WO2006121128A1

WO2006121128A1 - Information recording medium, information recording device and method, and computer program for record control

Info

Publication number: WO2006121128A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/309506
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazuo Kuroda; Masahiro Kato
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2005-05-12
Filing date: 2006-05-11
Publication date: 2006-11-16

Abstract

An information recording medium (100) is provided with at least (i) a first recording layer (L0 layer) wherein first information can be recorded, and (ii) a second recording layer (L1 layer) wherein second information can be recorded by a laser beam passed through the first recording layer, and (iii) a first recording area of the first recording layer (L0 layer) is subjected to optical process (initializing process) by which the light transmission of the first recording area can be brought close to the light transmission obtained when the first information is recorded in the first recording area.

Description

Specification

Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, and computer program for recording control

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-layer information recording medium such as a dual-layer DVD and CD (Compact Disc), and an information recording apparatus and method such as a DVD recorder for recording information on the information recording medium. The present invention relates to the technical field of computer programs for recording control.

Background art

[0002] For example, in a recording type information recording medium such as CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD + R, it is described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc. Thus, an information recording medium such as a multilayer type or dual layer type optical disc in which a plurality of recording layers are laminated or bonded on the same substrate has been developed. In an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder that performs recording on such a dual layer type, that is, a two-layer type optical disc, the foremost side (ie, the side closer to the optical pickup) when viewed from the laser light irradiation side. By concentrating the recording laser beam on the recording layer located in the position (referred to as “L0 layer” in this application), information can be rewritten using an irreversible recording method such as heating to the L0 layer. Record in the format. On the other hand, with respect to the recording layer (referred to as “L1 layer” in this application as appropriate) located on the far side of the L0 layer (that is, the side far from the optical pickup force) when viewed from the laser beam irradiation side through the L0 layer, By condensing the laser beam, information is recorded on the L1 layer by an irreversible change recording method such as heating or a rewritable method. In particular, for example, in a rewritable information recording medium such as CD-RW (Compact Disc-Rewritable), DVD-RW, and DVD + RW, a user can record arbitrary data at an arbitrary position at an arbitrary timing. In addition, at the time of manufacture, a so-called general initialization process is performed before shipment. In this general initialization process, for example, on the recording surface of the information recording medium, the major axis direction of the elliptical light spot in the initialization laser beam is the tangential direction of the track. Irradiated across several tracks while being vertical. The recording layer irradiated with the initialization laser light is crystallized, and the recording layer The light reflectance becomes larger (the light transmittance becomes smaller). Accordingly, since the amount of light returning to the optical pickup from the optical disc on which this initialization processing has been performed becomes large, tracking control can be performed with higher accuracy.

[0003] When recording information on the L1 layer constituting the above-described dual-layer recording type optical disk such as DVD-RW, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), the recorded LO layer is used. The optimum recording power of the laser light applied to the L1 layer is 46 (mW: milliwatt), which minimizes the jitter value on the parabola of the thick line (black triangle) in Fig. 16 (c). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the optimum recording power of the laser beam irradiated to the L 1 layer through the unrecorded LO layer having a different light transmittance from the recorded LO layer is The jitter value on the parabola of the fine line (white triangle mark) in Fig. 16 (c) is 44.5 (mW: milliwatt), and whether the LO layer is recorded in the L1 layer recording. There is a need to consider. In response to this, for example, a recording method that meets the so-called recording order (Recording Order) has been devised, in which a recording laser beam that has passed through an already recorded LO layer must be irradiated. Specifically, after the L0 layer is in a recorded state, information is recorded in the L1 layer with a laser beam that retains the optimum recording power corresponding to the recorded L0 layer. On the other hand, the L0 layer is left in an unrecorded state, and information is recorded in the L1 layer by a laser beam that holds the optimum recording power corresponding to the unrecorded L0 layer. Alternatively, whether or not the L0 layer area facing the area where the information is scheduled to be recorded has been recorded is determined based on management information such as a space bit map (SBM). Based on the determination, information is recorded in the L1 layer. Here, “opposing” according to the present invention means that a part of the first recording layer and a part of the second recording layer face each other correspondingly, that is, exist at substantially the same radial position. This may mean a positional relationship. Furthermore, it may mean a positional relationship that takes into account errors such as eccentricity.

[0004] Further, when manufacturing such a two-layer information recording medium, the L0 layer and the L1 layer are formed by separate stampers, and the respective recording layers are bonded together. Or they are stacked. Therefore, in the L0 layer and the L1 layer, eccentricity may occur due to a bonding error. Alternatively, since the L0 layer and the L1 layer are created by different stampers, there is a deviation in the track pitch in each recording layer, and each recording Deviations, so-called dimensional errors, may occur in absolute radial positions with respect to the reference address in the layer. Due to these causes, the recording area of the LO layer is displaced in the radial position of the recording area of the L1 layer corresponding to the address information such as the pre-format address, for example. There are, however, possibilities.

More specifically, for example, when recording is performed using the recording power optimized when recording through the recorded LO layer, as shown on the left side of FIG. When recording information on the L1 layer, if a recording laser beam that has passed through the LO layer in a recorded state is irradiated on a single track, the amplitude of the reproduced signal will increase, which is good Signal quality can be obtained, that is, an asymmetry value, which is an example of signal quality, is an appropriate value. On the other hand, as shown in the right side of FIG. 17, when the recording laser light that has passed through the LO layer in an unrecorded state is irradiated, the amplitude of the reproduction signal becomes small and good signal quality is obtained. There is no asymmetry value. On the other hand, as shown in the center portion of FIG. 17, a recording laser beam that has passed through the LO layer in which a recorded area and an unrecorded area are mixed on a single track is irradiated. In such a case, the amplitude of the reproduction signal varies depending on the amount of eccentricity, that is, the asymmetry value transitions from one level to the other between an appropriate level and an incorrect level.

[0006] In order to eliminate the optimum recording power deviation caused by this relative deviation, detecting the recording state of the recording area of the LO layer corresponding to the recording area of the recording apparatus force L1 layer has been described above. Since it is also necessary to accurately recognize the relative deviation, the recording control process becomes complicated. On the other hand, if information is recorded while ignoring the optimum recording power deviation due to this relative deviation, a processing parameter for obtaining a binary signal in a reproducing apparatus that reproduces the recorded information. Since this must be changed dynamically, the control becomes complicated, increasing the load in the playback process.

