JP2007234219A - Information recording method and information recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure compatibility with a read-only disk as to a recording operation on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers even when the recording is not completely finished, that is, it is in the middle of recording. <P>SOLUTION: An information recording medium 2 capable of rewriting data and having the plurality of recording layers such as a two-layer DVD+RW is targeted. Predetermined data (for example, Dummy Data) is recorded on an unrecorded area of a second layer corresponding to a recorded area (User Data) of a layer 0 (first layer) in predetermined timing. Accordingly, the logical compatibility with a two-layer DVD can be secured even when the recording on the medium is not completed, and proper reading by a read-only DVD drive can be ensured. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information recording method and an information recording apparatus for recording information on a rewritable multi-layer information recording medium such as a dual-layer DVD + RW (Digital Versatail Disc + Rewrtable).

  As recordable DVD disks, there are DVD + R which is a recordable DVD disk and DVD + RW which is a rewritable DVD disk, and these disks are recordable DVD disks which have high reproduction compatibility with a single-sided single-layer reproduction-only DVD disk. Research and development for increasing the speed and capacity of such recordable discs has been actively conducted.

  One of them is a single-sided dual-layer read-only DVD disc (hereinafter simply referred to as “double-layer DVD”). The dual-layer DVD has a parallel track path method (Parallel Track Path method = PTP method) in which the second layer tracks from the inner periphery to the outer periphery in the same manner as the first layer, and the second layer track from the outer periphery. There are two types of recording methods, the opposite track path method (Opposite Track Path method = OTP method), which is directed toward the inner circumference. In the PTP method, the first and second layer data areas start at the same radial position, and both start from the physical address 30000H. A lead-out area is arranged behind the data area. In the OTP method, the radial position of the address where the second layer data area starts is equal to the radial position of the address where the first layer data area ends, and the physical address of the second layer data area start position is the first layer data area. The end address is a bit-inverted address. When there is a difference in the size of the data area of the first layer and the second layer, the difference area becomes a lead-out area. For example, when the end address D1 of the first layer data area and the second area data area end address D2 satisfy D1> D2 in the PTP disc, the difference area D1-D2 is a lead-out area. Thus, in the area where data is recorded in one recording layer, the data is also recorded in the corresponding area in the second layer. This is because, for example, when the user reproduces the first layer data, the data is recorded on the second layer at the same radial position when the second layer is read by chance and the laser is focused. This is for avoiding a problem that the address information cannot be acquired unless it occurs, and that the first layer data cannot be reproduced as a result.

  On the other hand, research and development for speeding up and increasing the capacity of recordable information recording media is also actively conducted, and one of them is a single-sided dual-layer DVD + R that has playback compatibility with a dual-layer DVD. There is a disc (hereinafter simply referred to as “double-layer DVD + R”). The dual-layer DVD + R has a recording capacity of 8.4 Gbytes, and the conventional single-layer DVD + R has a recording capacity almost twice that of the data capacity of 4.7 Gbytes. The data can be read out by a DVD player that can be reproduced or a DVD-ROM drive.

  Here, the logical address in the dual-layer DVD + R is continuously assigned from the start address of the first layer data area, and the logical address is continuous from the first layer data area end address to the second layer data area start address. is doing. That is, when the user continuously records data, the recording starts from the data area start address of the first layer, and when the recording is completed up to the data area end address of the first layer, the data area start address of the second layer continues. Will be recorded from. As described above, in the dual-layer DVD + R recording, the user can perform recording without being aware of the recording layer. For this reason, it is conceivable that the user's data recording ends in the middle of the data area of the second layer or without recording the second layer at all. For example, when the user data recording is completed in the middle of the second layer data area, that is, in the state where the unrecorded area exists in the second layer data area, the unrecorded area is set in the second layer data area. If left as it is, the disc layout is incompatible with a reproduction-only dual-layer DVD disc. Also, for example, when the user reproduces the first layer of data, the data is recorded on the second layer at the same radius when the second layer is read by chance when seeking to the target address. Otherwise, problems such as failure to acquire address information occur, and as a result, the problem that the first layer of data cannot be reproduced occurs. Such a problem is the same when the user's data recording is terminated without recording the second layer at all.

  In this regard, regarding the dual-layer DVD + R, the unrecorded area of the second layer is recorded with, for example, dummy data having a user data attribute, or lead-out, so that logical compatibility with the dual-layer DVD disc is obtained, and a read-only drive is used. Proposals have been made to guarantee the reading of (unpublished). However, according to this proposed example, compatibility with a dual-layer DVD disc can be achieved in a state where recording is completely completed, but compatibility with a dual-layer DVD disc cannot be achieved in the middle of recording.

  For example, regarding a dual-layer DVD + R, a proposal has been made to divide a data area into a plurality of sessions for recording (unpublished). When one session is recorded in the data area of the first layer in the apparatus of the proposed example as described above, it is possible to guarantee playback compatibility with a playback-only drive by recording data in units of sessions in the conventional single-layer DVD + R. On the other hand, reproduction compatibility with a read-only drive cannot be guaranteed with a dual-layer DVD + R. This is because no data is recorded in the data area of the second layer located at the same radius as the recorded area of the first layer.

  Such a problem is caused by the fact that the dual-layer DVD + R is a write-once disc that cannot rewrite data. In other words, if the unrecorded area of the second layer is recorded with dummy data or the like in a state where the recording is not completely completed, the data is double-written in the subsequent recording, and the recorded data becomes This is because a problem that reading is impossible occurs.

  An object of the present invention is to maintain compatibility with a read-only disc even in a state where recording is not completely completed, that is, in the middle of recording, in a recording operation on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers. Is to be able to do it.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an information recording method for recording on an information recording medium having a plurality of rewritable recording layers each having a data area for recording user data, wherein at least one of the first recording layers is recorded. A pre-recorded area presence / absence determining step for determining whether or not a pre-recorded area exists in the data area; and a second process for removing the first recording layer when the pre-recorded area exists in the first recording layer. Corresponding unrecorded area data for recording predetermined data at a predetermined timing before recording on the information recording medium in an unrecorded area in an area corresponding to the same radial position as the recorded area in the recording layer And an embedding step.

