WO2007148670A1

WO2007148670A1 - Optical recorded information reproducing method and device and optical recorded information reproducing program

Info

Publication number: WO2007148670A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/062270
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hideyuki Muto; Junichi Furukawa; Yoshio Sasaki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-06-20
Filing date: 2007-06-19
Publication date: 2007-12-27

Abstract

Provided is a defect management system (1) for managing defects of data, which is written on a recording medium (3) based on light applied at a quantity adjusted to a prescribed light quantity by a light quantity adjusting element (19). The system is provided with a computer (13) for obtaining reproduction characteristics, which indicate characteristics of reproduced data to be the reference for judging whether the data is defective or not, corresponding to a plurality of different reproduction speeds; an optical pick up section (5); a power adjusting section (7); a record reproduction data processing section (11); and a computer (13) for adjusting correlative relationship between the derived reproduction characteristics for each of the reproduction speeds, by changing light quantity adjusting degree by a light quantity adjusting element (19).

Description

Specification

Optical recording information reproducing method and apparatus, and optical recording information reproducing program

The present invention relates to an optical recording information reproducing method and apparatus for reproducing information optically recorded on a recording medium such as CD, DVD, Blu-ray DISC, HD (High Definition) DVD, and optical The present invention relates to a program for reproducing recorded information.

Background

[0002] Optical recording media such as CD, DVD, and next-generation DVD (Blu-ray DISC, HD DVD)

(For example, laser light), and information is written by the state change of the medium recording layer based on the heat caused by the irradiated light, and the corresponding information is reproduced based on the reflected light from the information. Reproducing apparatuses are rapidly becoming widespread as information recording / reproducing apparatuses replacing video tape recorders using conventional magnetic tape as a recording medium.

In the optical data recording / reproducing apparatus configured as described above, the operating current is relatively small, and a single mode laser (laser having a single longitudinal mode) is used as a light source. The laser light emitted from this single mode laser has a very high coherence, so noise that causes fluctuations in the laser light power of the laser light emitted from the light source (single mode laser) when reproducing data. It is necessary to maintain a high ratio to CNR (ie, Carrier to Noise Ratio). The noise that causes the laser light power fluctuation includes noise (return light noise) caused by interference with the return light from the recording medium, optical parts, and the like, and laser noise caused by temperature fluctuation and the like.

[0004] On the other hand, as described above, the writing (recording) of information on the recording medium is performed by the state change of the medium recording layer based on the heat caused by the irradiation light, so from the viewpoint of preventing deterioration of the recording layer. There is a limit to the power of light irradiated during reproduction.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses that the optical coupling efficiency, which is the ratio of the amount of light collected on the recording medium to the total amount of light emitted from the light source, is large during recording and small during reproduction. By setting it, it is possible to maintain a high CNR while suppressing the irradiation light power during playback. [0006] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses an optical head having transmitted light amount changing means for changing the amount of light reaching a recording medium from a light source.

[0007] According to the optical head described in Patent Document 2, when reproducing information of the first recording medium having a plurality of recording layers, the light emitted from the light source is transmitted by the transmitted light amount changing means. By irradiating the recording medium without attenuation, the irradiation light power and CNR are kept high, and when reproducing information from a second recording medium having a single-layer (single-layer) recording layer, the amount of transmitted light By changing the amount of light emitted from the light source and reaching the recording medium by the changing means, it is possible to maintain a high CNR while suppressing the irradiation light power. In other words, by increasing the amount of emitted LD light, the influence of return light noise and laser noise are reduced.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-260272

Patent Document 2: JP-A-2004-272949 On the other hand, in the above-described rewritable recording medium such as CD, DVD, next-generation DVD (Blu-ray DISC, HD DVD), etc., writing is performed on the recording track of the recording medium. It is important to manage this defect because there is a risk that the data will be in a defective state (defective state).

[0009] Causes of the recording medium to be in a differential state include deterioration of the recording layer due to repeated overwriting on the recording medium, poor quality of the medium itself, scratches and dirt on the medium, and the like. If the data written on the recording track of the recording medium is in such a “defective” state, it can be determined that it is not appropriate to use this data for future reading and writing. The above data is subject to defect management.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] Neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 discloses or suggests the practical application of the adjustment of the amount of light applied to the recording medium in defect management. The problem of being scarce is an example.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides a specific method and apparatus for applying a light amount adjustment degree of light irradiated to a recording medium in defect management. The purpose is to do.

Means for solving the problem

A first aspect of the present invention is a defect management system that performs defect management of data written based on light irradiated to a recording medium in a state adjusted to a predetermined light amount by a light amount adjustment unit. is there. The defect management system includes a reproduction characteristic deriving unit for obtaining reproduction characteristics representing characteristics at the time of reproduction of the data, which serve as an index for determining whether or not the data is defective, according to a plurality of different reproduction speeds; A correlation adjustment unit that adjusts the correlation between the derived reproduction characteristics for each of a plurality of reproduction speeds by changing a light amount adjustment degree of the light amount adjustment unit.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention is a defect management system that performs defect management of data written based on light applied to a recording medium in a state adjusted to a predetermined light amount by a light amount adjustment unit. is there. In this defect management system, the first reproduction characteristic change indicating the characteristic at the time of reproduction of the data serving as an index for determining whether or not the data is defective is determined based on the first reproduction speed. Based on the first playback characteristic change deriving unit that is determined to include the threshold level that is the determination index of the second playback speed and the second playback speed that is different from the first playback speed, the first playback characteristic change range is A second reproduction characteristic change deriving unit for deriving a corresponding second reproduction characteristic change of the data by changing a light amount adjustment degree of the light amount adjustment unit, and the first reproduction characteristic change and the second reproduction characteristic change unit. Based on the relationship between the reproduction characteristic changes, the reproduction characteristic correlated with the threshold level is extracted from the second reproduction characteristic change, and the light quantity adjustment for obtaining the light quantity adjustment degree in the light quantity adjustment unit corresponding to the extracted reproduction characteristic is obtained. degree A derivation unit.

[0014] In the third aspect of the present invention, defect management of data written based on the light irradiated to the recording medium by the data recording / reproducing unit in a state adjusted to a predetermined light amount by the light amount adjusting unit is performed. A defect management program that can be executed by a computer that is provided in a defect management system to be performed and that is capable of controlling the light amount adjusting unit and the data recording / reproducing unit. The program controls the data recording / reproducing unit to cause the computer to reproduce a plurality of reproduction characteristics representing characteristics at the time of reproducing the data, which serves as an index for determining whether or not the data is defective. Processing and derivation according to speed And adjusting the correlation between the reproduction characteristics for each of the plurality of reproduction speeds by changing the light amount adjustment degree of the light amount adjustment unit.

[0015] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, defect management of data written based on the light irradiated to the recording medium by the data recording / reproducing unit in a state adjusted to a predetermined light amount by the light amount adjusting unit is performed. This is a defect management program that can be executed by a computer that is provided in a defect management system to be performed and that can control the light amount adjusting unit and the data recording / reproducing unit. The program controls the data recording / reproducing unit to the computer to change the first reproduction characteristic representing the characteristic at the time of reproducing the data, which serves as an index for determining whether or not the data is defective. And controlling the data recording / reproducing unit while changing the light amount adjustment degree of the light amount adjusting unit and the processing for obtaining the threshold level as the defect determination index based on the first reproduction speed. Accordingly, a process for deriving a second reproduction characteristic change of the data corresponding to the first reproduction characteristic change range on the basis of a second reproduction speed different from the first reproduction speed, and Based on the relationship between the first reproduction characteristic change and the second reproduction characteristic change, the reproduction characteristic correlated with the threshold level is extracted from the second reproduction characteristic change force, and the light corresponding to the extracted reproduction characteristic is extracted. A process of obtaining the degree of adjustment, respectively to execute.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a defect management method for performing defect management of data written based on light irradiated on a recording medium in a state in which the amount of light is adjusted. The defect management method includes a step of obtaining reproduction characteristics representing characteristics at the time of reproduction of the data serving as an index for determining whether or not the data is defective according to a plurality of different reproduction speeds, Adjusting the correlation between the reproduction characteristics for each reproduction speed by changing the degree of adjustment of the amount of light applied to the recording medium.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a defect management method for performing defect management of data written based on light irradiated on a recording medium in a state in which the amount of light is adjusted. In this defect management method, the first reproduction characteristic change indicating the characteristic at the time of reproduction of the data, which serves as an index for determining whether or not the data is defective, is determined based on the first reproduction speed. And a second playback speed different from the first playback speed as a reference, and a second level of the data corresponding to the first playback characteristic change range is obtained. 2 based on the relationship between the step of deriving the change in the reproduction characteristic by changing the degree of adjustment of the amount of light applied to the recording medium, and the relationship between the first reproduction characteristic change and the second reproduction characteristic change. Extracting a reproduction characteristic correlated with the threshold level from the second reproduction characteristic variation, and obtaining a light amount adjustment degree corresponding to the extracted reproduction characteristic.

Brief Description of Drawings

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

FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of a relationship between a change in control condition and a change in light transmittance in the light amount adjusting element according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of processing executed by the computer of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of processing executed by the computer of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of a relationship between a control condition change obtained as a power change information file and a corresponding monitor signal value change in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of processing executed by the computer of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 7] Reproduction linear velocity change and reproduction characteristics when the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element is changed in a state where the laser beam irradiation power on the recording medium is constant in the first embodiment of the present invention. The graph showing an example of the relationship with the error rate as.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of processing executed by a computer of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 9] A is a graph showing an example of a relationship between an error rate and a reproduction linear velocity of an ECC block in the second embodiment of the present invention, and B is an E CC in the second embodiment of the present invention. The graph showing an example of the relationship between the error rate and light transmittance of a block.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of processing executed by a computer of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a laser multi-pulse modulation waveform corresponding to, for example, run length 3T NRZI data in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 12] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the processing of step S54 shown in FIG. 10 is performed while changing the recording par- sion value of the irradiation laser beam on the recording medium from 8 lmW to the best. The graph which shows the error rate change characteristic obtained by performing.

FIG. 13 shows the third embodiment of the present invention by executing the process of step S 54 while changing the strategy width of the laser multi-panelless modulation waveform corresponding to NRZI data from the default best state to the front and back thereof. A graph showing the obtained error rate change characteristics.

