there are many problems as detailed below.

_.30-Timings for detecting secror addresses upon continuously reading out :infcDrmat:i_c>n a Long a track will be considered with reference to F'ig. 3, Irr this case, the information data is sequentially r.-ead out from the frame located in the uppermost position of' the block shown in Fig. 1. T'herefore, the twelve sector addresses are detected at a predetermined r.R~-~gula.r time interval.
However, since the t.welve cc:>lumn parity frames of the column parity 53 are subsequently read out, a certain time interval continues for which no sec.t::.or address is detected.
Thereafter, the next block is read out, and then, the similar phenomenon occurs repetiti_vely.

Thus, according to the c..<:ar.ivr.nti.onal method for arranging the parity of the. ECC, the t.imings for detecting the sector addresses become irregular. Therefore, upon retrieving a desired sectc>r- address, ;.i complicated coritrol circuit and a complicated calculator circuit are necessary, which reduces read-out time. In this case, for example, by providing only the row pa.a:-i. t.y w_i.t:hout adding the column parity itself, the t::imings foi dr tectirrg the sector addresses can be madc-~ requ=l.ar. HowevF,r, with only the row parity, the data correct: ira.g c.apab:i l i.1::y i.; reduced, which impairs the reliability oi tY-ie recc~rded data.

Preferred embod7ment. a(:~c:-crding to the present invention will }:)e descrik>~-.,d in d,-!t:~;ti.L hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings.

First Preferred Embodiment As a first preferred embodiment, an exemplified recording rnedium in which a parity of an ECC is dispersedly recorded is shown.

Fig. 4 shows a logical data format of one block of an optical disk in whJi.ch E:"C worda are recorded by a method for arranging a parit.y of t:h~e ECC of the first preferred embod:iment according to he present invention.

As is apparent #~,~rorn comparison between Figs. 1 and 4, this logi.cal data format a.s characterized in that the parity of the ECC includes row pari.ties 24-.1 to 24-13 and a pair of column parities 23a and 23b that are recorded in each of sectors 22-1. to 22-16. r,ac':h of the row parities 24-1 to 24-13 is arranged in the t.ai].. of each of rows or frames 21-1 to 21-13, and a pair of column parities 23-la and 23-lb is arr'anged in t.he last.:, frame 21-13 of each of the sectors 22-1 to 22-16.

The logical data format of E;ciata structure shown in Fig. 4 will be described in detail k:>elow.

Referring to F'.ig. 4, 1--block data to be transmicted is comprised of 16 sec~,ors 22-1 to 22-16, and each of the se<: tc>rs 22 - 1 t o 22. I G .:i ;:,(:)mprised of 13 rows, namely, 13 f rames 21- 1 t:o 2-1- 1. 3. For synchronous trarismission, a first syrac:hronous s:Sync) pat.tern 31 of 2 bytes is added to a part ~:7 i.c.~x to thE-: head of each of the frames 21-1. to 21-13, and a secc>nc.i sync:hronous (Sync) pattern 32 of 2 bytes is i.n::,e-rted irito the middle par-t of each of the frames 21-1 to 21-13 to be arranged bet:ween adjacent pairs of information data. 1:1 and ib, 2a and 2b, 12a and 12b, or adjacent column parities 23a and 23b.
I:n the preferred embodiments, ar,. ECC word of the ECC in each of the frames 21-1, to 21--13 is constituted to exclude the first and second synchronous patterns 31 and 32.

The first sector 22--1 is cortlprised of 13 frames 21-1 to 21-13, in which, (a) the first frame 21-1 includes a header 20 of 12 bytes, the information data la of 79 bytes, the information data lb of 81. bytes, ar)d a row parity 24-1 of 10 bytes that is calci.ilated based on the header 20 and the information data la and lb;

(b) the second frame 21-2 includes information data 2a of 91 bytes, information dat,,r 2b of 81 bytes, and a row parity 24-2 of 10 bytes that is calculated based on the information data 2a anc:f. 2b;

(c) the i.-th frame 21-i ir.lc::ludes information data ia of 91 bytes, info.r.mati_on data ik> of 81 bytes, and a row parity 24-i of 10 bytes t:hat is cal=,ti.:ilat.ed based on the information data ia and ib, (i == 3, 4, .., 11);

(d) the 12-t:h f-~'ame 11 -'_::, includes information data ia of 91. bytes, information dat,:~. 12b of 77 bytes, an error detection code (EDC) 25 of 4 bytes for the information data la, 1.b, 2a, 2b, ..., 12a and :L2b, and a row parity 24-12 of 10 k:?ytes t1-i at. i.calculated basE~d on the information data ~.2a <.rild 12b, and the error detection code 25; and (e) the 1:3--th :E:ramt, 21--1 a includes a column parity 23a of 91. bytes, ac-oltzmn parity '23b of 81 bytes, and a row parity 24--13 of 10 bytes tha;t. is calculated based on the column parities 23a and 23b.

