CN101188120B - Recording method and reproduction method - Google Patents

Abstract

A recording medium comprising a recording area, the recording area including a first area and a second area, the first area including a frame area, the frame area including an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are to be recorded, and The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded.

Description

Recording method and reproduction method

This application is a divisional application with a filing date of December 36, 2001, an application number of 01821385.5, and a title of "recording medium, recording method, reproducing method, recording device and reproducing device". the

technical field

The present invention relates to an optical disc medium allowing high-density data recording and a method and apparatus for recording data on or reproducing data from the optical disc medium. the

Background technique

Recently, the recording density of optical disc media has rapidly increased. In the case of an optical disc medium that allows digital data recording, data recording, reproduction, and management are generally performed in units of blocks each having a prescribed byte length. (Such a block is called a "data block".) Each data block is given address information. Data recording and reproduction are performed with reference to address information. the

For recording data on an optical disc medium, user data such as, for example, audio, video, and computer data are to be stored with redundant data, such as error checking codes for detecting or correcting data errors when reading the stored data (parity code). User data with redundant data is converted according to a modulation code system suitable for the characteristics of recording and reproducing signals for the optical disc medium. On the optical disc medium, the converted data bit stream is recorded. A known modulation code system often used for optical disc media is run-length limited codes. the

The run-length limited code determines the transformed data bit stream such that the number of "0" bits inserted between two "1" bits in a bit sequence is limited to a specified number. The number of "0" bits inserted between two "1" bits is called "zero run". The interval (length) between one "1" bit and the next "1" bit in the data bit stream (code sequence) is called "reverse interval". The zero-run limit defines the boundaries, ie maximum and minimum, of the inversion interval of a data bit stream. The maximum value is referred to as "maximum inversion interval k", and the minimum value is referred to as "minimum inversion interval d". the

In the case where a data bit stream is recorded on an optical disc medium by mark position recording (PPM: Pit Position Modulation), bit "1" of the data bit stream corresponds to a recording mark, and zero-run "0" corresponds to a space. In the case where a data bit stream is recorded on an optical disc medium by mark length recording (PWM: Pulse Width Modulation), when a "1" bit of the data bit stream appears, the recording state is switched, that is, whether it is a recording mark or a Spaces are recorded on optical disc media. In the case of mark-length recording, the inversion interval corresponds to the length of one recording mark or the length of one space. the

Therefore, for example, when the minimum value of the physical size of the mark that can be formed on the optical disc medium (such a minimum value is called a "mark unit") is equal in mark position recording and mark length recording, mark position recording 3 mark units are required to record data of the minimum code length (3 bits "100" of one data bit stream), while only 1 mark unit is required for mark length recording. the

When using a run-length limited code with a minimum inversion interval d=2, the number of bits per unit length of a track of the optical disc medium is greater in the case of mark-length recording than in the case of mark-position recording. That is, the recording density of the mark length recording is higher than that of the mark position recording. the

Generally, when a data bit stream converted into a modulation code is recorded on an optical disc medium, a sync pattern is often inserted into the data bit stream every prescribed period of the data bit stream. Such a sync mode performs proper data synchronization when reading the data bit stream. According to a known technique for inserting a synchronization pattern, a synchronization pattern comprising a sequence not present in a modulation code sequence is inserted at the beginning of an area called a frame area having a prescribed byte length. the

Among some data formats for optical disc media of recording type that have been realized recently, the DVD-RW data format will be briefly described. the

In the DVD-RW data format, address information is arranged by pre-pits located in lands between two adjacent groove tracks in which data is to be recorded. Data is continuously recorded on the groove track. An ECC block, which is a minimum unit of data recording and reproduction, includes a plurality of areas called data frame areas, each of which has a fixed byte length. The data frame area includes a synchronization information area and a data area provided at its beginning. Data recording or reproduction starts and ends at the data area located at the beginning of each ECC block in the data frame area. An operation for additionally recording data in one ECC block following an ECC block in which data has already been recorded is called "chaining". A data frame area corresponding to the positions where data recording is started and terminated is called a "link frame area". the

Fig. 44 shows the link position of a conventional DVD-RW and the data format around it. In DVD-RW, one ECC block includes 16 sectors, and one sector includes 26 frame areas. The smallest unit of data recording is an ECC block. Data recording starts and ends in the data area DATA of the lead frame area (link frame area) of the lead sector S0 of one ECC block. FIG. 44 shows the positions where data recording starts and ends as "data recording start position". In the example shown in FIG. 44, linking is performed so that data recording ends at the 16th byte from the start of the link frame area, and data recording ends at the 15th byte and the 17th byte from the start of the link frame area. starts between bytes. the

In the link frame area where data recording starts and ends, data is recorded in a discontinuous manner. Therefore, data recorded from the link start position (start position) to the next frame area cannot be read because precise bit synchronization cannot be achieved. Also, when low-precision linking makes the length of the frame area larger or smaller than the specified length, or when repeated link recording in the same frame area degrades the signal in the frame area, signals for level clipping, PLL, etc. The reproduction system becomes unstable when reproducing data recorded in and near the link position. In the worst case, it is possible that data cannot be read in the area of several frames after the link position. In this case, error checking cannot be performed, which may cause a read error. When the positioning accuracy at the time of performing linking is less than one bit, the possibility of accurate data reading increases. However, as the recording density of data increases, a tolerance of less than one bit is difficult to achieve and is therefore unrealistic. the

In light of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium, a recording method, a reproducing method, a recording device, and a reproducing device that allow stable data recording and reproduction even at the start and end positions of data recording. the

Contents of the invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium including a recording area. The recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. The frame area includes an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are to be recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second synchronization code sequence indicates the start of the frame area, the third synchronization code sequence indicates the start of the second area, and at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the first area is arranged rearward with respect to the third area. The second area is arranged behind relative to the first area. The third area includes an area in which the first synchronization code sequence is to be recorded. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the first synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the third area includes an area in which the fifth synchronization code sequence is to be recorded. the

In one embodiment of the invention, a fifth synchronization code sequence is used to designate the start of the first region that follows. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first area includes a plurality of frame areas, the first area is divided into four areas, each area includes a prescribed number of frame areas, and the frame area recorded at the beginning of the fourth area The second synchronization code sequence is different from the second synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area located at the beginning of the fourth area. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second synchronization code sequence recorded in the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area is the same as the first synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area. The difference between two synchronization code sequences is a code distance equal to or greater than 2. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the fourth synchronization code sequence is randomly set every time data is recorded on the recording medium. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first synchronization code sequence is randomly set every time data is recorded on the recording medium. the

In one embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is overwritten by the first synchronization code sequence recorded when recording the additional data on the recording medium. the

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for recording information on a recording medium having a recording area is provided. The method comprises the steps of: receiving data; recording the first synchronization code sequence in the recording area, and recording a frame in the first area behind relative to the recording area where the first synchronization code sequence is recorded, wherein the The frame includes the second synchronization code sequence and at least a part of the received data; the third synchronization code sequence is recorded in an area behind with respect to the first area; The area of the area records the fourth synchronization code sequence in a subsequent area. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of: in an area of the recording area which is behind with respect to the area in which the first synchronization code sequence is recorded and which is forward with respect to the first area A fifth synchronization code sequence is recorded. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first area includes a plurality of frame areas, the first area is divided into four areas, each area includes a prescribed number of frame areas, and the frame area recorded at the beginning of the fourth area The second synchronization code sequence is different from the second synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area located at the beginning of the fourth area. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second synchronization code sequence recorded in the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area is the same as the first synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area. The difference between two synchronization code sequences is a code distance equal to or greater than 2. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of recording the first synchronization code sequence includes the step of randomly setting the length of the first synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of recording the fourth synchronization code sequence includes the step of randomly setting the length of the fourth synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the first synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. The second sync code sequence indicates the start of the frame area. The third synchronization code sequence indicates the start of a second area comprising the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence. At least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. A fifth synchronization code sequence is used to designate the start of the first region. the

In one embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is overwritten by the first synchronization code sequence recorded when recording the additional data on the recording medium. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for recording additional information on a recording medium having a recording area in which information is recorded. The recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. The frame area includes an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are recorded. The method comprises the steps of: receiving additional data; detecting a third synchronization code sequence; determining a recording start position in the recording area based on the detected position of the third synchronization code sequence; recording the first additional synchronization code sequence at the recording start position ; recording the additional first area data comprising an additional frame in an area of the recording area which is behind with respect to the area in which the first additional synchronization code sequence is recorded, wherein the additional frame includes the first field for identifying the start of the additional frame Two additional synchronization code sequences and at least a part of the additional data received; Record the third additional synchronization code sequence in an area behind with respect to the additional first area where the additional first area data is recorded; And, in the opposite In the area in which the third additional synchronization code sequence is recorded, the fourth additional synchronization code sequence is recorded in a subsequent area. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the scheme further comprises the step of recording in an area of the recording area which is behind with respect to the area in which the first additional synchronization code sequence is recorded and which is preceding with respect to the additional first area A fifth additional synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the first additional synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. The second additional synchronization code sequence indicates the start of the frame area. The third additional synchronization code sequence indicates the start of a second region comprising the third additional synchronization code sequence and the fourth additional synchronization code sequence. At least a part of the fourth additional synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. A fifth additional synchronization code sequence is used to designate the start of an additional first region. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of additional frames are grouped into a plurality of sector data, each sector data includes a prescribed number of additional frames, and in the prescribed number of additional frames at the beginning of each sector data The second additional synchronization code sequence of the additional frame is different from the second additional synchronization code sequence of any additional frame except the additional frame at the beginning of each sector data. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second additional synchronization code sequence of the additional frame at the beginning of each sector data among the prescribed number of additional frames is the same as the second additional synchronization code sequence except for the additional frame at the beginning of each sector data The second additional synchronization code sequence of any one additional frame differs by a code distance equal to or greater than 2. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of determining the recording start position in the recording area includes the step of randomly determining the recording start position. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of recording the first additional synchronization code sequence includes the step of randomly setting the length of the first additional synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of recording the fourth additional synchronization code sequence includes the step of randomly setting the length of the fourth additional synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the step of determining the recording start position in the recording area comprises the step of determining the recording start position such that at least part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is overwritten by the first additional synchronization code sequence. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for recording information on a recording medium having a recording area. The recording device includes: a receiving section for receiving data; and a recording section for recording the first synchronization code sequence in a recording area. The recording section records one frame in a first area following an area relative to the recording area in which the first synchronization code sequence is recorded. The frame includes a second synchronization code sequence and at least a portion of the received data. The recording section records the third synchronization code sequence in an area subsequent to the first area. The recording section records the fourth synchronization code sequence in an area subsequent to the recording area in which the third synchronization code sequence is recorded. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the recording means records the fifth synchronization code sequence in an area of the recording area which is subsequent with respect to the area in which the first synchronization code sequence is recorded and which is preceding with respect to the first area. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first area includes a plurality of frame areas, the first area is divided into four areas, each area includes a prescribed number of frame areas, and the frame area recorded at the beginning of the fourth area The second synchronization code sequence is different from the second synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area located at the beginning of the fourth area. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second synchronization code sequence recorded in the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area is the same as the first synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area. The difference between two synchronization code sequences is a code distance equal to or greater than 2. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the recording part randomly sets the length of the first synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the recording section randomly sets the length of the fourth synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the first synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. The second sync code sequence indicates the start of the frame area. The third synchronization code sequence indicates the start of a second area comprising the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence. At least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. A fifth synchronization code sequence is used to designate the start of the first region. the

In one embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is overwritten by the first synchronization code sequence recorded when recording the additional data on the recording medium. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for recording additional information on a recording medium having a recording area in which information is recorded. The recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. The frame area includes an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are recorded. The recording apparatus includes: a recording section for receiving the additional data; a detection section for detecting the third synchronization code sequence; a determination section for determining a recording start position in the recording area based on the detected position of the third synchronization code sequence and, a recording section for recording the first additional synchronization code sequence at the recording start position. The recording section records additional first area data including an additional frame in an area in a subsequent recording area with respect to an area in which the first additional synchronization code sequence is recorded, wherein the additional frame includes a code for identifying the additional frame. Beginning with a second additional synchronization code sequence and at least a portion of the received additional data. The recording section records the third additional synchronization code sequence in an area behind with respect to the additional first area in which the additional first area data is recorded. The recording section records the fourth additional synchronization code sequence in an area behind with respect to the area in which the third additional synchronization code sequence is recorded. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the recording section records the fifth additional synchronization in an area of the recording area which is behind with respect to the area in which the first additional synchronization code sequence is recorded and which is in front of the additional first area. code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the first additional synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. The second additional synchronization code sequence indicates the start of the frame area. The third additional synchronization code sequence indicates the start of a second region comprising the third additional synchronization code sequence and the fourth additional synchronization code sequence. At least a part of the fourth additional synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. A fifth additional synchronization code sequence is used to designate the start of an additional first region. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of additional frames are grouped into a plurality of sector data, each sector data includes a prescribed number of additional frames, and in the prescribed number of additional frames at the beginning of each sector data The second additional synchronization code sequence of the additional frame is different from the second additional synchronization code sequence of any additional frame except the additional frame at the beginning of each sector data. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second additional synchronization code sequence of the additional frame at the beginning of each sector data among the prescribed number of additional frames is the same as the second additional synchronization code sequence except for the additional frame at the beginning of each sector data The second additional synchronization code sequence of any one additional frame differs by a code distance equal to or greater than 2. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the determination section randomly determines the recording start position. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the recording section randomly sets the length of the first additional synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the recording section randomly sets the length of the fourth additional synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the determination section determines the recording start position such that at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is overwritten by the first synchronization code sequence. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for reproducing information recorded on a recording medium having a recording area. The recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. The frame area includes an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are recorded. The method comprises the steps of: reproducing a third synchronization code sequence; reproducing a fourth synchronization code sequence; reproducing a second synchronization code sequence; and reproducing at least a portion of said data. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second synchronization code sequence indicates the start of the frame area, the third synchronization code sequence indicates the start of the second area, and at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the first region is provided behind with respect to the third region and the second region is provided behind with respect to the first region. The third area includes an area in which the first synchronization code sequence is recorded. The method further comprises the step of reproducing the first synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the first synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the third area includes an area in which the fifth synchronization code sequence is to be recorded. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the fifth synchronization code sequence is used to designate the start of the first region following it. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first area includes a plurality of frame areas, the first area is divided into four areas, each area includes a prescribed number of frame areas, and the frame area recorded at the beginning of the fourth area The second synchronization code sequence is different from the second synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area located at the beginning of the fourth area. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second synchronization code sequence recorded in the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area is the same as the first synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area. The difference between two synchronization code sequences is a code distance equal to or greater than 2. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the fourth synchronization code sequence is randomly set each time data is recorded on the recording medium. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first synchronization code sequence is randomly set every time data is recorded on the recording medium. the

In one embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is overwritten by the first synchronization code sequence recorded when recording the additional data on the recording medium. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for reproducing information recorded on a recording medium having a recording area. The recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. The frame area includes an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are recorded. The reproducing means comprises: a part for reproducing a third synchronization code sequence; a part for reproducing a fourth synchronization code sequence; a part for reproducing a second synchronization code sequence; and a part for reproducing at least a part of said data . the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second synchronization code sequence indicates the start of the frame area, the third synchronization code sequence indicates the start of the second area, and at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the first region is provided behind with respect to the third region. The second area is provided behind with respect to the first area. The third area includes an area in which the first synchronization code sequence is recorded. The reproducing device further comprises a section for reproducing the first synchronization code sequence. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the first synchronization code sequence is used to reproduce data stably. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the third area includes an area in which the fifth synchronization code sequence is to be recorded. the