[FIG. 14] A shows a PI error rate range including the threshold level obtained by the processing of steps S52 to S55 in FIG. 10 in the third embodiment of the present invention, and the reproduction linear velocity is set to quadruple speed. A diagram showing the PI error rate range obtained by the processing of steps S52 to 55 in the state with the PI error rate range obtained by the processing of steps S52 to 55 in the state where the reproduction linear velocity is set to 6 times speed, respectively. , B is an example of the transmittance change necessary for the PI error rate X corresponding to the threshold level at the reference speed to be maintained at the threshold level regardless of the increase in the reproduction linear velocity in the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure schematically showing

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a relationship between a radial position of a recording medium and a reproducing linear velocity at the time of CAV recording in the third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Information recording and playback device

3 Recording media

5 Optical pickup section

7 Power adjustment section

9 Servo circuit

11 Recording / playback data processing section

13 Computer

13a First memory 13b Second memory

15 Laser diode unit

17 Laser diode driver

19 Light intensity adjustment element

21 Beam splitter

23 Launch mirror

25 Spinner motor

27 Objective lens

29 Actuator

31 Photodiode for monitor

33 amplifiers

35 Sample hold circuit

37 APC circuit

38 LC driver

41 Interface

43 buffers

45 Modulator / Demodulator

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] (First embodiment)

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

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3 denotes a recording medium having, for example, a disk-shaped protective layer and a disk-shaped recording layer including a recording track formed in a spiral shape or a concentric shape and stacked on the protective layer. It is. For example, as the recording medium 3, CD, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, HD D VD, or the like can be used.

The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is a recording medium that rotates at a desired speed.

Function to record information on 3 recording tracks, and on the recording track of 3 recording media It is an apparatus having a function of reproducing recorded information.

For example, in the present embodiment, the recording track has at least one of lands and groups alternately arranged along the radial direction as one configuration example. At least one of them is meandered at a predetermined frequency, and a part thereof is phase-modulated, for example, so that information such as address information of the recording track is included in the modulation portion.

That is, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 has an optical pick-up unit (optical head unit) 5 for recording and / or reproducing information by spot-irradiating light onto a recording track of a rotating recording medium 3. And a power adjusting unit 7 for adjusting the power of the light irradiated on the recording medium 3 on the recording medium 3.

[0026] The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 also controls the rotational speed of the recording medium 3, controls the focus position of the spot light irradiated onto the recording track of the recording medium 3 by the optical pickup unit 5, and the spot with respect to the recording track. A servo circuit 9 is provided as a servo control system for optical tracking control (tracking control).

Furthermore, the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 has a function of generating data corresponding to information to be recorded on the recording medium 3 (hereinafter referred to as recording data), and recording on the recording medium 3 obtained by the optical pickup unit 5. And a recording / reproduction data processing unit 11 having a function of generating data corresponding to the recorded information (hereinafter referred to as reproduction data).

The information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 includes an optical pickup unit 5, a power adjusting unit 7, a servo circuit 9, and a computer 13 for controlling the recording / reproducing data processing unit 11.

[0029] The computer 13 is a first memory 13a such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), FLASH MEMORY or the like for storing data representing processing results, etc., and a main memory of the computer 13, such as a first memory. And a second memory 13b holding a plurality of programs P loaded from 13a. The plurality of programs P are programs that cause the computer 13 to execute the control operation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical pickup unit 5 emits a laser diode (LD) unit 15 that emits laser light as information recording and / or reproduction light, and drives and controls the LD unit 15. By controlling the output waveform of the laser beam output from the LD unit 15 It is equipped with an LD driver 17.

In addition, the optical pickup unit 5 is an element for adjusting the amount of laser light output from the LD unit 15 and has a light transmittance due to a change in applied voltage from an LC (Light Control) driver described later. A light control element (Light Control Element) 19 composed of a changing liquid crystal element is provided.

For example, in the present embodiment, the LD unit 15 and the light amount adjusting element 19 in the optical pickup unit 5 are such that the optical axis of the laser light guided through both elements is substantially parallel to the protective layer surface of the recording medium 3. It is arranged to become.

Further, for example, FIG. 2 shows an example of a relationship between a change in control condition (applied voltage) and a change in light transmittance in the light amount adjusting element 19 according to the present embodiment. In the graph shown in Fig. 2, the horizontal axis represents the control condition (applied voltage) change (unit: volts [V]), and the vertical axis represents the light transmittance change (unit [%]).

As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the light amount adjusting element 19 has a characteristic of attenuation by about 10% in the initial state (non-voltage application state).

In addition, the optical pickup unit 5 includes a beam splitter 21 disposed on the optical path of the laser light that is output from the LD unit 15 and travels through the light amount adjusting element 19. The beam splitter 21 has a function of transmitting the laser beam traveling through the light amount adjusting element 19 and reflecting the light transmitted through a rising mirror described later.

Furthermore, the optical pickup unit 5 includes a rising mirror 23 disposed on the optical path of the laser light that has passed through the beam splitter 21. The rising mirror 23 is configured to reflect the laser beam transmitted through the beam splitter 21 in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and to the recording medium 3.

Further, the optical pickup unit 5 supports the recording medium 3 so as to face the rising mirror 23 and so that the optical axis of the laser beam reflected by the rising mirror 23 is orthogonal to the surface of the protective layer. And a spindle motor 25 for rotating the recording medium 3.

The optical pickup unit 5 has an objective lens 27 interposed between the rising mirror 23 and the protective layer surface of the recording medium 3. This objective lens 27 is a raised mirror 23 The laser beam reflected by the laser beam is focused on the recording track of the recording medium 3 and irradiated as spot light.

The optical pickup unit 5 is configured to be able to move the objective lens 27 along at least the radial direction of the recording medium 3 and the direction away from the recording medium 3, and electrically connected to the servo circuit 9. It has a connected actuator 29. The actuator 29 is configured to adjust the focus position and tracking position of the light spot by moving the objective lens 27 based on the control from the servo circuit 9.

The objective lens 27 has a function of receiving light (reflected light) reflected from the recording track of the recording medium 3 during reproduction and outputting it as parallel light having a predetermined beam diameter. The lifting mirror 23 has a function of reflecting the reflected light sent through the objective lens 27 and sending it to the beam splitter 21.

[0041] The beam splitter 21 has a function of reflecting the reflected light transmitted through the raising mirror 23.

[0042] The optical pickup unit 5 is disposed on the optical path of the reflected light reflected by the beam splitter 21, and receives the reflected light and converts it into an electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as an RF signal). Have 30.

[0043] The power adjusting unit 7 constantly monitors the power (intensity) of a part of the laser beam that has passed through the beam splitter 21 and has passed through the rising mirror 23, and this monitoring result is recorded on the recording medium during reproduction. 3 has a monitoring photodiode (hereinafter simply referred to as a monitoring diode) 31 that outputs a monitoring signal (electrical signal for monitoring, for example, monitoring current) representing the power of the laser beam irradiated on the recording medium 3. is doing.

The power adjusting unit 7 is electrically connected to the monitor diode 31 and has an amplifier 33 that amplifies the monitor signal output from the monitor diode 31.

The amplifier 33 is electrically connected to the computer 13, and the computer 13 receives the monitor signal amplified by the amplifier 33, thereby monitoring the power of the irradiation laser light on the recording medium 3 during reproduction. It is possible.

The power adjustment unit 7 has a sample hold circuit (S / H) 35 electrically connected to the amplifier 33 and the computer 13. This sample and hold circuit 35 Has a function of sampling and holding the value of the monitor signal output from the amplifier 33 when the APC (Automatic Power Control) of the computer 13 is executed (on).

Furthermore, the power adjustment unit 7 includes an APC circuit 37 that is electrically connected to the sample hold circuit 35 and the LD driver 17. The APC circuit 37 uses the monitor signal value sampled and held by the sample and hold circuit 35 during APC execution, so that the monitor signal value is a predetermined power value of the irradiation laser beam on the recording medium 3 ( By controlling the drive current applied to the LD unit 15 via the LD driver 17 so as to substantially match the predetermined value corresponding to the power level, the output waveform of the laser beam (output power level) output from the LD unit 15 (Including feedback) is controlled (feedback control).

[0048] The power adjustment unit 7 has a light amount adjustment element driver (LC dryer) 38. The LC driver 38 has a function of controlling the transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 13 by controlling the voltage applied to the light amount adjusting element 13 under the control of the computer 5.

[0049] The recording / playback data processing unit 11 is connected to the interface 41 for receiving recording data (bit string data) input from the connected device and electrically connected to the interface 41 during recording. A buffer 43 that holds the recorded data, and a modem 45 that is electrically connected to the buffer 43. The interface 41, the buffer 43, and the modem unit 45 are each electrically connected to the computer 13, and their operations are controlled by the computer 13, for example.

[0050] At the time of recording, the modulation / demodulation unit 45 performs, on the basis of control of the computer 13, the recording data held in the buffer 43 for each predetermined unit {in this embodiment, an ECC (Error Correlation Code) block It has a function of adding an error correction code {eg, PI (Parity Inner) correction code and / or PO (Parity Outer) correction code, etc.}} to each unit}}.

Note that the ECC block represents a unit of data recorded on the recording medium 3.

[0052] For example, when the recording medium 3 of the present embodiment is a DVD, the ECC block has 182 bytes (17 It consists of 2 bytes of data + 10 bytes of PI correction code) X 208 lines (192 lines + 16 lines PO correction code). In other words, 172 bytes x 12 rows form one data frame, and 16 ECCs are collected to form one ECC block.

For example, in the present embodiment, the recording data of each frame of each ECC block after the error correction code is added is extracted from the wobble signal obtained by the meandering recording track running by the computer 13. Based on a clock having a meandering frequency of the recording track (a double clock), the signal level is converted from a high level to a low level, or a signal that changes from a low level to a high level in the case of the value of the bit. The converted data {NRZI (Non Return to Zero Inverted) data} is data corresponding to the recording signal (record mark, pit) written to the recording track of the recording medium 3.

In the present embodiment, the bit length (run length; recording signal length) until the edge of the NRZI data changes varies depending on the modulation method or the like. For example, NT {N is the type of recording medium 3 For example, when the recording medium 3 is a DVD, the integer is 3 or more, and when the recording medium 3 is a Blu-ray DISC, the integer is 2 or more, and T is a period of a wobble clock).

