WO2005041174A1

WO2005041174A1 - Information recording device, information recording method, and recording medium containing program

Info

Publication number: WO2005041174A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/010486
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sasaki
Original assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-10-22
Filing date: 2004-07-23
Publication date: 2005-05-06
Also published as: JP2005129120A

Abstract

A controller (9) identifies an already-recorded area and not-recorded area in a recording area according to bit map information in the FDCB on the DVD+RW disc (12) as an information recording medium on which overwrite can be performed. When recording data on the already-recorded area, the controller (9) sets a first recording speed at which data can be overwritten. When recording data on the non-recorded area, the controller (9) sets a second recording speed which is higher than the first recording speed. Thus, data is recorded at random.

Description

Specification

Information recording apparatus, information recording method, and recording medium recording program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus and an information recording apparatus for performing random recording on an information recording medium on which data can be overwritten, such as a CD-RW disc, a DVD-RW disc, a DVD + RW disc, and a DVD-RAM disc. The present invention relates to a recording method and a recording medium on which a program is recorded.

Background art

[0002] As one of information recording media on which data can be overwritten, there are a CD-RW disc and a DVD + RW disc using a phase change material as a recording material.

[0003] These phase change materials have a reversible change property, and are rapidly cooled after being given heat, become an amorphous (non-crystalline) state having a low reflectivity. By taking advantage of the fact that a crystal state with high reflectivity is obtained by gradually cooling the crystal, a mark in an amorphous state is formed with the crystal state as an unrecorded or erased state.

[0004] CD-RW discs and DVD + RW discs are so-called one-beam overwritable phase-change information recording media, and the erasing and re-recording steps can be performed by one focused light beam.

For example, in a DVD + RW disc, by irradiating 8Z16 modulated recording information with a multipulse laser emission waveform (write strategy), two states having different reflectances between a crystalline state and an amorphous state can be obtained. Can produce.

Here, in the overwriteable phase change medium, in order to form an amorphous mark, it is necessary to heat the recording layer to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point and then rapidly cool the recording layer. If the cooling rate is low, recrystallization is likely to occur. In general, the higher the recording speed, the higher the cooling speed, and the lower the recording speed, the lower the cooling speed.

[0007] In order to erase non-crystalline marks, that is, to re-crystallize, it is necessary to maintain the recording layer at a temperature higher than its crystallization temperature and close to its melting point. When the temperature is low, crystallization itself does not occur, and even when the temperature is too high, there is a possibility that it will melt and re-crystallize.

[0008] In order to reduce the erasure remaining, at least the width of the amorphous mark is set to the above-mentioned temperature. It is necessary to hold for a certain time.

However, the temperature distribution in the beam running direction and the mark width direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the beam running direction, becomes steeper as the speed at the time of overwriting is generally higher. Is difficult to maintain for a certain period of time.

[0010] As described above, recording on a rewritable information recording medium using a phase change material requires the erasure of a recording mark, and therefore, compared to a write-once information recording medium that does not require data erasure. Recording speed tends to be limited.

[0011] Therefore, while the phase change type information recording medium can rewrite data, there is a problem that the recording performance required by the user is lower than that of the write-once type information recording medium.

[0012] In order to solve such a problem, conventionally, an information recording method for performing recording at a speed higher than an overwrite speed for recording on a phase change type information recording medium only for recording on a data non-recorded portion is conventionally used. And an information recording device (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0013] Normally, a phase change type information recording medium is commercially available with the entire surface unrecorded, so that it is not necessary to erase the recording mark in the case of the first recording.

[0014] In the conventional information recording method and information recording apparatus described above, if the phase change type information recording medium is in the initial state or in a completely erased and crystalline state, there is no need to perform erasing (overwriting) requiring crystallization. Focusing on the point that only recording (non-crystallization) is required, phase-change information recording is performed by performing the first recording (for example, formatting) on a commercially available optical disc at a higher speed than the recording speed at the time of overwriting. It enables the improvement of recording performance for media.

Here, a format process for a CD-RW disc and a DVD + RW disc will be described.

[0016] As a file system using an information recording medium on which such data can be overwritten (rewritable), there is a Universal Disc Format (UDF). UDF is a file system that uses a recording format that is used on various devices and generates the characteristics of each optical disc.

[0017] For example, it is possible to overwrite data on CD-RW discs and DVD + RW discs. Therefore, a random UDF that randomly records and reproduces data is used.

When recording is performed using a random UDF, it is necessary to record (format) the entire area to be accessed with dummy data in advance.

[0019] However, since the format completely fills the entire surface of the disk or the specified area with the dummy data, there is a problem that the processing time of the format increases in proportion to the increase in the capacity of the information recording medium.

[0020] Conventionally, in order to solve such a problem, an information recording / reproducing apparatus (eg, an information recording / reproducing apparatus) capable of recording and reproducing data requested by a user in a short time after a format request is performed in the background. And Patent Document 2) have been proposed.

In such a conventional information recording / reproducing apparatus, the same background format processing is adopted for a DVD + RW disc which is related to the background format processing for a CD-RW disc.

[0022] In the background format, in response to a format request from the user, only a part of the lead-in area is recorded (initial processing) and the format completion is notified to the user, and the remaining area is not accessed by the user. Use dummy time to record dummy data. In other words, in the background format, for the format processing requested by the user, the processing up to the initial processing is performed in the foreground, and the processing after the initial processing is performed in the background.

[0023] In addition, since the format completion is notified to the user when the initial processing is completed, the format is completed to the user after the initial processing, that is, the dummy data recording in all the remaining areas is completed. You need to behave.

For example, when a user requests recording in an area before dummy data recording, recording must be performed even if this area has not been recorded, and recording data must be read normally. .

Further, when a reproduction request is received from the user for the area before the recording of the dummy data, it is necessary to generate predetermined data (dummy data recording pattern) and transfer it to the user.

When the data recording process and the data reproduction process requested by the user have been completed, the dummy data recording in the knock-ground format is started. At this time, since it is necessary to perform dummy data recording while avoiding the area recorded by the user, there are many information recording apparatuses that hold information on a recorded area intermittently present on an optical disc. As described above, when performing the background format, the dummy data recording by the format and the data recording requested by the user are performed in parallel.

Patent document 1: JP 2000-11380

Patent Document 2: JP-A-11-134799

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0028] However, in the conventional information recording method and information recording apparatus described above, that is, in recording on a phase change information recording medium such as a CD-RW disc or a DVD + RW disc, recording on an unrecorded area is exceeded. When applying recording that is faster than the writable recording speed to the background format, the following problems occur.

In the conventional information recording method and information recording apparatus described above, it is assumed that the entire area to be formatted in the format processing is unrecorded. In the background format, dummy data is recorded in the unrecorded area. The user is required to randomly record data before completing the process.

Therefore, in the background format, the dummy data recording and the recording requested by the user are performed in a state where the data recorded area and the unrecorded area exist in the recording area at random.

For example, it is possible to perform high-speed recording if the area is unrecorded with respect to the recording requested by the user, and if high-speed recording is performed when the recording area is already recorded, a recording mark There is a problem that the recorded data cannot be read properly because the data cannot be erased sufficiently.

[0032] That is, when the format processing is performed at a high-speed recording and the subsequent user data recording is performed at a speed at which an overwrite can be performed, the speed switching is not sufficient. Cannot take full advantage of the advantages of doing with

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and corrects the recording state of a recording area requested by a user for an information recording medium on which data is randomly recorded in an unrecorded area. It is an object of the present invention to make full use of the advantage that it is possible to perform recording only in an unrecorded area at high speed by discriminating and switching the speed.

