WO2010061457A1 - Recording medium, recording/reproducing apparatus and method, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

Each of the recording mediums (11, 12) is provided with a first kind recording layer (L0) which conforms to prescribed standards, and a plurality of recording layers (L1) which conform to prescribed standards and include a second kind recording layer. On at least one recording layer among the recording layers, identification information recording areas (22, 230, 231) for recording first identification information (221) for specifying the kind of each recording layer are provided.

Description

Recording medium, recording / reproducing apparatus and method, and computer program

The present invention relates to a recording medium such as a DVD or a Blu-ray Disc, a recording / reproducing apparatus and method for performing at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation on the recording medium, and a computer to function as such a recording / reproducing apparatus. It relates to the technical field of computer programs.

For example, as a recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, a Blu-ray Disc (BD), etc., a multilayer recording medium in which a plurality of recording layers are stacked on the same substrate has been developed. More specifically, a multi-layer DVD-ROM or BD-ROM in which read-only recording layers are stacked, a multi-layer DVD-R or BD-R in which write-once recording layers are stacked, and Multi-layer DVD-RWs and BD-RWs in which rewritable recording layers are stacked have been developed. In addition, not only recording media in which a plurality of recording layers of the same type conforming to the same standard are stacked, but also recording media in which a plurality of recording layers of the same type conforming to different standards are stacked (so-called interface Hybrid discs) are also being developed. Examples of such an inter-hybrid disc include a recording medium in which a read-only recording layer conforming to the CD standard and a read-only recording layer conforming to the BD standard are stacked, and a read-only type conforming to the CD standard. An example is a recording medium in which a recording layer and a read-only recording layer compliant with the DVD standard are laminated.

On the other hand, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, development of a recording medium (so-called intra hybrid disk) in which a plurality of different types of recording layers conforming to the same standard is laminated is also underway. Examples of such an intra-hybrid disc include a recording medium in which a read-only recording layer conforming to the BD standard and a write-once recording layer conforming to the BD standard are stacked, and a read-only recording conforming to the DVD standard. An example is a recording medium in which a layer and a rewritable recording layer conforming to the DVD standard are stacked.

JP 2002-56543 A

In such an intra-hybrid disc, the power of the laser beam irradiated when performing the recording operation or the reproducing operation on each recording layer is generally different. For example, a recording medium in which a read-only recording layer compliant with the BD standard and a write-once recording layer compliant with the BD standard are taken as an example. For example, a reproducing operation is performed on a read-only recording layer. The power at the time of performing recording operation on the write-once recording layer is about 0.7 mW, and the power at the time of performing recording operation on the write-once recording layer is 3.5 to It is about 12 mW. Therefore, when changing the recording layer that is the target of the recording operation or the reproducing operation, it is necessary to change the power together.

However, in such an intra-hybrid disc, what kind of recording layer each recording layer is (that is, whether each recording layer is a read-only recording layer or a write-once recording layer) Or a rewritable recording layer), there arises a technical problem that a recording / reproducing apparatus that performs a recording operation or a reproducing operation cannot easily and quickly recognize it. Therefore, for example, assuming an operation of changing a recording layer to be a recording operation or a reproduction operation target to a read-only recording layer when performing a reproduction operation on the write-once recording layer, the write-once recording layer There is a possibility that a laser beam with a power of 0.7 mW for performing a reproducing operation on the recording layer may be irradiated onto a read-only recording layer that should be irradiated with a laser beam with a power of 0.3 mW. Furthermore, since the recording / reproducing apparatus cannot easily and quickly recognize what kind of recording layer each recording layer is, the power switching accompanying the change of the recording layer can be quickly performed. Since this is not possible, a relatively high power laser beam is irradiated on the read-only recording layer for a long time. This may cause a technical problem that the recording film of the read-only recording layer is destroyed or deteriorated. Further, the recording layer that is the target of the recording operation or the reproducing operation is not limited to the operation of changing the recording layer that is the target of the recording operation or the reproducing operation from the write-once type recording layer to the read-only type recording layer. Similar technical problems may occur when performing an operation of changing from a recording layer to a different type of recording layer.

Furthermore, not only the power of the laser beam but also a technical problem that the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus to be switched according to the change of the recording layer (for example, a tracking method) cannot be quickly switched may occur.

The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the conventional problems described above. For example, at least a recording operation and a reproducing operation are performed on a recording medium in which a plurality of recording layers of different types conforming to the same standard are stacked. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium, a recording / reproducing apparatus and method, and a computer program that can suitably perform one of them.

In order to solve the above problems, a recording medium of the present invention includes a first type recording layer that conforms to a predetermined standard, and a second type that conforms to the predetermined standard and is different from the first type. Identification information for recording a plurality of recording layers including a recording layer, and recording first identification information specifying a type for each of the plurality of recording layers in at least one recording layer of the plurality of recording layers A recording area is arranged.

In order to solve the above problems, a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation on the recording medium of the present invention, a reading unit that reads the first identification information, and the reading unit. Control means for controlling the recording / reproducing means to perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation based on the first identification information read by the means.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a recording method of the present invention includes a recording / reproducing step for performing at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation on the recording medium of the present invention, a reading step for reading the first identification information, and the reading step. And a control step of controlling the recording / reproducing step so as to perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation based on the first identification information read in step S1.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a computer program of the present invention is a computer program for controlling a computer provided in a recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, and the computer comprises the recording / reproducing means, the reading means, and the control. It functions as a means.

The operation and other advantages of the present invention will be clarified from the embodiments described below.

1 is a schematic plan view showing a basic structure of an optical disc according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a basic structure of an optical disc according to a first embodiment, and is a schematic conceptual diagram of a recording area structure in the radial direction of the optical disc. FIG. FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing a more detailed data structure (particularly, a BCA data structure) of the optical disc in the first example. It is a data structure figure which shows the more detailed data structure of each of layer identification information and track path identification information in 1st Example. It is a data structure figure which shows the other example of each more detailed data structure of each of the layer identification information which concerns on a modification, and track path identification information. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optical disc according to a second embodiment and a schematic conceptual diagram of a recording area structure in the radial direction associated therewith. It is a data structure figure which shows the more detailed data structure of each of the layer identification information in 2nd Example, and track path identification information. It is explanatory drawing which shows the "opposite track path system" in 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the "parallel track path system" in 2nd Example. It is a data structure figure which shows the other example of each more detailed data structure of each of the layer identification information which concerns on a modification, and track path identification information. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of a recording / reproducing apparatus in an example. 3 is a flowchart conceptually showing a flow of operations of the recording / reproducing apparatus in the example.

Explanation of symbols

11, 12 Optical disc 22 BCA
230, 231, ..., 237 Inner peripheral area 240, 241, ..., 247 Data area 250, 251, ..., 257 Outer peripheral area 220 Disc information 221 Layer identification information 222 Track path identification information 200 Recording Playback device 300 Disk drive 351 Spindle motor 352 Pickup 353 Recording / playback means 354, 359 CPU

Hereinafter, as the best mode for carrying out the invention, description will be given of embodiments of the recording medium, recording / reproducing apparatus and method, and computer program of the present invention.

(Embodiment of recording medium)
An embodiment according to the recording medium of the present invention includes a first type recording layer that conforms to a predetermined standard and a second type recording layer that conforms to the predetermined standard and is different from the first type. An identification information recording area for recording first identification information for identifying the type of each of the plurality of recording layers is disposed in at least one recording layer of the plurality of recording layers; Has been.

