JP3293727B2 - Information recording / reproducing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an information recording / reproducing apparatus such as an optical disk drive.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an information recording / reproducing apparatus such as an optical disk drive apparatus, a data recording medium is rotated to irradiate the information recording medium with light, and the intensity of the light is changed to form a binary data comprising recording marks and spaces. Some form information or form new binary information accompanied by erasure of old binary information. Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-60696 discloses a write-once optical disc drive (WOR) as an optical information recording apparatus.
M) describes that the write power control is performed using the waveform of the reflected signal at the time of data writing.

[0003] Optical Memory Symposium '94 "CD-R and t
He compatibility with CD "includes a device for performing optimum write power control by observing the state of an RF signal at the time of light power emission in a CD-R drive device (Ru
nning OPC). Japan Society of Applied Magnetics research material “High-speed, high-density recording optical head technology” 199
2, Vol, 73rd describes a configuration in which recording light and reproduction light are arranged on the same track, and a configuration in which two or more light beams are separated from a single light source (a magnetooptical three-beam optical head, a super-resolution optical head). Have been. Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-13123 discloses a flat record carrier reading apparatus that detects a track signal by a three-beam method using a phase grating (slit).

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-25408 describes a signal recording method in a write-once optical disc drive apparatus, which performs trial writing for determining an optimum recording power before recording data. This means that information is trial-written by changing the recording light source intensity stepwise in the trial-write area of the information recording medium, and then the information is reproduced from this trial-write area, and the optimum recording condition is determined from the state of the reproduced signal. Thereafter, data is recorded under the optimum recording conditions obtained.

In addition to the recording-only optical system, the same track immediately after recording is scanned by a reproduction-only optical system using another light source, and the recording state is detected from the level of the reproduced signal.
A method for correcting recording conditions has been proposed. further,
This is an optimal recording light source intensity control method for a phase change type optical disk drive device using a one-beam optical system, in which reflected light (not in a recording state) from an information recording medium is emitted when erasing power is emitted (at the time of space recording). Detected, that is, the reflection of the recording light beam from the medium (information recording medium) obtained at the time of forming a recording space in which the light source emits light with a constant intensity for a relatively long time (corresponding to the erase time in a phase-change optical disk drive device). There has been proposed a method of controlling a recording light source intensity by detecting a light intensity change due to a warp inclination of a medium or the like at a signal level.

[0006]

In an optical disk drive capable of recording information on an information recording medium, an optical intensity change due to aging of the light source, a change in sensitivity due to dust adhering to the information recording medium or an aging deterioration are corrected. It is necessary to record information on the information recording medium under the conditions. One method for determining the optimum conditions before recording data is Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-254.
No. 08 is a trial writing known. At present, in a recordable CD optical disk drive (CD-R), trial writing is performed on the inner circumference of an optical disk in accordance with the Orange Book standard, which is a substantial standard.

[0007] In an optical disk drive apparatus of a CD system format, there is no concept of a sector in a data optical disk, and continuous data must be recorded on the optical disk. When information is recorded on an optical disc for a long time, changes in the characteristics of the light source, optical components, the media of the optical disc, and the tilt of the media due to the temperature rise in the device between the inner circumference at the start of writing and the outer circumference at the end of writing on the optical disk The recording state changes due to various factors such as a decrease in the light intensity of the board surface due to (tilt) or the like, and the optimum recording light source intensity changes. As a countermeasure for this, in the Orange Book standard, Ru
Detecting the reflected light at the time of recording called "nningOPC"
A method for observing the recording mark generation state and maintaining the optimum recording state has been proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-60696 and the optical memory symposium '94.

In the magneto-optical disk drive of the magnetic field modulation type, since the light source intensity is constant, the light is separated behind the recording light beam on the information recording medium as in the optical head technology for high-speed and high-density recording. By irradiating a weak read-only light beam, it is possible to verify the recording state and the recorded data with the reflected signal. However, in the above-mentioned method, an optical disk drive device that modulates information by an optical modulation method and records the information on an optical disk, in particular, information (PWM) is used.
Phase-change optical disk drive device that modulates by Width Modulation) method and records it on optical disk, or high-speed WORM
In order to precisely form one recording mark, the intensity of the recording light source is modulated at high speed and multi-level in order to accurately form one recording mark. Therefore, the reflection signal from the medium at the time of forming the recording mark is modulated according to the intensity modulation of the recording light source. It is not possible to detect the recording state with sufficient accuracy to observe it accurately.

In addition, in the phase-change type optical disk drive, in addition to the formation of the recording marks and spaces during the irradiation of the recording light beam, the formation of the recording marks and spaces is not completed. Since the space is formed, the formation state of the recording mark and the space cannot be detected by the reflection signal from the medium of the optical disk during the formation of the recording mark and the space. As described above, since one beam is basically used (a reflected signal of a light beam used for recording from a medium is detected), when high-speed multi-level modulation is performed for forming a recording mark, or when recording is performed like a phase change optical disk. It cannot be used when the formation of recording marks and spaces is completed after passing the light beam.

[0010] As a simple means for solving this problem,
Apart from the recording-only optical system, the same track immediately after recording on the optical disk is scanned by a reproduction-only optical system using another light source, and the recording state is detected from the level of the reproduction signal,
A method for correcting recording conditions has been proposed. But,
In this system, two light sources and two light source control systems are required, and it is difficult to hold two light beams in the vicinity on the same track of the optical disk.