Means for solving the problem

[0034] Recording means for randomly recording data in a recording area of an information recording medium on which data can be overwritten, identification means for identifying a recorded area and an unrecorded area in the recording area, An information recording apparatus comprising: setting means for setting an optimum recording speed in the recorded area and the unrecorded area identified by the identification means.

[0035] A recording step of randomly recording data in a recording area of an information recording medium on which data can be overwritten, an identification step of identifying a recorded area and an unrecorded area in the recording area, An information recording method comprising: a setting step of setting an optimum recording speed in the recorded area identified by the identification step with respect to a step and an unrecorded area.

[0036] A recording procedure for randomly recording data in a recording area of an information recording medium in which data can be overwritten, an identification procedure for identifying a recorded area and an unrecorded area in the recording area, and And a recording medium storing a program for executing a setting procedure for setting an optimum recording speed in the recorded area and the unrecorded area identified by the identification procedure with respect to the recording procedure.

The invention's effect

An information recording apparatus, an information recording method, and a recording medium according to the present invention are capable of accurately identifying a recording state of a recording area requested by a user for an information recording medium in which data is randomly recorded in an unrecorded area, By switching between them, it is possible to make full use of the advantage that it is possible to perform recording only in the unrecorded area at high speed.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a program configuration diagram.

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing a laser emission waveform of one-beam overwrite in the information recording device shown in FIG. 1.

4 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording process in a background format and a background format in the information recording device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an FDCB for storing bitmap information of a DVD + RW disc 12.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording process in an area including an undefined area where a recorded area and an unrecorded area cannot be identified in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording speed setting process in a case where a recorded area and an unrecorded area coexist within a predetermined range of at least the minimum recording unit or more after the start address in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording process in the case where a background format is resumed on a DVD + RW disc on which a TLO has been recorded in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a format process in the information recording device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a data recording process in a background format in the information recording device shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a day process in a background format in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 motor

2 Optical pickup

3 Coarse motor

4 Rotation control system

5 Coarse motor control system

6 Optical pickup control system

7 Signal processing system

8 Cache memory

9 Controller

10 Outer interface

11 Host computer 30 CPU

31 ROM

32 RAM

33 Recording section

34 Identification unit

35 Setting section

36 No No GROUND FORMAT

37 Knock ground format recording speed setting section

38 Interruption

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. is there

This information recording device is an optical disk drive such as a DVD + RW drive for recording data on an information recording medium (optical disk) on which data can be overwritten, such as a DVD + RW disk, and a spindle motor for rotating the optical disk 12. And the like, a rotation control system unit 4 for controlling the rotation of the motor 1, and an optical pickup 2 for irradiating the optical disc 12 with a laser beam L for recording and reproducing data.

Further, the information recording device includes an optical pickup control system section 6 for controlling the light emission drive of the laser beam L by the optical pickup 2, and a coarse movement motor for moving the optical pickup 2 in the radial direction of the optical disk 12. 3, a coarse motor control system unit 5 for controlling the rotational drive of the coarse motor 3, and a signal processing system unit 7 for controlling the input / output of the reproduction signal from the optical pickup 2 and the recording signal to the optical pickup 2. And a microcomputer controller 9 having the same functions as the CPU 30, the ROM 31, and the RAM 32. The controller 9 performs a process of an information recording method according to the present invention described later.

Note that various programs including the program according to the present invention are recorded on a recording medium such as the ROM 31 and the RAM 32. By executing the procedure of the program, the present invention The function of each means is realized. Other recording media include a removable disk such as a CD-ROM and a hard disk.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of these means is realized by a recording unit 33, an identification unit 34, a setting unit 35, a background format unit 36, a knock ground format recording speed setting unit 37, and an interruption unit 38. Is done.

Furthermore, the information recording device temporarily stores data such as data to be recorded on the optical disk 12 and data reproduced from the optical disk 12, and temporarily stores the data when the controller 9 executes various processes. It also has a cache memory (buffer memory) 8 used as an area for storing data in an external memory, and an external interface 10 for exchanging data with an externally connected host computer 11.

[0047] The host computer 11 is realized by a microcomputer having the same functions as the CPU 30, the ROM 31, and the RAM 32 as described above, and instructs the information recording apparatus to record data and reproduce data. The host computer 11 also performs processing for generating recording data and using reproduction data obtained from the information recording / reproducing device.

Hereinafter, as the information recording medium (optical disk) 12 on which data can be overwritten in the above information recording apparatus, the information recording medium 12 conforms to the DVD + RW standard (format of the rewritable DVD standard standardized by the DVD + RW Alliance). An example in which a DVD + RW disc is used will be described. Therefore, the DVD + RW disc 12 is hereinafter referred to as a DVD + RW disc 12.

[0049] The controller 9 performs minimum recording on the DVD + RW disc 12 as information on the positions of a recorded area and an unrecorded area that are mixed in an area where data is randomly recorded in the background format for formatting in the background. The management table information (bit map information) indicating the data recording state by a 1-bit flag for each ECC block (16 sectors) as a unit is recorded in a predetermined area in the lead-in area on the DVD + RW disc 12.

[0050] Then, the controller 9 reads the bitmap information from the lead-in area of the DVD + RW disc 12, holds the bitmap information in the cache memory 8, and receives a recording request from the host computer 11; Referring to the bitmap information, the recording area within the recording area is identified as a recording area or an unrecorded area. Data recording is performed by setting the optimum recording speed in the recorded area and the unrecorded area.

[0051] It should be noted that even if the bitmap information does not exist in the lead-in area, even in an information recording apparatus that performs random data recording on a disc, data recording is performed randomly in an unrecorded area. Any information recording device that retains information on the positions of the recorded area and the unrecorded area in the cache memory may be used, and the management table information (bitmap information) may not be in the form of a bitmap.

FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram showing a laser emission waveform of one-beam overwriting in the information recording device shown in FIG.

[0053] In the DVD + RW disc 12, the laser emission waveform (write strategy) according to the multi-noise shown in the figure is applied to the 8/16 modulated EFM (NRZI) recording information (recording data). The data (information) is recorded by irradiating and creating two states with different reflectivities, crystalline state (erased) and amorphous state (recorded), as shown in the group in the figure.

[0054] In the period A shown in the figure, it becomes an amorphous state (amorphous), and in the period B it becomes a crystalline state. Period A is a repetitive multi-pulse waveform of write power Pw and read power Pr, and a pit train having a width of 3T to 11T is formed depending on the pulse length (number of pulses) of the repetitive multipulse. The crystal state between the pits is formed by the laser light of erase power Pe. As a result, 8/16 modulated pits similar to those of a read-only DVD are formed, and the recorded information can be reproduced according to the read signal shown in FIG.

Next, in the background format of the information recording apparatus, dummy data recording is performed by referring to the bitmap information and avoiding a recorded area where data from the host computer 11 is randomly recorded.

That is, recording in the format is basically recording in an unrecorded area (however, when a DVD + RW disc being formatted is inserted, one ECC block immediately before the recorded area becomes an undefined area). It is possible to perform faster than the speed at which overwriting is possible. Therefore, the controller 9 sets the recording speed at the time of formatting in the background to a higher recording speed than the recording speed at which data can be overwritten, and performs the formatting.

