JP2007193881A - Information recording device and method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suitably recognize the terminal part of already recorded user data by utilizing a marker such as an intermediate marker. <P>SOLUTION: An information recording device (200) is provided with a first recording means (353) recording the user data in user data areas (105, 115) provided to an information recording medium (100), a second recording means (353) recording the marker following the terminal part of the already recorded user data, a format means (354) performing format processing for the information recording medium, and erasing means (354) erasing the marker recorded by the second recording means before format processing is performed, when the format processing is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus and method such as a DVD recorder, and a computer program for causing a computer to function as such an information recording apparatus.

  For example, information recording media such as DVD-ROM (DVD-Read Only Memory), DVD-R (DVD-Recordable), and BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc-ROM) are described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and the like. As described above, an information recording medium such as a multilayer type or dual layer type optical disc in which a plurality of recording layers are laminated or bonded on the same substrate has been developed. When recording on such a dual-layer type, that is, a two-layer type DVD-R among the two-layer type optical discs, an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder is the most viewed from the laser beam irradiation side. By concentrating the recording laser beam on the recording layer (referred to as “L0 layer” in this application) located on the front side (that is, the side close to the optical pickup), the data is heated to the L0 layer. A recording layer that is recorded by a change recording method (in other words, an irreversible recording method) and is located on the far side of the L0 layer (that is, the side far from the optical pickup) when viewed from the laser light irradiation side through the L0 layer or the like By condensing the laser beam (hereinafter referred to as “L1 layer” where appropriate), data is recorded on the L1 layer by the thermal change recording method.

JP 2000-31346 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-23237

  DVD and CD use different tracking methods for ROM disks and R / RW disks. Therefore, a read-only machine cannot normally access an unrecorded portion such as a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc. On the other hand, the data-recorded portion is recorded with a signal compatible with the ROM, so that it can be correctly reproduced even on a reproduction-only device. In a single-layer type optical disc, for example, a continuous area of a lead-in area, a user data area, and a lead-out area is recorded so as to be reproducible by a read-only device, and the configuration is the same as that of a ROM disc. Note that the lead-in area and the lead-out area serve as buffer areas for preventing the pickup from jumping out to the inner or outer unrecorded area.

  On the other hand, in the case of a two-layer type optical disc, in order to configure the disc so that it can be played back by a read-only device, it is necessary to adopt a configuration basically similar to that of a two-layer ROM disc. That is, the lead-in area is recorded in the innermost L0 layer, the lead-out area is recorded in the innermost L1 layer, and both the L0 and L1 layers are vertically symmetrical in the outermost peripheral portion of the recorded data. Thus, a structure equivalent to the middle area needs to be recorded. User data is recorded in the area sandwiched between the lead-in area and the middle area and the area sandwiched between the lead-out area and the middle area, but no portion of the user data is recorded in the area. Must be configured. That is, it is necessary to record the L1 layer at a location symmetrical to the area of the L0 layer where data has already been recorded.

  In DVD-R and CD-R, recording is performed without recording the lead-in area and lead-out area during data recording, and finalization processing is performed when compatibility with a playback device is required according to a user instruction, The lead-in area, lead-out area, etc. are recorded so that they are compatible with the ROM disk. On the other hand, in a rewritable DVD-RW, in addition to a format process (normal format) for generating a structure similar to that of a ROM disk from the beginning, a quick format for recording only the minimum necessary management information and starting recording. Processing is defined. The disc that has been subjected to the quick format process needs to be additionally recorded on the unrecorded portion from the rear end portion of the recording portion in the same manner as the DVD-R. In addition, since the lead-in area and lead-out area are not recorded completely during recording, finalization processing (or compatible close processing) is performed in the same manner as DVD-R, thereby enabling playback on a playback-only machine. There is a need.

  Here, when recording user data, it is determined that an intermediate marker having a lead-out area attribute is recorded following the end of the recorded user data. Furthermore, when performing the quick format process, it is determined that after the user data having the specified format size is recorded, an intermediate marker is recorded following the end portion of the recorded user data. The intermediate marker is used to detect the end of recorded user data. Specifically, if the vicinity of the intermediate marker is sought while irradiating the laser beam, the boundary between the intermediate marker and the already recorded user data can be suitably recognized. In particular, when an RMD (Recording Management Data) in which the address of the end of recorded user data is recorded cannot be read due to a defect or the like, an intermediate marker is used, The contents of RMD can be restored.

