JP2007073185A - Information recording medium, information recording and reproducing method, and information recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance a detection ratio of a starting position of an area used when determining recording conditions. <P>SOLUTION: An information recording medium of this invention includes a data recording area for recording data, and a learning area for recording the information on recording conditions. The learning area includes: an area already used for learning where the information on the recording conditions is recorded; an area not yet used for learning where the information on the recording conditions is not recorded; and a boundary area for recording the discrimination information for discriminating the boundary between the area already used for learning and the area not yet used for learning. The boundary area is between the area already used for learning and the area not yet used for learning. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording medium, an information recording / reproducing method, and an information recording / reproducing apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an information recording medium, an information recording / reproducing method, and an information recording / reproducing apparatus for recording discrimination information for discriminating a boundary between a learning used area and a learning unused area in a learning area for recording recording condition information.

  An optical disc is known as a disc-shaped information recording medium. In recent years, the density and capacity of optical discs have increased, and it has become important to ensure the reliability of optical discs. In order to ensure this reliability, the optical disc apparatus performs a learning process for obtaining a recording condition used when recording is performed on the loaded optical disc. As the learning process, for example, there is a recording power learning for obtaining an optimum recording power condition of the semiconductor laser irradiated on the optical disk.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the optical disc and the conventional recording power learning will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a general disk medium. The disc medium can be a recordable optical disc such as DVD-R or DVD-RW. A disk-shaped optical disk 1301 is formed with a large number of tracks 1302 concentrically or spirally, and each track 1302 is formed with a number of finely divided sectors 1303. The area of the optical disk 1301 is roughly divided into a recording information area 1304, disk information areas 1305 and 1307, and a data recording area 1306.

  The recording information area 1304 stores information for recording on the optical disc 1301. The disk information areas 1305 and 1307 store parameters necessary for accessing the disk. The disc information area 1305 is also called lead-in, and the disc information area 1307 is also called lead-out. Data recording / reproduction is performed on the data recording area 1306.

  FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of the recording information area 1304 shown in FIG. The recording information area 1304 is located on the inner periphery of the disk information area 1305 (lead-in). A recording information area 1304 stores a learning area 1401 (PCA: Power Calibration Area) used when recording power learning or the like is performed, and recording information for storing a recording power value obtained in the learning area 1401 or information on a recording state of the disc. It includes a management area 1402 (hereinafter, RMA: Recording Management Area). For example, in the case of DVD-R, as shown in FIG. 14, a learning area 1401 is arranged on the inner circumference side of the recording information area 1304, and an RMA 1402 is arranged on the outer circumference side. However, the configuration of all optical disks is not limited to this.

  FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an ECC block and a sector showing a relationship between an ECC block which is a calculation unit of the error correction code and a sector recorded on the disk. In a larger capacity DVD, one ECC block is composed of 16 sectors in order to achieve both high error correction capability and low redundancy. However, in this figure, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that an ECC block is composed of four sectors.

  FIG. 15A is a configuration diagram of the ECC block. In the ECC block, main data is arranged in 172 bytes × 48 rows, an inner code parity PI in which an error correction code is calculated for each row (horizontal direction), and error correction for each column (vertically). It consists of an outer code parity PO for which a code has been calculated.

  Those having inner code parity and outer code parity are generally called product codes. The product code is an error correction method that is strong against both random errors and burst errors (locally concentrated errors).

  For example, consider a case in which a burst error of two lines occurs due to a scratch in addition to a random error. Burst errors can be corrected because most of them are 2-byte errors when viewed from the outer code. A sequence in which a lot of random errors exist cannot be corrected by the outer code, and an error remains, but the remaining error can be corrected by the inner code in most cases. Even if an error remains due to the inner code, the error can be further reduced by correcting again with the outer code.

  In DVD, such a product code is adopted, so that sufficient correction capability is realized while suppressing redundancy of parity. In other words, the capacity of user data can be increased by reducing the parity redundancy.

  FIG. 15B is a configuration diagram of the sector. The outer code parity of the ECC block is evenly distributed to each sector line by line. As a result, one recording sector is composed of data of 182 bytes × 13 rows.

  In the following description, the block means the ECC block described above.

  Next, recording power learning will be described.

  Recording power learning is performed after the optical disk is mounted on the optical disk apparatus and before recording on the optical disk, or whenever the characteristics of the optical disk or the characteristics of the optical disk apparatus change more than a predetermined value due to factors such as temperature changes. Is called.

  In the recording power learning, an optimum recording power condition is obtained by performing recording / reproduction in the learning area. The optical disk apparatus performs a recording process on an area other than the learning area of the mounted optical disk using the recording power condition obtained by the recording power learning.

  Next, a method for using a learning area in recording power learning will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the case of DVD-R, the learning area is composed of 7088 sectors, and among these, there are 6832 sectors for recording power learning that can be used by the optical disc apparatus. The RMA is recorded in ECC units and is composed of 701 blocks.

  The RMA relates to a boundary between an area recorded by recording power learning (hereinafter referred to as “learned used area”) and an unrecorded area where no recording power learning is performed (hereinafter referred to as “learned unused area”). Boundary information is stored. However, since the RMA update timing is often synchronized with the recording in the data recording area 1306, the boundary information stored in the RMA is not always the latest. Further, since the boundary information stored in the RMA is in units of ECC blocks, for example, when recording power learning is performed in units of one sector, the possibility that the boundary information stored in the RMA indicates an accurate boundary position is low. Therefore, it is necessary to directly detect the boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area.

  In general, an RF amplitude detection processing unit is used as means for directly detecting a boundary between a learning used region and a learning unused region. The RF amplitude detection processing unit has a function of determining the boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region based on the amplitude of the reproduction signal (RF amplitude).

  FIG. 16 shows an example of the configuration of the learning area 1603 and a change in recording power in conventional recording power learning performed in the learning area 1603.

  The learning area 1603 is used in units of sectors from the outer periphery side. For example, in one recording power learning, the recording power condition information is recorded while changing the recording power for each sector in order from the sector located on the outer periphery. In FIG. 16, recording power condition information having five recording power conditions is recorded in five sectors of the learning area 1603.

  Thereafter, the recorded recording power condition information is reproduced, and the recording power condition with the optimum state at the time of reproduction is obtained as a result of the recording power learning. The optimum recording power condition obtained by recording power learning is used for subsequent recording.