In one embodiment of the invention, the fifth synchronization code sequence is used to designate the start of the first region following it. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first area includes a plurality of frame areas, the first area is divided into four areas, each area includes a prescribed number of frame areas, and the frame area recorded at the beginning of the fourth area The second synchronization code sequence is different from the second synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area located at the beginning of the fourth area. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second synchronization code sequence recorded in the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area is the same as the first synchronization code sequence recorded in any frame area except the frame area at the beginning of the fourth area. The difference between two synchronization code sequences is a code distance equal to or greater than 2. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the fourth synchronization code sequence is randomly set every time data is recorded on the recording medium. the

In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first synchronization code sequence is randomly set every time data is recorded on the recording medium. the

In one embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the fourth synchronization code sequence is overwritten by the first synchronization code sequence recorded when recording the additional data on the recording medium. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a recording medium includes a rewritable recording area for recording data; and, a recording area exclusively for reproduction in which user data and specific purpose data different from the user data are recorded. . The rewritable recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. The frame area includes an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are to be recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded. The recording area dedicated to reproduction includes a plurality of supplementary frame (further frame) areas and an area in which supplementary third synchronization code sequences and specific purpose data are recorded, wherein each supplementary frame area includes a code for identifying each The supplementary second synchronization code sequence and at least a part of the user data supplement the beginning of the frame area. A complementary third synchronization code sequence identifies the start of special purpose data. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for reproducing specific-purpose data recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium includes a rewritable recording area for recording data, and a recording area exclusively for reproduction in which user data and specific-purpose data different from the user data are recorded. The rewritable recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. The frame area includes an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are to be recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded. The recording area dedicated to reproduction includes a plurality of supplementary frame areas and an area in which supplementary third synchronization code sequences and specific purpose data are recorded, wherein each supplementary frame area includes a code for identifying the respective supplementary frame area recorded therein. The beginning complements the second synchronization code sequence and at least a portion of the user data. A complementary third synchronization code sequence identifies the start of special purpose data. The method includes the steps of detecting a complementary third synchronization code sequence and reproducing specific purpose data in response to detection of the complementary third synchronization code sequence. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reproducing specific-purpose data recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium includes a rewritable recording area for recording data, and a recording area exclusively for reproduction in which user data and specific-purpose data other than the user data are recorded. The rewritable recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. The frame area includes an area in which at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are to be recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded. The recording area dedicated to reproduction includes a plurality of supplementary frame areas and an area in which supplementary third synchronization code sequences and specific purpose data are recorded, wherein each supplementary frame area includes a code for identifying the respective supplementary frame area recorded therein. The beginning complements the second synchronization code sequence and at least a portion of the user data. A complementary third synchronization code sequence identifies the start of special purpose data. The reproducing apparatus includes a detecting section for detecting the supplementary third synchronization code sequence, and a reproducing section for reproducing the specific purpose data in response to detection of the supplementary third synchronization code sequence. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a recording medium includes a recording area exclusively for reproduction in which user data and specific-purpose data different from the user data are recorded. The recording area dedicated to reproduction includes a plurality of frame areas and an area in which a third synchronization code sequence and specific purpose data are recorded, wherein each frame area includes a second code for identifying the start of each frame area recorded therein. The code sequence and at least a portion of the user data are synchronized. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for reproducing specific-purpose data recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium includes a recording area exclusively for reproduction in which user data and specific-purpose data other than the user data are recorded. The recording area dedicated to reproduction includes a plurality of frame areas and an area in which a third synchronization code sequence and specific purpose data are recorded, wherein each frame area includes a second code for identifying the start of each frame area recorded therein. The code sequence and at least a portion of the user data are synchronized. The third synchronization code sequence identifies the start of special purpose data. The method includes the steps of detecting a third synchronization code sequence and reproducing specific purpose data in response to detection of the third synchronization code sequence. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reproducing specific-purpose data recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium includes a recording area exclusively for reproduction in which user data and specific-purpose data other than the user data are recorded. The recording area dedicated to reproduction includes a plurality of frame areas and an area in which a third synchronization code sequence and specific purpose data are recorded, wherein each frame area includes a second code for identifying the start of each frame area recorded therein. The code sequence and at least a portion of the user data are synchronized. The third synchronization code sequence identifies the start of special purpose data. The reproducing apparatus includes a detecting section for detecting the third synchronization code sequence, and a reproducing section for reproducing the specific purpose data in response to the detection of the third synchronization code sequence. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for additionally recording information on a recording medium on which information is recorded or for rewriting information recorded on the recording medium. The recording medium includes at least one second data unit (unit), each of the at least one second data unit includes a prescribed number of first data units, each of the prescribed number of first data units includes a prescribed A plurality of frame areas of byte length, the second synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of at least one frame area in the plurality of frame areas, and the recording medium further includes at least one first frame area for each second data unit, And, a third synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of each of the at least one first frame area. The recording device includes: a first detection section for detecting a second synchronization code sequence from the second data unit; a third detection section for detecting a third synchronization code sequence from the second data unit; and a recording start timing determination section, For determining timing to start additional recording or rewriting using the detection result obtained by the first detection section and/or the detection result obtained by the third detection section. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reading information from a recording medium on which information is recorded. The recording medium includes at least one second data unit, each of the at least one second data unit includes a prescribed number of first data units, and each of the prescribed number of first data units includes A plurality of frame areas, the second synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of at least one frame area in the plurality of frame areas, the recording medium further includes at least one first frame area for each second data unit, and, the first Three synchronization code sequences are recorded at the beginning of each of at least one first frame area. The reproducing apparatus includes: a first detection section for detecting the second synchronization code sequence; a third detection section for detecting the third synchronization code sequence; the detection result of the first synchronization code sequence obtained from the second data unit from which the second data unit from which the information is read is located in front; and/or from the second data unit with respect to the second data unit from which the information is to be read The timing to start reproduction is determined based on the detection result of the third synchronization code sequence obtained in the preceding second data unit. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reading information from a recording medium on which information is recorded. The recording medium includes at least one second data unit, each of the at least one second data unit includes a prescribed number of first data units, and each of the prescribed number of first data units includes A plurality of frame areas, the second synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of at least one frame area in the plurality of frame areas, the recording medium further includes at least one first frame area for each second data unit, and, A third synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of each of the at least one first frame area. The reproducing apparatus includes: a level slicing section for generating level slicing data by level slicing a read signal from the recording medium; The level-sliced data of level clipping detects the second synchronization code sequence; the third detection part is used to detect the third synchronization code sequence from the level-sliced data; and, the level-sliced pattern (level-sliced pattern ) a switching section employing a detection result of a first synchronization code sequence obtained by the first detection section from a second data unit located in front with respect to a second data unit from which information is to be read; and/or by a third detection section Switching the level clipping section at a prescribed position in at least one first frame area from a detection result of a third synchronization code sequence obtained from a second data unit located in front with respect to a second data unit from which information is to be read. level limiting mode. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reading information from a recording medium on which information is recorded. The recording medium includes at least one second data unit, each of the at least one second data unit includes a prescribed number of first data units, and each of the prescribed number of first data units includes A plurality of frame areas, the second synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of at least one frame area in the plurality of frame areas, the recording medium further includes at least one first frame area for each second data unit, and, the first Three synchronization code sequences are recorded at the beginning of each of at least one first frame area. The reproducing apparatus includes: a clock generation section for generating a bit synchronization clock using a signal read from the recording medium; a first detection section for detecting the second synchronization code sequence using the bit synchronization clock; a third detection section for for detecting the third synchronous code sequence using the bit synchronous clock; and, the clock reproduction mode switching section, employing the first detection section obtained from the second data unit located in front with respect to the second data unit from which information is to be read. A detection result of a synchronization code sequence; and/or a detection result of a third synchronization code sequence obtained by the third detection section from a second data unit located in front with respect to a second data unit from which information is to be read, at least A specified position in a first frame area switches the clock reproduction mode of the clock generation section. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for additionally recording information on a recording medium on which information is recorded or for rewriting information recorded on the recording medium. The recording medium includes at least one second data unit, each of the at least one second data unit includes a prescribed number of first data units, and each of the prescribed number of first data units includes A plurality of frame areas, the second synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of at least one frame area in the plurality of frame areas, the recording medium further includes at least one first frame area for each second data unit, the third synchronization code sequence A code sequence is recorded at the beginning of each of the at least one first frame area, and a fifth synchronization code sequence is recorded at the end of each of the at least one first frame area. The recording device includes: a first detection section for detecting a second synchronization code sequence from the second data unit; a third detection section for detecting a third synchronization code sequence from the second data unit; a fourth detection section for detecting the second synchronization code sequence from the second data unit; The second data unit detects the fifth synchronization code sequence; and, a recording start timing determination section for using the detection result obtained by the first detection section, the detection result obtained by the third detection section, and the detection obtained by the fourth detection section At least one of the results determines the timing to start additional recording or rewriting. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reading information from a recording medium on which information is recorded. The recording medium includes at least one second data unit, each of the at least one second data unit includes a prescribed number of first data units, and each of the prescribed number of first data units includes A plurality of frame areas, the second synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of at least one frame area in the plurality of frame areas, the recording medium further includes at least one first frame area for each second data unit, the third synchronization code sequence A code sequence is recorded at the beginning of each of the at least one first frame area, and a fifth synchronization code sequence is recorded at the end of each of the at least one first frame area. The reproducing apparatus includes: a first detection section for detecting the second synchronization code sequence; a third detection section for detecting the third synchronization code sequence; a fourth detection section for detecting the fifth synchronization code sequence; and, reproduction start a timing determination section employing a detection result of a first synchronization code sequence obtained by the first detection section from a second data unit located in front with respect to a second data unit from which information is to be read; the detection result of the third synchronization code sequence obtained from the second data unit from which the second data unit from which information is to be read is located in front; and from the second data unit from which information is to be read by the fourth detecting section At least one of the detection results of the fourth synchronization code sequence obtained in the preceding second data unit is used to determine the timing to start reproduction. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reading information from a recording medium on which information is recorded. The recording medium includes at least one second data unit, each of the at least one second data unit includes a prescribed number of first data units, and each of the prescribed number of first data units includes A plurality of frame areas, the second synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of at least one frame area in the plurality of frame areas, the recording medium further includes at least one first frame area for each second data unit, the third synchronization code sequence A code sequence is recorded at the beginning of each of the at least one first frame area, and a fifth synchronization code sequence is recorded at the end of each of the at least one first frame area. The reproducing apparatus includes: a level slicing section for generating level slicing data by level slicing a read signal from the recording medium; The level clipping data of the level clipping is used to detect the second synchronization code sequence; the third detection part is used to detect the third synchronization code sequence from the level clipping data; the fourth detection part is used for the slave level clipping a data detection fifth synchronization code sequence; and, a level slice mode switching section employing the first synchronization obtained by the first detection section from a second data unit located in front with respect to a second data unit from which information is to be read a detection result of the code sequence; a detection result of the third synchronization code sequence obtained by the third detection section from the second data unit located in front with respect to the second data unit from which information is to be read; and a detection result of the third synchronization code sequence obtained by the fourth detection section from At least one of the detection results of the fourth synchronization code sequence obtained with respect to the second data unit in front of the second data unit from which the information is to be read is switched at a prescribed position in at least one first frame area. Level clipping mode for the flat clipping section. the

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus for reading information from a recording medium on which information is recorded. The recording medium includes at least one second data unit, each of the at least one second data unit includes a prescribed number of first data units, and each of the prescribed number of first data units includes A plurality of frame areas, the second synchronization code sequence is recorded at the beginning of at least one frame area in the plurality of frame areas, the recording medium further includes at least one first frame area for each second data unit, the third synchronization code sequence A code sequence is recorded at the beginning of each of the at least one first frame area, and a fifth synchronization code sequence is recorded at the end of each of the at least one first frame area. The reproducing apparatus includes: a clock generation section for generating a bit synchronization clock using a signal read from the recording medium; a first detection section for detecting the second synchronization code sequence using the bit synchronization clock; a third detection section for for detecting the third synchronous code sequence using the bit synchronous clock; the fourth detecting section for detecting the fifth synchronous code sequence using the bit synchronous clock; The detection result of the first synchronization code sequence obtained from the second data unit whose second data unit of the information is located in front; the second data unit located in front relative to the second data unit from which the information is to be read is obtained by the third detection part The detection result of the third synchronization code sequence obtained by the unit; and the detection result of the fourth synchronization code sequence obtained by the fourth detection section from the second data unit located in front with respect to the second data unit from which information is to be read, A mode of clock reproduction of the clock generation section is switched at a prescribed position in at least one first frame area. the

A function of the present invention will be described below. the

In the recording medium according to the present invention, the recording area includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes a frame area. In the frame area, at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded. On such a recording medium, a position in the fourth synchronization code sequence is regarded as a start position, and additional data recording (linking) can be started. In this way, additional data recording is not performed in the frame area where data is recorded. Therefore, data recording and reproduction can be performed stably even at the start position and end position of data recording. the

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium (recording medium) 101 according to a first example of the present invention. the

FIG. 2 shows the data format of the data block 103 of the optical disc medium 101 . the

FIG. 3 shows an example of a pattern (PA pattern) to be recorded in the first synchronization area PA, which is particularly preferable in the first example of the present invention. the

FIG. 4 shows an example of a pattern (VFO pattern) to be recorded in the second sync area VFO, which is particularly preferable in the first example of the present invention. the

FIG. 5 shows exemplary patterns to be recorded in the second synchronization area VFO when Tmin=3 and Tmin=2. the

FIG. 6 shows an example of a pattern (SY pattern) to be recorded in the third synchronization area SY, which is particularly preferable in the first example of the present invention. the

FIG. 7A shows an exemplary recording pattern at a start position of the normal frame area (ie, the second frame area) in the first example of the present invention. the

FIG. 7B shows an exemplary recording pattern of a start position of the link frame area (ie, the first frame area) in the first example of the present invention. the

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium (recording medium) 3103 according to a second example of the present invention. the

FIG. 9 shows an example of the data format of the optical disc medium 3103 in the second example of the present invention. the

FIG. 10 shows an example of a synchronization code sequence located at the beginning of each of 26 frame areas included in sector 3103 (FIG. 9). the

Fig. 11 shows an example of a pattern preferably used as a synchronization code sequence in the second example of the present invention. the

FIG. 12 shows a specific example of the SYO pattern and the SY pattern in the second example of the present invention. the

Fig. 13 schematically shows code distances between various types of synchronization code sequences (patterns). the

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary internal structure of a frame area F0. the

FIG. 15 shows specific examples of the SYO mode, the SY mode and the PA mode in the second example of the present invention. the

FIG. 16 shows other specific examples of the SYO mode, the SY mode, and the PA mode in the second example of the present invention. the

FIG. 17 shows another example of a synchronization code sequence located at the beginning of each of 26 frame areas included in sector 3103 (FIG. 9). the

18A to 18D show examples of arranging the synchronization code sequences to be recorded in the second frame area included in one sector in the order in which the synchronization code sequences are recorded on the optical disc medium. the

19A to 19C show examples of arranging the synchronization code sequences to be recorded in the second frame area included in one sector in the order in which the synchronization code sequences are recorded on the optical disc medium. the

FIG. 20 shows still another example of arranging the synchronization code sequences to be recorded in the second frame area included in one sector in the order in which the synchronization code sequences are recorded on the optical disc medium. the

FIG. 21 shows yet another example of a synchronization code sequence located at the beginning of each of the 26 frame regions included in sector 3103 (FIG. 9). the

22A to 22C show that when four types of patterns SY0, SY1, SY2, and SY3 are used, the sequences to be recorded in the second frame area included in one sector are arranged in the order in which the synchronization code sequence is recorded on the optical disc medium. Example of a synchronous code sequence. the

Figure 23 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium 401 according to a third example of the present invention. the

FIG. 24 shows the data format of the data block 403 of the optical disc medium 401 (FIG. 23) according to the third example of the present invention. the

FIG. 25 shows an example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. the