FIG. 4 shows a background format and a background format in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording process during a ground format.

When receiving a format request from the host computer 11 for the blank DVD (unrecorded) DVD + RW disc 12, the controller 9 reads the lead-in area (Lead in Area) on the DVD + RW disc 12. ) Is only recorded (initial processing), the format completion is notified to the host computer 11, and then the unrecorded area (data area) in the recording area is recorded with dummy data. (See (a) in Fig. 4).

In the above-described initial processing, the FDCB (Formatting) is an area for storing management table information (bitmap information) on the positions of a recorded area and an unrecorded area that are mixed in an area where data is randomly recorded in the background format. Disc Control Cock) is recorded in a predetermined area in the lead-in area, and bitmap information is recorded in the FDCB by data recording and format. The bitmap information in the FDCB is copied into the cache memory 8.

[0060] Since the initial processing for a blank disk is recording in an unrecorded area, the controller 9 sets the recording speed for formatting in the background higher than the recording speed at which data can be overwritten. Set the recording speed (recording speed higher than the overwrite speed) and format.

Next, when the controller 9 receives a data recording request from the host computer 11 after notifying the host computer 11 of the completion of the format, the controller 9 suspends the dummy data recording and stops the requested data recording (( (b) user data) (see (b) in Fig. 4).

At this time, the controller 9 refers to the FDCB bitmap information in the cache memory 8 to identify the recording state of the requested recording area and switch the recording speed.

That is, the controller 9 identifies the area designated as the recording destination in the recording area as a recording area or an unrecorded area based on the bitmap information, and determines the recording area as the recording area according to the identification result. Data recording is performed by setting an optimum recording speed in an unrecorded area.

[0064] In (b) of the figure, the recording area where the host computer 11 has requested the recording of the user data is all the unrecorded area, and the controller 9 sets the first recording speed at which overwriting is possible (overwriting). User data recording is performed at the second recording speed higher than (speed). After the user data is recorded, the bitmap information corresponding to the recording area is “recorded”. Set to

Further, when the recording of the user data requested by the host computer 11 is completed, the recording of the dummy data in the background format is resumed (see (c) of FIG. 4).

Here, by referring to the bitmap information in the cache memory 8, the area where the recording is not performed is recorded by the dummy data.

[0067] Therefore, the dummy data recording is basically a recording in an unrecorded area, and is performed by the controller.

9 sets a recording speed higher than a recording speed at which data can be overwritten, that is, a recording speed higher than an overwrite speed, as a recording speed when formatting in the background.

[0068] As described above, the dummy data recording in the format is a recording in an area that has been confirmed to be unrecorded by the bitmap information, and is basically a recording in an unrecorded area. No problem.

[0069] With respect to the recording area where the dummy data is recorded according to the format, the bitmap information corresponding to the position information of the recording area is set to "recorded".

Here, when the host computer 11 again receives the user data recording request for the area A shown in FIG. 4D, the controller 9 sends the area A1 from the bitmap information in the cache memory 8 to the area A1. Is a recorded area and the area A2 is an unrecorded area.

Accordingly, in response to the user data recording request to the area A, the controller 9 first shifts the area A1 to a first recording speed (overwriting speed) at which overwriting is possible (overwriting is possible), and Then, the area A2 is shifted to a second recording speed higher than the overwrite speed (first recording speed) to record user data.

As described above, by identifying the recording state in the data area with reference to the bitmap information, even if the recording is random in an area in which the recording area and the unrecorded area are mixed, the optimum recording state can be obtained. Recording can be performed by setting the recording speed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of the FDCB for storing bitmap information of the DVD + RW disc 12.

[0074] The FDCB is data management information composed of 1 ECC blocks (16 sectors) for storing general information related to recording in the background format, and is a predetermined area in the lead-in area. Is recorded to

[0075] The content 'descriptor (Contents Descriptor) is an ID indicating what DCB the DCB is.

[0076] In the case of FDCB, 46444300 force is recorded in this area. The first three bytes are the ASCII code "FDC" and the last byte is the version number.

[0077] Next, in the case where an unknown ID is recorded in the content "descriptor" (Content Descriptor) in the "Unknown Content Descriptor Actions", that is, when the information recording apparatus is used. It records the restrictions that the information recording device must make when the DCB is not supported. The contents of the restrictions include restrictions S such as prohibition of recording and formatting of the data area.

[0078] In the drive ID (Drive ID), information on the information recording device that records the FDCB is recorded.

[0079] The information below the FDCB update count (FDCB update count) is information on the background format and is information specific to the FDCB.

[0080] In the FDCB update 'count (FDCB update count), the number of times the FDCB has been updated is recorded.

[0081] Formatting "Status" and "mode" indicates the status of the background format (during formatting, completion of format, or recording status of lead-out).

[0082] The last written address (LWA) is a continuous data record.

This is the last address (including the dummy data). When restarting the background format, record the LWA dummy data.

[0083] The last "verified" address (Last verified address (LVA)) is the last address that is continuously verified. If verification is not performed, "00" is recorded.

[0084] The bitmap "start" address (Bitmap start address) is an address in the data area indicated by the first bit of the bitmap area.

[0085] Bitmap 'length (Bitmap length) indicates the size of the effective bitmap area. You. The entity of the bitmap area is recorded in the formatting bitmap, and the information of the recording area and the unrecorded area that are mixed in the data area is stored in this area.

[0086] The area managed by the bitmap information of the DVD + RW disc 12 ranges from the address specified by the bitmap 'start' address (Bitmap start address) to the bitmap length (Bitmap length). The data in the area before the address indicated by the bitmap start address (Bitmap start address) must be recorded.

[0087] That is, the bitmap 'start' address (Bitmap start address) must be set before the LWA.

[0088] The disc ID (Disc ID) records # 3 information unique to the disc.

[0089] The application dependent (Application dependent) is reserved as an area for recording information to be used for a specific purpose in the future, and "00" is recorded.

[0090] List of DCBs (List of DCBs) records DCB information existing in the lead-in area.

[0091] The DVD + RW disc 12 can record up to 16 types of DCBs on the disc, and the list "DCBs" (List of DCBs) contains the content of each DCB "Descriptor (Content Descriptor)". Is recorded.

[0092] When only the FDCB exists on the disc, only the FDCB content descriptor (Content Descriptor) is recorded in this area, and "00" is recorded for the rest. Reserved and set to (00) is a reserved area for future use.

[0093] The bitmap information in the FDCB is copied in the cache memory 8 of the information recording device, and the bitmap information in the cache memory 8 is updated after data recording.

Therefore, it is not necessary to re-record the FDCB in the lead-in area every time data is recorded, and it is sufficient to update the contents of the FDCB in the lead-in area of the DVD + RW disc 12 at a predetermined timing such as disc ejection. .

[0095] Further, as information on the positions of the recorded area and the unrecorded area in the data area, a bit It does not need to be in the form of a map.

[0096] Furthermore, even if the bitmap information does not exist on the disc, even in an information recording apparatus that randomly records data on an information recording medium, the position of the recorded area and the unrecorded area in the cache memory is determined. Any device may be used as long as it is an information recording device that holds information about the information.

[0097] When data is recorded during the no-knowledge format, a recorded area and an unrecorded area are mixed in the data area. When the recording process requested by the host computer is completed, the data is continuously recorded in the background format. Dummy data recording is started.