  However, if the quick formatting process is performed a plurality of times, the intermediate marker recorded before the quick formatting process and the intermediate marker newly recorded by the quick formatting process exist on the information recording medium. . That is, there are a plurality of intermediate markers on the information recording medium. In this case, even if the boundary between the intermediate marker and the already recorded user data can be recognized as described above, it is determined whether or not this is really the end of the recorded user data. Becomes difficult or impossible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, for example, and information that makes it possible to suitably recognize the end of recorded user data using a marker such as an intermediate marker. It is an object to provide a recording apparatus and method, and a computer program that causes a computer to function as such an information recording apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information recording apparatus according to claim 1 is provided following a first recording means for recording user data in a user data area included in an information recording medium, and an end portion of the recorded user data. A second recording unit that records a marker indicating the end of the recorded user data, a formatting unit that performs a formatting process on the information recording medium, and a case where the formatting process is performed. Erasing means for erasing the marker recorded by the second recording means before the formatting process is performed.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an information recording method according to claim 6 includes a first recording step of recording user data in a user data area included in the information recording medium, and a terminal portion of the recorded user data. A second recording step of recording a marker indicating the end of the recorded user data, a formatting step of performing formatting processing on the information recording medium, and when the formatting processing is performed. And an erasing step of erasing the marker recorded in the second recording step before the formatting process is performed.

  In order to solve the above problems, a computer program according to a seventh aspect is a computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects. The computer is caused to function as at least a part of the first recording unit, the second recording unit, the formatting unit, and the erasing unit.

  The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

  Hereinafter, as the best mode for carrying out the invention, description will be given of an embodiment according to an information recording apparatus and method and a computer program of the present invention.

(Embodiment of information recording apparatus)
An embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention includes a first recording means for recording user data in a user data area included in the information recording medium, and the recorded user after the recorded end portion of the user data. A second recording means for recording a marker indicating the end of data; a formatting means for performing a formatting process on the information recording medium; and when the formatting process is performed, the formatting process is performed. Erasing means for erasing the marker recorded by the second recording means before the recording.

  According to the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, user data including, for example, video information and audio information is recorded in the user data area provided on the information recording medium by the operation of the first recording means. be able to. At this time, by the operation of the second recording means, the end portion of the already recorded user data (in other words, the end portion of the area portion where the user data has already been recorded, and the area where the user data should start to be recorded next) In (part), a marker for indicating that it is a terminal part is recorded.

  Further, the formatting process is performed on the information recording medium by the operation of the formatting means. By performing the formatting process, for example, all or part of the user data recorded in the user data area is logically deleted, for example, and new user data can be recorded in the user data area, for example. . Alternatively, the format process is performed on the information recording medium that is compatible with the read-only information recording medium by performing the finalizing process (or the closing process), so that the user data area is again displayed. User data can be recorded (or additionally recorded).

  Particularly in the present embodiment, when the formatting process is performed by the formatting unit, the marker recorded by the second recording unit is erased by the operation of the erasing unit before the formatting process is performed. Specifically, the marker that has been used effectively before the formatting process is deleted.

  Therefore, a marker for user data newly recorded after the formatting process is recorded on the information recording medium. That is, the old marker (or invalid after the formatting process) recorded before the formatting process and the latest marker recorded after the formatting process do not coexist. For this reason, the information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment can suitably recognize that the marker recorded on the information recording medium is not an old marker (that is, the latest marker). Therefore, the marker recorded by the second recording means can preferably indicate the end portion of the recorded user data. Thereby, for example, the end of recorded user data can be suitably recognized using a marker such as an intermediate marker.

  In one aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the erasing unit overwrites the marker with data to which a data area attribute indicating that the user data is recorded, Delete the marker.

  According to this aspect, the marker can be suitably deleted.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the erasing unit controls the first recording unit so that the user data is overwritten on the marker.

  According to this aspect, the marker can be suitably deleted.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the formatting means at least logically erases the user data recorded on the information recording medium and responds to a specified format size. A quick format process for recording the new user data and the marker following the user data is performed as the format process.

  According to this aspect, even if a new marker is recorded by the quick formatting process as the formatting process, the old marker is erased by the erasing unit as described above, so that the various benefits described above can be favorably enjoyed. . In the quick format process, the user data recorded in the user data area may be at least logically deleted by deleting management information for managing the recording of the user data. Of course, the user data recorded in the user data area may be physically deleted by overwriting null data or the like on the user data recorded in the user data area.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the information recording medium includes a first recording layer and a second recording layer each including the user data area.

  According to this aspect, even when user data or the like is recorded on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, the above-described various benefits can be enjoyed.

(Embodiment of information recording method)
Embodiments according to the information recording method of the present invention include a first recording step of recording user data in a user data area included in an information recording medium, and the recorded user after the end of the recorded user data. A second recording step for recording a marker indicating the end of data, a formatting step for performing formatting processing on the information recording medium, and when the formatting processing is performed, the formatting processing is performed. An erasing step of erasing the marker recorded in the second recording step before the recording.

  According to the embodiment of the information recording method of the present invention, it is possible to receive the same benefits as the various benefits of the above-described embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the information recording method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

(Embodiment of computer program)
An embodiment according to the computer program of the present invention is a computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in the above-described embodiment (including various aspects) of the information recording apparatus of the present invention. A computer is caused to function as at least a part of the first recording unit, the second recording unit, the formatting unit, and the erasing unit.