[0007] Therefore, the inventors of the present application do not cause a problem of deviation in reproduction quality of recorded information even if recording is performed between the LO layer and the L1 layer at a normal time with a constant recording power. A method for prescribing the relationship between the address and the physical radial position has been devised. Specifically, the radial position force in the address system of the LO layer L corresponding to this address system The recording medium is created so that the radial position in the one-layer address system is located on the inner circumference side.

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-311346

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-23237

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the recording method that satisfies the recording requirements described above, the state of the recording area of the LO layer facing the recording area of the L 1 layer where information is scheduled to be recorded is, for example, whether or not the power is already recorded. For example, the optimum recording power of the laser beam for recording information in the recording area of the L1 layer must be dynamically changed while making judgment based on management information such as SBM. For this reason, if the recording control process becomes complicated and the load on the recording control process is increased, there is a technical problem.

[0010] Or, in order to record information in the recording area of the L1 layer, for example, by setting the LO layer to a recorded state, for example, in accordance with the recording method that satisfies the recording requirements described above. The effective recording operation must be interrupted by various processes. For this reason, there is a technical problem that the recording control process becomes complicated and increases the load of the recording control process.

The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the conventional problems described above, and can more efficiently record information on, for example, a rewritable information recording medium having a plurality of recording layers. It is an object to provide an information recording medium, an information recording apparatus and method, and a computer program that allows a computer to function as such an information recording apparatus.

Means for solving the problem

[0012] (Information recording medium)

Hereinafter, the information recording medium of the present invention will be described.

[0013] In order to solve the above-described problem, the information recording medium of the present invention has a first recording layer (LO layer) capable of recording the first information, and a second information by a laser beam transmitted through the first recording layer. A second recording layer (L1 layer) capable of recording at least the first recording layer (LO layer) ) In the first recording area (a part of the recording area), the light transmittance of the first recording area may be close to the light transmittance when the first information has been recorded in the first recording area. Possible optical processing (initialization processing) has been applied!

[0014] According to the information recording medium of the present invention, at least in the first recording area which is a part of the recording area of the first recording layer (L0 layer), the light transmittance of the first recording area is set to the first recording area. Compared to the light transmittance when it is assumed that the recording area is unrecorded, the optical transmittance can be close to the light transmittance when it is assumed that the first information has been recorded in the first recording area. Processing (initialization processing) 1S For example, it is performed at the time of manufacture.

[0015] As a result, the user can arbitrarily place the user at an arbitrary position by a simple control process such as a recording control process with a certain optimum recording power in the recording operation of an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder. Arbitrary data can be added to the first recording layer at the timing and recorded on the second recording layer, that is, so-called random write can be performed while satisfying the recording requirements described above.

[0016] In order to satisfy the above-mentioned recording requirements, it is almost or completely necessary to perform various processes such as interrupting the effective recording operation and, for example, bringing the first recording layer into a recorded state. Disappear. As a result, random writing that satisfies the recording requirements described above can be performed more quickly and easily.

In one aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, as the optical process, it is assumed that the light transmittance of the first recording area is recorded and the first information is recorded in the first recording area. In this case, the light transmittance is processed to be substantially equal to the light transmittance.

[0018] According to this aspect, random writing can be more reliably realized while satisfying the recording requirements described above.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, a spiral or concentric first track for recording the first information is formed at least in the first recording layer (L0 layer). In the first recording area, as the optical process, an initialization laser beam for initializing the information recording medium is straddled across a plurality of the first tracks. Irradiated with a pattern).

[0020] According to this aspect, the laser light power for initialization based on a predetermined pulse pattern By irradiating across the first track, the optical processing of the present invention can be performed more easily and with high accuracy.

[0021] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, in the first recording area, as the optical process, (i) one process for cooling the first recording area in a relatively short time; (Ii) Other processing for cooling the first recording area in a relatively long time is performed.

[0022] According to this aspect, the optical processing of the present invention is further performed by irradiating the laser beam for initialization based on one and other processes capable of adjusting the temperature of the recording layer. It is possible to carry out simply and with high accuracy.

[0023] In the aspect of the first recording area described above, the initialization laser light is irradiated as the optical processing in the first recording area. (I) An irradiation period for forming a recording mark, And (ii) It may be configured such that a process capable of changing at least one of the irradiation periods for forming the space is performed.

With this configuration, the initialization laser beam is irradiated while changing the irradiation period for forming the recording mark or space, so that the optical processing of the present invention is simpler and more accurate. Can be performed.

In the first recording area mode described above, in the first recording area, as the optical processing, the initialization laser light is applied with the predetermined pulse pattern having a duty ratio of approximately 50% or more. It may be configured to be irradiated.

With this configuration, the optical processing of the present invention can be performed more simply and with high accuracy by irradiating the laser beam for initialization based on a predetermined pulse pattern with a duty ratio larger than about 50%. Can be performed.

In the first recording area mode described above, in the first recording area, as the optical processing, the initialization laser light is irradiated while changing the laser power in the initialization laser light. You can configure it to sing.

[0028] With this configuration, the optical processing of the present invention can be performed more simply and with high accuracy by irradiating the laser beam for initialization that can change the laser power.

[0029] Further, in the aspect relating to the first recording area described above, in the first recording area, as the optical processing, the initialization laser light is an elliptical shape in the initialization laser light. It may be configured such that the long axis direction of the light spot is irradiated while being perpendicular to the tangential direction of the first track!

With this configuration, the optical processing can be performed, for example, across a plurality of tracks, so that the optical processing of the present invention can be performed more quickly.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, at least in the first recording layer (LO layer), a spiral or concentric circle for recording the first information at an arbitrary position at an arbitrary timing In the first recording area, a recording laser beam is irradiated along the first track with a random pulse pattern in the first recording area.

[0032] According to this aspect, the optical processing of the present invention can be performed more quickly by irradiating recording laser light in an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder.

In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, at least in the first recording layer (LO layer), a spiral or concentric circle for recording the first information at an arbitrary position at an arbitrary timing The first recording area is irradiated with a recording laser beam in a predetermined pulse pattern along the first track as the optical process.

[0034] According to this aspect, the optical processing of the present invention is performed with higher accuracy by irradiating the recording laser light in an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder with a predetermined pulse pattern. It becomes possible.