  Therefore, basically, data can be rewritten, and an information recording medium such as a dual-layer DVD + RW having a plurality of recording layers is targeted, and an unrecorded area of the second layer corresponding to the recorded area of the first layer On the other hand, by recording at a predetermined timing, it is possible to guarantee reproduction compatibility with a reproduction-only drive even when recording on the medium is not completed. For example, when data is recorded on the first layer in a rewritable two-layer DVD + RW disc, predetermined data is stored in the second data area corresponding to the same radial position as the first recorded area at a predetermined timing. By recording, it is possible to ensure logical compatibility with the dual-layer DVD even in the middle of recording, and to ensure that it can be read normally by a read-only DVD drive.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to the first aspect, the predetermined data recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is dummy data having user data characteristics. It is.

  Therefore, by using dummy data having a user data attribute as predetermined data to fill a predetermined unrecorded area, the predetermined data is not limited to lead-out or the like as the predetermined data. In addition to providing flexibility, the lead-out itself can be used for the original purpose of defining the end address of the recording layer, and can be used for normal user data recording including dummy data. It can be in a close state.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to the first aspect, the predetermined data to be recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a lead-out. It is.

  Therefore, it can be easily realized by enlarging and using the lead-out that is originally recorded after the data area as the predetermined data filling the predetermined unrecorded area.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to the first aspect, the predetermined data recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is logically unrecorded. This is a logical erasing pattern indicating that.

  In a rewritable CD-RW or the like, when erasing a recording area, recording is performed with a logical erasing pattern indicating that the erasing is logically performed instead of physically returning to an unrecorded state. The area recorded with the logical erase pattern is an unrecorded area for an information recording apparatus that can identify the pattern, but a recording area for a conventional drive apparatus that cannot identify the pattern. Therefore, by recording in the unrecorded area of the second layer with a logical erasure pattern, reproduction compatibility with a read-only drive can be ensured, and an information recording apparatus that can identify the pattern has two layers. It is possible to keep the state that the eyes are unrecorded on the medium.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the predetermined timing for recording the unrecorded area in the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a user Is the time when a request for discharging the information recording medium is received.

  Therefore, since the recording of the predetermined data filling the unrecorded area is for guaranteeing the playback compatibility with the playback-only drive, the data is recorded when the medium is ejected after the data recording by the information recording device. Just do it.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is This is the time immediately after the data is recorded in the recorded area of the first recording layer.

  Therefore, not only at the time of receiving the medium ejection request, but also when data recording from the user is performed, subsequent to the requested data recording, unrecorded in other recording layers at the same radial position as the already recorded area. Predetermined data may be recorded in the recording area. In this case, although the individual recording performance is lowered, for example, the time required for the medium discharging process is shorter than that in the case of claim 5.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, an information recording medium on which recording is performed by a multi-session method is targeted. The predetermined timing for recording in the recording area is the time when a session close request is received from the user.

  The purpose of recording the lead-in and the lead-out before and after the recording data in the information recording medium for recording by the multi-session method is to ensure reproduction compatibility with the reproduction-only drive. That is, the session is closed only when compatibility with the playback-only drive is required, and when compatibility with the playback-only drive is not required, data is added to the same session without closing the session. Therefore, even when the information recording medium has a plurality of recording layers, predetermined data may be recorded when the session is closed. In this way, when targeting an information recording medium that performs recording by the multi-session method, by recording predetermined data at the time of closing the session, reproduction compatibility only when reproduction compatibility with a reproduction-only drive is required. It can be guaranteed. Further, when reproduction compatibility is not required, it is possible to prevent performance degradation due to predetermined data recording.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the predetermined timing for recording the unrecorded area in the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a user When there is no medium access request.

  For example, DVD + RW, which is a rewritable DVD disc, employs a background format in which a format process performed prior to data recording from a user is performed in the background. In the background format, just by recording a part of the lead-in area in response to a format request from the user (initial processing), the user is notified of the completion of formatting, and the remaining area is dummy when there is no access from the user. Record with data. Therefore, predetermined data recording may also be performed in the background when there is no medium access from the user. In this way, by performing predetermined data recording in the background when there is no medium access from the user, the time required to eject the medium and close the session can be reduced compared to, for example, claims 5 and 7 described above. Further, since predetermined data recording is not performed during recording from the user, it is possible to prevent a decrease in recording performance as compared with, for example, claim 6.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to the eighth aspect, when a medium access request is made during recording of the predetermined data in the unrecorded area, the recording operation of the predetermined data is interrupted. And a recording operation interruption step.

  Accordingly, it is possible to perform a predetermined data recording operation on an unrecorded area without hindering the original access operation.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the information recording method according to the first aspect, further comprising a background formatting step of performing formatting processing on the information recording medium in the background, and the unrecorded region data embedding step performs the unrecorded region recording step. The predetermined timing for recording on the area is a point in time when a background format interruption request is received from the user during the background formatting process for the information recording medium.

  For example, in the DVD + RW background format, it is possible to take out the medium even in the middle of formatting. In the DVD + RW, the background format is temporarily interrupted when the medium is ejected. In this interrupting process, if compatibility with a conventional read-only DVD drive is to be ensured, the recorded area between the recorded areas intermittently recorded on the medium After the unrecorded area is recorded with dummy data so as to be continuously recorded, a temporary lead-out is recorded from the final address of the recording area. Here, even in an information recording apparatus that performs background formatting on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, it is conceivable to take out the medium in the middle of the formatting. At this time, in order to guarantee playback compatibility with a playback-only drive, in addition to the format interruption processing described in the case of DVD + RW as an example, predetermined data is stored in an unrecorded area in another recording layer. It is necessary to record. Therefore, according to the present invention, even when background formatting is performed on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, it is possible to take out the disc while guaranteeing reproduction compatibility with a read-only drive during the formatting. Become.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the information recording method according to the first aspect, the data areas of the plurality of recording layers are each divided into a plurality of areas, and the divided areas are recorded alternately between the plurality of recording layers. By doing so, there is provided a background formatting step of performing formatting processing on the information recording medium in the background.