Therefore, in the above method, the level of the reflection signal of the recording light beam from the medium, which is obtained at the time of forming a recording space in which the recording light source emits light at a constant intensity for a relatively long time (at the time of erasing in a phase change type optical disk drive) Detects the change in the recording light beam intensity due to the warpage inclination of the medium. However, although the phase change type optical disk drive device detects the recording light beam intensity on the media disk surface, it does not detect the formation state of the recording mark.

The present invention is also applicable to a single light source and a single light control even when high-speed multi-level modulation is performed for forming a recording mark or when the formation of a recording mark and a space is completed after passing a recording light beam such as a phase-change optical disk. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information recording / reproducing apparatus which can cope with the system and can control the recording light beam intensity optimally by detecting the formation state of recording marks and spaces.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an information recording medium is rotated to irradiate the information recording medium with light, and recording is performed by changing the intensity of the light. In an information recording / reproducing apparatus for forming binary information composed of marks and spaces or for forming new binary information accompanied by erasing of old binary information, a chief ray for forming or erasing the binary information from one light source An optical head for irradiating the same track formed on the information recording medium with a light beam, which is located behind the main light beam in the rotation direction of the information recording medium and is divided into at least two sub-light beams having relatively low intensity; And a photodetector that receives each reflected light from the information recording medium and performs photoelectric conversion, and performs multilevel intensity modulation of the light source necessary for forming or erasing the binary information, and the light beam Optimum strength A light intensity control means for controlling by a control signal the urchin the light source, the minimum mark length in the principal ray
It said information when performing the recording of more than twice the length of the space
A set of recording marks and spaces of the same length on a recording medium
The information recording is performed from the output signal of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained by irradiating the sub-light beam for alignment.
Detects the formation of recording marks and spaces on recording media
And an output signal of the detection means is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first aspect, the distance D between the principal ray and the sub ray on the information recording medium is determined by forming the recording mark and the space by irradiating the principal ray. Is completed, D ≧ T × Lv is defined by the recording film transition time T of the information recording medium and the rotation speed Lv of the information recording medium.

The third aspect of the present invention provides the first or second aspect.
Length that can be corrected by the described information recording / reproducing device.
Part of the data pattern of information during recording
Replacement, and when recording the space of the data pattern
An output signal of the detection means corresponding to the obtained sub-light beam
The level is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means .

The invention according to claim 4 provides the information according to claim 3.
In the information recording / reproducing apparatus, the data pattern is marked.
And space after repeated spaces
It is something that was taken.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1, 2, 3
Or the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to 4, wherein the detecting means
Before the step is obtained when recording the space with the chief ray
Averaging the output signal of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam.
Average means, and the output of this average means
The signal is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means .

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1, 2, 3
Or the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to 4, wherein the detecting means
Before the step is obtained when recording the space with the chief ray
Calculating the output signal amplitude of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-beam
Output means of the amplitude calculating means.
The signal is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means .

The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1, 2,
In the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in 3, 4, 5, or 6,
Before starting data recording, the light of the light source optimal for recording
Write a trial to calculate the intensity, and
The column records the space with the chief ray at the time of the trial writing.
The output of the detection means corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained at the time of
Force signal level as a target value, and thereafter, when recording data,
The secondary light beam obtained when recording a space with the main light beam
The output signal level of the detection means corresponding to the target value
Is to be held .

[0020] The invention according to claim 8 is the first or second invention .
In the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in 3, 4, 5, or 6,
The light intensity control means is provided immediately after data recording is started.
The sub beam obtained when recording a space with the main beam
Set the output signal level of the detection means corresponding to the light beam to a target value.
After that, when recording data, the chief ray described the space.
The light detection corresponding to the sub-rays obtained when performing the recording
The output signal level of the vessel is maintained at the target value .

[0021]

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the inventions of claims 1 to 3 are applied will be described. Among information recording / reproducing devices, an optical disk drive device that modulates information by optical modulation and records the information on an information recording medium, particularly a phase change optical disk drive device that modulates information by a PWM (Pit Width Modulation) method and records the information on an optical disk, In a high-speed WORM, the intensity (recording light beam intensity) of a light source (for example, a laser diode) is intensity-modulated to a high-speed multi-value in order to accurately form one recording mark. FIG.
FIG. 3A shows an example of a recording light source intensity modulation waveform of a high speed WORM, and FIG. 3B shows an example of a recording light source intensity modulation waveform of a phase change type optical disk drive including an erasing process. In FIG. 3, P _W , P _R , P _B , and P _E indicate levels corresponding to write power, read power, bias power, and erase power, and t indicates time. The present invention is not limited to the recording light source intensity modulation waveforms having these waveforms, but can be applied to an information recording / reproducing apparatus that modulates the intensity of a recording light source to form a recording mark at high speed and multi-level.

As a material for an information recording medium of a phase-change optical disk, a AgInSbTe-based material is representative. As described above, when the recording light source intensity is modulated, the reflected light from the information recording medium (media) for the recording light beam is naturally modulated at a high speed, and the recording mark is formed by the reflected light from the medium corresponding to the recording light beam. It is impossible to detect a state (a state of forming binary information including a recording mark and a space or a state of forming new binary information accompanied by erasure of old binary information).