FIG. 26 shows another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. the

FIG. 27 shows yet another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. the

FIG. 28 shows yet another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. the

FIG. 29 shows yet another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. the

Fig. 30 shows still another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS. the

Fig. 31 shows still another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS. the

FIG. 32 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium 701 according to a fourth example of the present invention. the

FIG. 33 shows the data format of a data block 703 of an optical disc medium 701 according to a fourth example of the present invention. the

34A and 34B show other examples of the structure of the first frame area 801a in the fourth example of the present invention. the

FIG. 35 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium 1001 according to a fifth example of the present invention. the

FIG. 36 shows the data format of a data block 1003a included in the reproduction-only area 1004 of the optical disc medium 1001 in the fifth example of the present invention. the

FIG. 37 shows the data format of the data block 1003b included in the rewritable area 1005 of the optical disc medium 1001 in the fifth example of the present invention. the

FIG. 38 shows the structure of an information recording device (recording device) 1710 according to a sixth example of the present invention. the

FIG. 39 shows an example of the internal structure of the pattern detection and synchronization section 1703. the

FIG. 40 shows another example of the internal structure of the pattern detection and synchronization section 1703. the

FIG. 41 shows the relationship between the data format of the optical disc medium 3101 and the position information. the

Fig. 42 shows the structure of an information reproducing apparatus (reproducing apparatus) 1801 according to a seventh example of the present invention. the

Fig. 43 shows operation waveforms of various timing signals for reproducing data recorded in and around the first frame area LF corresponding to the link frame. the

Fig. 44 shows the link position of a conventional DVD-RW and the data format around it. the

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the terms "beginning" and "end" refer to relative positions along an information track of an optical disc medium. A position at which data is first recorded or reproduced in a sector along an information track is called the "beginning" of the sector (or the beginning of data recorded in the sector). A position at which data is last recorded or reproduced in a session is called the "end" of a session (or the end of data recorded in a session). In the case where there are area A and area B along one information track and data recording or reproduction is performed in area A after area B, area A is expressed as being "behind" relative to area B, and area B is expressed as being "behind" relative to area B. Region A is "in front". An expression that one region is "behind" or "in front" relative to another region does not necessarily mean that the two regions are adjacent to each other. When region A is behind relative to region B and region A is adjacent to region B, region A is expressed as being a region immediately following region B. the

In this specification, the term "frame area" means a specific area on an information track of an optical disc medium. In the frame area, a prescribed amount of data and/or a prescribed amount of code sequences are recorded. The data or code sequence recorded in the frame area is called a "frame". In this specification, the term "sector" also means a specific area on an information track of an optical disc medium, and includes the aforementioned plurality of frame areas. the

(Example 1)

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium (recording medium) 101 according to a first example of the present invention. On the recording surface of the optical disc medium 101, recording tracks 102 (recording areas) are formed in a spiral manner. The recording track 102 is divided into a number of data blocks 103 . In other words, on the recording surface of the optical disc medium 101, the data blocks 103 are arranged continuously in the circumferential direction to form the information track 102. the

FIG. 2 shows the data format of the data block 103 of the optical disc medium 101 . As shown in FIG. 2, each data block 103 includes a first frame area 201 at its beginning and a plurality of second frame areas 202 thereafter. The first frame area 201 and the second frame area 202 form one data block 103 . In Figure 2, an area shown on the right is behind an area shown on the left. the

Thus, the information track 102 of the optical disc medium 101 includes a plurality of second frame areas 202 (collectively referred to as a first area) and one first frame area 201 (second area) included in one data block. the

The first frame area 201 includes a first synchronization area PA at the beginning thereof and a second synchronization area VFO thereafter. the

The second frame area 202 (frame area) includes a third synchronization area SY at the beginning thereof and a data area DATA thereafter. The third synchronization area SY is an area in which a SY pattern (second synchronization code sequence) is to be recorded. The data area DATA is an area in which at least a part of user data to be recorded in the recording medium is to be recorded. In other words, the second frame area 202 (frame area) includes an area in which a SY pattern (second synchronization code sequence) and at least a part of user data are to be recorded. the

The role of each area will be described below. First, the data area DATA is used to record a data bit stream including user data. The data bit stream includes a parity code for detecting or correcting data errors when reading the data. Parity codes are included in an area other than user data. The data bit stream is not recorded as binary data itself, but is converted before recording by a modulation system matching the recording and reproduction signal characteristics of the optical disc medium. the

Here, it is assumed that a transformed data bit stream is a code sequence limited to a minimum run length (minimum inversion interval) d and a maximum run length (maximum inversion interval) k, and the code sequence is obtained by dividing the input data bit stream into Blocks each having a unit of (m*i) bits and then converting each block of input data into a code sequence having a unit of (n*i) bits is obtained. In this case, both d and k are natural numbers satisfying d<k, both m and n are natural numbers satisfying m<n, and i is a natural number satisfying 1≤i≤r. Especially when r=1, this transformation system is called a fixed-length code system, and when r≧1 (i can be multiple values), this transformation system is called a variable-length code system. the

When a code sequence is recorded by the NRZ (Non Return to Zero) format, a bit "1" of the code sequence corresponds to a recording mark, and a zero-run "0" corresponds to a space. In an optical disc medium, recording marks and spaces are distinguished from each other by whether pits are convex or concave or by a difference in reflectance caused by a phase change in a recording layer. When the code sequence is recorded by the NRZI (Non-Return-to-Zero Inverted) format, when a data bit stream of "1" bit appears, the recording state is switched, that is, whether a recording mark is to be recorded or a space is to be recorded. In the case of mark-length recording, the inversion interval corresponds to the length of one recording mark or the length of one space. the

Assuming that the minimum value of the size of a mark that can be formed on the recording layer of the optical disc medium (such a minimum value is called a "mark unit") is equal in NRZ recording and NRZI recording, 3 mark units are required for NRZ recording To record data with the minimum code length (3 bits "100" of a data bit stream), but NRZI records only need one mark unit. Therefore, when a run-length limited code with a minimum inversion interval d=2 is used, the number of bits per unit length of a track of the optical disc medium is larger in the case of NRZI recording than in the case of NRZ mark recording. That is, the recording density of NRZI recording is higher than that of NRZ recording. the

In the first example of the present invention, mark length recording is performed using a run-length limited code whose parameters for modulation are d=2, k=10, m=8, n=16 and r=1. In other words, the data bit stream recorded in the data area DATA of the optical disc medium 101 (FIG. 1) includes recording marks and recording spaces having a minimum length Tmin=3 bits and a maximum length Tmax=11 bits. the

A first synchronization area PA is provided to identify the start of the first frame area 201, preferably having a recorded pattern which does not occur in the data bit stream to be recorded in at least the data area DATA. By recording a pattern that does not occur in the data area DATA in the first sync area PA, the first sync area PA can be easily distinguished from the data area DATA when reading the data bit stream. the

The second synchronization area VFO is provided to achieve stable operation of the data reproduction system when each data block 103 is read. The data reproducing system means, for example, a section for level-slicing a reproduced signal RF (Radio Frequency) read from the data block 103 and a PLL (Phase Locked Clock) for extracting a bit-synchronous clock from the level-sliced data. ring) part. In order to realize stable operation of the data reproducing system, the pattern recorded in the second sync area VFO preferably satisfies the conditions 1 to 3 given below. the

(Condition 1) A sufficient amplitude and a sufficient S/N ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) of the reproduced signal RF are secured. the

(Condition 2) The number of times mark/space switching is recorded is sufficient. the

(Condition 3) The DSV value (digital sum value) of the pattern is as close to 0 as possible. the

Condition 1 is for appropriately obtaining level-sliced data from the reproduced signal RF. When the amplitude of the reproduced signal RF is too small or its S/N ratio is too low, the signal cannot be accurately level-sliced or the signal is level-sliced into erroneous data due to interference of noise of the data reproduction system. the

Condition 2 is for obtaining a bit synchronous clock from level-sliced data stably at high speed. When the clock frequency/phase is partially locked by the PLL in the second synchronization area VFO, information for frequency/phase comparison can be obtained more frequently as the number of recording mark/space switching is larger. In this way, the clock frequency/phase can be locked more quickly. When the number of recording mark/space switching is too small, information for frequency/phase comparison cannot be obtained. As a result, the clock frequency/phase is locked more slowly or less erratically. the

Condition 3 is for stably level-slicing the reproduced signal RF. In the case of using a DC feedback system commonly used as a level clipping system (for performing feedback control of the clipping level with the DC component of the clipped data), when the DSV value of the pattern significantly fluctuates or disperses When , the slice level visibly fluctuates or visibly shifts from the center of the reproduced signal RF. As a result, level-sliced data cannot be obtained stably. A DSV value for the mode as close to 0 as possible is best given to the DC feedback system. the

A third synchronization area SY is provided to identify the start of each second frame area 202 . Similar to the first sync area PA for identifying the start of the first frame area 201, it is preferable to record in the third sync area SY a pattern which does not appear in at least one data bit stream to be recorded in the data area DATA. By recording in the third synchronization area SY a pattern that does not appear in the data area DATA, the third synchronization area SY can be easily distinguished from the data area DATA when reading the data bit stream. the

FIG. 3 shows an example of a pattern (PA pattern) to be recorded in the first synchronization area PA, which is particularly preferable in the first example of the present invention. A feature of the PA pattern shown in Figure 3 is that the pattern includes recording marks or spaces of length 14 channel bits (14T), which is (Tmax+3) channel bits long. As mentioned above, in the first example, the maximum mark/space length Tmax of the data bit stream to be recorded in the data area DATA is 11 channel bits (11T), which differs from 14T included in the first synchronization area PA 3 digits. Even when an edge drift of 1 channel bit occurs due to the influence of noise generated during reproduction, and as a result, the 14T mark (or 14T space) in the first sync area is shortened to 13 channel bits and the 14T mark in the data area DATA When the 11T mark (or 11T space) is extended to 12 channel bits, there is still a difference of 1 channel bit between the mark (or space) in the first synchronization area and the mark (or space) in the data area DATA. In this way, with respect to an edge shift of about 1 bit, a sufficient error margin is provided to prevent the 11T pattern in the data area DATA from being erroneously detected as a pattern in the first synchronization area PA. In this way, the PA mode is used to identify the start of the subsequent VFO mode. the

In the example shown in FIG. 3, a 4T space/mark is located immediately after a 14T mark/space. By using (14T+4T) as the detection pattern when reading data in the data block 103, the possibility of false detection is reduced compared to using only 14T as the detection pattern. By adding (15T+3T) or (13T+5T) to the detection pattern instead of just (14T+4T), it is possible to avoid 14T not being detected even if there is an edge drift at the back end of 14T, and the error The probability of detection can still be kept as low as possible. the

In this way, the PA pattern can be easily distinguished from its following VFO pattern or any other pattern recorded in the data area DATA. By detecting the PA mode of the reproducing device or the recording device, it becomes possible to determine the end of the data area DATA in the preceding data block with respect to the PA mode, or to predict the start or the second synchronization area VFO following the PA mode. Start of the data block following the synchronization area VFO. Specific examples in which the PA pattern recorded in the first sync area is used for reproduction control or recording control will be described later in the sixth and seventh examples. The PA mode indicates the start of the first frame area (second area). the

In FIG. 3 , the pattern in the first synchronization area PA is represented by the NRZ format as {10010010010001000000000000010001}. By adding immediately before (14T+4T) a run length that satisfies d=2 and k=10 (the limit on the zero run, ie, the number of consecutive "0" bits) as in the case of the modulation code The restricted sequence (3T+3T+3T+4T), forms a pattern with a total of 32 channel bits (ie 2 bytes). The sequence immediately preceding 14T preferably satisfies the same run length constraints as the modulation code, but the invention is not so limited. The mode of the first synchronization area PA is not limited to one mode, but can be selected from a plurality of modes. For example, prepare a plurality of patterns having different zero-runs (number of consecutive "0" bits) at the beginning of the pattern. A mode is selected from these multiple modes such that the selected mode satisfies the same run-length constraint as the modulation code when concatenated to the zero-run (the last zero-run) derived from the modulation of the immediately preceding byte . Alternatively, multiple modes have different DSV values, and one mode is selected so that the selected DSV value is the smallest. The selected DSV value is the sum of the DSV value of the sequence immediately preceding the selected pattern and the DSV value of the selected pattern. the

FIG. 4 shows an example of a pattern to be recorded in the second sync area VFO (VFO pattern), which is particularly preferable in the first example of the present invention. A feature of the VFO pattern shown in Figure 4 is that the pattern includes repeating 4 channel bit recording marks and spaces. The pattern shown in FIG. 4 satisfies the conditions 1 to 3 as described above. the

A pattern having a single length of 4T ensures sufficient amplitude of the reproduced signal RF (Condition 1). The pattern that provides the largest number of mark/space switching is the pattern with a single length of 3 channel bits (minimum length), but the pattern with a single length of 4T is considered preferable for the following reasons. In the recording and reproduction characteristics of an optical disc medium realizing high-density recording, the amplitude of the reproduced signal RF having the minimum length bit is generally significantly smaller than that of longer marks/spaces. Therefore, with a length of 3 channel bits, it may not be possible to obtain a stably level-limited reproduced signal RF. Therefore, in order to satisfy both conditions 1 and 2, a pattern with a single length of 4T is considered more desirable. Since a pattern with a single length of 4T can have DSV=0, this pattern also satisfies Condition 3. the

The patterns to be recorded in the second sync area VFO are not limited to those having a single length of 4T. It is preferable to record a pattern satisfying all conditions 1 to 3, but these conditions may be prioritized according to the recording and reproducing characteristics of the optical disc medium. For example, in the case of an optical disc medium that provides a sufficient amplitude of the reproduced signal RF (Condition 1) with a recording mark or space having a minimum length of 3T, a pattern having repeated 3T recording marks or spaces can be used. In this way, the number of mark/space switching can be increased compared with a pattern having a single length of 4T (Condition 2). In this way, condition 2 gets higher priority than condition 1 and the data PLL can lock faster. Alternatively, in the case of an optical disc medium that does not provide sufficient amplitude of the reproduction signal RF even with a single length pattern of 4T, a pattern with repeated 5T recording marks or spaces may be used. In this case, condition 1 gets higher priority than condition 2; that is, although the number of mark/space switching is reduced compared with a pattern with a single length of 4T, the precision of data level clipping can be reduced by improve. the

FIG. 5 shows exemplary patterns to be recorded in the second synchronization area VFO when Tmin=3 and Tmin=2. In the example shown in FIG. 5, when Tmin=3, a pattern with repeated 4T recording marks and spaces is used; and, when Tmin=2, a pattern with repeated 3T recording marks and spaces is used. the

Thus, a single-length pattern of (Tmin+1) channel bits provides sufficient amplitude of the reproduced signal RF, thus satisfying condition 1. the

When using an 8/16 modulation system, Tmin=3 and 1 byte=16 channel bits. Therefore, 4T marks or spaces are repeated 4 times in each byte. Since the length of the second sync area VFO in the first example is 91 bytes, 4T marks or spaces are repeated 364 times (=91×4). the

The 8/16 modulation system is a system for converting 8-bit binary data into a code word having 16 channel bits. The 8/16 modulation system is described in detail in Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 8-31100, for example. In the 8/16 modulation system, a plurality of conversion tables are assigned to the 8-bit pre-modulation data, and the conversion table is switched so that the 8-bit pre-modulation data is converted into a code so that the post-modulation ) code sequence has as few low-frequency components as possible. The conversion table is switched so that the conditions of the minimum inversion interval d=2 and the maximum inversion interval k=11 are satisfied while minimizing the absolute value of DSV in the code sequence. the