  According to the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, if the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a hard disk that stores the computer program and executed by the computer, or If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

  Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present embodiment will be further clarified from examples described below.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention, the first recording means, the second recording means, the formatting means, and the erasing means are provided. According to the embodiment of the information recording method of the present invention, the information recording method includes a first recording process, a second recording process, a formatting process, and an erasing process. According to the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, the computer is caused to function as at least part of the first recording unit, the second recording unit, the formatting unit, and the erasing unit. Therefore, for example, the end of recorded user data can be suitably recognized using a marker such as an intermediate marker.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Information recording medium)
First, with reference to FIG. 1, description will be given on an optical disc 100 on which data is recorded according to an embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view showing the basic structure of the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical disc 100 and is associated therewith. It is a schematic conceptual diagram of a recording area structure in the radial direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), an optical disc 100 has a lead-in area (Lead Lead) centered on a center hole 101 on a recording surface on a disc body having a diameter of about 12 cm, for example. -In Area 102 or a lead-out area 118, data areas 105 and 115, and fixed middle areas 109 and 119 are provided. The optical disc 100 has a recording layer and the like laminated on a transparent substrate 110. In each recording area of the recording layer, for example, tracks such as a groove track and a land track are alternately provided in a spiral shape or a concentric shape around the center hole 101. On this track, data is divided and recorded in units of ECC blocks. The ECC block is a data management unit in which recorded information can be error-corrected.

  The present invention is not particularly limited to an optical disc having such three areas. For example, even if the lead-in area 102, the lead-out area 118, or the fixed middle area 109 (119) does not exist, the data structure described below can be constructed. The lead-in area 102, the lead-out area 118, or the fixed middle area 109 (119) may be further subdivided.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 1B, the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an L0 layer and an L1 layer that constitute an example of the first and second recording layers according to the present invention on the transparent substrate 110. Has a laminated structure. At the time of recording / reproducing of such a two-layer type optical disc 100, depending on which recording layer the condensing position of the laser beam LB irradiated from the lower side to the upper side in FIG. Data is recorded / reproduced in the L0 layer or various data such as user data is recorded / reproduced in the L1 layer. In particular, in the L0 layer, various data is recorded from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side, and in the L1 layer, various data is recorded from the outer circumference side to the inner circumference side. That is, the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment corresponds to an opposite track path type optical disc. However, even in the case of a parallel track path type optical disc, various benefits described below can be obtained by adopting the configuration described below.

  The optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment employs layer jump recording that records data alternately in the L0 layer and the L1 layer. Specifically, the layer jump recording will be described. After user data is recorded in a part of the recording area of the data area 105 of the L0 layer, a part of the data area 115 of the L1 layer facing the part of the recording area of the L0 layer is recorded. User data is recorded in the recording area of the copy. Thereafter, after user data is recorded in another part of the recording area of the data area 105 of the L0 layer, another part of the data area 115 of the L1 layer facing the other part of the recording area of the L0 layer is recorded. Record data in the recording area. Thereafter, this operation is repeated.

  Note that the method of recording user data on the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment is not limited to layer jump recording. For example, the user data may be recorded in the entire data area 115 of the L1 layer after the user data is recorded in the entire data area 105 of the L0 layer.

  Further, the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the two-layer single side, that is, the dual layer, but may be the double-layer double-side, that is, the dual layer double side. Furthermore, as described above, the optical disk is not limited to an optical disk having two recording layers, and may be a multilayer optical disk having three or more layers.

  In the fixed middle area 109 (119), after data is recorded in the entire data area 105 (115), the reproduction-only optical disk such as a DVD-ROM is compatible with the optical disk 100 according to the present embodiment. Formed for illustration. That is, the fixed middle area 109 (119) is formed so that the area structure on the two-layer type read-only optical disc and the area structure on the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment are the same. In addition, the fixed middle area 109 (119) is used when a layer jump for changing the recording layer is performed after user data is recorded in the entire data area 105 (115) or in the fixed middle area 109 (119). It has a function to prevent the optical pickup from jumping out to an unrecorded area (specifically, the outer peripheral side of the middle area 109 (119)) when accessing the vicinity. When user data is recorded only in a part of the data area 105 (115), a shifted middle area 106 (116) is used instead of the fixed middle area 109 (115).

  Here, the shifted middle area 106 (116) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the optical disc 100 and a schematic conceptual diagram of the recording area structure in the radial direction associated therewith.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the shifted middle area 106 is provided in the data area 105 following the user data recorded in a part of the data area 105. Similarly, the shifted middle area 116 is provided in the data area 115 following the user data recorded in a part of the data area 115.

  By providing the shifted middle area 106 (116), even when user data is recorded only in a part of the data area 105 (115), the present embodiment is implemented with a read-only optical disk such as a DVD-ROM. Compatibility with the optical disc 100 according to the example can be achieved. In addition, it is possible to prevent the optical pickup from jumping to an unrecorded area when performing a layer jump. Even when the layer jump is not performed, it is possible to prevent the optical pickup from jumping to an unrecorded area on the outer peripheral side of the shifted middle area 106 (116). For this reason, the read-only information reproducing apparatus can reproduce the data recorded on the optical disc 100.