Fur_the:r, each of the second to 16-th sectors 22-2 to 22-16 is comprised of 13 frames 21-1 to 21-13, in a manner similar t:o that of, the fi7:=;~;t .3ectors 22-1. In the ECC block data consisting of the sectors 22-1 to 22-16, the column parities 23a arfW calculated based on all the headers 20, all the information data la, 2a, 3a, .. .., and 12a, and the column parities 23b are calculat~ed based on all the information data 1b, 2b, 3b, ..., and 1.2b, and all., the error detection codes (EDC) 25. Eack:i of the row parities 14-1 to 14-13 are calculated based ~n the 7:-emaining rows or frames 21-1 to 21-13. Further'more, t.ric:: row parities 24-13 of all sectors 22-1 to 2t,. 1-6 can al.so be calculated in the mass based ori a set of t..he row parities 24-1 to 24-12 of all the sectors 22-1 to 22-16.

Fig. 5 shows a logical data forrnat of a header written in the optical disk shown i r.i F] g. 4.

Referring to Fiq. 5, the header 20 arranged at the head of each of t7ie -.r_.ct_:o.r~ ~''''' 1 t-o 22-16 includes a . ~ ., sector address 61 of 4 bytes, arl error correction code (IEC) of 2 bytes for sect.cir adc~re ;.:, 6":1_, cind an attribute data 63 of 6 bytes for representing an attribute of the sector 22. Therefore, orie sector ac.ldzess 61 is arranged at the head of each. of the cE~.ctor5 21. 1-.c 22--16.

In this case, c>nr:~ column parity of 16 bytes for correcting an error of (12 x :16) -byt t:, ciata of one column is arranged uniformly irl the column so as to be segmented into 16 column parities each of one byt::e. That: is, the format shown in Fig. 4 differs frorn the format of Fig. 1 in the location of the column parities 23a and 23b of the 16 sectors if they are compared wi_ti-r each other. The relationship between each parity arid the series of corrections of the data f.ormat: of the first preferred embodiment showri in Fig. 4 is substantially the same as that of prior a.rt shown ir-i F'ig. 1.

Consideration is given t.c, timings for detecting the sector addresses 61 when the information data is continuously read out along ti-ie track of the optical disk in which the column parities 23a and 23b of the 16 sectors 22-1 to 22-16 are dispersedly rec:or-ded as described above.
Fig. 4 shows logica1 1:ormat of one block.

The block is physically recorded cont:.inuously in sequence from the uppermost frame along t't1e txack of the disk. In each frame, each dzita is recorded sequer:.tially from the leftmost byte to the r.ight.most byte. This is the same as that of the prior ar_ t opt i cal disk shown i ri F'ig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a timing c.ha:rt. showirig timings for detecting sector addresses in the first preferred embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 6 , t ht:> addresses 61 are detected regularly at a predetermined constant time iz-iterval Tc even in the detection of the sector addresses 61 performed in the i:>ot.a.ndai:-y :f r:om t:he current block to the next block. As is apparent from t:he, d,:~ta format: shown in Fig. 4, each sector address 61 is dk:-. t: e,:fted once in thirteen frames, and this is the same when t,he read-out process continues to the next. block..

Fig. 'I is a schematic plan view showing a read only optical disk :300:1 in which tne parity of the ECC is written, by the method for arranging i:-he parity of the ECC
of the first preferred embodiment.

Referring to Fig. '7, a r.ecording area is arranged in a spiral shape. One sect.o.r. 22 is arranged into a part of a spiral recording area of the read only optical disk 3001 having a center hole 3001h. That is, a CLV (Constant Linear Velocity) method is used as a recording method for the read only optical disk 3001. Further, as is apparent from Fig. 7, each sectoa- address 61 of the header 20 is detected at the predetermined constant, time interval Tc in the read only opt::.icc:il di_sk 3001.

Fig. 8 i_s s. schematic plan view showing a rewritable optical disk 3002 in which the parity of the ECC
is written by the method 1:or arranging the pari_ty of the ECC of the first preferred embodimr:~n.t Referring to F'ig. 8, a recording area is arranged in a spiral shape. Orie sector. 22 Ls arranged into a part of one turn of a recording area of t}-.,e rewritable optical disk 3002 havirig a center hole 3002h. 'T''hat. is, a zoned CAV
(Constant Angul.ax Velocity) methcx.3 is used as a recording method for the rewritablF~.a c.>pt.a.cal ciisk 3002. Further, as is apparent froni F':ig. 8, each sE.<:tol- address 61 of the header 20 is detected at. I.he predet ez:-minFd c:on.=stant time interval. Tc in the rew:ritable optical disk 3002.

As is apparent f=Lc>m the alDovf:-~ description of the first preferred e.mbodiment., each sector address 61 of the header 20 is detected at the predetermined constant time interval Tc in the optical disk. '1001 or 3002 of the recording medium of the present pxefr.:,rred embodiment in a manner different from that of the prior art shown in Fig.
1. In the present case, data to be regularly detected is of course not limited to the sectox- address. For example, the data to be regularly detected may be the header 20.
That is, data arranged to be interleaved in corresponding positions in an identical. c:olumri or fxame 21 of each of the sectors 22 :is guaranteed to bE~ detected at the predetermined constant time interval Tc.