FIG. 6 shows an example of a pattern (SY pattern) to be recorded in the third synchronization area SY, which is particularly preferable in the first example of the present invention. A feature of the SY pattern shown in FIG. 6 is that the pattern includes recording marks or spaces with a length of 14 channel bits (14T), which is (Tmax+3) channel bits long. The length of 14T differs by 3 bits from the maximum mark/space length Tmax=11 (11T) of the data bit stream to be recorded in the data area DATA. Therefore, as described above with reference to FIG. 3 about the pattern to be recorded in the first sync area PA, with respect to an edge shift of about 1 bit, a sufficient error margin is provided to prevent the 11T pattern in the data area DATA from being corrupted. It is erroneously detected as a pattern in the third synchronization area SY. Thus, the SY pattern is used to identify (or indicate) the start of the second frame area 202 (frame area). the

A method for identifying an absolute position in the information track 102 of the optical disc medium 101 (hereinafter referred to as an "address") in the first example of the present invention will be described below. In order to record data at a specified address on a recordable optical disc medium, a recording device needs to read information at the specified address and search for a position where the data is to be recorded before data recording. In order to obtain address information in an area where no data has been recorded, the address information needs to be formatted in advance. According to one exemplary pre-formatting technique, the address information is represented by pre-pits defined using the concave and convex portions of the recording surface, or the address information is represented by a meandering pattern of grooves formed to form the information tracks 102. express. the

In the present invention, any technique can be used to obtain the address information in the optical disc medium 101 . Unless specifically described in this specification, each data block is given inherent address information, and the address information of each data block is obtained by accessing a prescribed portion of the information track 102 . the

Referring again to FIG. 2, a method for recording data on the optical disc medium 101 (FIG. 1) having the above data format will be described. On the optical disc medium 101, data is recorded using a data block 103 as a minimum unit. A series of data recording starts and ends in the second synchronization area VFO of the first frame area 201 . Here, the first frame area 201 including a position where data is additionally recorded is referred to as a "link frame area". the

When additional data is recorded from the end position of a series of data recording, the start position of additional data recording and the end position of additional data recording are determined so that the relationship S≦E with the following condition is always satisfied. The start position of the additional data recording is the Sth byte of the second sync area VFO of the first frame area 201 as a link frame area ("S" is a number of bytes less than the length representing the second sync area VFO rational numbers). The end position of the additional data recording is the Eth byte of the second sync area VFO ("E" is a rational number smaller than the number of bytes representing the length of the second sync area VFO). By determining the start position and end position of the additional data recording in this way, the portion in which the additionally recorded data does not include the remaining area where no pattern (VFO pattern) is recorded. When leaving an area in which no VFO mode is recorded, there is the undesirable possibility that the reproduction system is not precisely locked. the

The difference between S and E is preferably determined taking into account various fluctuation error factors of a drive. In an ideal state where the fluctuation error is zero, the number of bytes given by (S-E) when data recording is terminated and when recording is started are recorded in the same area. Therefore, previously recorded data is overwritten by currently recorded data in this area. Therefore, it is better to set the number of bytes given by (S-E) as the upper limit of the fluctuation error factor or higher. In this case, even when the fluctuation error is maximum, additional data recording can be performed without leaving an area where no VFO pattern is recorded. the

When the optical disc medium 101 is a rewritable optical disc medium formed using a phase-change recording material or the like, repeating additional data recording at the same position many times may result in deterioration of the recording layer. In order to minimize the degradation of the recording layer and still improve rewritability (increase the number of times data can be recorded on the same track), the start position and end position of data recording can be randomly changed within a specified range every time data is recorded . In such a case, the length of the first frame area 201 does not have to be a fixed byte length. The reason for this is that the length of the second sync area VFO varies according to the change of the start position and end position of data recording. How much the start position and end position of data recording should be changed is preferably determined in consideration of the length of the second sync area VFO, the time period required to lock the reproduction system, the degradation characteristics of the recording layer, and the like. the

According to the present invention, the frame area where additional data recording starts, ie, the link frame area is the first frame area 201 excluding the data area DATA. Therefore, even additional data recording is not performed discontinuously. Therefore, the undesired possibility that the additional recording data is not read and that the data recorded in a frame area is lost as a result is eliminated. Compared with conventional optical disc media in which linking is performed in the data area DATA in which additional data is recorded, the read error tolerance in the additionally recorded data can be significantly improved. As a result, data recording and reproduction can be performed stably even at the start position and end position of data recording. the

As can be understood from FIG. 2, the recording apparatus records data on the optical disc medium 101 as follows. First, the recording start VFO portion 2102 (the first synchronization code sequence provided for stably reproducing data) shown in FIG. 2 is first recorded in the first frame area 201 (the third area) on the information track 102, Then at least one second frame area 202 is recorded. Therefore, the area where at least one second frame is located (first area) is behind the first frame area 201 (third area). The first frame area 201 (third area) includes an area in which a recording start VFO section 2102 (first synchronization code sequence) is to be recorded. the

The second frame area 202 includes a SY pattern (second synchronization code sequence) for identifying the start of the second frame area 202 and at least a part of data to be recorded (data to be recorded in the data area DATA). In the case where data to be recorded on the optical disc medium 101 corresponds to a plurality of data blocks 103, a first frame area 201 is provided on the boundary of two adjacent data blocks 103 so as to record the PA mode and the VFO mode. When data recording on the optical disc medium 101 is terminated, a PA pattern (third synchronization code sequence) is recorded after at least one second frame area 202 . Then, a record finish (record finish) VFO section 2101 shown in FIG. 2 (the fourth synchronization code sequence provided for stably reproducing data) is recorded. The PA mode and recorded VFO section 2101 are recorded in the first frame area 201 (second area). This first frame area 201 (second area) is different from the first frame area 201 (third area) in which the recording start VFO portion 2101 is recorded at the start of recording, and is provided after the first area. The first frame area 201 (second area) includes an area in which a PA pattern (third synchronization code sequence) and a record-completed VFO section 2101 (fourth area) are to be recorded. the

In order to randomly change the start position of the additional recording, the length of the recording start VFO part 2102 (the first synchronization code sequence provided for stably reproducing data) as shown in FIG. 2 in the VFO mode can be set randomly. In order to randomly change the end position of the additional recording, the length of the recording completion VFO section 2101 (fourth synchronization code sequence provided for stably reproducing data) as shown in FIG. 2 in the VFO mode can be randomly set. When the recording start position or end position is randomly changed, it is not absolutely necessary that the length of the recording finish VFO section 2101 or the recording start VFO section 2102 is randomly changed. As described above, the location where data is to be recorded can be obtained from preformatted address information regardless of whether the data has already been recorded. Therefore, the start position or end position of recording can be randomly changed with respect to the absolute position on the optical disc medium 101 obtained by reproducing the address information. In this case, the end of the recording finish VFO section 2101 is preferably positioned behind the beginning of the recording start VFO section 2102. the

As described above, the start position and end position of additional data recording are set so that the relationship S≦E is always satisfied. Therefore, at least a part of the recording completion VFO part 2101 (fourth synchronization code sequence) already recorded on the optical disc medium 101 is replaced by the recording start VFO part 2102 (first synchronization code sequence) of the VFO pattern recorded when additional data recording is performed. rewritten. the

As described above, in the first example of the present invention, a block as the minimum unit of recording and reproduction includes a first frame area at the beginning and a frame area subsequent to the first frame area. The first frame area includes a first sync area (PA) and a second sync area (VFO). The second frame area includes a third sync area (SY) and a data area (DATA) for recording data. Due to such a structure, the start/termination of data recording (linking) can be performed in the second synchronization area (VFO) in the first frame area (linking frame area). Various fluctuation factors in data recording can be absorbed in the second sync area VFO, thus always providing stable data recording and reproduction. The overhead is kept small, slightly over one frame per data block. the

According to the present invention, it is not necessary to accurately set the positioning accuracy to less than one channel bit. Therefore, the driving device can be designed with a simple structure, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the driving device. the

Fig. 7 A has shown in the first example of the present invention the example recording pattern of the start position of a common frame area (that is, the second frame area 202), Fig. 7 B has shown a An exemplary recording mode of the start position of the link frame area (ie, the first frame area 201 ). The examples shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are obtained when using a run-length limited code with parameters d=1, k=9 and n/m=1.5 for modulation of the data region. the

In FIG. 7A, the start position of the normal frame area refers to the start of the second frame area 202 (FIG. 2) conforming to the data format of the first example of the present invention. At the beginning of the second frame area 202, a third synchronization area SY having a length of 2 bytes (ie, 24 channel bits) is provided. The data area DATA is provided starting from the third byte. In the SY pattern of the third synchronization area SY, the underlined partial pattern "10000000000001001" corresponds to (Tmax+3)·(Tmin+1) in the run-length limited code with parameters d=1 and k=9 model. Considering the connection with the immediately preceding data area DATA, it is preferable to determine "YYYYYY" at the beginning of the SY pattern (left side of FIG. 7A) so as to satisfy run length constraints of d=1 and k=9. the

In FIG. 7B, the start position of the link frame area refers to the start of the first frame area 201 conforming to the data format of the first example of the present invention. At the beginning of the first frame area 201, a first synchronization area PA having a length of 2 bytes (ie, 24 channel bits) is provided. The second synchronization area VFO is provided from the third byte. The underlined partial pattern "10000000000001000001" in the first synchronization area PA and the second synchronization area VFO corresponds to (Tmax+3)·(Tmin+ 4) Mode. The relationship between the unique pattern of the link frame area, that is, the pattern of (Tmax+3)·(Tmin+4), and the unique pattern of the normal frame region, that is, the pattern of (Tmax+3)·(Tmin+1), is, from the start position The length to the start position of (Tmax+3) is the same (8 channel bits), and the end position of (Tmax+3) is the same. the

In Fig. 7B, considering the connection with the immediately preceding data area DATA, it is preferable to determine "YYYYYY" at the beginning so as to satisfy the run length constraints of d=1 and k=9. "YYYYYY" in FIG. 7B may be exactly the same as "YYYYYY" in FIG. 7A. Even in this case, the code distance between the PA pattern and the SY pattern is still 3, because the pattern immediately after (Tmax+3) in the SY pattern is (Tmin+1), and the pattern immediately after the PA pattern The mode after (Tmax+3) in is (Tmin+4). the

Therefore, for example, even when both the SY pattern and the PA pattern have a length of 2 bytes and thus many types of patterns cannot be formed when (Tmax+3) is included in the length of 2 bytes, The number of types of patterns distinguished by the length of the pattern after (Tmax+3) may be increased. In this way, the degree of freedom in pattern usage increases. the

When the degree of freedom of pattern use increases, it is also possible to increase the number of types of patterns that can be used as SY patterns or PA patterns while keeping the code distance at 2 or more, or conversely while keeping the patterns that can be used as SY In the case of the type number of the pattern of the PA pattern or the PA pattern, increase the code distance to 3 or more. the

The byte lengths of the first frame area 201 and the second frame area 202 and the number of the second frame areas 202 in each data block 103 will be described in this example. the

The byte length of the first frame area 201 and the byte length of the second frame area 202 are preferably approximately the same as each other, or the byte length of one area is approximately an integer multiple of the byte length of the other area. By making the byte length of one of the first frame area 201 and the second frame area 202 approximately an integer multiple of the other, it is possible to use the same circuit (timing generation circuit, etc.) of the recording/reproducing apparatus to It is used, for example, for data generation in these two frame areas when recording data and for frame interpolation in these two frame areas when reproducing data. In this way, the recording/reproducing apparatus can be reduced in size, and thus the cost can be reduced. In the first example of the present invention, both the first frame area 201 and the second frame area 202 have a length of 93 bytes. Alternatively, the byte length of the first frame area 201 may be approximately an integer multiple of the byte length of the second frame area 202 . the

In the case where the first frame area 201 has a length of 93 bytes, the pattern shown in Figure 3 is located in the first synchronization area PA, the pattern shown in Figure 4 is located in the second synchronization area VFO, and the first synchronization area PA has 2 bytes in length, the second sync area VFO has a length of 91 bytes. In this case, the pattern in the second sync area VFO includes 4T recording marks or spaces repeated 182 times. the

In the first example of the present invention, the number of second frame areas 202 in each data block 103 is 208. This number determines the frequency of insertion into the first frame area 201 and the data size of the data block 103 . When this number is large, the overhead (redundant part of the format) caused by the first frame area 201 having no data area DATA is small, and thus the effect of increasing the storage capacity of the optical disc medium 101 is obtained. However, such a large number is disadvantageous when dealing with small-sized data because the data size of the data block 103 is increased. the

As shown in FIG. 2 , one ECC block includes four consecutive data blocks 103 . In this case, the number of second frame areas 202 per ECC block is 208×4=832. An ECC block is defined as a coding unit of an error checking code. For example, in the case of two-dimensionally forming a known product code as an error checking code using a known Reed-Solomon code, the ECC block is a unit of the product code. When the third synchronization area SY has a length of 2 bytes, the total size of all data areas DATA of each ECC block is 91*832=75712 bytes. In the first example of the present invention, 65536 bytes out of 75712 bytes are used for user data, and the remaining bytes are allocated for redundant data such as error checking, block identification ID, etc. the

By forming an ECC block forming an error check code of an integer number of data blocks each of which is a minimum unit of a series of data recording, it is provided to facilitate data recording in a drive device (recording device or reproducing device) management effect. In the first example of the present invention, 1 ECC block = 4 data blocks, but the present invention is not limited to this. Similar effects are provided even when the number of data blocks included in one ECC block changes. For example, 1 ECC block may include one data block. However, in the first example, the number of data blocks included in one ECC block must have an upper limit because the leading frame area of each data block is the first frame area 201 not including the data area DATA (that is, redundant remaining data). The number of data blocks included in one ECC block is preferably determined to be a value suitable for use of the optical disc device 101, performance of the drive device, etc., in consideration of the error checking performance and system overhead of the drive device. the

Regardless of the second frame area 202, the patterns recorded in the third synchronization area SY need not be the same. For example, the second frame area 202 following the first frame area 201 in each data block 103 may have a specific pattern different from the pattern recorded in other second frame areas 202 . In this way, the specific modes mentioned above can be recognized by the drive. Therefore, the first data area DATA in each data block 103 can be detected with higher precision, which improves the reliability of the driving device. In the second example described below, the SY pattern recorded at the beginning of one of the plurality of second frame areas 202 is different from the SY pattern recorded at the beginning of the other second frame areas 202 . the

In a first example, the first frame area (first area and third area) comprises a first synchronization area PA and a second synchronization area VFO, but may also comprise other synchronization code sequences or data bit streams. the

(Example 2)

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium (recording medium) 3101 according to a second example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, on one recording surface of an optical disc medium 3101, one recording track 3102 (recording area) is formed in a spiral manner. The recording track 3102 is divided into several data blocks 301 . In other words, on the recording surface of the optical disc medium 3101, the data blocks 301 are continuously arranged in the circumferential direction to form the information track 3102. the

FIG. 9 shows an example of the data format of the optical disc medium 3103 in the second example of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the same elements as those described above with reference to FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail here. In FIG. 9, the area shown on the right is behind the area shown on the left. the

As shown in FIG. 9 , each data block 301 includes a first frame area 201 and eight sectors 3103 . Four data blocks 301 form one ECC block 302 . Therefore, one ECC block includes 32 sectors. the

A plurality of second frame areas included in each data block 301 is grouped into a plurality of sectors 3103, each sector including 26 second frame areas. the

Each sector 3103 (fourth area) includes 26 second frame areas. Each frame area has a length of 93 bytes. The frame area located at the beginning of the sector 3103 is indicated by the symbol F0, and the remaining 25 frame areas are indicated by the symbols F1, F2, . . . F24 and F25. the

The frame area F0 includes a synchronization area SY0 (third synchronization area) at its beginning and a data area DATA thereafter. The frame areas F1 to F25 respectively include a synchronization area SY (third synchronization area) at the beginning thereof and a subsequent data area DATA. Both the synchronization area SY0 and the synchronization area SY have a length of 2 bytes. Therefore, the length of each of all the data areas DATA in the frame area F0 and the frame areas F1 to F25 is 91 bytes. the