  When a part of the learning area 1603 is already used, that is, when a part of the learning area 1603 is the learning used area 1602, the RF amplitude detection processing unit performs the learning used area 1602 and the learning unused area 1601. And the recording power learning is performed on the learning unused area 1601 from the boundary. By performing the recording power learning in this way, the learning unused area 1601 is changed to the learning used area 1602.

  Next, a method of using a learning area in CD-WO will be described.

  The recording format of the CD-WO is called “Orange Book”.

  FIG. 17 shows the configuration of a learning area 1703 in a conventional CD-WO. In FIG. 17, the learning area 1703 is composed of a test area 1701 for performing recording power learning and a count area 1702 indicating the usage state of the test area 1701.

  In the CD-WO, for example, every time one sector of the test area 1701 is used for recording power learning, the count area 1702 is also recorded one sector at a time. In this case, by detecting the usage state of the test area 1701 recorded in the counter area 1702, the boundary between the learning unused area 1701A and the learning used area 1701B of the test area 1701 can be determined.

  In the conventional recording power learning as shown in FIG. 16, the recording power of the recording power condition information in one recording power learning decreases in order from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the learning area 1603.

  When such recording power condition information is recorded in the learning area 1603, the recording power for recording in the boundary area between the learning unused area 1601 and the learning used area 1602 becomes small. Therefore, the RF amplitude detection processing unit cannot correctly detect the boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area. Next, when recording power learning is performed, if the RF amplitude detection processing unit erroneously detects the middle of the learning used area instead of the boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area, the recording power learning is recorded. Double writing results in reduced recording power learning accuracy.

  On the other hand, since the learning area 1703 in the conventional CD-WO shown in FIG. 17 uses the count area 1702, if a plurality of sectors in the test area 1701 are consumed by one recording power learning, a plurality of sectors in the count area 1702 are consumed. Will also consume.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and clearly discriminates a boundary between a learning used area and a learning unused area, and a learning area area consumed by one recording condition learning. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information recording medium, an information recording / reproducing method, and an information recording / reproducing apparatus that can reduce the amount of information.

  An information recording medium of the present invention is an information recording medium comprising a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information, in which recording condition information is recorded. A learning used area, a learning unused area in which recording condition information is not recorded, and a boundary area for recording determination information for determining a boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area. The boundary region is between the learning used region and the learning unused region.

  The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information may define an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of mounting the information recording medium records the data. .

  The information recording medium may be a write-once information recording medium.

  The discrimination information may include a plurality of marks and a plurality of spaces.

  The ratio of the amplitude of the signal corresponding to the longest pattern consisting of the longest mark of the plurality of marks and the longest space of the plurality of spaces to the maximum value of the amplitude may be a predetermined value or more. .

  The predetermined value may be 0.5.

  The signal may be continuous for at least 4 frames.

  The boundary area may be composed of at least one sector.

  The plurality of marks may be recorded as optimum recording condition information among the recording condition information.

  The learning area further includes a plurality of dummy areas for recording dummy information recognized as a dummy of the boundary area, and two adjacent areas of both the boundary area and the plurality of dummy areas The interval may be a predetermined value or less.

  The predetermined value may be 32 sectors.

  An information recording / reproducing method for an information recording medium comprising a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information includes: (a) the recording condition in a part of the learning area; Recording information; (b) obtaining an optimum recording condition based on a reproduction state of the recording condition information recorded in a part of the learning area; and (c) the learning area of the learning area. Discrimination information for determining a boundary between a learning used area in which recording condition information is recorded and a learning unused area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area is used as the learning used area and the learning not used area. And recording in a boundary area located between the use area.

  The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information may define an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of mounting the information recording medium records the data. .

  The step (a) detects a boundary between an area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and an area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area. A step of recording the recording condition information toward an area where the recording condition information is not recorded may be included.

  The step (c) may include a step of recording the discrimination information based on the optimum recording condition.

  In the step (c), information capable of obtaining a recording condition based on a second judgment criterion different from the first judgment criterion for obtaining the optimum recording condition in the step (b) is used as the discrimination information. A step of recording may be included.

  (D) You may further include the step which determines whether the discrimination | determination information recorded on the said boundary area | region is appropriate based on a said 2nd criteria.

  An information recording / reproducing method for an information recording medium comprising a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information includes: (e) recording the recording condition information in one of the learning areas. Recording the recording condition information, comprising: (f) recording an optimum recording condition based on a reproduction state of the recording condition information recorded in a part of the learning area; Discrimination that discriminates a boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region based on the recording condition information recorded in a region in contact with the learning unused region in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning used region Acts as information.

  The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information may define an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of mounting the information recording medium records the data. .

  The step (e) detects a boundary between an area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and an area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area. A step of recording the recording condition information toward an area where the recording condition information is not recorded may be included.

  The information recording medium further includes a recording condition storage area for recording a recording condition, and the step (e) records the recording condition information based on the recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area. May be included.

  The step (e) may further include a step of recording the recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area in an area in contact with the learning unused area in the learning used area.

  An information recording / reproducing method for an information recording medium comprising a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information includes (g) the recording condition in a part of the learning area. Recording information, (h) obtaining an optimum recording condition based on a reproduction state of the recording condition information recorded in a part of the learning area, and (i) the learning area of the learning area The recording condition information recorded in the area that is in contact with the learning unused area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning used area in which the recording condition information is recorded is the relationship between the learning used area and the learning unused area. And determining whether or not the information functions as determination information for determining the boundary.

  The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information may define an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of mounting the information recording medium records the data. .

The step (g) detects a boundary between an area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and an area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area. A step of recording the recording condition information toward an area where the recording condition information is not recorded may be included.
(J) When it is determined that recording condition information recorded in an area in contact with the learning unused area in the learning used area does not function as the determination information, the learning used area and the learning unused area; The method may further include a step of recording the discrimination information from the boundary to the learning unused area.

  The information recording medium may further include a recording condition storage area for recording a recording condition.

  The step (i) may include a step of recording the discrimination information based on a recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area.

  The step (g) may include a step of recording the recording condition information based on a recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area.

  An information recording / reproducing apparatus for an information recording medium comprising a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information records the recording condition information in a part of the learning area And a recording learning information processing unit for obtaining an optimum recording condition based on a reproduction state of the recording condition information recorded in a part of the learning area, and the recording control unit includes: Discrimination information for discriminating a boundary between a learning used area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and a learning unused area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area is used for the learning use. Recorded in a boundary region located between the completed region and the learning unused region.