  Normally, in the background format, dummy data is recorded continuously from the inner periphery of the medium. Therefore, also in the invention according to claim 10, in which background formatting is performed on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, dummy data is recorded from the first recording layer to which the minimum logical address is assigned, and It is expected that dummy data recording of the next recording layer will be performed when the formatting to the recording layer is completed. However, in such a recording order in the background format, when taking out the medium while guaranteeing compatibility with the read-only drive in the middle of formatting, there is a problem that it takes time to interrupt the background format. . This is because the necessity of performing predetermined data recording in the format interruption process is not taken into consideration. For example, in the case where the formatting is interrupted in a state where almost all of the data area of the first recording layer has completed the dummy data recording by formatting, the other recording layer is used in order to ensure compatibility with the read-only drive. Even in the data area, almost the entire area must be recorded with the predetermined data. In this respect, in the dummy data recording in the background format as in the present invention, the data area of the plurality of recording layers is alternately recorded for each divided area, thereby recording predetermined data when there is a format interruption request. The area to be processed can be reduced, and the format interruption process can be completed in a short time.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the information recording method according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the information recording medium is an information recording medium conforming to the DVD + RW standard.

  Therefore, the present invention can be suitably applied to an information recording medium conforming to the DVD + RW standard in which the existence of an unrecorded area causes a problem in compatibility with a read-only information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers. .

  The operation and effect of the information recording method according to claims 1 to 12 can be achieved by the information recording apparatus according to claims 13 to 24, the information recording program according to claims 25 to 36, and the storage medium according to claim 37. , Can be played in the same way.

  According to the present invention, data can be rewritten, and an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers is targeted. Predetermined data for a second unrecorded area corresponding to a first recorded area Is recorded at a predetermined timing, it is possible to guarantee reproduction compatibility with the read-only drive even when recording on the medium is not completed, that is, even during recording.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical disc apparatus 1 as an information recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  This optical disk device 1 includes a spindle motor 3 for rotating and driving an optical disk 2 as an information recording medium, an optical pickup device 4, a laser control circuit 5, a motor driver 6, a reproduction signal processing circuit 7, a servo controller 8, a buffer RAM 9, A buffer manager 10, an interface 11, a ROM 12, a CPU 13, a RAM 14, and the like are provided. Note that the arrows shown in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of typical signals and information, and do not represent the entire connection relationship of each block.

  More specifically, the optical disk 2 is an application example in the case where a single-sided dual-layer DVD + RW (hereinafter simply referred to as “double-layer DVD + RW”) conforming to the DVD + RW standard is a recording target.

  The optical pickup device 4 includes a semiconductor laser as a light source, an objective lens that guides laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser to a recording surface of the optical disc 2 and guides return light reflected by the recording surface to a predetermined light receiving position. An optical system, a light receiver that is disposed at a light receiving position and receives return light, and a drive system (such as a focusing actuator, a tracking actuator, and a seek motor) (all not shown) are included. From the light receiver, a current (current signal) corresponding to the amount of received light is output to the reproduction signal processing circuit 7.

  The servo controller 8 generates a control signal for controlling the focusing actuator of the optical pickup device 4 based on the focus error signal, and generates a control signal for controlling the tracking actuator of the optical pickup device 4 based on the track error signal. These control signals are output from the servo controller 8 to the motor driver 6.

  The motor driver 6 drives the focusing actuator and tracking actuator of the optical pickup device 4 based on the control signal from the servo controller 8. Further, the motor driver 6 controls the spindle motor 3 based on an instruction from the CPU 13 so that the linear velocity of the optical disk 2 is constant. Further, the motor driver 6 drives a seek motor for the optical pickup device 4 based on an instruction from the CPU 13 to move the optical pickup device 4 in the radial direction toward the target track of the optical disc 2.

  The interface 11 is a bidirectional communication interface with a host (for example, a PC) that is an external device.

  The CPU 13 constitutes a microcomputer (computer) included in the optical disc apparatus 1 together with the ROM 12 and the RAM 14. The ROM 12 that also functions as a storage medium stores a program including an information recording program, which will be described later, written in a code readable by the CPU 13. The CPU 13 controls the operation of each unit described above according to a program stored in the ROM 12 and temporarily stores data necessary for control in the RAM 14. When the optical disk device 1 is powered on, the program stored in the ROM 12 is loaded (installed) into the main memory (not shown) of the CPU 13.

  The embodiment is characterized in the recording processing control when the optical disk apparatus 1 is mounted on the target optical disk 2 and the optical disk apparatus 1 is mounted, and there is a user data recording request from the host side. The layout of a read-only DVD disc, which is the premise of the DVD + RW standard, will be described.

  First, FIG. 2 shows a layout example of a read-only DVD disc. 2A shows a single layer single layer disc (hereinafter referred to as a “single layer disc”), and FIG. 2B shows a PTP single side dual layer disc (hereinafter referred to as a “PTP disc”). FIG. 2C shows the case of a single-sided dual-layer disc (hereinafter referred to as “OTP disc”) of the OTP system.

  A DVD disc basically has an information area consisting of a lead-in area, a data area, and a lead-out area. In the case of a single-layer disc and a PTP disc Has an information area for each recording layer. The OTP disc is composed of one information area, and has a middle area behind the data area of each recording layer. Layers 0 and 1 of the single-layer disc and the PTP disc and layer 0 of the OTP disc reproduce data from the inner periphery to the outer periphery, and layer 1 of the OTP disc reproduces data from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. Is called. Each recording layer of the single-layer disc and the PTP disc is assigned a continuous physical address (Physical Sector Number) from the lead-in area to the lead-out area. On the other hand, in the case of an OTP disk, a continuous physical address is allocated from the lead-in area to the intermediate area of layer 0, but the physical address of layer 1 is assigned an address obtained by bit-inversion of the physical address of layer 0, and from the intermediate area The physical address increases to the lead-out area. That is, the start address of the data area in layer 1 is an address obtained by bit-inverting the end address in layer 0.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the lead-in area start and end addresses, the data area start address, and the lead-out area end address in the PTP disk are at the same radial position, and the lead-out area start address, The end address of the data area may be different for each recording layer. When the end address of the data area is different, a lead-out is recorded in the difference area.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2C, in the case of an OTP disc, the start address of the lead-in area and the end address of the lead-out area, the data area end address of layer 0 and the data area start address of layer 1, The start and end addresses of the intermediate area of the recording layer are at the same radial position, and the data area start address of layer 0 and the data area end address of layer 1 do not necessarily match. In the case of an OTP disc, a lead-out is recorded in the difference area.