  In other words, the shifted middle area 106 (116) includes a function for preventing the optical pickup from popping out when user data is recorded only in a part of the data area 105 (115) and a read-only optical disc. It has both functions to maintain compatibility. In particular, when performing layer jump recording, data can often be recorded only in a part of the data area 105 (115). Therefore, the shifted middle area 106 (116) is particularly effectively used when performing layer jump recording.

  On the other hand, the fixed middle area 109 (119) has a function for preventing the optical pickup from popping out when user data is recorded in the entire data area 105 (115) and compatibility with a read-only optical disc. It has both the function to keep.

  The lead-in area 102, the lead-out area 118, the fixed middle area 109 (119), and the shifted middle area 106 (116) are subjected to normal format processing on the optical disc 100, whereby predetermined data is obtained. (For example, various control data and padding data such as “00h”) are recorded. Furthermore, in addition to the normal formatting process, the optical disk 100 is also subjected to a quick formatting process for starting recording user data after recording only the minimum necessary management information.

  Here, the normal format process and the quick format process will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the data structure of the optical disc 100 after the normal formatting process (FIG. 3A), and the data of the optical disc 100 after the quick formatting process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the structure (FIG. 3B), and FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing state transition of the optical disc 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when normal format processing is performed, predetermined data is recorded while giving a lead-in area attribute to the lead-in area 102, and a lead-out attribute is given to the lead-out area 118. While recording the predetermined data.

  In addition, a shifted middle area 106 is formed by recording predetermined data while giving a middle area attribute to a recording area following the user data recorded in the data area 105. Similarly, a shifted middle area 116 is formed by recording predetermined data while giving a middle area attribute to a recording area following user data recorded in the data area 115. Alternatively, in accordance with a format size requested by a host computer, which will be described later, predetermined user data is recorded while giving a data area attribute to the data area 105 (115). The middle area 106 (116) may be formed.

  By performing the normal format process in this manner, the area configuration on the optical disc 100 and the area configuration on the read-only optical disc can be made substantially the same. The state of the optical disc 100 shown in FIG. 3A is referred to as a “complete state”.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the quick format process that constitutes a specific example of the “format process” in the present invention is performed, the lead-in area 102 has a minimum amount of data (specifically In the case of a DVD-RW, which is a specific example of the optical disc 100, RW-Physical format information and data to be recorded on the outer side of the RW-Physical format information) are recorded while giving data area attributes. Is done. This operation corresponds to logically erasing user data recorded in the data area 105 (115) by erasing or overwriting various management data recorded in the lead-in area 102. In addition, predetermined user data is recorded as necessary while giving data area attributes to the data area 105 (or 115) in accordance with a format size requested from a host computer or the like which will be described later. Subsequent to the recorded user data, an intermediate marker (Intermediate Marker) 108 constituting a specific example of the “marker” in the present invention is formed. The intermediate marker 108 has a size of 32 ECC blocks, and is an end portion of recorded user data (specifically, an end portion of an area portion where user data is recorded, and in the L0 layer, on the outer peripheral side. And in the L1 layer, the recording is continued on the inner peripheral side end). Therefore, when user data is recorded in the data area 105 (115) by the user's instruction after the quick format process is performed, the user data recording is started from the position where the intermediate marker 108 is recorded, A new intermediate marker 108 is recorded at the end of the recorded user data. For this reason, the intermediate marker 108 indicates the end portion of the recorded user data and also indicates the area portion where the user data is recorded next. The intermediate marker 108 is recorded with predetermined data as necessary while being given a lead-out area attribute. The state of the optical disc 100 shown in FIG. 3B is referred to as an “intermediate state”.

  The intermediate marker 108 is used, for example, to detect the end of recorded user data. Specifically, by seeking the vicinity of the intermediate marker 108 while irradiating a laser beam, the boundary between the intermediate marker 108 and the already recorded user data can be suitably recognized based on the difference in area attribute. it can. In particular, when an RMD (Recording Management Data) in which an end address (LRA: Last Recorded Address) of recorded user data is recorded cannot be read due to a defect or the like, The contents of the RMD can be restored using the intermediate marker. Alternatively, since the contents of the RMD are not necessarily updated in real time, if the intermediate marker 108 is used, it is possible to recognize the end of user data already recorded with high accuracy.

  The format size requested from the host computer or the like may be “0”. In this case, the intermediate marker 108 is formed so as to be adjacent to the data recorded in the lead-in area 102 while the data area attribute is given.