The total number of bytes of all data areas DATA in each sector 3103 is 91*26=2366 bytes. User data to be recorded in each sector has a length of 2048 bytes, redundant data such as address information for identifying a recording position of data, a parity code for detecting or checking an error, etc. has a length of 318 bytes The length of the section. The total of user data and redundant data is 2366 bytes. the

The data bit stream to be recorded in the data area DATA is not recorded as binary data itself, but is converted by a modulation system matching the characteristics of recording and reproduction signals of the optical disc medium before being recorded. It is assumed here that NRZI recording is performed using an 8/16 modulation system. The data bit stream to be recorded in each data area DATA has a length of 91*16=1456 channel bits and includes recording marks or spaces having a minimum length Tmin of 3 bits and a maximum length Tmax of 11 bits. the

The synchronization area SY0 is provided for identifying the start of the frame area F0, and preferably has a recorded pattern which does not occur in at least one data bit stream to be recorded in the data area DATA. By recording in the sync area SY0 a pattern that does not appear in the data area DATA, the sync area SY0 can be easily distinguished from the data area DATA when reading a data bit stream. the

Each synchronization area SY is provided for identifying the start of the respective second frame of the second frame areas F1 to F25. Like the synchronization area SY0 in the frame area F0, each synchronization area SY preferably has a recorded pattern which does not occur in at least one data bit stream to be recorded in the data area DATA. By recording in the sync area SY a pattern that does not appear in the data area DATA, the sync area SY can be easily distinguished from the data area DATA when reading the data bit stream. Hereinafter, the pattern recorded in the sync area SY or the sync area SY0 is also referred to as a "sync code sequence". the

FIG. 10 shows an example of a synchronization code sequence located at the beginning of each of 26 frame areas included in sector 3103 (FIG. 9). Synchronous code sequences are classified into two types, SY0 pattern and SY pattern. The SY mode is located in the second to 26th frame areas. the

Fig. 11 shows an example of a pattern preferably used as a synchronization code sequence in the second example of the present invention. The pattern shown in Fig. 11 includes one recording mark or space having a length of 14 channel bits (14T), where 14T is (Tmax+3) channel bit length. In the second example, as described above, the maximum mark/space length Tmax of the data bit stream to be recorded in the data area DATA is 11 channel bits (11T), which differs by 3 bits from 14T included in the synchronization code sequence . Even when an edge drift of 1 channel bit occurs due to the influence of noise generated during reproduction, and as a result, the 14T mark (or 14T space) in the synchronization code sequence is shortened to 13 channel bits and the 11T in the data area DATA When the mark (or 11T space) is extended to 12 channel bits, there is still a difference of 1 channel bit between the mark (or space) in the synchronization code sequence and the mark (or space) in the data area DATA. In this way, with respect to an edge shift of about 1 bit, a sufficient error margin is provided to prevent the 11T pattern in the data area DATA from being erroneously detected as a pattern in the synchronization code sequence. the

In order to distinguish the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern from each other, it is preferable to provide a code distance of 2 or more therebetween. Here, code distance refers to the number of bits that differ between two data bit streams. In the case of NRZ recording, the code distance is given by the data bit stream in NRZ notation. In the case of NRZI records, the code distance is given by the data bit stream in NRZI notation. When the code distance between the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern is equal to or greater than 2, even when a 1-bit drift error occurs during the reading of one pattern, one pattern will not be mistakenly identified as another pattern. the

When the code distance is equal to or greater than 3, the recognition performance is further improved. For example, with a code distance of 2, when the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern drift by one bit in a direction close to each other, the two patterns become identical and cannot be distinguished from each other. On the contrary, with a code distance equal to or greater than 3, when the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern drift by one bit in the direction close to each other, there is still a difference equal to or greater than one bit, and the two patterns can be distinguished from each other. Therefore, the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern can always be distinguished from each other while maintaining tolerance to 1-bit errors. Various types of SY patterns can be used as long as the code distance between the SY0 pattern and each SY pattern is equal to or greater than 2. the

FIG. 12 shows a specific example of the SYO pattern and the SY pattern in the second example of the present invention. Both the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern have a length of 2 bytes (ie, 32 channel bits) and both include a common unique pattern (14T+4T). An advantage of matching the lengths of the two patterns so that both patterns include a common unique pattern is that the equipment used to detect the patterns can be simplified because the equipment can include a common pattern detection system. the

The unique pattern corresponds to the pattern of (Tmax+3)·(Tmin+1) in the 8/16 modulation system. By positioning a space (or marker) with (Tmin+1) bits immediately after a marker (or space) with (Tmax+3) bits, the detection performance of the pattern itself is improved. In other words, by using (14T+4T) as a detection pattern when reading data in the data block 3103, the possibility of erroneous detection can be reduced compared to using only 14T as a detection pattern. By adding (15T+3T) or (13T+5T) to the detection pattern instead of just (14T+4T), it is possible to avoid the 14T not being detected even when an edge drift occurs at the back end of the 14T, and the error The probability of detection is still kept as small as possible. the

Figure 12 shows four types of patterns that can be used as the SY0 pattern and four types of patterns that can be used as the SY pattern (two types for state 1 and state 2, and two types for state 3 and state 4) . Here, states 1 to 4 represent index information indicating which of a plurality of conversion tables of the 8/16 modulation system is to be selected. The patterns for state 1 and state 2 have a feature that the zero run is 2 or 3 on the MSB side (left side of FIG. 12 ). The patterns for state 3 and state 4 have a feature that the run of zeros on the MSB side (left side of FIG. 12 ) is 0; that is, the MSB starts with a "1" bit. the

How to select from the four SY0 modes will be described below. State 1 and State 2 are selected when the modulation result immediately before the synchronization field SY0, ie, the next state after the last data byte in the data field DATA in the frame field F25 is modulated, is 1 or 2. Otherwise, state 3 and state 4 are selected. Thus, the run-length of zero can be within a specified range (in the range of 2 to 10) of the connection point of the last byte of the frame area F25 and the SY0 pattern. Regarding the SY mode, selection is performed in a similar manner. the

Next, how to select the first selection code sequence (shown on the left half of FIG. 12 ) or the second selection code sequence (shown on the right half of FIG. 12 ) will be described. In the first selected code sequence, CDS (Codeword Digital Sum) is a positive value; in the second selected code sequence, CDS is a negative value. Here, CDS is a value obtained by calculating the sum of all bits in a code sequence (pattern) obtained by NRZI transformation of the code sequence, assuming that MSB is 1. The summation is performed by setting bit "1" to +1 and bit "0" to -1. That is, the sum of the immediately preceding DSV value and the CDS of the code sequence is the DSV value after the code sequence is selected. Since the sign of the CDS of the first selected code sequence and the sign of the second selected code sequence are opposite to each other, one of them is selected so that the value of DSV is closer to zero. As a result, the value of DSV can be effectively controlled. the

The most salient features of the schema in Figure 12 will be described below. The most notable feature is that the code distances between the four types of patterns usable as SY0 patterns and the four types of patterns usable as SY patterns are all equal to or greater than 2 (in NRZI notation). the

For example, the code distance between the underlined pattern "10010001000001000000000000010001" among the patterns usable as the SY0 pattern and each of the four patterns usable as the SY pattern is checked. The code distance between the above underlined pattern and the pattern "00010000000001000000000000010001" in NRZI notation is 7. This code distance is obtained by comparing the pattern "11100001111110..." obtained by NRZI-transforming the former pattern starting with bit "1" with the pattern obtained by NRZI-transforming the latter pattern starting with bit "0"" 00011111111110..." to find. the

Similarly, the code distance between the above underlined pattern and the pattern "00100000001001000000000000010001" is 4, the code distance between the above underlined pattern and the pattern "10001000010001000000000000010001" is 3, and the above underlined pattern is between the pattern "100010000000001000000000 The code distance of is 6. Therefore, all code distances satisfy the condition of being equal to or greater than 2. By keeping all the code distances of the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern equal to or greater than 2, even when an error such as a bit drift or the like occurs, the possibility of erroneous recognition of the two patterns can be reduced. By distinguishing only the leading frame area F0 of the sector 3103 from the other frame areas F1 to F25, the start of the sector 3103 can be easily detected. The pattern to be recorded in the synchronization area SY at the beginning of each frame area F1 to F25 may be a pattern including a pattern with (Tmax+3) bits and a pattern with (Tmin+1) bits and satisfying the code distance from SY0 Any of multiple patterns for equal or greater than 2 conditions. the

Fig. 13 schematically shows different code distances between types of synchronization code sequences (patterns). FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the synchronization code sequence SY0 (SY0 pattern) and the synchronization code sequence SY (SY pattern). When the code distance therebetween is only 1, a 1-bit error while reading the SY0 pattern will cause the SY0 pattern to be read as the same as the SY pattern. Therefore, when a 1-bit error occurs, the type of the read pattern cannot be determined even by exact match determination (a determination technique in which two patterns are determined to be identical to each other only when the entire pattern matches each other exactly). the

When the code distance between the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern is 2, a 1-bit error in one pattern does not cause the two patterns to be identical to each other. Even when a 1-bit error occurs in both patterns, the type of pattern read can be determined as long as exact match determination is used. Thus, with exact match determination, determination of the type of synchronization code sequence is possible. the

When the code distance between the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern is 3, the code distance is 1 even if a 1-bit error occurs in both patterns. Therefore, even when using a determination technique that allows 1-bit errors, it is possible to determine the type of read pattern. Even 2-bit errors can be tolerated when exact match determination is used. the

From the above description, it can be understood that the code distance between types using a synchronization code sequence equal to or greater than 3 is more reliable than that using a code distance of 2. the

FIG. 14 shows an exemplary internal structure of the frame area F0. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the data area DATA is located only immediately after the synchronization area SY0. In contrast, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the data position identification area data ID and the error check area parity for the data position identification area are provided immediately after the synchronization area SY0. Due to such a structure, it is possible to read the contents of the data position identification area data ID immediately after detecting the SY0 pattern recorded in the synchronization area SY0. The content of the data location identification area data ID may include, for example, a sector number. In this case, the position of the sector can be determined only by reading the data position identification area data ID. Therefore, the position of the sector can be identified only by detecting the SY0 pattern, which allows the reproducing apparatus to easily and quickly detect the sector. the

FIG. 15 shows specific examples of the SYO mode, the SY mode, and the PA mode in the second example of the present invention. The SY0 mode and the SY mode are exactly the same as those described above with reference to FIG. 12 , and will not be described in detail here. the

The PA mode is determined in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 12 for the SYO mode and the SY mode. The PA pattern has a length of 2 bytes (ie, 32 channel bits). In order to be consistent with 8/16 modulation systems, state control (selection of modes for state 1 and state 2 or modes for state 3 and state 4) is possible, and DSV control (selection of modes, CDS The sign of , ie, positive or negative) is also possible. DSV control suppresses the DC component of the modulated data bit stream. the

SY0 mode, SY mode and PA mode all include a common unique mode (14T+4T). An advantage of having the three modes with the same number of bits and comprising a common unique pattern is that the equipment for detecting the modes can be simplified because the equipment can comprise a common mode detection system for the three modes. the

The most notable feature of the patterns in Figure 15 is the codes between the four types of patterns that can be used as the SY0 pattern, the four types of patterns that can be used as the SY pattern, and the four types of patterns that can be used as the PA pattern The distances are all equal to or greater than 2 (in NRZI notation). the

For example, between the underlined pattern "00000010010001000000000000010001" among the patterns that can be used as the PA pattern and each of the four patterns that can be used as the SY0 pattern and each of the four patterns that can be used as the SY pattern will be checked code distance. The code distance between the above underlined pattern and the SY0 pattern "00100100001001000000000000010001" in NRZI notation is 4. This code distance is obtained by comparing the pattern "11111100011110..." obtained by NRZI-transforming the former pattern starting with bit "1" with the pattern obtained by NRZI-transforming the latter pattern starting with bit "0"" 00111000001110..." to find. the

Similarly, the code distance between the above -mentioned line and SY0 mode "000100001000000000000000000010001" is 4. The code distance between the above -mentioned line and SY0 mode "1001000100000100000000000000010001" is 5. " The code distance between them is 6. Therefore, all code distances satisfy the condition of being equal to or greater than 2. The code distance between the code and SY mode "00010000000001000000000000010001" is 6. The code distance between the above -mentioned line and SY mode "0010000100100000000000000010001" is 5. The code distance between them is 3, and the code distance between the above underlined pattern and the SY pattern "10001000000001000000000000010001" is 7. Therefore, all code distances satisfy the condition of being equal to or greater than 2. the

Specific examples of the SY0 mode, the SY mode, and the PA mode when the run length of the modulated data bit stream is limited to Tmin=3 and Tmax=11 are described above. Next, specific examples of the SYO mode, the SY mode, and the PA mode when Tmin=2 and Tmax=8 are described with reference to FIG. 16 . The modes described below are particularly advisable when transforming the data area DATA eg using a so-called (1-7) modulation system, ie a run-length limited code system with parameters d=1, k=7, m=2 and n=3. the

As described above, FIG. 16 shows specific examples of the SYO mode, the SY mode, and the PA mode that are desirable in the second example of the present invention. The patterns shown in FIG. 16 are all characterized by the pattern "100000000001001" including the underlined NRZ notation. The common pattern corresponds to the pattern of (Tmax+3)·(Tmin+1) of the (1-7) modulation system. The advantages of providing such a common unique schema are the same as described above in the first example. the

In the example shown in FIG. 16, four types of modes usable as the SYO mode, four types of modes usable as the SY mode, and four types of modes usable as the PA mode (two types For the case where the LSB of the immediately preceding codeword is "0", that is, the case where no inversion occurs at the LSB by NRZI notation; two types are used for the case where the LSB of the immediately preceding codeword is "1", namely Inverted at LSB by NRZI notation). The classification based on the LSB of the immediately preceding codeword corresponds to Tmin in the (1-7) modulation system. In other words, by performing the above selection according to whether the run of zero on the LSB side is 0 or equal to or greater than 1, when the data just before is modulated, the run length limitation can be realized in the connection section. the

The first selection code sequence (shown on the left half of FIG. 16) has a CDS of a positive value, and the second selection code sequence (shown on the right half of FIG. 16) has a CDS of a negative value. Thus, as described above with reference to FIG. 15, the DSV value can be efficiently controlled. the

The most notable feature of the patterns in Figure 16 is the codes between the four types of patterns that can be used as the SY0 pattern, the four types of patterns that can be used as the SY pattern, and the four types of patterns that can be used as the PA pattern The distances are all equal to or greater than 2 (in NRZI notation). the

For example, the codes between the upper left pattern "010000000100000000001001" among the patterns usable as the SY0 pattern and each of the four patterns usable as the SY pattern and each of the four patterns usable as the PA pattern will be checked distance. The code distance between the above underlined pattern and the SY pattern "010001010100000000001001" in NRZI notation is 2. This code distance is obtained by comparing the pattern "1000000001..." obtained by NRZI-transforming the former pattern starting with bit "1" with the pattern obtained by NRZI-transforming the latter pattern starting with bit "1"" 1000011001..." to find. the

Similarly, the code distance between the above underlined pattern and the SY pattern "010010000100000000001001" is 4, the code distance between the above underlined pattern and the SY pattern "101010000100000000001001" is 3, the above underlined pattern and the SY pattern "100010000100000000001001" " The code distance between them is 3. Therefore, all code distances satisfy the condition of being equal to or greater than 2. The code distance between the above underlined pattern and the PA pattern "010101000100000000001001" is 2, the code distance between the above underlined pattern and the PA pattern "010101010100000000001001" is 5, the above underlined pattern and the PA pattern "100010100100000000001001" The code distance between is 3, and the code distance between the above underlined pattern and the PA pattern "101010100100000000001001" is 3. Therefore, all code distances satisfy the condition of being equal to or greater than 2. the