[0035] In the aspect relating to the first recording area described above, in the first recording area, as the optical processing, the recording laser light is irradiated while making the first recording area have the same attribute as the data area. It may be configured to

[0036] With this configuration, the optical processing of the present invention is performed by irradiating a recording laser beam in an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder, for example, and setting the first recording area to the same attribute as the data area. Can be performed with higher accuracy while realizing compatibility with DVD-ROM.

[0037] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the present invention, at least one of the first recording layer and the second recording layer is subjected to the optical treatment in the first recording area. A management information recording area capable of recording identification information (flag) indicating whether or not.

[0038] According to this aspect, for example, an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder can perform random writing by performing the optical processing of the present invention on the information recording medium to be recorded. Can be quickly and accurately identified.

[0039] (Information recording device)

The information recording apparatus of the present invention will be described below.

In order to solve the above problems, the information recording apparatus of the present invention records the first information on the first recording layer (LO layer), and at least the second information by the laser beam transmitted through the first recording layer. An information recording apparatus for recording on a second recording layer (L1 layer), the first information and a recording means for recording the second information, and a first recording of at least the first recording layer (LO layer) An optical process (initialization process) that can bring the light transmittance of a region (a part of the recording region) close to the light transmittance when the first information has been recorded in the first recording region. Optical processing means to be applied.

[0041] According to the information recording apparatus of the present invention, at least the first recording layer is formed by the optical processing means.

In the first recording area that is a part of the recording area of the (LO layer), the light transmittance of the first recording area is compared with the light transmittance when the first recording area is assumed to be unrecorded. Then, an optical process (initialization process) capable of approaching the light transmittance when it is assumed that the first information has been recorded in the first recording area is performed.

[0042] As a result, the user can arbitrarily place the user at any position by a simple control process such as a recording control process with a certain optimum recording power in the recording operation of an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder. Arbitrary data can be added to the first recording layer at the timing and recorded on the second recording layer, that is, so-called random write can be performed while satisfying the recording requirements described above.

[0043] In order to satisfy the recording requirements described above, it is almost or completely necessary to perform various processes such as interrupting the effective recording operation and, for example, bringing the first recording layer into a recorded state. Disappear. As a result, random writing that satisfies the recording requirements described above can be performed more quickly and easily.

[0044] (Information recording method) Hereinafter, the information recording method of the present invention will be described.

In order to solve the above problems, the information recording method of the present invention records first information on a first recording layer (LO layer), and at least second information is transmitted by a laser beam transmitted through the first recording layer. An information recording method for recording on a second recording layer (L1 layer), the recording step for recording the first information and the second information, and the first recording of at least the first recording layer (LO layer) An optical process (initialization process) that can bring the light transmittance of a region (a part of the recording region) close to the light transmittance when the first information has been recorded in the first recording region. Optical processing step to be applied.

[0046] According to the information recording method of the present invention, it is possible to receive various benefits of the above-described information recording apparatus of the present invention.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the information recording method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0048] (Computer program)

Hereinafter, the computer program of the present invention will be described.

[0049] In order to solve the above problems, a computer program for recording control of the present invention provides a recording control for controlling a computer provided in the above-described information recording apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof). A computer program for causing the computer to function as at least a part of the recording means and the optical processing means.

[0050] According to the computer program of the present invention, if the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a hard disk that stores the computer program and then executed by the computer, Alternatively, if the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and then executed, the above-described information recording apparatus of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

[0051] Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

[0052] In order to solve the above problems, a computer program product in a computer-readable medium is executable by a computer provided in the above-described information recording apparatus (including various aspects thereof) of the present invention. The program instructions are clearly embodied and the computer is , Function as at least a part of the recording means and the optical processing means

[0053] According to the computer program product of the present invention, if the computer program product is read into a computer from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or hard disk storing the computer program product, or For example, if the computer program product, which is a transmission wave, is downloaded to a computer via communication means, the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above can be implemented relatively easily. More specifically, the computer program product may comprise a computer readable code (or computer readable instruction) that functions as the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above.

[0054] These effects and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

[0055] As described above, according to the information recording medium of the present invention, at least the first recording layer close to the light transmittance when the first information is assumed to be recorded, and the second recording With layers. Therefore, for example, in a recording operation of an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder, a user can place arbitrary data at an arbitrary position at an arbitrary position by a simple control process such as a recording control process with a certain optimum recording power. In addition to the first recording layer, recording on the second recording layer, so-called random write, can be performed while satisfying the recording requirements described above.

[0056] According to the information recording apparatus and method of the present invention, the recording apparatus and the process, and the optical processing means and the process are provided. Therefore, for example, in a recording operation of an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder, the user can store arbitrary data at an arbitrary position at an arbitrary position by a simple control process such as a recording control process with a certain optimum recording power. In addition to the 1 recording layer, recording on the second recording layer, so-called random write, can be performed while satisfying the above-mentioned recording requirements.

[0057] Further, according to the computer program of the present invention, since the computer functions as the information recording apparatus of the present invention described above, the information recording apparatus can be made to perform the optical processing of the present invention. .

Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view (FIG. 1 (a)) showing a basic structure of an optical disc having a plurality of recording areas according to an embodiment of an information recording medium of the present invention, and a schematic sectional view of the optical disc. FIG. 1 is a schematic conceptual diagram of the recording area structure in the radial direction (FIG. 1 (b)).

FIG. 2 shows a data structure of a two-layer optical disc according to an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention, a physical sector number constituting an ECC block in a recording area of the optical disc, and a recording or reproducing method by the opposite method of the optical disc. It is one conceptual graph shown.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an information recording / reproducing apparatus and a host computer according to an embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention.

[FIG. 4] Laser irradiation diameter irradiated with laser light in the L1 layer according to the second recording layer of the present invention, and laser irradiation irradiated with laser light in the LO layer according to the first recording layer of the present invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the difference with a diameter notionally.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the shape of the light spot of the laser beam for initialization and the laser beam for recording of the present invention.

[FIG. 6] The temperature of the recording layer when one processing for rapidly cooling the recording layer and the other processing for gradually cooling included in the optical processing of the present invention are performed on the recording layer. It is the graph which showed the change of this over time.

FIG. 7 is a specific example of the optical processing of the present invention, and is irradiated with an initialization laser beam. (I) An irradiation period for forming a recording mark, and (ii) for forming a space. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the relationship between laser power and recording marks (spaces) in processing in which at least one of irradiation periods can be changed.