According to the embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention, a plurality of different types of recording layers conforming to the same standard are laminated. Here, the “standard” in the present embodiment is intended to indicate a standard (standard) to which the recording medium or the recording layer should comply. For example, a CD standard, a DVD standard, a Blu-ray Disc (BD), etc. An example is the standard. Further, the “type” in the present embodiment is intended to indicate the type of the recording layer, and is, for example, a read-only type that is a type of the recording layer that can perform only the reproduction operation and cannot perform the recording operation. Examples are the type, the write-once type, which is a type of recording layer capable of only one recording operation, and the rewritable type, which is capable of performing a plurality of recording operations or erasing operations.

Therefore, as the recording medium according to the present embodiment, for example, a recording medium in which a read-only first recording layer compliant with the BD standard and a write-once second recording layer compliant with the BD standard are stacked, a DVD An example is a recording medium in which a read-only first recording layer compliant with the standard and a rewritable second recording layer compliant with the DVD standard are laminated. That is, the recording medium according to the present embodiment is a so-called intra hybrid disk. Of course, the number of recording layers provided in the recording medium may be two, or may be three or more.

Particularly in the present embodiment, an identification information recording area is arranged in at least one of the plurality of recording layers. First identification information is recorded in the identification information recording area. The first identification information indicates the type of each of the plurality of recording layers. That is, the first identification information indicates the type of the recording layer for each of the plurality of recording layers. For example, when the recording medium includes n (where n is an integer of 2 or more) recording layers, the first identification information includes the type of the first recording layer, the type of the second recording layer, ..., the type of the nth recording layer is shown in association with n recording layers. More specifically, when the recording medium includes a read-only first recording layer, a write-once second recording layer, and a rewritable third recording layer, the first identification information includes the first identification information Information indicating that the type of the recording layer is a read-only type, information indicating that the type of the second recording layer is a write-once type, and information indicating that the type of the third recording layer is a rewritable type Contains.

For this reason, the recording / reproducing apparatus that performs at least one of the recording operation and the reproducing operation with respect to the recording medium according to the present embodiment refers to the first identification information, so that a plurality of recordings included in the recording medium according to the present embodiment are provided. Each type of layer can be identified relatively easily and quickly. For this reason, when changing the recording layer that is the target of the recording operation or the reproducing operation, the recording / reproducing apparatus changes the operation before changing the recording layer (for example, layer jump) or at the same time or in parallel. The type of the previous recording layer can be specified. As a result, even when the recording condition or reproducing condition (for example, power or tracking method) in the recording layer before the change is different from the recording condition or reproducing condition in the recording layer after the change, the recording / reproducing apparatus Prior to the operation for changing the layer or simultaneously or in parallel, parameters used in the recording operation or the reproducing operation can be quickly changed. For this reason, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience of performing the recording operation or the reproducing operation on the recording layer after the change by using a parameter different from the originally desired parameter.

As described above, according to the recording medium according to the present embodiment, the recording / reproducing apparatus performs the recording operation and the reproducing operation on the recording medium in which a plurality of different types of recording layers conforming to the same standard are stacked. At least one can be suitably performed.

In one aspect of the embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention, in the identification information recording area, in addition to the first identification information, second identification information indicating a track path method adopted by the recording medium is recorded. The

According to this aspect, the recording / reproducing apparatus can specify not only the respective types of the plurality of recording layers but also the track path method adopted by the recording medium by referring to the second identification information. For this reason, when changing the recording layer that is the target of the recording operation or the reproducing operation, the recording / reproducing apparatus changes the operation before changing the recording layer (for example, layer jump) or at the same time or in parallel. The track path direction of the previous recording layer (or the address mode according to the recording direction) can be directly or indirectly specified. Thereby, even when the recording condition or the reproducing condition (for example, the track path direction and the address mode) in the recording layer before the change is different from the recording condition or the reproducing condition in the recording layer after the change, the recording / reproducing apparatus Can quickly change a parameter or the like used in a recording operation or a reproducing operation before or simultaneously with an operation for changing the recording layer. For this reason, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience of performing the recording operation or the reproducing operation on the recording layer after the change by using a parameter different from the originally desired parameter.

In particular, since the track path direction of the recording layer can be directly or indirectly specified by referring to the second identification information, it is possible to suitably prevent inconvenience that seek control in the wrong direction is performed. it can. More specifically, for example, if seek control should be performed toward the inner periphery, it is possible to suitably prevent a problem that the seek control is erroneously performed toward the outer periphery. For this reason, the inconvenience that the optical pickup performing the recording operation or the reproducing operation runs away in the wrong direction can be suitably prevented. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience that the optical pickup is damaged by colliding with the stopper provided on the innermost peripheral side or the outermost peripheral side.

In the aspect of the recording medium on which the second identification information is recorded as described above, the second identification information may be configured to indicate the track path direction of each of the plurality of recording layers.

With this configuration, the second identification information in this configuration indicates the track path direction of the recording layer for each of the plurality of recording layers. For example, when the recording medium includes n (where n is an integer of 2 or more) recording layers, the second identification information includes the track path direction of the first recording layer and the tracks of the second recording layer. The path direction,..., The track path direction of the nth recording layer are shown in association with n recording layers. More specifically, the recording medium has a first recording layer having a track path direction from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side, a second recording layer having a track path direction from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side, and an inner circumference from the outer circumference side. And a third recording layer having a track path direction toward the side, the second identification information is that the track path direction of the first recording layer is the track path direction from the inner circumference side toward the outer circumference side. Information indicating that the track path direction of the second recording layer is from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side, and information indicating that the track path direction of the third recording layer is from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side. Information indicating the track path direction. As a result, the recording / reproducing apparatus can reliably specify the track path directions of the plurality of recording layers. Therefore, the above-described effects can be suitably enjoyed.

In the aspect of the recording medium on which the second identification information is recorded as described above, the second identification information includes the following: (i) the direction of the track path of the adjacent recording layer among the plurality of recording layers is different. And the entire recording layer adopts a first track path system in which one logical volume space is formed, or (ii) the direction of each track path of the plurality of recording layers is the same. A logical volume in which the track path direction of at least one recording layer of the plurality of recording layers is different from the track path direction of other recording layers, and the plurality of recording layers as a whole is two or more logical volumes. You may comprise so that it may show whether the 2nd track path system which comprises space is employ | adopted.

With this configuration, the recording / reproducing apparatus can reliably specify the track path system of the recording medium. Therefore, the above-described effects can be suitably enjoyed.

When the recording medium includes two recording layers, the first track path method corresponds to a so-called opposite track path method, and the second track path method corresponds to a so-called parallel track path method. In consideration of such a relationship, in the present embodiment, the track path directions of adjacent recording layers among the plurality of recording layers are different, and the plurality of recording layers as a whole constitute one logical volume space. The first track path method may be referred to as an “opposite track path method”. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the second track path method in which the directions of the track paths of the plurality of recording layers are the same may be referred to as a “parallel track path method”. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the direction of the track path of at least one recording layer of the plurality of recording layers is different from the direction of the track path of the other recording layers, and the whole of the plurality of recording layers is two or more. The second track path method that forms a logical volume space may be referred to as a “parallel track path method”.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention, the identification information recording area is arranged in each of the plurality of recording layers.