  Of the information recording method according to the present embodiment for the dual layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2) based on the layout of such a read-only DVD disc, for example, a predetermined data example will be described with reference to FIG. . In the present embodiment, it is assumed that background formatting is performed on the optical disc 2 and data recording from the user is performed during the background formatting.

  First, FIG. 3A shows a state in which data recording is performed during the background format. In the formatting to the optical disc 2 of the present embodiment, after a part of the lead-in area (layer 0) is recorded, the completion of formatting is notified to the user. After the format completion notification, the data area is continuously recorded in the background. When there is a recording request from the user, the background formatting is interrupted and recording is performed in the requested area. Here, as shown in FIG. 3A, it is assumed that the user ejects the disc in a state where data is recorded from addresses B to E on the optical disc 2.

  FIG. 3B shows dummy data recording when the background formatting is interrupted and the disc is ejected. When ejecting the disc, the user makes a format interruption request to the optical disc apparatus 1. In the format interruption process, first, an unrecorded area between areas that are intermittently recorded on the optical disc 2 is recorded with dummy data so as to be continuously recorded. However, in the present embodiment, since user data is continuously recorded, this process is skipped. Next, the unrecorded area (addresses E ′ to B ′) of layer 1 at the same radial position as the area (addresses B to E) recorded in the data area of layer 0 is set to dummy data (Dammy Data), for example, all 0 data is recorded. Here, B ′ and E ′ are values obtained by bit-inverting B and E, respectively. At this time, a temporary intermediate area may be recorded behind the address E and in front of the address E ′ (in the outer peripheral direction), and the lead-out may be recorded in the lead-out area.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, data can be rewritten basically, and an optical disc 2 such as a dual-layer DVD + RW having a plurality of recording layers is targeted and layer 0 (first layer) already recorded is recorded. By recording at a predetermined timing in the unrecorded area of layer 1 (second layer) corresponding to the area, even when recording on the optical disk 2 is not completed, playback compatibility with the playback-only drive Can be guaranteed. That is, when data is recorded on layer 0 in a dual-layer DVD + RW disc, predetermined data is recorded in the data area of layer 1 corresponding to the same radial position as the recorded area of layer 0 at a predetermined timing. Even in the midway state, logical compatibility with the dual-layer DVD can be ensured, and it can be ensured that the read-only DVD drive can normally read. In this case, by using dummy data having a user data attribute as predetermined data filling a predetermined unrecorded area, the predetermined data is not limited to lead-out or the like as the predetermined data. In addition, the lead-out itself can be used for the original purpose of defining the end address of the recording layer, and normal user data recording including dummy data is possible. It can be in a state close to.

  Of the information recording method for the dual-layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2), another embodiment relating to a predetermined data example will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the recording method is performed on the optical disc 2 by the multi-session method. Here, the multi-session recording method of DVD + R, which is a write-once type DVD disc, is applied, and the lead-in before the user data area (the lead-in after the second session in accordance with the multi-session recording of DVD + R is called “Intro”). ) And a lead-out (similarly, the lead-out before the last session is called a closure) is recorded behind the user data area.

  FIG. 4A shows a state in which data is recorded in the first session (addresses B to E), and it is assumed that a session close request is received from the user in this state.

  FIG. 4B shows the lead-out recording in session close. In the session close process, first, an unrecorded area (addresses F ′ to B ′) of layer 1 at the same radial position as an area recorded in the data area of layer 0 (addresses B to F) is read out (Lead -out). Next, the lead-in area is recorded, and a closure is recorded (addresses E to F) following the data area (addresses B to E) recorded in layer 0. Further, in layer 1, the lead-out is recorded for the addresses F ′ to E ′ and the lead-out area. Here, B ′, E ′, and F ′ are values obtained by bit-inversion of B, E, and F, respectively. In the present embodiment, the lead-out recording in layer 1 is divided, but may be recorded continuously.

  Note that the state shown in FIG. 4B (layer 1 is all lead-out, no intermediate area is present) is not strictly logically compatible with a two-layer DVD, but at least data is only in layer 0. Since it is not in a recorded state, it is possible to normally read out layer 0 data with a read-only DVD drive. Since data can be overwritten on the optical disc 2 of the present embodiment, it may be recorded in a format that is logically compatible with the dual-layer DVD when the data recording is completed.

  Therefore, also in the case of this embodiment, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 3, when data is recorded on layer 0 in a dual-layer DVD + RW disc, the same radial position as the already recorded area of layer 0 is obtained at a predetermined timing. By recording predetermined data in the corresponding layer 1 data area, it is possible to ensure logical compatibility with a dual-layer DVD even during recording, and to ensure that it can be read normally by a read-only DVD drive. However, it is particularly easy by expanding the lead-out that is originally recorded after the data area as the predetermined data that fills the predetermined unrecorded area. Can be realized.

  Of the information recording method for the dual-layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2), still another embodiment relating to a predetermined data example will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that recording is performed on the optical disc 2 by the multi-session method, as in the case described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5A shows a state in which data is recorded in the first session (addresses B to E), and it is assumed that a session close request is received from the user in this state.