FIG. 8 shows another specific example of the optical processing of the present invention. The laser power and the recording mark when the laser beam for initialization having a predetermined pulse pattern with a duty ratio larger than about 50% is irradiated. It is the schematic diagram which showed the relationship with (space) schematically.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the laser power and the recording mark (space) when the laser beam for initialization that can change the laser power is irradiated as another specific example of the optical processing of the present invention. It is the schematic diagram shown. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view schematically showing a recording laser beam irradiated through an LO layer subjected to the optical processing of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing a recording laser beam irradiated on the LO layer subjected to the optical treatment of the present invention.

[FIG. 12] A schematic diagram schematically showing a temporal change in laser power of a recording laser beam for forming a recording mark and a temporal change in laser power of a reproducing laser beam. It is.

FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing a recording region of an L0 layer irradiated with a recording laser beam according to a second embodiment of the optical processing of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a table showing management information including identification information (flag) indicating whether or not optical processing is performed in the LO layer according to the third embodiment of optical processing of the present invention. is there

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the recording operation on the information recording medium, to which the third embodiment according to the optical processing of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the recording requirements according to the present invention (FIG. 16 (a) and FIG. 16 (b)) and a numerically showing graph (FIG. 16 (c)).

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a problem related to a comparative example.

Explanation of symbols

[0059] 100 ... Optical disc, 101-0 (101-1) Lead-in area, 102-0 (102-1) ... Data area, 103-0 (103-1) Lead-out area , 104-0 (104-1) ... Middle area, 300 ... Information recording / reproducing device, 301 ... Optical pickup, 302 ... Signal recording / reproducing means, 305 ••• CPU (drive control means), 306 ··· Spindle Motor, 307 (402)… Memory, 308 (40 6)… Data input / output control means, 309 (407) ··· Nose, 400 ··· Host computer, 401 ··· CPU (for host), 403 ... Operation control means, 404 ··· Operation buttons, 405 ··· Display node, LB ... Laser beam, CDZ ... Control data zone

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in each embodiment in order with reference to the drawings. [0061] (1) Examples of information recording medium

An embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the optical disk according to the present embodiment, the objet method in which the L0 layer track path and the L1 layer track path constituting an example of the “first track” according to the present invention are in opposite recording directions is recorded. It is adopted as a specific example of the system.

[0062] (1 1) Basic configuration

First, the basic structure of an optical disc according to an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view (FIG. 1 (a)) showing a basic structure of an optical disc having a plurality of recording areas according to an embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention, and a schematic cross section of the optical disc. It is a schematic conceptual diagram of the recording area structure in the radial direction associated with the figure (Fig. 1 (b)).

[0063] As shown in Fig. 1 (a) and Fig. 1 (b), the optical disc 100 has, for example, a recording surface on a disc main body having a diameter of about 12 cm as in the case of a DVD, with a center hole 1 as a center. A recording area such as a data area is provided. A recording layer such as the LO layer related to the first recording layer of the present invention and the L1 layer related to the second recording layer of the present invention is laminated on the transparent substrate 106 of the optical disc 100, for example. In each recording area of the recording layer, for example, tracks 10 such as a groove track and a land track are alternately provided in a spiral shape or a concentric shape centering on the center hole 1. On the track 10, data is divided and recorded in units of ECC blocks 11. The ECC block 11 is a data management unit in which recorded information can be error-corrected.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 1 (b), the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment has, for example, an LO layer (first recording layer) and an L1 layer (second recording layer) laminated on a transparent substrate 106. Has a structured. At the time of recording / reproduction of such a double-layered optical disc 100, depending on whether the condensing position of the laser beam LB irradiated from the lower side to the upper side in FIG. Thus, recording / reproduction in the L0 layer is performed or recording / reproduction in the L1 layer is performed. In addition, the optical disc 100 according to the present embodiment may be a double-layer single side, that is, a double-layer double side, not limited to a dual layer. Furthermore, as described above, it is not limited to an optical disc having two recording layers, and is a multi-layer type optical disc having three or more layers. It may be a disc. The recording or reproducing procedure by the opposite method in the two-layer type optical disc and the data structure in each layer will be described later.

[0065] (1 2) Detailed configuration

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a detailed configuration of the two-layer type optical disc according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention will be described. More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the data structure of a two-layer type optical disc, and the physical sector number constituting the ECC block in the recording area of the optical disc (hereinafter referred to as “sector number” where appropriate) In addition, a recording or reproducing procedure of the optical disc by the opposite method will be described. FIG. 2 shows the data structure of the two-layer type optical disc according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention, the physical sector number constituting the ECC block in the recording area of the optical disc, and the recording method of the optical disc by the opposite method. Or it is one conceptual graph which showed the reproduction | regeneration method. The vertical axis in FIG. 2 indicates the sector number expressed in hexadecimal, and the horizontal axis indicates the relative position in the radial direction of the optical disk.

As shown in FIG. 2, the two-layer type optical disc 100 according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention has two recording layers laminated on a transparent substrate (not shown), that is, LO layer and L1. And configured with layers. Specifically, the LO layer is provided with a lead-in area 101-0, a data area 10 2-0, and a middle area 104-0. The present invention is not particularly limited to the optical disc having such three areas. For example, even if the lead-in area 101 or the lead-out area 103 and the middle area 104 do not exist, the data structure described below can be constructed. Further, as will be described later, the lead-in area 101 or the lead-out 103 and the middle area 104 may be further subdivided.

In the lead-in area 101-0, a control data zone CDZ is provided. In this control data zone CDZ, a book including identification information such as a flag indicating whether or not optical processing described later is performed, and information on the number of recording layers, the direction of recording tracks, the track pitch, and the like. “Management information” according to the invention can be recorded. Information (data) can be recorded in the data area 102-0. The middle area 104-0 has a basic function to prevent the recording or reproduction position for the L0 layer and the L1 layer from moving outside the unrecorded area or the substrate, but the recording or reproduction position is not recorded in the interlayer jump. It also has a function as a “jump buffer area” that prevents it from coming off the substrate. On the other hand, the LI layer is provided with a middle area 104-1, a data area 102-1 and a lead-out area 103-1 from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side.

[0069] In particular, in this embodiment, the LO layer may be subjected to the optical processing of the present invention by an information recording apparatus described later at a predetermined timing, for example, at the time of manufacturing an optical disc, or the like. . A specific example of this optical processing will be described in detail in “(3-2) Physical characteristics of optical processing” described later.

