WO2005041186A1

WO2005041186A1 - Information recorder and information recording method and recording medium

Info

Publication number: WO2005041186A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/011086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sasaki
Original assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-10-24
Filing date: 2004-08-03
Publication date: 2005-05-06
Also published as: JP2005129168A

Abstract

When data is recorded on optical disc (11) capable of recording data or reproduced therefrom, a controller (10) controls a cache memory (8) for temporarily storing that data to store the data that is divided into a plurality of memory areas, i.e. a memory area for storing recording data and a memory area for storing fractional data depending on the recording mode of data for the optical disc (11).

Description

Specification

Information recording apparatus, information recording method, and recording medium

Technical field

The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus for recording or reproducing data on an information recording medium, and in particular, realizes efficient data storage by dividing a data storage memory according to a data recording mode. The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus, an information recording apparatus for performing complicated data recording such as data recording in units of recording blocks or less, data recording accompanied by referential processing, or time shift reproduction, an information recording method, and a recording medium.

^ Scenic technology

[0002] An information recording device that records or reproduces data on a recordable disc such as a CD-RW disc or a DVD + RW disc is provided with a cache memory for temporarily storing data inside the device. There are many devices for speeding up.

[0003] For example, in response to a continuous recording request from a user, data is temporarily stored in a cache memory in the device, and when a certain amount of data is stored in the cache memory, recording on a disk is started. When the data runs out, the recording process is interrupted, and the process of waiting for a certain amount of data to be stored again in the cache memory is repeated.

[0004] Also, during data recording, the state of empty space in the cache memory is monitored, and if there is empty space, data of the user's power is received, and interruption of the recording process is minimized.

[0005] By the way, with the spread of such information recording devices, the functions thereof have been enhanced, and the data recording process has also been complicated. For example, in the following cases (1) and (4), it is difficult to achieve high-speed recording processing with only a single cache memory. May require more memory

(1) When recording data in units or units that are less than the recording block

(2) When performing data recording with verify processing

(3) When replacing in units less than the recording block (4) When performing time shift playback

For example, when performing the recording process as described above, it is possible to perform an efficient recording process by providing a plurality of cache memories. Manufacturing costs also increase with an increase in cache memory. .

[0006] On the other hand, a plurality of cache memories can be provided in a pseudo manner by using the currently provided cache memories in a divided manner.

[0007] Conventionally, a memory is divided into a plurality of divided areas to store data, and a memory of a segment cache system is used as a type of the memory, and a memory of a total cache memory and a memory of a segment management memory are used. An information recording apparatus for setting the number of segments to be divided and the size of each divided memory in advance, and storing management information for managing the data storage state of each divided memory in the segment management memory (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-63578). Reference).

[0008] However, in the conventional information recording device, since each divided memory is used in the segment cache system, complicated memory management is required for each divided memory. However, there is a problem that it is not appropriate for data recording in which recording is performed at a time.

[0009] For data recording that does not involve a complicated recording operation as described above, it is not necessary to divide the cache memory, and the entire area is used for storing recording data, and the recording in the cache memory is performed. It is desirable to avoid interruption of recording due to lack of data as much as possible.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has a recording block that effectively utilizes a memory that temporarily stores data to be recorded or reproduced on an information recording medium on which data can be recorded. It is an object of the present invention to improve the efficiency of rewriting data in the device.

Means for solving the problem

[0011] The present invention relates to a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing data when recording or reproducing data on or from an information recording medium on which data can be recorded; An information recording apparatus, comprising: a control unit that divides a storage area of the temporary storage unit into a plurality of areas according to a data recording mode to store data.

[0012] Further, the present invention provides a storage area of a temporary storage unit for temporarily storing data when recording or reproducing data on an information recording medium on which data can be recorded. An information recording method comprising a control step of dividing data into a plurality of areas and storing data in accordance with a form of data recording on a medium.

[0013] Further, the present invention provides a storage area of a temporary storage means for temporarily storing the data when the data is recorded or reproduced on an information recording medium on which the data can be recorded. This is a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for executing a control procedure of dividing data into a plurality of areas and storing data according to the form of data recording on the information recording medium is recorded.

[0014] The temporary storage means corresponds to, for example, a cache memory 8 described later. Further, the control means corresponds to, for example, a controller 10 or a CPU 31 described later. The recording medium corresponds to, for example, a ROM 32 or an optical disk 11 described later.

The invention's effect

According to the present invention, the efficiency of rewriting data in a recording block is improved by effectively utilizing a memory for temporarily storing data to be recorded or reproduced on an information recording medium on which data can be recorded. Can be achieved.

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 flowchart showing a memory dividing process of a cache memory in the information recording device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a layout of a memory area divided by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1 in the manner described above.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of memory division and data storage when data less than a recording block unit is recorded by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of memory division and data storage when data less than a recording block unit is recorded by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of memory division and data storage when data less than a recording block unit is recorded by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of recording data on a DVD + RW disc by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process continued from FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of memory division and data storage when data recording involving a verify process and a replacement process is performed by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1.

10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of memory division and data storage when data recording is performed with a verify process and a replacement process by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of recording data on a CD-MRW disk by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process continued from FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of memory division and data storage when performing time shift reproduction on a DVD + RW disc in a conventional apparatus.

14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of memory division and data storage when performing time shift reproduction on a DVD + RW disc by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a time shift reproduction operation by a controller 10 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process continued from FIG. 15.

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 Outer β interface

10 Controller

11 Optical disk

12 Host computer

20 Recording data storage memory area

21 Fraction data storage memory area

22 Memory area for verification (memory for storing replacement data)

23 Playback data storage memory area

31 CPU

32 ROM

33 RAM

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0018] In order to describe the present invention in more detail, a specific description will be given based on the drawings.

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

[0020] This information recording apparatus is, for example, an information recording device capable of recording data on a CD-R disc, a CD-RW disc, a CD-MRW disc, a DVD + R disc, a DVD + RW disc, a DVD + MRW disc, and the like. An optical disk device such as a DVD drive for recording or reproducing data (information) on an optical disk 11 as a medium.

This information recording device is connected to a host computer 12 that receives data recording and reproduction instructions, and records and reproduces data on and from an optical disc 11 as an information recording medium based on instructions from the host computer 12. I do.

A motor (spindle motor) 1 rotates the optical disk 11 when mounting the optical disk 11 and recording and reproducing data.

The optical pickup 2 can perform a micro operation, and irradiates the optical disc 11 with laser light L generated by a light source such as a laser diode to read data recorded on a recording surface and record data. Do. The coarse motor 3 is a motor that moves the optical pickup 2 in the radial direction of the optical disc 11. The rotation control system unit 4 controls the rotation of the motor 1. Coarse motion The motor control system unit 5 controls the rotation of the coarse motor 3.

The optical pickup control system 6 controls the laser light emission of the optical pickup 2 and the like.

The signal processing system unit 7 performs processing of signals from the optical pickup 2 and transmission and reception of data for recording data on the optical disk 11 and data reproduced from the optical disk 11.

The cache memory 8 is an area (memory area) for temporarily storing and storing data reproduced from the optical disk 11 and data to be recorded on the optical disk 11. That is, it functions as the temporary storage means.

The external interface 9 manages data communication with the host computer 12.

[0028] The controller 10 is realized by a microcomputer including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and the like, and controls the entire information recording apparatus. The controller 10 has a memory area (storage area) of the cache memory 8 according to a data recording mode. Area) and perform processing such as data recording, verify, and playback. That is, each program according to the present invention is stored and stored in the ROM 32, and the CPU 31 executes the program to execute the information recording method according to the present invention, and each means including the control means according to the present invention. Perform the function of The program may be stored in the ROM 32 or the like inside the controller 10 from the time of shipment of the information recording device, or the program may be stored in the optical disk 11 and read. It may be installed in the ROM 32 or the like inside the controller 10.

When the memory area of the cache memory 8 is divided and used, this information recording device stores data in an optimal buffering method for each of the divided memory areas.