  By performing the quick format process, user data can be randomly overwritten and recorded in a partial recording area of the data area 105 to which the data area attribute is assigned. More specifically, in a recording area in which user data is not recorded (in other words, a recording area to which no attribute is assigned), user data is sequentially (in other words, in the case of the L0 layer, the inner circumference side). From the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side in the case of the L1 layer). That is, since the NWA (Next Writable Address) indicating the recording area where the user data can be recorded next indicates the head portion of the recording area where the user data is not recorded, in the recording area on the outer peripheral side than the NWA, Therefore, it is necessary to record user data in order from the recording area indicated by the NWA (that is, sequentially). The position indicated by the NWA can coincide with the start end of the intermediate marker 108 (specifically, the end on the inner periphery side in the L0 layer and the end portion on the outer periphery side in the L1 layer). However, user data can be recorded at a desired position (that is, randomly) in a recording area to which a data area attribute is provided that is located on the inner circumference side from the position indicated by the NWA. Thus, it can be said that the quick format process also has a function of updating the NWA and expanding the recording area in which user data can be recorded.

  Unlike the case where the normal formatting process is performed, the optical disc 100 subjected to the quick formatting process does not record all necessary data in the lead-in area 102, the lead-out area 118, and the like. Therefore, after the quick format process is performed, a finalize process (or a close process) is further performed, so that various management information or various control information according to the data recording mode on the optical disc 100 can be read in. It is recorded in the area 102, the lead-out area 118, and the like. Further, a shifted middle area 106 (116) and a fixed middle area 109 (119) are formed following the recorded user data, and the lead-in area 102 and the shifted middle area 106 (or the fixed middle area 109) are formed. Padding data such as “00h” data, for example, is recorded in the unrecorded area between and the unrecorded area between the lead-out area 102 and the shifted middle area 116 (or fixed middle area 119). As a result, the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment can be reproduced by a reproduction-only information reproducing apparatus.

  Depending on the size of data recorded on the optical disc 100, the size of data recorded on the L0 layer may not be the same as the size of data recorded on the L1 layer. Specifically, for example, xGB data is recorded from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side of the L0 layer, and after a layer jump, x / 2 MB data is recorded from the outer circumference side to the inner circumference side of the L1 layer. There may be cases. In this case, there is a recording area in which no data is recorded in the L1 layer facing the recording area of the L0 layer in which data is already recorded. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of stably reproducing the data, some data is recorded in the recording area of the L1 layer opposite to the recording area of the L0 layer where the data has already been recorded (in other words, the mirror Need not be). Accordingly, it is necessary to record predetermined data while giving the data area attribute to the recording area of the L1 layer which is opposite to the recording area of the L0 layer where data is already recorded and where no data is recorded. Alternatively, predetermined data (that is, padding data, etc.) is given to the recording area of the L1 layer that is opposite to the recording area of the L0 layer where data is already recorded and the lead-out area attribute is given to the recording area of the L1 layer. ) May be recorded.

  Further, once a quick format process for recording predetermined user data while giving a data area attribute to the shifted middle area 106 (116) or the like is performed on the complete optical disc 100 shown in FIG. User data can be recorded again on the optical disc 100 in the complete state. As described above, the quick format process performed to record the user data again on the optical disc 100 in the complete state can also be referred to as a quick glow format process.

  As shown in FIG. 4, by performing the normal formatting process on the blank optical disc 100 in which no data is recorded, the state of the optical disc 100 can be changed to the complete state shown in FIG. Similarly, by applying the quick format process to the new optical disc 100, the state of the optical disc 100 can be changed to the intermediate state shown in FIG.

  By performing normal format processing on the optical disc 100 that has transitioned to the complete state, the state of the optical disc 100 can be maintained in the complete state shown in FIG. In addition, by applying a quick format process (in other words, a quick glow format process) to the optical disk 100 that has transitioned to the complete state, the state of the optical disk 100 can be transitioned to the intermediate state shown in FIG.

  By applying the quick format process to the optical disc 100 that has transitioned to the intermediate state, the state of the optical disc 100 can be maintained in the intermediate state shown in FIG. Further, by applying the normal format process to the optical disc 100 that has transitioned to the intermediate state, the state of the optical disc 100 can be transitioned to the complete state shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 5, attributes given when data is recorded will be specifically described. FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing the data structure related to the attribute given when the data is recorded.

  The attribute is assigned to each physical sector having a size of 2418 bytes according to the data recorded in the physical sector. One physical sector includes a sync (SYNC) code having a size of 52 bytes, an ECC (Error Correction Code) having a size of 302 bytes, data having a size of 2048 bytes, and a data ID having a size of 4 bytes. And IED having a size of 2 bytes, CPR_MAI having a size of 6 bytes, and EDC having a size of 4 bytes. The attribute is recorded in the data ID.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a data ID having a size of 4 bytes includes sector information having a size of 1 byte (Sector Information) and a sector number having a size of 3 bytes (Sector Number). Contains.

  Sector information having a size of 1 byte includes a sector format type having a size of 1 bit, a tracking method having a size of 1 bit, and a reflectance having a size of 1 bit (Reflectivity). ), A reserved area having a size of 1 bit, an area type having a size of 2 bits indicating an attribute, a data type having a size of 1 bit, and 1 And a layer number having a bit size.

