MXPA99004443A - Optical disc recording apparatus, computer-readable recording medium recording a file management program, and optical disc - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical disc recording apparatus for recording a video object onto an optical disc. A recording area of the optical disc is divided into a plurality of zones which each include a plurality of adjacent tracks. The optical disc recording apparatus includes:a reading unit for reading from the optical disc the sector information showing data assignment for sectors on the optical disc;a recording unit for recording the video object onto the optical disc;and a control unit for controlling the reading unit and the recording unit. The control unit detects at least one series of consecutive unassigned sectors on the optical disc by referring to the read sector information. Each series has a total size greater than a minimum size and is located within a single zone. The minimum size corresponds to a data amount that ensures uninterrupted reproduction of the video object. The control unit also controls the recording unit to record the video object into the detected series.

Description

OPTICAL DISC RECORDING EQUIPMENT, AVERAGE COMPUTER LEVELABLE RECORDING THAT • RECORD A FILE ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM; AND OPTICAL DISC FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an optical disc recording apparatus, to a computer-readable recording medium that records a file management program, and to an optical disk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, recording media such as magneto-optical discs (MO) have been widely used to record data to be read by computers. Currently, the practical uses of DVD (Versatile Digital Disk) -RAM discs are expected due to the general expectation that DVD-RAM will become a mainstream recording medium of the next generation. In conventional MOs, similar to HD (Hard Disk) or FD (Flexible Disk), the minimum unit in accessing the data in the disks is the REF .: 30090"sector" that has several kilobytes. Each file is recorded in one or more sectors. The reading and writing of the files from / on the disks are executed by computers as functions of a file system that is a part of the operating systems (OS). A filing system is defined, for example, in ISO / IEC13346. According to a conventional technique, for example, when recording a 200 KB file on a recording medium with 2 KB sectors, computers must find 100 unassigned sectors in the recording medium. The 100 unassigned sectors do not need to be physically consecutive. For example, when four separate groups are found that have respectively 30, 30, 30 and 10 sectors not assigned to the recording medium, the file is divided into the four groups of sectors. Each part of the file recorded in each group in sectors, specifically each group of consecutive sectors, is called "extension". In this conventional technique, the files can be divided and recorded in a plurality of extensions. This provides a merit that all sectors in a recording medium can be used efficiently even after the number of times the recording and deletion of files in the middle is repeated. However, conventional recording media and file systems have a problem since the uninterrupted reproduction of the audio / video data (hereinafter, referred to as the AV data) recorded on the recording media can not be ensured. . More specifically, when the recording and deletion of the files on a recording medium are repeated several times, the AV data can not be recorded in consecutive sectors. The AV data can be divided and recorded in a plurality of extensions, as described above. When this is attempted, the reproduction apparatus can not achieve the interrupted reproduction of the AV data due to a search operation due to an optical reader that occurs as the optical reader moves among the plurality of extensions. For example, when a search occurs between a sector in the innermost periphery and a sector in the outermost periphery of a disk, the search time equals several hundred milliseconds. In the case of moving images, this search of several hundred milliseconds interrupts the playback since it is required to reproduce 30 frames per second for the reproduction of moving images. As described above, interrupted playback can not be ensured by conventional file systems. This is especially a serious problem for mass storage such as DVD-RAM in which, similar to the VTR, a plurality of AV data pieces (eg, TV programs) can be recorded, edited and deleted. Here, it must be remembered that the recording media also records computer data, as well as AV data. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to how to efficiently store both types of data on a disk.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an optical disc recording apparatus, a computer-readable recording medium that records a file management program, and an optical disc that ensures interrupted reproduction of AV and severe data. several types of data that include AV data together and efficiently. The above object is achieved by an optical disc recording apparatus for recording a video object on an optical disc, wherein a recording area of the optical disc is divided into a plurality of zones, each of which includes a plurality of adjacent tracks, and includes the sector information showing the data allocation for sectors on the optical disk, the optical disk recording apparatus including: a reading unit for reading sector information from the optical disk; a recording unit for recording the video object on the optical disc, and a control unit for controlling the reading unit and the recording unit, from the control unit: it detects at least a series of unassigned, consecutive sectors in the optical disc when referring to the information of the reading sector, each series that has a total size greater than the minimum size and that is located within an individual area, the minimum size corresponding to a quantity of data that ensures reproduction interrupted of the video object, and controls the recording unit to record the video object in the detected series. With the above construction, the video object is recorded in a series of unassigned, consecutive sectors with the total size greater than a predetermined size, the series without including a zone limit. This is achieved by looking for this series of unassigned, consecutive sectors before the recording of the video object on the optical disc. The default size is adjusted so that uninterrupted playback on any type of playback device is ensured. As a result, the video object recorded by the present optical disc recording apparatus is reproduced by any type of reproduction apparatus without separations in the reproduced video and audio images (without omitting frames). Also, the recording area is divided into a plurality of zone areas to perform the rotation control called Z-CLV (Constant Linear Zone Velocity) during recording and playback. By doing so, a qualified recording efficiency is achieved without sacrificing the recording density of the outermost periphery of the optical disc. Also, interrupted playback is assured since the video object does not leave the zone boundary. In the above optical disc recording apparatus, the recording area of the optical disc can be divided into a plurality of sectors of 2 KB, with each set of 16 consecutive sectors forming an ECC block, the video object is composed of a plurality of packages each packet that has a size of 2 KB, the minimum size is a number of ECC blocks that is represented as "N_ecc" in the following formula: N_ecc = Vo * Tj / ((16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr)), where "Tj" represents a maximum jump time of an optical vector of a reproduction device, "Vr" represents a speed of input transfer (Mbps) of a track buffer of the reproduction apparatus, and "Vo" represents an effective output transfer rate (Mbps) of the track buffer. With the above construction, the predetermined size to ensure uninterrupted reproduction can be obtained in the case that defective sectors are not included in the series of unassigned, consecutive sectors.

In the above optical disc recording apparatus, the optical disc recording area is divided into a plurality of sectors of 2 KB, with each set of 16 consecutive sectors forming an ECC block, the video object is composed of a plurality of packets, each packet having a size of 2 KB, the minimum size is the number of ECC blocks that is represented as "N_ecc" in the following formula: N_ecc = dN_ecc + Vo * Tj / ((16 * 8 * 2015) * (1-Vo / Vr)), where dN_ecc is a number of ECC blocks, in a series of unassigned, consecutive sectors, that include bad sectors, "Tj", represents a time maximum hop of an optical player of a reproduction apparatus, "Vr" represents an input transfer rate (Mbps) of a track buffer of the reproduction apparatus, and "Vo" represents an output transfer rate, effective (Mbps) of the track buffer. With the above construction, the predetermined size to ensure uninterrupted reproduction can be obtained in the case that defective sectors are included in the series of unassigned, consecutive sectors.

In the above optical disc recording apparatus, the effective transfer rate Vo can be found according to the following formula: Vo = (N: package * 2048 * 8) * (27M / (SCR_primer-next -SCR-first_current) where N_package is a total number of packets included in the video object that should be recorded in N_ecc, ECC blocks, SCR_first_current is a time (in 1/27 mega) seconds) in which the track buffer of the playback apparatus must transferring the first pack of the video object, and SCR_first_prime is a time (in 1 / (27 mega) seconds) in which the track buffer of the playback apparatus must transfer the first packet of the next video object. With the above construction, it is possible to obtain, based on the effective output transfer rate, the predetermined size for video objects with a variable bit rate. This achieves, for example, not yet sufficient optical disk that has a small amount of unassigned areas. In the above optical disc recording apparatus, the control unit can generate areas showing the management information of the optical disc where the video object has been recorded by the recording unit and controls the recording unit to record the information of administration generated on the optical disk, and when the reading unit reads the optical disk administration information, the control unit refers to the reading management information as well as the sector information to detect the series. With the above construction, in which management information is recorded on the optical disk, it is possible to detect areas not assigned at high speed and without difficulty. The above object is also achieved by a computer-readable recording medium that pre-stores a file management program for recording a video object on an optical disc, the file management program that is run by a computer that includes: a unit of reading to read the data from an optical disc; and a recording unit for recording the data on the optical disc, wherein an optical disc recording area is divided into a plurality of zones including each plurality of adjacent tracks, and that includes the allocation of the data shown by the information sector for optical disk sectors, the file management program that includes the following steps to be executed by the computer: a reading step to read the sector information from the optical disc; a detection step for detecting at least a series of unallocated, consecutive sectors on the optical disk when referring to the reading sector information, each series having a total size greater than a minimum size and located within a individual area, the minimum size corresponding to a quantity of data that ensures the uninterrupted reproduction of the video object, and a recording step to record the video object in the detected series. With the construction in which the computer runs the file management program, it is possible to record the video object in the series of unassigned, consecutive sectors that is larger than a predetermined size. This ensures the uninterrupted playback of the video object. The above object is also achieved by a computer-readable optical disk that includes a data recording area, wherein the data recording area is divided into a plurality of zones each of which includes a plurality of adjacent tracks, and the data recording area includes: the assignment of the data that shows the information of the sector for sectors in the optical disk; and the areas showing the optical disk management information, where a video object has been recorded and located within a single zone. The above object is also achieved by a computer-readable optical disk that includes a data recording area, where the data recording area is divided into a plurality of blocks each of which includes a plurality of consecutive sectors, and the Data recording area includes: an area to record the allocation of the data that show sector information for sectors on the optical disk. ; and an administration area for recording the allocation of the data showing block information for blocks on the optical disk. With the previous construction, it is possible to record data in the units of sectors or blocks. Each block includes a plurality of consecutive sectors. Accordingly, even if a file is divided and recorded in a plurality of extensions, the size of the extension is larger than the block size to the minimum. As a result, it is possible to ensure the uninterrupted reproduction of the video data recorded in the present optical disc by preventing the interruptions that cease by the occurrences of the search operations and the reproduction apparatus. In addition, the data management in the units of sectors and blocks is done jointly depending on the types of data. This achieves the efficient use of the recording area of the optical disc. In the above computer-readable optical disk, when the block information shows that the blocks have been assigned to data that is composed primarily of video data, the sector information can show that all the sectors in the allocated blocks have been allocated.

With the previous construction, even if the data is recorded by a conventional file system, which uses a file management system that handles data in units of sectors, the blocks assigned to the video data are not overwritten by other data. This computer-readable optical disk is suitable for uninterrupted playback. In the above computer-readable optical disk, a block size represented as "L" can satisfy the following formula: L > T * Ventrada * Vsalida / (Ventrada-Vsalida), where "L" (bits) represents the size of block "T" (seconds) represents a search time of a reproduction apparatus, "Vsntrada" represents a transfer speed of input (Mbps) of a playback device buffer, and Vsallda "represents an effective output transfer rate (Mbps) of the buffer In the previous computer readable optical disk, when the block information shows that the blocks data that is not video data has been assigned, the sector information can show that among the sectors in the assigned blocks, only sectors that record the data have been assigned.With the previous construction, it is possible to record data different from the video data (not video) in sectors not assigned to blocks that have been assigned to non-video data.With this arrangement, if the video data and other data types are recorded in mix, the Uninterrupted streaming, and both video data and other types of data are stored efficiently. In the above-mentioned computer readable optical disk, the data recording area can be divided into a plurality of zones each of which includes a plurality of adjacent tracks, and each of the plurality of blocks is included in any of the plurality of zones. With the above construction, the recording area is divided into a plurality of zone areas to perform Z-CLV. By doing so, a qualified recording efficiency is achieved without sacrificing the recording density of the outermost periphery of the optical disc. Also, uninterrupted playback is ensured since the video object does not overhang the zone boundary.