[0030] For example, of a plurality of divided memory areas, a divided memory used for a recording data storage area (recorded data storage area), a reproduced data storage area (reproduced data storage area), or a verification area. It is desirable that the area be used in a ring buffering scheme.

Usually, the cache memory 8 for storing recording data and reproduction data is often used in a ring buffering system. The advantage of the ring buffering method is that after data is stored at the end address in the memory area of the cache memory 8, data is continuously stored from the start address of the memory area. [0032] For example, when performing data recording, the controller 10 stores a pointer in the cache memory 8 that is updated when data is received from the host computer 12 and a data stored in the optical disk 11 when the data is stored in the optical disk 11. The data occupancy in the cache memory 8 can be easily calculated by referring to the recording pointer updated in the cache memory 8.

Therefore, it is desirable that at least the divided memory area used for storing recording data, for storing reproduction data, or for verifying among the plurality of divided memory areas be used in a ring buffering system.

[0034] Further, when the cache memory 8 is used in the information recording apparatus by the ring buffering method, a ring start pointer and a ring end pointer of a memory area used as a ring buffer are set, and designated by the pointers. Create a ring buffer in the memory area.

Therefore, in the following cases (A) and (B), for example, the controller 10 needs to set a plurality of ring start pointers and a ring end pointer in the cache memory 8. Two minutes

(B) When a plurality of divided memory areas among the divided memory areas are used in a ring buffering method.

In such a case, it is sufficient that the ring start pointer and the ring end pointer can be set at a plurality of locations at the same time. However, in a conventional device that does not consider using the cache memory 8 divided according to the recording mode, the ring In many cases, the start pointer and ring end pointer cannot be set at multiple locations.

Further, when one ring buffer is set to include another ring buffer as in the case of (A) above, simply set the ring start pointer and the ring end pointer simultaneously at a plurality of locations. Inconvenience arises.

[0038] This is because data may be stored in an incorrect position due to an unexpected ring start pointer or ring end pointer existing in the range of the memory area used as the ring buffer. It is. Next, (1) the case where data recording is performed in units smaller than the recording block will be described in detail.

[0040] In a DVD + RW disc, data can be recorded in sector units from the host computer 12. Writing to the optical disc 11 is called an ECC block (1 ECC block is 16 sectors, hereinafter referred to as a "record block"). Must be done on a record basis.

Therefore, when the information recording device receives a data recording request smaller than a recording block from the host computer 12, the information recording device reads the recording block including the recording data, and then stores the requested recording data in the recording block. Overwrite and write back to the optical disk 11 again in recording block units.

[0042] Such a recording process is called a read modify write.

In the read-modify-write operation, a recording block including a requested recording area is once read out, data is stored in the cache memory 8, and user data is overwritten on a predetermined area in the cache memory 8. It is not desirable to wait for the request data to be received until the reading of the data is completed, because the response to the recording request is delayed.

Therefore, in this information recording apparatus, in order to receive user data before reading a recording block, the user data is temporarily stored in an area different from the memory area storing the recording block.

When the host computer 12 continuously performs data recording, the information recording apparatus performs the recording at the time when the data of the recording block is stored even if each recording request from the host computer 12 is in sector units. In such a case, the user data can be directly stored in the recording data storage memory area (recording data storage area).

Therefore, read-modify-write is required in continuous data recording when the write start address and the write end address are not at the boundary of the recording block.

Here, in the state where user data is stored in the recording data storage memory area in continuous data recording, if a recording completion notification is received from the user in the middle of a recording block, the recording block at the end of writing is read-modified. Light occurs.

[0048] That is, the information recording apparatus records the recording data in an area different from the memory area storing the user data. Need to read lock.

Further, in this information recording apparatus, in continuous data recording, the larger the cache memory 8 is, the more it is possible to avoid interruption of recording due to lack of recording data in the memory area.

[0050] On the other hand, the fraction data storage memory area (fraction data storage area) is for storing fraction data at the start of writing or at the end of writing. Good.

Next, the case where the replacement is performed in units of (3) recording blocks or less will be described in detail.

[0052] With a CD-RW disc that is a mount-layure standard for CD-RW discs, and a DVD + MRW disc that is a mount-layure standard for DVD + RW discs, users can record data randomly in sector units. Yes, if it is less than the recording block, it is necessary to perform read-modify-write for recording on the optical disk.

[0053] In the above-described verification process, a DVD + MRW disc determines whether or not there is a defect in the unit of an ECC block, which is a recording block. If it is determined that a defect is present, data is replaced in units of a recording block. In the case of a CD-MRW disc, it is determined whether or not a defect is present in units of sectors constituting a bucket, which is a recording block. If the defect is found, data is replaced in units of sectors.

That is, after reading a predetermined packet to be a replacement destination, the replacement source data is overwritten on this packet and written back to the replacement destination packet again.

[0055] As described above, in the replacement process for a CD-MRW disc, the read mode is also used in the replacement process.

As described above, since the recording data from the user needs to be held until the verification process is completed, this information recording device stores the recording data when reading the replacement packet. The data is stored in a memory area different from the memory area to be used.

As described above, in order to maintain the performance of data recording, it is better to make the recording data storage memory area as large as possible, while the replacement destination data storage memory area stores data of the packet size. Good if you can. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a memory dividing process of the cache memory in the information recording device shown in FIG.

This memory division processing is performed, for example, when a first data recording request is received from the host computer 12, and when a data recording completion request is received from the host computer 12, the divided memory area is By reverting, it is possible to use the cache memory 8 according to the form of data recording.

[0060] When the memory division process is started, the controller 10 determines whether or not it is necessary to perform the read-modify-write in step (indicated by "S" in the figure) 1.

[0061] For example, in recording on a CD-MRW disk, DVD + RW disk, or DVD + MRW disk, the host computer 12 can perform random data recording in sector units. This must be performed in ECC block units, and read-modify-write may occur.

[0062] Therefore, when the controller 10 determines in step 1 that it is necessary to perform read-modify-write, the controller 10 divides the storage area of the cache memory in step 2 and temporarily stores the fractional data for storing less than the recording block. Secure the storage memory area (fraction data storage area).

[0063] On the other hand, read-modify-write does not occur in recording other than CD-MRW disc, DVD + RW disc, and DVD + MRW disc. Skip processing

,move on.

Next, the controller 10 determines in Step 3 whether or not the data recording involves the verifying process.

[0065] For example, in the case of a CD-MRW disc or a DVD + MRW disc, verification of the relevant area may be performed after data recording. Divides the memory area (storage area) of the cache memory to secure a memory area for verification (storage area for verification).

Next, when a defect is detected in the verification processing, the controller 10 determines in step 5 whether or not replacement is to be performed in sector units. For example, in the verification of a CD-MRW disk, a defect is detected in sector units, and only defective sectors in a packet are replaced.

Therefore, when the controller 10 determines in step 5 that replacement is to be performed in sector units, the controller 10 divides the cache memory in step 6 to secure a replacement destination data storage memory area (replacement destination data storage area). I do.

[0069] On the other hand, in DVD + MRW, defect detection is performed in ECC block units, and if a defect is detected, replacement is performed in ECC block units. Therefore, the controller 10 performs replacement in sector units in step 5. If not, skip step 6 and proceed to step 7

[0070] In addition, for example, in recording on a medium other than a CD-MRW disc or DVD + MRW disc, data recording with a verify error does not occur. Then, the process of Step 4 to Step 6 is skipped and the process proceeds to Step 7.

Next, in step 7, the controller 10 determines whether or not to perform time-shift playback. If time-shift playback is to be performed, the controller 10 divides the memory area of the cache memory in step 8 to store playback data. A memory area (playback data storage area) is secured, and this process ends.

[0072] If the time shift reproduction is not to be performed in the determination of step 7, the controller 10 skips step 8 and ends this processing.

[0073] Note that the controller 10 uses a plurality of divided memory areas that are not used at the same time among the above-mentioned divided memory areas and that need not be divided into a plurality of divided memory areas. Is also good.

For example, in a CD-MRW disc, the verifying process and the reading of the replacement destination packet are not performed simultaneously.