[0098] At this time, since it is necessary to perform dummy data recording avoiding the area recorded by the host computer, the information recording that retains information on the recorded area intermittently existing on the DVD + RW disc There are many devices.

[0099] The information recording apparatus performs recording by setting an optimal recording speed by using information on the data recording (information on the positions of the recorded area and the unrecorded area mixed in the data area). That is, when a recording request is issued from the host computer, the information recording apparatus identifies the recording state (recorded area or unrecorded area) in the recording area, and randomly records the information in the unrecorded area. The data recording can be performed at the optimum recording speed even in the information recording device that performs the recording. For example, if data is recorded in the recording area, the information recording device records at a recording speed at which overwriting is possible, and if no data is recorded, the information recording device records at a recording speed higher than the overwriting recording speed. Records can be made.

[0100] Next, when recording is performed during the background format, when the host computer 11 requests recording to an area before dummy data recording, the information recording apparatus operates even if the area is an unrecorded area. After recording, the recorded data must be read out normally.

[0101] When a reproduction request is received from the host computer 11 for an area before dummy data recording, the information recording apparatus needs to generate predetermined data (dummy data recording pattern) and transfer it to the host computer 11. There is.

[0102] When reading recorded data, the information recording device performs a seek operation to move the optical pickup in front of a sector which is a target reproduction area (reproduction target address). The address information on the RW disk 12 is traced, and the read data is taken into the cache memory 8 inside the information recording device (drive) from the time when the reproduction target address is detected.

[0103] During data reproduction, the information recording device acquires the spindle servo signal and the address signal by referring to the frame synchronization signal and the position signal in the read data. Therefore, in order to reproduce the data from the target address normally, When tracing the target address, the address signal must be obtained normally.

Therefore, data needs to be recorded before the address to be reproduced, and the information recording apparatus starts from the frame signal and the position signal in the data from before the address to be reproduced, the spindle servo signal, and the address. Need to get a signal.

[0105] Therefore, when the information recording apparatus records data in an unrecorded area, predetermined dummy data (herein, referred to as "run-in block" in order to distinguish from dummy data recording in a format) is recorded immediately before. .

[0106] For example, in the DVD + RW disc 12, the minimum recording unit on the DVD + RW disc 12 is used as information on the positions of a recorded area and an unrecorded area that are mixed in the area recorded randomly in the background format. The management table information (bitmap information) indicating the data recording state by a 1-bit flag for each ECC block is recorded in a predetermined area in the lead-in area.

That is, in the information recording apparatus, when data is recorded in an unrecorded area, the bitmap information corresponding to the recorded area is changed to a state indicating “recorded”. Make it mandatory.

In the knock ground format, the information recording device can record only the unrecorded area with dummy data by referring to the bitmap information.

[0109] By the way, in the DVD + RW disc, the bitmap information on the area recorded by the host computer must be changed to "recorded", but the bitmap information corresponding to the run-in block recorded immediately before the requested recording area is required. It is not determined whether the bitmap information to be changed is changed to "recorded" or remains as "unrecorded". [0110] For example, when the bitmap information corresponding to the run-in block is "recorded" and the requested reproduction area is the run-in block, the area immediately before that area is also unrecorded. Therefore, the information recording device cannot read normally.

[0111] Originally, this area is not the area where the host computer has performed recording, so the information recording device must generate a dummy data pattern and transfer it to the host computer. However, this area is a run-in block. This is because there is no means for discriminating the presence or absence of user data, and dummy data cannot be generated.

[0112] On the other hand, when the bitmap information corresponding to the run-in block is left "unrecorded", the information recording device can generate dummy data and transfer it to the user. Since the run-in block is not the area where the user has recorded, there is no problem with the information recording device transferring dummy data.

[0113] However, since the setting of the bitmap information of the area corresponding to the run-in block is not clearly defined, the information recording device determines the recording state (recorded area or unrecorded area) of this area. The means to know from bitmap information.

[0114] For example, when the bitmap information corresponding to the run-in block is set to "recorded", the information recording apparatus is unrecorded immediately before the recording area determined from the bitmap information. It is possible to record at a high recording speed, but conversely, if the bitmap information power corresponding to the run-in block is set to "unrecorded", the information recording device determines from the bitmap information. Immediately before the already recorded area, data is recorded.

[0115] Therefore, when the information recording apparatus records the area immediately before the recording area identified from the bitmap information at a recording speed higher than the overwrite speed, the overwritten recorded data cannot be read normally. May occur

[0116] Therefore, the controller 9 sets and records a first recording speed at which data can be overwritten as a recording speed in an undefined area where a recorded area and an unrecorded area cannot be identified.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording process in an area including an undefined area where a recorded area and an unrecorded area cannot be identified in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG. [0118] In this process, the DVD + RW disc 12 in the middle of formatting is inserted, and as shown in Fig. 6 (a), the controller 9 reads the area A from the bitmap information in the FDCB in the lead-in area. Is a recorded area, area B is an unrecorded area, area C is a recorded area, and area D is an unrecorded area.

[0119] When the background format is restarted for such a DVD + RW disc 12, the controller 9 records the unrecorded areas B and D with dummy data.

However, there is a possibility that one ECC block before area C may be recorded as a run-in block, and it is not possible to identify whether data is recorded in that area from the bitmap information. ,. That is, the area B is divided into an unrecorded area B1 and an undefined area B2, as shown in FIG.

[0121] Therefore, in this information recording apparatus, as shown in Fig. 6 (c), the controller 9 sets the unrecorded area B1 at an overwriting speed (a first recording speed at which data can be overwritten). Also, set a high second recording speed, record at the second recording speed, and set an overwrite speed for the undefined area B2 and record at the first recording speed at which the data can be overwritten. For area D, set a recording speed higher than the overwrite speed and record.

Therefore, the controller 9 can avoid a problem that the recorded data cannot be read out by performing the high-speed recording when the data is recorded in the undefined area B2.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the speed setting at the time of dummy data recording by the background format has been described. However, when recording is performed by a user request, the same operation is performed by recording the indefinite area B2 at the overwrite speed. The effect can be improved.

[0124] In this way, by performing recording in an indefinite area in which the data recording state cannot be identified at a recording speed at which the data can be overwritten, the controller 9 reduces the risk of recording the already recorded area at high speed. It is possible to avoid.

For example, in the case of a DVD + RW disc, the data recording state of one ECC block immediately before the recording area determined from the bitmap information cannot be determined strictly for the reasons described above. The speed at which the controller 9 can overwrite recording in such an area Thus, it is possible to guarantee that the recorded data is normally read regardless of whether the recording state of the area is a recorded area or an unrecorded area.

[0126] Next, when recording is performed in an area where the data recorded area and the unrecorded area are frequently switched in the recording area, recording is performed by switching the recording speed each time. This will result in poor performance.

[0127] In recording in such an area, it is desirable to perform recording at an overwrite speed even in an unrecorded area, and to prevent a shift during recording from occurring.

[0128] Therefore, the controller 9 overwrites data when a recorded area and an unrecorded area exist within a predetermined range of at least the minimum recording unit or more after the recording start address for starting recording on the DVD + RW disc 12. Set the first recording speed at which recording is possible.

FIG. 7 shows a recording speed setting process when a recorded area and an unrecorded area are mixed within a predetermined range of at least the minimum recording unit or more after the start address in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG. FIG.