  The area type indicates an attribute of the physical sector including the area type. Specifically, for example, if “00b” is recorded, it indicates that the physical sector has the data area attribute, and if “01b” is recorded, it indicates that the physical sector has the lead-in area attribute. If “10b” is recorded, it indicates that the physical sector has a lead-out area attribute, and if “11b” is recorded, it indicates that the physical sector has a middle area attribute.

(Information recording / reproducing device)
(1) Basic Configuration Next, an information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 as an embodiment according to the information recording apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in the example. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 has a function of recording data on the optical disc 100 and a function of reproducing data recorded on the optical disc 100.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 controls a disk drive 300 on which the optical disk 100 is actually loaded and data is recorded and reproduced, and data recording and reproduction on the disk drive 300. And a host computer 400 such as a personal computer.

  The disk drive 300 includes an optical disk 100, a spindle motor 351, an optical pickup 352, a signal recording / reproducing unit 353, a CPU (drive control unit) 354, a memory 355 data input / output control unit 306, and a bus 357. The host computer 400 includes a CPU 359, a memory 360, an operation / display control unit 307, an operation button 310, a display panel 311, and a data input / output control unit 308.

  The spindle motor 351 rotates and stops the optical disc 100 and operates when accessing the optical disc 100. More specifically, the spindle motor 351 is configured to rotate and stop the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from a not-shown servo unit or the like.

  The optical pickup 352 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser element (not shown), a collimator lens, and an objective lens in order to perform recording / reproduction on the optical disc 100. More specifically, the optical pickup 352 irradiates the optical disc 100 with a light beam such as a laser beam at a first power as reading light during reproduction, and modulates with a second power as writing light at the time of recording. Irradiate.

  The signal recording / reproducing means 353 constitutes one specific example of the “first recording means” and the “second recording means” in the present invention together with the optical pickup 352. The spindle motor 351 and the optical pickup 352 are controlled by the CPU 354. By controlling the above, recording / reproduction is performed on the optical disc 100. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing means 353 is constituted by, for example, a laser diode driver (LD driver) and a head amplifier. The laser diode driver generates a driving pulse, for example, and drives the semiconductor laser element 111 provided in the optical pickup 352. The head amplifier amplifies the output signal of the optical pickup 352, that is, the reflected light of the light beam, and outputs the amplified signal.

  The memory 355 is used in general data processing and OPC processing in the disk drive 300, such as a buffer area for recording / reproducing data and an area used as an intermediate buffer for conversion to data usable by the signal recording / reproducing means 353. The memory 355 stores a program for performing operations as these recorder devices, that is, a ROM area in which firmware is stored, a buffer for temporarily storing recording / playback data, and variables necessary for the operation such as a firmware program. It consists of a RAM area and the like.

  The CPU (drive control means) 354 is connected to the signal recording / reproducing means 353 and the memory 355 via the bus 357, and controls the entire disk drive 300 by giving instructions to various control means. Normally, software or firmware for operating the CPU 354 is stored in the memory 355.

  The data input / output control unit 306 controls external data input / output to / from the disk drive 300 and stores and retrieves data from / in the data buffer on the memory 355. A drive control command issued from an external host computer 400 connected to the disk drive 300 via an interface such as SCSI or ATAPI is transmitted to the CPU 354 via the data input / output control means 306. Similarly, recording / reproduction data is exchanged with the host computer 400 via the data input / output control means 306.

  The operation / display control means 307 receives and displays an operation instruction with respect to the host computer 400, and transmits an instruction by the operation button 310 such as recording or reproduction to the CPU 359. The CPU 359 transmits a control command (command) to the disk drive 300 via the data input / output means 308 based on the instruction information from the operation / display control means 307 to control the entire disk drive 300. Similarly, the CPU 359 can transmit a command requesting the disk drive 300 to transmit the operation state to the host. Thus, since the operation state of the disk drive 300 such as recording or reproduction can be grasped, the CPU 359 outputs the operation state of the disk drive 300 to the display panel 311 such as a fluorescent tube or an LCD via the operation / display control means 307. be able to.

  The memory 360 is an internal storage device used by the host computer 400. For example, a ROM area in which a firmware program such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) is stored, an operating system, variables necessary for the operation of an application program, etc. Is constituted by a RAM area or the like in which the Further, it may be connected to an external storage device such as a hard disk (not shown) via the data input / output control means 308.

  One specific example in which the disk drive 300 and the host computer 400 described above are used in combination is a household device such as a recorder device that records and reproduces video. This recorder device is a device that records a video signal from a broadcast receiving tuner or an external connection terminal on a disk and outputs a video signal reproduced from the disk to an external display device such as a television. The operation as a recorder device is performed by causing the CPU 359 to execute the program stored in the memory 360. In another specific example, the disk drive 300 is a disk drive (hereinafter referred to as a drive as appropriate), and the host computer 400 is a personal computer or a workstation. A host computer such as a personal computer and a drive are connected via data input / output control means 306 and 308 such as SCSI and ATAPI, and an application such as writing software installed in the host computer 400 controls the disk drive 300. .