According to this aspect, the recording / reproducing apparatus can refer to the first identification information (further, the second identification information) by accessing any of the plurality of recording layers. Therefore, even if the recording layer to be accessed first is not determined, the first identification information (and the second identification information) can be referred to as part of the initial operation.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention, each of the plurality of recording layers includes a data area for recording user data, an inner peripheral area located on the inner peripheral side of the data area, And an outer peripheral area located on the outer peripheral side of the data area, and the identification information recording area is arranged in the inner peripheral area.

According to this aspect, since the identification information recording area is generally arranged in the inner peripheral area accessed at the beginning of the recording operation or the reproducing operation, the recording / reproducing apparatus performs the first operation at the beginning of the recording operation or the reproducing operation. One identification information (further, second identification information) can be referred to.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention, the identification information recording area is arranged in a BCA (Burst Cutting Area) where information is recorded using a barcode pattern.

According to this aspect, the identification information recording area is arranged in the BCA where the information can be read with the tracking servo open. For this reason, the recording / reproducing apparatus can refer to the first identification information (further, the second identification information) without specifying the tracking method. In particular, when the tracking methods of the plurality of recording layers are different, it is necessary to consider that the information recorded in each recording layer cannot be referred to unless the tracking method of each recording layer is specified. The first identification information (further, the second identification information) can be referred to quickly, which is advantageous on the solid line.

In addition, since it is sufficient to record the first identification information (further, the second identification information) in the BCA by laser beam irradiation after the recording medium is manufactured, a stamper for manufacturing the recording medium is provided for each recording medium ( That is, there is no need to change the first identification information (and for each recording medium with different second identification information). For this reason, the manufacturing cost of the recording medium can be reduced.

(Embodiment of recording apparatus)
An embodiment according to the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes a recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation with respect to the above-described embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof), A reading unit that reads one identification information; and a control unit that controls the recording / reproducing unit to perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation based on the first identification information read by the reading unit.

According to the embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, as described above, each type of the plurality of recording layers included in the recording medium can be identified relatively easily and quickly by referring to the first identification information. can do. For this reason, when changing the recording layer that is the target of the recording operation or the reproducing operation, the recording / reproducing apparatus changes the operation before changing the recording layer (for example, layer jump) or at the same time or in parallel. The type of the previous recording layer can be specified. As a result, even when the recording condition or reproducing condition (for example, power or tracking method) in the recording layer before the change is different from the recording condition or reproducing condition in the recording layer after the change, the recording / reproducing apparatus Prior to the operation for changing the layer or simultaneously or in parallel, parameters used in the recording operation or the reproducing operation can be quickly changed. For this reason, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience of performing the recording operation or the reproducing operation on the recording layer after the change by using a parameter different from the originally desired parameter.

As described above, according to the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present embodiment, at least one of the recording operation and the reproducing operation is suitable for the recording medium in which a plurality of different types of recording layers conforming to the same standard are stacked. Can be done. That is, according to the recording / reproducing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment, the effect similar to the effect which the recording medium which concerns on this embodiment mentioned above enjoys can be enjoyed.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the recording / reproducing method of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

In one aspect of the embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the control means is configured such that the target recording layer that is the target of at least one of the recording operation and the reproducing operation among the plurality of recording layers is changed from one recording layer to another. In the case of changing to the recording layer, the recording / reproducing is performed so that the recording / reproducing power of the recording / reproducing means is changed prior to, simultaneously with or in parallel with the layer jump for changing the target recording layer. Control means.

According to this aspect, even when the recording / reproducing power to be used for the recording layer before the change is different from the recording / reproducing power to be used for the recording layer after the change, the recording / reproducing apparatus Prior to the operation for changing the recording layer, or simultaneously or concurrently, the recording / reproducing power can be changed rapidly.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the control means includes a plurality of recording layers in which a target recording layer that is a target of at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation is changed from one recording layer to another. In the case of changing to the recording layer, the recording method is changed so as to change the tracking method used by the recording / reproducing means prior to, simultaneously with or in parallel with or immediately after the layer jump for changing the target recording layer. Control the playback means.

According to this aspect, even when the tracking method to be used for the recording layer before the change is different from the tracking method to be used for the recording layer after the change, the recording / reproducing apparatus The tracking method can be quickly changed prior to or simultaneously or concurrently with the operation for changing.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, in the identification information recording area, in addition to the first identification information, second identification information indicating a track path method adopted by the recording medium is recorded. The reading unit reads the second identification information, and the control unit performs the recording operation so as to perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation based on the second identification information read by the reading unit. Control the playback means.

According to this aspect, by referring to the second identification information, it is possible to specify not only the respective types of the plurality of recording layers but also the track path method employed by the recording medium. For this reason, when changing the recording layer that is the target of the recording operation or the reproducing operation, the recording / reproducing apparatus changes the operation before changing the recording layer (for example, layer jump) or at the same time or in parallel. The track path direction of the previous recording layer (or the address mode according to the recording direction) can be directly or indirectly specified. Thereby, even when the recording condition or the reproducing condition (for example, the track path direction and the address mode) in the recording layer before the change is different from the recording condition or the reproducing condition in the recording layer after the change, the recording / reproducing apparatus Can quickly change a parameter or the like used in a recording operation or a reproducing operation before or simultaneously with an operation for changing the recording layer. For this reason, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience of performing the recording operation or the reproducing operation on the recording layer after the change by using a parameter different from the originally desired parameter.

In particular, since the track path direction of the recording layer can be directly or indirectly specified by referring to the second identification information, it is possible to suitably prevent inconvenience that seek control in the wrong direction is performed. it can. More specifically, for example, if seek control should be performed toward the inner periphery, it is possible to suitably prevent a problem that the seek control is erroneously performed toward the outer periphery. For this reason, the inconvenience that the optical pickup performing the recording operation or the reproducing operation runs away in the wrong direction can be suitably prevented. Accordingly, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience that the optical pickup is damaged by colliding with the stopper provided on the innermost peripheral side or the outermost peripheral side.

(Embodiment of recording / reproducing method)
An embodiment of the recording / reproducing method of the present invention includes a recording / reproducing step for performing at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation for the above-described embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention (including various aspects thereof), A reading step for reading one identification information, and a control step for controlling the recording / reproducing step so as to perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation based on the first identification information read in the reading step.

According to the embodiment of the recording / reproducing method of the present invention, the same effects as the various effects that can be enjoyed by the above-described embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be enjoyed.

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

(Embodiment of computer program)
An embodiment according to the computer program of the present invention is a computer program for controlling a computer provided in the above-described embodiment (including various aspects thereof) of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention. It functions as the recording / reproducing means, the reading means, and the control means.

According to the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, the computer program is read from a recording medium such as a ROM, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a hard disk that stores the computer program, and executed. If the computer program is downloaded to a computer via communication means and executed, the above-described embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be realized relatively easily.

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

The embodiment of the computer program product of the present invention clearly embodies program instructions executable by a computer provided in the above-described embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention (including various aspects thereof), The computer is caused to function as the recording / reproducing means, the reading means, and the control means.

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

Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention described above, the embodiment of the computer program product of the present invention can also adopt various aspects.