That is, according to the present embodiment, the power level on the recording medium 3 is automatically feedback-controlled to the recording power level and the output waveform is deformed (for example, multi-track). A pulsed laser beam is irradiated, and a recording signal corresponding to the run length of each NRZI data is written on a recording track of the recording medium 3.

This laser beam output waveform control (multi-pulse control) is called a write strategy, and the width of the multi-pulse is appropriately set according to the power level of the laser beam on the recording medium 3. Further, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the recording signal due to the continuous irradiation of the laser beam having a constant power level.

[0057] Further, the modulation / demodulation unit 45 amplifies the RF signal obtained by the light receiving unit 30 during reproduction, and a tracking error indicating an error (error) of the wobble modulation signal and tracking control from the amplified RF signal. Signal and focus error signal indicating focus control error Each has a function of generating a signal and a function of demodulating (decoding) reproduction data (bit string data) from the RF signal. The demodulated playback data is sent to the computer 13, and this computer 13 performs error detection processing, judgment processing for determining whether or not the detected error can be corrected, and error correction if correction is possible. Correction processing is performed. The reproduction data after the correction processing is held in the buffer 43 by the processing of the computer 13.

The interface 41 has a function of outputting the reproduction data held in the buffer 43 to the information output device according to the control of the information output device connected to the interface 41 during reproduction.

[0059] The computer 13 has setting information on the linear velocity of the recording medium 3 (speed of laser light traveling on the medium 3 during recording and Z or reproduction; for example, 1 × speed, 2 × speed,..., 32 × speed, etc.) An input unit 47 for inputting various information and instructions such as an ECC block defect judgment registration processing execution instruction and a trial writing execution instruction to the computer 13 by a user operation is connected.

That is, the servo circuit 9 has a function of driving and controlling the spindle motor 25 in accordance with an instruction from the computer 13 to rotate the recording medium 3 while keeping the linear velocity set and input by the input unit 47 constant. (CLV: Constant Linear Velocity) or a function to rotate while keeping the angular velocity constant (CAV: Constant Angular Velocity) based on the set linear velocity.

In addition, the servo circuit 9 controls the actuator 29 based on the tracking error signal and the focus error signal obtained by the modulation / demodulation unit 45, so that the spot light irradiated on the recording track of the recording medium 3 is controlled. It has functions to perform focus position control and tracking control respectively.

In this embodiment, the light amount adjusting element 19 configured to change the light amount of the output laser light by the control information applied from the computer 13 via the LC driver 38 is used as the light amount adjusting element 19 from the computer 13 to the LC driver 38. Although a liquid crystal element whose light transmittance is changed by a change in applied voltage applied via, is used, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0063] For example, as the light amount adjusting unit according to the present invention, the variable light attenuation in which the light attenuation amount (in other words, the transmitted light amount) is changed by the change in the voltage applied from the computer 13 via the driver. It is also possible to use an element comprised of a device {variable ND (Neutral Density) filter, etc.}, a polarizing element (wavelength plate, liquid crystal element, etc.) and a beam splitter.

[0064] For example, a light quantity adjusting unit according to the present invention can be configured by arranging a polarizing element instead of the light quantity adjusting element 19 in Fig. 1 and combining the beam splitter 21.

[0065] According to this configuration, the optical axis direction (polarization direction) of the polarization element is changed by a predetermined angle from the polarization direction of the incident laser light by the control information applied from the computer 13 through the driver, and passes through the polarization element. The light transmittance of the incident laser light after passing through the polarizing element and the beam splitter 21 is changed by separating the predetermined amount of light in the subsequent laser light and the remaining amount of light by the beam splitter 21. Can do.

On the other hand, as described above, the computer 13 according to the present embodiment performs the control process for the LD driver 17 and the light amount adjustment element 19 in the optical pickup unit 5, the control process for the power adjustment unit 7, and the control process for the servo circuit 9. , And processing relating to error detection and / or correction in the recording / playback data processing unit 11 is executed in accordance with the corresponding program P loaded in the second memory 13b.

Next, as a specific operation of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 related to the first embodiment, the power adjustment unit 7 of the computer 13 and the LD when reproducing the recording data recorded on the recording track of the recording medium 3 are performed. The control process for the driver 17 and the light amount adjusting element 19 will be mainly described.

In the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, based on the processing shown in FIG. 2 and the operation of the power adjuster 7 shown in FIG. Power change information indicating the relationship with the power level change of the laser light irradiated onto the medium 3, more specifically, the applied voltage value (light quantity adjustment element control condition) to the light quantity adjustment element 19 and the output from the monitor diode 31 The power change information representing the relationship with the value of the monitor signal amplified by the amplifier 33 is generated in advance, and the generated power change information is stored in the first memory 13a as a power change information file F by a file format, for example. Remember me.

[0069] That is, the computer 13 has at least one loaded in the second memory 13b. The program P is executed according to program P.

[0070] First, as step S1, the computer 13 sets the power level of the irradiation laser light on the recording medium 3 to a predetermined level (eg, 0.35 mW, 0.7 mW, 2 mW, etc., hereinafter referred to as a predetermined power level). Based on this specified power level, APC on-control of the Samp Nore Hold circuit 35 is performed.

In response to the APC ON control, the sample hold circuit 35 samples and holds the value of the monitor signal output from the amplifier 33 and outputs it to the APC circuit 37.

[0072] At this time, the APC circuit 37 passes the LD unit 17 through the LD driver 17 so that the power level (monitor power level) corresponding to the value of the sampled and held monitor signal substantially matches the predetermined power level. The drive current applied to 15 is controlled to control the output power level of the laser beam output from the LD unit 15. As a result, the recording track of the recording medium 3 is irradiated with laser light whose power level on the medium 3 is automatically feedback controlled to a predetermined power level.

In step S1, the computer 13 stores the laser light output power level and the monitor signal value (monitor power level) corresponding to the laser light output power level in the first memory 13a in association with each other.

[0074] Next, in step S2, the computer 13 switches the APC control to the off state and the on state force.

In response to this APC off control, the sample hold circuit 35 outputs the value of the held monitor signal related to the value of the monitor signal output from the amplifier 33.

At this time, the APC circuit 37 passes through the LD driver 17 so that the power level (hold power level) corresponding to the value of the monitor signal output from the sample hold circuit 35 substantially matches the predetermined power level. Then, the drive current applied to the LD unit 15 is controlled, and the output power level of the laser beam output from the LD unit 15 is controlled to be constant to the hold unit level. As a result, the operation of the optical pick-up unit 5 irradiates the recording medium 3 with the laser light power from the LD unit 15 and its output power level controlled at a constant hold power level.

[0077] At this time, in steps S3 and S4, the computer 13 passes through the LC driver 38. The ratio of the monitor power level during applied voltage control to the monitor power level when no voltage is applied to the light amount adjusting element 19 by controlling the applied voltage to the light amount adjusting element 19 (that is, the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 ) And reduce this ratio from 100% to the desired ratio (for example, 50%) {NO in step S4 during the reduction process is NO (N)}.

Note that the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 being 100% means the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 when no voltage is applied, and the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 is 50%. Means that the ratio of the monitor power level during applied voltage control to the monitor power level when no voltage is applied is approximately 50%.

That is, the computer 13 controls the applied voltage to the light amount adjusting element 19 via the LC driver 38 to adjust the light amount when the output power level of the laser light output from the LD unit 15 is constant. By reducing the light transmittance of the element 19, the power level on the recording medium 3 is reduced.

[0080] When the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 is reduced to a desired ratio (approximately 50%) in the determination of step S4 by the light transmittance lowering process {step S4 → YES (Y)}, the computer 13 The applied voltage value when the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element 19 is approximately 50% is associated with the corresponding monitor signal value (or monitor unit level) as a control condition corresponding to the light transmittance of 50%. 1 is stored in the memory 13a (step S5).

As a result, the first memory 13a corresponds to the information indicating the relationship between the laser light output power level corresponding to the predetermined power level on the recording medium 3 and the monitor signal value, and the light transmittance of 50%. Information representing the relationship between the applied voltage value and the monitor signal value to be stored is stored, and information representing the relationship between the laser light output power level and the applied voltage value corresponding to the light transmittance of 50% is stored from these two pieces of information. Is stored in the first memory 13a.

By referring to this relationship, the computer 13 changes the applied voltage value to the light amount adjusting element 19 even when the output power level of the laser light output from the LD unit 15 is kept constant. If the monitor power level based on the above constant laser beam output power level is set to 100% when the monitor power level during non-light intensity adjustment control (when no voltage is applied to the light intensity adjustment element 19) is assumed to be 100%, At the desired value For example, it can be set to 50%.

[0083] In other words, the computer 13 adjusts the laser light output power level to a non-light quantity adjustment by changing the voltage applied to the light quantity adjustment element 19, even when the monitor power level is kept constant. If the laser output power level (monitor power level is constant) at the time of control (when no voltage is applied to the light intensity adjusting element 19) is 100%, the desired value from this 100% is, for example, 200% (monitor The power level can be set to a fixed level.

In FIG. 3, the ratio of the monitor power level when controlling the applied voltage to the monitor power level when the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 is 100% (when no voltage is applied) is set to a desired value of 50%. The power described for the setting process The above ratio (that is, the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19) varies within a predetermined range in multiple steps (eg 90%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%) The ratio of the monitor power level during applied voltage control to the monitor power level when the light transmittance of the light intensity adjusting element 19 is 100% (when no voltage is applied) by repeatedly executing the process shown in FIG. Can be set to any value within a predetermined range.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the computer 13 executes the processes of steps S1 and S2 shown in FIG. As a result, the operation of the optical pickup unit 5 causes the laser light from the LD unit 15 to be recorded on the recording medium 3 in a state where the output power level is constantly controlled to the hold power level (corresponding to a predetermined power level). Irradiated. Also, the laser light output power level corresponding to the predetermined power level and the monitor signal value (monitor power level) corresponding to the laser light output power level are associated with each other, and the first memory is used as a component of the power change information file F. Stored in 13a.

[0086] Next, the computer 13 selects the light transmittance (90%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%) in a plurality of stages within a predetermined range (for example, 90% to 0%). One of the transmittances (for example, 10%) is selected (step S10).