  The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information may define an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus records the data.

  The recording learning information processing unit detects a boundary between an area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and an area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area, and the recording control The unit may record the recording condition information from the boundary toward an area where the recording condition information is not recorded.

  The recording control unit may record the discrimination information based on the optimum recording condition.

  The recording control unit uses, as the discrimination information, information that can determine a recording condition based on a second determination criterion different from the first determination criterion of the optimal recording condition determined by the recording learning information processing unit. It may be recorded.

  The record learning information processing unit may determine whether or not the discrimination information recorded in the boundary area is appropriate based on the second determination criterion.

  An information recording / reproducing apparatus for an information recording medium having a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information records the recording condition information in a part of the learning area A learning control unit that records the recording condition information, and a recording learning information processing unit that obtains an optimal recording condition based on a reproduction state of the recording condition information recorded in a part of the learning area. Discrimination information for discriminating the boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region, the recording condition information recorded in a region in contact with the learning unused region in which the recording condition information is not recorded among the used regions Function as.

  The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information may define an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus records the data.

  The recording learning information processing unit detects a boundary between an area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and an area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area, and the recording control The unit may record the recording condition information from the boundary toward an area where the recording condition information is not recorded.

  The information recording medium further includes a recording condition storage area for recording a recording condition, and the recording control unit may record the recording condition information based on the recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area. Good.

  The recording control unit may record the recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area in an area in contact with the learning unused area in the learning used area.

  An information recording / reproducing apparatus for an information recording medium comprising a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information records the recording condition information in a part of the learning area A learning control unit that obtains an optimum recording condition based on a reproduction state of the recording condition information recorded in a part of the learning area and the recording condition information recorded in the learning area. Recording condition information recorded in an area in contact with a learning unused area that does not record the recording condition information in the area functions as discrimination information for discriminating a boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area. And a record learning information processing unit for determining whether or not.

  The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information may define an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus records the data.

  The recording learning information processing unit detects a boundary between an area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and an area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area, and the recording control The unit may record the recording condition information from the boundary toward an area where the recording condition information is not recorded.

  When the recording learning information processing unit determines that the recording condition information recorded in the region in contact with the learning unused region in the learning used region does not function as the determination information, the recording control unit The determination information may be recorded from the boundary between the used area and the learning unused area toward the learning unused area.

  The information recording medium may further include a recording condition storage area for recording a recording condition.

  The recording control unit may record the discrimination information based on a recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area.

  The recording control unit may record the recording condition information based on a recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area.

  According to the information recording medium of the present invention, a boundary region is provided between the learning used region and the learning unused region, and discrimination information that can be distinguished from the learning unused region based on the RF amplitude is recorded in the boundary region. The discriminating information may use a recording power condition obtained by recording power learning. This makes it possible to increase the detection rate of the RF amplitude detection function for the boundary between the learning unused area and the learning used area when performing the next recording power learning. Furthermore, the area consumed by the learning area in one recording power learning can be reduced, and the number of times of recording power learning that can be performed in the learning area can be increased.

  According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, the boundary region is recorded using the recording power value obtained by the recording power learning, thereby detecting the RF amplitude detection function for the boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region. It is possible to increase the rate.

  According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, the learning area used in the recording power learning is recorded by using the most reliable past recording power learning result by recording the area closest to the learning unused area. It is possible to increase the detection rate of the RF amplitude detection function for the boundary between the completed region and the learning unused region. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the learning area in one recording power learning, and it is possible to prevent the number of executions of recording power learning from decreasing. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not past recording power learning results are appropriate as discrimination information, and the discrimination information may be recorded only when it is not appropriate. When appropriate as discrimination information, it is not necessary to provide a boundary region for recording discrimination information, and the learning region can be used effectively.

  According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, the recording power learning is performed in the recording power learning by determining the recording power obtained in the recording power learning in the boundary region using the determination criterion different from the determination criterion used in the recording power learning. It is possible to improve the reliability of the obtained recording power value.

  According to the information recording / reproducing method of the present invention, a signal that can be discriminated from the learning unused area by the RF amplitude is recorded by the recording power learning, and it is determined whether the RF amplitude can be detected from the area recorded by the recording power learning. If possible, by not recording the boundary region, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the learning region in one recording power learning, and it is possible to prevent the number of executions of the recording power learning from decreasing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the information recording medium of the present invention can be mounted obtains the recording condition by executing the recording learning process in the learning area. In an embodiment, the recording condition is recorded on an information recording medium. The recording conditions recorded on the information recording medium are read out when the next learning process is executed, and can be used to obtain new recording conditions.

  Here, the recording condition means an operating condition of the optical disc apparatus when the optical disc apparatus records information on the optical disc. The recording condition is obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information.

  The recording condition includes a pulse condition related to a laser pulse irradiated to the optical disc.

  Alternatively, the recording condition may be set values of various circuits included in the information recording / reproducing apparatus or code information indicating the set values.

(Embodiment 1)
In the first embodiment, the RF amplitude detection processing section clearly discriminates the boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area, and the information recording that makes it possible to reduce the learning area consumed by one recording condition learning. A medium is provided.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the learning area 104 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention and the change in recording power when recording power condition information is recorded. Recording power condition information is recorded in a part of the learning area 104 while changing the recording power.

  The learning area 104 includes a learning used area 103 in which recording power condition information is recorded, a learning unused area 101 in which recording power condition information is not recorded, and a boundary between the learning used area 103 and the learning unused area 101. And a boundary area 102 for recording discrimination information to be discriminated. The boundary area 102 is located between the learning used area 103 and the learning unused area 101.

  A signal obtained by reproducing the discrimination information recorded in the boundary area 102 can be discriminated from a signal obtained by reproducing the learning unused area 101 in the same manner. The discrimination information is recorded so that the amplitude (RF amplitude) of the signal from which the discrimination information is reproduced and the amplitude of the signal from which the learning unused area 101 is reproduced can be discriminated by the RF amplitude detection processing unit.

  In FIG. 1, recording power condition information is recorded from the outer circumference side to the inner circumference of the learning area 104. In general, the data recording area 1306 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the learning area 104. Since the area where the recording power learning is performed is preferably close to the data recording area 1306 where recording is performed using the recording power condition, the learning area 104 is used from the outer peripheral side.