The operation and other advantages of the present embodiment will be further clarified from the examples described below.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the recording medium of the present invention, the recording medium includes a plurality of recording layers of different types conforming to the same standard, and at least one recording layer of the plurality of recording layers is identified. An information recording area is arranged. According to the embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the recording / reproducing unit, the reading unit, and the control unit are provided. According to the embodiment of the recording / reproducing method of the present invention, the recording / reproducing process, the reading process, and the control process are provided. According to the embodiment of the computer program of the present invention, the computer is caused to function as the embodiment of the recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention. Therefore, at least one of the recording operation and the reproducing operation can be suitably performed on a recording medium in which a plurality of recording layers of different types conforming to the same standard are stacked.

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

(1) First Example of Recording Medium (1-1) Basic Structure First, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the basic structure of an optical disc 11 as a first example according to the recording medium of the present invention will be described. Proceed. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the basic structure of the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment, and is associated therewith. It is a schematic conceptual diagram of a recording area structure in the radial direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical disc 11 has an inner peripheral area 230 (231) and a data area 240 (241) centered on the center hole 21 on a recording surface on a disc body having a diameter of about 12 cm, as in the case of DVD. ), And an outer peripheral area 250 (251). In the optical disk 11, a recording layer or the like is laminated between the cover layer 20 and the transparent substrate 26. In each recording area of the recording layer, for example, tracks such as a groove track and a land track are alternately provided in a spiral shape or a concentric shape around the center hole 21. On this track, data is divided and recorded in units of ECC blocks. The ECC block is a data management unit in which recorded information can be error-corrected.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment has, for example, the L0 layer and the L1 layer constituting an example of the “recording layer” according to the present invention laminated on the transparent substrate 26. A transparent cover layer 20 is laminated thereon. At the time of recording / reproducing of such a two-layer type optical disc 11, in the L0 layer, the condensing position of the laser beam LB irradiated from the lower side to the upper side in FIG. Data recording / reproduction is performed or data recording / reproduction in the L1 layer is performed.

Also, the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment is an optical disc (so-called intra hybrid disc) in which a plurality of recording layers of different types conform to the same family standard and are laminated. That is, the standard that the L0 layer should comply with is the same family standard as the standard that the L1 layer should comply with. More specifically, for example, when the L0 layer conforms to the BD standard, the L1 layer also conforms to the BD standard. Similarly, for example, when the L0 layer conforms to the DVD standard, the L1 layer also conforms to the DVD standard. Of course, the same applies not only to the BD standard and the DVD standard, but also to other standards.

Also, the type of the L0 layer is different from the type of the L1 layer. More specifically, for example, when the L0 layer is a read-only recording layer, the L1 layer is a write-once recording layer capable of recording data only once or a rewritable recording layer capable of recording data multiple times. It is a recording layer. Similarly, for example, when the L0 layer is a write-once recording layer, the L1 layer is a read-only recording layer or a rewritable recording layer. Similarly, for example, when the L0 layer is a rewritable recording layer, the L1 layer is a read-only recording layer or a write-once recording layer.

Note that the track path direction in the L0 layer may be the same as or different from the track path direction in the L1 layer. When the track path direction in the L0 layer and the track path direction in the L1 layer are the same, it can be said that the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment employs a so-called parallel track path system. In this case, each of the inner peripheral area 230 in the L0 layer and the inner peripheral area 231 in the L1 layer may be referred to as a lead-in area, or the outer peripheral area 250 in the L0 layer and the outer peripheral area 251 in the L1 layer. Each may be referred to as a lead-out area. On the other hand, when the track path direction in the L0 layer and the track path direction in the L1 layer are different, it can be said that the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment employs a so-called opposite track path method. In this case, the inner peripheral area 230 in the L0 layer may be referred to as a lead-in area, the inner peripheral area 231 in the L1 layer may be referred to as a lead-out area, or the outer peripheral area 250 in the L0 layer. And each of the outer peripheral side area 251 in L1 layer may be called an outer zone.

Further, the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment includes a BCA (Burst Cutting Area) 22 on the inner peripheral side of the inner peripheral area 230 (231). In the BCA 22, various identification data for identifying the optical disk 11 including, for example, a manufacturing number of the optical disk 11 is recorded. In particular, the various identification data is recorded by a barcode-like cutting pattern formed on the recording surface of the optical disc 11 by laser light.

In FIG. 2, the recording layer relatively close to the laser light irradiation side is referred to as an L1 layer, and the recording layer relatively far from the laser light LB irradiation side is referred to as an L0 layer. However, it goes without saying that a recording layer relatively close to the side irradiated with the laser light may be referred to as an L0 layer, and a recording layer relatively far from the side irradiated with the laser light LB may be referred to as an L1 layer.

(1-2) Detailed Data Structure Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a more detailed data structure of the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment (in particular, the data structure of the BCA 22) will be described. FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram conceptually showing a more detailed data structure of the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment (in particular, a data structure of the BCA 22).

As shown in FIG. 3, 16-byte disc information 220 is recorded in the BCA 22. However, FIG. 3 does not indicate that the size of the BCA 22 is 16 bytes, and the 16-byte disk information 220 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be repeatedly (in other words, duplicated) recorded in the BCA 22. .

Data area identification information for identifying the type of the disc information 220 is recorded at byte position 0 of the disc information 220. In byte positions 1 to 3 of the disc information 220, disc type information for identifying a recording layer (or the optical disc 11 itself) included in the optical disc 11 is recorded. In byte position 4 of the disc information 220, disc size / class / version information indicating the size, class and version of the optical disc 11 is recorded. Layer information indicating a recording layer included in the optical disc 11 is recorded at byte position 5 of the disc information 220. Inter-hybrid information indicating whether or not the optical disc 11 is an inter-hybrid disc is recorded at byte position 6 of the disc information 220. At byte position 7 of the disc information 220, push-pull signal polarity information indicating the polarity of the push-pull signal of the read-only recording layer in the optical disc 11 is recorded. Layer identification information 221 constituting one specific example of “first identification information” in the present invention is recorded at byte positions 8 to 10 of the disc information 220. In the byte position 11 of the disc information 220, track path identification information 222 constituting a specific example of “second identification information” in the present invention is recorded. Byte positions 12 to 15 of the disc information 220 are reserved areas.

Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4, a more detailed data structure of each of the layer identification information 221 and the track path identification information 222 in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram showing more detailed data structures of the layer identification information 221_1 and the track path identification information 222_1 in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the layer identification information 221_1 according to the first embodiment includes a 1-bit L0 layer RE layer flag at bit position 0 of byte position 8, and bit position 1 of byte position 8. 1 bit L1 layer RE layer flag, byte position 8 bit position 2 has 1 bit L0 layer R layer flag, byte position 8 bit position 3 has 1 bit L1 layer R layer A 1-bit L0 layer ROM layer flag is provided in bit position 4 of byte position 8; a 1-bit L1 layer ROM layer flag is provided in bit position 5 of byte position 8;

The L0 layer RE layer flag is “1” when the L0 layer is a rewritable recording layer (RE layer), and is “0” when the L0 layer is not a rewritable recording layer (RE layer). is there. The L1 layer RE layer flag is “1” when the L1 layer is a rewritable recording layer (RE layer), and is “0” when the L1 layer is not a rewritable recording layer (RE layer). is there. The L0 layer R layer flag is “1” when the L0 layer is a write-once recording layer (R layer), and is “0” when the L0 layer is not a write-once recording layer (R layer). is there. The L1 layer R layer flag is “1” when the L1 layer is a write-once recording layer (R layer), and is “0” when the L1 layer is not a write-once recording layer (R layer). is there. The L0 layer ROM layer flag is “1” when the L0 layer is a read-only recording layer (ROM layer), and “0” when the L0 layer is not a read-only recording layer (ROM layer). Flag. The L1 layer ROM layer flag is “1” when the L1 layer is a read-only recording layer (ROM layer), and “0” when the L1 layer is not a read-only recording layer (ROM layer). Flag.