After selecting the transmittance, the computer 13 controls the voltage applied to the light amount adjusting element 19 in the same manner as steps S3 and S4 shown in FIG. The ratio of the monitor power level during applied voltage control to the power level (The light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19) is adjusted, and this ratio is decreased from 100% until the selected value (10%) is reached (step S4 → NO).

When the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 reaches the selected value (10%) (step S4 → YES) in the determination of step S4 by the light transmittance lowering process, the computer 13 performs the steps shown in FIG. As in S5, when the light transmittance of the light quantity adjustment element 19 reaches the selected value of 10% (the ratio of the monitor power level during applied voltage control to the monitor power level when no voltage is applied to the light quantity adjustment element 19) The applied voltage value (when it reaches 10%) is related to the corresponding monitor signal value (or monitor power level) and laser light output power level as the control condition corresponding to the light transmittance of 10%. Is stored as a component of the power change information file F (step S5).

[0089] Subsequently, the computer 13 determines whether or not all of the multiple levels of light transmittance (90%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%) have been selected (step Sl 1). Since the light transmittance of 10% is currently selected, the determination in step S11 is NO, and the computer 13 returns to the process of step S10 to return to a plurality of unselected light transmittances (90%, 70%). , 50%, 30%), select one of the transmittances, and perform the processing of step S3, step S4, and step SI 1, and the determination of step S11 is YES, that is, all the light transmittances Repeat until you select (90%, 70%, 50%, 30%).

As a result, the first memory 13a has a plurality of applied voltage values (control conditions) corresponding to a plurality of light transmittances (90%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%), and Information indicating the relationship with the plurality of monitor signal values (monitor signal power levels) corresponding to each of the plurality of applied voltage values, the laser beam output power level corresponding to the predetermined power level, and the laser beam output power level Information representing the relationship with the monitor signal value (monitor power level) is stored in the first memory 13a as a component of the power change information file F.

Here, FIG. 5 shows the control condition (applied voltage) change (corresponding to the light transmittance change of the light quantity adjusting element 19) obtained as the power change information file F and the corresponding monitor signal value change. It is a graph showing an example of a relationship. In the graph shown in Fig. 5, the horizontal axis represents the control condition (applied voltage) change (unit: volts [V]), and the vertical axis represents the monitor signal value change (unit [mA: milliampere]). In the example shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of values are selected within a predetermined range (about 0% to about 90%) as the light transmittance at a plurality of stages. The value between the light transmittances is approximated by connecting the adjacent transmittances. That is, in the above description, the computer 13 has a plurality of applied voltage values (control conditions) corresponding to a plurality of light transmittances and a plurality of monitor signal values (monitor signal power levels corresponding to the plurality of applied voltage values). In this example, the power change information file F is stored while being associated with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

That is, the computer 13 has a plurality of applied voltage values (control conditions) corresponding to a plurality of light transmittances within a predetermined range, and a plurality of monitor signal values corresponding to the plurality of applied voltage values ( Graph data approximated based on the relationship with the monitor signal power level (see Fig. 5) can be stored as the power change information file F.

Here, when the graph data shown in FIG. 5 is stored in the first memory 13a as the power change information file F, the output power setting processing of the laser beam output from the LD unit 15 is shown in the figure. This will be described with reference to FIG.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at the time of reproduction, the computer 13 sets the power level of the irradiation laser light on the recording medium 3 to a predetermined power level, and based on the set predetermined power level. Then, APC on control is executed for the sample hold circuit 35 (FIG. 5; step S21).

In response to the APC ON control, the sample hold circuit 35 samples and holds the monitor signal value output from the amplifier 33 and outputs it to the APC circuit 37.

At this time, the APC circuit 37 controls the drive current applied to the LD unit 15 via the LD driver 17 based on the sampled and held monitor signal value, and the laser light output from the LD unit 15 The output power level is set to the desired level

In parallel with the drive current control of the APC circuit 37, the computer 13 refers to the power change information file F stored in the first memory 13a, and monitors the sampled and held monitor signal value and the set laser beam output power. The control condition (applied voltage value) corresponding to the level is obtained (step S22).

That is, in the process of step S22, as shown in FIG. Since the data showing the relationship between the change in the monitor signal value and the change in the applied voltage value at a constant level is required, the change in the laser beam output power level and the change in the applied voltage value when the monitor signal value is kept constant. The data representing the relationship can be obtained. From the obtained data, the control condition (applied voltage value) corresponding to the set laser beam output power level can be obtained.

[0099] Next, the computer 13 applies a determined applied voltage value to the light amount adjusting element 19, thereby setting a predetermined power level on the recording medium 3 related to the output power level of the laser beam output from the LD unit 15. Maintain the power level (step S23).

That is, by controlling the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 of the computer 13, the LD unit 15 via the APC circuit 37 and the LD driver 17 while maintaining the power level on the recording medium 3 at a predetermined power level. The output power level of the laser beam output from can be set to a desired level.

[0101] As a result, the ratio of the power level of the laser light output from the LD unit 15 (laser light output power level) to the corresponding monitor power level is included in the predetermined range of the light transmittance described above. The maximum value can be set.

[0102] Therefore, at the time of reproduction, it is possible to reduce the influence of the reflected light on the laser light emitted from the LD unit 15 while suppressing the laser beam irradiation power to the recording medium 3 to prevent the recording layer from deteriorating. Thus, the reproduction characteristics can be improved.

It should be noted that the reproduction characteristics in the present embodiment serve as an index for evaluating reproduction data obtained by the recording / reproduction data processing unit 11 and the computer 13. For example, when the recording medium 3 of this embodiment is a DVD, the ratio of PI errors indicating the number of error bytes for all rows in each ECC block (PI error rate: number of error bytes / number of normal bytes in each ECC block) Can be used as a reproduction characteristic.

[0104] Here, Fig. 7 shows a recording medium when Blu-ray DISC is used as the recording medium 3.

(3) Reproducing linear velocity change and error rate (for example, ECC block) when the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element 19 is changed (50% → 90%) with the laser beam irradiation power on 3 constant It is a graph showing an example of the relationship with every PI error rate. In the graph shown in Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents the change in multiple of the playback linear velocity (1 is 1x, 2 is 2x, ...) The vertical axis represents the PI error rate change. Here, the PI error rate is 1 · 00E- 03 (1. 00 X 10- 3), that at the time of reproduction of the ECC block, PI error byte is included one for 10 ³ Number of reproduction bytes Represents.

As is clear from FIG. 7, the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element 19 is reduced from 90% to 50% with the laser beam irradiation power on the recording medium 3 kept constant, in other words, the recording medium It can be seen that the PI error rate (reproduction characteristics) is improved by increasing the laser beam output power level while keeping the laser beam irradiation power on the medium 3 constant.

That is, according to the present embodiment, the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element 19 is maintained in a state where the laser beam irradiation power level on the recording medium 3 is kept constant by the processing shown in FIG. The laser light output power level can be adjusted to increase, and the reproduction characteristic of the reproduction data can be improved by increasing the laser light output power level.

In the present embodiment, the optical information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention has a function of recording information on the recording track of the recording medium 3 rotating at a predetermined speed, and the recording track of the recording medium 3. Although described as devices each having a function of reproducing recorded information, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and only for reproduction having a function of reproducing information recorded on a recording track of the recording medium 3 It is also applicable to the device.

[0108] (Second Embodiment)

An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware components of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment are substantially the same as the hardware configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The description is omitted or simplified.

As shown in FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, it can be seen that the reproduction characteristics of the recording medium 3 deteriorate as the reproduction linear velocity of the recording medium 3 increases. Further, as described above, the reproduction characteristics can be improved by reducing the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 in a state where the laser light irradiation power level on the recording medium 3 is kept constant. It can also be seen that the degree of improvement becomes more pronounced as the playback linear velocity increases.

[0110] The inventors of the present invention have found that the relationship between the reproduction linear velocity and the reproduction characteristics, the light transmittance and the reproduction characteristics. Focusing on the relationship with the raw characteristics and using each relationship, the defect judgment registration process when performing defect management (difference management) of the data written on the recording track of the recording medium 3 is easy and quick. I figured out what I can do.

[0111] Here, the reason that the data written on the recording track of the recording medium 3 becomes a defective state (differential state) is that the recording layer deteriorates due to repeated overwriting on the recording medium 3, the medium 3 itself Quality defects, scratches and dirt on the medium 3, and the like. If the data written to the recording track of recording medium 3 is in such a “defective” state, the ability to determine that this data is not appropriate for future reading and writing. Therefore, the above data is subject to defect management.

That is, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the defect determination registration process for the data written on the recording track of the recording medium 3 is easier than the conventional defect determination registration process. And it functions as a defect management system that can be performed quickly.

[0113] The defect management (difference management) of data written to the recording track of the recording medium 3 refers to the ECC block written after the recording data is written to the recording track of the recording medium 3 in units of ECC blocks, for example. If the ECC block is determined to be a defective block (defective block) as a result of the verification, the address of the ECC block and the degree of defect (difference level) are This is a process of managing in association with each other.

[0114] Here, in the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment, for example, the recording medium 3 has the reference linear velocity as a reference indicating whether each ECC block is a defective (difference) block. For example, the threshold level of the PI error rate indicating the reproduction characteristics of the reproduction data of each ECC block in the state of rotating at double speed, for example, is preset and stored in the first memory 13a of the converter 13 .

[0115] In a normal information recording / reproducing apparatus, when the PI error rate indicating the reproduction characteristic of the reproduction data of the ECC block rotating at the reference linear velocity is equal to or higher than the threshold level, the ECC block is replaced with a defective block ( It is configured to be determined as (defective).

[0116] On the other hand, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention, The computer 13 rotates at a speed higher than the reference linear speed (2 × speed) (for example, 4 × speed), and with the same accuracy as a conventional information recording / reproducing device, the ECC block force S is determined whether it is a defective block (defective) or not. Judgment processing can be performed.

[0117] Hereinafter, as specific operations of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment, recording data is written to the recording medium 3 in units of ECC blocks, the written ECC blocks are verified, and the verification result is obtained. Based on this, the processing of the computer 13 for performing ECC block defect determination (difference determination) will be mainly described.

[0118] According to the second embodiment, the computer 13 executes the processing shown in FIG. 8 according to at least one program P loaded in the second memory 13b.