Further, the controller 10 does not need to hold the data stored in the verification memory area while reading the replacement bucket, and conversely, the data stored in the replacement data storage memory is being verified. You do not need to keep them.

In such a case, the controller 10 can use one divided memory area for verification and for storing replacement data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a layout of the memory area divided by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1 in the manner described above.

(A) of the figure is a layout of a memory area when data is recorded on a CD-R disc, a CD-RW disc, and a DVD + R disc.

Since recording on these optical disks 11 does not require complicated processing such as read-modify-write and verification, the controller 10 uses the entire memory area of the cache memory 8 as the memory area 20 for storing recorded data. It is possible.

That is, the controller 10 sets the ring start pointer (RS) to the start address of the memory area.

Set M0 and the end address Ml of the memory area to the ring end pointer (RE).

FIG. 13B shows an example of dividing a memory area when data is recorded on a DVD + MRW disc.

[0082] The DVD + MRW disc can be recorded randomly in units of sectors, for example, by the user, and it is necessary to perform read-modify-write. Therefore, the controller 10 stores the cache memory 8 in a memory for storing recorded data. It is divided into an area 20 and a memory area 21 for storing fraction data (memory area for transferring fraction data). That is, the controller 10 uses the addresses M0 to M2 in the cache memory 8 as the recording data storage memory area 20 and uses the addresses M2 to Ml as the fraction data storage memory area 21.

The controller 10 uses the recording data storage memory area 20 of these divided memory areas in the ring buffering scheme, and stores the recording data storage area in the ring start pointer (RS0) and the ring end pointer (RE0). Set the start address M0 and end address M2 of the memory area 20 respectively.

(C) of the figure is an example of dividing the memory area when data is recorded on a CD-MRW disc and a DVD + MRW disc.

[0085] These optical disks 11 can be recorded randomly by the host computer 12 in units of sectors, similarly to DVD + RW disks, and need to perform read-modify-write. Is divided into a recording data storage memory area 20 and a fraction data storage memory area 21.

[0086] Furthermore, these optical disks 11 perform data recording accompanied by verification processing. The controller 10 further divides the recording data storage memory area 20 to secure a verification memory area 22.

[0087] In the case of a CD-MRW disc, read-modify-write occurs even in the replacement process. Therefore, a force controller 10 requiring a replacement data storage memory area is used to transfer the data of the replacement packet to the verification memory area _22. By storing the data in the storage area, there is no need to secure a new memory area for storing replacement data.

As described above, the controller 10 stores the addresses M0 to M3 in the cache memory 8 in the recording data storage memory area 20 and the addresses M3 to M2 in the data recording on the CD-MRW disc and the DVD + MRW disc. Use the verification memory area (memory area for storing replacement data) 22 and the addresses M2 to Ml as the memory area 21 for fraction data storage. Of these divided memory areas, the memory area 20 for recording data storage and the memory area 22 for verification are used in a ring buffering system, so that their memory management becomes easy.

That is, when performing the recording process, the controller 10 sets the start address M0 and the end address M3 of the recording data storage memory area 20 in the ring start pointer (RS0) and the ring end pointer (RE0), respectively, and performs verification. When performing the processing, the start address M3 and the end address M2 of the verification memory area 22 are set in the ring start pointer (RS1) and the ring end pointer (RE1), respectively.

(D) of the figure is an example of division of a memory area when performing time-shift reproduction in recording on a DVD + RW disc.

[0091] Normally, when time-shift playback is required in recording a TV program or the like, sequential data recording is generally required. In the case of a DVD + RW disc, the host computer 12 randomizes data. For example, when recording management information of recorded data, there is a possibility that random recording is required.

Therefore, the controller 10 divides the recording data storage memory area 20 to secure a fraction data storage memory area 21.

[0093] Next, during data recording, in response to a reproduction request from the host computer 12, reproduction data is output. For storage, the controller 10 further divides the recording data storage memory area 20 to secure a reproduction data storage memory area 23.

[0094] As described above, when performing the time-shift reproduction on the DVD + RW disc, the controller 10 reproduces the addresses M0 to M4 in the cache memory 8, the recording data storage memory area 20, and the addresses M4 to M2. The data storage memory area 23 and the addresses M2 to Ml are used as the fraction data storage memory area 21. Of these divided memory areas, the memory area 20 for storing recorded data and the memory area 23 for storing reproduced data are used in a ring buffering system, so that their memory management is facilitated.

[0095] That is, when performing the recording process, the controller 10 sets the start address M0 and the end address M4 of the recording data storage memory area 20 in the ring start pointer (RS0) and the ring end pointer (RE0), respectively. When performing data reproduction processing, the start address M4 and the end address M2 of the reproduction data storage memory area 23 are set in the ring start pointer (RS1) and the ring end pointer (RE1), respectively.

FIGS. 4 to 6 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of memory division and data storage when data recording less than a recording block unit is performed by the controller 10 shown in FIG.

[0097] The controller 10 stores the entire memory area (memory addresses M0 to Ml) of the cache memory 8 as the recording data storage memory area (memory addresses M0 to M2) 20 and the fraction data as shown in Fig. 3 (b). Memory area (memory addresses M2 to Ml) 21. Hereinafter, recording on a DVD + RW disc will be described as an example.

[0098] FIGS. 4A to 4D are explanatory diagrams of an example of use of the cache memory 8 when the host computer 12 requests data recording in sector units.

[0099] When receiving a recording request from the host computer 12 to an address that is not on the boundary of an ECC block, the controller 10 temporarily stores the requested data in the fractional data storage memory area 21 (see (a) in Fig. 4). ). At that time, the controller 10 reports a completion notification for the recording request to the host computer 12.

[0100] Next, the controller 10 reads the ECC block including the requested recording address from the optical disk 11 and stores it in the recording data storage memory area 20 (see (b) in Fig. 4).

[0101] Next, the controller 10 stores the fraction temporarily stored in the fraction data storage memory area 21. The data is copied to a predetermined position of the read ECC block data (see (c) in FIG. 4), and is written back to the optical disk 11 in ECC block units (see (d) in FIG. 4).

[0102] In this way, the controller 10 secures a memory area for storing fraction data, thereby enabling the controller 10 to receive request recording data before reading predetermined ECC block data from the optical disc 11. Become.

[0103] Further, the controller 10 can improve the data recording performance by reporting the recording completion notification to the host computer 12 after storing the requested data.

FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIGS. 6A to 6E show examples of using a cache memory when the host computer 12 continuously records data.

[0105] In this example, it is assumed that the write start address and the write end address are not boundaries of the ECC block.

[0106] For example, when the host computer 12 issues a recording request across the boundary of an ECC block, the controller 10 first stores the data from the recording start address to the boundary of the next ECC block as a fraction data storage memory. The data is temporarily stored in the area 21, and the remaining data is stored in the recording data storage memory area 20.

[0107] At this time, the controller 10 stores the first half of the requested data from the start position (memory address M2) of the fractional data storage memory area 21 and stores the second half of the request data at the start position (memory location) of the recording data storage memory area 20. Address M0) Force Store from the position one ECC block apart (see (a) in Fig. 5).

After storing the above data, the controller 10 reports a completion notification for the recording request to the host computer 12.

Next, the controller 10 reads the ECC block including the data temporarily stored in the fractional data storage memory area 21 from the optical disk 11 and starts the recording data storage memory area 20 (memory address M0). To store.

[0110] If a sequential recording request is received from the host computer 12 during this time, the controller 10 continues to the recording data storage memory area 20 irrespective of whether the address is a boundary of an ECC block or not. Store (see (b) in Fig. 5). Next, when the reading of the ECC block is completed, the controller 10 copies the request record data temporarily stored in the fractional data storage memory area 21 to a predetermined position of the read ECC block data. (See (c) in Fig. 5).