  Hereinafter, the relationship between the structure of the optical disc and the signal reproduced from the optical disc will be described, and then a specific example of the discrimination information that enables discrimination between the boundary region 102 and the learning unused region 101 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sector-structured data structure shown in FIG. 15 (b) is divided vertically into two pieces of data of 91 bytes × 2 × 13 rows. A 93-byte configuration in which a 2-byte frame synchronization signal (SYNC) is added to the head of each of the divided data (91 bytes) is called a frame. That is, one row constitutes two frames, and one sector constitutes 26 frames.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the frame. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame is composed of a plurality of marks 302 (for example, marks 302 a and 302 b), which are the smallest unit of data on the optical disc, and spaces 301 (for example, spaces) positioned between the plurality of marks 302. 301a and space 301b).

  FIG. 3 shows a 3T mark 302a which is the shortest mark length in the DVD and a 14T mark 302b which is the longest mark length. The space between the marks is called a space, and the length of the space is the same as the mark, the shortest space is 3T space 301a, and the longest space is 14T space 301b. Here, T indicates a length corresponding to 1 bit of the recording information.

  FIG. 4 shows a waveform pattern (RF waveform pattern) of a reproduction signal from the optical disc.

  I14H represents the maximum value of the amplitude (RF amplitude) of the reproduction signal of the longest pattern (consisting of a 14T mark and a 14T space). I14L indicates the minimum value of the RF amplitude of the longest pattern. I14 indicates the magnitude of the RF amplitude of the longest pattern (I14H-I14L).

  On the other hand, I3H indicates the maximum value of the RF amplitude of the shortest pattern (consisting of 3T mark and 3T space). I3L indicates the minimum value of the RF amplitude of the shortest pattern. I3 indicates the magnitude of the RF amplitude of the shortest pattern (I3H-I3L).

  When the information recorded in the boundary area 102 satisfies the following two conditions, the signal reproduced from the boundary area 102 can be distinguished from the signal reproduced from the learning unused area 101.

  The first condition is that a ratio between the amplitude of a signal from a specific mark having the largest amplitude among the marks that can be recorded on the information recording medium and the maximum value of the amplitude of the signal is a predetermined value or more. That is.

  The second condition is that a predetermined number or more of signals satisfying the first condition continue.

  More specifically, The specific mark whose signal has the largest amplitude among marks that can be recorded on a DVD is the 14T mark of the longest pattern (14T mark and 14T space). Therefore, the first condition is that the ratio (I14 / I14H) of the amplitude (I14) of the signal corresponding to the longest pattern (14T mark and 14T space) to the maximum value (I14H) of the signal is predetermined. It is more than the value of. The predetermined value may be 0.5. That is, the first condition may be I14 / I14H ≧ 0.5.

  The second condition is that a signal satisfying the first condition continues for at least four frames.

  Discrimination information that satisfies such conditions is recorded in the boundary area 102.

  It should be noted that the ratio of I14 / I14H can vary depending on the recording conditions including the recording power condition and the recording pulse condition.

  In the boundary area, discrimination information may be recorded based on the optimum recording power condition obtained by the recording power learning performed in the immediately previous learning used area. In general, a signal when the discrimination information recorded using the optimum recording power condition is reproduced can be discriminated from a signal obtained by reproducing the learning unused area 101. By setting the detectable range of the RF amplitude detection processing unit in the vicinity of the optimum recording power condition, the information recorded using the optimum recording power condition functions as discrimination information.

  In this embodiment, a boundary region is arranged between the learning used region and the learning unused region, and can be distinguished from the learning unused region based on the RF amplitude by using the optimum recording power condition obtained by the recording power learning. Discriminating information is recorded in the boundary area. As a result, when the recording power learning is performed next, the detection rate of the boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region by the RF amplitude detection processing unit can be increased. Therefore, when performing recording power learning next time, it is possible to prevent a failure in recording power learning that erroneously uses the learning used area for recording power learning and inappropriately determines the recording power.

  In FIG. 1, the recording power condition information is recorded for each sector. Further, the discrimination information is recorded in the boundary area 102 composed of one sector.

  Thus, even when a plurality of sectors are used in one recording power learning, the boundary area may be one sector. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of consumed sectors in the learning area in one recording power learning. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the number of times of recording power learning that can be performed in the learning area.

  In the above description, the boundary area is composed of one sector, but Embodiment 1 is not limited to this. The boundary area may be composed of a plurality of sectors, for example. Alternatively, the boundary region may be configured by a part of one sector, for example, four frames that are the shortest length that can be discriminated by the RF amplitude detection processing unit.

  In the above description, the recording power learning is performed by changing the recording power for each sector. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recording power may be changed for each frame constituting the sector.

  Note that the discrimination information recorded in the boundary region used in the first embodiment may be single-cycle data or a specific pattern in which 6T to 14T marks and spaces are combined. Alternatively, a signal obtained by reproducing the discrimination information recorded in the boundary region is a signal obtained by 8-16 modulation of random data generated from a random function, or a relationship of I14 / I14H ≧ 0.6 which is a standard of HF signal amplitude The signal which satisfy | fills may be sufficient.

  In FIG. 1, the recording power learning is performed from the outer peripheral side of the learning area, but the first embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recording power learning may be performed from the inner periphery side of the learning area.

  In the above description, recording power learning is described as an example of recording condition learning, and recording power condition information is described as an example of recording condition information. However, Embodiment 1 is not limited to recording power learning. For example, you may apply to the recording pulse learning which calculates | requires recording pulse conditions.

  In the above description, the example in which the discrimination information is recorded in the boundary area using the optimum recording power condition obtained by the recording power learning has been described. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The boundary area only needs to be distinguishable from the learning unused area.

(Embodiment 2)
In the second embodiment, an information recording / reproducing method and an information recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information on the information recording medium described in the first embodiment are provided.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the disk recording / reproducing drive 500 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Hereinafter, a disk recorded and reproduced by the disk recording / reproducing drive 500 will be described as a write-once type disk.

  The disk recording / reproducing drive 500 is connected to a host control device (generally a host computer) via an I / O bus 570. The disc recording / reproducing drive 500 also includes an instruction processing unit 510 that processes an instruction from the host controller, a recording control unit 520 that performs control during recording on a write-once disc, and a control during reproduction from the write-once disc. A reproduction control unit 530 that performs recording, a disk information storage buffer 540 that stores information recorded in RMA or lead-in, a data buffer 550 that temporarily stores recording and reproduction data, and an RF amplitude detection function or recording power learning A recording learning information processing unit 560 that performs the above control is functionally provided.