[0070] Since the two-layer optical disc 100 is configured as described above, when recording or reproducing the optical disc 100, an information recording / reproducing device according to a specific example of the information recording device of the present invention described later is used. The laser beam LB is irradiated from the side of the substrate (not shown), ie, from the lower side to the upper side in FIG. The movement distance and direction in are controlled. Thereby, data is recorded on each recording layer, or recorded data is reproduced.

[0071] The opposite method is adopted as the recording or reproducing procedure of the two-layer type optical disc according to the embodiment of the information recording medium of the present invention. Here, the opposite method is more specifically described as a procedure for recording or reproducing a two-layer optical disc, in which an optical pickup of an information recording / reproducing apparatus, which will be described later, moves from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side in the LO layer. In other words, in the L1 layer, the optical pickup moves from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side, that is, to the left of the arrow in FIG. This is a method in which recording or reproduction is performed on a two-layer type optical disc by moving to. In this opposite method, when recording or playback in the LO layer is completed, when recording or playback in the L1 layer is started, the optical pickup at the outermost periphery of the optical disk moves again toward the innermost periphery. There is no need to switch the focal length to the L1 layer, so it has the advantage that the switching time to the L1 layer is shorter compared to the parallel method, so there is a large amount of content information. It is adopted for recording.

[0072] Specifically, as shown in the graph portion of FIG. 2, first, in the LO layer, the optical pick-up causes the lead-in area 101-0, the data area 102-0, and the green area 104-0 to be on the inner circumference side. As the force moves toward the outer periphery, the sector number in the recording area of the optical disc 100 increases. On the other hand, in the L1 layer, specifically, the optical pickup is a middle The sector number in the recording area of the optical disc 100 increases as the key 104-1, the data area 102-1 and the lead-out area 103-1 are moved from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side. All the sector numbers in the L0 layer and the L1 layer described above have a 15's complement relationship in hexadecimal. In addition, a logical block address (LBA) is assigned to the physical sector number on a one-to-one basis. Thus, for example, the host computer can perform recording and reproduction operations according to the logical block address managed by the file system, for example, without being aware of the physical sector number.

[0073] (2) First embodiment of information recording apparatus

Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail. In particular, this embodiment is an example in which the information recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an information recording / reproducing apparatus for an optical disc.

[0074] (2— 1) Basic configuration

First, the basic configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 and the host computer 400 in the first embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus and the host computer according to the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present invention. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 has a function of recording record data on the optical disc 100 and a function of reproducing the record data recorded on the optical disc 100.

The internal configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIG. The information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 is an apparatus that records information on the optical disc 100 and reads information recorded on the optical disc 100 under the control of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 305 for driving.

The information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 includes an optical disc 100, an optical pickup 301, a signal recording / reproducing unit 302, an address detecting unit 303, an address calculating unit 304, a CPU (drive control means) 305, a spindle motor 306, a memory 307, A data input / output control means 308 and a bus 309 are provided.

[0077] The host computer 400 includes a CPU (host control means) 401, a memory 402, an operation control means 403, an operation button 404, a display panel 405, a data input / output control means 406, and a buffer. 407.

[0078] In particular, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 may be configured to be communicable with an external network by housing the host computer 400 including a communication means such as a modem in the same casing. Alternatively, the CPU (host control means) 405 of the host computer 400 equipped with communication means such as i-link directly controls the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 via the data input / output control means 308 and the bus 309. By doing so, you may be able to communicate with an external network.

The optical pickup 301 performs recording / reproduction with respect to the optical disc 100, and includes a semiconductor laser device and a lens. More specifically, the optical pickup 301 irradiates the optical disc 100 with a light beam such as a laser beam at a reproduction level laser power as read light at the time of reproduction, and at a recording level laser power as a write light at the time of recording. Irradiate while modulating. In particular, the optical pickup 301 according to the present embodiment may be configured to be able to irradiate an initialization laser beam to be described later in addition to the recording laser beam.

The signal recording / reproducing means 302 performs recording / reproduction on the optical disc 100 by controlling the optical pickup 301 and the spindle motor 306. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing means 302 is constituted by, for example, a laser diode driver (LD dryer) and a head amplifier. The laser diode driver drives a semiconductor laser (not shown) provided in the optical pickup 301. The head amplifier amplifies the output signal of the optical pickup 301, that is, the reflected light of the light beam, and outputs the amplified signal. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing means 302, for example, in the case of OPC (Optimum Power Control) processing, together with a timing generator (not shown) under the control of the CPU 305, the optimum laser power is recorded by OPC pattern recording and reproduction processing. A semiconductor laser (not shown) provided in the optical pickup 301 is driven so that the determination can be made. In particular, the signal recording / reproducing means 302 constitutes one example of the “recording means” according to the present invention together with the optical pickup 301.

The CPU (drive control means) 305 controls the entire information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 by giving instructions to various means via the bus 309. Further, software or firmware for operating the CPU 305 is stored in the memory 307.

The spindle motor 306 rotates and stops the optical disc 100, and is used for the optical disc. Operates when accessing. More specifically, the spindle motor 306 is configured to rotate and stop the optical disc 100 at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from a servo unit or the like (not shown).

[0083] The memory 307 includes general data processing and OPC in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 such as a buffer area for recording / reproducing data and an area used as an intermediate buffer for conversion to data used by the signal recording / reproducing means 302. Used in processing. The memory 307 has a program for operating as a recorder device, that is, a ROM area in which firmware is stored, a buffer for temporarily storing recording / playback data, a variable necessary for the operation of the firmware program, and the like. The RAM area to be stored is configured.

The data input / output control means 308 controls external data input / output to / from the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300, and stores and retrieves data in / from the data buffer on the memory 307. Connected to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 via an interface such as SCSI or ATAPI! The drive control command issued from the external host computer 400 (hereinafter referred to as a host as appropriate) is the data input / output control means. It is transmitted to CPU 305 via 308. Similarly, recording / reproduction data is transmitted / received to / from the host computer 400 via the data input / output control means 308.

In the host computer 400, the CPU (host control means) 401, the memory 402, the data input / output control means 406, and the bus 407 are substantially the same as the corresponding components in the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300. It is.