[0112] Here, when the controller 10 receives a recording end request from the host computer 12 when the end address of the request recording data is not on the boundary of the ECC block (see (a) of FIG. 6), the controller 10 Request data, which is a fraction of a block, is temporarily saved to the fraction data storage memory area 21 (see (b) of FIG. 6), and a predetermined ECC block including the fraction data is read from the optical disk 11 to store recording data. Is stored at a predetermined position in the memory area 20 (see (c) of FIG. 6).

Next, the controller 10 copies the data evacuated to the fractional data storage memory area 21 to a predetermined position in the recording data storage memory area 20 again (see (d) in FIG. 6), and The data is written back to the optical disk 11 in units (see (e) of FIG. 6).

Note that the controller 10 starts recording when the data occupancy of the recording data storage memory area 20 exceeds a predetermined threshold or value before receiving a recording end request from the host computer 12.

When the recording completion notification is received from the user after the start of recording, the controller 10 temporarily suspends recording at an address serving as a boundary of the ECC block, and then performs a predetermined operation including a fractional data at the end of writing. Read the ECC block and record the ECC block.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the controller 10 for recording data on a DVD + RW disc.

[0117] When the data recording process is started, the controller 10 starts the steps of FIG. 7 (indicated by "S" in the figure).

At 11, the cache memory is divided.

In this memory division processing, the controller 10 performs the memory division of the cache memory 8 by the processing shown based on FIG. 2, and as a result, the storage area of the cache memory 8 is changed to the state shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the memory area is divided into a recording data storage memory area 20 and a fraction data storage memory area 21.

[0119] In step 12, the controller 10 determines whether or not there is a recording request from the host computer 12, and since the recording is requested here, the recording request from the host computer 12 is received. It is determined that there is, and in step 13, the power of the ECC boundary (whether or not it is the boundary of the required recording address ECC block) is determined. If the controller 10 determines in step 13 that the ECC boundary has been reached (if the requested recording address is on the boundary of an ECC block), the controller 10 proceeds to step 19 to receive the requested data and record the recording memory (recording data storage memory area). Transfer to and store (store). Here, it is assumed that the requested recording address is not on the boundary of the ECC block. If the controller 10 determines that the address is not an ECC boundary (if the request recording address is not on the boundary of the ECC block) in step 13, the controller 10 determines in step 14 whether the address is a continuous address (the recording request is a continuous recording request from the immediately preceding request recording address). Or not).

[0120] If the controller 10 determines that the address is a continuous address (if it is a continuous recording request from the immediately preceding recording request) in step 14, the controller 10 proceeds to step 19 to receive the data and store the data in the recording memory (recording data storage memory). Area) and store (store) it in the specified location. At the start of data recording, since there is no previous recording request, the controller 10 extracts the fractional data up to the ECC block boundary from the request recording data in step 15 if the address is not a continuous address in the judgment of step 14. Then, in step 16, the fraction data is transferred to the fraction memory (memory area for fraction data storage) and stored (stored) (see (a) of FIG. 4). After storing the data in the fraction data storage memory, the controller 10 starts the process of reading the data of the ECC block including the fraction data from the optical disc 11 at the start of the ECC reading in step 17.

[0121] Next, the controller 10 determines whether or not there is untransferred data for which data has not been received among the recording data requested by the host computer 12 in step 18, and if there is no untransferred data, Proceed to step 20 to determine whether ECC reading has been completed. Here, it is assumed that untransferred data exists, and if untransferred data exists in step 18, the controller 10 transfers the data to the recording memory (memory area for recording data storage) in step 19. Remember (store).

In this case, data is stored one ECC block backward from the start address of the recording data storage memory (see (a) of FIG. 5). This is because the controller 10 stores the data read from the optical disk 11 from the beginning of the recording data storage memory area.

[0123] Next, in step 20, the controller 10 determines whether or not the ECC block read has been completed. to decide. Here, since the ECC block reading has just started, the controller 10 skips the processing of step 21 and proceeds to step 22 if the ECC reading is not completed in the judgment of step 20.

Next, in step 22, the controller 10 determines whether or not the data occupation amount in the recording data storage memory area has exceeded a predetermined recording start threshold value.

[0125] In the case of recording start, the data occupancy does not exceed the recording start threshold value. Skip to step 24.

Next, in Step 24, the controller 10 notifies the host computer 12 of the completion of the data recording request, returns to Step 12, and waits for the data recording request from the host computer 12 again.

[0127] The above is the processing in the information recording apparatus for the data recording request at the start of recording.

As described above, in this information recording device, by dividing the cache memory 8 into the recording data storage memory area and the fraction data storage area, the request recording is completed before the reading of the ECC block including the fraction data is completed. Data can be received, and performance for recording requests can be improved.

The controller 10 further waits for a recording request from the host computer 12.

[0130] At this time, when a continuous data recording request is received from the host computer 12, the controller 10 determines whether or not the recording address is an ECC block, that is, in Step 13, the ECC boundary is used. Even if it is determined that there is no address, the address is determined to be a continuous address in step 14, and the data is transferred to the recording data storage memory area and stored (stored) in step 19 (see FIG. 5 (b)).

[0131] If the controller 10 determines in step 20 that the reading of the ECC block has been completed during the data reception, the controller 10 reads the fraction data received in the fraction data storage memory area in step 16 in step 21 and reads the ECC block. Copy it to a predetermined position in the block (see (c) in Fig. 5). If the data occupation amount of the recording data storage memory area exceeds a predetermined recording start threshold value during data reception in step 22, the controller 10 starts data recording in step 23.

On the other hand, if there is no data recording request from the host computer 12 in the determination of step 12, the controller 10 proceeds to step 25 in FIG. 8 to determine whether or not a data recording end request has been received from the host computer 12. If a data recording end request has not been received, the process returns to step 12 in FIG. 7 to determine again whether a data recording request from the host computer 12 has been received, and waits for a data recording request.

When the data recording end request is received from the host computer 12, the controller 10 determines in step 26 whether the data recording end address is on the boundary of the ECC block, that is, the fraction data exists at the end of data writing. It is determined whether or not to do. If the controller 10 determines in step 26 that there is no fraction data, it determines in step 38 whether or not data is being recorded. If data is being recorded, the process proceeds to step 35, and if not, the process proceeds to step 34.

[0135] Here, it is assumed that there is fraction data at the end of data writing (see (a) of Fig. 6).

In this case, the controller 10 determines in step 26 that there is fraction data, and saves the fraction data to the fraction data storage memory area in step 27 (see (b) of FIG. 6).

[0137] Next, the controller 10 determines whether or not the data is being recorded on the optical disk 11 in step 28. If the data is being recorded, the controller 10 removes the above-mentioned fractional data in step 29 and becomes the boundary of the ECC block. Set a recording interruption point to interrupt data recording by address, and

If 0, it is determined whether or not the data recording is completed, and the process waits until the data recording is completed.

On the other hand, if the controller 10 determines in step 28 that the data is not being recorded, the controller 10 skips steps 29 and 30 and proceeds to step 31.

[0139] Next, in step 31, the controller 10 starts reading the ECC block including the fraction data, determines in step 32 whether or not ECC reading has been completed, and waits for ECC reading to be completed (see FIG. 6 (c)).

[0140] When the controller 10 determines that the reading of the ECC block has been completed in step 32,

In step 33, the fraction data saved in the fraction data storage The data is copied to a predetermined position of the read ECC block (see (d) in FIG. 6), and in step 34, recording on the optical disk 11 is started in ECC block units (see (e) in FIG. 6). In step 35, it is determined whether or not data recording is completed, and the process waits for data recording to be completed.

[0141] When the data recording process is completed in the judgment of step 35, the controller 10 notifies the completion of the data recording end request from the host computer 12 in step 36, and restores the memory area divided in step 11 in step 37. (Return to the original state) to end this processing.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of memory division and data storage when data recording is performed by the controller 10 shown in FIG. 1 with a verifying process and a replacement process.

[0143] Here, taking a recording on a CD-MRW disc as an example, a case where replacement is performed in sector units will be described.

[0144] Note that a CD-MRW disk has a memory area for storing fractional data, which can be randomly recorded by the user in units of sectors. However, in order to simplify the description, here, in units of packets, To record continuously.