  The recording learning information processing unit 560 includes an RF amplitude detection processing unit 561 that controls the RF amplitude detection function and a recording power learning processing unit 562 that controls recording power learning.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of recording power learning in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This recording power learning is executed by the recording control unit 520, the RF amplitude detection processing unit 561, and the recording power learning processing unit 562 of the disc recording / reproducing drive 500 shown in FIG.

  Receiving the recording command through the command processing unit 510, the recording control unit 520 stores the data to be recorded in the data buffer 550 and interrupts the recording process (step 601). Next, the RF amplitude detection processing unit 561 detects a boundary region between the learning used region and the learning unused region, and obtains a start sector of the region used for recording power learning (step 602). The recording power learning processing unit 562 performs recording power learning by recording the recording power condition information while changing the recording power for each sector from the obtained start sector, and obtains the optimum recording power condition (step 603). Next, the recording power condition obtained by the recording power learning is set (step 604). The next sector of the area used for recording power learning (learned used area) is defined as a boundary area, and discrimination information that can be distinguished from the unused area by RF amplitude is recorded in this boundary area (step 605).

  In this way, the boundary region is recorded using the recording power condition (for example, recording power value) obtained by the recording power learning. As a result, it is possible to increase the detection rate of the RF amplitude detection processing unit with respect to the boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a failure in recording power learning that erroneously uses the learning used area for recording power learning in the next recording power learning and inappropriately determines the recording power.

  In the above description, the example in which the recording process and the reproduction process are performed on the write-once disc has been described, but the second embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a recording process or a reproducing process may be performed on the rewritable disc.

  In the above description, the boundary area is composed of one sector, but the second embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it may be composed of a plurality of sectors, or may be composed of a part of one sector.

  In the above description, the recording power learning changes the recording power in units of sectors, but the second embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recording power may be changed for each frame constituting the sector. Further, when one or more ECC blocks are used in one recording power learning, among the sectors constituting the ECC block used in the recording power learning, a sector adjacent to the ECC block not used in the recording power learning is bounded. By using the area, the learning used area may be managed in units of ECC.

  Note that the discrimination information recorded in the boundary region used in the second embodiment may be single-cycle data or a specific pattern in which 6T to 14T marks and spaces are combined. Alternatively, a signal obtained by reproducing the discrimination information recorded in the boundary region is a signal obtained by 8-16 modulation of random data generated from a random function, or a relationship of I14 / I14H ≧ 0.6 which is a standard of HF signal amplitude The signal which satisfy | fills may be sufficient.

  In the above description, the recording power learning is described as an example of the recording condition learning. However, the second embodiment is not limited to the recording power learning. For example, you may adapt to the recording pulse learning which calculates | requires recording pulse conditions.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, the boundary region between the learning used region and the learning unused region is detected by the RF amplitude detection processing unit for the information recording medium shown in the first embodiment, and the learning used region and the learning not using region are detected. Provided are an information recording / reproducing method and an information recording / reproducing apparatus for discriminating a use area. The information recording medium according to the present embodiment can prevent erroneous detection of the boundary at the time of detection.

  As described in the first embodiment, the boundary area is arranged so as to be in contact with the learning unused area. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the learning area is used in order from the outer periphery side to the inner periphery.

  Hereinafter, a case where the boundary region is detected using the RF amplitude detection processing unit will be considered. When detection is performed from the innermost circumference of the learning area, an area in which the RF amplitude is continuously detected for a predetermined value or more is determined as a boundary area. However, in this method, when the learning area is not used much, that is, when the ratio of the learning unused area is large in the entire learning area, it is necessary to detect most of the entire learning area. As a result, it takes a lot of time to detect the boundary region.

  Further, when the reproduction signal is detected until the learning unused area is detected from the outer periphery of the learning area, if the area recorded using the recording power that cannot be detected by the RF amplitude continues for a predetermined length or longer, the area is May be erroneously detected as a learning unused area. In this case, the recording power learning accuracy is greatly affected.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, when recording by recording power learning, the above-mentioned problem is solved by recording a signal that can be discriminated as a learning unused area one by one within a predetermined area.

  FIG. 7A shows a flowchart for detecting a boundary between a learning used area and a learning unused area in the third embodiment. The detection of the boundary is performed by the RF amplitude detection processing unit 561. In FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the learning area is used from the outer peripheral side.

  When performing recording power learning, the RF amplitude detection processing unit 561 acquires information regarding the boundary recorded in the RMA (step 701). Thereafter, a predetermined area, for example, 32 sectors on the inner circumference side of the learning area is detected from the position indicated by the information related to the boundary recorded in the RMA (step 702). Note that the area detected in step 702 may include the position indicated by the information related to the boundary recorded in the RMA. As a result of the detection in step 702, it is determined whether there is an unrecorded area continuous for one sector or more on the inner circumference side (step 703).

  When it is determined that there is no unrecorded area continuous for one sector or more, that is, when it is determined that at least one sector on the inner circumference side is a recorded area among the areas detected in step 702 (in step 703). No) and 32 sectors on the inner periphery are detected (step 704). In step 704, after detecting the inner 32 sectors, the process returns to step 703 again to determine whether the 32 sectors detected in step 704 are unrecorded areas.

  If it is determined that there is an unrecorded area continuous for one sector or more on the inner circumference side, that is, if it is determined that the area detected in step 702 has a boundary between the unrecorded area and the recorded area (in step 703) Next, the inner circumference of 32 sectors is detected (step 705). If all the 32 sectors detected in step 705 are determined to be unrecorded areas as a result of the detection (Yes in step 706), the boundary between the unrecorded area and the recorded area determined in step 703 is used for learning. It is determined as a boundary between the completed region and the learning unused region (step 707). If at least one of the 32 sectors detected in step 705 is determined as a recorded area (No in step 706), there is a possibility that there is a recorded area in the inner periphery, and the process returns to step 703 again.

  When such a boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area is detected, at least one area within the predetermined area (specifically, 32 sectors in the above description), the learning unused area based on the RF amplitude. Is recorded so that the boundary region can be reliably detected, and the learning region can be detected from the outer periphery side. Shortening can be achieved.

  Further, in the learning used area of the learning area, dummy information that is recognized as a dummy of the boundary area may be recorded in the dummy area at least one place within a predetermined area.