In the previous computer readable optical disk, the blocks in each zone can have the same size except for a block that is adjacent to a zone boundary, and the block that is adjacent to the zone boundary has a size that is equal to or greater than the size of the other blocks. With the above construction, it is possible to use the data recording area efficiently since one block in each zone has a larger size than the common size of the other blocks. In the above computer-readable optical disk, the block that is adjacent to the zone boundary may include a sector having a maximum sector address in the current zone, and the management area includes a maximum block length table showing, for each zone, the block sizes each that includes the sector that has the maximum direction of sector in an area. With the previous construction, it is possible to administer blocks of variable length around the zone boundary without difficulty. In the above computer-readable optical disk, an error correction code can be attached to each predetermined number of consecutive sectors, and each block can be composed of an integrating multiple of the predetermined number of consecutive sectors. With the above construction, it is possible for the recording / reproducing apparatus to record and reproduce continuously without generating overload since each block is composed of an integral multiple of the predetermined number of consecutive sectors. The above object is also achieved by an optical disc recording apparatus for recording data on an optical disc including: a data recording area divided into a plurality of sectors; and an administration area for recording the sector information showing the data allocation for sectors on the optical disk and the block information showing the data allocation for blocks on the optical disk, the optical disk recording apparatus which includes: a reading unit to read the block information and the sector information of the optical disk; a unit of judgment to play a type of data to record or erase the data, the type that is classified into a first type and a second type; a first unit of specification for, when the judgment unit judges that the data is of the first type, it is specified, based on the information of reading blocks, any of: unassigned blocks of which the data will be recorded: and blocks in which data has already been recorded; a second specification unit to specify, when the judgment unit judges that the data is the second type, based on the reading sector information, and any of: unassigned sectors in which the data will be recorded; and sectors in which the data has been recorded; an update unit for either recording or deleting the first type data in / from the blocks specified by the first specification unit and for either recording and deleting the second type data in / from the sectors specified by the second unit of specification; and an allocation update unit for updating at least one of the sector information and block information according to the operations of the data update unit. With the previous construction, it is possible to record data in units of sectors or blocks. Each block includes a plurality of consecutive sectors. Accordingly, even if a file is divided and recorded in a plurality of extensions, the size of the extension is larger than the block size to the minimum. As a result, it is possible to ensure the uninterrupted reproduction of the video data recorded in the present optical disc by preventing interruptions that are caused by the occurrence of search operations in the reproduction apparatus. In addition, the data management in the units of sectors and blocks is done jointly depending on the types of data. This achieves the efficient use of the recording area of the optical disc. In the above optical disc recording apparatus, the allocation update unit may include: a block information update unit for updating, when the first specification unit, specifies the unassigned blocks, the block information when changing the indication of the specified blocks from "unassigned" to "assigned"; and a sector information update unit to update, when the block information update unit updates the block information by changing the indication of the specified blocks from "unassigned" to "assigned", the sector information when changing the indication of all sectors included in the specified blocks from "not assigned" to "assigned". With the above construction, even if data is recorded by a conventional file system that uses the management data of the file management system in units of sectors, the blocks assigned to the video data are not overwritten by other data. This computer-readable optical disk is suitable for uninterrupted playback. In the above optical disc recording apparatus, the block information update unit, when the first specification unit, specifies the blocks that are assigned to a piece of first type data to be deleted, updates the block information to the change the indication of the specified blocks from "assigned" to "unassigned", and the sector information update unit, when the block information update unit updates the block information by changing the indication of the specified blocks of "assigned" to "unassigned", updates the sector information by changing the indication of all sectors included in the specified blocks from "assigned" to "unassigned". With the above construction, it is possible to illustrate the data recording area efficiently by recording the first type data and the second mixed type data since all the sectors in a block are released when the first type data is deleted. . In the above optical disk recording apparatus, the block information can show if each block is: (1) unassigned data; (2) assigned data of the first type that are composed primarily of video data; or (3) assigned data of the second type which are composed primarily of data different from data of the first type, where the allocation update unit includes: a first update unit for updating the block information; and a second update unit for updating the sector information, where the first update unit, when the second update unit, updates the sector information by changing the indication of any of the sectors included in blocks not assigned to "assigned" , updates the block information by changing the indication of unassigned blocks from "unassigned" to "assigned to second type data" and the second update unit, when the first update unit updates the block information upon changing the indication from the blocks of "not assigned" to "assigned to the first type data", updates the information of a sector by changing the indication of all the sectors included in the blocks to "assigned". With the above construction, it is possible to manage the data recording area without difficulty by recording the data of the first type and the data of the second type to the mixture. The above object is also achieved by a computer-readable recording medium that pre-stores a file management program for recording data on an optical disc including: a data recording area divided into a plurality of sectors; and an administration area for recording sector information showing the allocation of data for sectors on the optical disk and the block information showing the data allocation for blocks on the optical disk, the file management program including the following steps to be executed by the computer: a reading step to read the block information and sector information from the optical disk; a judgment step to judge a type of data to record or erase the data, the type that is classified into a first type and a second type; a first step of specification to specify, when in the judgment step it is judged that the data of the first type, based on the information of reading blocks, any of: unassigned blocks in which the data will be recorded: and blocks in which the data has already been recorded; a second specification step to specify, when in the judgment step it is judged that the data is of the second type, based on the reading sector information, any of: unassigned sectors in which the data will be recorded; and sectors in which the data has been recorded; a data update step for either to record and erase data of the first type in / from the blocks specified by the first specification unit and to either record and erase data of the second type in / from the sectors specified in the second specification step; and an allocation update step for updating at least one of the sector information and block information according to the operations in the data update step. With the construction, above, it is possible to record data in units of sectors or blocks. Each block includes a plurality of consecutive sectors. Accordingly, even if a file is divided and recorded in a plurality of extensions, the size of the extension is greater than the block size to the minimum. As a result, it is possible to ensure the interrupted reproduction of the video data recorded in the present optical disc and to prevent interruptions that are caused by the occurrences of the search operations in the reproduction apparatus. In addition, data management in units of sectors and blocks is done jointly depending on the types of data. This achieves the efficient use of the recording area of the optical disc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows the appearance and the recording area of the DVD-RAM disc which is the optical disc of the present invention described in mode 1; Figure 2 shows the cross section and the surface of a DVD-RAM cut in the header of a sector; Figure 3A shows the plurality of zone areas 0-23 and other areas provided in a DVD-RAM; Figure 3B shows a horizontal arrangement of area areas 0-23 and other areas; Figure 3C shows the logical sector numbers (LSN) in the volume area; Figure 3D shows the logical block numbers (LBN) in the volume area; Figure 4 shows the hierarchical relationship between the areas of zones, ECC blocks, and sectors; Figure 5 shows the length table of the last block; Figure 6 shows a sector management table and an AV block management table Figure 7 shows the AV block management table and the sector management table (space bitmap) which are both included in the file system administration information recorded in the volume area; Figure 8 shows the information not included in the information and file system administration other than the sector management table and the AV block management table shown in Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a hierarchical directory structure corresponding to the administration information shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 shows the link between the file entries and the rewritten directories according to a directory structure; Figure HA shows a detailed data structure of the file entry; Figure 11B shows the data structure of the allocation descriptor; Figure UC shows an interpretation of the two upper bits of the extension length of the allocation descriptor; Figure 12A shows a detailed data structure of the file identification descriptors for the directory; Figure 12B shows a detailed data structure of the file identification descriptors; Figure 13 shows a model of AV data buffer in the track buffer, and the AV data that is read from the DVD-RAM disk by a playback device.

Figure 14 shows the construction of a system including the optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus of the mode; Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the structure of the physical equipment of the DVD recorder 10; Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the construction of the MPEG encoder 2; Figure 17 is a block diagram showing the construction of the MPEG decoder 4; Figure 18 is a function block diagram showing the construction of the DVD recorder 10 based on the functions of the components; Figure 19 shows the changes in the AV block management table and the space bitmap when recording AV data; Figure 20 shows the changes in the AV block management table and the space bitmap when the AV data is deleted; Figure 21 shows a list of commands supported by the file system unit 102 for file management; Figure 22 shows an array of buttons of the remote controller 6; Figure 23 shows guide images; Figure 24 shows the bit rate and resolution for each of the "high", "standard", and "time assurance" quality types; Figure 25A is a flow chart showing the manual recording process performed by the unit 103 of the AV file system of the DVD recorder unit 10; Figure 25B is a flow chart showing the scheduled recording process performed by the unit 103 of the AV file system of the DVD recorder unit 10; Figure 26 is a flow diagram showing the process performed by the unit 103 of the AV file system that has received the command AV-WRITE; Figure 27 is a flow diagram showing the process of erasing AV files made by unit 104 of the common file system; Figure 28A shows the AV files before and after deletion; Figure 28B shows the changes in the AV block management table and the space bit map corresponding to the deletion; Figure 29 is a flow diagram showing the non-AV file recording process performed by unit 104 of the common file system; Figure 30 is a flow diagram showing the process of deleting non-AV files performed by unit 104 of the common file system; Figure 31A shows non-AV files before and after deletion; Figure 31B shows the changes in the AV blocks administration table and the space bit map corresponding to deletion or deletion; Figure 32 shows the second construction example of the AV blocks administration table; Figure 33 shows the third construction example of the AV block administration table; Figure 34 shows the fourth construction example of the AV block administration table; Figure 35 shows the fifth construction example of the AV block management table; Figure 36A shows a specific example of the administration information; Figure 36B shows a space bitmap corresponding to the management information shown in Figure 36A; Figure 37 is a function block diagram showing the construction of the DVD recorder 10 of mode 2 based on the functions of the components; Figure 38 is a flow diagram showing the recording process performed by the AV recording unit; Figure 39 shows a model of AV data buffer in the track buffer in the playback apparatus; Figure 40 is a flow diagram showing a recording process in the mode 3 DVD recorder; Figure 41 shows a list of readable space; Y Figure 42 is a flow chart detailing the method of assigning the consecutive pseudo-record.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The following are table of contents of this section. (1) Modality 1 (1-1) Optical Disk (1-1-1) Physical Structure of the Optical Disk (1-1-2) Information System File Management (Part 1) (1-1-3) Information File System Administration (Part 2) (1-1-4) Minimum Size of AV Block (1-2-1) Full System (1-2-2) Physical Equipment Structure of DVD Recorder 10 (1 -2-3) Function Block Diagram (1-2-4) Orders Executed by File System Unit 102 (1-3) Recording / Deletion (1-3-1) Manual AV Data Recording (1-4) 3-2) Programmed AV Data Recording (1-3-3) AV Data Erasing (1-3-4) Non-AV Data Recording (1-3-5) Non-AV Data Erasing. (2) Modality 2 (2-1) Optical Disk (2-1-1) Pseudo Consecutive Record (2-1-2) Assignment of Pseudo Recordings Consecutive (2-1-3) Administration Information Assignment of Consecutive Pseudo Recording and Space Bity Map (2-2) Recording / Reproduction Device (2-2-1) System and Structure of the Physical Equipment (2--2) 2-2) Function Block Diagram (2-3-1) AV File Recording (3) Modality 3 (3-1) Minimum Size of the Pseudo Recording Consecutive (3-2) AV File Recording Now, an optical disc and an optical disc recording apparatus of the present invention are described in various embodiments with the headings listed above. (1) Modality I (1-1) Optical Disc (1-1-1) Optical Disc Physical Structure Figure 1 shows the appearance and recording area of a DVD-RAM disc that is an optical disc. As shown in the figure, the DVD-RAM disk has an entry area at its innermost periphery and an output area at its outermost periphery, with the data area between them. The input area records the reference signals necessary for the stabilization of a servo during access by an optical reader, and identification signals to prevent confusion with other means. The output area records the same type of reference signals as the input area. Meanwhile, the data area is divided into sectors that are the smallest unit through which the DVD-RAM can be accessed. Here, the size of each sector is adjusted to 2 KB. The data area is also divided into a plurality of AV blocks each of which are a group of consecutive sectors. The size of each AV block is adjusted so as to ensure interrupted playback to the playback apparatus even if a search operation occurs. In the present embodiment, the size is adjusted to approximately 7 MB. The data area, divided into sectors and AV blocks as described above, is administered as follows. "Non-AV data", different data data AV, assigned is the area assigned in units of sectors, while AV data is the area assigned in units of AV blocks. Non-AV data are administered in units of sectors; AV data is administered in units of AV blocks. Non-AV data is also recorded in sectors in AV blocks. Each AV block is administered not to include AV data and non-AV data in the mix. Figure 2 shows the surface cross section of a DVD-RAM cut in the sector header. As shown in the figure, each sector is composed of a sequence of dimples that are formed on the surface of a reflective film such as a metal film, and an uneven part. The dimple sequence is composed of dimples of 0.4 μm ~ 1.87 μm that are carved on the surface of the DVD-RAM to show the direction of the sector. The uneven part is composed of a concave part called a "groove" and a convex part called a "ground". Each groove and earth has a recording mark composed of a metal film capable of phase change attached to its surface. Here, the expression "capable of phase change" means that the recording mark may be in a crystalline state or in a non-crystalline state depending on whether the metallic film has been exposed to a light beam. Using this phase change feature, data can be recorded in this uneven part. While it is possible to record data on the ground part of an MO disk, data 1 can be recorded on both the ground and groove sides of a DVD-RAM, meaning that the recording densities of a DVD-RAM exceed that from an MO disk. The error correction information is provided on a DVD-RAM for each group of 16 sectors. In the present embodiment, each group of 16 sectors that is given an ECC (Error Correction Code) is called an ECC block. In a DVD-RAM, the data area is divided into a plurality of zone areas to perform the rotation control called Z-CLV (Constant Linear Zone Velocity) during recording and playback. Figure 3A shows the plurality of zone areas provided in a DVD-RAM. As shown in the figure, a DVD-RAM is divided into 24 zone areas numbered zone 0 to zone 23. Each zone area is a group of tracks that are accessed during the same angular velocity. In this mode, each zone area contains 1888 tracks. The angular rotation speed of the DVD-RAM is adjusted separately for each zone area, with this speed being higher the closer a zone area is located to the inner periphery of the disk. This ensures that the optical reader can move at a constant speed while performing access within a single zone area. By doing so, the recording density of the DVD-RAM is increased, and rotation control is made easier during recording and playback. Figure 3B shows a horizontal array of the entrance area, the exit area, and the area area 0-23 shown in Figure 3A. The entrance area and the exit area each have DMA (Defect Management Area) inside. The DMA records: the position information that shows the positions of the selectors found to include defects; and the replacement position information that shows the positions of the sectors that replace the defective sectors located in a replacement area. Each zone area has a user area inside, and the replacement area and an unused area are provided at the boundary between the zone areas. The user area is an area that can be used by the file system as a recording area. The replacement area is used to replace defective sectors when these bad sectors are found. The unused area is an area that is not used to record data. Only two clues are assigned as the unused area, with this unused area being provided to prevent erroneous identification of sector addresses. This is because while the addresses of the sectors are recorded in the same position on adjacent tracks within the same area, for Z-CLV, the addresses of the sectors are recorded in different positions on tracks adjacent to the zone boundary. In this way, the sectors that are not used for recording data exist in the boundaries between the zone areas. Therefore, in a DVD-RAM logical sector numbers (LSN: logical sector number) are assigned to the physical sectors of the user area in order to start from the inner periphery to consecutively show only the sectors used for data recording. As shown in Figure 3C, the area that records user data and is composed of sectors that have been assigned LSN is called volume area.

Also, as shown in Figure 3D, at the innermost and outermost peripheries, the volume structure information is recorded to be used to deal with the disk as a logical volume. The rest of the volume area except the areas for recording the volume structure information is called the partition area. The partition area records files. The logical block numbers (LBN: Logical Block Number) are assigned to the sectors of the partition area in order to start from the first sector. Figure 4 shows a hierarchical relationship between zone areas, ECC blocks, and sectors. As shown in the drawing, each zone area includes 224 ECC blocks (3584 sectors). However, the number of sectors in a zone need not be an integral multiple of 224, or the number of ECC blocks. Therefore, the size of the last AV block in a zone is adjusted to be greater than 224 ECC blocks so that the number of sectors in a zone becomes an integral multiple of 224. For this purpose, DVD-RAM discs they record a table that shows the size of the last block in each zone, as a part of the administration information.

Figure 5 shows a length table of the last block. The length table of the last block shows, for each zone, the length of the last AV block related to "last-LBN". The length of the last AV block is represented by the number of ECC blocks included in the AV block. The "last LBN" column shows the LBN of the last sector (zone end), specifically, the last sector adjacent to the zone boundary, to indicate the position of the zone boundary. As described above, the length of the last AV block is adjusted to a variable length. This prevents each AV block from including a zone boundary. With this arrangement, it is possible to use the recording area on the disk efficiently. (1-1-2) System Administration Information Archives (Part 1) Here, the structure of the file system of the DVD-RAM is described. The file system of this modality complies with ISO / IEC13346.