For example, when the L0 layer is a read-only recording layer and the L1 layer is a rewritable recording layer, a flag “010010” is set in the bit positions 0 to 5 of the byte position 8 of the layer identification information 221_1. Is recorded.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4B, the track path identification information 222_1 according to the first embodiment includes a 1-bit track path flag at bit position 0 of byte position 11. The track path flag is a flag indicating whether the track path system employed by the optical disc 11 is a parallel track path system or an opposite track path system. For example, the track path flag is “1” when the track path method adopted by the optical disc 11 is the parallel track path method, and “0” when the track path method adopted by the optical disc 11 is the opposite track path method. It is a flag.

In the layer identification information 221_1, bit positions other than the bit positions where the above six flags are arranged are reserved areas. In the track path identification information 222_1, the bit positions other than the bit position where the track path flag is arranged are reserved areas. However, a 1-bit intra-hybrid identification flag indicating whether or not the optical disc 11 is an intra-hybrid disc may be arranged at any one bit position. The intra hybrid identification flag is “1” when the optical disc 11 is an intra hybrid disc, and is “0” when the optical disc 11 is not an intra hybrid disc.

Because of having such a data structure, a recording / reproducing apparatus 200 (see FIG. 11) that loads the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment loads the optical disc 11 by referring to the layer identification information 221_1. The respective types of the L0 layer and the L1 layer provided can be identified relatively easily and quickly. That is, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 refers to the layer identification information 221_1 so that (i) the L0 layer included in the optical disc 11 is a reproduction-only recording layer, a write-once recording layer, or rewriting. And (ii) whether the L1 layer included in the optical disc 11 is a read-only recording layer or a write-once recording layer. Or a rewritable recording layer can be identified relatively easily and quickly. For this reason, when the recording layer to be recorded or reproduced is changed from the L0 layer to the L1 layer or from the L1 layer to the L0 layer, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 is a layer for changing the recording layer. Prior to the jump, or at the same time or in parallel, the type of the recording layer to which the layer jump is made can be specified.

Thereby, even when the power of the laser beam LB to be irradiated to the recording layer before the layer jump is different from the power of the laser beam LB to be irradiated to the recording layer after the layer jump, the recording is performed. The reproducing apparatus 200 can quickly change the power of the laser beam LB prior to the layer jump, simultaneously or in parallel, or immediately after. Specifically, for example, reproduction is performed by irradiating a laser beam LB having a power of 0.3 mW while performing a reproducing operation on the write-once recording layer by irradiating the laser beam LB having a power of 0.7 mW. Assuming an operation of performing a layer jump to a read-only recording layer to be operated, the power of the laser beam LB is changed from 0.7 mW to 0. 0 prior to, simultaneously with, or immediately after the layer jump. It can be changed to 3 mW. For this reason, the recording film of the read-only recording layer is destroyed or deteriorated by irradiating the read-only recording layer with the relatively high power (0.7 mW) laser beam LB for a long time. This technical inconvenience can be suitably suppressed. Of course, the same technical inconvenience can be suitably suppressed even when the operation is not the layer jump from the write-once recording layer to the read-only recording layer.

Furthermore, even when the tracking method in the recording layer before the layer jump is different from the tracking method in the recording layer after the layer jump, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 is prior to the layer jump or simultaneously or in parallel. The tracking method can be quickly changed. Specifically, for example, a read-only recording layer that should perform a reproduction operation using a DPD (Differential Phase Detection) method when performing a recording operation on a write-once recording layer using a push-pull method Assuming the operation of jumping to the next layer, the tracking method to be used can be changed from the push-pull method to the DPD method prior to, simultaneously with, or immediately after the layer jump. For this reason, the technical inconvenience that tracking control cannot be performed after a layer jump can be suitably suppressed. Of course, the same technical inconvenience can be suitably suppressed even when the operation is not the layer jump from the write-once recording layer to the read-only recording layer.

In addition, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 refers to the track path identification information 222_1, so that the track path method adopted by the optical disc 11 (in other words, the respective track path directions of the L0 layer and the L1 layer) is relatively easy and It can be identified quickly. That is, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 refers to the track path identification information 222_1 so that (i) the track path direction in the L0 layer included in the optical disc 11 is the direction from the inner circumference side toward the outer circumference side, or the outer circumference side. And (ii) the track path direction in the L1 layer of the optical disc 11 is the direction from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side. It is possible to identify relatively easily and quickly whether it is from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side. For this reason, when the recording layer to be recorded or reproduced is changed from the L0 layer to the L1 layer or from the L1 layer to the L0 layer, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 is a layer for changing the recording layer. Prior to the jump, or at the same time or in parallel, or immediately after, the track path direction in the recording layer of the layer jump destination can be specified. As a result, it is possible to suitably prevent the inconvenience of performing seek control in the wrong track path direction in the recording layer after performing the layer jump.

More specifically, for example, generally, the optical disc 11 is addressed so that the pre-address (or physical address or logical address) increases in the track path direction. Here, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 erroneously recognizes that the track path direction of the recording layer that originally has the track path direction from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side is from the outer circumference side to the inner circumference side. Assume the case. In this case, for example, in order to perform seek control toward the outer peripheral side, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 performs seek control so that the address decreases due to erroneous recognition in the track path direction. However, in practice, since the address increases toward the outer peripheral side, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 erroneously recognizes that the destination has moved away. As a result, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 continues seek control while increasing the driving force toward the direction in which it is erroneously recognized that the address further decreases (that is, toward the outer peripheral side). As a result, the optical pickup 352 may contact or collide with the outer peripheral stopper. This is not preferable because the optical pickup 352 is damaged. However, according to the first embodiment, such misrecognition of the track path direction can be suitably suppressed by referring to the track path identification information 222_1. Therefore, technical inconvenience due to erroneous recognition in the track path direction can be suitably suppressed.

As described above, according to the optical disc 11 of the first embodiment, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 for loading the optical disc 11 can suitably perform at least one of the recording operation and the reproducing operation. That is, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 for loading the optical disc 11 can suitably perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation with respect to a so-called intra hybrid disc.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the disc information 220 is recorded in the BCA 22. For this reason, for example, when the optical disc 11 is manufactured by bonding after manufacturing the L0 layer and the L1 layer, the BCA 22 is irradiated with the laser light after the recording layers are bonded to meet the disc information 220. If the bar code pattern is formed, the disc information 220 can be recorded on the optical disc 11. For this reason, for example, the disk manufacturer only needs to manufacture each recording layer without considering the contents of the disk information 1020. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare different stampers when the disc information 220 is different. That is, the optical disc 100 on which different disc information 220 is recorded can be manufactured using a common stamper. For this reason, the manufacturing cost of the optical disk 11 can be reduced compared with the case where different stampers are prepared according to the disk information 220.