[0130] In this process, during background formatting, as shown in (a) of Fig. 7, the controller

Suppose that the recording has been randomly performed, and that a recording request has been received from the area 20 from the host computer 11.

At that time, the controller 9 refers to the bitmap information in the FDCB in the cache memory 8 and, as shown in (a ′) of FIG.

The recording state of the predetermined range A after the recording start address of 20 is detected.

[0132] As a result of the detection, as shown in (a ') of Fig. 7, the controller 9 determines from the bitmap information that the area A1 of the predetermined range A is an unrecorded area, the area A2 is a recorded area, It is assumed that the area A3 is an unrecorded area, the area A4 is a recorded area, the area A5 is an unrecorded area, the area A6 is a recorded area, and the area A7 is an unrecorded area. I do.

[0133] As described above, when recording is performed on an area where the recorded area and the unrecorded area are frequently switched, recording is performed by switching the recording speed each time. This will lead to a decline.

[0134] Therefore, the controller 9 starts recording on the area 20 where recording of the DVD + RW disc 12 is started. If a predetermined number of recorded and unrecorded areas are present in the specified range A after the start address, set the overwrite speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten) and record. Gear shifts do not occur.

On the other hand, when the host computer 11 receives a recording request from the area 21 as shown in FIG. 7B, the controller 9 refers to the bitmap information in the same manner as described above, and Detects the recording state of the predetermined range A after the recording start address of.

[0136] As a result of the detection, as indicated by 0) in Fig. 7, when it is determined that the entire predetermined area A is an unrecorded area, the controller 9 sets the recording speed higher than the overwrite speed and performs the recording. I do.

[0137] In this manner, the controller 9 determines the recording state in a predetermined range after the recording start address, thereby enabling the recording to be performed with the optimum speed set.

[0138] It should be noted that the predetermined range targeted for the recording state identification may be set to an optimum range for each information recording device. For example, the recording range may be switched between recording by a user request and recording of dummy data by a background format. The setting may be made variable.

[0139] Although the case has been described with the present embodiment where the recording start address is included in the unrecorded area, the recording start address may be included in the already recorded area.

[0140] In that case, the controller 9 performs recording by setting, for example, a recording speed at which overwriting is possible, and when the recording area is switched to an unrecorded area, the recording state for a predetermined range after the switching address is changed. Can be determined again to determine whether to change the recording speed.

[0141] Further, the controller 9 may set the overwriting speed when the switching position between the recorded area and the unrecorded area is equal to or more than a predetermined number within a predetermined range.

[0142] In this way, if the disc is a DVD + RW disc, by referring to the bitmap information,

Then, it is possible to know whether or not a recorded area and an unrecorded area are mixed in the area to be recorded.

[0143] Therefore, if the recorded area and the unrecorded area are frequently switched, the controller 9 performs recording at a speed at which overwriting can be performed, thereby preventing the recording performance from being degraded due to shifting. Can be prevented. [0144] In the case of a DVD + RW disc, it is possible to remove the disc while the background format is in progress.

[0145] At that time, in order to achieve playback compatibility with a read-only DVD-ROM drive, first, an unrecorded area intermittently existing on a DVD + RW disc is recorded as dummy data, Divide the data area on the DVD + RW disc into a recorded area in the first half and a non-recorded area in the second half.After that, a temporary lead-out area (Temporary Lead-out Area, "TL〇").

[0146] At this time, the bitmap information of the DVD + RW disc indicates that recording has been performed up to the TLO start address, and that no recording has been performed after the TLO start address.

[0147] As described above, when the TLO (dummy data having the lead-out attribute) is recorded and the format of the DVD + RW disc is resumed, the TLO is set to the dummy (having the user data attribute). Overwrite with data.

[0148] Therefore, when the background format is restarted when the TLO is recorded, it is necessary to set the overwriteable speed.

[0149] Therefore, the controller 9 sets a recording speed at which data can be overwritten as the recording speed when the background format is restarted by overwriting the TLO, and recording is performed.

[0150] Further, since the area after the area where the TLO is recorded is not recorded, high-speed recording is possible. The TLO size is not defined for DVD + RW discs, and the information indicating the TLO area is not recorded on DVD + RW discs.For example, when formatting is resumed, search is performed on DVD + RW discs. This makes it possible to specify the area of TLII, and when recording after the area of TLO, it is possible to record at a higher speed than the overwrite speed. Therefore, the controller 9 identifies the TLO as a recorded area, and sets a recording speed higher than a recording speed at which data can be overwritten for recording in an area after the TLO.

[0151] Further, when a disk that is being formatted is inserted, it is difficult to strictly identify the data recording state from bitmap information and the like. Therefore, in such a case, it is the safest and most reliable to record at an overwrite speed.

[0152] Therefore, the controller 9 is provided when the DVD + RW disc 12 is being formatted. Set the recording speed at which data can be overwritten and record.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a recording process when the background format is restarted on the DVD + RW disc on which the TLO is recorded in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG.

[0154] In this case, it is possible to identify the presence or absence of a TLO with reference to FDCB formatting 'status' and 'mode'. The start address of TLO can be obtained from LWA.

[0155] On the other hand, the TLO size is not defined in the DVD + RW disc 12, and information indicating the TLO area does not exist in the FDCB. For example, when formatting is resumed, the DVD + RW disc 12 is searched. By doing so, the TLO area can be specified.

[0156] From the above information, the controller 9 can specify the TLO area as shown in (a) of Fig. 8.

[0157] When restarting the background format for such a DVD + RW disc 12, the controller 9 overwrites the TLO and records dummy data.

[0158] This is because the TLO is recorded with data indicating the lead-out attribute.

[0159] At this time, as shown in (b) of Fig. 8, the controller 9 records the TLO, which is the area A, at a recording speed capable of overwriting before completing the formatting, and interrupts the formatting in the background. However, for recording in the unrecorded area B after the TLO, which is area A, recording is performed by setting a recording speed higher than the overwriteable recording speed (recording speed at which data can be overwritten).

[0160] Therefore, by recording the TLO at a high speed, it is possible to avoid a problem that data after recording becomes unreadable, and to record an unrecorded area after the TLO at a high speed.

As described above, for example, when the background format is restarted by overwriting the TLO, overwriting occurs in fact, which is the recording of an unrecorded area from the bitmap information. Therefore, in such a case, by setting the overwrite speed, it is possible to guarantee that the recorded data is normally reproduced.

[0162] Further, by specifying the TLO, high-speed recording can be performed in an area after the TLO. [0163] Furthermore, when a DVD + RW disc that is being formatted is inserted, recording is performed at a speed that allows overwriting, so that recording data at high speed in a recorded area prevents the recorded data from becoming unreadable. It is possible to do.

[0164] In the present embodiment, the speed setting at the time of dummy data recording by the background format has been described. However, the same effect can be obtained when recording is performed by a user request.

[0165] Next, in the case of a DVD + RW disc, it is permitted to reformat a formatted disc.

[0166] In this case, the bitmap information indicating recorded or unrecorded in the data area is cleared, initial information is recorded, and dummy data is recorded (overwritten) in the data area.

[0167] Therefore, when the format is performed again, the recorded area and the unrecorded area cannot be identified with reference to the bitmap information.

[0168] In addition, if a DVD + RW disc that has been formatted or is in the process of being formatted is re-formatted and the DVD + RW disc is ejected before formatting is completed, the

It is indistinguishable whether the D + RW disc is formatted from a blank state or if the formatted disc is being reformatted.