The recording mechanism of the phase-change type optical disk is such that when a recording film as an information recording medium of an optical disk is heated to a temperature higher than its melting point and rapidly cooled with a high recording light intensity, the recording film becomes non-crystalline and the erasing light intensity lower than the recording light intensity. Then, the recording film is heated to a crystallization temperature and crystallized when cooled slowly, and information is recorded by utilizing the fact that the reflectance is different between these two states (non-crystallized state and crystallized state). The phase-change optical disc is significantly different from the WORM write-once optical disc in that a recording mark is formed after a recording beam has passed through the phase-change optical disc.

In one embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the inventions of claims 1 to 3 are applied, as shown in FIG. 4, a chief ray 2 for recording or erasing on an information recording medium 1 is used. Behind the light spot, a light spot formed by a relatively weak sub-light beam 3 split from the same light source is arranged on the same track 4. Thereby, the recording mark M (M1, M2, M3,...) Is recorded on the information recording medium 1 by the principal ray 2.
.) And the space S (S1, S2, S3...) Are completely formed, and then the recording mark M and the space S are scanned by the sub-light beam 3.

As shown in FIG. 5, at the timing (Sample Timing) when the space S6 is recorded on the information recording medium 1 by the chief ray 2, the recording marks M4 to M4 recorded on the information recording medium 1 immediately before the timing. M6 and space S4, S
5 is reflected by the photodetector (the sub-ray 3 scans past recording marks and spaces because it is located behind the main ray 2), and is recorded from the level of its output signal. Detect state. Here, the information recording medium 1
Indicates that the reflectance is lower at the recording mark M.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary light beam 3 is arranged at a distance of five times the minimum mark length behind the main light beam 2 in the scanning direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. When the chief ray 2 enters the Sample Timing, the minor ray 3 scans the mark M4. Thereafter, while the chief ray 2 records the space S6, the minor ray 3 moves to the space S6.
4, the mark M5, the space S5, and the mark M6 are sequentially scanned. Since the light source intensity, that is, the intensity of the sub light beam 3 is constant, the recording state of the recording mark and the space can be detected by the sub light beam 3. Further, it is more effective to use an APC system in which a part of the light source is directly guided from the light source to the photodetector and the intensity of the light source is directly controlled so as to keep the output signal at a predetermined value.

As a means for producing the principal ray 2 and the sub ray 3 from one light source, for example, a three-beam method of arranging a slit in a ray path used in a CD-ROM or the like for tracking or crosstalk cancellation ( There are methods using side lobes of super-resolution spots (see the above-mentioned optical head technology for high-speed and high-density recording), and a plurality of light beams are collected on the same track on an information recording medium. What is necessary is just to adjust so that it may light. The main light beam 2 and the sub light beam 3 do not need to be completely separated from each other, and the intensity of the light beam is distributed with two or more peaks in the tangential direction of the track on the information recording medium. And the auxiliary light beam 3.

This embodiment is also an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 2 is applied, and after the formation of recording marks and spaces by the principal ray 2 is completely completed, the recording marks and spaces are removed. It is specified that the distance between the main light beam 2 and the sub light beam 3 should be adjusted to the characteristics of the recording film so that scanning can be performed with the sub light beam 3. In the phase-change optical disk, as described above, the properties of the recording film are determined by the cooling state after passing through the chief ray (whether the recording film is in a crystalline state or an amorphous state), so that the recording marks and spaces are not determined. In order to check the recording state, it is necessary to scan the recording portion with the auxiliary light beam 3 after a lapse of the recording film transition time T determined by the composition of the recording film after the passage of the main light beam.

Further, since the medium is rotating at a predetermined linear velocity Lv, in order to scan the recording mark and the space with the sub-beam 3 after forming the mark, the distance D between the main beam 2 and the sub-beam 3 is D ≧ T × Lv. In WORM, since the recording film transition time T is very short, the distance D between the principal ray 2 and the sub ray 3 may be small, and the principal ray 2 and the sub ray 3 may be arranged in the vicinity.

This embodiment is also an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 3 is applied.
The amplitude (signal level) of the output signal of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-beam 3 for the data pattern of the combination of the minimum recording mark and the minimum space or the combination of the recording mark and the space of the same length in the recording data. When the space recording with the principal ray 2 is longer than twice the minimum mark length, the output signal level of the photodetector corresponding to the sub ray 3 is used as the control signal of the light intensity control means so that the following equation can be calculated.

In FIG. 5, marks M1 to M7 are the shortest and smallest recording marks, S1 to S5 are the shortest and smallest spaces, and S6 is a long space. In Sample Timing where chief ray 2 records long space S6, mark M
4. A reflection signal from the medium of the sub-light beam 3 with respect to the space S4, the mark M5, the space S5, and the mark M6 is obtained. Here, if the space S6 is at least twice as long as the minimum mark length, the mark M4 and the space S
4 can be detected, and the signal level (amplitude) indicating the recording state can be calculated. This calculation is performed when the combination of the recording mark and the space is a combination of the recording mark and the space having the same length because of the difference in the amplitude for each recording mark length (depending on the optical resolution) and the difference in the low frequency component (depending on the DSV). This is because the signal level can be calculated without being affected by the data pattern. If these effects are forcibly eliminated, the data pattern need not be limited.