Second Preferred Emkiodiment As a second preferred embodiment, an exemplified data transmission systerri for dispersedly transmitting a parity of an ECC is shown.

Fig. 9 is a block di agram showing a composi_t ion of a data transmission system of a second preferred embodiment according to the present: invention.

Referring to Fig. 9, the data transmission system comprises a data transmitter 1.000 ar,.d a data receiver 2000.
Input data is inputted to a memory write controller 101, then processed in the data t-ransmi.t:.ter 100o in a manner as described in detail later. 'I'he:rea.Lt.er, a transmitted signal including the input data and a parity of an ECC is transrnitted. from a transmi.t-t.er :L06 through a telephone line 4000 to a receiver. 201. the data receive:r 2000. The transmitted signal is received by the receiver 201, and then processed in the data receivcr.. 2000 in a manner as descri_bed in detail :Later. Then, output data is outputted from an error correcting processox- 205 of the data receiver 2000.

Fig. 10 is a block diGiq;r.am showur_ng a composition of the data transmitter =t000 show.ri in Fi.g. 9. Fig. 10 includes conceptual diagrams of not only data 108 and 109 stored respectively in a dat:a me.mol-y 102 and a parity memory 104, but also of data 1()7 and 110 flowing through the respective paths for the sake clarity.

The dzita transrrlitt:er 1000 comprises the memory write controller 101, the data memory 102, a parity generator 103 having an ECC encoder 1.03a, the parity memory 104, a memory read-out coritrolle-r 10~, and the transmitter 106. In the data tr.ansmitter 1.000, t:cZe memory write controller 101 comprises a page count:er 121 and a data counter 122, and the parity generator 1.03 comprises a page counter 123 and a data. counter 1.24.

The memory write controLler 101 comprises the page counter 121 for count.ing a page number corresponding to a block riumber. The data countex: 122 is used for counting a row number j iri byte and -I column number i in byte, and latches or temporarily st..c.>res the input data sent from an external unit, then stores thr, irzput data into the data memory 102 having a memory ca.pacit:y of two pages i (pages "0" and "1 ") corresponding to two blocks, based on the numbers i, _j and p indicated by Lhe page and data counters 121. and 122. ':PhE=~ data trarismi ssion system manages data of N rows x M columns as one block, and transmits data in a unit of one block with a parity attached thereto. In the second preferred embodirnent, rd a s (1.2 x 16) frames, and M is 182 bytes except for synchronous patterns 31 and 32, as is apparent from Fig. 4. Therefore, the memory write controller 101 latches the input dat_;a 107 of N rows x M
columns as a unit or one block, from the external unit.

The parity gene.rator 1_03 comprises the ECC
encoder 103a inside thereof, and the page counter 123 for counting a page number corresponding to a block number and a data counter 124 for counting a row number j in byte and a column nurnber i in byte. Tha:~ parity generator 103 calculates a parity for the in.for.mat.i.on data 108 of N rows x M columns stored in the data memory 102, using, for example, the Reed-Solomon codi..ng method, which is well known to those skilled iri ttle art. In practice, the parity generator 103 calculates the row par!.ty 24 comprised of m bytes for correcting an error of t'ae row ECC word of each row comprised of M bytes of data and m-byte row parity. In the preferred embodirner-it, in is 10 bytes as is apparent from Fig. 4. Furthermore, in t.hf.- direction of column, the parity generator 103 similarly calculates the column parity 23a or 23b comprised of n bytes f:o.i cs::,)rrecting an error of the column ECC word serieb of eac'r: coiumn comprised of N
bytes of data and n-byt::es of t-l1e cc::1umn parity 2.3a or 23b.
In the preferred embodiment, n is 16 bytes, as is apparent from Fig. 4.

The parity data 109 c:al_c:ulated, by the parity generator 103 is stored int.~o t:.he pa:r:Lt y memory 104. The data rnemory 102 and the parit...y mectio:rv 1.04 are provided in different blocks wit:h r~~ cta,rd tu tl:lk> t.ype of information data stored in each of the memories 102 and 103. However, they are practically allocated to areas of different addresses in a RAM comprisec:i of a semiconductor memory or the like.

The memory read-out contro:ller 105 reads the information data 1C8 of N rows x M columns stored in the data memory 102 and the parity 109 stored in the parity memory 104 according to a predF:tc:,rmined procedure. The controller 105 ther., trarismits to the transmitter 106 the information data 108 and parity dat.a 109 as a transmission data or an ECC block data 1.10 in whJLch t:::he inforrnation data of one block and the parity are mixed together. The transmission data 110 has t::he same format as that of Fig.
4 described in the first preferred embodiment.

Therefor, the symbo-I data or ECC block data is sent by the memory read-oi..tt contro_ller 105 so that the row parit:y 24 and the column parities :23a and 23b are sent at intervals of each sector 22. The sector 22 is defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors 22 each having an identical data amount, (D.r as a part of the transmitted data for tr<::rnsm.i..tt3..ncr information data of a predetermined amuunt including t.hE-2 EDC 21:). Hereinafter, the data including the info:zmat:.ion dat.a 108 and the parity data 109 is referrecl to a.S an ECC block data 1.10.