In other words, it is impossible to identify whether or not the unrecorded area acquired from the bitmap information is really an unrecorded area, and high-speed recording on the unrecorded area cannot be fully utilized.

[0170] Therefore, when re-formatting the already formatted DVD + RW disc 12, the controller 9 sets a recording speed at which data can be overwritten and records the data.

[0171] Further, the controller 9 records information indicating that it has been reformatted in a predetermined area of the DVD + RW disc 12.

[0172] Further, when information indicating that the data has been reformatted is recorded in a predetermined area of the DVD + RW disc 12, the controller 9 sets a recording speed at which data can be overwritten, and records the data.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a format process in the information recording device shown in FIG.

[0174] Controller 9 formats data from the host computer in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 1 Upon receiving the request, step 2 determines whether the format requested by the host computer is a new format or a format restart.

[0175] When the host computer determines in step 2 that a new format has been requested

(If Y in step 2), determine whether the DVD + RW disc inserted in step 3 is a blank disk.

[0176] If it is determined in step 3 that the disc is not a blank disc, the re-use (Re_use) bit is set in step 4 to indicate that the disc has been reformatted in the FDCB, and in step 5, the overwrite speed (data Set the overwriteable recording speed), record the initial area in step 6, notify the host computer of the format completion report in step 7, and shift to the background format processing shown in FIG.

[0177] If it is determined in step 3 that the inserted DVD + RW disc is a blank disc, the recording speed is higher than the overwriting speed in step 8 (the recording speed is higher than the recording speed at which data can be overwritten). (High-speed recording speed), record the initial area in step 6, report the format completion report to the host computer in step 7, and shift to the background format processing shown in Fig. 10.

[0178] On the other hand, if the host computer requests format resumption in the processing of step 2 (when N is N in step 2), it is determined whether or not the DVD + RW disc inserted in step 9 is being formatted. .

If it is determined in step 9 that the disc is not a DVD + RW disc being formatted, an error is reported to the host computer in step 11, and this process is completed (terminated). If it is determined in step 9 that the disc is a DVD + RW disc that is in the process of being formatted, the FDCB information is updated to the information that is being formatted in the background in step 10, and the host computer is formatted in step 7. Notify the completion report and move to the background format processing shown in Fig. 10.

[0180] In this way, when formatting is performed again, it is not possible to discriminate between a recorded area and an unrecorded area based on the bitmap information. By recording the recording area at a high speed, it is possible to avoid a problem that the recorded data cannot be read. [0181] When a formatted DVD + RW disc is reformatted, its information is recorded in a predetermined area on the disc, so that if a disc that is being formatted is inserted, the disc is left blank. It is possible to easily distinguish between a force that has been formatted from, or whether it has been reformatted from a formatted state.

[0182] For example, if information indicating that the data has been reformatted has been recorded, even if the bit map information is an area indicating unrecorded, the data may actually be recorded, so the overwrite speed Can be recorded.

[0183] Conversely, if the information indicating that the data has been reformatted has not been recorded, it is possible to guarantee that the area indicating the unrecorded bitmap information is actually unrecorded. Absent.

[0184] As described above, when the disc is reformatted, the information is recorded on the DVD + RW disc, so that when a disc that is being formatted is inserted, the management table indicating the recorded area and the unrecorded area is displayed. The validity of the information can be determined, and the high-speed recording for the unrecorded area can be fully utilized.

[0186] The controller 9 determines in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 12 whether or not there is a recording request power S from the host computer.

[0187] If the controller 9 determines in the processing of step 12 that a recording request has been received from the host computer, it determines in step 13 whether or not recording is in progress.

[0188] Here, on a DVD + RW disc, the recording of dummy data in the background format is called "De_ice". That is, in step 13, the controller 9 determines whether or not dummy data is being recorded in the background format.

[0189] If the controller 9 determines that the day ice is being performed in the process of step 13, the day ice process is interrupted in step 14, and the FDCB is updated in step 15. This is because bitmap information, LWA, etc. are changed due to recording by the digital eye. Step 14 corresponds to an interruption step or an interruption procedure. [0190] If the controller 9 determines in the process of step 13 that the vehicle is not in the ice condition, it skips the processes of steps 14 and 15 and proceeds to step 16.

[0191] Next, in step 16, the controller 9 acquires the recording address A u and the recording size Su requested by the host computer, and proceeds to the recording processing in step 17 and subsequent steps.

[0192] In this recording process, the controller 9 first determines in step 17 whether the DVD + RW disc has been formatted from the blank state or whether the formatted disc has been reformatted. Judge by referring to the reuse bit in FDCB

[0193] That is, the controller 9 determines in step 17 whether or not the reuse bit is set. If the reuse bit is set, the controller 9 determines in step 27 that the overwriting speed (data overwriting) has been performed. Set the recording speed (the first recording speed at which recording is possible), record, and return to step 12.

[0194] In the process of step 17, if the controller 9 determines that the reuse bit is not set, then in step 18, the recording address Au requested by the host computer is an address in an unrecorded area. Determine whether or not.

[0195] In the process of step 18, when the controller 9 determines that the recording address Au is not an address in the unrecorded area, that is, when the recording address Au requested from the host computer is a recorded area or an undefined area. Sets the overwriting speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten) in step 27, performs recording, and returns to step 12.

[0196] If the controller 9 determines in step 18 that the recording address Au is an address in the unrecorded area, then in step 19 the predetermined range after the recording area requested by the host computer is changed. It is determined whether or not the area is an unrecorded area, that is, whether or not a recorded area or an undefined area exists in the area.

[0197] If the predetermined range is not an unrecorded area in the processing of step 19, that is, if a recorded area or an undefined area exists within the predetermined range, the controller 9 determines in step 27 that the overwrite speed (data overwrite Set the recording speed (the first recording speed at which recording is possible), perform recording, and return to step 12.

[0198] If the predetermined area is an unrecorded area in the processing of step 19, then in step 20 The controller 9 determines whether the recording address Au requested by the host computer is an address in the TLO.

[0199] If the controller 9 determines in the processing in step 20 that the recording address Au is an address in the TLO, in step 27 the overwriting speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten) is set. To record and return to step 12.

[0200] The processing from step 17 to step 20 described above corresponds to an identification step or an identification procedure.

[0201] In the process of step 20, if the controller 9 determines that the recording address Au is not an address in the TLO, then in step 21, the recorded address after the recording address Au requested by the host computer is recorded. The start address Aw of the area or the undefined area is detected and obtained, and the controller 9 determines whether or not the recording area requested by the host computer includes the start address Aw in step 22, ie, whether Au + Su> Aw. Judge.

[0202] If the recording area requested by the host computer in the process of step 22 includes the start address Aw, that is, if the controller 9 determines that Au + Su> Aw, in step 23, the controller 9 sets the recording size Su = Aw — Change the recording area as Au from the recording address to the starting address Aw, and set a recording speed higher than the overwrite speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten) in step 24. Make a record.

[0203] If the controller 9 determines that the recording area requested by the host computer does not include the start address Aw in the process of step 22, that is, Au + Su> Aw, the controller 9 proceeds to step 23. The process is skipped, and recording is performed in step 24 by setting a recording speed higher than the overwriting speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten). Steps 24 and 27 correspond to a setting step and a recording step or a setting step and a recording step.