FIG. 2 shows this embodiment, and FIG. 1 shows a part thereof. Normally, when recording information on the medium of the optical disk 11 (forming binary information consisting of recording marks and spaces or forming new binary information accompanied by erasure of old binary information), recording is performed by the CPU 12 and the memory 13. Data to be created is created, and this data is added with an error correction code by the ECC unit 14. The data from the ECC unit 14 is sent to the ENC unit 15 as a modulating unit by using (1, 7) RLL, (2, 7) RLL, EFM, EFM +, VFM, NEM.
And the like, and multi-level intensity modulation suitable for recording binary information on the medium is performed by the light intensity control means 16 constituting the multi-level intensity modulation means, and becomes recording data. Numeral 17 records binary information composed of recording marks and spaces on the medium according to the recording data (forms binary information composed of recording marks and spaces or forms new binary information accompanied by erasure of old binary information). .

The optical head 17 includes a light source 18, a slit member 19 having a slit, a collimator lens 20, beam splitters 21 and 22, an objective lens 23, and a condenser lens 2.
4, 25, and photodetectors 26 to 28, and the beam splitter 21, the condenser lens 24, and the photodetector 26 constitute light detection means for directly detecting light from the light source 18.
Further, the beam splitter 22, the condenser lens 25, and the photodetectors 27 and 28 constitute light detecting means for detecting the reflected light from the optical disk 11, and the optical disk 11 is driven to rotate by a spindle motor.

The light source 18 is intensity-modulated according to the recording data by the light intensity control means 16 and emits light. The light from the light source 18 passes through the slit of the slit member 19 and the collimating lens 20, so that the main light and the sub-light are emitted. Is split into The chief ray and the sub ray are divided into beam splitters 21 and 22.
Is condensed as a principal ray and two sub-rays on the media surface of the optical disk 11 by the objective lens 23, so that binary information composed of a recording mark and a space is recorded. Formation of value information or formation of new binary information accompanied by erasure of old binary information is performed).

The light spots B and C formed by the two sub-beams on the media surface of the optical disk 11 are different from the light spot A formed by the main light beam on the media surface of the optical disk 11 in the tangential direction of the same track on the medium surface of the optical disk 11. The light spot B is disposed before and after the above distance D, and the light spot B is disposed behind the light spot A on the same track in the scanning direction (rotation direction).

The light reflected from the light spots A and B on the media surface of the optical disk 11 passes through an objective lens 23, a beam splitter 22, and a condenser lens 25 to a photodetector 27,
The output signal of the photodetector 27, which is separately received and photoelectrically converted at 28 and receives the reflected light from the light spot A, is subjected to waveform shaping and binarization at the RF section 29 to become a reproduced signal. This reproduced signal is demodulated by the DEC unit 30 as demodulation means, error-corrected by the ECC unit 14, and the information recorded on the medium is reproduced.

The output signal of the photodetector 28 that receives the reflected light from the light spot B is sent to the amplitude calculating means 31, and the amplitude calculating means 31 detects the signal level (amplitude) of the output signal of the photodetector 28. Thus, the recording state of the medium on the optical disk 11, that is, the formation state of the recording marks and spaces is detected. The amplitude calculating means 31 uses, for example, a sample hold circuit, updates the signal level (amplitude) of the output signal of the photodetector 28 at the above-mentioned Sample Timing, and holds it at other times. The output signal of the amplitude calculation means 31 is sent to the light intensity control means 16 as one of the control signals, and the light intensity control means 16 optimizes the light emission intensity of the light source 18 based on the output signal of the amplitude calculation means 31 so that the recording light intensity is optimized. Control to optimize the recording conditions.

The light from the collimator lens 20 is split into two parts by passing a part and reflecting a part by a beam splitter 21 as a light splitting means. The reflected light from the beam splitter 21 is collected by a condenser lens. The light is received by the photodetector 26 through 24 and the intensity is detected. The beam splitter 21, the condenser lens 24, the photodetector 26, and the light intensity control means 16 constitute an APC means. The light intensity control means 16 receives the output signal of the photodetector 26 as one of the control signals and outputs the light. The emission intensity of the light source 18 is controlled so that the output signal of the detector 26 is maintained at a predetermined value.

As described above, this embodiment is described in claim 1.
In the embodiment of the invention described above, an optical disc 11 is rotated to irradiate light on an information recording medium of the optical disc 11, and the intensity of the light is changed to form binary information including recording marks and spaces. In an information recording / reproducing apparatus for forming new binary information with erasure of old binary information,
A light beam split into at least two of a main light beam 2 for forming or erasing binary information from the two light sources 18 and a sub-light beam located behind the main light beam 2 in the rotation direction of the information recording medium and having relatively low intensity. An optical head 17 for irradiating the same track formed on the information recording medium, a photodetector 28 for receiving each reflected light from the information recording medium and performing photoelectric conversion, and for forming or erasing binary information. The intensity of the light source 18 necessary for the light source 18 is modulated, and the light source 18 is adjusted so that the light beam has an optimum intensity.
And a light intensity control means 16 for controlling the output signal level of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 obtained when recording a space with the main light beam 2. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the case where high-speed multi-level modulation is performed for the formation of the recording mark, and it is possible to detect the formation state of the recording mark and the space and record the information with the optimum recording light beam intensity. By splitting a light beam from one light source to form at least a main light beam and a sub-light beam, one light source and one light source can be formed even when the formation of a recording mark and a space is completed after passing a recording light beam as in a phase-change optical disk. It can be controlled by the light beam control system, and the recording beam intensity can be optimally controlled by detecting the recording mark and space formation state.
Information can be recorded under optimal recording conditions.