[0119] For example, when an execution command for ECC block defect judgment registration processing is input from the input unit 47, the computer 13 controls the spindle motor 25 via the servo circuit 9 and sets the input unit 47 as step S31. The recording medium 3 is rotated at a speed, for example, 4 times faster than the input reference linear velocity. Next, the computer 13 drives and controls the actuator 29 via the servo circuit 9 while confirming the address of the recording track, and focuses the objective lens 27 to a predetermined recording target address in the recording track of the recording medium 3. And tracking. Then, the computer 13 sets the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 to a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as a reference light transmittance) as a reference.

In this state, the computer 13 sets the power level Pw of the irradiation laser light on the recording medium 3 to a predetermined recording power level (for example, 8 · lmW), and samples based on the set recording power level. Hold circuit 35 is APC-on controlled.

In response to this APC on control, the sample hold circuit 35 samples and holds the value of the monitor signal output from the amplifier 33 and outputs it to the APC circuit 37.

[0122] At this time, according to the NRZI data of a certain ECC block in the recording data obtained by the modem 45, the APC circuit 37, for example, in the high level state, the power corresponding to the value of the monitor signal sampled and held The drive current given to the LD unit 15 is controlled via the LD driver 17 so that the level (monitor power level) substantially matches the recording power level, and the output is multipulsed based on a predetermined write strategy and output. A laser beam whose power level is controlled is output. As a result, a predetermined recording target address in the recording track of the recording medium 3 is irradiated with a laser beam whose power level Pw on the medium 3 is automatically feedback-controlled to the recording power level. A recording signal corresponding to the run length of the block's NRZI data is written.

[0124] After the completion of writing, as a verify process, the computer 13 maintains the linear velocity of the recording medium 3 and the focusing and tracking for the predetermined recording target address in the recording track of the recording medium 3 of the objective lens 27, respectively. The power level of the irradiation laser light on 3 is set to a predetermined power level, and the APC on control of the sample hold circuit 35 is performed based on the set predetermined power level (step S32).

[0126] At this time, the APC circuit 37 drives the drive current supplied to the LD unit 15 via the LD driver 17 so that the monitor power level corresponding to the value of the sampled and held monitor signal substantially matches the predetermined power level. To control the output waveform of the laser beam output from the LD unit 15. As a result, the operation of the optical pickup unit 5 irradiates the ECC block having the output waveform controlled to the ECC block written as a recording signal at a predetermined address in the recording track of the recording medium 3.

[0127] Based on the irradiated laser light, the reflected light reflected from the corresponding recording signal is detected as an RF signal through the light receiving unit 30 by the operation of the optical pickup unit 5, and is transmitted through the modem unit 45. The data is decoded as ECC block reproduction data (bit string data) and transmitted to the computer 13.

[0128] In step S33, the computer 13 obtains the PI error rate from the transmitted reproduction data of the ECC block, and then in step S34, the obtained PI error rate is stored in the first memory 13a. It is determined whether or not the threshold level is exceeded.

[0129] If it is determined in step S34 that N0 (the obtained PI error rate is less than the threshold level), this ECC block is determined to be a normal block. At this time, the computer 13 returns to the process of step S31 and executes the above-described differential determination process for the next ECC block (see steps S31 to S34). [0130] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S34 to be YES (the obtained PI error rate is equal to or higher than the threshold level), the computer 13 performs the verification process shown in step S32 for this ECC block on the recording medium 3. Execute again with the rotation speed of 2 times the reference speed returned to the ECC block to obtain the playback data of the ECC block. As shown in step S33, the playback error of the obtained ECC block also determines the PI error rate ( Step S35).

[0131] Next, the computer 13 determines again whether or not the obtained PI error rate is equal to or higher than the threshold level stored in the first memory 13a (step S36).

[0132] If it is determined in step S36 that NO (the obtained PI error rate is less than the threshold level stored in the first memory 13a), the computer 13 regenerates the ECC block in step S34. Recognizing that the defective block (defective) is determined due to the increase of the linear velocity {reference speed (2x speed) → 4x speed}, the process proceeds to step S38.

On the other hand, if YES in step S36 (the calculated PI error rate is equal to or higher than the threshold level stored in the first memory 13a), the computer 13 determines that the ECC block has a high reproduction linear velocity. Regardless of {standard speed (2x speed) → 4x speed}, it is recognized as a defective block (defective), and the process proceeds to step S37.

[0134] In step S37, the computer 13 associates the address of the ECC block determined to be defective in the process of step S36 and the level of the defective (for example, PI error rate level) with each other in the first memory 13a. To remember.

[0135] Subsequently, in step S38, the computer 13 determines whether the ECC block is determined to be defective at the quadruple speed and is normal at the reference speed (step S36 → YES), or any of the quadruple speed and the reference speed. In this case, the verification process shown in step S32 for the ECC block determined to be deaf is set to 4 times the reproduction linear velocity of the recording medium 3, and the applied voltage (control condition) to the light quantity adjusting element 19 is changed. Thus, the reproduction value of the ECC block corresponding to each of the plurality of values of the light transmittance is obtained by sequentially executing the value of the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 in a plurality of stages, for example.

[0136] Further, in step S38, as shown in step S33, the computer 13 calculates the PI error rate from the reproduction data of the ECC block corresponding to each of the plurality of values of light transmittance. Obtain the change characteristics.

[0137] Then, in the error rate change characteristic obtained in step S38, the computer 13 corresponds to the value of the light transmittance correlated with the PI error rate at the double speed that is the reference reproduction linear velocity, in other words, the reference velocity. The light transmittance calibration value and the control condition (applied voltage value) corresponding to this calibration value are respectively determined, and the determined control condition (applied voltage value) is set to the address of the corresponding ECC block and the corresponding reproduction linear velocity. (4 times speed) is stored in the first memory 13a (step S39).

[0138] Next, the computer 13 determines whether or not the defect determination registration processing (write processing, verify processing, and differential detection processing) for all ECC blocks has been executed (step S40).

If the result of this determination is YES, the computer 13 ends the defect determination registration process.

[0140] On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S40 is N0, that is, if there is an ECC block that has not been subjected to defect determination registration processing, the defect determination registration at the quadruple speed described above is performed for all ECC blocks. Repeat the process (see steps S31 to S40).

[0141] The processing of steps S36 to S39 described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

[0142] Fig. 9A shows the PI error rate of the ECC block that is judged to be differential at 4x speed and judged to be normal at the reference speed when NO is determined in step S36. These figures are respectively shown for speed (double speed) and quadruple speed.

[0143] As shown in Fig. 9A, the PI error rate of this ECC block is equal to or higher than the threshold level when the playback linear velocity is quadruple (YES as a result of the determination in step S34), and is determined to be deaf. The On the other hand, when the playback linear velocity is double speed, which is the reference velocity, the PI error rate of the ECC block is less than the threshold level (the result of the determination in step S36 N0), and is determined to be a normal ECC block. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the reproduction linear velocity increases, the PI error rate as the reproduction characteristic decreases, so as shown in FIG. 9A, the reproduction linear velocity is increased (reference velocity (2 Double speed) → 4x speed}, the PI error rate increases due to In spite of being judged to be a normal block at speed, there are cases where it is judged to be defective at quadruple speed.

In such a case, in the second embodiment, the relationship between the light transmittance change of the light amount adjusting element 19 and the PI error rate shown in FIG. 7, that is, the light transmittance change (decrease in the light amount adjusting element 19). ) Is used to offset the increase in PI error rate due to the increase in the playback linear velocity, thereby eliminating the PI error rate obtained at the reference speed and the quadruple speed. The PI error rate obtained in this case is approximately the same.

Here, FIG. 9B shows the PI block of the ECC block shown in FIG. 9A when the light transmittance is changed by changing the voltage applied to the light amount adjusting element 19 within a predetermined range by the process of step S38. It is a figure which shows the change characteristic of an error rate roughly. In Fig. 9B, it is assumed that the PI error rate of the ECC block changes linearly due to the change in light transmittance.

As shown in FIG. 9B, it can be seen that when the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 increases, the PI error rate of the ECC block increases. Therefore, the value of the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element 19 that correlates to the PI error rate (see FIG. 9A) at the double speed, which is the reference linear speed of the ECC block, in other words, the reproduction linear speed is quadruple speed. The light transmittance calibration value of the element 19 can be obtained.

That is, when the computer 13 verifies the ECC block of the address stored in the first memory 13a in association with the light transmittance calibration value while rotating the recording medium 3 at 4 × speed. Is performed in a state where the voltage value applied to the light amount adjusting element 19 is controlled and the light transmittance is substantially matched with the light transmittance calibration value.

[0149] By adjusting the light transmittance, it is possible to set the PI error rate at the quadruple speed of the corresponding ECC block to be approximately the same as the PI error rate at the reference speed, and the recording medium 3 can be set at the reference speed. The same ECC defect judgment registration result can be obtained as when this ECC block defect judgment registration process is executed while rotating.

[0150] If YES is determined in step S36, that is, the PI error rate of the ECC block determined to be deaf in both the quadruple speed and double speed, the processing in steps S38 to S40 is performed. Is applied to 4 of the ECC block. It is possible to set the PI error rate at double speed to be approximately the same as the PI error rate at the reference speed.

[0151] As described above, according to the present embodiment, compared to the conventional case where each ECC block defect determination registration process is executed while rotating the recording medium 3 at the reference speed (double speed), the reference Since the verify process can be performed at a higher playback linear velocity than the speed, each ECC block defect judgment registration process can be performed easily and quickly. As a result, the defect judgment registration result of each ECC block can be obtained more easily and quickly than before.

[0152] Also, according to the present embodiment, by controlling the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19, the PI error rate of the ECC block that is initially determined to be defective at the quadruple speed is used as the reference speed. The PI error rate at can be matched to the PI error rate. As a result, when the defect determination registration process for the second and subsequent times is executed for this recording medium 3, even if the same threshold level is used, the difference in PI error rate due to the speed difference between the quadruple speed and the reference speed is obtained. Defect determination can be performed for each ECC block related to the.

In this embodiment, the linear velocity used in the ECC block defect determination registration process is set to quadruple speed. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and other than the reference velocity. It is possible to use linear velocity.

[0154] (Third embodiment)

An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The hardware components of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the third embodiment are substantially the same as the hardware configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The description is omitted or simplified.