  FIG. 5B shows logical erasure pattern recording in session close. In the session close process, first, an unrecorded area (addresses E ′ to B ′) of layer 1 at the same radial position as an area (addresses B to E) recorded in the data area of layer 0 is logically erased. Record. Next, a lead-in area is recorded, and a closure is recorded (addresses E to F) following the data area (addresses B to E) recorded in layer 0. Further, in layer 1, a logical erase pattern is recorded as predetermined data for the addresses F ′ to E ′ and the lead-out area. Here, B ′, E ′, and F ′ are values obtained by bit-inversion of B, E, and F, respectively. In the present embodiment, the logical erase pattern recording in layer 1 is divided, but may be recorded continuously. Further, the lead-out area may record the lead-out instead of the logical erase pattern.

  Note that the state shown in FIG. 5B (leadout, no intermediate area, etc.) is not strictly logically compatible with the dual-layer DVD, but at least data is recorded on layer 0 only. Therefore, it is possible to normally read out the data of layer 0 with a read-only DVD drive. Since this information recording medium can overwrite data, it may be recorded in a format that is logically compatible with the dual-layer DVD when the data recording is completed.

  In a rewritable CD-RW or the like, when erasing a recording area, recording is performed with a logical erasing pattern indicating that the erasing is logically performed instead of physically returning to an unrecorded state. The area recorded with the logical erasure pattern is an unrecorded area for an optical disc apparatus that can identify the pattern, but a recording area for a conventional drive apparatus that cannot identify the pattern. Therefore, as in this embodiment, recording with a logical erase pattern in the unrecorded area of the second layer can ensure playback compatibility with a playback-only drive and identify the pattern. The possible optical disk device 1 can keep the state that the second layer is unrecorded on the medium.

  Of the information recording method for the dual-layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2), an embodiment of timing control example for recording predetermined data will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, in order to simplify the processing, it is assumed that recording from the user is continuously recorded from the data area start address of layer 0, and only data of layer 0 is recorded when a disk ejection request is made.

  First, when the process is started (step S1), it is determined whether there is a recording request from the user (S2). When there is a recording request from the user (Y in S2), recording is performed in the requested area (S3). When there is no recording request from the user (N of S2), the process of step S3 is skipped. Next, it is determined whether there is a disk ejection request from the user (S4). If there is no disk ejection request (N in S4), it waits for a recording request from the user again (S2). On the other hand, if there is a disk ejection request from the user (Y in S4), the recording area in layer 0 is detected (S5). The process of step S5 is executed as a recorded area presence / absence determining step, a recorded area presence / absence determining means, and a recorded area presence / absence determining function.

  At this time, if it is assumed that the addresses A to B of layer 0 are already recorded areas, dummy data (Dammy Data) of user data attributes or lead-out (addresses B ′ to A ′ of layer 1 are used as predetermined data) Lead-out) or a logical erase pattern is recorded (S6), the optical disk 2 is ejected (S7), and the process is terminated (S8). The process of step S6 is executed as a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step, a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding unit, and a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function.

  In this embodiment, the recording of the lead-in area (layer 0), the lead-out area (layer 1), and the intermediate area (layers 0 and 1) is not particularly considered, but each area is recorded when the disc is ejected. You may do it.

  Therefore, since the recording of the predetermined data filling the unrecorded area is for assuring reproduction compatibility with the read-only drive, the predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area in step S6 is the present embodiment. As described above, it is sufficient when the optical disk apparatus 1 receives a request to eject the optical disk 2 from the user after data recording (step S5).

  Of the information recording method for the dual-layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2), another embodiment of a timing control example for recording predetermined data will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, as in the case of FIG. 6, in order to simplify the process, the recording from the user is continuously recorded from the data area start address of layer 0. It shall be recorded.

  First, when the process is started (S11), it is determined whether there is a recording request from the user (S12). If there is a recording request from the user (Y in S12), after recording in the requested area (S13), the area of layer 1 having the same radius as the recorded area is recorded (S14). The processes in steps S12 and S13 are executed as a recorded area presence / absence determining step, a recorded area presence / absence determining means, and a recorded area presence / absence determining function. This is executed as an area data embedding means and a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function. When there is no recording request from the user (N in S12), the processes in steps S13 and S14 are skipped. Next, it is determined whether there is a disk discharge request from the user (S14). If there is no disk ejection request (N in S14), it waits for a recording request from the user again (S12). On the other hand, if there is a disk ejection request from the user (Y in S14), the disk is ejected (S17), and the process ends (S8).

  In this embodiment, the recording of the lead-in area (layer 0), the lead-out area (layer 1), and the intermediate area (layers 0 and 1) is not particularly considered, but each area is recorded when the disc is ejected. Also good.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a recording request is made, an unrecorded area in the layer 1 located at the same radius as the recorded area is recorded each time. Therefore, compared with the method of FIG. Although the performance for each recording request is reduced, the processing for the disk ejection request can be improved.

  Of the information recording method for the dual-layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2), another embodiment of timing control for recording predetermined data will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, multi-session recording of DVD + R, which is a write-once DVD disc, is applied to recording on a rewritable double-layer DVD + RW, and lead-in is performed before the user data area (after the second session according to DVD + R multi-session recording). The lead-in is called “Intro”, and the lead-out before the last session is also recorded behind the user data area (also called “Closure”). Further, the logical erase pattern shown in FIG. 5 is recorded as the predetermined data. Further, as in the case of FIG. 6, in order to simplify the processing, recording from the user is continuously recorded from the data area start address of layer 0, and only data of layer 0 is recorded when the session is closed. And

  First, when the process is started (S21), it is determined whether there is a recording request from the user (S22). If there is a recording request from the user (Y in S22), recording is performed in the requested area (S23). When there is no recording request from the user (N of S22), the process of step S23 is skipped. Next, it is determined whether there is a session close request from the user (S24). If there is no session close request (N in S24), it is determined whether there is a disk ejection request from the user (S29). If there is no disk ejection request (N in S29), it waits for a recording request from the user again (S22). Data recording is performed by repeating the above processing. Here, it is assumed that a session close request is received from the user when the data recording is performed up to the position shown in FIG. 5A (Y in S24). . In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, first, the lead-in area (layer 0) is recorded (S25), and then the closure (layer 0) is recorded (S26). Next, the recorded area in layer 0 is acquired (S27). In the example of FIG. 5, addresses A to F are recorded. The process of step S27 is executed as a recorded area presence / absence determination step, a recorded area presence / absence determination means, and a recorded area presence / absence determination function. Next, the area (addresses F ′ to A ′) in the layer 1 at the same radius position as the already recorded area in the layer 0 is recorded with the logical erase pattern (S28). The process of step S28 is executed as a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step, a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding unit, and a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function. The above is the session closing process. Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not there is a disk ejection request from the user (S29). If there is a disk ejection request (Y in S29), the disk is ejected (S30), and the process is terminated (S31). If there is no disk ejection request (N in S29), it waits for a recording request from the user again (S22). Here, if there is a recording request from the user, the recording is to a new session. On the other hand, if there is no session close request from the user in step S24 and there is a disk ejection request in step S29, the user does not need playback compatibility with the playback-only DVD drive, and from step S25 to step S28. The processing is skipped and the disc is ejected in the state shown in FIG.