However, the disc 220 may be recorded in an area other than the BCA 22. For example, it may be recorded in one or both of the inner peripheral area 230 of the L0 layer and the inner peripheral area 231 of the L1 layer. In this case, when the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 loads the optical disk 11, generally, the inner peripheral area 230 (231) is first accessed. Therefore, the disk information 220 can be acquired as part of the initial operation. Of course, the disc information 220 may be recorded in an area other than the BCA 22 and the inner peripheral area 230 (231).

Needless to say, the data structure of the layer identification information 221_1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. As long as at least the types of the plurality of recording layers included in the optical disc 11 can be identified, the layer identification information 221_1 may have an arbitrary data structure. Similarly, it goes without saying that the data structure of the track path identification information 222_1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. As long as at least the track path method employed by the optical disc 11 can be identified, the track path identification information 222_1 may have an arbitrary data structure. Hereinafter, modified examples of the data structures of the layer identification information 221_1 and the track path identification information 222_1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram showing another example of the more detailed data structure of each of the layer identification information 221_1a and the track path identification information 222_1a according to the modification.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the layer identification information 221_1a according to the modification includes a 2-bit L0 layer type flag at bit positions 0 and 1 of byte position 8, and bit position 2 of byte position 8 and 3 includes a 2-bit L1 layer type flag.

The L0 layer type flag is a flag indicating the type of the L0 layer. Specifically, for example, the L0 layer type flag is “01” when the L0 layer is a read-only recording layer, and “10” when the L0 layer is a write-once recording layer. Is a flag “11” when is a rewritable recording layer.

Similarly, the L1 layer type flag is a flag indicating the type of the L1 layer. Specifically, for example, the L1 layer type flag is “01” when the L1 layer is a read-only recording layer, and “10” when the L1 layer is a write-once recording layer. Is a flag “11” when is a rewritable recording layer.

Therefore, according to the layer identification information 221_1a shown in FIG. 5 (a), the layer shown in FIG. 4 (a) can be enjoyed while enjoying various effects that can be enjoyed by the layer identification information 221_1 shown in FIG. 4 (a). Compared with the identification information 221_1, it is possible to reduce the number of bits necessary for identifying each type of the plurality of recording layers provided in the optical disc 11.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the track path identification information 222_1a according to the modification includes a 1-bit L0 layer track path flag at the bit position 0 of the byte position 11, and the bit position of the byte position 11. 1 has a 1-bit L1 layer track path flag.

The L0 layer track path flag is a flag indicating the track path direction in the L0 layer. Specifically, for example, the L0 layer track path flag is “0” when the track path direction in the L0 layer is the direction from the inner circumference side to the outer circumference side, and the track path direction in the L0 layer is the inner side from the outer circumference side. This flag is “1” when the direction is toward the circumferential side.

Similarly, the L1 layer track path flag is a flag indicating the track path direction in the L1 layer. Specifically, for example, the L1 layer track path flag is “0” when the track path direction in the L1 layer is the direction from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side, and the track path direction in the L1 layer is the inner side from the outer peripheral side. This flag is “1” when the direction is toward the circumferential side.

Therefore, according to the track path identification information 222_1a shown in FIG. 5B, various effects that can be enjoyed by the track path identification information 222_1 shown in FIG. 4B can be enjoyed. In particular, according to the track path identification information 222_1a shown in FIG. 5B, the track path directions of the plurality of recording layers provided in the optical disc 11 can be individually specified.

(2) Second Example of Recording Medium (2-1) Basic Structure Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the basic structure of an optical disk as a second example of the recording medium of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the optical disc 12 according to the second embodiment and a schematic conceptual view of the recording area structure in the radial direction associated therewith. Note that the same components as those of the optical disc 11 according to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the optical disc 12 according to the second embodiment, for example, the L0 layer to the L7 layer constituting an example of the “recording layer” according to the present invention are laminated on the transparent substrate 26, and further thereon. A transparent cover layer 20 is laminated. That is, the optical disk 12 according to the second embodiment is an optical disk in which eight recording layers are laminated. The data structure of each of the L0 to L7 layers is the same as that in the first embodiment described above. That is, the Lx (where x is an integer satisfying 0 ≦ x ≦ 7) layer has an inner peripheral area 23x, a data area 24x, and an outer peripheral area 25x. The optical disk 12 according to the second embodiment is also a so-called intra hybrid disk. That is, the standards to which the L0 layer to the L7 layer should comply are the same family standard, and the types of at least two recording layers of the L0 layer to the L7 layer are different from each other. The track path directions in the L0 layer to the L7 layer may be the same, or the track path directions of at least two recording layers of the L0 layer to the L7 layer may be different from each other.

(2-2) Detailed Data Structure Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a more detailed data structure of each of the layer identification information 221_2 and the track path identification information 222_2 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a data structure diagram showing more detailed data structures of the layer identification information 221_2 and the track path identification information 222_2 in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the layer identification information 221_2 according to the second embodiment includes a bit position x at byte position 8 and a 1-bit Lx layer RE layer flag, and a bit position x at byte position 9. In addition, a 1-bit Lx layer R layer flag is provided, and a 1-bit Lx layer ROM layer flag is provided at bit position x of byte position 10.

The Lx layer RE layer flag is “1” when the Lx layer is a rewritable recording layer (RE layer), and is “0” when the Lx layer is not a rewritable recording layer (RE layer). is there. The Lx layer R layer flag is “1” when the Lx layer is a write-once recording layer (R layer), and is “0” when the Lx layer is not a write-once recording layer (R layer). is there. The Lx layer ROM layer flag is “1” when the Lx layer is a read-only recording layer (ROM layer), and is “0” when the Lx layer is not a read-only recording layer (ROM layer). Flag.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7B, the track path identification information 222_2 according to the second embodiment includes a 1-bit track path flag at bit position 0 of byte position 11. The track path flag is a flag indicating whether the track path system employed by the optical disc 12 is a parallel track path system or an opposite track path system. For example, the track path flag is “1” when the track path method adopted by the optical disc 12 is the parallel track path method, and “0” when the track path method adopted by the optical disc 12 is the opposite track path method. It is a flag.

Since the optical disk 12 according to the second embodiment includes three or more recording layers (specifically, eight recording layers), the “parallel track path method” in the optical disk 11 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the “opposite track path method” cannot be applied as it is. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the “parallel track path method” and the “opposite track path method” indicate the track path methods described below. The “parallel track path method” and “opposite track path method” in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the “opposite track path system” in the second embodiment, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the “parallel track path system” in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the “opposite track system” in the second embodiment, the track path directions in two adjacent recording layers out of the eight recording layers (that is, the L0 layer to the L7 layer) are different, and A track path method in which the logical volume space of the entire optical disc 12 is one is shown.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the “parallel track system” in the second embodiment, the track path directions in each of the eight recording layers (that is, the L0 layer to the L7 layer) are all the same. Indicates the pass method. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the “parallel track system” in the second embodiment is the track path direction in at least one of the eight recording layers (that is, the L0 layer to the L7 layer). Is different from the track path direction in the other recording layers, and shows a track path method in which the entire optical disk 12 has two or more logical volume spaces.