  FIG. 7B shows the configuration of the learning region 714 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention and the change in the amplitude of the reproduction signal when the region is reproduced. The learning area 714 includes a learning unused area 711, a learning used area 713, and a boundary area 712 positioned between the learning unused area 711 and the learning used area 713. In FIG. 7B, the recording power condition information is recorded in the learning used area 713 from the outer peripheral side. The boundary area 712 records determination information for determining a boundary between the learning unused area 711 and the learning used area 713. The plurality of dummy areas 717 record dummy information that is recognized as a dummy of the boundary area 712 by the RF amplitude detection processing unit. The adjacent dummy area 717 or the interval between the dummy area 717 and the boundary area 712 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 32 sectors). In FIG. 7B, for clarity of explanation, the amplitude of the reproduced signal in the learning used area 713 is shown below the detectable range except for the dummy area 717, but is not limited to this.

  In this case, even if there are many areas in which the recording power that cannot be detected by the RF amplitude exists in the learning used area 713, it can be prevented that the area is erroneously detected as a learning unused area. The dummy information recorded in the dummy area may be information equivalent to the discrimination information for the RF amplitude detection processing unit.

  Thus, by providing the dummy area 717 and the boundary area 712 in the learning area, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the learning used area 713 of the information recording medium.

  In the above description, detection is performed in units of 32 sectors, but the third embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the number of detection sectors to be performed at a time may be increased, or by increasing the number of detection sectors in Step 702 and Step 704, an early registration can be made, and detection in Step 705 can be performed in detail. May be.

  In the above description, an example is described in which detection is performed from the outer periphery side toward the inner periphery, but Embodiment 3 is not limited to this. For example, the boundary region detection time can be shortened even when most of the learning region is used by detecting between the position of the boundary recorded in the RMA and the innermost periphery using a two-branch search or the like. It becomes possible.

  In the above description, the detection is performed on a sector basis, but the third embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it may be performed in units of 4 frames, which is the shortest length that can be discriminated by the RF amplitude.

  In the above description, the example in which the recording power learning is executed has been described, but the third embodiment is not limited to this. For example, you may apply to the recording pulse learning which calculates | requires recording pulse conditions.

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, an information recording / reproducing method and an information recording / reproducing apparatus for recording a learning used area adjacent to a learning unused area with the recording power using information on the recording power stored in the disc. Provided. In the fourth embodiment, the recording condition information functions as discriminating information for discriminating the boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region. Alternatively, when it is determined that the recording condition information does not function as the determination information, a boundary region for recording the determination information is provided at the boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the disk recording / reproducing drive according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and since it has already been described in Embodiment 2, it is omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows the configuration of the learning area 803 and the change in recording power when recording each sector in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The learning area 803 includes a learning used area 802 used in recording power learning and a learning unused area 801 that is not used in recording power learning.

  FIG. 9A shows a flowchart of recording power learning in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. This recording power learning is executed by the recording control unit 520, the reproduction control unit 530, the RF amplitude detection processing unit 561, and the recording power learning processing unit 562 of the disc recording / reproducing drive 500 shown in FIG. Here, in the following description, it is assumed that the most reliable recording power value is the optimum recording power condition and functions as discriminating information for detecting the boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area.

  Before executing the recording power learning, the reproduction control unit 530 obtains information about the learning result of the recording power learning performed in the past stored in the disc from the RMA and stores it in the disc information storage buffer 540. The recording power learning control unit 562 selects the most reliable recording power value from the information stored in the disk information storage buffer (hereinafter, the selected recording power value is referred to as Po [mW]) (step 901). Next, the RF amplitude detection processing unit 561 detects the boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area, and obtains the start sector of the area used for recording power learning (step 902). Next, the recording power learning processing unit 562, in order from the obtained start sector, (Po-2) [mW], (Po-1) [mW], (Po + 2) [mW], (Po + 1) [mW], Recording power condition information is sequentially recorded in units of sectors using the recording power value of Po [mW] (steps 903 to 907). Finally, the recording power condition information of each sector is reproduced, the recording power value corresponding to the sector having the best reproduction state is adopted as a learning result (step 908), and the recording power learning is completed.

  In this way, by using the most reliable past recording power learning result to record the sector adjacent to the learning unused area among the learning areas used in the recording power learning, the learning used area and the learning unused area are recorded. The detection rate of the RF amplitude detection processing unit with respect to the boundary can be increased. That is, the most reliable past recording power learning result functions as discrimination information. Accordingly, since the boundary area shown in the first embodiment is not necessary, consumption of the learning area in one recording power learning can be reduced, and as a result, the number of executions of recording power learning can be increased. .

  In the above description, the example in which the recording power learning changes the recording power in units of sectors has been described, but the fourth embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recording power may be changed for each frame constituting the sector.

  In the above description, the example in which the recording power value is changed in units of sectors and the power is changed in units of 1 [mW] has been described. However, the fourth embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recording power value may be changed in units of 0.5 [mW]. Further, the method of changing the recording power value is not limited to the above example.

  In the above description, the most reliable recording power value is obtained from the RMA. However, the fourth embodiment is not limited to this. For example, since LPP (Land Pre-Pit) stores a recording power value suitable for the disc determined by the manufacturer that manufactured the disc, the information may be used.

  In the above description, it has been assumed that the most reliable recording power value is the optimum recording power condition and functions as discriminating information for detecting the boundary between the learning used area and the learning unused area. However, there may be a case where it is not determined whether or not the recording power value recorded in the RMA is the optimum recording power condition.

  FIG. 9B shows a flowchart of the recording power learning in the modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Steps 901 to 908 are the same as in FIG. In step 919, it is determined whether or not it is possible to RF-detect the recording power condition information recorded with the recording power value recorded in the RMA. When it is determined that it is impossible to detect RF in the recording power condition information recorded with the recording power value recorded in the RMA (No in step 919), a boundary region between the learning used region and the learning unused region And discriminating information that can be discriminated from the learning unused region based on the RF amplitude is recorded using the result of the recording power learning (step 920). If it is determined that it is possible to detect RF in the recording power condition information recorded with the recording power value recorded in the RMA (Yes in step 919), the recording power learning is completed. This can increase the possibility of detecting the boundary during the next recording condition learning.

  In FIG. 8, recording power condition information for performing recording power learning is recorded from the outer peripheral side of the learning area 803, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recording power learning may be performed from the inner periphery side of the learning area.

  In addition, although the example which performs recording power learning was demonstrated above, Embodiment 4 is not limited to recording power learning. For example, you may apply to the recording pulse learning which calculates | requires recording pulse conditions.