By keeping the code distances related to the SY0 pattern, the SY pattern, and the PA pattern equal to or greater than 2, even when an error such as a bit drift occurs, the possibility of erroneous recognition of the three patterns can be reduced. Therefore, the leading frame area F0 of sector 3103 can be distinguished from other frame areas F1 to F25, which facilitates detection of the beginning of sector 3103. the

The first frame area 201 corresponding to the link frame area can be definitely distinguished from other frame areas, which facilitates the detection of the link position. By detecting the link position, the discontinuity of data caused by the link can be easily handled appropriately. The processing performed by the recording device during additional data recording and the processing performed by the reproducing device in the link frame area will be described below in the sixth and seventh examples. the

FIG. 17 shows another example of a synchronization code sequence located at the beginning of each of 26 frame areas included in sector 3103 (FIG. 9). In the example shown in FIG. 17, the SYO pattern is located in the leading frame area of sector 3103. {SY1.SY1.SY2.SY1.SY1.SY2.SY1 . . . SY1.SY2.SY1} are sequentially located in subsequent frame areas from the immediately subsequent frame area. In this example, a SY2 pattern is positioned at the frequency of one of three consecutive frame regions except the leading frame region. the

18A to 18D show examples of arranging the synchronization code sequences to be recorded in the second frame area included in one sector in the order in which the synchronization code sequences are recorded on the optical disc medium. FIG. 18A corresponds to the arrangement of the synchronization code sequence described above with reference to FIG. 10 . In the example shown in FIG. 18A, only the synchronization code sequence (SY0 pattern) located in the leading frame area is of a different type from the synchronization code sequences (SY pattern) located in the other frame areas. Therefore, when a frame slip occurs at a position of a sector due to a defect in the recording surface of the optical disc medium or the like, it is difficult to determine the position of the currently read frame area until the next SY0 pattern is detected. the

In the arrangement using the three types of patterns SY0, SY1, and SY2 in FIG. 18B, by checking the arrangement of at least three consecutive frame regions (for example, {SY1 SY2 SY1}), it can be determined that a forward frame has occurred The offset still occurs with a backward frame offset. Since the SY0 pattern is expected to be detected immediately after the arrangement of {SY1·SY2·SY1}, the start of a sector can be detected more reliably than in the case of detecting only the SY0 pattern. the

Effective arrangements of these three types of patterns SYO, SY1, and SY2 are not limited to the above arrangements. The arrangement immediately after the SY0 pattern may be {SY1.SY2.SY1.SY1.SY2...} as shown in FIG. 18C, or {SY2.SY1.SY1.SY2.SY1...}. This can provide similar effects to those described above. Alternatively, one cycle may include patterns equal to or greater than four. Fig. 18D shows one such example, {SY1·SY1·SY1·SY2·SY1··SY1 SY1·SY2...}. the

The above-mentioned manner of arrangement of the synchronization code sequence in the second frame area can be summarized as follows. The SY2 pattern is located at the beginning of the Mth frame area of the sector, and the SY1 pattern is located at the beginning of each of the other frame areas. Here, "M" satisfies M=J×K+L, where M is a natural number equal to or less than N (N is the total number of second frame areas included in one sector, and is an integer equal to or greater than 3) , J and L are constants (J is an integer equal to or greater than 2, L is a natural number equal to or less than J), and K is an integer equal to or greater than 0. When the pattern is positioned in this way, it can be determined whether up to (J-1) forward frame offsets or up to (J-1) backward frames occurred by examining the arrangement of a minimum of J consecutive frame regions offset. the

The examples shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C correspond to the case where N=26, J=3, and K=0 to 8. the

When three types of patterns are repeated in a cycle of four patterns (four frame areas), up to 2 frame offsets can be determined by checking the arrangement of a minimum of four consecutive frame areas. As the number of frame regions included in one cycle increases to 5, 6, . . . , the number of frame offsets that can be detected also increases. However, as the number of frame areas included in one cycle increases, the number of aligned continuous frame areas that needs to be checked also increases. As such, it takes a longer period of time to determine the frame offset. In the case of an excessive number of erroneous bits, it is difficult to check the arrangement and may undesirably damage the reliability of the reproduction device. Therefore, the cycle of the frame area is determined to be optimal based on the maximum number of frame shifts that should be detected or other factors required by the playback device. the

19A to 19C show other examples of arranging the synchronization code sequences to be recorded in the second frame area included in one sector in the order in which the synchronization code sequences are recorded on the optical disc medium. Figure 19A is the same as Figure 18A and is provided for reference purposes only. In FIG. 19B, only the synchronization code sequence (SY2 pattern) located in the last frame area is of a different type from the synchronization code sequences (SY1 pattern) located in the other frame areas. In this case, by detecting the arrangement of three consecutive patterns {SY1 SY2 SY1}, the reliability of detecting the start of a sector can be improved compared to the case of detecting only the SY0 pattern. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19C, a different synchronization code sequence (SY2 pattern) may be located in the last multiple frame regions of the sector instead of the last frame region of the sector. the

FIG. 20 shows another example of arranging the synchronization code sequences to be recorded in the second frame area included in one sector in the order in which the synchronization code sequences are recorded on the optical disc medium. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the synchronization code sequence (SY2 pattern) located in an intermediate frame area of the sector is of a different type from the synchronization code sequence (SY1 pattern) located in the other frame area. For example, when the SY2 pattern is located in the 14th frame area of a sector, a different type of pattern (SY2 pattern) from other patterns (SY1 pattern) is recorded every 1/2 sector (13 frame areas). In this way, the start of a sector can be detected faster and more reliably. In the case of using two types of patterns SY0 and SY1, it is necessary to detect the SY0 pattern for several consecutive sectors in order to detect the start of a sector with higher reliability. In the case where three types of patterns SY0, SY1, and SY2 are arranged as shown in FIG. 20, the start of a sector can be detected with higher reliability only by detecting the arrangement of {SY0·SY2} every 13 frame areas . the

As described above, by appropriately arranging three types of synchronization code sequences in a plurality of frame areas included in one sector, the reliability of detecting the start of a sector can be improved compared to using two types of synchronization code sequences . the

When using three types of synchronous code sequences, higher reliability is obtained by setting all code distances to be equal to or greater than 2 (or equal to or greater than 3). As long as the SY0 pattern is a code distance equal to or greater than 2 (or 3) from the other two types of patterns, the effect of improving the reliability of detecting the start of a sector is obtained. the

An example of arrangement in the case of using four types of synchronization code sequences will be described below. the

FIG. 21 shows yet another example of a synchronization code sequence located at the beginning of each of the 26 frame areas included in sector 3103 (FIG. 9). In the example shown in FIG. 21, one sector includes 26 frame areas. Four types of synchronization code sequences SY0, SY1, SY2, and SY3 are located in these 26 frame areas. The SY0 pattern is located in the first frame area. {SY1·SY2·SY3·SY1·SY2·SY3...SY1·SY2·SY3·SY1} are sequentially located in the following frame areas from the second frame area. In this example, the SY2 pattern and the SY3 pattern are positioned at the frequency of one of three consecutive frame regions, respectively, except for the guide frame region. the

22A to 22C show that when four types of patterns SY0, SY1, SY2, and SY3 are used, the sequences to be recorded in the second frame area included in one sector are arranged in the order in which the synchronization code sequence is recorded on the optical disc medium. Example of a synchronous code sequence. FIG. 22A corresponds to the arrangement of the synchronization code sequence described above with reference to FIG. 21 . In the example shown in FIG. 22A, even when a frame offset occurs at a position in a sector, it can be detected by checking the arrangement of at least three consecutive frame areas, such as {SY1·SY2·SY3}. Whether there is a forward offset or a backward offset. Since the SYO pattern is expected to be detected immediately after the arrangement of {SY1·SY2·SY1}, the start of a sector can be detected more reliably than the case of detecting only the SY0 pattern. the

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 22B, in order to ensure the detection of the SY0 pattern of the next sector, only the synchronization code sequence (SY3 pattern) in the last frame area of the sector is different from the synchronization code sequences located in other frame areas Type of. In this case, for example, by detecting the arrangement of {SY2·SY3·SY0}, the reliability of detecting the start of a sector can be improved compared to the case of detecting only the SY0 pattern. Regarding other frame areas, as described above with reference to FIGS. 18B to 18D, a frame shift can be detected even at one position in a sector when the arrangement of {SY1.SY1.SY2} is repeated. the

Still alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22C, only the synchronization code sequence (SY3 pattern) in one intermediate frame area of the sector may be of a different type from the synchronization code sequences located in the other frame areas. In other frame areas, the arrangement of {SY1·SY1·SY2} may be repeated. In this case, the reliability of detecting the start of a sector can be improved by checking the arrangement including the SY3 pattern every 1/2 sector. In addition, the reliability of detecting a one-frame shift can be improved. the

As described above, by appropriately arranging four types of synchronization code sequences in a plurality of frame regions included in one sector, frame synchronization can be improved in addition to the effect provided by using three types of synchronization code sequences /sector synchronization performance. the

When four types of synchronous code sequences are used, higher reliability is obtained by setting all code distances to be equal to or greater than 2 (or equal to or greater than 3). As long as the SY0 pattern is at a code distance equal to or greater than 2 (or 3) from the other three types of patterns, the effect of improving the reliability of detecting the start of a sector can be obtained. the

As described above, in the optical disc medium 3101 according to the second example of the present invention, the first data unit (sector) includes a leading frame area (F0) and at least one frame area ( F1 to F25). The leading frame area (F0) includes an area to record the SY0 pattern and a data area (DATA) to record user data. Each of at least one frame area (F1 to F25) includes an area to record the SY pattern and a data area (DATA) to record user data. The SY0 pattern and the SY pattern are both the same in length, and are set to have a code distance equal to or greater than 2 therebetween. the

More specifically, the distance between the SY pattern (second synchronization code sequence) in the leading frame area F0 located in 26 (specified number) frame areas (F0 to F25) is located in each of the other frame areas (F1 to F25) The code distance of the second synchronization code sequence is equal to or greater than 2. the

Due to such a structure, the SY0 pattern can be easily detected during data reproduction, and thus the start of each first data unit (sector) can be detected quickly and easily. the

In the case where the code distance between the SY0 pattern and the SY pattern is equal to or greater than 3, the possibility of erroneously detecting the SY0 pattern as the SY pattern or vice versa is further reduced compared to the case where the code distance is 2. The SY0 pattern and the SY1 pattern can be distinguished from each other while still allowing 1-bit errors. Therefore, the stability of frame synchronization/sector synchronization and the reliability of detecting the start of the first data unit (sector) can be further improved. In this way, the reliability of the playback device can be improved. the

By placing at least two types of synchronization code sequences (SY1 and SY2, or SY1, SY2, and SY3) in at least one frame area following the leading frame area, information about the consecutive frame areas in the frame areas F1 to F25 can be obtained Information about the permutation of the synchronization code sequence in . This information can be used to anticipate the occurrence of the SY0 pattern in the next first data unit (sector) or to detect and correct frame offset due to unlocking of the PLL section. the

It is better to set the code distance between the SY0 pattern in the leading frame area of the first data unit (sector) and other synchronization code sequences (SY1 and SY2, or SY1, SY2 and SY3) to be equal to or greater than 2 (or 3 ). More preferably, the code distances between all different types of synchronization code sequences are set to be equal to or greater than 2 (or 3). In this way, the reliability of detecting the start of a sector and the reliability of frame synchronization caused by failures such as unlocking of the PLL section can be further improved. the

A prescribed number of first data units (sectors) form a second data unit (data block). The first frame area 201 is located in each second data unit (data block). The PA mode is located at the beginning of the first frame area 201 . The SY0 pattern and the SY1 pattern are both identical in bit length, and their positions are a code distance equal to or greater than 2 from each other. Due to such a structure, the PA mode can be easily detected during data reproduction, and the start of each second data unit (data block) can be detected quickly and easily. A start position and an end position of a series of information recording (link) are set in the first frame area 201 (link frame area). Therefore, the reliability of linking (additional recording) can be improved, and data reproduction of information recorded at the linking position and its vicinity can be performed stably and at high speed. the

In a second example, the first frame area (first area and third area) comprises a first synchronization area PA and a second synchronization area VFO, but may comprise other synchronization code sequences or data bit streams. In the above preferred example, the synchronization pattern PA to be recorded in the first frame area, the synchronization pattern SY0 to be recorded in the second frame area located at the beginning of each sector, and the synchronization pattern SY0 to be recorded in the The synchronization patterns SY in the second frame area other than the first second frame area of the zone are set to have the same length and also have a code distance equal to or greater than 2 therebetween. The invention is not limited in this regard. the

(Example 3)

Figure 23 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium 401 according to a third example of the present invention. On one recording surface of the optical disc medium 401, recording tracks 402 are formed in a spiral manner. The recording track 402 is divided into a number of data blocks 403 . In other words, on the recording surface of the optical disc medium 401, the data blocks 403 are continuously arranged in the circumferential direction to form the information track 402. the

FIG. 24 shows the data format of the data block 403 of the optical disc medium 401 (FIG. 23) according to the third example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 24 , the first frame area 501 is located at the beginning of each data block 403 , and multiple second frame areas 502 are located after the first frame area 501 . The first frame area 501 and the plurality of second frame areas 502 form one data block 403 . In FIG. 24, the area shown on the right follows the area shown on the left. the

The first frame area 501 comprises a first synchronization area PA at its beginning, a second synchronization area VFO following it, and a fourth synchronization area PS at its end. Each second frame area 502 includes a third synchronization area SY at its beginning and a data area DATA following it. the

In the third example of the present invention, the first synchronization area PA, the second synchronization area VFO, the third synchronization area SY and the data area DATA have the same roles as in the first example and will not be described in detail. The third example differs from the first example in that the fourth synchronization area PS is provided at the end of the first frame area 501 . the

The fourth synchronization area PS has the function of helping the reproduction device to detect the beginning of the second frame area 502 without error when reading each data block 403 (especially when reading a data block 403a corresponding to the beginning of additionally recorded data). effect. Data is recorded in the data block 403a as follows. In the first part of the first synchronization area PAa and the second synchronization area VFOa of the first frame area 501a (the E-th byte counted from the beginning of the first synchronization area PAa), and the data block 403a immediately before One data block 403 records data simultaneously. That is, the PA mode and the recorded VFO section 2101 are recorded in the first frame area 501a. Additional recording (linking) is performed in the data block 403a from the position where the previous recording was terminated (S (S≦E) bytes from the start of the first synchronization area PAa). That is, the recording start VFO portion 2102 and the PS pattern are recorded in the first frame area 501a (third area). The third area includes an area in which the recording start VFO portion 2102 is to be recorded and a fourth synchronization area PS in which the fifth synchronization code sequence (PS pattern) is to be recorded. the

In FIG. 24, the second frame area immediately after the first frame area 501a is indicated by reference numeral 502a. The second frame area 502a and the other second frame areas 502 have a similar structure to the second frame area 202 described above with reference to FIG. 2 . In the following description, the third synchronization area SY included in the second frame area 502a is particularly denoted as "SYa". the

As described above in the prior art section, a reproducing apparatus involves various error factors such as rotational jitter of a disk motor for rotating an optical disk medium, frequency of a recording channel clock, and the like. This error factor causes a discontinuity in the start position of additional data recording in the second sync area VFOa. Therefore, compared with the length of the first frame area 501 of each other data block 403, the length of the first frame area 501a changes due to an error (discontinuity). When this happens, when the reproducing apparatus reads data using the second synchronization area VFO, it is difficult to correctly detect the signal located in the second synchronization area even if the level clipping and clock frequency/phase locking by the PLL section are definitely performed. The frame area 502a begins with the third synchronization area SYa. When the third synchronization area SYa is not correctly detected, the data area DATAa following the third synchronization area SYa cannot be correctly modulated. As a result, a read error occurs. the