[0086] In particular, the operation control means 403 is for receiving and displaying an operation instruction for the host computer 400. For example, the operation control means 403 notifies the CPU 401 of an instruction by the operation button 404, for example, recording or reproduction. The CPU 401 transmits a control command (command) to the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 via the data input / output unit 406 based on the instruction information from the operation control means 403, and the entire information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 is controlled. You may comprise so that it may control. Similarly, the CPU 401 can transmit a command requesting the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 to transmit the operation state to the host. As a result, the operating state of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 during recording and reproducing can be grasped, so that the CPU 401 can display the operating state of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 on the display panel 405 such as a fluorescent tube or LCD via the operation control means 403. Can output it can.

One specific example of using the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 and the host computer 400 in combination as described above is a household device such as a recorder device that records and reproduces video. This recorder device is a device that records video signals from broadcast receiver tuners and external connection jacks on a disc, and outputs the video signals reproduced from the disc to an external display device such as a television.

. The program stored in the memory 402 is executed by the CPU 401 to operate as a recorder device. In another specific example, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 300 is a disk drive (hereinafter referred to as a drive as appropriate), and the host computer 400 is a personal computer workstation. The host computer such as a personal computer and the drive are connected via SCSI / ATAPI data input / output control means 308 (406), and the application such as writing software installed in the host computer controls the disk drive. To do.

[0088] (2-2) Detailed configuration of optical pickup

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, “difference in laser irradiation diameter” will be described as a detailed configuration of the optical pickup. FIG. 4 shows the laser irradiation diameter irradiated with laser light in the L1 layer according to the second recording layer of the present invention and the laser irradiated with laser light in the L0 layer according to the first recording layer of the present invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the difference with an irradiation diameter notionally.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the two-layer type optical disc, a difference rb in the laser irradiation diameter due to the fact that the beam shape of the laser beam is a cone occurs as a relative deviation. Here, “difference in laser irradiation diameter” refers to the light spot position (point C) of the laser beam focused on the L1 layer and the region that is defocused and irradiated on this laser beam LO layer. This is the amount generated as the difference from the radial position (point A). The effect of this “laser irradiation diameter difference” on the present invention will be described in “(3-3-1) Effect on recording on L1 layer” described later. Also, the maximum value of the difference rb in laser irradiation diameter should be as shown by the following equation (10).

[0090] rb = L X tan {sin- 1 (NA / n)}--(10)

Where L is the thickness of the intermediate layer (the layer inserted between the LO layer and L1 layer)

NA: Aperture ratio of optical system n: Refractive index.

[0091] Specifically, the maximum value of the difference in laser irradiation diameter rb is (i) the numerical aperture (NA) of the laser beam, (ii) the refractive index of the intermediate layer existing between the LO layer and the L1 layer. And (iii) calculated based on the thickness of the intermediate layer that determines the distance between the LO layer and the L 1 layer.

[0092] (3) First Example of Optical Processing of the Present Invention

Next, a first embodiment according to the optical processing of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0093] (3-1) Shape of laser beam for initialization

First, the shapes of the initialization laser beam and the recording laser beam according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the shape of the light spot of the laser beam for initialization and the laser beam for recording of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the initialization laser beam of the present invention is (i) the force in the major axis direction of the elliptical light spot in the initialization laser beam perpendicular to the tangential direction of the track. (Ii) Irradiation is performed across multiple tracks. Note that the light spot of the recording laser light has a circular shape and is irradiated along one track.

[0095] (3-2) Physical characteristics of optical processing

Next, physical features of the optical processing of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. FIG. 6 shows the recording when the recording layer is subjected to one process for rapidly cooling the recording layer and another process for gradually cooling, which is included in the optical process of the present invention. It is the graph which showed the temporal change of the temperature of a layer diagrammatically. FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the optical processing of the present invention. (I) An irradiation period for forming a recording mark and (ii) a space for irradiation with an initialization laser beam. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the relationship between laser power and recording marks (spaces) in a process in which at least one of the irradiation periods can be changed. FIG. 8 shows another specific example of the optical processing according to the present invention. Laser power and recording when a laser beam for initialization having a predetermined pulse pattern with a duty ratio larger than about 50% is irradiated. It is a schematic diagram schematically showing the relationship with marks (spaces). FIG. 9 shows another specific example of the optical processing of the present invention. The laser power and the recording mark (space) when the laser beam for initialization whose laser power can be changed are irradiated. It is the schematic diagram which showed the relationship of these.

[0096] As shown in the left side of FIG. 6, when one treatment for rapidly cooling the recording layer is performed as part of the optical treatment of the present invention, the temperature of the recording layer is the crystallization temperature. After exceeding the melting point, the temperature is lowered relatively rapidly. Therefore, an amorphous phase, so-called amorphous state is formed in the recording layer. On the other hand, as shown in the right side of FIG. 6, when another process for gradually cooling the recording layer is performed as another part of the optical process of the present invention, the temperature of the recording layer is only the melting point. After the temperature is exceeded, the temperature is lowered gradually (slowly). Therefore, in the recording layer, a crystal phase, a so-called crystal state is formed.

As a result, in the recording area of the LO layer subjected to the optical processing of the present invention, the light transmittance of the recording area of the LO layer is recorded as information in the recording area of the LO layer. It is possible to make the light transmittance approximately equal (or substantially equal) to the assumed light transmittance.

As one specific example of the optical processing of the present invention, the laser beam for initialization is irradiated (i) the irradiation period for forming the recording mark, and (ii) the irradiation for forming the space Processing in which at least one of the periods can be changed may be performed. That is, as shown on the right side of FIG. 7, in order to form the recording mark relatively long, the irradiation period during which the recording level laser power is irradiated may be relatively long. Alternatively, in order to form the space relatively long, the irradiation period during which the laser power of the erasing level is irradiated may be relatively long.

[0099] Alternatively, as another specific example of the optical processing of the present invention, initialization laser light having a predetermined pulse pattern in which the duty ratio is greater than about 50% may be irradiated. More specifically, the duty ratio, that is, the ratio of the recorded mark portion to the space portion is about 50%, in other words, about 1: 1 (see the left side of FIG. 8), FIG. As shown on the right side of the screen, the initialization laser beam may be irradiated so that the partial force of the recording mark is larger than the space.

[0100] Furthermore, as another specific example of the optical processing of the present invention, an initialization laser beam whose laser power can be changed may be irradiated. More specifically, as shown in the upper right part of FIG. 9, the initialization laser light for forming the recording mark is irradiated while reducing the recording level of the laser power in the initialization laser light, for example. The You may be made to do. Note that the recording mark (gray part) on the right side of FIG. 9 is changed from the amorphous phase to the crystalline phase compared to the recording mark (black part) on the left side of FIG. Is generally larger.