In addition, the file system manages the AV data in units of AV blocks.

Figure 6 shows a sector management table and an AV block management table. The sector management table is recorded in the partition area of the volume area and is included in the file system administration information. The drawing also shows a hierarchical relationship between the area of volume, sectors, and • content of the sectors. The first layer shows the volume area illustrated in Figure 3D. The second layer shows the sector area that includes the sector management table and the AV block management table. The sector areas are included in the partition area. The sector management table (also called a space bitmap) that shows the data allocation status for each sector is recorded in the sector areas with LBN 0-79. The AV block management table showing the data designation status for each AV block is recorded in the sector areas with the LBNs 84 and 85. As shown in the third layer, the column "space bitmap" shows whether each sector included in the partition area is assigned or not assigned. In this example, the assigned state of each sector is indicated by a bit. For example, each sector for the numbers of logical blocks 0-79 is given the bit "0" (indicating "assigned") since these sectors have already been accepted as a bitmap of space. Similarly, each sector for logical block numbers 0-84 is given the "0" ("assigned") bit since these sectors have already been assigned as the block management block AV. As understood from these examples, each bit in the space bitmap is described as "0" when a file or a part of a file is to be recorded or recorded by the user or the application in the current sector, otherwise described as "1". The AV block shown in the third layer shows for each AV block in the partition area, with two bits for each AV block, if the current AV block is unassigned (00), assigned to AV data (01), assigned to data no AV (10), or reserved (eleven) . For example, the AV 0 block is given the "10" bits (indicating "assigned to non-AV data") since the AV 0 block has already been assigned as the space bitmap and the AV block management table which are both non-AV data. When certain AV blocks are shown as assigned to AV data in the AV block management table, all sectors included in the AV blocks are shown as assigned in the space bitmap. This makes it possible to prevent the mixing of AV and non-AV data in each AV block, and ensures the consecutive recording areas of AV data. Figure 7 shows the relationships between the AV block management table and the space bitmap. On the left side of the figure, the AV blocks administration table is shown. The table includes an array of a plurality of two bit data pieces each showing the allocation status of the AV block. In this example, the AV blocks (AV_BLK in the drawing) # 0- # 2 are written as "10" (non-AV data); blocks AV # 3- # 75 are written as "01" (AV data); and blocks AV # 76 and after that they are written as "00" (not assigned). On the right side of the figure, the space bitmap is shown. In this example, the allocation status of the sectors included in blocks AV # 0, # 3 and # 79 is shown in the blocks surrounded by dashed lines. Block AV # 0 has been assigned to non-AV data. As a result, in a corresponding part in the space bitmap, it is shown that sectors that have recorded non-AV data are written as "0" (assigned); Sectors that have not recorded non-AV data are written as "1" (not assigned). Block AV # 3 has been assigned to the AV data. As a result, in a corresponding part of the space bitmap, it is shown that all sectors are written as "0" (assigned). Block AV # 79 has not been assigned yet. As a result, in a corresponding part of the space bitmap, it is shown that all sectors are written as "1" (not assigned). It should be noted here the AV block management table can be recorded as data from the file system, such as the space bitmap, or it can be recorded as a file. In the latter case, the AV block management table is managed as a non-AV data file. In the present embodiment, the AV block management table has a table structure. However, it can have a list structure. (1-1-3) File System Administration Information (Part 2) Figure 8 shows the information included in the file system administration information different from the sector management table and the AV block management table shown in Figure 6. The drawing shows hierarchically the area of volume, sectors, and the contents of the sectors. The arrows F-® show the order in which the storage position of the "VOB movie" file is detected according to the administration information shown in the drawing. The first layer of the drawing shows the volume area shown in Figure 3D. The second layer shows various kinds of administration information such as a described set of files, a final descriptor, a file entry, and the directory. These kinds of information comply with the file system defined in ISO / IEC13346. The file system defined in ISO / IEC13346 achieves a hierarchical management of the directory. Figure 9 shows a hierarchical directory structure corresponding to the management information shown in Figure 8. In Figure 9, ovals represent directories, and rectangles represent files. The root directory branches to a "VIDEO" directory and two "Archivol.DAT" and "File2.DAT" files. The "VIDEO" directory branches to three files "Movie.VOB", "Movie2.VOB", and "Movie.VOB". The administration information in Figure 8 corresponds to the directory structure. It is noted that each file recording area shows only "Movie.VOB" in this example. The file set descriptor with LBN 80 in the second layer shows an LBN of a sector in which a file entry is written to the root directory. The final descriptor with LBN 81 shows the end of a file set descriptor. Each file entry (for example, LBN 82, 584, or 3585) is recorded for each file (which includes the directory) that shows a storage position for a file or directory. The file entries for the files and directories have the same format, so a hierarchical directory structure can be built as desired. Each directory (for example, LBN 83, or 585) shows a storage position of a file entry for each file and each directory includes a directory. The third layer in this example includes three file entries and two directories. File entries and directories are mapped by the file system, and have a data structure constructed so that a storage position of a default file can be plotted no matter how the directory structure is constructed. Each file entry includes an assignment descriptor that shows a storage position of a file or directory. When the file and directory is divided into a plurality of extensions, the file entry includes a plurality of assignment descriptors for each extension. For example, the file entries with LBN 82 and 584 each include an assignment descriptor. This means that none of these files is divided into a plurality of extensions. In contrast, the file entry with LBN 3585 includes two assignment descriptors, which imply that the file is composed of two extensions. Each directory includes a file identification descriptor that shows, for each file and directory included in the current directory, a storage location of the current file entry. As indicated by the file entries in the directories shown in this figure, the storage position of the file "root / video / Movie .VOB" are plotted in the order of: file set descriptor - F - input file (root)? ®? directory (root) ®? file entry (video) - ©? directory (video) - © - file entry (Movie)? ©? file (extensions # 1 and # 2 of Pelí culal .VOB). Figure 10 shows the link between the file entries and the rewritten directories according to the directory structure. In the drawing, the root directory includes the file identification descriptors respectively for: source directory (the origin of the root is the root itself), a VIDEO directory, file "Archivol.DAT", and file "File2. DAT ". Also, the VIDEO directory includes the file identification descriptors respectively for: the source directory (root), file "Movie.VOB", file "Movie2.V0B", and file "Movie 3. VOB". The storage position of the "Movie.VOB" file is detected by plotting the order from © to © ®. Figure HA shows a detailed data structure of the file entry. As shown in the drawing, the file entry includes a descriptor mark, the ICB mark, the length of the assignment descriptor, the extension attribute, and the assignment descriptor. "BP" in the drawing represents a bit position, and "RBP" represents a relative bit position. The descriptor mark is a mark that shows that the current piece of information is a file entry. The DVD-RAM includes various types of marks such as a file entry descriptor, a space bit entry descriptor, or the like. Each file entry includes a descriptor mark described as "261" that shows that the current piece of information is a file entry. The ICB mark shows the attribute information related to the current file entry. The extension attribute is the information that displays a higher-level attribute than the contents defined in the attribute information field in the file entry. The assignment descriptor field stores as many assignment descriptors as the number of extensions in the file. The assignment descriptor shows an LBN that indicates a storage position of an extension in a file or directory. Figure 11B shows the data structure of the allocation descriptor. In the drawing, the assignment descriptor does not include data indicating an extension length and includes an LBN indicating a storage position of an extension. It is noted that the two upper bits of the data indicating an extension length show the storage state of the extension recording area, as shown in Figure 11C.

Figures 12A and 12B show respectively a detailed data structure that the file identification descriptors for the directory and the file. These two types of file identification descriptors have the same format. Each descriptor includes: administration information, identification information, length of the directory name, an address that shows the address, represented by an LBN, the file entry of a directory or a file, information for the extension, and the name of the directory. With this arrangement, an address of a file entry corresponding to a directory name or file name is identified. (1-1-4) Minimum Size of AV Block Here, the AV block size shown in the lower part of Figure 4 is described. Each AV block except the last one in each zone is composed of 224 ECC blocks, where each ECC block has approximately 7 MB. To ensure the uninterrupted reproduction of AV data, the minimum size of AV block is determined in relation to the buffer of the reproduction apparatus. Figure 13 shows a model of AV data buffer in the track buffer, the AV data that is read from the DVD-RAM disk by a playback device. In the upper part of Figure 13, the AV data read from the DVD-RAM disc is subjected to the ECC process. The processed AV data is then temporarily stored in the track buffer (FIFO memory), and sent to the decoder. In the drawing, "Ventrada" represents an input transfer rate (minimum value) of the track buffer (speed of the data read from an optical disk), and "Vsa? Lda" represents an output transfer rate ( maximum value) of the track buffer, where Vr > Vo. In this model, Ventrada = 8Mbps and Vsalida = 11 Mbps. The lower part of Figure 13 is a graph that shows the change in the amount of data from the track buffer in this model. In the graph, the vertical axis represents the amount of data in the track buffer; the horizontal axis represents time.

The "TI" represents a time required to read the complete AV data recorded in the pseudo consecutive #j register. In this TI period, the amount of data from the track buffer is increased at the rate of (Ventrada ~ satida). The "T2" (also referred to as a jump period) represents the maximum time taken by the optical reader to jump from the AV block #j to the • AV block #k (for example, jump from the innermost circuit to the outermost circuit). The jump period includes the search time of the optical reader and the time required for the rotation of the optical disk to stabilize. In this period T2, the amount of data in the track buffer decreases at the speed of Vsa? Ida. This is the same in period T4. The size of the AV block is obtained as follows, where the size is represented by L bytes. In period T2, the AV data is read from the track buffer. This is done only. If the capacity of the buffer becomes 0 during this period, a subflow to the decoder occurs. When this occurs, the uninterrupted playback of the AV data can not be ensured.

Here, to ensure the uninterrupted reproduction of AV data (do not generate the subflow), you need to satisfy the following formula < Formula 1 > (storage quantity B) = (quantity of output read R) The amount of storage B is the amount of data that has accumulated in the track buffer at the end of the TI period. The amount of output R read is the total amount of data read during period T2. The storage quantity B is calculated using the following formula. < Formula 2 > (amount of storage B) = (period TI) * (Ventrada ~ Vsa? lda) = (output time of an AV block) * (Vent ~ Vs to? l da) = (size of B AV AV / Ventrada) * (Ve ntrada - Vs a? I da) The output quantity or reading R is calculated using the following formula. It is considered that the maximum jump period Tj will be adjusted to 1.5 seconds in the worst case < Formula 3 > (Output quantity R) = T2 * Vout = (maximum jump period Tj) * Vout? Ida = 1.5 seconds * 8Mbps = 12 megabit = 1.5 MB By replacing both sides of Formula 1 respectively by Formula 2 and Formula 3 the following formula is given. < Formula 4 > (L / Ventrada) * (Vsalida ~ Ventrada) ^ Tj * V3aiida From Formula 4, it follows that the size L of the AV block must satisfy the following formula. < Formula 5 > L = T j * Ve nted * VS al? Da / (Ve ntrada-Vs aiida) = 1.5 sec. * UMbps * 8 Mbps / (1 l Mbps-8 Mbps) = 44 megabits = 5.5 MB From the above consideration, it is found that when the AV data is recorded in consecutive sectors of 5.5 MB in an AV block, uninterrupted playback is ensured even if a jump occurs between the AV blocks. The minimum size of the AV block to ensure uninterrupted playback is 5.5 MB. In the present embodiment, the size of the AV block is adjusted to 7.2 MB. This is because an image is included in the value, taking into account an occurrence of a disk error or similar. Also, the buffer capacity of tracks must have 1.5 MB in minimum to prevent a subflow occurrence. (1-2-1) Complete System Figure 14 shows the construction of a system that includes the optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment. The system includes an optical disc recording / reproducing apparatus 10 (also referred to as a DVD recorder apparatus 10), a remote controller 6 used to operate the DVD recorder apparatus 10, a display screen 12 the connected DVD recorder apparatus to the DVD recorder apparatus 10, and a receiver 9. After the DVD-RAM disc is loaded, the recorded DVD apparatus 10 compresses the video / audio data that is included in the analog broadcast waves that are received at throthe receiver 9, it records the compressed data, with the AV block as the minimum unit, on the DVD-RAM disc, expands the compressed video / audio data, and transfers the expanded video / audio signals on a display screen 12 . (1-2-2) Structure of the Physical Equipment of the Recorder DVD Recorder 10 Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the structure of the physical equipment of the DVD recording apparatus 10.