As with the second embodiment, the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment is also a recording medium.

It functions as a defect management system that can perform defect determination registration processing of data written on the third recording track more easily and quickly than conventional defect determination registration processing.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the defective ECC block is detected at a reproduction linear velocity (eg, 4 × speed) higher than the reference velocity (steps S 31 to S). 34), when the ECC block determined to be defective is detected, the light quantity adjustment element 19 is calibrated for transmittance. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, first, for any area of the recording medium 3 (for example, a test writing area (PCA: Power Calibration Area) or user data area inside the medium 3). Test writing is performed by irradiating the laser beam, and based on the error rate (PI error rate) change obtained by this test writing, the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element 19, in other words, corresponding to the light transmittance. It is configured to determine the applied voltage value (control condition).

That is, the computer 13 executes the process shown in FIG. 10 according to at least one program P loaded in the second memory 13b.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 13 performs step S51 as E according to this embodiment.

Whether or not to execute CC block defect judgment registration processing ^ For example, it is judged periodically and repeatedly.

[0160] Now, for example, when an execution command for ECC block defect determination registration processing is input to the computer 13 by the user's input unit 47 operation, the determination in step S51 is YES, and the converter 13 Transition to processing.

That is, in step S52, the computer 13 controls the spindle motor 25 via the servo circuit 9 to rotate the recording medium 3 at an arbitrary linear velocity. Next, the computer 13 drives and controls the actuator 29 via the servo circuit 9 while confirming the address of the recording track to focus and focus the objective lens 27 on the test writing area in the recording medium 3, for example. To track. Then, the computer 13 sets the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 to a predetermined value (reference light transmittance) as a reference.

[0162] Next, the computer 13 sets the recording power Pw of the irradiation laser beam on the recording medium 3 to a predetermined recording power level (for example, 8. lmW), and based on the set recording power level, the sample hold circuit Control APC on 35.

At this time, the APC circuit 37 corresponds to the value of the monitor signal sampled and held in the high level state, for example, in accordance with the NRZI data corresponding to the recording data for test writing obtained by the modem unit 45. Recording power level (monitor power level) Laser light that is multipulse-modulated based on a predetermined write strategy and whose output power level is controlled by controlling the drive current supplied to the LD unit 15 via the LD driver 17 so as to substantially match one level. Is output.

As a result, the test writing area of the recording medium 3 is irradiated with laser light whose power level P w on the medium 3 is automatically feedback-controlled to the recording power level, and the recording data for trial writing is recorded. The recording signal corresponding to the run length of the corresponding NRZI data is written.

[0166] After the completion of writing, in step S53, the computer 13 controls the spindle motor 25 via the servo circuit 9 to set the linear velocity of the recording medium 3 to the reference linear velocity, and the objective lens 27 in step S53. While maintaining focusing and tracking for the trial writing area of recording medium 3, the power level of the irradiation laser beam on recording medium 3 is set to a predetermined power level, and a sample hold circuit is set based on the set predetermined power level. Control APC on 35.

[0168] At this time, the APC circuit 37 drives the drive current supplied to the LD unit 15 via the LD driver 17 so that the monitor power level corresponding to the value of the sampled and held monitor signal substantially matches the predetermined power level. To control the output waveform of the laser beam output from the LD unit 15. As a result, the operation of the optical pickup unit 5 irradiates the recording signal written in the test writing area of the recording medium 3 with the laser light whose output waveform is controlled.

[0169] Based on the irradiated laser light, the reflected light reflected from the corresponding recording signal is detected as an RF signal through the light receiving unit 30 by the operation of the optical pickup unit 5, and is transmitted through the modem unit 45. Thus, it is decoded as reproduced data (bit string data) of the trial writing data and transmitted to the converter 13.

[0170] At this time, in step S53, the computer 13 calculates a PI error rate from the transmitted reproduction data.

[0171] Next, the computer 13 performs test writing, verification, and step S52 and S53. The PI error rate calculation process based on the verification result is repeatedly executed while changing the data write condition (step S54).

[0172] As the data writing condition, for example, the recording power of the irradiation laser beam on the recording medium 3

A value of Pw (recording power level), a write strategy in multi-pulse modulation, and / or a light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 are included.

[0173] For example, in step S54, the computer 13 changes the data write condition change.

Test writing of steps S52 and S53 while changing the recording power Pw value (recording power level) of the irradiated laser beam on recording medium 3 with the best being 8.1 mW

, Verification, and the PI error rate calculation process based on the verification result are executed repeatedly.

On the other hand, FIG. 11 shows a laser multi-panorless modulation waveform corresponding to, for example, run-length 3T NRZI data. The upper row is the modulation waveform of the best strategy width (3T 0), and the lower row is the default waveform. It shows the modulation waveform with the strategy width (3T-1) narrowed by 1 resolution from the modulation waveform with the strike strategy width (3T 0).

[0175] As shown in FIG. 11, for example, in step S54, the computer 13 changes the strategy width of the laser multipulse modulation waveform corresponding to the NRZI data to the default best state force before and after (soil direction). The PI error rate calculation process based on the trial writing, verification and verification results in steps S52 and S53 is repeatedly executed.

[0176] FIG. 12 shows the process of step S54 while changing the recording power Pw of the irradiation laser beam on the recording medium 3 with 8.lmW being the best and before and after the change as the write condition change. 3 is a graph (reference symbol G1) showing the error rate change characteristic obtained by the above.

[0177] In the graph shown in Fig. 12, the horizontal axis represents the change in the recording power Pw around 8.lmW (unit: [mW]), and the vertical axis represents the PI error rate change. .

[0178] In Fig. 12, reference numeral G2 denotes the recording power Pw value of the irradiation laser beam on the recording medium 3 with the reproduction linear velocity set to 4 times speed, with 8. lmW being the best. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the error rate change characteristic obtained by executing the process of step S54 while changing the speed before and after that, and the symbol G3 sets the linear speed to 4 times speed and the light quantity adjusting element 19 LD unit by reducing the light transmittance of (the power level on medium 3 is constant) With the laser light output power level of 15 increased, the recording power Pw of the irradiation laser light on the recording medium 3 was changed to about 8 lmW before and after that, step S54. This is a graph showing the error rate change characteristic obtained by executing the above process.

As shown in FIG. 12, by changing the value of the recording power Pw that is the writing condition from the value of the best, the error rate is set to include the threshold level according to the change of the recording power Pw. It is possible to change power S.

[0180] Also, as shown in Fig. 12, when the reproduction linear velocity is changed from the reference velocity to the quadruple velocity, the obtained error rate change characteristic may shift in the direction of overall deterioration (rise). (See G2).

[0181] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 12, even when the linear velocity is changed from the reference velocity to the quadruple velocity, the light transmittance of the light intensity adjusting element 19 is decreased (the power level on the medium 3 is constant) to reduce the LD. By increasing the laser light output power level of unit 15, the obtained error rate change characteristic is generally improved (decreased) compared to the error rate change characteristic obtained by the normal reference speed. (See G3).

[0182] On the other hand, FIG. 13 shows the processing of step S54 while changing the strategy width of the laser multi-panelless modulation waveform corresponding to the NRZI data from the default best state before and after it as the write condition change. This is a graph (symbol G11) that shows the error rate change characteristics obtained.

In the graph shown in FIG. 13, the horizontal axis represents the change from the default best strategy width (0 is the default best), and the vertical axis represents the PI error rate change.

[0184] In FIG. 13, the code G12 changes the strategy width of the laser multilayer modulation waveform corresponding to the NRZI data before and after the default best state with the linear velocity set to quadruple speed. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the error rate change characteristic obtained by executing the process of step S54, and the code G13 sets the linear velocity to 4 × and the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19. With the laser power output level of the LD unit 15 increased by decreasing (the power level on the medium 3 is constant), the strategy width of the laser multi-pulse modulation waveform corresponding to the above N RZI data is set to the default value. 6 is a graph showing an error rate change characteristic obtained by executing the process of step S54 while changing the state of the strike before and after the strike.

As shown in FIG. 13, by changing the strategy width of the laser multi-pulse modulation waveform from its default best as the write strategy as the write condition, the error rate is changed according to the change in the strategy width. Can be changed to include a threshold level

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, when the linear velocity is changed from the reference velocity to the quadruple velocity, it is understood that the obtained error rate change characteristic shifts in the direction of overall deterioration (increase) ( (See G12).

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, even when the linear velocity is changed from the reference velocity to the quadruple velocity, the light transmittance of the light intensity adjusting element 19 is decreased (the power level on the medium 3 is constant) to reduce the LD. By increasing the laser beam output power level of unit 15, the error rate change characteristics obtained are generally improved (decreased) compared to the error rate change characteristics obtained by the normal reference speed. (See G13).

That is, as is apparent from FIGS. 12 and 13, even if the linear velocity is increased and the error rate is deteriorated (increased), the light transmittance of the light amount adjusting element 19 is reduced according to the deterioration. This makes it possible to offset the deterioration.

[0189] When the error rate change characteristic is obtained by the process of step S54, the computer 13 sets an error rate range including the threshold level stored in the first memory 13a (step S55).

[0190] Next, the computer 13 performs the verification processing and error rate calculation processing shown in step S53 on the test writing data, using the reproduction linear velocity of the recording medium 3 and the linear velocity actually used in the defect determination registration processing (for example, 4x speed), and by changing the applied voltage (control condition) to the light quantity adjusting element 19 and changing the light transmittance value of the light quantity adjusting element 19 in multiple steps, for example, The PI error rate change characteristic corresponding to each of the plurality of transmittance values is obtained (step S56).

[0191] Then, in the error rate change characteristic obtained in step S56, the computer 13 correlates with the error rate threshold level at the double speed that is the reference reproduction linear velocity. The transmittance value, in other words, the light transmittance calibration value for the reference light transmittance corresponding to the reference speed, and the control condition (applied voltage value) corresponding to this calibration value are determined respectively, and the determined control condition (applied voltage) Value) is stored in the first memory 13a in association with the corresponding reproduction linear velocity (4 × speed) (step S57).

[0192] Subsequently, the computer 13 executes the actual defect determination registration process at the quadruple speed, that is, the defect determination registration process for all ECC blocks at the quadruple speed (see steps S31 to S34 and S37 in FIG. 8). . At this time, during verification in the defect determination registration process (see steps S31 to S34 and S37), the light amount adjusting element 19 is controlled using the control condition (applied voltage value) stored in the first memory 13a. Run with the light transmittance adjusted (step S58).