(2) Operation Principle Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, the operation principle of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing one process in which data is recorded by the operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment in association with the area structure of the optical disc 100. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing another process in which data is recorded by the operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment in association with the area structure of the optical disc 100. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing another process in which data is recorded by the operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present invention in association with the area structure of the optical disc 100, and FIG. 10 is an information recording / reproducing according to this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing another process in which data is recorded by the operation of the apparatus 200 in association with the area structure of the optical disc 100. FIG. 11 is based on the operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the comparative example. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing one process in which data is recorded in association with the area structure of the optical disc 100. FIG. 11 shows another process in which data is recorded by the operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the comparative example. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a process in association with an area structure of an optical disc 100.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the format size requested from the host computer 400 or the like is “0”, the quick control is performed under the control of the CPU 354 or the CPU 359 that constitutes one specific example of the “formatting means” in the present invention. By performing the formatting process, the intermediate marker 108 a is recorded so as to be adjacent to the lead-in area 102. Hereinafter, a description will be given of an aspect in which user data is recorded on the optical disc 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, user data of a predetermined size is recorded in the data area 105. At this time, the start end of the intermediate marker 108a recorded so as to be adjacent to the lead-in area 102 (here, since the intermediate marker 108a is recorded in the L0 layer, the start end becomes the end on the inner peripheral side) From this point, the recording of user data is started. Thereafter, a new intermediate marker 108b is recorded following the end portion of the recorded user data (here, since the user data is recorded in the L0 layer, the end portion is the outer end portion). .

  As shown in FIG. 9, when further user data is recorded on the optical disc 100 shown in FIG. 8, the user data is recorded starting from the starting end of the intermediate marker 108b recorded in the state of FIG. Be started. When the user data is recorded up to the area indicated by the layer jump address in the data area 105 of the L0 layer, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 performs a layer jump. Note that the layer jump address may be set as appropriate under the control of the CPU 354 or the CPU 359, may be set as appropriate according to a user instruction, or a default address may be set in advance. As a result, the recording of user data is continued from the area portion of the data area 115 of the L1 layer, which is generally opposite to the area portion indicated by the layer jump address in the data area 105 of the L0 layer, toward the inner periphery. Subsequently, a new intermediate marker 108c is recorded following the end portion of the recorded user data (here, since the user data is recorded in the L1 layer, the end portion is the end portion on the inner peripheral side). The

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the quick format process is performed on the optical disc 100 shown in FIG. 9, the data area attribute is set in the data area 105 according to the format size requested from the host computer 400 or the like. Predetermined user data is recorded while giving. Thereafter, a new intermediate marker 108d is recorded following the end of the recorded user data.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, when the quick formatting process is performed, the “erasing unit” in the present invention is included in the area portion in which the intermediate marker 108c used until the quick formatting process is recorded. Under the control of the CPU 354 or the CPU 359 constituting one specific example, predetermined user data is recorded while giving a data area attribute. In other words, the user data having the data area attribute is overwritten in the area where the intermediate marker 108c has been recorded, and as a result, the intermediate marker 108c is deleted.

  Therefore, a new intermediate marker 108 (that is, the intermediate marker 108d in FIG. 10) for user data recorded after the quick format processing is recorded on the optical disc 100. That is, the old intermediate marker 108 (that is, invalid after the quick formatting process) recorded before the quick formatting process (that is, the intermediate marker 108c in FIG. 9) and the quick formatting process were performed. The latest intermediate marker 108 to be recorded later (that is, the intermediate marker 108d in FIG. 10) does not exist on the optical disc 100 at the same time. Therefore, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, the intermediate marker 108 recorded on the optical disc 100 is the latest intermediate marker (that is, the intermediate marker 108d newly recorded after the quick formatting process). Therefore, the old intermediate marker 108c that is invalidated by the quick format process is not recognized.

  Here, as a comparative example of the present embodiment, it is assumed that when the quick format process is performed, the old intermediate marker 108 recorded before the quick format process is not erased. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the old intermediate marker 108c recorded before the quick formatting process and the latest intermediate marker 108d recorded after the quick formatting process are recorded on the optical disc 100. Exist on top at the same time.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when further user data is recorded on the optical disc 100 shown in FIG. 11, the user data is recorded up to the area indicated by the layer jump address in the data area 105 of the L0 layer. User data is recorded from the area portion of the data area 115 of the L1 layer, which is generally opposed to the area portion indicated by the layer jump address in the data area 105 of the L0 layer, toward the inner periphery. Subsequently, a new intermediate marker 108e is recorded following the end portion of the recorded user data (here, since the user data is recorded in the L1 layer, the end portion is the end portion on the inner peripheral side). The

  If an attempt is made to detect the boundary between the intermediate marker 108 and the user data area already recorded on the optical disc 100 in the state shown in FIG. 12, two boundaries are detected. However, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200, it is difficult or impossible for the information recording / reproducing apparatus 200 to determine which boundary indicates the correct boundary, that is, which intermediate marker 108 is the latest intermediate marker 108. Is possible. In other words, simply seek from the end on the inner periphery side of the L0 layer toward the outer periphery side, and after performing a layer jump at the end portion on the outer periphery side of the L0 layer, move from the end portion on the outer periphery side of the L1 layer to the inner periphery side. If seeking is performed, the first detected intermediate marker (that is, the intermediate marker 108c in FIG. 12) is not necessarily the latest. Similarly, when seeking in another mode, the intermediate marker detected first is not always the latest. For this reason, especially when the RMD or the like cannot be read, the contents of the RMD cannot be restored.