[0101] Therefore, in the recording area of the LO layer subjected to the optical processing of the present invention, the light transmittance of the recording area of the LO layer is assumed to be recorded in the recording area of the LO layer. In this case, the light transmittance can be made approximately equal.

[0102] As a result of the above, for example, in a recording operation of an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder, the user can set an arbitrary timing at an arbitrary position by a simple control process such as a recording control process with a certain optimum recording power. By recording arbitrary data in the LO layer and recording it in the L1 layer, so-called random writing can be performed while satisfying the recording requirements described above. In order to satisfy the above-mentioned recording requirements, there is little or no need for performing various processes such as interrupting the effective recording operation and setting the L0 layer to the recorded state. As a result, random writing that satisfies the above-mentioned recording requirements can be performed more quickly and easily.

[0103] (3-3) Influence of optical processing

Here, with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12, the influence on the quality of information recorded in the L0 layer and the L1 layer when the optical processing of the present invention is applied to the L0 layer will be described.

[0104] (3 — 3— 1) Effect on recording on L1 layer

First, the effect on recording on the L1 layer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an external perspective view schematically showing the recording laser light irradiated through the L0 layer subjected to the optical processing of the present invention.

According to the study by the inventors of the present application, as shown in FIG. 10, the laser light power for recording is transmitted through the transmission region of the L0 layer subjected to the optical processing of the present invention to the L1 layer. Even when irradiated, the effect of the variation in light transmittance in this transmission region can be almost or completely ignored based on the difference in laser irradiation diameter between the L0 layer and the L1 layer. It has been found out. That is, as a specific example, if the laser irradiation diameter in the L1 layer is about 0.6 (m) and the distance between the L0 layer and the L1 layer is about 55 (μm), the L0 layer The laser irradiation diameter in this case is about 30-40 m (corresponding to the length of about 50 tracks). Therefore, Even if elliptical recording marks are formed in stripes at a distance interval of, for example, about 0.6 m) by the optical processing of the present invention, the above-mentioned about 30 to 40 (μm) is relatively about two digits. In a large transmission region, the effect of variations in the light transmittance stripes in this transmission region can be neglected almost or completely. Note that the width of the stripe may be, for example, about 0.44 / zm.

[0106] (3— 3— 2) Effect on recording on LO layer

Next, the influence on recording on the LO layer will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing the recording laser light irradiated on the LO layer subjected to the optical processing of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a temporal change in the laser power of a recording laser beam for forming a recording mark and a temporal change in the laser power of a reproducing laser beam. It is.

According to the study by the inventors of the present application, as shown in FIG. 11, the recording laser beam is emitted from the LO layer group (groove track) G subjected to the optical processing of the present invention. When irradiated, it has been found that the light spot of the recording laser light does not fall within the group G, and for example, protrudes to the land (land track) L side by a predetermined amount. Specifically, this protrusion occurs as shown on the left side of FIG. 12, in which the recording laser beam has a predetermined amount corresponding to the size of the recording mark as compared with the reproducing laser beam. This is because the laser holding time is set to be relatively long.

That is, the groove in FIG. In the land L, for example, a portion indicated by a white dotted line indicates that the temperature of the recording layer is compared with the case where the recording laser light is not irradiated due to heat diffusion due to the laser power of the recording laser light. Tend to be maintained for a long time, eg, near the crystallization temperature. Therefore, the crystallization of the peripheral portion of the recording mark (the white dotted line portion) is promoted. As a result, in order to make the difference in light transmittance between the recording mark and the peripheral part of the recording mark (white dotted line part) more prominent, (i) In addition to improving the reproduction quality of the recorded mark, (Ii) A larger tracking error signal can be detected, and more accurate tracking control can be performed.

[0109] (4) Second Embodiment According to Optical Processing of the Present Invention

Next, a second embodiment according to the optical processing of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. . FIG. 13 is a plan view schematically showing the recording region of the LO layer irradiated with the recording laser light according to the second embodiment of the optical processing of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the second embodiment of the optical processing of the present invention, first, general initialization processing is performed on the information recording medium, and the LO layer and the L1 layer are crystallized. It becomes. Next, in the group G of the LO layer, a recording laser beam is irradiated to form a predetermined amount of recording marks. Note that the predetermined amount may be determined experimentally, theoretically, empirically, or by simulation. In addition, in the recording mark according to the second embodiment, the method in the specific example of the optical processing according to the first embodiment as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is combined. Moyo!

[0111] As a result of the above, in the recording region of the LO layer that has been optically processed by the recording laser light according to the second embodiment, the light transmittance of the recording region of the LO layer is represented by the LO layer. It is possible to make the light transmittance approximately equal to that assumed when information is recorded in the recording area.

[5] Third embodiment according to the optical processing of the present invention

Next, a third embodiment according to the optical processing of the present invention will be described.

[0113] (5-1) Management information

First, a specific example of management information according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 shows management information including identification information (flag) indicating whether or not optical processing has been performed in the LO layer according to the third embodiment of optical processing of the present invention. It is a table showing.

As shown in FIG. 14, for example, the management information recorded in the control data zone CDZ described above is (i) information indicating that it is a two-layer type or a single-layer type, and (ii) the present invention It may contain identification information (flags) that indicate whether or not it has been optically processed!

As a result, the information recording / reproducing apparatus owned by the user can quickly determine whether or not the optical recording of the present invention is performed on the information recording medium to be recorded and random writing can be performed. It becomes possible to identify accurately. The user also needs to initialize all the recording layers including the LO layer and the L1 layer after random writing. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether or not the power can be rewritten by random light, or whether or not it is necessary to perform the optical processing of the present invention. Also, based on this identification information, it becomes possible to identify quickly and accurately.

[0116] (5-2) Recording operation

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a recording operation on the information recording medium to which the third embodiment of the optical processing of the present invention is applied will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the recording operation on the information recording medium to which the third embodiment according to the optical processing of the present invention is applied.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the optical disc 100 is loaded, the initial operation is performed by the reading means such as the optical pickup 301 and the signal recording / reproducing means 302 under the control of the control means such as the CPU 305. The management information recorded in the CDZ is acquired (step S100).