  Of the information recording method for the dual-layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2), an embodiment involving background format processing will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. The outline of the present embodiment will be described. Formatting is performed on a dual-layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2) in the background format, and when a recording request is received from the user during the formatting, the formatting process is interrupted and data recording is performed. I do. The predetermined data recording to the layer 1 is performed when there is no disk access request from the user as dummy data recording in the background format, and when there is a recording request from the user during the predetermined data recording, the predetermined data recording is interrupted. To record as requested by the user. In the dummy data recording by the background format, the data area is divided into N as shown in FIG. 9A, and layer 0 and layer 1 are alternately recorded for each divided area. When there is a format interruption request from the user, predetermined data recording in layer 1 is completed, and a temporary intermediate area and lead-out are recorded. In order to simplify the description, it is assumed that the record from the user is an address in layer 0.

  FIG. 9A shows a state in which formatting is started for a dual-layer DVD + RW (optical disc 2). Broken lines in the figure indicate recording units for performing dummy data recording continuously for each recording layer. In the background format, the user can record only by recording a part of the lead-in area (initial process).

  FIG. 9B shows a state in which data requested by the user is recorded. If there is a recording request from the user during the background formatting, the formatting process (dummy data recording) is interrupted and the requested data is recorded.

  FIG. 9C shows a state in which the background format is resumed after the user data recording is completed. In the dummy data recording in the background format, layer 0 and layer 1 are alternately recorded for each predetermined divided area. Here, predetermined data recording is performed when there is no access request from the user, but here the function is substituted for dummy data recording in the formatting process.

  FIG. 9D shows a state in which a recording request is received from the user during predetermined data recording of layer 1 (dummy data recording in the format). When dummy data recording of a predetermined recording unit in the format in FIG. 9C is completed, the area which is the next recording unit is recorded in the order of layer 0 and layer 1. Here, when a recording request is received from the user while recording the layer 1 with dummy data, the dummy data recording is interrupted and the requested data recording is performed.

  FIG. 9E shows a state in which predetermined data recording (dummy data recording in the format) is resumed after user data recording is completed.

  FIG. 9F shows a state in which a format interruption request has been received from the user. In the format interruption, first, the final recording area in layer 0 is detected, and an unrecorded area existing on the inner periphery of this area is recorded with dummy data. Here, the layer 1 area is recorded as dummy data. When the dummy data recording in the data area is completed, a temporary intermediate area is recorded following the final recording area (in the outer peripheral direction), and a lead-out is recorded in the lead-out area.

  In the present embodiment, the processing is substituted for dummy data recording in the background format as the predetermined data recording. However, even in a recording apparatus that does not perform background formatting, the predetermined data recording is performed in the background. It is possible.

  Here, an example of processing control relating to such a recording operation will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined data recording to the layer 1 is performed when there is no disk access request from the user as dummy data recording in the background format. Further, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that the record from the user is an address in layer 0.

  First, when there is a format request from the user (S41), a part of the lead-in area is recorded (S42), the completion of formatting is notified to the user (S43), and background formatting is started (S44). Dummy data recording in the data area in the background format is called De-ice. After the background format starts, data can be randomly recorded by the user. Next, it is determined whether there is a recording request from the user (S45). If there is a recording request from the user (Y in S45), it is determined whether or not the background formatting is in progress (S46). If the formatting is in progress (Y in S46), the background formatting is interrupted (Y S47), the requested data recording is performed (S48). The processes of steps S41 to S48 are executed as a background formatting process, background formatting means, and a background formatting function.

  If it is not in the background format (N of S46), the process of step S47 is skipped. On the other hand, if there is no recording request from the user (N in S45), it is determined whether there is a format interruption request from the user (S49). If there is no format interruption request (N in S49), it is determined whether or not background formatting is in progress (S50). Here, if it is in the background format (Y in S50), it waits for a recording request from the user again (S45). On the other hand, if the background formatting is not in progress (N in S50), the process proceeds to the background formatting start process.

  Here, first, the divided area N including the address is searched from the start address of the background format (S51). Next, it is determined whether or not there is an unrecorded area among the divided areas 1 to N-1 in the layer 1 (S52). Here, when there is an unrecorded area in the divided area M (M is the divided area of layer 1, 1 ≦ M <N−1) (N in S52), the background start address is set to the unrecorded address of the divided area M. (S53) and background formatting is started (S54).

  On the other hand, if there is no unrecorded area in divided areas 1 to N-1 in layer 1 (Y in S52), step S53 is skipped and background formatting starts from the unrecorded area in divided area N (layer 0). (S54).

  Incidentally, when there is a format interruption request from the user (Y in S49), the process proceeds to the format interruption process. Here, first, it is determined whether or not background formatting is in progress (S55). If formatting is in progress (Y in S55), the background formatting is interrupted (S56). If formatting is not in progress (N in S55), step S56 is skipped. The processes in steps S55 and S56 are executed as a recording operation interruption process, a recording operation interruption means, and a recording operation interruption function.