  However, according to the present embodiment, the old intermediate marker 108 recorded before the quick formatting process and the latest intermediate marker 108 recorded after the quick formatting process are recorded on the optical disc 100. Since the intermediate marker 108 recorded on the optical disc 100 is the latest intermediate marker, it can be suitably recognized. Therefore, the intermediate marker 108 recorded on the optical disc 100 can preferably indicate the end portion of the recorded user data. Thus, for example, the end of recorded user data can be suitably recognized using the intermediate marker 108.

  In particular, since the intermediate marker 108 preferably indicates the end of recorded user data, even when the RMD cannot be read due to a defect or the like, the contents of the RMD (more specifically, , LRA, etc.) can be surely restored.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made by using the two-layer type optical disc 100. However, the present invention is not limited to the two-layer type optical disc 100, and the above-described various types of optical discs may be used for an optical disc having three or more recording layers. By adopting the configuration, it is possible to enjoy the various benefits described above. Alternatively, even with a single-layer optical disc having one recording layer, the above-described various benefits can be enjoyed by adopting the above-described various configurations.

  Further, in the above-described embodiments, the optical disc 100 as an example of the information recording medium and the recorder related to the optical disc 100 as an example of the information recording apparatus have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the optical disc and the recorder. The present invention can also be applied to various information recording media compatible with high-density recording or high transfer rates and recorders thereof.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and information recording accompanying such changes is possible. Apparatuses and methods, and computer programs are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a basic structure of an optical disc according to an embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the optical disc and a schematic conceptual diagram of a recording area structure in the radial direction associated therewith. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical disc and a schematic conceptual diagram of a recording area structure in the radial direction associated therewith. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the data structure of the optical disc 100 after the normal formatting process, and an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the data structure of the optical disc 100 after the quick formatting process. It is a figure which shows notionally the transition of the state of an optical disk. It is a data structure figure which shows notionally the data structure relevant to the attribute provided when data is recorded. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of an information recording / reproducing apparatus in an example. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the 1 process in which data are recorded by operation | movement of the information recording / reproducing apparatus based on a present Example in association with the area structure of an optical disk. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the other process in which data are recorded by operation | movement of the information recording / reproducing apparatus based on a present Example in association with the area structure of an optical disk. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the other process in which data are recorded by operation | movement of the information recording / reproducing apparatus based on a present Example in association with the area structure of an optical disk. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the other process in which data are recorded by operation | movement of the information recording / reproducing apparatus based on a present Example in association with the area structure of an optical disk. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the 1 process in which data is recorded by operation | movement of the information recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on a comparative example in association with the area structure of an optical disk. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the other process in which data are recorded by operation | movement of the information recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on a comparative example, matched with the area structure of an optical disk.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Optical disk 102 Lead-in area 105, 115 Data area 106, 116 Shifted middle area 108 Intermediate marker 109, 119 Fixed middle area 118 Lead-out area 200 Information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 Disk drive 352 Optical pickup 353 Signal recording / reproducing means 354, 359 CPU
400 host computer

Claims (7)

First recording means for recording user data in a user data area included in the information recording medium;
A second recording means for recording a marker indicating the end of the recorded user data following the end of the recorded user data;
Formatting means for performing a formatting process on the information recording medium;
An information recording apparatus comprising: an erasing unit that erases the marker recorded by the second recording unit before the formatting process is performed when the formatting process is performed.   The information according to claim 1, wherein the erasing unit erases the marker by overwriting the marker with data to which a data area attribute indicating that the user data is recorded is overwritten. Recording device.   The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing unit controls the first recording unit to overwrite the user data on the marker.   The formatting means at least logically erases at least the user data recorded on the information recording medium, and adds the user data corresponding to the specified format size and the marker following the user data. 4. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a quick format process for recording is performed as the format process.   5. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium includes a first recording layer and a second recording layer each including the user data area. 6. A first recording step of recording user data in a user data area included in the information recording medium;
A second recording step of recording a marker indicating the end of the recorded user data following the end of the recorded user data;
A formatting process for subjecting the information recording medium to a formatting process;
An erasing process for erasing the marker recorded in the second recording process before the formatting process is performed when the formatting process is performed.   A computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the computer includes the first recording unit, the second recording unit, A computer program that functions as at least part of the formatting means and the erasing means.

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