Because of having such a data structure, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 described later that loads the optical disc 12 according to the second embodiment refers to the layer identification information 221_2, so that the L0 layer to the L7 included in the optical disc 12 are referred to. Each type of layer can be identified relatively easily and quickly. Similarly, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 refers to the track path identification information 222_2 so that the track path method employed by the optical disc 12 (in other words, each track path direction from the L0 layer to the L7 layer) is relatively easy and It can be identified quickly. Therefore, even with the optical disk 12 having three or more recording layers, the same effects as the various effects described in the first embodiment can be suitably enjoyed.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it goes without saying that the data structure of the layer identification information 221_2 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. The layer identification information 221_2 may have an arbitrary data structure as long as at least the types of the plurality of recording layers included in the optical disc 12 can be identified. Similarly, it goes without saying that the data structure of the track path identification information 222_2 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. As long as at least the track path method employed by the optical disc 11 can be identified, the track path identification information 222_2 may have an arbitrary data structure. Hereinafter, modified examples of the data structures of the layer identification information 221_2 and the track path identification information 222_2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a data structure diagram showing another example of more detailed data structures of the layer identification information 221_2a and the track path identification information 222_2a according to the modification.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the layer identification information 221_2a according to the modified example includes a 2-bit L0 layer type flag at bit positions 0 and 1 of byte position 8, and bit position 2 of byte position 8 and 3 includes a 2-bit L1 layer type flag, bit positions 4 and 5 of byte position 8 include a 2-bit L2 layer type flag, and bit positions 6 and 7 of byte position 8 include 2-bit L3. A layer type flag is provided, a bit position 0 and 1 of byte position 9 are provided with a 2-bit L4 layer type flag, and a bit position 2 and 3 of byte position 9 are provided with a 2-bit L5 layer type flag. 2 bit L6 layer type flag is provided at bit positions 4 and 5 of byte position 9. In bit positions 6 and 7 of byte positions 9 and a L7 layer type flag of 2 bits.

The Lx layer type flag is a flag indicating the type of the Lx layer. Specifically, for example, the Lx layer type flag is “01” when the Lx layer is a read-only recording layer, and “10” when the Lx layer is a write-once recording layer. Is a flag “11” when is a rewritable recording layer.

Therefore, according to the layer identification information 221_2a shown in FIG. 10 (a), the layer shown in FIG. 7 (a) while enjoying various effects that can be enjoyed by the layer identification information 221_2 shown in FIG. 7 (a). Compared with the identification information 221_2, it is possible to reduce the number of bits necessary for identifying each type of the plurality of recording layers provided in the optical disc 12.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the track path identification information 222_2a according to the modification includes a 1-bit Lx layer track path flag at the bit position x of the byte position 11. The Lx layer track path flag is a flag indicating the track path direction in the Lx layer. Specifically, for example, the Lx layer track path flag is “0” when the track path direction in the Lx layer is the direction from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side, and the track path direction in the Lx layer is the inner side from the outer peripheral side. This flag is “1” when the direction is toward the circumferential side.

Therefore, according to the track path identification information 222_2a shown in FIG. 10B, various effects that can be enjoyed by the track path identification information 222_2 shown in FIG. 7B can be enjoyed. In particular, according to the track path identification information 222_2a shown in FIG. 10B, the track path directions of the plurality of recording layers provided in the optical disc 12 can be specified individually and reliably. Therefore, even when the optical disc 100 has a large number of recording layers, the track path directions of the plurality of recording layers can be specified individually and reliably.

In the first and second embodiments described above, an example in which the number of recording layers provided in the optical disc 11 (12) is two or eight is described. However, it goes without saying that the data structure described above may be applied to an optical disc having an arbitrary number of recording layers.

(3) Recording / Reproducing Device (3-1) Basic Configuration Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the basic configuration of a recording / reproducing device as an embodiment according to the recording / reproducing device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually showing the basic structure of the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in the example. The recording / reproducing apparatus 200 has a function of recording data on the optical disc 11 (12) and a function of reproducing data recorded on the optical disc 11 (12).

As shown in FIG. 11, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 is a disk drive 300 on which an optical disk 11 (12) is actually loaded and data is recorded or reproduced, and data recording and reproduction with respect to the disk drive 300 is performed. And a host computer 400 such as a personal computer to be controlled.

The disk drive 300 includes an optical disk 11 (12), a spindle motor 351, an optical pickup 352, a signal recording / reproducing means 353, a CPU (drive control means) 354, a memory 355, a data input / output control means 306, and a bus 357. Has been. The host computer 400 includes a CPU 359, a memory 360, an operation / display control unit 307, an operation button 310, a display panel 311, a data input / output control unit 308, and a bus 358.

The spindle motor 351 rotates and stops the optical disk 11 (12) and operates when accessing the optical disk 100. More specifically, the spindle motor 351 is configured to rotate and stop the optical disk 11 (12) at a predetermined speed while receiving spindle servo from a servo unit (not shown) or the like.

The optical pickup 352 includes, for example, a semiconductor laser device and a lens in order to perform recording / reproduction on the optical disc 100. More specifically, the optical pickup 352 irradiates the optical disc 100 with a light beam such as a laser beam at a first power as reading light during reproduction, and modulates with a second power as writing light at the time of recording. Irradiate.

The signal recording / reproducing means 353 constitutes one specific example of the “recording / reproducing means” and “reading means” in the present invention together with the CPU 354, and controls the spindle motor 351 and the optical pickup 352 to control the optical disk 11 (12). Recording and playback are performed. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing means 353 is constituted by, for example, a laser diode driver (LD driver) and a head amplifier. The laser diode driver drives a semiconductor laser (not shown) provided in the optical pickup 352. The head amplifier amplifies the output signal of the optical pickup 352, that is, the reflected light of the light beam, and outputs the amplified signal. More specifically, the signal recording / reproducing means 353 performs optical recording so that the optimum laser power can be determined by the OPC pattern recording and reproduction processing together with a timing generator (not shown) under the control of the CPU 354 during the OPC processing. A semiconductor laser (not shown) provided in the pickup 352 is driven.

The memory 355 is used in general data processing and OPC processing in the disk drive 300 such as a buffer area for recording / reproducing data and an area used as an intermediate buffer for conversion to data usable by the signal recording / reproducing means 353. The memory 355 stores a program for performing operations as these recorder devices, that is, a ROM area in which firmware is stored, a buffer for temporarily storing recording / playback data, and variables necessary for the operation such as a firmware program. It consists of a RAM area and the like.

The CPU (drive control means) 354 is connected to the signal recording / reproducing means 353 and the memory 355 via the bus 357, and controls the entire disk drive 300 by giving instructions to various control means. Normally, software or firmware for operating the CPU 354 is stored in the memory 355.

The data input / output control means 306 controls external data input / output to / from the disk drive 300, and stores and retrieves data in / from the data buffer on the memory 355. A drive control command issued from an external host computer 400 connected to the disk drive 300 via an interface such as SCSI or ATAPI is transmitted to the CPU 354 via the data input / output control means 306. Similarly, recording / reproduction data is exchanged with the host computer 400 via the data input / output control means 306.

The operation / display control means 307 receives and displays an operation instruction with respect to the host computer 400, and transmits an instruction from the operation button 310 such as recording or reproduction to the CPU 359. The CPU 359 transmits a control command (command) to the disk drive 300 via the data input / output means 308 based on the instruction information from the operation / display control means 307 to control the entire disk drive 300. Similarly, the CPU 359 can transmit a command requesting the disk drive 300 to transmit the operation state to the host. Thus, since the operation state of the disk drive 300 such as recording or reproduction can be grasped, the CPU 359 outputs the operation state of the disk drive 300 to the display panel 311 such as a fluorescent tube or an LCD via the operation / display control means 307. be able to.