  In the above description, the boundary area is recorded based on the determination as to whether or not it is possible to detect the RF of the recording power condition information recorded with the recording power value recorded in the RMA. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as a criterion for determination in step 919, the boundary area may be recorded based on determination whether the recording power value recorded in the RMA is equal to the optimum recording power value obtained in step 908.

(Embodiment 5)
In the fifth embodiment, an information recording / reproducing method and an information recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing information on the information recording medium described in the first embodiment are provided. In the fifth embodiment, information capable of obtaining a recording condition based on a second judgment criterion different from the first judgment criterion for obtaining the optimum recording condition is recorded as the discrimination information.

  The block diagram showing the configuration of the disk recording / reproducing drive according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of recording power learning in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This recording power learning is executed by the recording control unit 520, the reproduction control unit 530, the RF amplitude detection processing unit 561, and the recording power learning processing unit 562 of the disc recording / reproducing drive 500 shown in FIG. The criterion for selecting the optimum recording power in the recording power learning processing unit 562 is BER (Byte Error Rate), jitter indicating a time lag between the reproduction signal and the source signal, and asymmetry of the reproduction signal. Includes asymmetry.

  Steps 1001 to 1002 are the same as steps 601 to 602 shown in FIG. Therefore, the explanation is omitted.

  The recording power learning processing unit 562 performs recording power learning from the obtained start sector, and selects an optimum recording power value by using asymmetry as the first criterion (step 1003). Next, the recording power value obtained by the recording power learning is set (step 1004), and the next sector of the area (learned used area) used in the recording power learning is set as a boundary area, and this area is set according to the RF amplitude. Discrimination information that can be discriminated from the learning unused region and that can perform BER measurement, which is the second criterion, is recorded in the boundary region. (Step 1005). Next, the discriminating information recorded in the boundary area is measured by the BER to determine whether the recording power obtained by the recording power learning is optimum for the BER (step 1006).

  As described above, a signal suitable for the second judgment criterion different from the first judgment criterion used in the recording power learning is recorded as the discrimination information in the boundary region with the recording power value obtained by the recording power learning, and the recording is performed. By determining the state, the reliability of the recording power value obtained by the recording power learning can be improved.

  In the above description, the boundary area is composed of one sector, but the fifth embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the boundary area may be composed of a plurality of sectors, or may be composed of a part of one sector.

  In the fifth embodiment, the recording power learning changes the recording power in units of sectors, but this is not restrictive. For example, the power may be changed for each frame constituting the sector.

  In the above description, recording power learning is performed using asymmetry as the first determination criterion, and determination is made regarding the BER that is the second determination criterion in the boundary region, but the fifth embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recording power learning may be performed using BER as the first determination criterion, and the determination as to the jitter that is the second determination criterion may be performed in the boundary region. Alternatively, the determination may be made again for the boundary region using the same determination criteria as the recording power learning.

  In the above description, the recording power learning is executed as an example of the recording condition learning. However, the fifth embodiment is not limited to the recording power learning. For example, you may adapt to the recording pulse learning which calculates | requires recording pulse conditions.

  Finally, it may be determined whether or not the recording condition information recorded in the boundary area adjacent to the learning unused area functions as discrimination information. If it is determined that it does not function, a boundary area may be recorded on the inner circumference side. Thereby, it is possible to increase the possibility of detecting the boundary region during the next recording condition learning.

  Note that it is finally determined whether or not the innermost region is appropriate as the boundary region. If the innermost region is inappropriate, the boundary region may be recorded on the inner periphery side. This can increase the possibility of detecting the boundary area during the next recording power learning.

(Embodiment 6)
In the sixth embodiment, an information recording / reproducing method and an information recording / reproducing apparatus for determining whether or not discrimination information is recorded according to a recording state of an area adjacent to a learning unused area and recorded by recording power learning are provided. Is done.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the disk recording / reproducing drive according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and since it has been described in the second embodiment, it is omitted.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the learning area 1103 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the change in recording power when recording each sector, and the change in reproduction signal amplitude when the recorded signal is reproduced. The learning area 1103 includes a learning used area 1102 used for recording power learning and a learning unused area 1101 that is not used for recording power learning.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of recording power learning in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. This recording power learning is executed by the recording control unit 520, the reproduction control unit 530, the RF amplitude detection processing unit 561, and the recording power learning processing unit 562 of the disc recording / reproducing drive 500 shown in FIG.

  Steps 1201 to 1202 are the same as steps 601 to 602 shown in FIG. Therefore, the explanation is omitted.

  The recording power learning processing unit 562 performs, for example, recording power learning for changing the recording power so as to increase the recording power in units of frames constituting the sector, and selects an optimal recording power value for the area of one sector from the obtained start sector. (Step 1203). In the recording power learning, a signal that can be discriminated from the learning unused area by the RF amplitude is recorded. After setting the optimum recording power obtained by the recording power learning (step 1204), a signal capable of RF amplitude detection is recorded in the area of one sector recorded by the recording power learning adjacent to the unused area. The size of the area is measured (step 1205). If the size of the area (A in FIG. 11) is sufficiently large, that is, if the RF amplitude can be detected (“Yes” in the determination of step 1206), the boundary area is not recorded. On the other hand, when the size of the area (A in FIG. 11) is not sufficiently large (“No” in the determination in step 1206), the next sector of the area used in the recording power learning is used as the boundary area, and the RF amplitude is used. A signal that can be distinguished from a learning unused area is recorded.

  In this way, a signal that can be discriminated from the learning unused area based on the RF amplitude is recorded in the recording power learning, and the size of the area in which the RF amplitude can be detected is measured. By not recording, it is possible to reduce the number of sectors consumed in one recording power learning, and as a result, it is possible to increase the number of recording power learnings that can be performed in the learning area.

  Note that in step 1206, if the region (A shown in FIG. 11) in which the signal capable of detecting the RF amplitude is recorded is 4 frames or more, it can be discriminated by the RF amplitude detection processing unit. Information may not be recorded in the boundary area.

  In the above description, the boundary area is composed of one sector, but the sixth embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the boundary region may be composed of a plurality of sectors, or may be composed of four frames that can be discriminated by the RF amplitude detection processing unit.

  In the above description, the recording power learning in which the recording power is changed in units of frames has been described. However, the sixth embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in the recording power condition information, the power is changed in units of sectors, and the size of the area where the RF amplitude can be detected is measured on the area recorded by the recording power learning adjacent to the learning unused area. Good.