  Next, the last recorded address is acquired (S57), and among the divided areas up to this address, a divided area where an unrecorded area exists is searched (S58). The process of step S58 is executed as a recorded area presence / absence determination step, a recorded area presence / absence determination means, and a recorded area presence / absence determination function. As a result, it is determined whether there is a corresponding divided area (S59). If there is a corresponding divided area (Y in S59), an unrecorded area in the divided area is recorded with dummy data (S60). The process of step S60 is executed as a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step, a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding unit, and a corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function. When the recording of the area is completed, a divided area where an unrecorded area exists in another area is searched again (S58). In this way, Step S58 to Step S60 are repeated to record all the divided areas up to the last recorded address. As a result, when there are no divided areas including the unrecorded area (N in S59), a temporary intermediate area is recorded from the last recorded address (S61), and a lead-out is recorded in the lead-out area (S62). ), The formatting process is terminated (S63).

  In this embodiment, the processing is substituted for dummy data recording in the background format. However, even in a recording apparatus that does not perform background formatting, predetermined data recording can be performed in the background. .

  In other words, DVD + RW, which is a rewritable DVD disc, employs a background format in which format processing performed prior to data recording from the user is performed in the background. In the background format, just by recording a part of the lead-in area in response to a format request from the user (initial processing), the user is notified of the completion of formatting, and the remaining area is dummy when there is no access from the user. Record with data. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the predetermined data recording may be performed in the background when there is no medium access from the user. In this way, by performing predetermined data recording in the background when there is no medium access from the user, the time required for ejecting the medium and closing the session can be shortened. Since no data recording is performed, it is possible to prevent a decrease in recording performance. In addition, when a user requests a medium access during recording of predetermined data in such an unrecorded area, the recording operation of the predetermined data is interrupted, so that the original access operation is not hindered. It is possible to perform recording operation of predetermined data in the recording area.

  Further, for example, in the DVD + RW background format, it is possible to take out the medium even in the middle of formatting. In the DVD + RW, the background format is temporarily interrupted when the medium is ejected. In this interrupting process, if compatibility with a conventional read-only DVD drive is to be ensured, the recorded area between the recorded areas intermittently recorded on the medium After the unrecorded area is recorded with dummy data so as to be continuously recorded, a temporary lead-out is recorded from the final address of the recording area. Here, even in an information recording apparatus that performs background formatting on an information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, it is conceivable to take out the medium in the middle of the formatting. At this time, in order to guarantee playback compatibility with a playback-only drive, in addition to the format interruption processing described in the case of DVD + RW as an example, predetermined data is stored in an unrecorded area in another recording layer. It is necessary to record. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the background formatting is performed on the optical disc 2 having a plurality of recording layers, it is possible to remove the disc while guaranteeing the reproduction compatibility with the read-only drive during the formatting. It becomes.

  By the way, normally, in the background format, the dummy data is continuously recorded from the inner periphery of the medium. Therefore, when background formatting is performed on the optical disc 2 having a plurality of recording layers, dummy data is recorded from the first recording layer to which the minimum logical address is allocated, and formatting to the recording layer is completed. It is expected that dummy data recording of the next recording layer is performed at the time. However, in such a recording order in the background format, when taking out the medium while guaranteeing compatibility with the read-only drive in the middle of formatting, there is a problem that it takes time to interrupt the background format. . This is because the necessity of performing predetermined data recording in the format interruption process is not taken into consideration. For example, in the case where the formatting is interrupted in a state where almost all of the data area of the first recording layer has completed the dummy data recording by formatting, the other recording layer is used in order to ensure compatibility with the read-only drive. Even in the data area, almost the entire area must be recorded with the predetermined data. In this regard, the data area of the plurality of recording layers is divided into a plurality of areas, respectively, and the format processing for the information recording medium is performed in the background by alternately recording the divided areas between the plurality of recording layers, If the predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area is the time when a background format interruption request is received from the user during the background formatting process for the optical disc 2, a plurality of recordings are performed in the dummy data recording in the background format. By alternately recording the data area of each layer for each divided area, it is possible to reduce the area for recording predetermined data when there is a format interruption request, and the format interruption process can be completed in a short time. Become.

  FIG. 11 shows the difference in the range in which the predetermined data recording is necessary in the format interruption process between the case where the background formatting is performed by such a method and the case where the background formatting is continuously performed from the layer 0.

  FIG. 11A1 shows a case where the background format is continuously performed from layer 0. FIG. Here, it is assumed that a format interruption request is received from the user when the data area of layer 0 is recorded almost entirely. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11 (a2), in order to record the data area in layer 1 at the same radial position as the already recorded area in layer 0, the data area of layer 1 must also be recorded almost entirely. Therefore, a long time is required for the format interruption process.

  On the other hand, FIG. 11B1 shows an example of the background format performed in this embodiment. Here, the data area is divided into seven (broken line areas in the figure), and the data areas of layer 0 and layer 1 are alternately recorded for each divided area. Accordingly, the recording progress in layer 0 is slower than in the case of FIG. Here, it is assumed that a format interruption request is received from the user at the time shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11 (b2), an area that must be recorded by the format interruption process (an unrecorded area in layer 1 at the same radius as the already recorded area in layer 0) is shown in FIG. It can be seen that it is extremely small compared to the case of). Therefore, when the disc is ejected during the background formatting, according to the present embodiment, the format interruption process can be completed in a short time.

  In addition, although all the above-described embodiments have been described as application examples to the OTP method, the same applies to the PTP method.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optical disc apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a layout of a reproduction-only DVD disc. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically embodiment of the data example of the information recording method with respect to 2 layer DVD + RW by an OTP system. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically another embodiment of the data example of the information recording method with respect to 2 layer DVD + RW by an OTP system. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically other embodiment of the data example of the information recording method with respect to 2 layer DVD + RW by an OTP system. It is a schematic flowchart which shows typically embodiment of the timing control example of the information recording method with respect to 2 layer DVD + RW by an OTP system. It is a schematic flowchart which shows typically another embodiment of the timing control example of the information recording method with respect to 2 layer DVD + RW by an OTP system. It is a schematic flowchart which shows typically other embodiment of the timing control example of the information recording method with respect to 2 layer DVD + RW by an OTP system. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically embodiment of the background format process example with respect to 2 layer DVD + RW by an OTP system. It is a schematic flowchart which shows typically embodiment of the example of the processing control. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process control example for every division area which contrasts and shows the case of a continuous process.