The transmitter 1.06 comprises a modulator and an amplifier. The transm_i.tt:Err :1.06 mo-Iu:L<~~tes a carrier si_gnal according to the transmission I?aCC block data 110 including the information data 108 and the parity data 109 which is sent from the me.mory read out. controller 105. Using a --4()-predetermined digital modulation method such as FSK, PSK, QAIM or the like, the tx-ansmitter 1t:16 theri amplifies the modulated transmitted signal, and t r. ansmits the transmitted signal through t.Yie telephone line 4000 of a public switched telephone network to the receiver 201 of the dat.a receiver 2000 as showri in Fig. 9.

In the preferred embodi.ment, the read-out controller 105 controls t:lie transmitter 106 to transmit the information data stored in the data mt~>.mory 102, and the row parities 24 and the column parities 23a and 23b stored in the parity memory 104. Each ,iat: a componerit of the information data obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components and each parity componen.t of the row parities 24 and the column parities 23a arid 23b obtairied by dividing the row parities 24 and the column par.it::aes 23a and 23b of one block area into a p1.urality of parity components are transmitted at interval.s of each secto~: 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the parity of the ECC includes row parities 24 and c:olur,ln pariLties 23a and 23b, and each sector 22 i.s comp~-~],.sFd of a plurality of fr.ames 21. 'the read-out. c.:n? r_> .lc r 105 coritrols the transmitter 106 t:o t:r.ansrxlit the r.ow parity 24 at the tail of each frame 21 after eacli data compc:,nent, and the column parities 23a and 23b in the last f rame 21 of each sE~ctor 22.

Fig. 11. is a block d=iagra.m showing a composi.tion of the data receiver 2000 shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 includes conceptual diagrams of cfc.it:a 207 and 208 stored respectively in a data metnory 203m and a parity memory 204m and data 206 flowing through each path for clarity.

The data receiver 2000 comprises the receiver 201, a memory write controller 201a, an ECC block data memory 202, a data extr;-:mctor 203, a. parity data extractor 204, the data memory 203m, the parit.y memory 204m, and the error correcting processor 205. Tn the data receiver 2000, the memory wri.te controller 201a comprises a page counter 221 for counting a page number corresponding to a block number and a data counter 222 for counting a row number j in byte and a columri number i i.n byte. 'T'he parity extractor 204 comprises arl ECC decoder 204a inside thereof.

The receiver 201 comprises a telephone receiver and a demodulator. The receiver 201. receives a received signal including the ECC block dat.a 110 of Fig. 10 that is sent from the data transmitter 1000. The demodulator demodulates the modulated signal of t:he received signal using a predetermined demodulation method corresponding to the modulation method used iri tire transmitter 106 shown in Fig. 10 to generate received data incl.uding the ECC block data 110, which is sE~nt:. to t.he nietnOry write controller 201a. The memory write c._:cv,ntro.llei 20"La stores the input data into the ECC block data memory 202 based on the numbers p, i arid j indicated by th(:-~ p~zge and data couriters 221 and 222. In the preseiit case, it, is assumed that: the received data 206 is comprised of data of (N + n) rows x(M
+ m) columns and pa-rities having Ei c.iat.a structure showri in Fig. 4. In the pref erred embod:i.mei- t, the information data and the parity are represented by symbols each of one byte.

The ECC block data memory 202 has a st:.orage capacity of two corres)c:~rrdi~~ to t:wo blocks, in pages (pages ' 0" and 11111) ~ g a manner similar to that of the data memory 102 shown in Fig. 10.

The data extractor 203 extracts and reads out only the information data 207 from the received ECC block data 206 stored in the ECC:' block dat:E, memory 202, and. then transmits the extracted data 207 to the error correcting processor 205 through the data memc,:ry 203m of 'a data buffer memory. In gerieral, the data extractor 203 extracts the information data of one block area by combining a plurality of data components, as showri in 207 of Fig. :L1 .

The parity data extractor 204 extracts and reads out only the parity 208 from the received ECC block data 206 stored in the ECC b.l.ock data rriemory 202, and then transmits the parity 208 to the erroi:, correcting processor 205 through the parit.y memoxy 2('4m of a parity buffer memory. In general, the parity data extractor 204 extracts the parity of one block tiirea by c=:mk:)i.nintg a plurality of parity components, as shown in 208 of Fig. 11.

The error c.or:recting proc(=>ssor 205 executes a predet:er.mineri calculatirag pr_or..e.>:~-, by mearrs of the information data 2C7 transmitted f::rom the data, extractor 203 and, the parity 208 t-ran.srnit:.ted t.i.-om the parity data extractor 204, and t.h(,n c.>utputs tne resuLting data whose errors have been corrected as or.rt.plzt: data. The -error correcting processor 2 C E) coz: rc:+c t.s an error in the information data of the ECC' word of one block area extr_acted by the dat.a e,x:t:rac t.c.,>? :~03 and. the parity ..43--extractor 204. This is accomplished by using a predetermined error c:.orrect:.i.rlg decoding method corresponding to the error correc:.t:irrg encoding method of the data transmitter. :L000, based. on t-}ie parity of the ECC

extracted by ttre parity extract.or. 204, and outputs an error-corrected inf_ormation dat.a.