FIGS. 9A to 9E are diagrams showing memory division and data storage format in data recording involving verification.

[0146] The controller 10 stores the entire memory area (memory address M0 Ml) of the cache memory 8 in the memory area for recording data (memory addresses M0 to M3) 20 and the memory area for verification (memory addresses M3 to M2). 22 and a memory area for storing fraction data (memory addresses M2 to M1) 21.

When the controller 10 continuously receives a data recording request in packet units from the host computer 12, the controller 10 stores (stores) data in the recording data storage memory area 20 (see FIG. a)). Further, when the data occupancy in the recording data storage memory area 20 is equal to or larger than a predetermined recording start threshold value (in this example, the size of the recording data storage memory area), the controller 10 Is recorded on the optical disk 11 (see (b) of FIG. 9).

[0148] Note that the controller 10 uses the recording data storage memory area 20, that is, the memory addresses M0, M3, and so on, in a ring buffering manner from the data reception to the data recording, A ring start pointer (RSO) and a ring end pointer (RE0) are set to memory addresses M0 and M3, respectively. When the recording of the data stored in the recording data storage memory area 20 is completed, the controller 10 verifies the recording area.

[0149] Here, the controller 10 stores the reproduced data in the verification memory area 22 in the same manner as the reproduction processing, performs error detection and error correction, and performs normal recording. Is determined (defect detection).

[0150] At this time, the controller 10 uses the memory area 22 for verification, that is, the area of the memory address M3 and the area of M2 in a ring buffering scheme, and stores the ring start pointer (RS1) and the ring end pointer (RE2) respectively. Set to memory addresses M3 and M2. Unless a defect is detected, the controller 10 overwrites the data stored in the verifying memory area 22 with the verify data in the next area (see FIG. 9C).

[0151] When the verification of all the recorded data is completed and it is confirmed that the data has been recorded normally, the controller 10 does not need the data stored in the recording data storage memory area 20. Then, the recording data storage memory area 20 is released, and the next recording data is continuously received from the host computer 12 to store the data (see FIG. 9 (d)).

[0152] Note that it is not necessary to hold the data confirmed to be normally recorded in the verification process in the recording data storage memory area 20. The controller 10 records the recording data in order from the verified data. It is acceptable to open the storage memory area 20 and store the recording data from the host computer 12 (see (e) of FIG. 9).

[0153] FIGS. 10A to 10E are diagrams showing a format of a memory use example in the replacement process.

[0154] Since a CD-MRW disc performs replacement in units of sectors, it is necessary to perform read-modify-write even in the replacement process.

[0155] However, since it is not necessary to retain the data stored in the verification during the replacement process, or to retain the data stored in the replacement process during the verification, the controller 10 sets the replacement destination The data storage memory can be substituted by the verification memory area 22.

That is, the controller 10 uses the memory addresses M3 to M2 of the cache memory 8 as the replacement destination data storage memory area 22. [0157] Here, when one sector of the recording area is determined to be defective in the verification processing (see (a) of FIG. 10), the controller 10 transfers the data recorded in the defective area to a predetermined replacement area. It is necessary to record again.

The controller 10 first reads out data of a predetermined replacement destination packet and stores it in the replacement destination data storage memory area 22 (see (b) of FIG. 10).

Next, the controller 10 copies the data recorded in the defective area to a predetermined position of the replacement packet (see (c) of FIG. 10), and records the data on a packet-by-packet basis in the replacement packet (( d

)reference).

Then, when the replacement process is completed, the controller 10 restarts the verification of the remaining recording data (see (e) of FIG. 10).

[0161] Since DVD + MRW discs are replaced in units of ECC blocks, the controller

10 does not need to read the data of the replacement ECC block.

[0162] Therefore, the controller 10 records the data in the recording data storage memory area 20 directly to the replacement ECC block.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flowcharts showing the operation of the controller 10 for recording data on a CD-MRW disk.

[0164] In the case of a CD-MRW disc, recording can be performed at random from the host computer 12 in sector units. However, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that recording is continuously performed in packet units.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the data recording process is started, the controller 10 divides the cache memory in step (indicated by “S” in the figure) 41 as shown in FIG.

In this memory division processing, the memory division of the cache memory 8 is performed by the processing shown based on FIG. 2, and as a result, the storage area of the cache memory 8 is recorded as shown in FIG. It is divided into a data storage memory area 20, a verification memory area (replacement destination data (packet) storage memory area) 22, and a fraction data storage memory area 21.

Next, in the present embodiment, in order to use the recording data storage memory area 20 in the ring buffering method, the controller 10 performs the ring start pointer (RS0) and the ring start pointer (RS0) in the recording ring setting process in step 42. The memory addresses M0 and M0 are assigned to the ring end pointer (RE0), respectively. M3 is set, and in step 43, it is determined whether or not there is a data recording request from the host computer 12.

[0168] Since recording is requested here, the controller 10 determines in step 43 that there is a data recording request, receives the requested data in step 44, and sends it to the recording memory (recording data storage memory area). Transfer and store (store) (see (a) in Fig. 9).

[0169] Next, in step 45, the controller 10 determines whether or not the condition for starting recording is satisfied.

[0170] Conditions for determining whether or not to start recording include whether or not the amount of data occupied in the recording data storage memory area 20 has exceeded a predetermined recording start threshold, or whether or not data recording has been completed from the host computer 12. Whether there is a request.

[0171] If the recording start condition is not satisfied in the determination in step 45, the controller 10 returns to step 43 and determines again whether there is a data recording request from the host computer 12.

Wait for a data recording request.

[0172] On the other hand, if the recording start condition is satisfied in the determination of step 45, the controller 10 starts recording the data stored in the recording data storage memory area on the optical disk 11 in step 46, and determines whether the recording is completed in step 47. Judgment of inability and wait for completion of recording (see (b) in Fig. 9)

) ₀

[0173] When the recording is completed in the determination of step 47, the controller 10 proceeds to the verification process.

Here, first, in step 48, the controller 10 uses the ring start pointer (RS1) and the ring end pointer (RE1) in the verification ring setting process in order to use the memory area for verification in the ring buffering method. Set memory addresses M3 and M2 respectively.

[0175] Next, the controller 10 starts verifying the recording area in step 49, and determines whether or not a verify error has occurred in step 50. If the verify error has occurred, the controller 10 proceeds to step 54 in FIG. If not, it is determined in step 51 whether or not the verification has been completed. If the verification has not been completed, the process returns to step 50. If the verification has been completed, the process proceeds to step 52.

[0176] That is, in steps 50 and 51, the controller 10 detects a defect in the recording area. And wait for the completion of the verification process.

The data stored in the verifying memory area 22 is overwritten by the verifying data in the next area by the controller 10 unless a defect is detected (see (c) of FIG. 9).

[0178] The controller 10 completes the verification process in the judgment of Step 51, and when it is confirmed that the data is normally recorded, determines whether or not a recording end request has been received from the host computer 12 in Step 52. If the recording end request has not been received, the flow returns to step 42 to set the ring start pointer and the ring end pointer for data recording again, and receive the data from the host computer 12 (see FIG. 4). (See (d)).

[0179] On the other hand, when the controller 10 has received the recording end request in the determination of step 52, the controller 10 restores the memory area divided in step 41 in step 53 (returns to the original state), and executes this processing. finish.

[0180] By the way, when a defect is detected in the recording area in the judgment of step 50, the controller 10 shifts to a replacement process. Here, first, the controller 10 extracts the sector determined to be defective in step 54 of FIG. 12 (see (a) of FIG. 10).

[0181] Next, the controller 10 obtains the replacement destination address of the replaceable area in the predetermined replacement area in step 55, and in step 56, replaces the data of the replacement destination packet including the replacement destination area. It is read and stored (stored) in the replacement destination data storage memory area (see (b) of FIG. 10).

[0182] The controller 10 determines whether or not the reading is completed in Step 57, and repeats the reading and the storage in the replacement destination data storage memory area until the reading is completed.