The DVD recording apparatus 10 includes a control unit 1, an MPEG encoder 2, a disc access unit 3, an MPEG decoder 4, a processing unit 5 and video signals, a remote controller 6, a common bar 7, a signal receiving unit 8 of the remote controller, and a receiver 9. The control unit 1 includes a CPU la, a common bar Ib of the processor, an interface of the common bar, and a main memory Id The control unit 1 executes a program stored in the main memory Id to control the complete DVD recorder apparatus 10 in terms of recording, playback, editing, etc. Especially, the control unit 1 controls the recorded DVD apparatus according to the file system when recording AV data on the DVD-RAM disc in the minimum units of AV blocks. The MPEG encoder 2 compresses the video / audio data that is included in the analog broadcast waves received throthe receiver 9 and generates an MPEG stream. The disk access unit 3, having a track buffer 3a, under control of the control unit 1, records the MPEG stream received from the MPEG encoder 2 on the DVD-RAM disk via the track buffer 3a, reads the MPEG stream from the DVD-RAM disc, and transfers the read MPEG stream to the MPEG decoder 4 via the track buffer 3a. The MPEG decoder 4 expands the compressed MPEG stream that is read by the disk access unit 3, and transfers the expanded video and audio data signals. The video signal processing unit 5 converts the video data transfer from the MPEG decoder 4 into video signals for the display 12. The signal receiving unit 8 of the remote control receives the signals from the remote control from the remote control 6 in the form of control unit 1 of which operation the user has instructed. The DVD recorder apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 4, is built based on the premise that is used as a replacement for a VTR used in the home. The construction is not limited, when the DVD-RAM disc is going to be used with a recording medium for computers, the following constructions are possible. That is, the disc access unit 3 is connected, like a DVD-RAM unit apparatus, to a common computer bar via an IF called SCSI or IDE. Also, the different components of the disk access unit 3 shown in Figure 15 are carried out or operate when the OS and the application program are executed on the physical equipment of the computer. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the construction of the MPEG encoder 2. As shown in the drawing, the MPEG encoder 2 includes a divided encoder 2a, a video buffer 2b for storing the output of the video encoder, an audio encoder 2c, an audio buffer 2d for storing the outputs of the video encoder 2d. audio encoder, a system encoder 2e for multiplexing the encoded video data and the audio data respectively stored in the video buffer 2b and the audio buffer 2d, an STC unit (System Time Clock) 2f for generate synchronization clock signals for the encoder 2, and a 2g control unit of the encoder to control and operate these units. The encoder control unit 2g sends information such as the GOP information and the image information to the control unit 1 shown in Figure 15 each time a VOBU is generated in the encoding. Here, the GOP information includes the number of packets in the VOBU and the number of packets in the first I-image in the VOBU. The packages mentioned here are for example, video packets (V_PACKAGE) and audio packets (A_PACKAGE) shown in Figure 10, each having a fixed length of 2 KB. Accordingly, the present embodiment, the GOP information indicates the number of sectors assigned to the VOBU and the number of sectors assigned to the first I-image in the VOBU. Figure 17 is a block diagram showing the construction of the MPEG decoder 4. As shown in the drawing, the MPEG decoder 4 includes a demultiplexer 4a for dividing the MPEG currents into video currents and audio streams, a video buffer 4b for temporarily storing the divided video streams, a video decoder 4c for decoding the video streams stored in the video buffer 4b, an audio buffer 4d for temporarily storing the divided audio streams, an audio decoder 4e for decoding the audio streams stored in the audio buffer 4d , an STC unit (System Time Clock) 4f for generating synchronization clock signals, a 4g adder to add compensation values to the synchronization clock signals, and 4h-4j selectors to select either a clock signal from synchronization or a synchronization clock signal added with a compensation value and supply the signal selected to the demultiplexer 4a, audio decoder 4e, and video decoder 4c, respectively. It should be noted here that the MPEG decoder 4 shown in the drawing can be constructed in the same way as ordinary MPEG decoders in which the selectors 4h to 4j and the adder 4g are not included. (1-2-3) Function Block Diagram Figure 18 is a function block diagram showing the construction of the DVD apparatus 10 based on the functions of the components. Each function shown in the figure is achieved after the CPU in the control unit 1 executes the program in the main memory Id to control the physical equipment shown in Figure 14. As shown in Figure 18, the recording apparatus 10 of the DVD is comprised of a disk recording unit 100, a disk reading unit 101, a file system unit 102, a recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105, a user IF unit 106, an AV data recording unit 110, an AV data editing unit 120, and an AV data reproduction unit 130. The disk recording unit 100, upon receipt of a logical sector number and logical data in units of sectors from the file system unit 102, records the logical data received on the disk in units of blocks in ECC (each composite block of 16 sectors). If the logical data has less than 16 sectors, the disk recording unit 100 reads the ECC block, executes the ECC process, then writes the ECC block on the disk. The disk reading unit 101, on receipt of a logical sector number and the number of sectors of the file system unit 102, reads the data in units of ECC blocks, submits the data read to the ECC process, transfers only the necessary sector data to the file system unit. This is because reading the AV data in units of ECC blocks (each block composed of 16 sectors) reduces the overload. This is the same as with the disk recording unit 100. The file system unit 102 includes a unit 103 of the AV file system for writing and editing mainly AV files, and a common file system unit 104 for executing processes common to AV files and non-AV files. The file system unit 102, upon receiving commands from the AV data recording unit 110, the AV data editing unit 120, and the AV data reproduction unit 130, in relation to writing or reading files , manages the files on the optical disc in units of sectors to the minimum. Among several types of file management functions performed by the file system unit 102, the (a) recording of AV data is explained, (b) deletion of AV data, (c) deletion of non-AV data, and (d) ) deletion of non-AV data. (a) AV Data Recording Upon receiving an order to record AV data from the AV data recording unit 110 or the like, the AV file system unit 103 updates the AV block management table by assigning a written AV block, "00" (not assigned) to the specified AV data. The unit 103 of the AV file system then records the AV data in the allocated AV block via the disk recording unit 100. After this, the AV file system unit 103 updates the AV block management table by writing the AV block assigned as "01" (for AV block), and then updates the space bitmap by writing all the sectors included in the assigned AV block, "0" (assigned). Figure 19 shows the changes in the AV block management table and the space bitmap when recording AV data. The left side of the drawing shows the change of the two-bit data in the AV block management table showing the block allocation status AV #n. The right side of the drawing shows the change of a part of the space bitmap that corresponds to the sectors included in block AV #n. As shown in the drawing, when the state of the AV #n block in the AV block management table is changed from "0" (not assigned) to "01" (for AV data), the states of all sectors included in the block AV #n are changed from "1" (not assigned) to "0" (assigned). With this arrangement, each AV block does not include a mix of AV data and non-AV data, and a consecutive recording area is assigned to the data AV as an AV block. (b) AV Data Erase Upon receiving an order to erase AV data from the AV data editing unit 120, the AV file system unit 103 updates the AV block management table when writing an AV block by recording the AV data specified as "00" (no assigned). Unit 103 of the AV file system then updates the space bitmap by writing all the sectors included in the current AV block as "1" (not assigned).

Figure 20 shows the changes in the AV block management table and the space bitmap when the AV data is erased. As shown in the drawing, when the state of the AV #n block in the AV block management table is changed from "01" (for AV data) to "00" (not assigned), the states of all sectors included in block AV #n they are changed from "0" (assigned) to "1" (not assigned). c) Non-AV Data Recording Upon receipt of an order to record non-AV data from the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105, the unit 104 of the common file system detects unassigned sectors that are written as "1" (unassigned) in the space bit map and are included in the written AV blocks "10" (for non-AV) in the AV block management table, and then assign the detected sectors to the specified non-AV data. The unit 104 of the common file system then records the non-AV data in the allocated sectors and the disk recording unit 100. After this, unit 104 of the common file system updates the space bitmap by writing the sectors that have recorded the non-AV data as "0" (assigned). When it is not able to find allocated sectors that are written as "1" (not assigned) in the space bitmap and are included in the written AV blocks, "10" (for non-AV) in the block management table AV, unit 104 of the common file system allocates sectors in an AV block written as "00" (not assigned) to the non-AV data specified, updates the AV block management table by changing the AV block state to "10"(for non-AV), and update the space bit map by changing the states of the sectors to" 0"(assigned). (d) Data Erasing not AV On receipt of an order to erase non-AV data from the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105, the unit 104 of the common file system updates the space bit map to change the states of all sectors by recording the data not AV specified to "1" (not assigned). When it is found from the AV block management table that an AV block is occupied by the sectors with the list "1" (not assigned) by the previous process, the unit 104 of the common file system updates the block administration table AV when changing the listing of the AV block from "10" (for non-AV data) to "00" (not assigned). The recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105 controls the complete DVD recording apparatus 10. More specifically, the control unit 105 controls the display of the guidance that invites the user to operate, receives instructions from the user reacting to the guidance via the user's IF unit 106, and in accordance with the user's instructions, requests the AV data recording unit 110, the AV data editing unit 120, or the AV data reproduction unit 130 to execute operations such as the recent recording of AV data, and play and edit the recorded AV data. . The user's IF unit 106 receives instructions for user operations via the remote controller 6 and reports the instructions received from the user to the recording / editing / playback control unit 105.

The AV data recording unit 110, the AV data editing unit 120, and the AV data reproduction unit 130, upon receipt of a recording request from the control unit 105 ,. issue a necessary command to respectively achieve the recording, editing and playback requests to unit 103 of the AV file system (1-2-4) Orders Executed by Unit 102 of the File System What follows are the commands supported by unit 102 of the file system. The file system unit 102 receives several commands from the AV data recording unit 110, and the AV data editing unit 120; the AV data reproduction unit 130, and the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105, and manages the files according to the received orders. Figure 21 shows a list of commands supported by the file system unit 102 for file management. The operations executed by unit 102 of the file system in response to the commands are received below. CREATE: generates a new file on the disk, and returns a descriptor of the file identification. DELETE: deletes a file from the disk. More specifically, the order cancels the allocation of the recording areas in the units of the AV blocks to delete an AV file, and cancels the allocation of the recording areas in units of sectors to delete a non-AV file. OPEN: Obtain a file identification descriptor to access a file recorded on the disk. CLOSE: Close an open file. WRITE: Record a file on the disk. More specifically, the order allocates recording areas in sectors units for AV blocks for non-AV data, and records the data in the assigned sectors. READ: Read a file from the disk. SEARCH: Moves within a stream of data recorded on the disk. RENAME: Change a file name.

MEASURE: Generates a new directory on the disk. RMDIR: Removes a directory from the disk. STATEFS: Find out near the current state of the file system. GET-ATTR: Gets an attribute of a file. SET-ATTR: Changes an attribute of a currently open file. AV-WRITE: Records an AV file on the disc. More specifically, the order records areas in units of AV blocks; and record data in the assigned AV blocks. APPENDIX: Attach two AV files on the disk in the data in the memory. DIVIDE: Divide an AV file on the disk into two AV files. SHORTENING: Deletes the necessary part (an edge part) of an AV file on the disk. REPLACE: Replaces a part of an AV file with data in memory. DISCON-SEARCH: Detects if a specified section includes a discontinuous limit (zone limit) returns "TRUE" if it includes the discontinuous limit; return "FALSE", if it does not include the discontinuous limit. It should be noted here that commands to record AV data and non-AV data are supported separately such as the AV-WRITE command and the WRITE command. The AV data recording unit 110, the AV data editing unit 120, and the AV data reproduction unit 130 achieve processes such as recording, editing and reproduction by using combinations of the previous commands. (1-3) Recording / Deletion Now, the operations of the DVD recorder 10 are described in detail. The operations are: (1-3-1) AV Data Manual Recording, (1-3-2) AV Data Programming Recording, (1-3-3) AV Data Deletion, (1-3-4) Non-AV Data Recording, and (1-3-5) Non-AV Data Erase. (1-3-1) AV Data Recording Manual recording is a recording started immediately when the user presses the "Record" key on the remote controller without setting a time for a scheduled recording and sets two or three points on the screen. For example, when the user presses the RECORD button on the remote controller 6 shown in Figure 22, the display 12 exhibits a guide image 200 shown in Figure 23 under the control of the recording / editing / playback unit 105. When the user presses the "1" and "selection" keys on the remote controller while the guide image 200 displays on the screen, a guide image 201 is displayed to adjust the recording conditions (in the present example, the "recording time" and "recording quality." To adjust the recording time, the user first moves the focus on the screen over be "no limit" or "specify" when operating the cursor button on the remote controller 6, then press the "selection" button, here, if the user selects "specify", the screen changes to a guide image to invite the user to enter a time when operating the 10-key buttons After the user specifies the time, the screen returns to the guide image 201.