The operation of the d~zt.a transmissi_on system comprising the data transm:i.tter 1000 and t:.he data receiver 2000 constructed as above will be described below with reference to Fi_ga. 10 to 17.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of the niemory write controller 101 that ::>bt ains and latches the input data 107 of N rows }r: M cc:~:Lum:ri >. In 1-.he present case, the data memory 102 has a sto.ra<c,:,:ipacity of a total of two pages (pages "0" and "'a'") , wh.ere the information data of N rows x M columns ciorrespond.:.> t:c,, one page. The page counter 121. showrl in Fig.20 serve;; to pex-f orm a buffering process with switching between two pages f:or sto.ring input data in steps S401 and S410 to S412. Each one--byte input data is stored into the dak,a memoxy 1.02 secquent:ially from the left side t(::) the :rigi-tt:. side ire {=_,_ich row o:L- frame in steps S403 to S9:07 and s(:~quent::ia1]~;/ f: rom t:he uppermost row or frame to the lowermos-t. row car i. rame in steps S408 to S409.

Figs.:L3 and 14 ar. e f l owc,ha:rt.s showing a process of t;he parity generator ;1-03 c>:f F'iq. 10 for calculating the parity. In the presen;:, c:ase, 1:..11 ECC encoder 10;3a is provided inside the parity genez.atc:,ar 103, ar.id has the followi:rig structi.ire : wheri p1ura:l. - k.:)yt.es data az_e inputted into the ECC encoder 103a on a byte by byte basis, calculation is performed by the. 1:C:C eric.oder 103a one byte at a time ( i. e., te:rmed one-byte When the information data of one row of frame stored in the data memory 102 is read out by repeatedly reading out one-byte data from the data memory 102 and one row parity 24 of ten bytes for one frame is calculated in steps S501 to S505, the one row pari-ty 24 of ten bytes for one frame is stored irr the positior< ot: the row parity 24 of the parity memory 104 in steps S506 to S510.

Thereafter, using a similar procedure, data in the column direction is read out by zepeatedly reading out one-byte data from the data memor:y 102 and 16-byte parity symbols on the column in the column pa~r.ities 23a or 23b, or the last row parity 24-13 of each sectc>r 22 are calculated in steps S511 to S515. The parity symbols of the column parities 23a or 23b, or the 1-ast row parity 24-13 of each sector 22 are then stored in the position of the column parities of the pax _itv rnernory 104 in steps S516 to S520.

This procedure is repeated 7.zntil, t:l-ie rightmost column in step S521 to S523.

Fig. 1;> is a flowchart. showing a process of the memory read-out controllex 105 of F i.(:~. 10. A read-out output sequence is indicated in the 1:: ransmi-tted ECC block data 110 of Fig. 10. Data of one row or frame including the row parity 24 is sequentially read out from its uppermost row o_r:- frame., ~ind thc.:ri rl_> t::ransmitt:ed to the transmitter 106 in steps S601 tc, !_3607. One row parity frazrle or the last~ f rame including th(_ column parities 23a and 23b and the row parity 24-13 _is read out every time Q
data frames are read out in steps SF708 to S614. By this operation, the f:rairies 21-13 of the column parities 23a and 23b are dispersedly transrriitted from the transmitter 106.

It is riot necessary to ciistinguish between the case where the information dat.a is read out. from the data memory 102 in step S606 and the case where the parity is read out from the parity memory 104 i:rl step S61.2 si.rlce they are merely located in different addresses of one storage area in practice.

As is apparent from the above description, the input data 107 of N rows x M columns obtained by the memory write controller 101. is processed by the data transmitter 1000 so as to attach the parity 109 to the information data. The parity 109 is transmitted from the transmitter 106 dispersedly in the form of :i.nt'~rleaved da.ta in the column direction.

Figs. 16 and 17 are f l owcha.rt:.; .:howing a process of the data receiver 2000 for Nxecutir,g an error correcting process by obtaining the received d,-It a;:06 comprised of symbols of (N + n) rows x(M + m) c~ol umns .

Irl the pi"eserlt casE:', t.::t"!.Ee ECC" decoder 204a is provided inside the parity extractor 204, and has the following structure : when a plural. i.t~,, :_Xf bytes of data are inputted into the ECC decoder 204a they a:re provided on a byte by byte bas i s c:7ne -byt:E::: c;3at<a } .

When receiving tYie EuC wox-d of one frame, the er_ror correcting process is execut~~~,~d in tl-le :row direction in steps S801, to S809. 'I'his process -'-s repeated for all the frames in steps S810 to S811. When the error correcting process in the r(:)w di.r(.,!ct:ion :;.s completed, the error correcting process in the row dei_rection is executed according to a similar procedure in steps S818 to S825.