[0204] Next, in step 25, the controller 9 determines whether there is an unrecorded area among the recording areas requested by the host computer, that is, whether there is any remaining recording.

[0205] If it is determined in step 25 that there is remaining recording, the controller 9 updates the recording address Au and recording size Su requested by the host computer in step 26 (Au = Au + Su, Su = Aw— Au ) And return to step 18. [0206] If it is determined in step 25 that there is no remaining recording, the controller 9 returns to step 12 and checks again whether there is a recording request from the host computer.

[0207] If it is determined in step 12 that there has been no recording request from the host computer, the controller 9 shifts to the de-ice processing in the background format shown in Fig. 11.

[0208] When a DVD + RW disc that is being formatted in the above-described process is inserted, the overwrite speed may be set.

[0209] In this case, instead of referring to the reuse bit in the FDCB in the process of step 17, it is determined whether or not the state at the time of insertion of the disc is in the middle of formatting.

[0210] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the data ice processing in the background format in the information recording apparatus shown in FIG.

[0211] The controller 9 determines in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 28 whether or not the ice is under ice.

[0212] If it is determined in the process of step 28 that the vehicle is in the dry state, the process returns to step 12 of Fig. 10 and the controller 9 determines whether or not there is a recording request from the host computer.

[0213] If it is determined in the process of step 28 that it is not during day ice, then in step 29, the controller 9 determines whether or not an unrecorded area exists.

[0214] If it is determined in step 29 that there is an unrecorded area, the controller 9 acquires the FDCB force and LWA in step 30 and refers to the FDCB bitmap information in step 31 to perform de-ice. Obtain and determine the size Sd.

[0215] Next, in step 32, the controller 9 checks whether the DVD + RW disc has been formatted from a blank state or whether the formatted disc has been reformatted in the FDCB. Judge by referring to the reuse bit. That is, it is determined whether or not the reuse bit is set.

[0216] If it is determined in step 32 that the reuse bit is set, the controller 9 sets the overwrite speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten) in step 41. Make a record of the ice cream and return to step 12 in Figure 10 to the host computer. Determine if there is a force recording request.

[0217] If it is determined in step 32 that the reuse bit has not been set, the controller 9 determines in next step 33 whether the LWA is an address in TL #.

[0218] If it is determined in step 33 that the LWA is an address in the TLO, the controller 9 obtains the end address At of the TL で in step 38, and in step 39, the de-ice area sets the end address At. It is determined whether or not LWA + Sd> At.

[0219] If it is determined in step 39 that LWA + Sd> At, that is, if it is determined that the de-ice area includes the end address At, in step 40, the controller 9 sets the de-ice size to Sd. Change the address from LWA to At as = At_LWA, set the overwrite speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten) in step 41, and record the data. Return to and determine whether there is a host computer power recording request.

[0220] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 33 that the LWA is not an address in the TLO, the controller 9 determines in the next step 34 whether the LWA is an address in the undefined area. .

Here, it is assumed that an area of one ECC block before the start address of the recorded area acquired from the bitmap area is an undefined area.

[0222] If it is determined in step 34 that the LWA is an address in the undefined area, the controller 9 sets the overwrite speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten) in step 41. Then, record the day ice and return to step 12 in FIG. 10 to judge whether or not there is a recording request from the host computer.

[0223] If it is determined in step 34 that the LWA is not an address in the undefined area, the controller 9 determines in step 35 whether an undefined area exists within a predetermined range after the LWA. I do.

[0224] If the controller 9 determines in the process of step 35 that an undefined area exists within the predetermined range, the controller 9 sets the overwrite speed (the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten) in step 41. After setting, record the ice cream, return to step 12 in Fig. 10, and return to the host computer. To determine whether there is a recording request from the data.

[0225] The processing from step 32 to step 35 described above corresponds to a background format recording speed setting step or a background format recording speed setting procedure.

[0226] If it is determined in the processing of step 35 that the undefined area does not exist within the predetermined range, the controller 9 determines the size of the undefined area for one ECC block from the ice size Sd obtained from the bitmap information in step 36. Decrease the size (Sd = Sd_lECC), and in step 37, set a recording speed higher than the overwrite speed and perform day ice.

[0227] Step 37 and step S41 correspond to a background formatting step or a background formatting procedure.

After the start of the de-ice process, the process returns to step 12 in FIG. 10 to determine again whether or not there is a recording request from the host computer.

If it is determined in step 29 that there is no unrecorded area, this process is completed (terminated).

[0230] When a DVD + RW disc that is being formatted in the above process is inserted, the overwrite speed can be set.

[0231] In that case, instead of referring to the reuse bit in the FDCB in the process of step 32, it is determined whether or not the state at the time of insertion of the disc is in the middle of formatting.

Industrial applicability

[0232] The information recording apparatus, the information recording method, and the program according to the present invention include a management unit that manages information about random data recording, and performs recording in an unrecorded area at a speed higher than a speed at which overwriting is possible. It can be applied to all information recording devices. It can also be applied to personal computers such as desktop personal computers and notebook personal computers.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Recording means for randomly recording data in a recording area of an information recording medium on which data can be overwritten, identification means for identifying a recorded area and an unrecorded area in the recording area, An information recording apparatus, comprising: a setting unit that sets an optimum recording speed in the recorded area and the unrecorded area identified by the identification unit.

[2] The setting means may be a first recording speed capable of overwriting data as an optimal recording speed in the recorded area and the unrecorded area identified by the identification means with respect to the recording means, or a first recording speed or the first recording speed. 2. The information recording device according to claim 1, wherein the information recording device is means for setting a second recording speed higher than the first recording speed.

[3] The setting means is means for setting the first recording speed as an optimum recording speed in the recorded area identified by the identification means with respect to the recording means. The information recording device described in 2.

[4] The setting means is means for setting the second recording speed as an optimum recording speed in the unrecorded area identified by the identification means with respect to the recording means. The information recording device described in 2.

[5] The setting means is provided with means for setting the first recording speed as a recording speed in an indefinite area where the identification means cannot identify the recorded area and the unrecorded area with respect to the recording means. 3. The information recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:

[6] In the setting means, the recorded area and the unrecorded area exist within a predetermined range of at least a minimum recording unit or more after a recording start address for starting recording of the information recording medium on the recording means. 3. The information recording apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for setting the first recording speed in a case.

[7] The recording means is provided with a background formatting means for formatting the information recording medium in the background, and the setting means is provided with a format for the background formatting means in the background. 2. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a recording format setting means for setting a recording speed when the recording is performed.

[8] The background format recording speed setting means sets a recording speed higher than a recording speed at which data can be overwritten as a recording speed when formatting the background formatting means in the background. 8. The information recording device according to claim 7, wherein the information recording device is a means.

[9] A means for setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten when formatting the information recording medium which has already been formatted with respect to the background format means, in the background format recording speed setting means. 8. The information recording device according to claim 7, wherein the information recording device is provided.

10. The information recording apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising means for recording information indicating that the information has been reformatted in a predetermined area of the information recording medium.

[11] If the background format recording speed setting means has recorded information indicating that the background formatting means has reformatted a predetermined area of the information recording medium, data can be overwritten. 11. The information recording apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising means for setting a recording speed.