The "recording quality" as a recording condition refers to the bit rate and resolution of MPEG data and has three types: "high", "normal", and "securing time". The bit rate and resolution for each type of quality is shown in Figure 24. Here, it is assumed that the user selects "no limit" and the quality of "ensure time" in the guide image 201, then press the " record "in guide image 202, as a sample case of manual recording. This series of operations allows manual recording to start. Figure 25A is a flow diagram showing the manual recording process. The process initiates as a notification that the user has pressed the "record" button is sent to the recording / editing / playback control unit 105 via the user's IF unit 106. Upon receipt of the notification, the control unit 105 issues the CREATE command to the unit 104 of the common file system (step 250). Upon receiving the order, unit 104 of the common file system returns from the file identification descriptor when it is possible to create a file. In this process, the size of the file is specified as the maximum disk size since "no limit" has been specified by the user as the recording time. Also, the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105 sends a file identifier and a parameter indicating the quality "securing the time" specified as the recording condition to the AV data recording unit 110. The AV data recording unit 110 instructs the MEPG encoder 2 to initiate encoding of the video and audio data of a predetermined channel received through the receiver 9 and transfer the encoded MPEG data to the track buffer 3a . While continuing the above process, the AV data recording unit 110 issues the command OPEN to the unit 103 of the AV file system (step 251) to allow the unit 103 of the AV file system to store the identification identifier of the AV file system. file given by the control unit 105 and the information in the file entry in a working memory (not shown) (the information stored in the working memory is also referred to as "Fd" (file descriptor). AV data recording command issues the AV-WRITE command to the unit 103 of the AV file system each time the track buffer 3a stores a predetermined amount of MPEG data until it receives a stop command from the control unit 105 (step 252 and 253) When receiving the stop command, the AV data recording unit 110 issues the AV-WRITE command (step 254), and issues the command CLOSE (step 255) to terminate the present process. AV-ESCRI BIR is indicated in step 254 to process the allocation descriptor of the last extension to be maintained in the Fd. The CLOSE command is issued in step 255 to write back the Fd in the working memory on the DVD-RAM disk as a file identification descriptor, an entry to the file or the like on the DVD-RAM disk. Now, the process of recording data executed by the AV-WRITE command is described in detail. Figure 26 is a flow diagram showing the process performed by unit 103 of the AV file system that has received the AV-WRITE command. Here, it is presumed that the AV-WRITE command is issued to unit 103 of the AV file system together with three specified parameters. The three parameters indicate respectively: the Fd that has been opened by the OPEN command as described above; the size of data to be recorded, and a buffer (in this mode, the track buffer 3a) that stores the data. The Fd specified by the parameter includes, as does the entry of the file, the information of a storage position of an extension and a length of the extension. The Fd is updated each time the AV-WRITE command is issued during the period between the opening and closing of the Fd. For the second or subsequent issuance of the AV-WRITE order, new data is additionally described, after the ones already recorded. As shown in Figure 26, the unit 103 of the AV file system maintains a counter to count a specified size as a parameter. Until the data of the specified size is recorded completely (step 265: No), the unit 103 of the AV file system assigns areas to the data, a sector by a sector, and records the data on the disk. More specifically, when an open file does not include the already recorded data (when the AV-WRITE command is issued once in a recording process); or when an open file includes already recorded data (when the AV-WRITE command is issued twice in a recording process) and the data is recorded at the end of an AV block (step 266: No), the unit 103 of the system AV files detects an AV block with the listing "00" (not assigned) when referring to the AV block management table (step 267), changes the listing to "01" (for AV data) (step 268), and changes the states of all sectors included in the AV block from "1" (not assigned) to "0" (assigned) (step 269). When an open file includes data already recorded and the data is not recorded at the end of an AV block (step 266: Yes), the unit 103 of the AV file system proceeds to step 270. The unit 103 of the AV file system goes to find the data that has a size of a sector of the buffer of tracks 3a, and record the searched data to the first sector of the newly assigned AV block or to a sector following a sector recorded with data in the DVD-RAM disk (step 270). The unit 103 of the AV file system then updates the counter (step 271). The unit 103 of the AV file system judges whether two sectors in which data were more recently recorded are consecutive sectors (step 272). Unit 103 of the AV file system judges that the two sectors are not consecutive when the two sectors are not physically consecutive or when there is a zone boundary between the sectors. The presence of a zone boundary between the sectors is judged by reference to the length table of the last block shown in Figure 5. When judged as negative in step 272, unit 103 of the AV file system allows it to be hold the allocation descriptor or the Fd, as an extension, the AV data recorded in the AV block immediately before the current AV block (step 273). When judged as positive in step 272, the control returns to step 265. When the data of the specified size is completely recorded by repeating the recording of the data in the sectors (step 265: Yes), the unit 103 of the file system AV allows the Fd to retain the allocation descriptor of the last extension that includes the last recorded sector (step 274) to finish the "AV-WRITE" process. As described above, upon receipt of the AV-WRITE command, the unit 103 of the AV file system allocates area to the AV data specified in units of AV blocks which are each a consecutive area of approximately 7 MB. In this arrangement, each extension, except the last extension, in each AV file in which the AV data is recorded has at least approximately 7 MB. This ensures uninterrupted playback. It is described for convenience security that data that is the size of a sector is recorded on the DVD-RAM disc in step 270. However, in reality, the data on the DVD-RAM disc is recorded each time that the track buffer stores data equivalent to an ECC block (16 sectors) in size. (1-3-2) Programmed AV Data Recording Scheduled recording is a recording process performed when the user presses the "Record" key on the remote controller at a time to adjust the scheduled recording. Here, it is assumed that the user selects "Specify" and "Securing Time" in the guide image 201, as a sample case of the scheduled recording: this allows the scheduled recording to start. Figure 25B is a flow chart showing the scheduled recording process. The process initiates as a notification that the user has pressed the "record" button is sent to the recording / editing / playback control unit 105 via the user's IF unit 106. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 105 notifies the unit 104 of the common file system of the specified time and issues the order CREATE to the same unit 104 (step 256). At the reception and the order, the unit 104 of the common file system returns the file identification descriptor when it is possible to create a file. In this process, the size of a file is specified to make the number of AV blocks that correspond to the specified time. Also, the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105 judges whether the areas corresponding to the specified time can be assigned based on whether a file identification descriptor has been sent (step 257). Having judged that the areas can not be assigned, the control unit 105 ends the programmed recording process when performing the error process. Having judged that the areas can be assigned, the control unit 105 sends a file identifier. A specified time, and a parameter indicating the quality "securing the time" specified as the recording condition to the AV data recording unit 110. Upon receiving these types of information, the AV data recording unit 110 issues the command "OPEN" (step 259) when it is the specified time to start recording (step 258). The subsequent processes of the AV data recording unit 110 are at the same as steps 252-255 shown in Figure 25A: issuing the command OPEN to unit 103 of the AV file system, repeating to issue the command AV-WRITE until it is the final time, and issuing the CLOSE command (step 258-262). As described above, scheduled recording starts after checking whether unassigned AV blocks are available for the specified time, for scheduled recording. It is noted that the order of steps 256 and 257 can be reversed. (1-3-3) Clear AV Data Both AV files and non-AV files are deleted by unit 104 of the common file system when the CLEAR command is issued. When the CLEAR command is received to delete a certain file, the unit 104 of the common file system judges whether the certain file is an AV file or a non-AV file by referencing the extension of the file name and the attribute information. Unit 104 of the common file system performs different processes in the AV block management table and the space bitmap according to the result of the previous trial. Figure 27 is a flow chart showing the process for erasing AV files made by unit 104 of the common file system.

Unit 104 of the common file system judges whether an extension should be deleted when referencing the file entry of the specified AV file (step 240). Having judged as positive in this step, unit 104 of the common file system updates the AV block management table by changing the state of the AV block included in the extension from "01" (for AV data) to "00" (not assigned) (step 241), update the space bitmap to change the states of all sectors included in the AV block from "0" (assigned) to "1" (not assigned) (step 242), and delete the extension of the file entry (step 243). When there is no extension to be deleted (step 240: No), the unit 104 of the common file system deletes the file identification writer and completes the process of deleting AV files. Figure 28A shows deleted AV files. The upper part of the drawing shows that the AV # 1 and # 2 files are recorded in blocks AV # 10 to # 14. The AV # 1 file consists of two extensions (AV files # 1-1 and # 1-2). The AV # 2 file is composed of AV files # 2-1 and # 2-2. The lower part of Figure 28A shows that the extensions have been deleted from the AV # 1 file of AV blocks # 11 and # 14. Figure 28B shows the changes in the AV block management table and the space bit map corresponding to the erasure shown in Figure 28A. The left side of Figure 28B shows the list before deletion, and the right side shows after deletion. In the AV block management table, the states of blocks AV # 11 and # 14 are changed from "01" (for AV data) to "00" (not assigned) according to the procedure shown in Figure 27. In the space bitmap, the states of all the sectors included in the AV blocks are changed from "0" (assigned) to "1" (not assigned). It should be noted here that the lower part of Figure 28A is not proposed to demonstrate that the AV data included in blocks AV # 11 and # 14 are physically deleted. In fact, the AV data is treated as invalid data by the unit 103 of the AV file system. 1-3-4) Non-AV Data Recording Figure 29 is a flow chart showing the non-AV file recording process performed by unit 104 of the common file system. The common file system unit 104 Upon receiving the WRITE command from the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105, the unit 104 of the common file system judges whether there is non-AV data to be recorded (step 261). Having judged as positive in this step, unit 104 of the common file system detects unassigned sectors that are written as "1" (unassigned) in the space bitmap and included in the AV blocks written as "10" (for non-AV) or "00" (not assigned) in the AV block management table (step 262). When the listing of the AV block that includes the detected sectors is "00" (not assigned), the unit 104 of the common file system changes the status "10" (for non-AV) (step 263), changes the states of the sectors detected from "0" (assigned) to "1" (not assigned) (step 264), and record the non-AV data in the sectors detected (step 265). The unit 104 of the common file system then judges whether two sectors in which the data was recorded filled the data most recently are consecutive (step 266). When judged as positive in step 266, control returns to step 261; when judged as negative, the unit 104 of the common file system records in the file entry the allocation descriptor of the extension that includes the sector immediately before the current sector (step 268) to complete the non-AV data recording process . (1-3-5) Data Erasing not AV Upon receiving the command CLEAR specifies a certain file of the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105, and when the certain file is the non-AV file, the unit 104 of the common file system performs the deletion process as follows: Figure 30 is a flow chart showing the non-AV file deletion process performed by unit 104 of the common file system.

Unit 104 of the common file system judges whether an extension should be deleted by referencing the file entry of the non-AV file specified (step 271). Having judged as positive in this step, unit 104 of the common file system updates the space bitmap by changing the states of all sectors included in the extension from "0" (assigned) to "1" (not assigned) (step 272). Unit 104 of the common file system then judges whether the states of all sectors included in an AV block in the extension are "1" (not assigned) when referring to the AV block administration table (step 273). When judged like this in the step, unit 104 of the common file system updates the AV block management table by changing the state of the AV block from "10" (for non-AV data) to "00" (not assigned) ( step 274). Unit 104 of the common file system deletes the allocation descriptor from the file entry extension (step 275), then returns to step 271. When it is judged that there is no extension to be deleted, the process of deleting the file is terminated. non-AV files.

Figure 31A shows the non-AV files deleted. The upper part of the drawing shows that block AV # 11 includes files not AV # 3 and # 4. Each of the AV # 3 and # 4 files includes only one extension. The upper part of Figure 31A shows that the extension has been deleted from the non-AV # 3 file. Figure 31B shows the changes in the AV blocks administration table and the space bit map corresponding to the erasure shown in Figure 31A. The left side of Figure 31B shows the status before deletion, and the right side shows after deletion. In the AV block management table, the state of block AV # 11 remains as "10" (for non-AV data) according to the procedure shown in Figure 30 since file # 4 remains in the block. In the space bitmap, the states of all sectors included in block extension AV # 11 are changed from "0" (assigned) to "1" (not assigned). It should be noted here that the lower part of Figure 31A is not proposed to show that non-AV data included in file # 3 is physically deleted. In reality, the non-AV data is treated as invalid data by the unit 103 of the AV file system. As is apparent from the above description, the DVD-RAM of the present embodiment includes the space bitmap and the AV block management table as a part of the file system administration information. This construction ensures the uninterrupted reproduction of the AV data since consecutive areas are assigned in units of AV blocks. In the DVD-RAM of the present embodiment, when an AV block is assigned to the AV data, the states of all sectors included in the AV block are changed to "assigned" in the space bitmap. With this method of administration, even if the DVD-RAM of the present invention is accessed by a conventional file system that supports only the bit-space map, the following problems are prevented. Data is written to sectors included in AV blocks for AV data, and consecutive sector areas assigned to AV data are used and lost. In relation to the sectors included in the AV blocks assigned to the non-AV data, only in the states of the sectors in which the data has actually been recorded are they shown as "assigned" in the space bitmap. That is, different from the case of the AV blocks assigned to the AV data, the states of the sectors in which the data has not been recorded are not shown as "assigned" in the space bitmap. With the above construction, non-AV data can be recorded in an AV block when there are unallocated areas in even if the AV block has already been assigned to another non-AV data class. This allows for improved disk utilization efficiency even if the disk includes both AV blocks for AV data and AV blocks for non-AV data. In the above embodiment, the DVD recorder 10 is constructed, as shown in Figure 14, based on the premise that is used as a replacement for a VTR used in the home. The construction is not limited, when the DVD-RAM disk is going to be used as a recording medium for computers, the following constructions are possible. That is, the disc access unit 3 is connected, like a DVD-RAM unit apparatus, to a common computer bar via an IF called SCSI or IDE. Also, the different components of disk access unit 3 shown in Figure 15 are achieved or operate when the OS and the application program are executed on the physical computer equipment. In this case, the disk recording unit 100, the disk reading unit 101, and the file system unit 102 are mainly achieved as applications for improving OS or OS functions. Also, the other different components of these are mainly achieved as functions of the application programs. The various commands carried by the file system unit 102 are equivalent to the service orders, such as a system call order, provided to the applications. In the above embodiment, two bits are used to indicate the allocation status of each piece of AV data in the AV block management table. However, the number of bits can be increased so that other kinds of attribute information can be added. Figure 32 shows the second construction example of the AV block management table.

The AV block management table includes an array and a plurality of two-byte data pieces each of which displays the allocation information and the attribute information. The upper four bits of each piece of the two-byte data are used to represent the allocation status of the AV blocks as described in the present embodiment. The lower 12 bits represent the number of effective ECC blocks in the corresponding AV block. For example, the first AV block includes 224 effective ECC blocks ("EO" in hexadecimal notation), and the sixth AV block includes 223 effective ECC blocks ("DF" in hexadecimal notation). As described above, in the AV block management table shown in Figure 32, the number of effective ECC blocks for each AV block is recorded, the number of effective ECC blocks that is the total number of ECC blocks included in each block AV from which the number of ECC blocks including an address error is subtracted. If the file system unit 102 can not obtain the number of effective ECC blocks, the file system unit 102 will be required to perform an address error process when data is recorded since it is impossible for the unit 102 of the system to Files recognize the amount of data that can be recorded in each AV block without the information. According to the AV block management table shown in the drawing, the 102 files of the file system are relieved from the complicated process of address error required when recording the data. It is noted that it is also possible to have other information indicating the ECC blocks or sectors in which address errors occur and allow the AV file system to use the information. It is also possible to reduce the amount of the process performed by the file system by using the most significant bit as a mark indicating "variable length" or "non-variable length" and by using the value that indicates the size of the AV block as a value effective only when the brand is on. This is possible when the probability of the occurrence of the address errors is very low and when almost all AV blocks are recognized as having a fixed length.

Figure 33 shows the third construction example of the AV block management table. The AV block management table includes an array of a plurality of 4-bit data pieces each of which displays the allocation information and the attribute information. The three lower bits of each piece of the four-bit data are used to represent the allocation status of the AV blocks as described in the present embodiment. When the most significant bit is "1" (also referred to as a variable length bit) the bit indicates that the current AV block has a variable length, when the bit is "0", the bit indicates a fixed length. Here, when an AV block has a fixed length, it indicates that the AV block includes 224 effective ECC blocks without address errors. Otherwise, the AV block has a variable length. An AV block has a variable length when the AV block includes an ECC block that has an address error or when the AV block is the last AV block adjacent to a zone boundary.