Further, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention described in claim 2, and in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, the principal ray 2 and the sub ray 3 on the information recording medium.
Is the recording film transition time T of the information recording medium in which the formation of the recording mark and the space by the irradiation of the principal ray 2 is completed.
And the rotation speed Lv of the information recording medium, D ≧ T × Lv, so that the recording state can be detected by the sub-beam after the formation of the recording mark and the space is completed after passing through the main beam, and especially the phase change This is effective when a recording mark is not formed during irradiation of a recording beam as in the case of a pattern recording method.

Further, this embodiment is an embodiment of the invention described in claim 3, and in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, recording of a space having a length of at least twice the minimum mark length. The photodetector 2 corresponding to the sometimes obtained auxiliary light beam 3
8 is set as one of the control signals of the light intensity control means 16, the output signal level of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 when the data of the minimum combination of the recording mark and the space is recorded. An accurate recording state can be detected by detecting a signal level (amplitude).

This embodiment is an embodiment of the present invention described in claim 7, and in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, when recording a space with the principal ray 2. The photodetector 28 corresponding to the obtained auxiliary light beam 3
Since the output signal of the amplitude calculating means 31 is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means 16, the output signal of the light intensity control means 16 can be used to immediately determine whether the recording mark and the space can be expanded or contracted or written. The recording status can be detected,
The recording light intensity can be optimally controlled.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 4 is applied. In this embodiment, a special data generator 32 is provided between the ENC unit 15 and the light intensity control means 16 in the above embodiment. The special data generator 32 controls the ENC unit 1 during recording.
5 is replaced with a special data pattern having a length that can correct the error, and is inserted, that is, the ECC unit 14 has a length that can completely reproduce the original data to be recorded, and Then, a part of the modulated data from the ENC unit 15 is replaced and inserted into a data pattern that makes it easy to detect the recording state when the recorded portion of the optical disk 11 by the main beam 2 is scanned by the sub beam 3 to the light intensity control unit 16. Output.

The amplitude calculating means 31 is adapted to record the special data pattern in the relatively long space S6 by the principal ray 2 (Sa
By detecting the signal level (amplitude) of the output signal of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 obtained at the “mple timing”, the recording state of the medium on the optical disk 11, that is,
The formation state of the recording mark and the space is detected, and an output signal is output to the light intensity control means 16 as a control signal.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a special data pattern having a length that allows error correction is partially replaced with a data string of information during recording. Since the output signal level of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub beam 3 obtained when recording the special data pattern in a relatively long space is set as one of the control signals of the light intensity control means 16, it is different for each information. Instead of detecting a recording state that tends to be unstable with random binarized data that cannot be predicted,
An accurate recording state can be detected with the same recording data (special data pattern) every time. Since the length of the special data pattern is such that an error can be corrected, information can be accurately reproduced at the time of reproduction by the sub-light beam 3. Also, by including data that is not in the original data modulation pattern or length (3T to 11T in the case of EFM modulation), there is an advantage that it is easy to identify the location of the recording state detection.

According to an embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 5 is applied, in the embodiment of the invention of claim 4 described above, the special data generator 32 operates at the time of recording.
A part of the modulation data from the NC unit 15 is replaced with a special data pattern 33 having a length which can be corrected as shown in FIG. This special data pattern 33 is composed of a repetition 34 of short marks and short spaces.
And a long space 35. The repetition 34 of the short mark and the short space is desirably the minimum mark and the minimum space existing in the regular data pattern. Further, the long space 35 may have a length that does not exist in the regular data. In FIG. 7, the identification pattern 36 is inserted at the beginning of the special data pattern 33. However, by inserting a specific pattern as an identifier for detecting the recording state, the timing for performing the recording state detection can be easily set by the amplitude calculating unit 31. Can be found.

According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, a special data pattern is formed by combining a relatively long space after repeating a mark and a space having a relatively short length. When the principal ray 2 records a relatively long space, the photodetector 28 detects the repetition of a relatively short mark and space recorded immediately before by the sub ray 3 located behind the principal ray 2. Can be calculated, and the recording state can be detected more accurately.

FIG. 8 shows a part of an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 6 is applied. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first to third and seventh aspects of the present invention, except that the amplitude calculating means 3 is used.
An average means 37 is used in place of one. The averaging means 37 detects and averages the output signal of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-beam 3 obtained at the time of recording the relatively long space S6 by the main beam 2 (Sample Timing), thereby averaging the output signal. The recording state of the medium, that is, the formation state of recording marks and spaces is detected, and an output signal is output to the light intensity control means 16 as a control signal. The light intensity control means 16 is the average means 3
7, the light emission intensity of the light source 18 is controlled so that the recording light beam intensity is optimized and the recording conditions are optimized.