The memory 360 is an internal storage device used by the host computer 400. For example, a ROM area in which a firmware program such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) is stored, an operating system, variables necessary for the operation of an application program, etc. Is constituted by a RAM area or the like in which is stored. Further, it may be connected to an external storage device such as a hard disk (not shown) via the data input / output control means 308.

(3-2) Basic Operation Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the operation of the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart conceptually showing a flow of operations of the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 in the example.

As shown in FIG. 12, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 first focuses in the inner peripheral area 230 (231) (step S101). That is, the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 moves the optical pickup 352 to the radial position corresponding to the inner peripheral area 230 (231) and focuses the laser beam LB on the inner peripheral area 230 (231). Subsequently, based on the information read from the inner peripheral area 230 (231), it is determined whether or not the BCA 22 is arranged on the optical disc 11 (12) (step S102).

As a result of the determination in step S102, when it is determined that the BCA 22 is arranged on the optical disc 11 (12) (step S102: Yes), information recorded on the BCA 22 (for example, the above-described disc information 220) is stored. It is read (step S103). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the BCA 22 is not placed on the optical disc 11 (12) (step S102: No), the operation in step S103 is not performed.

When the disc information 220 is recorded in an area other than the BCA 22 (for example, the inner peripheral area 230 (231)), the disc information 220 may be read in the step S101, or the step You may read after the operation | movement of S103. In any case, it is preferable that the disc information 220 is read at a timing before an actual recording operation or reproducing operation is performed on the optical disc 11 (12).

Subsequently, a layer jump is performed to the recording layer designated by the host computer 400 as the recording layer to be recorded (step S104). At this time, under the control of the CPU 354, based on the layer identification information 221 included in the disc information 220, the power of the laser beam LB is applied to the recording layer at the layer jump destination simultaneously with or in parallel with the layer jump. The power is changed to the matched power (step S105). Similarly, under the control of the CPU 354, based on the layer identification information 221 included in the disc information 220, a tracking method that matches the recording layer of the layer jump destination is performed simultaneously with, in parallel with, or immediately after the layer jump. The method is changed (step S105).

Thereafter, a recording operation or a reproducing operation is actually performed on the data area 240 (241) (step S106). At this time, an appropriate recording operation or reproducing operation is performed after specifying the track path direction of the recording layer in which the recording operation or reproducing operation is performed based on the track path information 222 included in the disc information 220. When the recording operation or the reproduction operation is being performed, it is determined whether or not the recording layer that is the target of the sequential recording operation or the reproduction operation is changed (step S107). That is, it is determined whether or not to perform a layer jump for changing the recording layer that is the target of the recording operation or the reproducing operation.

As a result of the determination in step S107, when it is determined that the recording layer to be recorded or reproduced is changed (step S107: Yes), a layer jump operation for changing the recording layer is performed (step S104). ) Based on the layer identification information 221 included in the disc information 220, the power of the laser beam LB is changed to a power that matches the recording layer of the layer jump destination simultaneously with, in parallel with, or immediately after the layer jump (step) S105). Similarly, based on the layer identification information 221 included in the disc information 220, the tracking method is changed to a tracking method that matches the recording layer of the layer jump destination at the same time as, in parallel with, or immediately after the layer jump (step S105). ). Thereafter, the recording operation or the reproducing operation is continued (step S106).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S107, if it is determined that the recording layer to be recorded or reproduced is not changed (step S107: No), whether or not to end the recording or reproduction operation is determined. Determination is made (step S108).

If the result of determination in step S108 is that the recording operation or playback operation is to be terminated (step S108: Yes), the recording operation or playback operation is terminated. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S108, when it is determined not to end the recording operation or the reproduction operation (step S108: No), the recording operation or the reproduction operation is continued (step S106).

If it is determined in step 102 that the BCA 22 is not disposed on the optical disc 11 (12), the operation of step S103 may not be performed. In this case, in step S105, the type of the recording layer to which the layer jump is made is recognized based on the return light amount of the laser beam LB after the layer jump operation, and the power and tracking method of the laser beam LB matching the recording layer is changed. become.

As described above, according to the recording / reproducing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, by referring to the layer identification information 221 and the track path identification information 222, at least one of the recording operation and the reproducing operation with respect to the so-called intra hybrid disc is suitably performed. Can be made.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification. A playback apparatus and method, and a computer program are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims (13)

1. A plurality of recording layers including a first type of recording layer conforming to a predetermined standard and a second type of recording layer conforming to the predetermined standard and different from the first type;
   At least one recording layer of the plurality of recording layers is provided with an identification information recording area for recording first identification information for specifying a type for each of the plurality of recording layers. Medium.
2. 2. The identification information recording area according to claim 1, wherein, in addition to the first identification information, second identification information indicating a track path method employed by the recording medium is recorded in the identification information recording area. recoding media.
3. 3. The recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the second identification information indicates a track path direction of each of the plurality of recording layers.
4. The second identification information includes: (i) a track path direction of an adjacent recording layer among the plurality of recording layers is different, and the plurality of recording layers all have one logical volume space. Or (ii) the direction of each track path of the plurality of recording layers is the same, or at least one recording layer of the plurality of recording layers is used. It indicates whether the direction of the track path is different from the direction of the track path of the other recording layer, and whether the whole of the plurality of recording layers adopts the second track path method that constitutes two or more logical volume spaces. The recording medium according to claim 2, wherein:
5. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the identification information recording area is arranged in each of the plurality of recording layers.
6. Each of the plurality of recording layers includes a data area for recording user data, an inner peripheral area located on the inner peripheral side of the data area, and an outer peripheral side area located on the outer peripheral side of the data area. And
   The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the identification information recording area is arranged in the inner peripheral area.
7. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the identification information recording area is disposed in a BCA (Burst Cutting Area) in which information is recorded using a barcode pattern.
8. A recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation with respect to the recording medium according to claim 1;
   Reading means for reading the first identification information;
   And a control unit that controls the recording / reproducing unit to perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation based on the first identification information read by the reading unit.
9. The control means changes the target recording layer when the target recording layer which is the target of at least one of the recording operation and the reproducing operation among the plurality of recording layers is changed from one recording layer to another recording layer. The recording / reproducing means is controlled so as to change the recording / reproducing power of the recording / reproducing means prior to, simultaneously with, in parallel with, or immediately after the layer jump. The recording / reproducing apparatus as described.
10. The control means changes the target recording layer when the target recording layer which is the target of at least one of the recording operation and the reproducing operation among the plurality of recording layers is changed from one recording layer to another recording layer. 9. The recording / reproducing means is controlled so as to change the tracking method used by the recording / reproducing means prior to, simultaneously with, or immediately after the layer jump for the recording. The recording / reproducing apparatus described in 1.
11. In the identification information recording area, in addition to the first identification information, second identification information indicating a track path method adopted by the recording medium is recorded,
    The reading means reads the second identification information;
    9. The control unit according to claim 8, wherein the control unit controls the recording / reproducing unit to perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation based on the second identification information read by the reading unit. The recording / reproducing apparatus as described.
12. A recording / reproducing step for performing at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation with respect to the recording medium according to claim 1;
    A reading step of reading the first identification information;
    And a control step of controlling the recording / reproducing step so as to perform at least one of a recording operation and a reproducing operation based on the first identification information read in the reading step.
13. A computer program for controlling a computer provided in the recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 8,
    A computer program that causes the computer to function as the recording / reproducing means, the reading means, and the control means.

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