The block length of a variable AV block is recorded in the variable length AV block table shown on the right side of the drawing. The table, which replaces the length table of the last block shown in Figure 5, includes, for each variable AV block, a block number and the number of effective ECC blocks. As shown in the drawing, in the AV block management table, the AV blocks with the variable length bit are represented by frames with slanted lines. The number of effective ECC blocks for each of the variable length AV blocks is compounded in the variable length AV block management table. With this arrangement in which the variable length AV block management table is included, for each variable AV block, a block number and the number of effective ECC blocks, it is possible for the file system to refer to the variable length AV block management table using the number of AV blocks when the blocks are administered AV with the variable length mark in the AV block management table. Also, the third construction example, compared to the second construction example, has a reduced size of the AV block management table. When the physical size of each AV block is adjusted as a variable length, it is possible to correlate the sectors and AV blocks without difficulty by recording the sizes of all the AV blocks in the variable length AV block management table. It is also possible to perform the correlation of the sectors and the AV blocks without difficulty by recording the start sector number, the track number, the zone number in the AV block management table, instead of recording the physical sizes of the blocks. AV blocks in the variable length AV block management table. Figure 34 shows the fourth construction example of the AV block management table. The AV block management table includes an array of a plurality of two-byte data pieces each corresponding to an AV block. Each piece of the two-byte data indicates the number of files recorded in the AV block, as well as the assignment states. The upper 4 bits are used to represent the allocation status of the AV blocks as described in the present embodiment. The lower 12 bits indicate the number of files. Here, the number of files is 4095 at the maximum. Therefore, it is possible to record 4095 files in an AV block. Here, the lower 12 bits are referred to as a counter. Each counter corresponds to an AV block. It may happen that a file is split and grave in a plurality of AV blocks when the file is an AV file which has a large or double overall size to the area allocation even in the case of an AV file having generally a small size. In this case, the counter considers a part of a file recorded in the AV file as a file. That is, if the AV file includes a complete file to a part of a file, each case is recognized as a file by the counter. Also, when a file is divided and recorded in a plurality of extensions in an AV block, the file is considered as a file. The use of this counter provides two merits to the administration of AV blocks. The first merit is that it becomes easier to judge if AV blocks are released for non-AV data. In the present embodiment, the file system unit 102 releases an AV block as unassigned when it is confirmed by reference to the space bitmap that all sectors included in the AV block are unassigned. As understood from this, in the present embodiment, to free an AV block, the space bit map is referenced. However, when the AV block management table includes counters as shown in Figure 34, it is possible to reveal an AV block for the non-AV data when the counter is "0". This eliminates the need to refer to the space bitmap. It is unnecessary to say that the space bitmap must be updated every time the data of any sector is moved. The second merit is that it becomes easier for a plurality of files to coexist in an AV block for AV data. The term "coexist" indicates a case in which an AV file is divided into a plurality of AV files when editing, not that an AV file is added to an AV block in which another AV file has already been recorded. In this case, it is possible when using the counter to detect the presence of a plurality of AV files in an AV block and to release an AV block when the counter is "0". Actually, it is sufficient to take into account a case where two files coexist in an AV block. In this case, it is sufficient to adjust a mark, instead of a counter, indicating "coexist" of "not coexisting". In this case, the file system unit 102 may refer to the space bitmap to determine if an AV block is released for non-AV data, as described in this embodiment, and may refer to the "coexisting" mark for Determine if an AV block is released for AV data. It is also possible for the fourth construction example to use the variable length bit described in the third construction example. In addition, it will also be possible for the AV block management table to additionally include the AV block size if the data size for each AV block is increased to three bytes or more. Figure 35 shows the fifth construction example of the AV block administration table.

In the present embodiment, the last AV block in each zone has a variable length so that a zone boundary is not within an AV block. In the fifth construction example, each AV block has a fixed length of approximately 7 MB, and the AV blocks are arranged from the beginning of the disk in order. In this case, similar to the AV blocks represented by the slanted lines in Figure 35, some AV blocks may include a zone boundary. It is impossible to ensure uninterrupted playback for AV blocks that include a zone boundary. Therefore, the information that indicates whether each AV block includes a zone boundary is required. For this purpose, the fifth construction example allows the AV block management table to have a mark indicating whether each AV block includes a zone boundary. The AV block management table shown in Figure 35 includes an array of a plurality of four-bit data pieces each corresponding to an AV block. The upper bit indicates whether the corresponding AV block includes a zone boundary. The three lower bits indicate the allocation status of the AV block. In this case, the file system unit 102 assigns three consecutive AV blocks whose AV block in the center has a zone limit to an AV file, and does not assign an AV block having a zone limit to an AV file. With this arrangement, it is possible to ensure uninterrupted playback even if an AV file is recorded in the AV block that has a zone limit. When it is assumed that only non-AV files can be written to AV blocks that include a zone limit, the same number of AV blocks as the number of zone boundaries, which is 24 AV blocks must be prepared for non-AV files . The total capacity of the 24 AV blocks adds up to 164 MB. This means, the capacity of the area in which AV files can be reduced. As a result, it is desirable that the file system unit 102 administer the three consecutive AV blocks, described above together for each zone boundary. It is also possible that the AV block adminision table shown in Figure 6 includes a discontinuous mark indicating that the AV blocks before and after a zone boundary are not consecutive. With this arrangement, it will be easier than the file system unit 102, when two consecutive AV blocks are allocated, to judge whether the two consecutive AV blocks have a zone boundary between them since the unit 102 can obtain the information when referencing to the AV block management table. When a set of AV blocks for the non-AV data is reserved in advance, with the set having a predetermined size, the mixed presence of the AV blocks for AV data and non-AV data is prevented. This makes it easier to assign consecutive areas to the AV data. When a disc that has been written by an AV file system is not compatible with the discs that have been described by another type of file system, and when the disc is accessed only by the AV file system, it is possible to write as " assigned "the states of the sectors in which the AV data has actually been recorded, not the states of all the sectors included in the AV blocks whose states are written as" for AV data ". This makes it easier to manage the unassigned areas in the AV blocks.

In the present embodiment, the states of all the sectors included in an AV block for the AV data are written as "assigned". However, only the states of the sectors in which the AV data has actually been recorded can be written as "assigned". This makes it easier to manage the unallocated areas in the AV blocks although some compatibility is lost between the disks that have been written by the AV file system and another type of file system. (2) Modality 2 Now, it is described on the optical disc and the optical disk recording / reproducing apparatus of mode 2. (2-1) Optical Disk Mode 2 differs from mode 1 in that (1) pseudo consecutive recordings are assigned, instead of the AV blocks, to the AV data to be recorded, and that (2) assignment information is used. the consecutive pseudo recording instead of the AV block management table. The differences (1) and (2) are described below in detail. With respect to the difference (1) above, in mode 1, the entire data recording area is almost permanently divided into AV blocks with each of a fixed length in advance if AV data has been recorded or not in the area. In contrast, in mode 2, AV blocks are not used. In contrast, the areas called consecutive pseudo recordings are dynamically assigned to the AV data, each consecutive pseudo-recording having a size greater than the fixed length described in mode 1. With respect to the previous difference (2), in mode 1 , an AV block management table is used to manage the allocation states of all AV blocks. In contrast, in mode 2, the allocation management information of the consecutive pseudo recordings for managing the consecutive pseudo recording is recorded on the disk for each AV file. Accordingly, Figures 1-3 and 8-12 used in mode 1 also apply to the optical disc of mode 2. Figure 4 can also be applied to mode 2 when clearing AV mode blocks. Since in mode 2, the other characteristics are the same as mode 1: the partition region is divided into a plurality of zone areas; and the reading and writing of the data is done in units of ECC blocks, (each one with 16 sectors). Also, although the AV block management table shown in Figure 6 is not used in mode 2, the sector management table (space bitmap) is also used. 2-1-1) Consecutive pseudo recording Each AV file in the present mode is composed of one or more pseudo consecutive recordings to ensure uninterrupted playback. "Consecutive pseudo recording" is defined as an area that records AV data or AV data recorded in the area, where AV data can be complete or partial, is larger than a size that ensures consecutive playback, and the area is composed of consecutive sectors or ECC. However, the jump by the ECC block jump method is counted in the consecutive sectors or ECC blocks. According to the ECC block hopping method, when a sector is detected, defective causing an address error or the like, the ECC block including the defective sector is skipped and the data is written to the next ECC block. This method is more suitable for the consecutive reproduction of AV data than the linear replacement method in which when a sector of similar effect is detected, the data is written in a sector in a replacement area that has been reserved in the same area. . This is because a jump to the replacement area does not occur in the case of the ECC block jump method. Each consecutive pseudo recording includes ECC blocks the number of which is represented by any integer number. The starting sector of each consecutive pseudo recording is the starting sector of one of the ECC blocks. That is, each consecutive pseudo recording is located within a single zone. The minimum size of the consecutive pseudo recording is set to 224 ECC blocks (approximately 7 MB) to ensure consecutive playback of the AV data, as in the AV block in mode 1. The allocation management information of consecutive pseudo recordings showing a result of assigning a consecutive pseudo recording is generated and recorded for each AV file. The assignment management information of pseudo consecutive recordings can be recorded at the start of the corresponding AV file. However, in the present embodiment, the information is recorded as non-AV files corresponding respectively to the AV files. The allocation management information of consecutive pseudo recordings has a list structure. (2-1-2) Assigning Pseudo recordings Consecutive Each piece of the administration information of allocation of consecutive pseudo recordings (also referred to as the administration information) corresponds to an AV file and shows area on the disk that is assigned as pseudo consecutive recordings to the current AV file.

The optical disc recording device allocates unassigned areas on the optical disc as pseudo consecutive recordings to the AV files prior to the recording of the AV files. Figure 36A shows a specific example of the administration information. Figure 36B shows a space bitmap that corresponds to the management information shown in Figure 36A. In Figure 36A, the administration information is described as a table that includes entries el and e2. Each entry includes, from left to right in the drawing, a starting sector number (LSN: Logical Sector Number), a final sector number, and an attribute. The attribute "0" indicates a consecutive pseudo recording; the attribute "1" indicates an unassigned area. In the present example, the attribute is always "0". The area identified by the start and end sector numbers specified by each entry indicates a series of sectors that have been assigned as a whole or a partial consecutive pseudo recording. Here, a relationship between the consecutive pseudo recording and the extension administered in the file system is described. The pseudo consecutive recordings and the extensions and which correspond to each other in a one-to-one relationship when the extension does not over pass a zone boundary; a plurality of consecutive pseudo recordings corresponds to an extension when the extension exceeds a zone limit. For example, when an extension exceeds the zone limit, two consecutive pseudo recordings are formed before and after the zone boundary, both corresponding to the extension. (2-1-3) Administration Information Assigning Pseudo Consecutive Recordings and Space Bit Map Figure 36B shows a space bitmap that corresponds to the management information shown in Figure 36A. In the example shown in the drawing, the bits corresponding to the sectors (sector numbers 6848-15983) of the pseudo consecutive area # 1 are all "0" indicating "assigned". It is desirable that the management information and the space bitmap be managed together so that they reflect each other, even though they use different units to indicate the assignment states of the data area. The optical disk recording apparatus sets the bits of the space bit map corresponding to the sectors assigned as consecutive pseudo areas "0" indicating "assigned". (2-2) Recording / Reproduction Apparatus Here, the optical disc recording / playback apparatus of mode 2 is explained. (2-2-1) System and Structure of the Physical Team The mode 2 uses the same structure as the mode 1 in terms of the structure of the system shown in Figure 14, the structure of the physical equipment of the DVD recorder apparatus shown in Figure 15, the structure of the MPEG encoder 2 shown in FIG. Figure 16, and the structure of MPEG decoder 4 shown in Figure 17. Mode 2 differs from mode 1 in that (1) pseudo consecutive recordings, instead of AV blocks, are assigned to AV data that are going to record, and that (2) the allocation management information of consecutive pseudo recordings is used in place of the AV block management table. Accordingly, a different program of the program is stored in the main memory Id shown in Figure 15 for use in the present embodiment. (2-2-2) Function Block Diagram Figure 37 is a function block diagram showing the construction of the DVD recording apparatus 10 of mode 2 based on the functions of the components. Each function shown in the figure is achieved after the CPU in the control unit 1 executes the program in the main memory Id to control the physical equipment shown in Figure 14. In Figure 37, reference numbers numbered similarly as those in Figure 18 for modality 1 designate similar components, and a count of their function will be omitted from the description of this modality. Mode 2 differs from mode 1 in that the file system unit 102, the recording / editing / playback control unit 105, and the AV data recording unit 110 shown in Figure 18 are not used but are used instead a file system unit 202, the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 205, and the AV data recording unit 110. The file system unit 202 differs from the counterpart in the mode 1 in that it includes an AV file system unit 203 and a common file system unit 204 instead of the AV file system unit 103 and a unit 104 of the common file system. The unit 203 of the AV file system differs from the unit 103 of the AV file system only in that it does not support the command AV_ESCRIBIR shown in Figure 21. The unit 204 of the common file system differs from the unit 104 of the common file system only in that the WRITE command is used to write AV data as well as non-AV data on the disk. That is, the file system unit 202 does not discriminate between AV data and non-AV data, but treats them equally. The AV data and the non-AV data are treated differently by the AV data recording unit 210, the AV data editing unit 220, and the AV data reproduction unit 230. The AV data recording unit 210, the AV data editing unit 220, and the AV data reproduction unit 230, respectively on receipt of a recording request, an edit request, and a unit playback request 205 of recording / editing / playing control, the unit 103 of the AV file system issues necessary commands. The AV data recording unit 210, upon receipt of a recording request from the control unit 205, issues a required command for the requested recording to the AV file system unit 103, and also creates or updates the information of the AV file system. administration shown in Figure 36A. More specifically, the AV data recording unit 210, upon receipt of a recording request, searches for unassigned areas when referring to the space bitmap and management information, allocates an area that is larger than the the fixed length mentioned above of approximately 7 MB, and also creates a new piece of management information shown in Figure 36A. Here, when a consecutive pseudo recording has already been created, it is desirable that an area that follows or closes as possible the pseudo consecutive recording assistant is assigned as a new consecutive pseudo recording. The AV data recording unit 210 then creates a new piece of management information for the newly assigned area. (2-3-1) AV File Recording The recording of AV files in the DVD recorder 10 is described in detail. Figure 38 is a flow chart showing the recording process in the DVD recording apparatus of the present embodiment. When the user presses the RECORD button or when "current time" reaches the start time of the "scheduled recording", a recording start notification is sent to the recording / editing / playback control unit 105 via the unit 106 of IF of the user. Upon receipt of the notification, the control unit 105 allocates an area having a size greater than the predetermined size (approximately 7 MB) as a consecutive pseudo recording (step 380). More specifically, the control unit 105 refers to the space bitmap and management information to detect consecutive unallocated sector areas. The control unit 105 then allocates consecutive non-assigned sector areas, detected as a new consecutive pseudo-recording. By doing so, when other AV data has already been recorded on the disc and when the AV data to be recorded continues from the existing AV data in a logical manner, the control unit 105 allocates the consecutive recording area that continues from the consecutive recording area already assigned to the existing AV data, if possible. The recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105 sends a file identifier and a parameter indicating the quality "securing the time" specified as the recording condition to the AV data recording unit 210. The AV data recording unit 210 instructs the MPEG encoder 2 to initiate encoding of the video and audio data of a predetermined channel received through the receiver 9 and transfer the encoded MPEG data to the track buffer 3a (step 381). The record / edit / playback control unit 105 issues the CREATE command that specifies the consecutive pseudo recording recently assigned to the common file system unit 204 (step 382). Upon receipt of the order, the unit 204 of the common file system returns a new file identification descriptor when it is possible to create a file in the recently assigned consecutive pseudo recording. After the above process, the AV data recording unit 210 issues the command OPEN to the unit 203 of the AV file system (step 383) to allow the unit 203 of the AV file system to store the file identification descriptor given by the unit 105 and the information in the file entry in a work input (not illustrated) (the information stored in the work memory is also referred to as "FD" file descriptor)). The AV data recording unit 210 issues the WRITE command to the unit 203 of the AV file system each time the track buffer 3a stores a predetermined amount of MPEG data (steps 385 and 386). The AV data recording unit 210 continues this process until it receives a stop instruction from the control unit 105 (step 384: Yes). Here, it is presumed that the WRITE command is issued to system unit 203 together with three specified parameters. These parameters indicate respectively: the Fd that has been opened by the command OPEN as described above, the size of the data to be recorded, and a buffer (in this mode, the buffer of tracks 3a) that stores the data. data. The Fd specified by the parameter includes, as the file entry does, the information of a storage location of an extension and a length of the extension. The information represents the consecutive pseudo recording assigned in step 380. The Fd is updated each time the WRIT command is issued during the period between the opening and closing of the Fd. For the second or subsequent issuance of the WRITE order, additional information is written, after the area already recorded.