When the error correcting process, (--)f the ECC words or ECC
block data corresponding to one page is completed through the above-mentioned process, t_hen, the same error correcting process is repeated f::c;,r the symbol stored in another page of the ECC block data .nemory 202 in steps S826 to S828.

As is apparent:; from the ak?ove description, the symbols of (N + n) rows x (M + tn) columns obtained by the receiver 201 are subjected to the error correcting process in the data receliver 2000, and then, the error--corrected data of (N rows) x (M columns) is outputted from the error correcting processor 205.

Third Preferred Embudimenct Fig. 18 is a block diagr~::im showing a composition of a phase-change type opti.c;.1 :.1 disk recording and reproducing apparat.us of a th_ircf. preferred embodiment according to the present i.nvention, As is apparent f:roiYl compari,:,on between Figs. 9 and 18, the differences between tYie second and third preferred embodiments arr=~ {:as fo:.t.lc a,; :

(1) a recordi.nc~pa.ocessor a.6a is provided instead of the transmitter 106;

(2) a reproducing procE.,ssor 201.a is provided instead of the rE:~:cei.ver :; 0]; and (3) a disk dr.iva..ng mechanism 112 for rotating the disk 3000, laser diodes 111 and 211 and a photo detector 212 are further provided to the second preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 9.

In response to the inpitt data with the parity sent from the memory r.ead-out, controller 105, the recording processor 106a converts the input data into a recording signal, amplifies 1-_he recording signal, and then outputs the amplified recording signal to the laser diode 111. The laser diode 111 generates laser 1.1i..qht modulated according to the recording signal for recc.,rding and projects the laser light onto a part of the disk :3000 to be recorded.

The laser diode 211 generates a relatively weak continuous laser light for reproducing and projects the laser light onto a part of the disk 3000 to be reproduced.

Then, a reflected light on the pDrt of the disk 3000 is incident onto the photo detector 212 which de.tects the reflected light, converts the same i-nto an electric signal, and outputs the elect1-1c Signa1 to the reproducing processor 201.a. The reproducing processor 201a performs a wavef.orm-shaping process so a,:, t.c> convert the input electric signal into a pu:i.se - shapeci digital data.

In the optical disk. 3000, an optical recording layer is formed, iri which a, first reflectance represents information data "0" and Li secon(~ rr:),flectance represents information data "1".

Upon recording of inf..oxmat.i..on data "0" or "1"
the laser light of a fi..r.:}t. intensity ~:.->r a second intensity is respectively projected fr.om the 1<mser diode 111 onto a --4~i-par.t of the disk. 3000 to be x-ecorded. Then, the ref lectance of the recording layer becomes a first value or a second value according to the i_ntensi.ty of the laser light:.

Upon reading-out of information data, the weak laser light is continuously projerõt--ed i:rom the laser light 211 onto a part. of the disk 3000 to be reproduced, and then a value, e.g. an intensity of t-he reflected light is detected by the photo detector 212.

In the third pre.ferred embodiment, the rewritable disk 3000 is used, however, the present invention is not limited to this. The preserit :invent:i.on can be applied to the other kind of disk recording and reproducing apparatus, such as a read only optical disk, an additional recordable disk or the like.

Other Embodiments The met,:hod for arranging thF,:- parity of the ECC of the present invention has been (lescribed based on the preferred embodiments thereof, however, the present inverition is of course riot limited to those preferred embodiments. I'he following other embodiments are also provided.

In the first preferred embodiment, the column parity comprised of 16 bytes is arranged dispersedly one byte by one byte. However, the present irivention is not limited to such numerical specifications. For example, a method for dispersedLy arranging a c::,o~~~umn parity comprised of 48 bytes tnree byte:- :-) , thret c_:ari be used.

In the second preferred embodiment, the parity generator 103 and the memory read-out controller 105 are operated after the information data of one block has been entirely inputted to the memory write controller 101.

However, the preserit i nvention is not li_mited to such a sequence. For example, just after the mernory write controller 101 has obtained t:he a.nfrormation data of- one row, the parity generator 1.03 may calculate the row parity of the information data.

In the above-ment.ioned prk3ferred embodiments, the optical disk is used as a recor.ding medium, however, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention cai-i be appl i.ecf t::o the c.,,t:h v!r kind of recording medium, such as a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a compact. disk, magnetic tape, a semiconductor memory, or the like.

In the above--merit ioned pl-r=~f:eri:-ed ernbodi.ments, the telephone line 4000 is used, however, ~he present inverition is not limited to this. 0ther types o--( communication lines can be used such as ari ISI:)N :3ervices Digital Network) l ine , a packet exchange network l ine , an ATM
(Asynchronous 'I'ransfer Mod(-_~) c.:ommur:_il-~ation line, a F'rame Relay communication line, or the like.