Another embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 6 is applied is the same as the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 4 is applied, in place of the amplitude calculating means 31. In this case, the averaging means 37 is used. Another embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention according to claim 6 is applied is the above-described claim 5.
In the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the described invention is applied, an averaging means 37 is used instead of the amplitude calculating means 31.
Is used.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the invention described in claim 6, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, when recording the space S6 with the principal ray 2, Averaging means 37 for averaging the output signal of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 provided is provided, and the output signal of the averaging means 37 is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means 16. Thus, it is possible to detect the extension or contraction of a recording mark or a space caused by the intensity of the recording light beam, to control the recording light intensity optimally, and to record information in an optimal recording state.

According to an embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 8 is applied, in the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claims 1 to 3 is applied, data is recorded. Light source 18 suitable for recording before starting
A trial writing is performed to calculate the light intensity of. At the time of this trial writing, the information created by the CPU 12 and the memory 13 is trial-written on the medium of the optical disk 11 by the main beam 2 and the information is reproduced by the sub-beam 3 as in the case of recording data.

The light intensity control means 16 controls the output signal level of the photodetector 28 (corresponding to the sub light beam 3 obtained when recording a relatively long space S6 with the main light beam 2 at the time of trial writing). The output signal level of the photodetector 28 (the output signal of the amplitude calculating means 31) corresponding to the sub-ray 3 obtained when recording the space S6 with the principal ray 2 in the subsequent data recording is set as the target value. The light emission intensity of the light source 18 is adjusted so as to maintain the target value.

According to another embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 8 is applied, in the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 4 is applied, data recording is started. Prior to this, trial writing for calculating the light intensity of the light source 18 optimal for recording is performed. At the time of this trial writing, the CPU 12 and the memory 1 are stored in the same manner as when data is recorded.
The information generated by the optical disk 3
And the information is reproduced by the sub-beam 3. At this time, the special data generator 32
The modulated data from the unit 15 is replaced with a special data pattern, and this special data pattern is assumed to be equal to the special data pattern used for detecting the recording state at the time of data recording thereafter.

The light intensity control means 16 controls the output signal level of the photodetector 28 (corresponding to the amplitude calculation means 31) corresponding to the auxiliary light beam 3 obtained when recording a relatively long space S6 with the main light beam 2 at the time of trial writing. The output signal level of the photodetector 28 (the output signal of the amplitude calculating means 31) corresponding to the sub-ray 3 obtained when recording the space S6 with the principal ray 2 in the subsequent data recording is set as the target value. The light emission intensity of the light source 18 is adjusted so as to maintain the target value.

According to another embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 8 is applied, in the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 5 is applied, data recording is started. Prior to this, trial writing for calculating the light intensity of the light source 18 optimal for recording is performed. At the time of this trial writing, the CPU 12 and the memory 1 are stored in the same manner as when data is recorded.
The information generated by the optical disk 3
And the information is reproduced by the sub-beam 3. At this time, the special data generator 32
The modulated data from the unit 15 is replaced with a special data pattern, and this special data pattern is assumed to be equal to the special data pattern used for detecting the recording state at the time of data recording thereafter.

The light intensity control means 16 controls the output signal level of the photodetector 28 (corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 obtained when recording a relatively long space S6 with the main beam beam 2 at the time of trial writing). The output signal level of the photodetector 28 (the output signal of the amplitude calculating means 31) corresponding to the sub-ray 3 obtained when recording the space S6 with the principal ray 2 in the subsequent data recording is set as the target value. The light emission intensity of the light source 18 is adjusted so as to maintain the target value.

According to another embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 8 is applied, data recording is started in the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 6 is applied. Prior to this, trial writing for calculating the light intensity of the light source 18 optimal for recording is performed. At the time of this trial writing, the CPU 12 and the memory 1 are stored in the same manner as when data is recorded.
The information generated by the optical disk 3
And the information is reproduced by the sub-beam 3. At this time, the special data generator 32
The modulated data from the unit 15 is replaced with a special data pattern, and this special data pattern is assumed to be equal to the special data pattern used for detecting the recording state at the time of data recording thereafter.

The light intensity control means 16 outputs the output signal level of the photodetector 28 (the output of the average means 37) corresponding to the auxiliary light beam 3 obtained when recording a relatively long space S6 with the main light beam 2 at the time of trial writing. Signal) as a target value, and the output signal level (output signal of the averaging means 37) of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 obtained when recording the space S6 with the main light beam 2 in the subsequent data recording is set as the target value. The light emission intensity of the light source 18 is adjusted so as to keep the value.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh aspect, before starting data recording, A trial writing for calculating the light intensity of the light source optimal for recording is performed, and the photodetector 28 corresponding to the auxiliary light beam 3 obtained when recording the space with the chief ray 2 at the time of this trial writing.
Is used as a target value, and a sub-light beam 3 obtained when a space is recorded with the main light beam 2 during data recording thereafter.
Since the means 16 for holding the output signal level of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the target value at the target value is provided, it is possible to control the recording light beam intensity so as to maintain the optimum recording condition obtained by trial writing.

In one embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 9 is applied, the light intensity control is performed in the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claims 1 to 3 is applied. The means 16 performs the recording of the space S6 with the chief ray 2 immediately after starting the recording of the data (Sample T
The output signal level of the photodetector 28 (the output signal of the amplitude calculating means 31) corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 obtained in (iming) is set as a target value, and is obtained when the space is recorded with the main light beam 2 during data recording. Photodetector 28 corresponding to sub-beam 3
So that the output signal level of the light source 1 is maintained at the target value.
8 is adjusted.