[12] The background formatting means is provided with a suspending means for recording a temporary lead-out area on the information recording medium before formatting is completed to suspend formatting in the background, and the background format recording speed setting means is provided. And a means for setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten as a recording speed for recording in the temporary lead-out area with respect to the back drive formatting means. 7. Information recording device according to 7.

[13] The identification means is provided with means for identifying the temporary lead-out area as a recorded area, and the background format recording speed setting means is provided with the temporary formatting means for the background formatting means. 13. The information recording apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising means for setting a recording speed higher than a recording speed at which data can be overwritten in recording in an area subsequent to the lead-out area.

[14] The setting means is provided with means for setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten when the information recording medium is being formatted with respect to the recording means. Information recording device.

[15] The information recording device according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium is an optical disk compliant with the DVD + RW standard.

[16] A recording step of randomly recording data in a recording area of an information recording medium on which data can be overwritten, an identification step of identifying a recorded area and an unrecorded area in the recording area, An information recording method, comprising: a setting step of setting an optimum recording speed in the recorded area identified by the identification step with respect to a step and an unrecorded area.

[17] In the setting step, the first recording speed or the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten as an optimal recording speed in the recorded area and the unrecorded area identified by the identification step with respect to the recording step. 17. The information recording method according to claim 16, comprising the step of setting a second recording speed higher than the first recording speed.

[18] The setting step is a step of setting the first recording speed as an optimum recording speed in the already-recorded area identified by the identification step with respect to the recording step. Information recording method described in 17.

[19] The setting step is a step of setting the second recording speed as an optimum recording speed in the unrecorded area identified by the identification step with respect to the recording step. Information recording method described in 17.

[20] In the setting step, a step of setting the first recording speed as a recording speed in an indefinite area where the recorded area and the unrecorded area cannot be identified by the identification step with respect to the recording step is provided. 18. The information recording method according to claim 17, wherein:

[21] In the setting step, the recorded area and the unrecorded area exist within a predetermined range of at least a minimum recording unit or more after a recording start address for starting recording of the information recording medium with respect to the recording step. 18. The information recording method according to claim 17, further comprising a step of setting the first recording speed in the case.

[22] The recording step may include a background formatting step for formatting the information recording medium in the background, and the setting step may include formatting the background in the background formatting means in the background. 17. A recording format setting step for setting a recording speed at the time of recording is performed. Information recording method described.

[23] In the background format recording speed setting step, a recording speed higher than a recording speed at which data can be overwritten is set as a recording speed for formatting in the background in the background formatting step. 23. The information recording method according to claim 22, wherein the method is a step.

[24] In the background format recording speed setting step, a step of setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten when formatting the information recording medium which has already been formatted with respect to the background formatting means. 23. The information recording method according to claim 22, wherein the information recording method is provided.

25. The information recording method according to claim 24, further comprising a step of recording information indicating that the medium has been reformatted in a predetermined area of the information recording medium.

[26] In the background format recording speed setting step, when information indicating that the background formatting step has been performed again in a predetermined area of the information recording medium has been recorded, data can be overwritten. 26. The information recording method according to claim 25, further comprising a step of setting a recording speed.

[27] In the background formatting step, an interruption step of recording a temporary lead-out area on the information recording medium before formatting is completed to interrupt formatting in the background is provided, and the background format recording speed setting step is performed. And a step of setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten as a recording speed for recording in the temporary lead-out area in the back-end formatting step. Information recording method described in 22.

[28] In the identification step, a step of identifying the temporary lead-out area as a recorded area is provided, and in the background format recording speed setting step, the temporary lead-out area is compared with the background formatting step. 28. The information recording method according to claim 27, wherein a step of setting a recording speed higher than a recording speed at which data can be overwritten is provided for recording in an area subsequent to the lead-out area.

[29] In the setting step, a step of setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten when the information recording medium is in the process of formatting is provided to the recording means. 23. The information recording method according to claim 22, wherein:

[30] The information recording method according to claim 16, wherein the information recording medium is an optical disk compliant with the DVD + RW standard.

[31] A recording procedure for randomly recording data in a recording area of an information recording medium on which data can be overwritten, an identification procedure for identifying a recorded area and an unrecorded area in the recording area. And a recording medium for recording a program for executing a setting procedure for setting an optimum recording speed in the recorded area and the unrecorded area identified by the identification procedure with respect to the recording procedure.

[32] The setting procedure may include a first recording speed or the first recording speed at which data can be overwritten as an optimal recording speed in the recorded area and the unrecorded area identified by the identification procedure with respect to the recording procedure. 32. The recording medium according to claim 31, wherein the recording medium is a procedure for setting a second recording speed higher than the first recording speed.

[33] The setting procedure is a procedure of setting the first recording speed as an optimum recording speed in the already recorded area identified by the identification procedure with respect to the recording procedure. A recording medium on which the program according to 32 is recorded.

[34] The setting procedure is a procedure of setting the second recording speed as an optimum recording speed in the unrecorded area identified by the identification procedure with respect to the recording procedure. A recording medium on which the program according to 32 is recorded.

[35] In the setting procedure, a procedure is provided for setting the first recording speed as a recording speed in an undefined area where the recorded area and the unrecorded area cannot be identified by the identification procedure with respect to the recording procedure. 33. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 32 is recorded.

[36] In the setting procedure, the recorded area and the unrecorded area exist within a predetermined range of at least a minimum recording unit or more after a recording start address for starting recording on the information recording medium with respect to the recording procedure. 33. The recording medium according to claim 32, further comprising a step of setting the first recording speed in the case.

[37] The recording procedure includes a background formatting procedure for formatting the information recording medium in the background, and the setting procedure includes the background format. 32. The recording medium according to claim 31, further comprising a setting procedure for setting a recording speed when formatting in the background for one mat procedure.

[38] The background format recording speed setting procedure sets a recording speed higher than a recording speed at which data can be overwritten as a recording speed when formatting in the background with respect to the background format procedure. 38. A recording medium recording the program according to claim 37, wherein the program is a procedure.

[39] In the background format recording speed setting procedure, a procedure for setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten when re-formatting an information recording medium that has already been formatted according to the background formatting procedure. 38. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 37 is recorded.

40. The recording medium according to claim 39, further comprising a step of recording information indicating that the information has been reformatted in a predetermined area of the information recording medium.

[41] In the background format recording speed setting procedure, when information indicating that the background formatting procedure has been reformatted in a predetermined area of the information recording medium is recorded, data can be overwritten. 41. A recording medium recording a program according to claim 40, further comprising a step of setting a recording speed.

[42] The background formatting procedure includes a suspending procedure for recording a temporary lead-out area on the information recording medium before formatting is completed and suspending formatting in the background, and the background format recording speed setting procedure is provided. A step of setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten as a recording speed for recording in the temporary lead-out area in response to the back download format procedure. A recording medium on which the program according to 37 is recorded.

[43] The identification procedure may include a procedure for identifying the temporary lead-out area as a recorded area, and the background format recording speed setting procedure may include the temporary format with respect to the background format procedure. 43. The recording medium according to claim 42, wherein a procedure for setting a recording speed higher than a recording speed at which data can be overwritten is provided for recording in an area after the lead-out area. .

44. The method according to claim 37, wherein the setting step includes a step of setting a recording speed at which data can be overwritten when the information recording medium is in the process of being formatted with respect to the recording step. Recording medium on which the program of the above is recorded.

[45] The recording medium according to claim 31, wherein the information recording medium is an optical disk conforming to the DVD + RW standard.