In the third example of the present invention, a fourth synchronization area PS is added to positively detect the start of the second frame area 501a. As long as the fourth synchronization area PS is detected, the data area DATAa can be correctly modulated even when the third synchronization area SYa is not correctly detected. In this way, the resistance to errors can be increased. the

In the third example of the present invention, mark-length recording is performed using a run-length limited code for modulation with parameters d=2, k=10, m=8, n=16, and r=1. That is, the data bit stream to be recorded in the data area DATA includes recording marks or spaces having a Tmin of 3 bits and a Tmax of 11 bits. the

FIG. 25 shows an example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. The pattern shown in Figure 25 is {0000 0100 0100 1000 0010 0001 0010 00001000 0010 0001 0000} in NRZ notation. This mode has a total of 48 channel bits. This pattern has the following characteristics: (i) strong autocorrelation; (ii) DSV=0; and (iii) partial patterns obtained by dividing the pattern with 4 bits are five types of 0000, 1000, 0100, 0010 or 0001 one of the. When a run-length limited code with parameters d=2, k=10, m=8, n=16 and r=1 is used for the modulation of the data area DATA, the pattern shown in FIG. 25 has a 3-byte length. This mode is desirable when the immediately preceding second sync field VFO has repeated 4T recording marks/spaces. This mode is described in detail in Japanese Patent No. 3098258. the

FIG. 26 shows another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. The pattern shown in Figure 26 is {00000 00000 10000 00000 01000 0000000100 00000 00010} in NRZ notation. This mode has a total of 45 channel bits. This pattern has the following characteristics: (i) includes 11T recording marks and 11T spaces repeated twice alternately; and (ii) has an absolute value of DSV as small as 1. When a run-length limited code with parameters d=2, k=10, m=8, n=15 and r=1 is used for the modulation of the data area DATA, the pattern shown in FIG. 26 has a 3-byte length. This pattern is particularly desirable when the modulated sequence does not include 11T recording marks or spaces repeated four times or more, because this pattern provides sufficient sufficiency from all types of patterns that may exist in the data area DATA and other areas. code distance and is highly resistant to false detection. the

Fig. 27 shows still another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. The pattern shown in Figure 27 is {000 000 000 010 000 001 000 000 100000 000 001} in NRZ notation. The pattern has a total of 36 bits. The pattern has the following characteristics: (i) a pattern including 11T·7T·7T·11T; and (ii) having a DSV equal to 0. When a run-length limited code with parameters d=1, k=7, m=2, n=3 and r=1 is used for modulation of the data area DATA, the pattern shown in FIG. 27 has a 3-byte length. This pattern is particularly desirable because this pattern consisting of two patterns of (Tmax+3) = 11T (Tmax is the maximum inversion interval) is between all types of patterns that can exist in the data area DATA and other areas Provides sufficient code distance and is thus highly resistant to false detection. the

A method for recording data on the optical disc medium 401 having the above-mentioned data format is similar to the method described in the first example, and will not be described in detail here. the

Fig. 28 shows still another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. The pattern shown in FIG. 28 is "000000000001000000000001000000000001000000000001" in NRZ notation. This mode has a total of 48 channel bits. The pattern has the following characteristics: (i) includes 12T recording marks and 12T spaces repeated twice alternately; and (ii) has a CDS equal to 0. When the 8/16 modulation system is used in the data area DATA, 12T as (Tmax+1) bits does not exist in any data bit stream in the data area DATA. When the pattern of 12T recording marks and 12T spaces is repeated 4 times, the code distance between such a pattern and the data bit stream obtained by 8/16 modulation can be significantly extended. Thus, the pattern shown in Figure 28 is very highly resistant to false detection. the

In the case where the immediately preceding second sync area VFOa (FIG. 24) has a pattern "0001000100010001..." in which 4T recording marks and 4T spaces are repeated, the DSV values are from the beginning of the second sync area VFOa to the fourth The end positions of the synchronization areas PS are all kept at 0. Therefore, the slice level for level-slicing data performed by the reproducing apparatus can be stabilized. This is advantageous for reproducing the pattern recorded in the sync area SYa included in the immediately following second frame area 502a. the

When using the 8/16 modulation system, the pattern shown in Fig. 28 has a length of 3 bytes. When the first frame area 501a (FIG. 24) has a length of 93 bytes and the third synchronization code sequence PA has a length of 2 bytes, the second synchronization area VFOa (FIG. 24) has a length of 88 bytes. the

Fig. 29 shows still another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS, which is particularly preferable in the third example of the present invention. The pattern shown in FIG. 29 is "000000001000000000000100000000000010000000010" in NRZ notation. This mode has a total of 45 channel bits. The pattern has the following characteristics: (i) comprising a pattern of 9T·13T·13T·9T; and (ii) having an absolute value of DSV as small as 1. When a run-length limited code with parameters d=2, k=10, m=8, n=15, and r=1 is used for modulation of the data area DATA, the pattern shown in FIG. 29 has a 3-byte length. the

This pattern includes a pattern with (Tmax+2) bits and a pattern with (Tmax-2) bits repeated twice, respectively. Therefore, as in the case of the pattern shown in FIG. 28, the code distance between the pattern shown in FIG. 29 and the modulated data bit stream can be significantly enlarged. Furthermore, the pattern shown in FIG. 29 is a combination of long recording marks/long spaces, but has an average inversion interval, that is, an edge required for phase comparison performed by the data PLL occurs every Tmax. This is equal to the maximum frequency at which an edge occurs, so there is no side effect in the data PLL of the reproducing device of not detecting an edge for a long period of time. the

Since the long recording marks are sorted as (Tmax-2)·(Tmax+2)·(Tmax+2)·(Tmax-2), a partial pattern can be detected with higher reliability. Instead of the entire pattern recorded in the fifth synchronization code sequence PS detected by a method of complete matching, only the first half of the pattern, i.e. (Tmax-2) (Tmax+2), can be detected, or only the The second half of the mode, ie (Tmax+2)·(Tmax-2). The reason for this is that even the first half or the second half can maintain a sufficient code distance from all types of patterns existing in the data area DATA and other areas. Therefore, the pattern shown in Figure 29 is highly resistant to false detection and is particularly desirable. the

Fig. 30 shows another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS. For example, when a run-length limited code (so-called (1-7) modulation system) with parameters d=1, k=7, m=2 and n=3 is used for modulation of the data area DATA, Fig. 30 The patterns shown in are particularly desirable. the

The pattern shown in FIG. 30 is "001000001000000000100000000010000010" in NRZ notation. This mode has a total of 36 channel bits. This pattern has the following properties: (i) a pattern comprising 6T·10T·10T·6T, and (ii) having a CDS equal to zero. According to the known (1-7) modulation system that converts 8-bit binary data into a 12-bit channel code word, the pattern shown in Fig. 30 has a length of 3 bytes. the

Since the long record marks are sorted as (Tmax-2)·(Tmax+2)·(Tmax+2)·(Tmax-2), a partial pattern can be detected with higher reliability. Instead of the entire pattern recorded in the fifth synchronization code sequence PS detected by a method using complete matching, only the first half of the pattern, i.e. (Tmax-2) (Tmax+2), can be detected, or only the first half of the pattern can be detected. The latter half, namely (Tmax+2) · (Tmax-2). The reason for this is that even the first half or the second half can maintain a sufficient code distance from all types of patterns existing in the data area DATA and other areas. Therefore, the pattern shown in Figure 30 is highly resistant to false detection and is particularly desirable. the

Fig. 31 shows still another example of a pattern (PS pattern) to be recorded in the fourth synchronization area PS. The pattern shown in FIG. 31 is "0100100000001000000000001000000000001000000010010" in NRZ notation. This mode has a total of 48 channel bits. This pattern has the characteristics of a pattern including one 8T·12T·12T·8T. This mode is advisable when a run-length limited code with parameters d=1, k=9, n/m=1.5 is used for the modulation of the data area DATA. Like the pattern shown in Fig. 30, this pattern includes (Tmax-2) · (Tmax+2) · (Tmax+2) · (Tmax-2), and is therefore highly resistant to false detection. As a result of performing NRZI recording of an 8T recording mark or space and two 3T spaces or recording marks inserted into the 8T recording mark or space, the total length of the recording mark portion is equal to the total length of the space portion (where CDS=0). The pattern shown in Fig. 31 is symmetrical in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even when asymmetry (in which the amplitude of the recording mark portion and the amplitude of the space portion are asymmetrical to each other; a well-known phenomenon of reproduction signal degradation caused when the power for recording data on the optical disc medium is changed) occurs, the The pattern shown at 31 can also be stably detected. the

Since the pattern shown in FIG. 31 starts with 3T, when the pattern in the second synchronization field VFO immediately before the fourth synchronization code sequence PS is (Tmin+1), that is, repeated 3T, the continuation at the connection position Good performance (easy to meet the run length limit). the

As described above, the first frame area 501 corresponding to one link frame area includes the first synchronization area PA, the second synchronization area VFO, and the fourth synchronization area PS. Due to such a structure, data recorded in the second frame area 502 can be stably read even when the length of the frame area changes due to various fluctuation error factors of the driving device. In this way, an optical disc medium with high error resistance can be realized with the minimum possible system overhead. In this way, the reliability of the reproduction device can be kept high. the

In the example shown in FIG. 24, the data block 403a is not shown to include one sector. Data block 403a may have one sector as described above with reference to FIG. 9 . As also described above with reference to FIG. 9, the lead frame area and other frame areas of each sector may have different synchronization code sequences (SY0 and SY) recorded therein. In this case, the start of a sector or a data block can be detected more easily, thus significantly improving the reliability of information recording and reproduction. the

As described above, in the third example of the present invention, the information track 402 of the optical disc medium 401 is divided into a plurality of data blocks 403 (403a), each of which is a unit of recording and reproduction. Each data block 403 (403a) includes a first frame area 501 (501a) at its beginning and at least one second frame area 502 after the first frame area 501 (501a). Each first frame area 501 (501a) includes a first synchronization area PA, a second synchronization area VFO and a fourth synchronization area PS. Each second frame area 502 includes a third sync area SY and a data area DATA in which user data is to be recorded. The start/termination of data recording (linking) is performed in the second synchronization area VFO of the first frame area 501a (linking frame area). Therefore, even when data is recorded in a discontinuous manner, the discontinuity will be absorbed in the second sync area VFO. In the third example of the present invention, the fourth synchronization field PS is located after the second synchronization field VFO of the first frame field 501 (501a). In the fourth synchronization area PS, a PS pattern (fifth synchronization code sequence) for identifying the end of the VFO pattern is recorded. The identification of the end of the VFO pattern is equivalent to the identification of the end of the first synchronization code sequence (section 2102 in FIG. 1 ) described in the first example. Since the synchronization information (data in the first synchronization area PA and the fourth synchronization area PS) before and after linking is reinforced in this way, the data can always be stably reproduced. The PS mode is used to designate the start of the entirety of at least one second frame area (first area) in which at least one second frame (collectively referred to as first area data) is recorded (i.e., for designating the recorded first area start of data). The first area is located behind the fourth synchronization area PS. the

In the third example, the first frame area (the first area and the third area) includes the first synchronization area PA, the second synchronization area VFO and the fourth synchronization area PS, and may also include other synchronization code sequences or data bit streams . the

(Example 4)

FIG. 32 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium 701 according to a fourth example of the present invention. On the recording surface of the optical disc medium 701, recording tracks 702 are formed in a spiral manner. The recording track 702 is divided into a number of data blocks 703 . In other words, on the recording surface of the optical disc medium 701, the data blocks 703 are continuously arranged in the circumferential direction to form the information track 702. the

FIG. 33 shows the data format of a data block 703 of an optical disc medium 701 according to a fourth example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 33 , a first frame area 801 is located at the beginning of each data block 703 , and a plurality of second frame areas 802 are located after the first frame area 801 . The first frame area 801 and the plurality of second frame areas 802 form a data block 703 . In FIG. 33, an area shown on the right follows the area shown on the left. the

The first frame area 801 includes a first synchronization area PA at the beginning of it and a specific purpose data area DASP thereafter. Each second frame area 802 includes a third sync area SY at its beginning and a data area DATA thereafter. the

In the fourth example of the present invention, the first synchronization area PA, the third synchronization area SY and the data area DATA have the same roles as those in the first example and will not be described in detail. The fourth example differs from the first example in that the specific purpose data area DASP sets the first frame area 801a located at the beginning of the ECC block (the first frame area included in the leading data block 703a of the ECC block) , instead of being located in the second synchronization area VFO in the first frame area 201 . The first frame area 801 of each data block except the leading data block of the ECC block may have the same structure as the first frame area 801a. the

In the fourth example of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 33, an ECC block 804 forming one error check code includes four consecutive data blocks 703. An error checking code addresses only the data area DATA included in four consecutive data blocks 703, but not the specific purpose data area DASP. the

In the specific purpose data area DASP, a data bit stream including specific purpose data having a different use from the user data included in the data area DATA is recorded. The data recorded in the data-specific area DASP can be regarded as being independent of the data recorded in the data area DATA. Therefore, reading of data recorded in the specific purpose data area DASP does not require that data recorded in the data area DATA in the same data block 703 be read or error corrected or the like. the

At least one data-specific-purpose area DASP is provided in each data block. A plurality of data-specific-purpose areas DASP are provided in each ECC block. Therefore, data (specific purpose data) representing information corresponding to each data block or ECC block can be recorded in the specific purpose data area DASP. the

For example, the specific purpose data area DASP can have the following uses. the

(Use 1) Data attribute of user data recorded in the data area DATA of each data block. the

(Use 2) Information about a method for recording data or recording characteristics of individual data blocks. the

Use 1 is used to record attributes of recorded user data on a block-by-block basis. This attribute is obtained independently of the user data contained in the data area DATA of the respective data block. Therefore, the property is obtained without reading user data. Therefore, for example, when information on copyright protection is included as an attribute, control can be performed for copyright protection using each data block as a minimum unit. the

Use 2 is for recording information on a method used to record data or record characteristics of individual data blocks on a data block by data block basis. Such information is obtained independently of the user data included in the data area DATA of each data block. Therefore, this information is obtained without reading user data. Thus, when recording data in individual data blocks or other data blocks, information about the method used to record the data or record the characteristics of the individual data blocks can be used. the

One ECC block includes a plurality of data blocks. Data is rewritten on a ECC block by ECC block basis. The first frame area 801a corresponding to the beginning of each ECC block is used as a link frame area. Due to such a structure, a plurality of data-specific-purpose areas DASP can be located in one ECC block. It is effective to record the same specific purpose data in all the specific purpose data areas DASP included in one ECC block. In this way, even when the specific purpose data recorded in one specific purpose data area DASP of the first frame area 801a cannot be read due to overwriting and is lost, the data recorded in the other specific purpose data area DATA can be read. same specific purpose data. In this way, specific-purpose data can be safely reproduced. the

34A and 34B show other examples of the structure of the first frame area 801a in the fourth example of the present invention. the

In the example shown in FIG. 34A, the first frame area 801a includes a first synchronization area PA and a second synchronization area VFO. In the example shown in FIG. 34B, the first frame area 801a includes a first synchronization area PA, a second synchronization area VFO, and a third synchronization area PS. the

In these examples, the second synchronization area VFO is provided only in the leading frame area (corresponding to the linking frame area) located at the beginning of each ECC block. In this way, the synchronization pattern required for stable reproduction of data recorded on the optical disc medium 701 is enhanced (that is, a pattern for ensuring synchronization at the time of reproduction is recorded). The specific purpose data area DASP is located in the first frame area 801 at the beginning of each data block except the data block at the beginning of each ECC block. Therefore, even at the start/end position of data recording, data can be read stably. Moreover, specific-purpose data can be recorded or reproduced independently of user data in each ECC block. the

In the example shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B , the frame area at the beginning of each ECC block includes the second synchronization area VFO so that the synchronization pattern is enhanced. The present invention is not limited thereto. When data is recorded in a plurality of ECC blocks in the form of a series of data records, the leading frame area of each of the second and subsequent ECC blocks may have a special purpose data area DASP instead of an enhanced synchronization pattern frame area. the