In the above- ment.:i..oned prF:,fe rt ed enlbodiments, the parity of the Reed-Solomon code oi the: forward error correction method is u::~,ed as the ECC, h~owever, the present invention is not li::n.ited t:...~ thi=,. F"or example, a block code such as a Hamming cnde., ari extended Hamming code, a BCH (Bose-Chau-dri-Hoc:kengerri) code, a Fire code or the like may be used as the ECC.

In the above-merit:ioned px:eferred embodiments, the data structure shown in Fig. 4 i.. used, however, the present iriveritiorl is not :l.imited to this. A data structure similar to that shown in Fig. 4 may be used iri which the sector addresses 50 are arranged s.t e,.,,~ch sector so that the sector addresses 50 can be detect.ecl at a predetermined constant time i.nterval, Although the present invention has been fully described in. connecti.on with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to t:.he accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are apparent to those skilled in the art.. Such changes and modifications are to be understood a,-x included within the scope of the presen~-_ invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

Industrial Applicability According to the present- :i_nvent:ion, a parity is not. recorded in a bunched continuous area but recorded dispersedly in each sectoi for the a.rF..as in which the data .
to be corrected is rE~corcled. 'T'hereAo:r~e, the information data arranged regularly ir the data a:iPa is regularly read out, thereby sirnpl.ifyi.ng <::rrid :i_mprc>v7 rg the data reproducing or read-.out apparatus by allowing fc-x a Mgher operating speed.

Further, accordi.rig to thFz pi:esent invention, the parity is not solea.y transmitted continuously but _ ,:1-transmitted in such a manner that it is dispersedly mixed with the data to be corrected. 'I'he above arrangement produces such an advantageous effect that the information data arranged regularly a n the data area can be transmitted at a predetermined constant time iiiterval.

Furthermore, according tt., t~ie~. pzesent invention, when interleaved symbo:l. data or ECC. block data is received, the data series and thE= parity are reproduced from the symbol data or ECC block data, so t.hat the error generated in the data series is corrected. Therefore, when the parity is dispersedly transmitted., thfY data series and the parity are easily recognized, tller-eby enabling the error generated in the dat::a series to be corrected.

Claims (13)

1. A data transmission system for transmitting information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in said information data, comprising a data transmitter and a data receiver, wherein said data transmitter comprises:

a first storage device that stores information data to be transmitted;

a second storage device that stores a parity of an error correcting code;

a write control device that writes input information data to be transmitted to said first storage device;

a parity generating device that generates a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code to correct an error of said information data using a predetermined error correcting coding method in response to said information data stored in said first storage device, and writing the parity to said second storage device;

a transmitting device that transmits said information data stored in said first storage device and said parity stored in said second storage device; and a read-out control device that controls said transmitting device to transmit said information data stored in said first storage device and said parity stored in said second storage device, so that each data component of said information data, obtained by dividing said information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components, and each parity component of said parity, obtained by dividing said parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are transmitted at intervals of each sector having a sector address, so that said plurality of parity components are dispersedly arranged in one block to be transmitted, said sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors, each having an identical data amount, and wherein said data receiver comprises:

a receiving device that receives each data component of said information data and each parity component of said parity transmitted an intervals of each sector by said transmitting device;

a data extracting advice that extracts said information data of one block area by combining a plurality of data components received by said receiving device;

a parity extracting device that extracts said parity of one block area by combining a plurality of parity components received by said receiving device; and an error correcting device that corrects an error in said information data of one block area extracted by said data extracting device, using a predetermined error correcting decoding method, based on said parity of one block area extracted by said parity extracting device, and outputting an error-corrected information data, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, and wherein said read-out control device controls said transmitting device to transmit the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

2. A data transmitter for transmitting information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in said information data, comprising:

a first storage device stores information data to be transmitted;

a second storage device that stores a parity of an error correcting code;

a write control device that writes input information data to be transmitted to said first storage device;

a parity generating device that generates a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code that corrects an error of said information data using a predetermined error correcting coding method in response to said information data stored in said first storage device, and writing the parity to said second storage device;

a transmitting device that transmits information data stored in said first storage device said parity stored in said second storage device; and a read-out control device that controls said transmitting device to transmit said information data stored in said first storage device and said parity stored in said second storage device so that each data component of said information data, obtained by dividing said information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components, and each parity component of said parity, obtained by dividing said parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are transmitted at intervals of each sector having a sector address, so that said plurality of parity components are dispersedly arranged in one block to be transmitted, said sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors, each having an identical data amount, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, and wherein said read-out control device controls said transmitting device to transmit the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