[0183] When the reading of the replacement destination packet is completed in the determination of step 57, the controller 10 copies the replacement data recorded in the defective area in step 58 to a predetermined position in the replacement destination data storage memory area (Fig. 10). (See (c) of FIG. 10). In step 59, data recording is started for the replacement destination packet in packet units. In step 60, it is determined whether or not data recording is completed. d)).

[0184] When the above-described replacement process is completed and the controller 10 determines that the data recording is completed in step 60, the controller 10 restarts verifying the data recording area in step 61, and proceeds to step 51 in FIG. Return to continue the defect detection process.

[0185] The controller 10 may perform verification using the verification memory area when confirming whether the data recorded in the replacement destination packet is normally recorded.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of memory division and data storage when performing time-shift reproduction on a DVD + RW disc.

[0187] FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (d) are diagrams showing a data storage format in time shift reproduction in a conventional apparatus having no reproduction data storage memory.

First, when a data recording request is received from the host computer, the data is stored in the recording data storage memory area, and the host computer is notified of the completion of the process (see FIG. 13A). At this stage, the amount of data occupied in the recording data storage memory area exceeds a predetermined recording start value, exceeds a predetermined value, and therefore, starts recording on the optical disk 11, and then returns.

Next, when a data reproduction request is received from the host computer, the data stored (stored) in the recording data storage memory area is recorded on the optical disc 11 in order to complete the recording process (FIG. 13). (B)), and reproduces the requested data and stores (stores) it in the recording data storage memory area (see (c) in FIG. 13).

[0190] In time-shift reproduction, recording and reproduction are alternately requested from the host computer. When a recording request is received again from the host computer, the data is stored in the recording data storage memory area, and the host computer is informed that processing is completed. Notify (see Fig. 13 (d)).

[0191] As described above, in the time shift reproduction in the conventional apparatus, the recording process is interrupted every time the recording and reproduction requests from the host computer are switched, and a seek occurs.

In other words, in time-shift reproduction, recording is frequently interrupted regardless of the memory size, and a trouble that a retry process due to a seek error or the like takes time S is likely to occur.

[0193] On the other hand, (a) and (d) of Fig. 14 are diagrams showing the format of data storage in time shift reproduction by the controller 10.

[0194] Here, as shown in (d) of Fig. 3, the controller 10 transfers the entire memory area (memory addresses M0 to Ml) of the cache memory 8 to the recording data storage memory area (memory addresses M0 to Ml). (M4) 20 and a memory area for storing reproduction data (memory addresses M4 to Ml) 23.

[0195] In the case of a DVD + RW disc, a memory area 21 for storing fractional data is secured because the host computer 12 can record data randomly on a sector-by-sector basis. It is assumed that recording is performed continuously in ECC block units.

When receiving a data recording request from the host computer 12, the controller 10 stores the data in the recording data storage memory area 20, and notifies the host computer 12 of the completion of the processing (( a)). At this stage, since the data occupancy in the recording data storage memory area 20 has not exceeded the predetermined recording start threshold, the controller 10 has not started recording on the optical disk 11.

[0197] Note that the controller 10 uses the memory area 20 for storing recording data, that is, the memory address M0, M4, etc., in a ring buffering scheme from the data reception to the data recording, and uses the ring start pointer (RS0) and the ring start pointer. The ring end pointer (RE0) is set to memory addresses M0 and M4, respectively.

Next, when the controller 10 receives a data reproduction request from the host computer 12,

Prior to the data recording, the requested data is read from the optical disk 11 and stored in the reproduction data storage memory area 23 (see FIG. 14 (b)).

[0199] At this time, the controller 10 sets the memory addresses M4 and M2 in the ring start pointer (RS1) and the ring end pointer (RE1), respectively, in order to use the memory area 23 for storing reproduction data in the ring buffering method. I do.

[0200] Next, when the controller 10 receives the previous recording data and a continuous recording request from the host computer 12, the controller 10 sets a data recording ring pointer again and sets the recording data storage memory area 20 in the recording data storage memory area 20. Then, the data is stored (see (c) of FIG. 14).

[0201] As described above, when a continuous recording and reproduction request is alternately requested from the host computer 12, the controller 10 stores data in the recording data storage memory area 20 and transmits data from the optical disk 11 to the recording data storage memory area 20. Is repeated.

[0202] The controller 10 starts recording when the data occupation amount in the recording data storage memory area 20 exceeds a predetermined recording start threshold or value (see (d) in FIG. 14).

[0203] As described above, the controller 10 records the recording data and the reproduction data, respectively. By storing the data in the data storage memory area and the reproduction data storage memory area, it is not necessary to record the data existing in the memory every time a reproduction request is made.

[0204] Therefore, the controller 10 can start data recording after a fixed amount of recording data is stored in the time-shift reproduction, and can perform stable data recording.

FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flowcharts showing the time shift reproduction operation by the controller 10.

In this embodiment, a DVD + RW disc is targeted. For DVD + RW discs, the ability to record randomly from the host computer 12 in units of sectors S. To simplify the explanation, here, recording is performed continuously in units of ECC blocks, and playback is performed during recording. Shall be performed.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the data recording process is started, the controller 10 divides the cache memory in step (indicated by “S” in the figure) 71, as shown in FIG.

In this memory division processing, the controller 10 performs the memory division of the cache memory 8 by the processing shown based on FIG. 2, and as a result, the storage area of the cache memory 8 is changed to (d) of FIG. As shown in the figure, the recording data storage memory area 20, the reproduction data storage memory area 23, and the fraction data storage memory area 21 are divided.

Next, in this embodiment, in order to use the recording data storage memory in the ring buffering method, the controller 10 performs the ring start pointer (RS0) and the ring end pointer (RS0) in the recording ring setting process in step 72. RE0) is set with memory addresses M0 and M4, respectively, and it is determined in step 73 whether or not there is a data recording request from the host computer 12.

[0210] Since recording is requested here, the controller 10 determines in step 73 that there is a data recording request, receives the requested data in step 74, and sends it to the recording memory (recording data storage memory area). It is transferred and stored (stored) (see (a) in Fig. 14).

[0211] Next, in step 75, the controller 10 determines whether or not recording is currently being performed on the optical disc 11, and if data is being recorded, the process returns to step 73 to request a data recording again from the host computer 12. It is determined whether or not there is. Since recording is not started here, the controller 10 determines in step 75 that data is not being recorded, and in step 76, starts recording next. It is determined whether or not the first condition is satisfied.

[0212] Conditions for recording start include whether or not the data occupation amount of the recording data storage memory area 20 exceeds a predetermined recording start threshold value, and whether or not there is a recording completion request from the host computer 12. .

[0213] If the recording start condition is not satisfied in the judgment in step 76, the controller 10 returns to step 73 and judges again whether or not there is a recording request from the host computer 12.

[0214] On the other hand, if there is no data recording request from the host computer 12 in the determination of step 73, the controller 10 proceeds to step 84 of Fig. 16 and determines whether or not there is a playback request. If there is a reproduction request, it is determined in step 85 whether or not recording is currently being performed on the optical disk 11.If recording is in progress, it is determined in step 86 whether or not data recording has been completed. If it is determined in step 86 that the data recording is completed, the flow shifts to the reproducing process.

[0215] On the other hand, if the data is not being recorded according to the determination in step 85, or if the data is in a standby state before recording on the optical disc 11, the controller 10 writes the data into the recording data storage memory area. If the data exists, the process proceeds to the reproduction process before recording the data.

[0216] Here, first, in step 87, the controller 10 determines whether or not the data of the requested reproduction address exists in the recording memory (memory area for storing recording data). If it does not exist, the ring start pointer (RS1) and the ring end pointer (RE1) have memory addresses M4 and M4, respectively, in order to use the memory area for storing playback data in the ring buffering method in the playback ring setting process in step 88. M2 is set, and reproduction of the designated address is started in step 89 (see FIG. 14 (b)).