Explanation of symbols

2 Information recording media

Claims (37)

An information recording method for recording on an information recording medium having a plurality of rewritable recording layers each having a data area for recording user data,
A recorded area presence / absence determining step of determining whether or not a recorded area exists in at least the data area of the first recording layer;
When the recorded area exists in the first recording layer, an unrecorded area in the second recording layer excluding the first recording layer, out of areas corresponding to the same radial position as the recorded area Corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step for recording predetermined data at a predetermined timing before completion of recording on the information recording medium,
An information recording method comprising:   2. The information recording method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data to be recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is dummy data having user data characteristics.   2. The information recording method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data to be recorded in the unrecorded area in the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a lead-out.   2. The predetermined data to be recorded in the unrecorded area in the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a logical erasure pattern indicating that it is logically unrecorded. Information recording method.   2. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area in the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a point in time when a discharge request for the information recording medium is received from a user. 4. The information recording method according to any one of 4.   The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a time immediately after data recording in the recorded area of the first recording layer. The information recording method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. For information recording media that record in multi-session format,
5. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area in the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a time point when a session close request is received from a user. An information recording method according to claim 1.   5. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area in the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is when there is no medium access request from a user. The information recording method described.   9. The recording operation interrupting step of interrupting a recording operation of the predetermined data when there is a medium access request from the user during recording of the predetermined data in the unrecorded area. Information recording method. A background formatting process for performing formatting processing on the information recording medium in the background;
The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding step is a time point when a background format interruption request is received from the user during the background format process for the information recording medium. The information recording method according to claim 1, wherein:   A background format in which data processing of the information recording medium is performed in the background by dividing each of the data areas of the plurality of recording layers into a plurality of areas and alternately recording the divided areas between the plurality of recording layers. The information recording method according to claim 1, further comprising a step.   The information recording method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the information recording medium is an information recording medium conforming to a DVD + RW standard. An information recording apparatus for recording on an information recording medium having a plurality of rewritable recording layers each having a data area for recording user data,
An already recorded area presence / absence judging means for judging whether or not an already recorded area exists in at least the data area of the first recording layer;
When the recorded area exists in the first recording layer, an unrecorded area in the second recording layer excluding the first recording layer, out of areas corresponding to the same radial position as the recorded area Corresponding unrecorded area data embedding means for recording predetermined data at a predetermined timing before completion of recording on the information recording medium,
An information recording apparatus comprising:   14. The information recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined data recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding means is dummy data having user data characteristics.   14. The information recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined data recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding unit is a lead-out.   14. The predetermined data recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding means is a logical erasure pattern indicating that the data is logically unrecorded. Information recording device.   14. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding means is a point in time when a discharge request for the information recording medium is received from a user. 16. The information recording device according to any one of 16.   The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding means is a time immediately after data recording in the recorded area of the first recording layer. An information recording apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16. For information recording media that record in multi-session format,
17. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding means is a time point when a session close request is received from a user. An information recording apparatus according to claim 1.   17. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding means is when there is no medium access request from a user. The information recording device described.   21. A recording operation interrupting unit for interrupting a recording operation of the predetermined data when a medium access request is received from a user during recording of the predetermined data in the unrecorded area. Information recording device. A background formatting means for performing formatting processing on the information recording medium in the background;
The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding means is a point in time when a background format interruption request is received from a user during a background format process for the information recording medium. The information recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein   A background format in which data processing of the information recording medium is performed in the background by dividing each of the data areas of the plurality of recording layers into a plurality of areas and alternately recording the divided areas between the plurality of recording layers. 14. The information recording apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising means.   The information recording apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the information recording medium is an information recording medium conforming to a DVD + RW standard. Installed in a computer provided with an information recording apparatus for recording on an information recording medium having a plurality of rewritable recording layers each having a data area for recording user data,
A recorded area presence / absence determination function for determining whether or not a recorded area exists in at least the data area of the first recording layer;
When the recorded area exists in the first recording layer, an unrecorded area in the second recording layer excluding the first recording layer, out of areas corresponding to the same radial position as the recorded area Corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function for recording predetermined data at a predetermined timing before completion of recording on the information recording medium,
An information recording program characterized in that the program is executed.   26. The information recording program according to claim 25, wherein the predetermined data recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function is dummy data having user data characteristics.   26. The information recording program according to claim 25, wherein the predetermined data recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function is a lead-out.   26. The predetermined data to be recorded in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function is a logical erasure pattern indicating that it is logically unrecorded. Information recording program.   26. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function is a point in time when a discharge request for the information recording medium is received from a user. 28. The information recording program according to any one of 28.   The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function is a time immediately after data recording in the recorded area of the first recording layer. The information recording program according to any one of claims 25 to 28. For information recording media that record in multi-session format,
29. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function is a time point when a session close request is received from a user. An information recording program according to any one of the above.   29. The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function is a time when there is no medium access request from a user. The information recording program described.   A recording operation interruption function for interrupting a recording operation of the predetermined data is caused to be executed by the computer when there is a medium access request from the user during recording of the predetermined data in the unrecorded area. Item 33. The information recording program according to Item 32. Causing the computer to execute a background formatting function for performing formatting processing on the information recording medium in the background;
The predetermined timing for recording in the unrecorded area by the corresponding unrecorded area data embedding function is a point in time when a background format interruption request is received from the user during the background format process for the information recording medium. 26. The information recording program according to claim 25.   A background format in which data processing of the information recording medium is performed in the background by dividing each of the data areas of the plurality of recording layers into a plurality of areas and alternately recording the divided areas between the plurality of recording layers. 26. The information recording method according to claim 25, further comprising causing the computer to execute a function.   36. The information recording program according to claim 25, wherein the information recording medium is an information recording medium compliant with the DVD + RW standard.   A computer-readable storage medium in which the information recording program according to any one of claims 25 to 36 is stored.

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