[0193] The processing of steps S54 to S58 described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0194] Figure 14A shows the PI error rate range including the threshold level obtained by the processing in steps S52 to S55 El {Playback linear speed is the reference speed (2x speed)} and the playback linear speed is set to 4x Figure 2 shows the PI error rate range E2 obtained by the processing of steps S52 to 55 and the PI error rate range E3 obtained by the processing of steps S52 to 55 when the playback linear velocity is set to 6 times speed. It is.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the PI error rate range increases depending on the change in the reproduction linear velocity (2 × speed → 4 × speed → 6 × speed). Therefore, due to the increase in the entire PI error rate range due to this increase in the playback linear velocity, some ECC blocks are considered to be normal blocks at the reference speed, but the high-speed playback line exceeding the reference speed has been exceeded. In some cases, speed may be considered differential.

[0196] For example, reference numeral XI in FIG. 14A represents the PI error rate (reference PI error rate) corresponding to the threshold level in the PI error rate range E1 including the threshold level, and the threshold corresponding to the reference speed. Even if the level (reference PI error rate XI) is applied to the verification process using the high-speed playback line speed as it is, the ECC block defect judgment obtained by the verification process at the reference speed can be determined by the change in the entire PI error rate range. The result will be different from the processing result. In such a case, in the third embodiment, the relationship between the light transmittance change of the light amount adjusting element 19 and the PI error rate shown in FIGS. 7, 12, and 13, that is, the light amount adjusting element 19 The threshold level corresponding to the reference speed (reference PI error rate XI) is changed to the high-speed playback linear speed (4x speed and 6x speed) using the relationship that the PI error rate decreases due to a decrease in the light transmittance of It is configured to calibrate accordingly.

[0198] Here, FIG. 14B shows an example of transmittance change necessary for the reference PI error rate X1 corresponding to the threshold level at the reference speed to be maintained at the threshold level regardless of the increase in the reproduction linear velocity. It is a figure shown roughly. Note that the process shown in Fig. 10 determines the light transmittance calibration value when the linear velocity actually used in the defect judgment registration process is 6x, and changes the reproduction linear velocity (reference velocity (2x)) → 4x 6x speed} and light transmittance change corresponding to the reproduction linear velocity change (reference light transmittance corresponding to 2x speed, light transmittance calibration value corresponding to 4x speed, and light transmittance calibration corresponding to 6x speed) Figure 14B shows an approximate graph of the relationship with (value).

[0199] As shown in Fig. 14B, when the playback linear velocity increases to 4x speed, the light intensity adjustment element 1 when the reference PI error rate XI corresponding to the threshold level at the reference speed (2x speed) is obtained 1 The light transmittance (predetermined value) R1 of 9 is reduced to the light transmittance R2 correlated with the reference PI error rate XI so as to cancel out the error rate increase caused by the increase in the reproduction linear velocity. As a result, the value of the light transmittance of the light intensity adjusting element 19 correlated with the reference PI error rate X 1 corresponding to the threshold level at the reference speed (2 × speed), in other words, a new 4 × speed corresponding to the reference PI error rate. Threshold level calibration value (based on the reference PI error rate XI and the light transmittance calibration value of the light amount adjusting element 19) can be obtained.

[0200] It should be noted that the same is true when the playback linear velocity is 6x speed, and when the playback linear velocity increases to 6x speed, the reference PI error rate XI corresponding to the threshold level at the reference speed (2x speed) was obtained. At this time, the light transmittance R1 of the light quantity adjusting element 19 is lowered to the light transmittance R3 correlated with the reference PI error rate XI so as to cancel the error rate increase caused by the increase in the reproduction linear velocity. As a result, the value of the light transmittance of the light intensity adjusting element 19 correlated with the reference PI error rate XI corresponding to the threshold level at the reference speed (2 × speed), in other words, a new 6 × speed corresponding to the reference PI error rate. Threshold level calibration value (reference PI error And the light transmittance adjustment value of the light amount adjusting element 19).

[0201] In this way, the calibration value of the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element 19 when the reproduction linear velocity is changed from the double speed, which is the reference speed, to the quadruple speed used in the defect determination registration process by trial writing, and A threshold level calibration value for quadruple speed based on the calibration value can be obtained.

[0202] As a result, when the computer 13 performs the defect determination registration process on the data of each ECC block, when verifying the data of each ECC block while rotating the recording medium 3 at 4 times speed, In a state in which the voltage value applied to the light amount adjusting element 19 is controlled so that the light transmittance is substantially equal to the light transmittance calibration value, that is, the threshold level is set to the threshold level calibration value for 4 × speed. Perform (see step S58).

[0203] With this light transmittance adjustment, even if each ECC block defect judgment registration process is executed while rotating the recording medium 3 at a quadruple speed higher than the reference speed (double speed), the recording medium is recorded at the reference speed. The same ECC defect judgment registration result as when each ECC block defect judgment registration process is executed while rotating 3 can be obtained.

[0204] As described above, in this embodiment, the write condition for the test write area without actually detecting the defective ECC block is changed from the normal condition (difference condition), that is, By writing the test writing data while deteriorating, the PI error rate range including the threshold level at the reference playback speed can be set.

Therefore, when the defect determination registration process is performed at a playback speed higher than the reference playback speed, the light of the light amount adjusting element 19 having a high correlation with the PI error rate corresponding to the threshold level at the reference playback speed. A transmittance calibration value and a threshold level calibration value based on the light transmittance calibration value can be obtained.

As a result, it is possible to execute each ECC block defect judgment registration process while rotating the recording medium 3 at a quadruple speed higher than the reference speed (double speed). It can be done easily and quickly.

[0207] In particular, in the present embodiment, the error rate obtained by trial writing on the recording medium 3 is performed because the transmittance calibration of the light amount adjusting element 19 is performed after the actual defective ECC block detection processing. (PI error rate) Based on the change, the transmittance of the light quantity adjustment element 19 Therefore, the ECC block defect judgment registration process can be performed more easily and quickly than in the second embodiment.

In this embodiment, the data representing the relationship shown in FIG. 14B, that is, the reproduction linear velocity change {reference speed (2 × speed) → 4 × speed → 6 × speed}, and the reproduction linear velocity change are supported. Data indicating the relationship with changes in light transmittance (reference light transmittance corresponding to 2 × speed, light transmittance calibration value corresponding to 4 × speed, and light transmittance calibration value corresponding to 6 × speed) (transmittance 1 × speed) Correlation data) can also be stored in the first memory 13a.

[0209] This configuration is particularly suitable when performing defect determination registration processing during CAV recording in which the linear velocity varies depending on the radial position.

[0210] Here, FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the radial position of the recording medium 3 and the reproducing linear velocity at the time of CAV recording. As shown in FIG. 15, the double speed at the radial position of 26 mm of the recording medium 3 is shown. If the radius is 52mm, which is twice as much, it will be recorded at double the quadruple speed.

[0211] Even during such CAV recording, the computer 13 adjusts the light transmittance calibration value corresponding to the current reproduction linear velocity according to the change in the reproduction linear velocity based on the change in the radial position, and this light. The threshold level calibration value based on the transmittance calibration value can be obtained by referring to the transmittance single-speed correlation data stored in the first memory 13a, and the obtained light transmittance calibration value and threshold level calibration value are obtained. Based on the above, it is possible to execute verification without reducing the current playback linear velocity.

[0212] Therefore, when performing defect determination registration processing at the time of CAV recording, it is possible to maintain the reproduction performance at a high level.

[0213] In the first to third embodiments described above, the PI in each ECC block is used as a reproduction characteristic that serves as an index for evaluating the reproduction data obtained by the recording / reproduction data processing unit 11 and the computer 13. Power Using Error Rate The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is possible to use various data as long as it serves as the reproduction data evaluation index. For example, jitter representing the rate of change between reproduced data and a clock extracted from the reproduced data can be used as a reproduction characteristic.

[0214] In the second to third embodiments described above, the process of differential management The power described as an ECC block as a unit The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and any data unit can be used. For example, a predetermined number of PI lines (the threshold level level is set as the number of PI uncorrectable lines or the predetermined number of PI correction lines) can be used as a processing unit for differential management.

[0215] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, the control processing of the light amount adjustment element 19 in the optical pickup unit 5, the control processing of the power adjustment unit 7, the control processing of the servo circuit 9, and the recording The processing related to error detection and / or correction in the reproduction data processing unit 11 is configured to be executed by the computer 13 according to the corresponding program P. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, for example, two units It is also possible to carry out the decentralization by using the above computers.

[0216] In the first to third embodiments described above, even when data is recorded, the power of performing APC on control using the sample hold circuit 35 and the APC 37. The present invention is limited to this configuration. However, when recording and playing back data, another APC control unit (Amplo hold circuit and APC circuit may be used to perform APC on control individually.

In the present embodiment, the power of a part of the laser light incident on the rising mirror shown in FIG. 1 and transmitted through the rising mirror is constantly monitored by the monitor diode. Force S, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may be arranged on the optical path between the light quantity adjusting element 19 and the objective lens 27, or on the optical path branched from the optical system between them, and configured to monitor the reflected light on the corresponding optical path. It is possible.

[0218] Monitor on the optical path of the laser light emitted from the surface opposite to the output end of the LD unit (back-side laser light: laser light having the same power as the laser light emitted from the normal output end) It is also possible to arrange a diode and monitor the back side laser light with this monitor diode (monitoring the irradiation power on the recording medium 3 based on this monitor value and the light transmittance of the light quantity adjusting element 19). .