[0217] Next, the controller 10 determines whether or not the requested data has been cached in step 90, and waits for the requested data to be stored (stored) in the reproduction data storage memory area. If stored, the data requested by the host computer 12 is transferred and stored (stored) in step 91.

[0218] After transferring the data requested by the host computer 12, the controller 10 Since the data in the reproduction data storage memory area becomes unnecessary, it is overwritten with the data read by the pre-reading.

[0219] Next, in step 92, the controller 10 continuously determines whether or not the data reproduction request from the host computer 12 has been completed. If the data reproduction request has not been completed, the controller 10 returns to step 90 and determines that the data has been cached. (Wait until the requested data is read out to the reproduction data storage memory area by pre-reading), and in step 91, the data is transferred and stored (stored).

[0220] On the other hand, if the controller 10 determines in step 92 that the data reproduction request from the host computer 12 has been completed, the controller 10 returns to step 72 in Fig. 15 to set the recording ring again, and determines in step 73. Wait for a data recording request.

[0221] By the way, in this information recording apparatus, there is a case where the reproduction process is performed without recording the requested data on the optical disc 11 before receiving the reproduction request from the host computer 12.

[0222] In other words, when a reproduction request is received for data before recording on the optical disk 11, the controller 10 does not reproduce data on the optical disk 11 but exists in the cache memory 8 before recording. Data must be reported to the host computer 12.

That is, when the controller 10 determines in step 87 that the data requested by the host computer 12 exists in the memory area for storing recording data, the controller 10 transfers the data in the memory to the host computer 12 in step 93. In step 94, it is determined whether or not the reproduction request has been completed. If there is a data reproduction request, the flow returns to step 87 to determine again whether the data requested by the host computer 12 exists in the recording data storage memory area. Judge.

[0224] The controller 10 returns to Step 87 if the reproduction request is not completed in the judgment of Step 94, and returns to Step 72 of Fig. 15 if the reproduction request is completed.

[0225] If the data reproduction request is completed in step 92, the controller 10 returns to step 72 in Fig. 15 to set the recording ring again, and waits for the recording request in step 73.

Next, a description will be given of a case where the host computer 12 performs the requested reproduction process and then receives a recording request again. As shown in FIG. 15, after the data reproduction process is completed, the controller 10 uses the ring start pointer (RS0) and the ring end pointer in step 72 to use the memory area for storing recorded data in the ring buffering method. The memory addresses M0 and M4 are set in the pointer (RE0), respectively, and in a step 73, it is determined whether or not there is a data recording request from the host computer 12.

[0228] If there is a continuous recording request from the host computer 12 in step 73 and the immediately preceding recording request address in step 73, the controller 10 transfers and stores the data in the recording data storage memory area in step 74. (Refer to (c) in FIG. 14), determine whether or not data is being recorded in step 75, and determine whether or not the recording start condition is satisfied in step 76.

[0229] If the recording start condition is not satisfied in the judgment in step 76, the controller 10 returns to step 73 and judges again whether or not there is a recording request from the host computer 12.

As described above, when the host computer 12 alternately requests continuous recording and reproduction, the controller 10 stores the data in the recording data storage memory area 20 and the data from the optical disk 11. Repeat playback.

That is, the controller 10 stores the recording data and the reproduction data in the recording data storage memory area and the reproduction data storage memory area, respectively, so that the data existing in the memory each time a reproduction request is made. There is no need to record.

[0232] Therefore, the controller 10 can start data recording after a fixed amount of recording data is stored in the time shift reproduction, and can perform stable data recording.

[0233] On the other hand, if the recording start condition is satisfied in the determination of step 76, the controller 10 proceeds to step 77 if the data occupation amount of the recording data storage memory area exceeds a predetermined recording start threshold value. To start recording on the optical disk 11.

Next, in step 78, the controller 10 determines whether or not there is a completion request (recording end request) from the host computer 12, and if there is no completion request, the process returns to step 73 and returns to the host computer 12 again. It is determined whether there is a recording request from.

On the other hand, the controller 10 determines from the host computer 12 that a completion request ( If there is a data recording end request), the processing shifts to data recording end processing.

Here, first, in step 79, the controller 10 determines whether or not unrecorded (unwritten) data remains in the recorded data storage memory area. In step 80, it is determined whether or not the apparatus is in a standby state before recording is started.If the apparatus is in a standby state, data recording is started in step 81, and whether or not data recording is completed is determined in step 82, and data recording is performed. Wait for completion.

[0237] If the data recording is completed in the judgment of step 82, the controller 10 restores the memory area divided in step 71 in step 83 (returns to the original state), and ends this processing.

[0238] If there is no reproduction request in step 84, the controller 10 determines in step 78 whether or not there is a completion request (data recording end request). Shifts to the data recording end process described above.

[0239] According to this information recording device, by dividing and using the cache memory according to the form of data recording, the necessary cache memory can be artificially generated according to each recording. Even when complicated recording processing is required, efficient data recording can be performed.

[0240] Further, according to this information recording device, the entire area of the cache memory can be used for storage of the recording data in the recording processing without the need for a plurality of cache memories, and the recording data in the cache memory can be used. It is possible to avoid interruption of recording due to lack of

[0241] Further, according to this information recording device, it is possible to select an optimum buffering method for each of a plurality of divided memory areas in the cache memory, and to efficiently use the divided memory areas. Will be possible.

[0242] Further, according to this information recording apparatus, among the plurality of divided memory areas, the divided memory used for at least the recording data storage memory area, the reproduction data storage memory area, or the verification memory area. The area can be used in a ring buffering scheme, enabling efficient buffering.

[0243] Further, according to this information recording device, the memory area used in the ring buffering method By setting the ring start pointer and the ring end pointer when using the memory area, even if the conventional device cannot set the ring start pointer and the ring end pointer It becomes possible to divide into areas and use each divided area as a ring buffer.

[0244] Further, according to this information recording apparatus, even when one ring buffer is set to include another ring buffer, a ring start pointer and a ring start pointer are used when each ring buffer is used. Since the end pointer is set, it is possible to avoid a problem that an unexpected ring start pointer or ring end pointer exists in a certain memory area and data is stored at an incorrect position.

Further, according to this information recording device, when data recording is requested in units less than the recording block, user data can be received before reading out the predetermined recording block, and the recording request can be satisfied. Response can be expedited.

[0246] Further, according to this information recording apparatus, by storing fraction data in an area different from the recording data storage memory area, memory management can be performed relatively easily.

[0247] Further, according to this information recording device, even when the end address of writing is not a boundary of a recording block in continuous data recording, a recording block can be read to an area different from a memory area for storing fraction data. it can.

[0248] Further, according to this information recording device, the memory area for storing fraction data is made the minimum necessary capacity and the capacity of the memory area for storing recording data is ensured, so that the recording data in the memory is reduced. It is possible to minimize the interruption of recording due to the disappearance.

Further, according to this information recording apparatus, by storing the recording data and the data of the replacement destination packet in the recording data storage memory area and the replacement destination data storage memory area, respectively, The recorded data in the memory can be retained even during the replacement process in sector units.

[0250] Therefore, even when a defect is detected again in the verification process performed subsequent to the replacement process, the information recording device can re-record the data recorded in the defective region in a predetermined replacement region. .

[0251] Further, according to this information recording apparatus, the memory area for storing replacement destination data is set to the minimum necessary. By increasing the capacity and securing the capacity of the recording data storage memory area, interruption of recording due to verification processing can be reduced as much as possible, and data recording performance can be maintained.

Industrial applicability

The present invention is applicable to personal computers such as desktop personal computers and notebook personal computers.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] temporary storage means for temporarily storing the data when recording or reproducing data on or from an information recording medium on which data can be recorded;

Control means for dividing a storage area of the temporary storage means into a plurality of areas according to a form of data recording on the information recording medium and storing data;

An information recording device comprising:

2. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores data in each of the areas by a predetermined buffering method.

3. The information recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means stores data in at least one of the areas by a ring buffering method.

[4] The temporary storage means is means for storing data in a ring buffering method in which a ring start pointer and a ring end pointer can be set,

The control means sets the ring start pointer and the ring end pointer in at least one of the areas, respectively, and stores data in the ring buffering method. The information recording device according to 1.