Upon receiving the stop instruction (step 384), the AV data recording unit 210 issues the command WRITE (step 387). The AV data recording unit 210 then issues the CLOSE command (step 388). The AV data recording unit 210 further informs the AV file management information generation unit 112 that has finished a recording of an AV file (VOB) (step 389). The AV data recording unit 210 then refers to the Fd (extension) of the recorded AV data to create or update the management information (step 390). That is, the AV data recording unit 210 creates a new piece of management information when an AV file is recorded for the first time; the AV data recording unit 210 updates the management information and the space bitmap when an AV file is additionally recorded. The created or updated administration information is recorded on the disk as a non-AV file via the unit 204 of the common file system. It should be noted here that the command WRITE is issued in step 387 to record the rest of the data in the track buffer on the disk. Also, the CLOSE command issued in step 255 is an order used to write back the Fd in the working memory on the DVD-RAM disk as a file identification descriptor, a file entry or the like on the disk. DVD-RAM. As apparent from the above description, when recording AV data, a DVD recording apparatus of the present embodiment dynamically assigns areas as consecutive pseudo recordings by referring to the space bitmap and the administration information. As a result, compared to the mode 1 DVD recorder apparatus, the DVD recorder apparatus of the present embodiment can use the data area on the optical disc more effectively since the data area does not include AV blocks which are sections Logically divided. (3) Mode 3 Mode 3 differs from mode 2 in that (1) the minimum size of the consecutive pseudo recording can be changed dynamically, and (2) the administration information of consecutive pseudo recordings is not used. The differences are described as follows: With respect to the above difference (1), the DVD recorder apparatus 10 of the present embodiment determines the minimum size of the consecutive pseudo recording according to the bit rate of a video object that is will actually encode, while mode 2, the minimum size of the consecutive pseudo-recording is set to a fixed length of approximately 7 MB to ensure consecutive playback of the AV data. With respect to the above difference (2), the DVD recorder apparatus 10 of the present embodiment does not use the administration information. In contrast, the DVD recorder apparatus 10 searches for unallocated areas by referring to the space bit map to assign areas as consecutive pseudo recordings to AV data to be recorded. (3-1) Minimum Size of Consecutive Pseudo Recording First, the reason for determining the minimum size of the consecutive pseudo recording as mentioned in difference (1) above is explained.

Figure 39 shows a model of AV data buffer in the track buffer, the AV data that is read from the DVD-RAM disk by a playback apparatus that plays a video object. This model is created based on the minimum specifications required for the playback device. Until these explanations are satisfied, uninterrupted reproduction is assured. In the upper part of Figure 39, the AV data read from the DVD-RAM disk is submitted to the ECC process. The processed AV data is then temporarily stored in the track buffer (FIFO memory), and sent to the decoder. In the drawing "Vr" represents an input transfer rate of the track buffer (data rate read from the optical disk), and "Vo" represents an output rate of the track buffer (speed of decoder input), where Vr >; Vo. In this model, Vr = 11 Mbps. The lower part of Figure 39 is a graph that shows the change in the amount of data from the track buffer in this model. In the graph, the vertical axis represents the amount of data in the track buffer. The horizontal axis represents time. The graph is based on the premise that a consecutive pseudo recording #j that has no bad sectors and a consecutive pseudo recording #k that has a bad sector are read in order. The "i" represents a time taken to read the complete AV data recorded in the consecutive pseudo recording #j that has no bad sectors. In this period, the amount of data in the track buffer increases the speed of (Vr - Vo). The "T2" (also referred to as a jump period) represents a time taken by the optical reader to jump from the consecutive pseudo recording #j to #k. The jump period includes the search time of the optical reader and the time required for the rotation of the optical disk to stabilize. The maximum jump period is equal to the time taken to jump from the innermost circuit to the outermost circuit. In this model, it is presumed that the maximum period is approximately 1500 mS. In this period T2, the amount of data in the track buffer decreases at the speed of Vo. A period that includes three periods "T3" to "T5" represents a time taken to read the complete AV data recorded in the consecutive pseudo recording #k that has a defective sector. Between these periods T3 to T5, the period T4 represents a time taken for the current ECC block that has a defective sector to jump and move to the next ECC block. The jump from the next ECC block is made when a defective sector is found in the current ECC block (16 sectors). This means, when a defective sector is found, the problem of the defective sector is solved by not using the complete ECC block (the 16 complete sectors) that includes the defective sector, not by logically replacing the defective sector with a replacement sector (block Replacement ECC). This method is called the ECC block jump method described above. Period T4 represents a disk rotation waiting time, where the maximum disk rotation waiting time is equal to a full disk rotation time. In this model, it is presumed that the maximum disk rotation wait time is approximately 105 mS. In period T3 and T5, the amount of data from the track buffer is increased at the rate of (Vr - Vo). In periods T4, the amount of data decreases at the speed of Vo. The size of the consecutive pseudo recording is represented as "N_ecc * 16 * 8 * 2048", where the "N_ecc" represents the total number of ECC blocks included in the consecutive pseudo recording. The smallest value of N_ecc, specifically the minimum size of the consecutive pseudo recording is calculated through the following procedure. In period T2, the AV data of the track buffer is read. Only this is done. If the capacity of the buffer becomes 0 during this period, a subflow occurs for the decoder. When this happens, the uninterrupted reproduction of the AV data can not be guaranteed, here, to ensure the interrupted reproduction of the AV data (in order not to generate the subflow), the following formula has been satisfied. < Formula 6 > (amount of storage B) = (amount of consumption R) The amount of storage B is the amount of data that has accumulated in the track buffer at the end of the TI period. The amount of consumption R is the total amount of data read during period T2. The storage quantity B is calculated using the following formula. < Formula 7 > (storage quantity B) = (period Tl) * (Vr-Vo) (reading time of a consecutive pseudo recording) * (Vr-Vo) = (L / Vr) * (Vr - Vo) = (N_ecc * 16 * 8 * 2048 / Vr) * (Vr-Vo) = (N ecc * 16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr) In this formula, "L" represents the size of the consecutive pseudo recording.

The amount of consumption R is calculated using the following formula. < Formula 8 > (amount of consumption R) = T2 * Vo Replacing both sides of Formula 6 respectively with formulas 7 and 8 gives us the following formula. < Formula 9 > (N ecc * 16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr) = T2 * Vo From Formula 9, it is derived that "N_ecc" representing the total number of ECC blocks included in the consecutive pseudo recording must satisfy the following formula to ensure the uninterrupted reproduction of the AV data. < Formula 10 > N ecc = Vo * Tj / ((16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr In this formula "Tj" represents the jump period that has already been described, the maximum jump period is approximately 1.5 seconds. "Vr" is a fixed value (in the model of the playback device shown in the upper part of Figure 39, Vr = 11 Mbps). Also, considering that the video object is represented by a variable bit rate, "Vo "is obtained from the following Formula 11. This is," Vo "is obtained from Formula 11 not as the maximum value of the physical transfer rate of the buffer transfer of tracks, but as a decoder input speed , substantial for the AV data represented by a variable bit rate .. Formula 11, with reference to the length of the consecutive pseudo-recording, N_package is the total number of packets included in the video object to be recorded in N_ecc blocks ECC . < Formula 11 > Vo = (length of the consecutive pseudo-recording (bits)) * (1 / consecutive pseudo-recording time (second)) (N_package * 2048 * 8) * (27M / SCR_primero_próximo_ SCR_primero_curriente)) In the previous formula "SCR_first_current" is a time (in 1 / (27 meg) seconds) in which the track buffer of the playback device must transfer the first packet of the video object, and SCR_first_prime is a time (in 1 / (27 megs) seconds) in which the track buffer of the playback apparatus must transfer the first packet of the next video object. As shown in formulas 10 and 11 above, the minimum size of the consecutive pseudo-recording can be calculated theoretically according to the bit rate of the AV data. Formula 10 can not be applied to a case where there are some bad sectors on the optical disc. This case is explained later in terms of the value of "N_ecc" required to ensure uninterrupted playback, the "N_ecc" representing the number of ECC blocks in the consecutive pseudo recording. It is assumed here that consecutive pseudo recording includes ECC blocks with bad sectors the number of which is represented as "dN_ecc". AV data is not recorded in the defective ECC blocks dN_ecc due to the ECC block jump described above. The lost time Ts generated when jumping the dN_ecc defective ECC blocks is represented as "T4 * dN ecc", where "T4" represents the jump time of ECC blocks for the model shown in Figure 39. With the above description taken into account , to ensure the uninterrupted reproduction of the AV data even if bad sectors are included, the consecutive pseudo recording needs to include as many ECC blocks as represented by the following formula. < Formula 12 > N_ecc > dN ecc + Vo * (Tj + Ts) / ((16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr)) As is apparent from the above description, the size of the consecutive pseudo-recording is calculated from Formula 10 when defective sectors are not included, and of Formula 12 when defective sectors are included. It should be noted here that when an AV data sequence of a plurality of consecutive pseudo recordings is composed, the first and last pseudo consecutive recordings need not satisfy Formula 10 or 12. This is because the last consecutive pseudo recording has no data Subsequent AV's, and that uninterrupted playback between the first and second consecutive pseudo-recordings is ensured by delaying the synchronization of the start of decoding, specifically when starting to supply data to the decoder after the track buffer stores a certain amount of data . (3-2) AV File Recording The recording of AV files in the DVD recorder 10 is described in detail. Figure 40 is a flow diagram showing the recording process in the DVD recorder apparatus of the present embodiment. The flow chart is the same as in Figure 38 except step 380 is replaced with step 400 and step 390 is cleared. The flow chart of Figure 40 is described by concentrating on the differences. When the user presses the RECORD button or when the "current time" reaches the "scheduled recording" start time, a recording start notification is sent to the recording / editing / playback control unit 105 via the unit 106 of the IF of the user. Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 105 allocates an area that is larger than the minimum size described above as a consecutive pseudo recording (step 400). More specifically, the control unit 105 calculates the current bit rate of the video object using formulas 10 and 11. However, here, a predetermined size satisfying the minimum size can be used, instead of the security of the video object. conveniences. The control unit 105 refers to the space bitmap and each allocation descriptor of the file management area to detect the unallocated areas on the optical disk, creates a list of free space showing the detected areas, designates an area between the detected areas that are larger than the minimum size as a consecutive pseudo recording. When doing so, an area that includes a zone boundary is created as two unassigned areas, before and after the zone boundary. Figure 41 shows a list of free space. In the drawing, the "start sector" column shows the start sector numbers of the unassigned areas; the column "final sector" shows the numbers of final sectors of the non-designated areas; and the "attribute" column shows if the corresponding areas are assigned. The "Free" shown in the drawing indicates that the corresponding area is not assigned. Assuming that the minimum size is determined to be approximately 7 MB (3500 sectors), it is found that the area designated cl is less than this value, and the unassigned areas c2 and c3 are both larger than this value. In this case, the recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105 allocates unassigned areas c2 and c3 as consecutive pseudo-recording.

The same steps as in Figure 38 follow the previous step. It should be noted here that when recording AV data, the AV data recording unit 210 uses the unassigned areas located on the innermost first side when referring to the free space list, followed by the unassigned areas in the order from the innermost to the outermost areas of the optical disc. It is also noted that the free space list is not recorded on the optical disc. Figure 42 is a flow diagram detailing the method of designation of the consecutive pseudo recording performed in step 400 of Figure 40. The control unit 105 refers to the space bitmap and each allocation descriptor of the area of file management to detect unallocated areas on the optical disk (step 221). By doing so, the control unit 105 may neglect areas that are too small to record AV data (eg, several hundred kilobytes in size). The control unit 105 creates the free space list based on the unassigned areas detected (step 422). When doing so, an area that includes a zone boundary is treated as two unassigned areas, before and after the zone boundary. It should be noted here that the control unit 105 judges whether an area includes a zone boundary when acquiring unit 103 of the AV file system, that is, when issuing the command SEARCH_DISCON shown in Figure 21. The positions of the limits of The area on the optical disk is fixed in advance, and stored and managed by the unit 103 of the AV file system. In addition, the control unit 105 determines the minimum size of the consecutive pseudo recording using Formulas 10 and 11 (step 423). Here, when defective sectors are found, the control unit 105 uses Formulas 12 and 11. To simplify this process, the control unit 105 can determine the minimum size of the consecutive pseudo-recording using a given bit rate of the AV data. in advance according to the image quality (for example, a quality classified as "high", "normal", "and" assuring the time "shown in Figure 24), an expected proportion of defective sectors, and a margin.