In another embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 9 is applied, in the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 4 is applied, the light intensity control means 16 When recording the space S6 with the chief ray 2 immediately after starting the data recording (Sample Timin
The output signal level of the photodetector 28 (the output signal of the amplitude calculating means 31) corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 obtained in g) is set as a target value, and is obtained when recording a space with the main light beam 2 at the time of data recording. The emission intensity of the light source 18 is adjusted so that the output signal level of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 is maintained at the target value.

According to another embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 9 is applied, in the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 5 is applied, the light intensity control means 16 is provided. When recording the space S6 with the chief ray 2 immediately after starting the data recording (Sample Timin
The output signal level of the photodetector 28 (the output signal of the amplitude calculating means 31) corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 obtained in g) is set as a target value, and is obtained when recording a space with the main light beam 2 at the time of data recording. The emission intensity of the light source 18 is adjusted so that the output signal level of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 is maintained at the target value.

According to another embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 9 is applied, in the embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 6 is applied, the light intensity control means 16 is provided. When recording the space S6 with the chief ray 2 immediately after starting the data recording (Sample Timin
The output signal level of the photodetector 28 (the output signal of the amplitude calculating means 31) corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 obtained in g) is set as a target value, and is obtained when recording a space with the main light beam 2 at the time of data recording. The emission intensity of the light source 18 is adjusted so that the output signal level of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-light beam 3 is maintained at the target value.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh aspect, the information recording / reproducing apparatus immediately after recording of data is started. The output signal level of the photodetector 28 corresponding to the sub-beam 3 obtained when recording the space with the principal ray 2 is set as a target value, and the sub-ray obtained when recording the space with the principal ray 2 at the time of recording data thereafter. Photodetector 28 corresponding to 3
Means 16 for keeping the output signal level of the target at the target value, a change in the recording state due to a change in the medium recording sensitivity or a change in the temperature characteristics of the optical components due to a temperature change in the apparatus during continuous recording for a long time. Even so, the recording light beam intensity can be controlled so as to maintain the recording state at the start of recording.

[0066]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the information recording medium is rotated to irradiate the information recording medium with light, and the intensity of the light is changed to form a recording mark and a space. In an information recording / reproducing apparatus for forming binary information or forming new binary information accompanied by erasure of old binary information,
A light beam split into at least two of a main light beam for forming or erasing the binary information from one light source and a sub-light beam which is located behind the main light beam in the rotation direction of the information recording medium and has relatively low intensity. An optical head that irradiates the same track formed on the information recording medium, a photodetector that receives each reflected light from the information recording medium and performs photoelectric conversion,
Light intensity control means for controlling the light source by a control signal so as to perform intensity modulation of the light source necessary for performing formation or erasure of the value information and to obtain the optimum intensity of the light beam, and Since the output signal level of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained at the time of recording a space is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means, a case where high-speed multi-level modulation is performed to form a recording mark, One light source and a light beam control system can cope with the case where the formation of a recording mark and a space is completed after the passage of a recording light beam, such as a phase-change type optical disk. Optimal control can be performed, and information can be recorded under optimal recording conditions.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first aspect, the distance D between the principal ray and the sub ray on the information recording medium is changed by the recording mark and the space by the irradiation of the principal ray. The recording film transition time T of the information recording medium and the rotation speed L of the information recording medium are completed.
v stipulates that D ≧ T × Lv, the recording state can be detected by the sub-beam after the formation of the recording mark and the space is completed after the passage of the main beam. This is effective when no recording mark is formed during the irradiation of the recording light beam.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first aspect, the light detection corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained at the time of recording a space having a length of at least twice the minimum mark length. Since the output signal level of the detector is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means, the signal level is obtained from the output signal of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-beam when the data of the minimum combination of the recording mark and the space is recorded. To detect an accurate recording state.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a special data pattern having a length that allows error correction is partially replaced with a data string of information during recording and inserted. Since the output signal level of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained at the time of recording the relatively long space of the special data pattern is one of the control signals of the light intensity control means, prediction is different for each information. Instead of detecting a recording state that tends to be unstable with random binarized data that is impossible, an accurate recording state can be detected with the same recording data (special data pattern) every time. Since the special data pattern has a length that allows error correction, the information can be accurately reproduced at the time of reproduction using the sub-beam. In addition, by including data that does not have the original data modulation pattern or length, it is possible to obtain a merit that the location of the recording state detection can be easily specified.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the special data pattern is formed by combining a relatively short space and a relatively long space after repeating a mark and a space having a relatively short length. Therefore, when the principal ray is recording a relatively long space, the amplitude of the output signal of the photodetector with respect to the repetition of a relatively short mark and space recorded immediately before with the sub ray positioned behind the principal ray is recorded. And the average level can be calculated, and the recording state can be detected more accurately.

According to the invention described in claim 6, according to claim 1,
In the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in 2, 3, 4, or 5,
Average means for averaging the output signal of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained when recording a space with the main light beam, and outputting the output signal of the average means as a control signal of the light intensity control means. Since there is only one, it is possible to detect the extension or contraction of a recording mark or a space caused by the intensity of the recording light beam with a simple circuit configuration, to control the recording light beam intensity optimally, and to record information in an optimal recording state. .