[0219] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are made to the above-described embodiments and modifications within the scope of the present invention. Is possible.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A defect management system that performs defect management of data written based on light irradiated to a recording medium in a state adjusted to a predetermined light amount by a light amount adjustment unit,

A reproduction characteristic derivation unit for obtaining reproduction characteristics representing characteristics at the time of reproduction of the data, which is an index for determining whether or not the data is defective, according to a plurality of different reproduction speeds;

A correlation adjustment unit that adjusts the correlation between the derived reproduction characteristics for each of a plurality of reproduction speeds by changing a light amount adjustment degree of the light amount adjustment unit;

A defect management system characterized by comprising:

[2] The correlation adjustment unit sets one playback speed among the plurality of playback speeds as a reference first playback speed, and is determined to be defective based on the playback characteristics based on the first playback speed. A reproduction characteristic matching unit that substantially matches a reproduction characteristic based on another reproduction speed of the plurality of reproduction speeds for data with a reproduction characteristic based on the reference reproduction speed by changing a light amount adjustment degree of the light amount adjustment unit. The defect management system according to claim 1, further comprising:

[3] The reproduction characteristic deriving unit includes:

In a state where the light amount adjustment degree in the light amount adjustment unit is set to a predetermined light amount adjustment degree, the light is irradiated onto the recording medium, the data is written to the recording medium, and the light irradiation onto the recording medium A calculation unit that reads and reproduces the written data based on a second reproduction speed different from the first reproduction speed, and calculates reproduction characteristics of the reproduced data;

A first determination unit for determining whether or not the reproduction characteristic calculated by the calculation unit is worse than a threshold level set based on the first reproduction speed;

When it is determined by the first determination unit that the reproduction characteristic is worse than the threshold level, the recording medium is written onto the recording medium by irradiating the recording medium with the light. A reproduction characteristic calculation unit that reads out and reproduces the reproduced data based on the first reproduction speed and calculates reproduction characteristics of the reproduced data;

The reproduction characteristic calculated by the reproduction characteristic calculation unit is based on the first reproduction speed. A second determination unit that determines whether or not the reproduction characteristic is worse than the threshold level, and a second determination unit that determines whether or not the reproduction characteristic is worse than the threshold level. A registration unit for registering the data as defect data,

The correlation adjustment unit includes:

By irradiating the recording medium with the light while changing the light amount adjustment degree in the light amount adjustment unit when the second determination unit determines that the reproduction characteristic is worse than the threshold level, A derivation unit for deriving the relationship between the reproduction characteristic change of the reproduced data and the light amount adjustment degree change by reading and reproducing the data written on the recording medium based on the second reproduction speed;

Based on the derived relationship between the reproduction characteristic change and the light intensity adjustment degree change, the reproduction characteristic correlated with the reproduction characteristic at the first reproduction speed calculated by the calculation unit is extracted, and the extracted reproduction characteristic is extracted. The defect management system according to claim 1, further comprising: a light amount adjustment degree deriving unit that obtains a light amount adjustment degree corresponding to.

[4] The light quantity adjusting unit includes a light transmissive element capable of adjusting a light quantity of the emitted light by changing a light transmittance as the light quantity adjustment degree by an external control. The defect management system according to any one of the above.

[5] The emitted light has a predetermined polarization direction,

The light amount adjusting unit is configured to change the polarization direction of a predetermined angle based on the control from the outside, and to output the emitted light by a predetermined amount according to the polarization direction of the emitted light after passing through the polarizing element. 4. The defect management system according to claim 1, further comprising: a beam splitter that divides the light into a remaining amount of light.

[6] A defect management system that performs defect management of data written based on light irradiated on a recording medium in a state adjusted to a predetermined light amount by a light amount adjustment unit,

A threshold value serving as a defect determination index based on the first reproduction speed, which is a first reproduction characteristic change indicating characteristics during reproduction of the data, which is an index for determining whether or not the data is defective. A first reproduction characteristic change deriving unit that seeks to include a level;

The first reproduction characteristic based on a second reproduction speed different from the first reproduction speed. A second reproduction characteristic change deriving unit for deriving a second reproduction characteristic change of the data corresponding to a change range by changing a light amount adjustment degree of the light amount adjustment unit; and Based on the relationship between the two reproduction characteristic changes, the reproduction characteristic correlated with the threshold level is extracted from the second reproduction characteristic change, and the light amount adjustment degree in the light amount adjustment unit corresponding to the extracted reproduction characteristic is obtained. A light intensity adjustment degree deriving unit;

A defect management system characterized by comprising:

[7] The first reproduction characteristic change deriving unit is:

In a state where the light amount adjustment degree in the light amount adjustment unit is set to a predetermined light amount adjustment degree, a process of irradiating the light to an arbitrary area of the recording medium and writing the data to the area, The test writing process including the process of reading and reproducing data based on the first reproduction speed and the process of calculating the first reproduction characteristic of the reproduced data while changing at least one write condition as a parameter A test writing unit to be executed multiple times,

A reproduction characteristic change setting unit for setting a first reproduction characteristic change including the threshold level based on a plurality of first reproduction characteristics calculated by performing the trial writing process a plurality of times. ,

The second reproduction characteristic change deriving unit is:

By irradiating the light to an arbitrary area of the recording medium while changing the light amount adjustment degree in the light amount adjustment unit within a range corresponding to the first reproduction characteristic change, the data is reproduced in the second reproduction mode. A second reproduction characteristic calculation unit that reads out and reproduces based on the speed, and calculates the second reproduction characteristic change of the reproduced data based on the changed light amount adjustment degree. The defect management system according to claim 6.

8. The defect management system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one writing condition includes an irradiation power for irradiating the light to an arbitrary area of the recording medium.

[9] The test writing unit, when irradiating the light to an arbitrary area of the recording medium, Irradiating the light based on a predetermined light strategy,

The defect management system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one write condition includes the write strategy.

[10] A change in the light amount adjustment degree between the predetermined light amount adjustment degree corresponding to the first reproduction speed and the light amount adjustment degree obtained by the light amount adjustment degree deriving unit is calculated from the first reproduction speed. A storage unit for storing in association with the speed change to the second playback speed;

The recording medium is rotated so that the angular velocity is constant within a range between the first reproduction speed and the second reproduction speed, and the light amount adjustment degree in the light amount adjustment unit is set to a predetermined light amount adjustment degree. In the set state, the recording medium is irradiated with the light to write recording data to the recording medium, and the recording data written to the recording medium by the light irradiation is based on the second reproduction speed. A reproduction characteristic calculation unit that reads and reproduces the recording medium in a rotated state so that the angular velocity is constant, and calculates reproduction characteristics of the reproduced data;

The light quantity adjustment degree change stored in the storage unit is read, the light quantity adjustment degree corresponding to the current reproduction speed is read, and the threshold level calibration value corresponding to the read light quantity adjustment degree is obtained as the light quantity adjustment degree derivation unit. A threshold level calibration value deriving unit obtained from the relationship between the threshold level derived by the above and the light amount adjustment degree;

By determining whether or not the reproduction characteristic calculated by the reproduction characteristic calculation unit is worse than the threshold level calibration value obtained by the threshold level calibration value deriving unit, the defect determination of the recording data is performed. The defect management system according to claim 6, further comprising: a defect determination unit to perform.

[11] The light quantity adjusting unit includes a light transmissive element capable of adjusting a light quantity of the emitted light by changing a light transmittance as the light quantity adjustment degree by an external control. The defect management system according to any one of the above.

[12] The emitted light has a predetermined polarization direction;

The light amount adjusting unit has a predetermined dividing ratio depending on a polarizing element that can change a polarization direction at a predetermined angle based on the control from the outside, and a polarization direction of the emitted light after passing through the polarizing element. 11. The defect management system according to claim 6, further comprising a beam splitter that divides the total amount of light and the remaining amount of light.

[13] Provided in a defect management system that performs defect management of data written based on the light irradiated to the recording medium by the data recording / reproducing unit in a state adjusted to a predetermined light amount by the light amount adjusting unit, and A defect management program executable by a computer capable of controlling the light amount adjusting unit and the data recording / reproducing unit,

In the computer,

A process of controlling the data recording / reproducing unit to obtain reproduction characteristics representing characteristics at the time of reproduction of the data, which serve as an index for determining whether the data is defective, according to a plurality of different reproduction speeds. ,

A defect management program that executes a process of adjusting the correlation between the derived reproduction characteristics for each of a plurality of reproduction speeds by changing a light amount adjustment degree of the light amount adjustment unit.

[14] Provided in a defect management system that performs defect management of data written based on the light irradiated to the recording medium by the data recording / reproducing unit in a state adjusted to a predetermined light amount by the light amount adjusting unit, and A defect management program executable by a computer capable of controlling the light amount adjusting unit and the data recording / reproducing unit,

In the computer,

By controlling the data recording / reproducing unit, the first reproduction characteristic change indicating the characteristic at the time of reproducing the data, which serves as an index for determining whether the data is defective or not, is based on the first reproduction speed. Processing to include a threshold level that is a determination index of the defect,

By controlling the data recording / reproducing unit while changing the light intensity adjustment degree via the light intensity adjusting unit, the first reproduction speed is different from the first reproduction speed, and the first reproduction speed is used as a reference. A process for deriving a second reproduction characteristic change of the data corresponding to the reproduction characteristic change range;

Based on the relationship between the first reproduction characteristic change and the second reproduction characteristic change, a reproduction characteristic correlated with the threshold level is extracted from the second reproduction characteristic change, and the Processing to obtain the light intensity adjustment degree corresponding to the raw characteristics;

A defect management program characterized by causing each to execute.

[15] A defect management method for performing defect management of data written based on light irradiated on a recording medium in a state in which the amount of light is adjusted,

Obtaining reproduction characteristics representing characteristics at the time of reproduction of the data serving as an index for determining whether or not the data is defective according to a plurality of different reproduction speeds;

Adjusting the correlation between the obtained reproduction characteristics for each of a plurality of reproduction speeds by changing a light amount adjustment degree of light irradiated on the recording medium;

A defect management method characterized by comprising:

[16] A defect management method for performing defect management of data written based on light irradiated on a recording medium in a state in which the amount of light is adjusted,

A threshold value serving as a defect determination index based on the first reproduction speed as a reference for the first reproduction characteristic change indicating the characteristics at the time of reproduction of the data, which is an index for determining whether or not the data is defective. Steps to include levels,

The second reproduction characteristic change of the data corresponding to the first reproduction characteristic change range on the basis of a second reproduction speed different from the first reproduction speed, the amount of light irradiated on the recording medium Deriving by changing the degree of adjustment;

Based on the relationship between the first reproduction characteristic change and the second reproduction characteristic change, a reproduction characteristic correlated with the threshold level is extracted from the second reproduction characteristic change, and the reproduction characteristic corresponding to the extracted reproduction characteristic is extracted. A defect management method comprising: a step of obtaining a degree of adjustment of the amount of light applied to the recording medium.