The recording / editing / reproducing control unit 105 then allocates an area in which the detected areas is greater than the minimum size as a consecutive pseudo recording, and determines the recording order (step 424). The order is determined to be, for example, from the lowermost side to the outermost side of the disk so that the search movement is as small as possible. As described above, when recording AV data, the DVD recorder apparatus of the present mode dynamically assigns unassigned areas as consecutive pseudo recordings by referring to the space bit map and each allocation descriptor of the file management area. As a result, different from mode 2, the DVD recorder apparatus of the present embodiment dynamically assigns pseudo consecutive recordings to record AV data, without recording the allocation management information of the consecutive pseudo recordings. It should be noted here that in mode 3, the free space list is created for each recording. However, the DVD recorder can create the list of free space when the optical disc is loaded into the optical disc drive, and can update the free space list each time the DVD recorder records the AV data. Also, the DVD recorder can create and record the list of space on the optical disc, referring to the list of recorded space before recording AV data, and updating the list after the AV data recording. The present invention has been fully described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless these changes and modifications depart from the scope of the invention, they should be considered as being included herein.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL USE As apparent from the above description, the optical disc recording apparatus of the present invention is suitable for recording AV data on a random access optical disk and ensuring uninterrupted playback by a playback apparatus. The optical disc of the present invention is suitable for recording AV data to ensure uninterrupted playback by a playback apparatus. The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention is run on a computer that includes a recording / playback unit for optical discs, and is suitable for recording AV data to ensure uninterrupted playback.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the present invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property:

Claims (25)

1. An optical disc recording apparatus for recording a video object on an optical disc, and wherein: a recording area of the optical disc is divided into a plurality of zones each of which includes a plurality of adjacent tracks, and includes the sector information showing the data allocation for the sectors in the optical disk, the optical disk recording apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: a reading means for reading the sector information of the optical disk; a recording medium for recording the video object on the optical disc; and a control means for controlling the reading means and the recording medium, wherein the control means: detects at least a series of unassigned, consecutive sectors on the optical disk when referring to the sector information read, each series that has a total size greater than a minimum size and that is located within a single zone, the minimum size corresponding to a quantity of data that ensures the uninterrupted reproduction of the video object; and controls the recording medium to record the video object in the detected series.

2. The optical disc recording apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: the control means generates the administration information that shows the areas of the optical disc where the video object has been recorded by the recording medium and controls the medium of recording to record the management information generated on the optical disk, and when the reading means of the optical disk management information, the control means refers to the management information read as well as to the information of sectors to detect the series.

3. The optical disc recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: the recording area of the optical disk is divided into a plurality of sectors of 2KB, with each set of 16 consecutive sectors forming an ECC block, the object of video is composed of a plurality of packets, each packet having a size of 2 KB, the minimum size is the number of ECC blocks that is represented as "N_ECC" in the following formula: N_ecc = Vo * Tj / ((16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr)), where "Tj" represents a maximum jump time of an optical player of a playback device, "Vr" represents an input transfer rate (Mbps) of a memory intermediate of tracks of the reproduction apparatus, and "Vo" represents an effective output transfer rate (Mbps) of the track buffer.

4. The optical disc recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: the recording area of the optical disk is divided into a plurality of sectors of 2KB, with each set of 16 consecutive sectors forming an ECC block, the object of video is composed of a plurality of packets, each packet having a size of 2 KB, the minimum size is the number of ECC blocks that is represented as "N_ECC" in the following formula: N_ecc = Vo * Tj / ((16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr)), where dN_ecc is a number of ECC blocks, in a series of non-assigned, consecutive sectors, which includes bad sectors, "Tj" represents a maximum jump time of a reader optical of a reproduction apparatus, "Vr" represents an input transfer rate (Mbps) of a track buffer of the reproduction apparatus, and "Vo" represents an effective output transfer rate (Mbps) of the buffer of clues.

5. The optical disc recording apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the effective transfer rate Vo is found according to the following formula: Vo = (N_package * 2048 * 8) * (27M / (SCR_primero_próximo - SCR_first_current) where N_package is the total number of packages included in the video object that should be written to the N_ecc ECC blocks, SCR_first_current is a time (in 1 / (27 mega) seconds) in which the track buffer of the playback apparatus must transfer the first pack of the video object, and SCR_first_primer is a time (in 1 / (27 mega) seconds) in which the memory Intermediate tracks of the playback device must transfer the first pack of the next video object.

6. A computer-readable recording medium that pre-stores a file management program for recording a video object on an optical disc, the file management program that is run by a computer that includes: a reading unit for reading the data from an optical disk; and a recording unit for recording the data on the optical disk, characterized in that: a recording area of the optical disc is divided into a plurality of zones each of which includes a plurality of adjacent tracks, and includes the information of sectors that shows the data allocation for the sectors in the optical disk, the file management program that includes the following steps to be executed by the computer: a reading step to read the information of sectors of the optical disk; a detection step to detect at least a series of unallocated, consecutive sectors in the optical disk when referring to information se sectors, read, each series that has a total size greater than a minimum size that is located within a zone individual, the minimum size that corresponds to a quantity of data that ensures the uninterrupted reproduction of the video object; and a recording step to record the video object in the detected series.

7. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 6, characterized in that: the file management program additionally includes the following steps to be executed by the computer: a step of generating administration information to generate the administration information that shows the areas of the optical disc where the video object has been recorded in the recording step; and a recording step of the administration information for recording the management information generated on the optical disk, wherein the management information read is referenced as well as the sector information to detect the series in the detection step when the Administration information is read from the optical disk in the reading medium.

8. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 6, characterized in that: the recording area of the optical disk is divided into a plurality of sectors of 2KB, with each set of 16 consecutive sectors forming an ECC block, the object of video is composed of a plurality of packets, each packet having a size of 2 KB, the minimum size is the number of ECC blocks that is represented as "N_ECC" in the following formula: N_ecc = Vo * Tj / ((16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr)), where "Tj" represents a maximum jump time of an optical player of a playback device, "Vr" represents an input transfer rate (Mbps) of a memory intermediate of tracks of the reproduction apparatus, and "Vo" represents an effective output transfer rate (Mbps) of the track buffer.

9. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 6, characterized in that: the recording area of the optical disk is divided into a plurality of sectors of 2KB, with each set of 16 consecutive sectors forming an ECC block, the object of video is composed of a plurality of packets, each packet having a size of 2 KB, the minimum size is the number of ECC blocks that is represented as "N_ECC" in the following formula: N_ecc = dN_ecc + Vo * Tj / (( 16 * 8 * 2048) * (1-Vo / Vr)), where dN_ecc is a number of blocks ecc, in a series of consecutive unallocated sectors, which includes bad sectors, "Tj" represents a maximum jump time of an optical reader of a reproduction apparatus, "Vr" represents an input transfer rate (Mbps) of a track buffer of the reproduction apparatus, and "Vo" represents an effective output transfer rate (Mbps) of the buffer of clues.10. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the effective transfer rate Vo is found according to the following formula:

Vo = (N_package * 2048 * 8) * (27M / (SCR_primer-next -SCR_first_current) where N_package is the total number of packages included in the video object that should be recorded in the N_ecc blocks ECC, SCR_first_current is a time (in 1 / (27 mega) seconds) in which the track buffer of the playback apparatus must transfer the first pack of the video object, and SCR_first_primer is a time (in 1 / (27 mega) seconds) in which the memory Intermediate tracks of the playback device must transfer the first pack of the next video object.

11. A computer-readable optical disk that includes a data recording area, characterized in that: the data recording area is divided into a plurality of zones each of which includes a plurality of adjacent tracks, and the data recording area includes: the information is sectors that shows the designation of data for the sectors in the optical disk; and the management information showing the areas of the optical disk where a video object has been recorded and located within a single zone.

12. A computer-readable optical disk that includes a data recording area, characterized in that: the data recording area is divided into a plurality of blocks each of which includes a plurality of consecutive sectors, and the data recording area includes: an area to record sector information that shows the data allocation for sectors on the optical disk; and an administration area for recording the block information showing the data allocation for the blocks on the optical disk.

13. The computer readable optical disk according to claim 12, characterized in that: when the block information shows which blocks have been assigned to the data that is composed mainly of video data, the sector information shows that all sectors in the assigned blocks have been assigned.

14. The computer readable optical disk according to claim 12, characterized in that: a block size, represented "L" satisfies the following formula: L > T * Ventrada * Vout (/ Ventrada-Vsalida), where "L" (bits) represents the size of the block, "T" (seconds) represents a search time of a reproduction device, "Ventrada" represents a transfer speed of entry (Mbps) a buffer of the reproduction apparatus, and "Vout" represents an effective output transfer rate (Mbps) of the buffer.

15. The computer readable optical disk according to claim 14, characterized in that: when the block information shows which blocks have been assigned to the data that is not video data, the sector information shows between which sectors in the allocated blocks, only the sectors that record the data have been assigned.

16. The computer readable optical disk according to claim 14, characterized in that: the data recording area is divided into a plurality of zones that can each include a plurality of adjacent tracks, and each of the plurality of blocks is included in any of the plurality of zones.

17. The computer readable optical disk according to claim 14, characterized in that: the blocks in each zone have the same size except for a block that is adjacent to a zone boundary, and the block that is adjacent to the zone boundary has a size which is equal to or greater than the size of the other blocks.

18. The computer readable optical disk according to claim 17, characterized in that: the block that is adjacent to the zone boundary includes a sector having a maximum sector address in the current zone, and the administration area includes a table of maximum length of block that shows, for each zone, the sizes of blocks each of which includes the sector that has the maximum direction of the sector in an area.

19. The computer readable optical disk according to claim 17, characterized in that: an error correction code is attached to each predetermined number of consecutive sectors, and each block is composed of an integral multiple of the predetermined number of consecutive sectors.

20. An optical disc recording apparatus for recording data on an optical disc including: a data recording area divided into a plurality of sectors, and administration area for recording the sector information showing the data allocation for sectors in the optical disk and the block information showing the data allocation for the blocks in the optical disk, the optical disk recording apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: a reading means for reading the information of blocks and the sector information of the disk optical; a means of judging a type of data to record or erase the data, the type that is classified into a first type and a second type; a first means of specifying to specify, when the judgment means that the data is of the first type, based on the information of blocks read, any of: unassigned blocks in which the data will be recorded: and blocks in the which data has already been recorded; a second means of specification to specify, when the judgment means that the data is of the second type, based on the sector information read, any of: unassigned sectors in which the data will be recorded; and sectors in which the data has been recorded; a means of updating data to either record and erase the data of the first type in / from the blocks specified by the first means of specification and to either record and erase the data of the second type in / from the sectors specified by the second means of specification; and an allocation update means for updating at least one of the sector information and the block information according to the operations of the data update medium.

21. The optical disc recording apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that: the allocation update means includes: a means of updating block information to update, when the first specification means specifies unassigned blocks, the information of blocks by changing the indication of the specified blocks from "unassigned" to "assigned"; and a means of updating the information of sectors to update, when the updating means of the block information updates the block information by changing the indication of the specified blocks from "not assigned" to "assigned", updates the information of sectors by changing the indication of all sectors included in the specified blocks from "unassigned" to "assigned".

22. The optical disc recording apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that: the block information update means, when the first specification means specifies the blocks that are assigned to a piece of data of the first type to be erased, updates the block information by changing the indication of the specified blocks from "assigned" to "unassigned", and the means for updating the sector information, when the updating means of the block information updates the block information to change the indication of the specified blocks from "assigned" to "unassigned", update the sector information by changing the indication of all sectors included in the specified blocks from "assigned" to "unassigned".

23. The optical disc recording apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that: the block information shows each block is: (1) data not assigned; (2) assigned first type data that are mainly composed of video data; or (3) assigned second type data which is composed primarily of data different from the first type data, wherein the allocation update means includes: a first update means for updating block information; and a second update means for updating the information of sectors, where the first update means, when the second update means updates the information of sectors when changing the indication of any of the sectors included in the unassigned blocks "assigned" , updates the block information by changing the indication of unassigned blocks "from" unassigned "a" assigned to data of the second type ", and the second update means, when the first update means updates block information to change the indication of the blocks from "not assigned" to "assigned to data of the first type", update the information of sectors when changing the information of all the sectors included in the blocks to "assigned".

24. A computer-readable recording medium that pre-stores a file management program for recording data on an optical disc including: a data recording area divided into a plurality of sectors; and a management area for recording the sector information showing the data allocation for the sectors on the optical disk and the block information showing the data allocation for the blocks on the optical disk, the file management program that it includes the following steps to be executed by the computer: a reading step to read the information of blocks and information of sectors of the optical disc; a judgment step to judge a type of data to record or erase the data, the type that is classified into a first type and a second type; a first step of specification to specify, when in the judgment step it judges that the data is of the first type, based on the information of blocks read, any of: blocks not assigned in which the data will be recorded: and blocks in which data have already been recorded; a second specification step to specify, when in the judgment step it judges that the data is of the second type, based on the sector information read, any of: unassigned sectors in which the data will be recorded; and sectors in which the data has been recorded; a step of updating data to either record and delete the data of the first type in / from the blocks specified by the first means of specification and to either record and erase the data of the second type in / from the sectors specified by the second specification step; and an allocation update step for updating at least one of the sector information and block information according to the operations in the data update step.

25. The computer-readable recording medium according to claim 24, characterized in that: the update updating step includes: a step of updating block information to update, when the first specification step specifies unassigned blocks, the information of blocks by changing the indication of the specified blocks from "unassigned" to "assigned"; and a step of updating the information of sectors to update, when the updating step of the block information updates the block information when the indication of the specified blocks changes from "unassigned" to "assigned", the sector information by changing the indication of all sectors included in the specified blocks from "not assigned" to "assigned".