  In the sixth embodiment, the recording power condition information functioning as the discrimination information or the discrimination information recorded in the boundary region may be single-cycle data, or a specific pattern in which 6T to 14T marks and spaces are combined. But you can. The signal reproduced from the recording power condition information functioning as the discriminating information or the discriminating information recorded in the boundary region may be a signal obtained by modulating the random data generated from the random function by 8-16, or the standard of the HF signal amplitude. A signal satisfying the relationship of I14 / I14H ≧ 0.6.

  11 shows an example in which recording is performed from the outer periphery side of the learning area by recording power learning, but the sixth embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recording power learning may be performed from the inner periphery side of the learning area.

  In the above description, the recording power learning is described as an example of the recording condition learning. However, the sixth embodiment is not limited to the recording power learning. For example, you may apply to the recording pulse learning which calculates | requires recording pulse conditions.

The figure which shows the structure of a learning area | region, and the change of the recording power at the time of recording each sector in Embodiment 1 of this invention Configuration diagram of the frames that make up the sector Illustration for explaining marks in the frame Schematic diagram of playback signal waveform Configuration diagram of a disk recording / reproducing drive in Embodiment 2 of the present invention The flowchart which shows the procedure of the recording power learning in Embodiment 2 of this invention The flowchart which detects the boundary of the learning used area | region and learning unused area | region in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the learning area | region in Embodiment 3 of this invention, and the change of the amplitude of a reproduction signal The figure which shows the change of the recording power at the time of recording the structure of a learning area | region, and each sector in Embodiment 4 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the recording power learning in Embodiment 4 of this invention The flowchart which shows the procedure of the recording power learning in the modification of Embodiment 4 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the recording power learning in Embodiment 5 of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of a learning area | region, the change of the recording power at the time of recording each sector, and the reproduction signal amplitude at the time of reproducing the recorded signal in Embodiment 6 of this invention The flowchart which shows the procedure of the recording power learning in Embodiment 6 of this invention Configuration diagram of a general information recording medium in a conventional example Configuration diagram of recording information area in the conventional example Configuration diagram of ECC block and sector in the conventional example The figure which shows the change of the recording power at the time of recording the structure of a learning area | region, and each sector in a prior art example Configuration diagram of learning area of CD-WO in the conventional example

Explanation of symbols

101 Learning unused area 102 Boundary area 103 Learning used area 104 Learning area (PCA)
500 disk recording / reproducing drive 510 instruction processing unit 520 recording control unit 530 reproduction control unit 540 disk information storage buffer 550 data buffer 560 recording learning information processing unit 561 RF amplitude detection processing unit 562 recording power learning processing unit 570 I / O bus

Claims (21)

A data recording area for recording data;
An information recording medium comprising a learning area for recording recording condition information,
The learning area is
Learning used area where recording condition information is recorded,
A learning unused area in which recording condition information is not recorded,
A boundary region for recording determination information for determining a boundary between the learning used region and the learning unused region;
The boundary area is an information recording medium between the learning used area and the learning unused area.   The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information defines an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of mounting the information recording medium records the data. 1. The information recording medium according to 1.   The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium is a write-once information recording medium.   The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the discrimination information includes a plurality of marks and a plurality of spaces.   The ratio between the amplitude of the signal corresponding to the longest pattern composed of the longest mark of the plurality of marks and the longest space of the plurality of spaces and the maximum value of the amplitude is a predetermined value or more. 4. The information recording medium according to 4.   The information recording medium according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined value is 0.5.   The information recording medium according to claim 5, wherein the signal is continuous for at least four frames.   The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the boundary area includes at least one sector.   The information recording medium according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of marks are recorded as optimum recording condition information of the recording condition information. The learning area further includes a plurality of dummy areas for recording dummy information recognized as a dummy of the boundary area,
The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein an interval between two adjacent areas out of both the boundary area and the plurality of dummy areas is equal to or less than a predetermined value.   The information recording medium according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined value is 32 sectors. An information recording / reproducing method for an information recording medium comprising a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information,
The information recording / reproducing method includes:
(E) recording the recording condition information in a part of the learning area;
(F) obtaining an optimum recording condition based on a reproduction state of the recording condition information recorded in a part of the learning area,
Recording condition information recorded in an area in contact with a learning unused area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning used area in which the recording condition information is recorded includes the learning used area and the learning unused area. An information recording / reproducing method that functions as discriminating information for discriminating the boundary between the two. The recording condition obtained based on the reproduction state of the recording condition information defines an operation condition of the information recording and reproducing apparatus when the information recording medium can be loaded information recording and reproducing apparatus for recording the data, claim 12. The information recording / reproducing method according to 12 . The step (e) detects a boundary between an area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and an area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area. 13. The information recording / reproducing method according to claim 12 , comprising a step of recording the recording condition information toward an area where the recording condition information is not recorded. The information recording medium further includes a recording condition storage area for recording a recording condition,
The information recording / reproducing method according to claim 12 , wherein the step (e) includes a step of recording the recording condition information based on a recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area. Wherein step (e) further includes the step of recording the recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area, in the region in contact with the unused area of said used area, according to claim 15 Information recording and playback method. An information recording / reproducing apparatus for an information recording medium comprising a data recording area for recording data and a learning area for recording recording condition information,
The information recording / reproducing apparatus comprises:
A recording control unit for recording the recording condition information in a part of the learning area;
A record learning information processing unit for obtaining an optimum recording condition based on a reproduction state of the recording condition information recorded in a part of the learning area;
Recording condition information recorded in an area in contact with a learning unused area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning used area in which the recording condition information is recorded includes the learning used area and the learning unused area. An information recording / reproducing apparatus that functions as discrimination information for discriminating the boundary between 18. The information recording / reproducing according to claim 17 , wherein the recording condition obtained based on the reproducing state of the recording condition information defines an operating condition of the information recording / reproducing apparatus when the information recording / reproducing apparatus records the data. apparatus. The recording learning information processing unit detects a boundary between an area in which the recording condition information is recorded in the learning area and an area in which the recording condition information is not recorded in the learning area, and the recording control The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the recording unit records the recording condition information from the boundary toward an area where the recording condition information is not recorded. The information recording medium further includes a recording condition storage area for recording a recording condition,
The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 17 , wherein the recording control unit records the recording condition information based on a recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area. 21. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the recording control unit records the recording condition recorded in the recording condition storage area in an area in contact with the learning unused area in the learning used area.

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