According to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 1,
In the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in 2, 3, 4, or 5,
An amplitude calculating means for calculating an output signal amplitude of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained when recording a space with the main light beam, wherein the output signal of the amplitude calculating means is controlled by the light intensity control means. Since it is one of the signals, the recording state such as the extension and contraction of the recording mark and the space and the degree of writing can be detected immediately, and the intensity of the recording light beam can be optimally controlled.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 8, according to claim 1,
In the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, before starting data recording, trial writing for calculating the light intensity of the light source optimal for recording is performed. Sometimes the target signal is the output signal level of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained when recording the space with the chief ray, and the above-mentioned obtained when recording the space with the chief ray at the time of recording data thereafter. Since there is provided means for holding the output signal level of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light at the target value, it is possible to control the recording light intensity so as to maintain the optimum recording conditions obtained by trial writing. .

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect has the following features.
2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained when recording a space with the main light beam immediately after starting data recording. Means for holding an output signal level as a target value, and holding the output signal level of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained when recording a space with the main light beam at the time of data recording thereafter at the target value. Therefore, during continuous recording for a long time, the recording light intensity is maintained so that the recording state at the start of recording is maintained even if the recording state changes due to changes in media recording sensitivity or temperature characteristics of optical components due to changes in the temperature inside the device. Can be controlled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a part of an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the inventions of claims 1 to 3 are applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a recording light source intensity modulation waveform of a high-speed WORM and an example of a recording light source intensity modulation waveform of a phase change optical disk drive including an erasing process.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of a principal ray and a sub ray in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a recording state detection timing of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 4 is applied.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a special data pattern generated by a special data generator in an embodiment of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention of claim 5 is applied.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a part of an embodiment of an information recording / reproducing apparatus to which the invention described in claim 6 is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Optical disk 16 Light intensity control means 17 Optical head 19 Slit member 21, 22 Beam splitter 24, 25 Condensing lens 26-28 Photodetector 32 Special data generator 37 Average means

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An information recording medium is rotated to irradiate light on the information recording medium, and the intensity of the light is changed to form binary information comprising recording marks and spaces or to erase old binary information. In an information recording / reproducing apparatus for forming new binary information, a principal ray for forming or erasing the binary information from one light source, and a relatively high intensity positioned behind the principal ray in the rotation direction of the information recording medium. An optical head for irradiating the same track formed on the information recording medium with a light beam split into at least two of the weaker sub-lights, and a light for receiving each reflected light from the information recording medium and performing photoelectric conversion A detector and a light intensity control means for performing multi-level intensity modulation of the light source necessary for forming or erasing the binary information and controlling the light source by a control signal so that the light beam has an optimum intensity. and, the main More than twice the length of the minimum mark length of the line
When recording the same space on the information recording medium.
The same length of recording marks and spaces
Recording on the information recording medium from an output signal of the photodetector corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained by the irradiation of the sub-light beam
Detection means for detecting the formation state of marks and spaces.
An information recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein the output signal of the detecting means is one of the control signals of the light intensity controlling means. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a distance D between the principal ray and the sub ray on the information recording medium is determined by:
Information recording, wherein D ≧ T × Lv is defined by the recording film transition time T of the information recording medium and the rotation speed Lv of the information recording medium in which the formation of recording marks and spaces by the irradiation of the principal ray is completed. Playback device. 3. An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
Records a data pattern with a length that allows error correction
At times, a part of the information is replaced and inserted
The sub-light beam obtained when recording the space of the pattern
Controlling the output signal level of the detection means in response to the light intensity control.
An information recording / reproducing apparatus, characterized in that the information recording / reproducing apparatus is one of control signals of the means . 4. An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 3,
To repeat the data pattern with marks and spaces.
An information recording / reproducing apparatus characterized in that a space is combined after the step . 5. The information recording according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4.
In the reproducing apparatus, the detecting means may use a space with the chief ray.
Corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained when recording the
A means for averaging the output signal of the photodetector
The output signal of the averaging means is used as the light intensity control means.
An information recording / reproducing apparatus characterized in that the information recording / reproducing apparatus is one of the control signals of the stages . 6. The information recording according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4.
In the reproducing apparatus, the detecting means may use a space with the chief ray.
Corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained when recording the
An amplitude calculator for calculating the output signal amplitude of the photodetector.
The output signal of the amplitude calculation means is used as the light intensity control means.
An information recording / reproducing apparatus characterized in that the control signal is one of the following control signals . 7. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
Before starting data recording in the information recording / reproducing device
Sample for calculating the light intensity of the light source optimal for recording
The light intensity control means performs the
The secondary light beam obtained when recording a space with the main light beam
The output signal level of the detection means corresponding to
After that, when recording data, the chief ray is used to record space.
Detecting means corresponding to the sub-light beam obtained when performing
An information recording / reproducing apparatus , wherein the output signal level is maintained at the target value . 8. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
In the information recording / reproducing apparatus, the light intensity control means includes
Immediately after the start of data recording,
The detection means corresponding to the sub-rays obtained when performing the recording
Set the output signal level of the stage as the target value, and then when recording data
Obtained when performing recording of space with the chief ray
The output signal level of the photodetector corresponding to the sub beam is
An information recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein the information recording / reproducing apparatus holds the target value .