Next, under the control of the control means such as the CPU 305, based on the acquired management information, it is determined whether or not the optical disc 100 is a two-layer type (step S101). Here, when it is determined that the optical disk 100 is a two-layer type (step S101: Yes), the optical processing of the present invention is further performed based on the acquired management information under the control of the CPU 305. It is determined whether or not the optical disc 100 is the same (step S102). Here, when it is determined that the optical disc 100 has been subjected to the optical processing of the present invention (step S102: Yes), the recording / reproducing means such as the optical pickup 301 and the signal recording / reproducing means 302 are controlled under the control of the CPU 305. Thus, random writing is performed (step S103).

On the other hand, if it is determined as a result of the determination in step S102 that the optical disk 100 is not subjected to the optical processing of the present invention (step S102: No), the L1 layer is further controlled under the control of the CPU 305. It is determined whether or not recording is to be performed (step S105). Here, when recording on the L1 layer (step S105: Yes), under the control of the CPU 305, the recording / reproducing means such as the optical pickup 301 and the signal recording / reproducing means 302 can satisfy the recording requirements by After recording the layer, recording to the L1 layer is performed (step S106).

[0120] Further, on the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S105, when recording to the L1 layer is not performed (step S105: No), or as a result of the determination in step S101, it is determined that the optical disk 100 is not a two-layer type. If so (step S101: No), recording on the L0 layer is performed by the recording / reproducing means such as the optical pickup 301 or the signal recording / reproducing means 302 under the control of the CPU 305 (step S107). [0121] Subsequently, it is determined whether the power to end the recording operation is controlled under the control of the CPU 305 (step S104e). Here, when the recording operation is terminated (step S104e: Yes), the series of recording operations is terminated. On the other hand, if the recording operation is not terminated (step S104e: No), for example, random writing may be performed again (step S103).

In the above-described embodiments, the opposite method has been described as a specific example of the recording method. However, the present invention can also be applied to other recording methods such as a parallel method.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, as a specific example of the information recording medium, for example, a two-layer type DVD-RWX has been described as a rewritable optical disc such as DVD + RW. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a multiple layer type optical disc such as a three-layer type. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to various information recording media compatible with other high-density recording or high transfer rate such as a disk using a blue laser for recording and reproduction.

Further, in the above-described embodiments, as a specific example of the information recording apparatus, for example, it can be applied to an information recording / reproducing apparatus for rewriting such as one DVD-RW recorder or one DVD + RW recorder. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to information recording / reproducing apparatuses for various information recording media compatible with other high density recording or high transfer rate such as a disk using a blue laser for recording / reproducing.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims and the entire specification without departing from the gist or the idea of the invention which can be read. A recording medium, an information recording apparatus and method, and a computer program for recording control are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Industrial applicability

The information recording medium, the information recording apparatus and method, and the computer program for recording control according to the present invention can be used for, for example, a multilayer information recording medium such as a two-layer DVD or CD (Compact Disc). Furthermore, it can be used for an information recording apparatus such as a DVD recorder. Further, the present invention can also be used for an information recording device or the like that is mounted on, or can be connected to, various consumer or business computer devices.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a first recording layer capable of recording the first information;

A second recording layer capable of recording second information by laser light transmitted through the first recording layer;

Comprising at least

At least in the first recording area of the first recording layer, the light transmittance of the first recording area can be close to the light transmittance when the first information has been recorded in the first recording area. An information recording medium which is optically processed.

[2] As the optical process, the light transmittance of the first recording area is made substantially equal to the light transmittance when it is assumed that the first information has been recorded in the first recording area. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium is processed.

[3] At least in the first recording layer, a spiral or concentric first track for recording the first information is formed,

In the first recording area, as the optical processing, an initialization laser beam for initializing the information recording medium is irradiated with a predetermined pulse pattern across the plurality of first tracks. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein:

[4] In the first recording area, as the optical process, (i) one process for cooling the first recording area in a relatively short time; and (ii) the first recording area is relatively 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium is subjected to other treatment for cooling for a long time.

[5] In the first recording area, as the optical processing, the initialization laser light is irradiated (i) an irradiation period for forming a recording mark, and (ii) irradiation for forming a space. 4. The information recording medium according to claim 3, wherein a process capable of changing at least one of the periods is performed.

6. The first recording area is characterized in that, as the optical process, the initialization laser light is irradiated with the predetermined pulse pattern having a duty ratio larger than about 50%. The information recording medium according to item 3.

[7] In the first recording area, as the optical processing, the initialization laser light is 4. The information recording medium according to claim 3, wherein the laser beam in the initialization laser beam is irradiated while being changed.

[8] In the first recording area, as the optical processing, the long axis direction of the elliptical light spot in the initialization laser light is the tangential direction of the first track. 4. The information recording medium according to claim 3, wherein the information recording medium is irradiated while being perpendicular to the surface.

[9] At least in the first recording layer, a spiral or concentric first track for recording the first information at an arbitrary position at an arbitrary timing is formed, and the first recording area The information according to claim 1, wherein the optical processing is performed by irradiating a recording laser beam with a random pulse pattern along the first track. recoding media.

[10] At least in the first recording layer, a spiral or concentric first track for recording the first information at an arbitrary position at an arbitrary timing is formed, and the first recording area 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein, as the optical process, a recording laser beam is irradiated along the first track with a predetermined pulse pattern. .

[11] In the first recording area, as the optical processing, the recording laser light is irradiated while making the first recording area have the same attribute as that of the data area. The information recording medium according to item.

[12] At least one of the first recording layer and the second recording layer records identification information indicating whether or not the optical processing is performed in the first recording area. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the information recording medium has a possible management information recording area.

[13] An information recording apparatus for recording first information on a first recording layer and recording second information on at least the second recording layer by a laser beam transmitted through the first recording layer,

Recording means for recording the first information and the second information;

At least an optical process capable of bringing the light transmittance of the first recording area of the first recording layer close to the light transmittance when the first information has been recorded in the first recording area is performed. Optical processing means

An information recording apparatus comprising:

[14] An information recording method for recording first information on a first recording layer and recording second information on at least the second recording layer by a laser beam transmitted through the first recording layer,

An optical process that performs an optical process that can at least make the light transmittance of the first recording area of the first recording layer close to the light transmittance when the first information has been recorded in the first recording area. Process

An information recording method comprising:

[15] A computer program for recording control for controlling a computer provided in the information recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the computer is used for the recording means and the optical processing means. A computer program characterized by functioning as at least part of it.