3. A data recording and reproducing apparatus for recording information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in said information data into a recording medium, and reproducing said information data with said parity from said recording medium, comprising a data recorder and a data reproducer, wherein said data recorder comprises:

a first storage device that stores information data to be recorded;

a second storage device that stores a parity of an error correcting code;

a write control device that writes input information data to be recorded into said first storage device;

a parity generating device that generates a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code to correct an error of said information data using a predetermined error correcting coding method in response to said information data stored in said first storage device, and writing said parity into said second storage device;

a recording device that records, to said recording medium, said information data, stored in said first storage device, and said parity, stored in said second storage device; and a read-out control device that controls said recording device to record said information data stored in said first storage device and said parity stored in said second storage device so that each data component of said information data, obtained by dividing information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components, and each parity component of said parity, obtained by dividing said parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address, so that said plurality of parity components are dispersedly arranged in one block to be transmitted, said sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount, wherein data reproducer comprises:

a reproducing device that reproduces each data component of said information data and each parity component of said parity which are recorded at intervals of each sector in said recording medium;

a data extracting device that extracts information data of one block area by combining a plurality of data components reproduced by said reproducing device;

a parity extracting device that extracts said parity of one block area by combining a plurality of parity components reproduced by said reproducing device;
and an error correcting device that corrects an error in said information data of one block area extracted by said data extracting device, using a predetermined error correcting decoding method, based on said parity of one block area extracted by said parity extracting device, and outputting an error-corrected information data, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, and wherein said read-out control device controls said recording device to record the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

4. A data recorder for recording information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in said information data into a recording medium, comprising:

a first storage device that stores information data to be recorded;

a second storage device that stores a parity of an error correcting code;

a write control device that writes input information data to be recorded to said first storage device;

a parity generating device that generates a parity to form an error correcting word of an error correcting code to correct an error of said information data using a predetermined error connecting coding method in response to said information data stored in said first storage device, and writing said parity to said second storage device;

a recordinq device that records, to said recording medium, said information data stored in said first storage device and said parity stored in said second storage device; and a read-out control device that controls said recording device to record said information data stored in said first storaqe device and said parity stored in said second storage device, so that each data component of said information data, obtained by dividing said information data of one data block area a plurality of data components, and each parity component, of said parity, obtained by dividing said parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount, wherein the parity is dispersedly arranged in each sector, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, and wherein said read-out control device controls said recording device to record the row parity at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity in the last frame of each sector.

5. A method for arranging a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in an information data, in a recording medium, comprising:

arranging the information data and a parity so that each data component of the information data, obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components, and each parity component of the parity, obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address such that the parity is dispersedly arranged in each sector, the sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors, each having an identical data amount, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, each sector comprising a plurality of frames, and wherein the arranging of the information data and the parity comprises arranging the row parity at a tail of each frame after each data component, and arranging a column parity in a last frame of each sector.

6. A method for transmitting information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, comprising:

writing input information data to be transmitted into a first storage device;

generating a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code to correct an error of the information data using a predetermined error correcting code method in response to the information data stored in said first storage device, and writing the parity into a second storage device;

transmitting the information data, stored in the first storage device, and the parity, stored in the second storage device; and controlling the transmitting of the information data and the parity so that each data component of the information data, obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components, and each parity component of the parity, obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are transmitted at intervals of each sector having a sector address such that the parity is dispersedly arranged in each sector, the sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors, each sector having an identical data amount, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, each sector a plurality of frames, and wherein the controlling of the transmitting of information data and the parity comprises controlling a transmission of the row parity to be at a tail of each frame after each data component, and controlling a transmission of a column parity to be in a last frame of each sector.

7. A method for recording information data with a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data recorded to a recording medium, comprising:

writing input information data, to be recorded, to a first storage device;

generating a parity to form an error correcting code word of an error correcting code to correct an error of the information data using a predetermined error correcting coding method in responsive to the information data stored in the first storage device, and writing the parity to a second storage device;

recording the information data, stored in the first storage device, and the parity, stored in the second storage device, to the recording medium; and controlling the recording of the information data and the parity so that each data component of the information data, obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area a plurality of data components, and each parity component of the parity, obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded at intervals of each sector having a sector address such that the parity is dispersedly arranged, the sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors, each sector having an identical data amount, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, each sector comprising a plurality of frames, and wherein the controlling of the recording of the information data and the parity comprises controlling a recording of the row parity to be at a tail of each frame after each data component, and controlling a recording of a column parity to be in a last frame of each sector.

8. A recording medium having a data structure of information data and a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, said recording medium being usable by a data reproducer, said recording medium comprising;

data reproducer readable information data;
and data reproducer readable parity of an error correcting code, wherein each data component of the information data obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components and each parity component of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at intervals along each sector having a sector address, said sector, being defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount.

9. The recording medium as claimed in claim 8, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, wherein the row parity is recorded at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity is recorded in the last frame of each sector.

10. The recording medium recited in claim 8, wherein said parity is generated according to data included in the plurality of sectors in the data block area.

11. A data structure for use in a recording medium having information data and a parity of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the information data, said recording medium being usable by a data reproducer, said data structure comprising:

data reproducer readable information data;
and data reproducer readable parity of an error correcting code, wherein each data component of the information data obtained by dividing the information data of one data block area into a plurality of data components and each parity component of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at intervals along each sector having a sector address, said sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing on data block area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an identical data amount.

12. The data structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the parity includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames, wherein the row parity is recorded at the tail of each frame after each data component, and the column parity is recorded in the last frame of each sector.

13. The data structure for use in a recording medium recited in claim 11, wherein said parity is generated according to data included in the plurality of sectors in the data block area.