[5] The information recording medium is capable of recording data in a predetermined recording block unit, and the control means is a recording data storage for storing data for recording at least a storage area of the temporary storage means on the information recording medium. And dividing the fraction data smaller than the recording block unit into fraction data storage areas for temporarily storing the fraction data, and storing the data to be recorded on the information recording medium in the recording data storage area. 2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the fraction data is stored in a data storage area.

6. The information recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control means, after storing the data in the fractional data storage area, reports completion of the recording request.

[7] After storing the data in the fraction data storage area, the control means reads a recording block including the fraction data into the recording data storage area, and overwrites the read data with the fraction data. 6. The information recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein data recording is performed in the recording block unit.

[8] When there is fraction data less than the recording block in the recording data storage area at the time of receiving the recording completion request, the control unit saves the fraction data to the fraction data storage area. Reading a predetermined recording block including the fraction data into the recording data storage area, and performing data recording of the predetermined recording block by overwriting the read data with the fraction data. Information described

9. The information storage device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit divides the size of the fraction data storage area so as to be smaller than the size of the recording data storage area.

[10] The information recording medium is an information recording medium that performs data replacement to a predetermined replacement area when a data recording area includes a defect.

The control means divides a storage area of the temporary storage means into at least a recording data storage area for storing data to be recorded on the information recording medium and a replacement destination data storage area for storing data of the replacement area. 2. The data storage device according to claim 1, wherein data to be recorded on the information recording medium is stored in the recording data storage area, and data in the replacement area is read out and stored in the replacement destination data storage area. Information record

[11] The information recording medium is an information recording medium capable of replacing fraction data less than a predetermined recording block unit in a replacement area,

The control means reads the data of the recording block in the replacement area of the fraction data, stores the data in the replacement data storage area, and then stores the fraction data in the data stored in the replacement data storage area. 11. The information recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein data recording is performed in units of the predetermined recording block by overwriting.

12. The information recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control means includes means for dividing the size of the replacement destination data storage area so as to be smaller than the size of the recording data storage area. .

[13] When recording or reproducing data on an information recording medium on which data can be recorded, a storage area of a temporary storage means for temporarily storing the data is provided for the information recording medium. An information recording method, comprising: a control step of dividing data into a plurality of areas according to a data recording mode to be stored and storing data.

14. The information recording method according to claim 13, wherein the control step includes a step of storing data in each of the areas by a predetermined buffering method.

15. The information recording method according to claim 13, wherein the control step includes a step of storing data in at least one of the areas using a ring buffering method.

[16] The control step includes a step of setting a ring start pointer and a ring end pointer in at least one of the areas, and storing data in a ring buffering scheme. 14. The information recording method according to claim 13.

[17] The control step includes a recording data storage area for storing at least data to be recorded on the information recording medium in a storage area of the temporary storage means, and a predetermined recording block unit for recording data on the information recording medium. The fractional data is divided into a fractional data storage area for temporarily storing fractional data, the data for recording on the information recording medium is stored in the recording data storage area, and the fractional data is stored in the fractional data storage area. 14. The information recording method according to claim 13, which is a step of storing data.

18. The information recording method according to claim 17, wherein the control step includes a step of, after storing the data in the fraction data storage area, reporting a completion of the recording request.

[19] In the control step, after storing the data in the fraction data storage area, a recording block including the fraction data is read into the recording data storage area, and the fraction data is overwritten on the read data. 18. The information recording method according to claim 17, further comprising a step of performing data recording in the recording block unit.

[20] In the control step, when fractional data less than the recording block exists in the recording data storage area at the time of receiving the recording completion request, the fractional data is saved to the fractional data storage area. Reading a predetermined recording block including the fraction data into the recording data storage area, and performing data recording of the predetermined recording block by overwriting the read data with the fraction data. Claim 17 Information recording method described.

21. The information recording method according to claim 17, wherein the control step includes a step of dividing the size of the fraction data storage area so as to be smaller than the size of the recording data storage area. .

[22] The information recording medium is an information recording medium that performs data replacement to a predetermined replacement area when a data recording area includes a defect.

The control step divides a storage area of the temporary storage means into at least a recording data storage area for storing data to be recorded on the information recording medium and a replacement destination data storage area for storing data of the replacement area. A step of storing data to be recorded on the information recording medium in the recording data storage area, reading out the data in the replacement area, and storing the data in the replacement destination data storage area. Information recording method described in 13.

[23] The information recording medium is an information recording medium capable of replacing fraction data less than a predetermined recording block unit in a replacement area,

The control step reads the data of the recording block in the replacement area of the fraction data and stores the data in the replacement data storage area, and then stores the fraction data in the data stored in the replacement data storage area. 23. The information recording method according to claim 22, further comprising a step of performing data recording by overwriting by the predetermined recording block unit.

24. The information recording method according to claim 22, wherein the control step includes a step of dividing the size of the replacement destination data storage area so as to be smaller than the size of the recording data storage area. .

[25] computer

When recording or reproducing data on or from an information recording medium on which data can be recorded, the storage area of the temporary storage means for temporarily storing the data is set according to the form of data recording on the information recording medium. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program, wherein the storage medium executes a control procedure of dividing data into a plurality of areas and storing data.

[26] In the control procedure, data is written in each of the areas by a predetermined buffering method. 26. The recording medium according to claim 25, further comprising a step of remembering.

27. The recording medium according to claim 25, wherein the control procedure includes a step of storing data in at least one of the areas by a ring buffering method.

[28] The control procedure includes a procedure of setting a ring start pointer and a ring end pointer in at least one of the areas and storing data in a ring buffering scheme. The recording medium according to claim 25.

[29] The control procedure includes a recording data storage area for storing at least data for recording the storage area of the temporary storage means on the information recording medium and a predetermined recording block unit for recording data on the information recording medium. The fractional data is divided into a fractional data storage area for temporarily storing fractional data, the data for recording on the information recording medium is stored in the recording data storage area, and the fractional data is stored in the fractional data storage area. 26. The recording medium according to claim 25, wherein the recording medium is a procedure for storing data.

30. The recording medium according to claim 29, wherein the control procedure includes a procedure of storing data in the fractional data storage area and then reporting completion of the recording request.

[31] In the control procedure, after data is stored in the fraction data storage area, a recording block including the fraction data is read into the recording data storage area, and the fraction data is overwritten on the read data. 30. The recording medium according to claim 29, further comprising a step of performing data recording in units of said recording blocks.

[32] In the control procedure, when fraction data less than the recording block exists in the recording data storage area at the time of receiving the recording completion request, the fraction data is saved to the fraction data storage area. Reading a predetermined recording block including the fraction data into the recording data storage area, and performing data recording of the predetermined recording block by overwriting the read data with the fraction data. A recording medium according to claim 29.

33. The recording medium according to claim 29, wherein the control procedure includes a procedure of dividing the size of the fraction data storage area so as to be smaller than the size of the print data storage area.

[34] The information recording medium is provided with a predetermined replacement area when the data recording area includes a defect. Information recording medium that exchanges data to the area,

The control procedure divides the storage area of the temporary storage means into at least a recording data storage area for storing data to be recorded on the information recording medium and a replacement destination data storage area for storing data of the replacement area. A step of storing data to be recorded on the information recording medium in the recording data storage area, reading the data in the replacement area, and storing the data in the replacement destination data storage area. 25 recording media.

[35] The information recording medium is an information recording medium capable of replacing fraction data less than a predetermined recording block unit in a replacement area,

The control procedure reads the data of the recording block in the replacement area of the fraction data, stores the data in the replacement data storage area, and then stores the fraction data in the data stored in the replacement data storage area. 35. The recording medium according to claim 34, further comprising a step of performing data recording in units of said predetermined recording block by overwriting.

36. The recording medium according to claim 34, wherein the control procedure includes a step of dividing the size of the replacement data storage area so as to be smaller than the size of the recording data storage area.