In the fourth example, a case is described where the first frame area (the first area and the third area) includes the first synchronization area PA, the second synchronization area VFO, and the fourth synchronization area PS, and the first frame area (the third area) Area 1 and Area 3) include the case of the first synchronization area PA and the data-specific area DASP. The present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first frame area may include a fourth synchronization area PS when including a special purpose data area DASP or other synchronization code sequence or data bit stream. the

(Example 5)

FIG. 35 shows a top view of a recordable optical disc medium 1001 according to a fifth example of the present invention. On the recording surface of the optical disc medium 1001, recording tracks 1002 are formed in a spiral manner. The recording track 1002 is divided into several data blocks 1003a and 1003b. The information track 1002 is divided into an inner part, a middle part and an outer part. Both the inner portion and the outer portion are rendering-only areas 1004 dedicated to rendering. The middle part is a rewritable area 1005 . Each data block 1003a included in the reproduction-only area 1004 has pits already recorded therein. For example, pits are formed using convex and concave portions of the recording surface. In each data block 1003b included in the rewritable area 1005, data will be recorded by a recording device. the

FIG. 36 shows the data format of a data block 1003a included in the reproduction-only area 1004 of the optical disc medium 1001 in the fifth example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 36 , each data block 1003a includes a first frame area 1101 at its beginning and a plurality of second frame areas 1102 after the first frame area 1101 . The first frame area 1101 and the plurality of second frame areas 1102 form one data block 1003a. In FIG. 36, the area shown on the right is behind the area shown on the left. the

The first frame area 1101 includes at its beginning a first synchronization area PA followed by a specific purpose data area DASP. Each second frame area 1102 includes at its beginning a third synchronization area SY followed by a data area DATA. The first synchronization area PA, the third synchronization area SY and the data area DATA have the same functions as those in the first example and will not be described in detail. The specific purpose data area DASP has the same function as in the fourth example and will not be described in detail. the

FIG. 37 shows the data format of the data block 1003b included in the rewritable area 1005 of the optical disc medium 1001 in the fifth example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 37, each data block 1003b has the same structure as the data block 1003a. Each data block 1003b includes a first frame area 1201 at its beginning and a plurality of second frame areas 1202 after the first frame area 1201 . The first frame area 1201 and the plurality of second frame areas 1202 form a data block 1003b. In FIG. 37, the area shown on the right is behind the area shown on the left. the

The first frame area 1201 comprises at its beginning a first synchronization area PA, followed by a second synchronization area VFO and a fourth synchronization area PS. The second frame area 1202 includes a third sync area SY at the beginning thereof and a data area DATA after the third sync area SY. the

The first synchronization area PA, the second synchronization area VFO, the data area DATA, and the third synchronization area SY have the same functions as those in the first example and will not be described in detail. The fourth synchronization area PS has the same function as in the second example and will not be described in detail. A fourth synchronization zone PS may optionally be provided. the

As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, both the reproduction-only area 1004 and the rewritable area 1005 are divided into a plurality of data blocks and have frame structures similar to each other. Therefore, although the two regions have data recorded in different physical shapes (i.e., recorded using the convex and concave parts of the recording surface, or recorded using the phase transition of the recording layer), at least after obtaining the reproduced RF Reproduction steps (level clipping of data, PLL, demodulation, etc.) can be performed in almost the same manner in the reproduction-only area 1004 and the rewritable area 1005 . Therefore, the reproducing apparatus does not need to include two different types of reproducing circuits, one for reproducing the area and one for the rewritable area. Thus, the structure of the reproducing circuit can be simplified, thus reducing the cost of the reproducing apparatus. the

The data block 1003a included in the reproduction-only area 1004 and the data block 1003b included in the rewritable area 1005 are different from each other in the internal structure of the first frame areas 1101 and 1201 at the beginning thereof. the

The first frame area 1201 of the leading data block of each ECC block included in the rewritable area 1005 corresponds to a link frame area including start/end positions of additional data recording. As described in detail in the first example, when data is recorded in a discontinuous manner at the start/end position (link frame area) of additional data recording, subsequent data blocks need to be correctly reproduced. For this purpose, the first frame area 1201 includes a first synchronization area PA, a second synchronization area VFO and a fourth synchronization area PS in order to enhance synchronization information. Furthermore, data recording can start and end in the second synchronization area VFO in which no user data is to be recorded. the

The first frame area 1101 in the reproduction-only area 1004 corresponds to an overhead area in which no user data is to be recorded. In this area, data discontinuity does not occur because data is not rewritten. Therefore, in this area, data representing information corresponding to respective data blocks (specific purpose data) that can be reproduced independently of user data can be recorded. For this purpose, the special purpose data area DASP is provided after the first synchronization area PA, so information reproducible independently of user data can be recorded. the

In the example shown in FIG. 35 , an optical disc medium 1001 includes a reproduction-only area 1004 and a rewritable area 1005 . The optical disc medium 1001 may have only the reproduction-only area 1004 . the

As described above, in the optical disc medium 1001 in the fifth example of the present invention, the data blocks included in the reproduction-only area 1004 and the data blocks included in the rewritable area 1005 have the same frame structure. This contributes to reducing the scale of the reproduction circuit of the drive device. the

In the optical disc medium 1001 in the fifth example of the present invention, the first frame area 1101 in each data block in the reproduction-only area 1004, or in the data block in the rewritable area 1005 is not a link area The first frame area 1201 of may include a special purpose data area DASP instead of an area for enhancing synchronization. In this way, information that can be handled independently of user data can be recorded or reproduced as specific-purpose data. For example, information on copyright protection, information inherent to each drive device, or information for future use can be recorded or reproduced. This greatly contributes to expansion in use of optical disc media and recording and reproducing apparatuses. the

In the fifth example, the case where the first frame area (the first area and the third area) includes the first synchronization area PA, the second synchronization area VFO and the fourth synchronization area PS and the case where the first frame area (the first area and the third area) include the case of the first synchronization area PA and the data-specific area DASP. The present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first frame area may include a fourth synchronization area PS when including a special purpose data area DASP or other synchronization code sequence or data bit stream. the

(Example 6)

FIG. 38 shows the structure of an information recording device (recording device) 1710 according to a sixth example of the present invention. For example, the information recording device 1710 records information on the optical disk medium 101 (FIG. 1), the optical disk medium 3101 (FIG. 8), the optical disk medium 401 (FIG. 23), or the optical disk medium 1001 (FIG. 35). In the following description, the information recording device 1710 records information on the optical disc medium 3101 described in detail in the second example. the

The recording and reproducing optical head 1701 records data on the optical disc medium 3101, or reads data previously recorded on the optical disc medium 3101 or data recorded on the optical disc medium 3101 by a device. the

For example, the recording and reproducing optical head 1701 includes a light source (for example, a semiconductor laser) for optically recording a signal, a drive circuit for driving the light source in conformity with the recording data WTDT, and a light source for condensing light emission on the recording surface of the optical disc medium 3101. light or an optical system for detecting light reflected by the optical disc medium 3101 and reading the light as a signal, and a photoelectric converter for reproducing the read signal as an electrical signal RF. the

The signal level clipping section 1702 amplifies the signal RF read by the recording and reproducing optical head 1701 and performs level clipping on the signal RF by necessary processing. the

The pattern detection and synchronization section 1703 uses the level slice data RDDT obtained by the signal level slice section 1702 to detect a synchronous code sequence consistent with the data format of the optical disc medium 3101, and recognizes in real time the sequence read by the recording and reproducing optical head 1701. The location information of the data. Detailed internal operations of the mode detection and synchronization section 1703 will be described later. the

The timing control section 1704 controls the operations of the ECC encoding section 1705 and the modulation section 1706 so that data to be recorded is recorded on a prescribed location of the optical disc medium 3101 based on position information ADR obtained by real-time recognition performed by the pattern detection and synchronization section 1703. In addition to the control operation for reading, the timing control section 1704 also uses the position information ADR to perform a search operation for moving the recording and reproducing optical head 1701 so that a signal can be read or recorded at a prescribed position on the optical disc medium 3101. the

ECC encoding section 1705 adds redundant data such as an error check code, etc., to user data to be recorded input from the outside of information recording apparatus 1710, and encodes the redundant data into a prescribed format. The ECC encoding section 1705 also outputs the encoded data ECCDT to the modulation section 1706 based on the recording operation timing signal WTGT from the timing control section 1704 . The ECC encoding section 1705 functions as a receiving section for receiving user data from outside the information recording device 1710 . the

Modulation section 1706 receives data ECCDT encoded by ECC encoding section 1705, modulates data ECCDT using a prescribed modulation system, and outputs the obtained data to recording and reproducing optical head 1701 as recording data WTDT. the

The information recording apparatus 1710 in the sixth example of the present invention records information on the optical disc medium 3101 through the cooperation and association of the above-mentioned units. In order to additionally record data (link) after a data block in which data has already been recorded, it is necessary to perform accurate recording on already recorded data. the

It is very important that the information recording device 1710 should correctly detect the position of the data that has been recorded and operate in precise synchronization therewith. For this purpose, using level-sliced data reproduced by the recording and reproducing optical head 1701 and the level-slicing section 1702, the operation of detecting various synchronization code sequences described in detail in the second example to obtain correct position information , that is, the operation of the mode detection and synchronization section 1703 is very important. For example, the location information ADR includes a sector location SPt, a frame location FPt, and a byte location BPt. the

Fig. 39 shows an example of the internal structure of the pattern detection and synchronization section 1703, which includes the following units. the

The SY0 pattern detection section 1901 detects the SY0 pattern from the level-sliced data RDDT and outputs a SY0 detection signal SY0DET. The SY0 pattern detection section 1901 functions as a first detection section for detecting the SY0 pattern (second synchronization code sequence). the

The PA pattern detection section 1902 detects the PA pattern from the level-sliced data RDDT and outputs a PA detection signal PADET. PA pattern detection section 1902 functions as a third detection section for detecting a PA pattern (third synchronization code sequence). the

The SY pattern detection section 1903 detects the SY pattern from the level-sliced data RDDT and outputs a SY detection signal SYDET. the

The 1-frame timer 1904 recognizes the byte position from the beginning of each frame area and outputs a byte position signal BPt and a frame synchronization pulse FRMPLS reflecting the recognition result in real time. For example, the 1 frame timer 1904 includes a first count for counting the number of bytes (93 bytes) or the number of channel bits (1488 channel bits in the case of an 8/16 modulation system) in one frame area section (not shown) and a byte position detection window generation section (not shown) for generating a detection window for the synchronization code sequence. The 1-frame timer 1904 receives detection signals SYODET, PADET, and SYDET from the pattern detection sections 1901 to 1903, respectively, and detects them at byte positions built-in for preventing synchronization shifts caused by erroneous detection of patterns. The window generating section appropriately controls the detection window while adjusting the built-in first counting section. The count value (representing the byte position at the beginning of the frame area) obtained by the first counting section is output as a byte position signal BPt, and the frame synchronization pulse FRMPLS is at a specified byte position (approximately every 93 bytes) in one frame. output once. the

The 1-frame timer 1904 basically predicts the position of the synchronization code sequence based on the pattern detection result of the immediately preceding synchronization code sequence, and opens a detection window for a time period in which the synchronization code sequence is expected to be detected. When the detection signal for the synchronization code sequence is received during this time period, the 1-frame timer 1904 judges that the correct synchronization code sequence is detected and presets the count value BPt of the first count section to a prescribed value. The preset value does not have to be 0, but it is determined by considering the time delay required for detection. the

The number of bytes in each frame is equal among the frames. Therefore, the byte position detection window generation section controls the detection window so as to be open for a prescribed period of time every prescribed byte period (specifically, approximately every 93 bytes, which is the number of bytes in the frame area). The width of the detection window can be determined in consideration of all fluctuation factors regarding signal reading performed by the recording and reproducing optical head 1701 (for example, jitter components generated by rotational fluctuation, skew of the optical disc medium 3101, etc., or in the link frame area data discontinuity). the

The frame counter 1905 identifies the frame position in each sector, and outputs the frame position signal FRt and the sector synchronization pulse SCTPLS reflecting the identification result in real time. For example, the frame counter 1905 includes a second counting section (not shown) for counting the number of frames (26 to 27 frames) in one sector, and for counting the first synchronization code sequence SY0 and the third synchronization code sequence PA A prediction window generation section (not shown) generates the frame position of the prediction window. The frame counter 1905 receives the frame synchronization pulse FRMPLS from the 1-frame timer 1904 and adds it to the built-in second counting section. The frame counter 1905 also receives detection signals SYODET and PDDET from the respective pattern detection sections, and adjusts the built-in first frame position prediction window while appropriately controlling the prediction window by the built-in frame position prediction window generation section for preventing synchronization shift due to erroneous detection of patterns. Two counting parts. the

The frame position prediction window generation section generates a prediction window for each SY0 mode and PA mode taking into account the order in which these modes appear. As detailed in the second example, each synchronization code sequence is only detected in the prescribed order. For example, the second synchronization code sequence SY0 is detected once in one sector (once in 26 frame areas; or once in 27 frame areas including the first frame area 201 (FIG. 9)). Using this, the frame position prediction window generation section can generate a prediction window for each synchronization code sequence. the

When the detection signal SYODET is output while the prediction window for the SY0 mode is open, the frame counter 1905 presets the count value FPt of the second count section to 0. The frame counter 1905 presets the count value FPt of the second count section to 26 when the detection signal PADET is output while the prediction window for the PA mode is open. Unless the detection signal is output, the count value FPt of the second count section is incremented by 1 every time the frame synchronization pulse FRMPLS is output. In this way, the count value of the built-in second count section is output as the frame position signal FPt, and the sector sync pulse SCTPLS is output at a prescribed frame position (every 26 to 27 frame areas) in one sector. the

The sector counter 1906 identifies the sector position in each data block, and outputs a sector position signal SPt reflecting the identification result in real time. For example, the sector counter 1906 includes a third counting portion (not shown) for counting the number of sectors (8 sectors) in one data block, and a sector for generating a prediction window for the third synchronization code sequence PA A location prediction window generation section (not shown). The sector counter 1906 receives the sector synchronization pulse SCTPLS from the frame counter 1905 and counts up to the built-in third counting section. The sector counter 1906 also receives the detection signal PADET from the PA pattern detection section 1902, and adjusts the built-in The third counting part. the

The sector location prediction window generation part takes into account the order in which the PA modes appear, and generates prediction windows for the PA modes. As detailed in the second example, the third synchronization code sequence PA occurs only once in 8 sectors. The sector prediction window generation part can take advantage of this to generate a prediction window. the

When the detection signal PADET is output while the prediction window for the PA mode is open, the sector counter 1906 presets the count value SPt of the third count section to 0. Unless the detection signal PADET is output, the count value SPt of the third count section is incremented by 1 every time the sector synchronization pulse SCTPLS is output. In this way, the count value of the built-in third section is output as the sector position signal SPt. the

The pattern detection and synchronization section 1703 having the above-described internal structure detects each synchronization code sequence (pattern) included in the data format described in detail in the second example using the level-limited data RDDT read from the optical disc medium 3101. . In this way, the position information of the read data, that is, the sector position SPt, the frame position FPt, and the byte position BPt are obtained in real time. Using such position information output from the mode detection and synchronization section 1703, the timing control section 1704 (FIG. 38) can generate and output a recording operation timing signal WTGT instructing at least the ECC encoding section 1705 to perform a recording operation. the

The internal structure shown in Fig. 39 is only an example. The internal structure of the pattern detection and synchronization section 1703 is not limited thereto. In the example shown in FIG. 39, the SY0 pattern, the SY pattern, and the PA pattern are used as the synchronization code sequence to be detected. The PS mode described in the third example can be used additionally. In this case, the number of patterns to be detected increases, so that synchronization performance and positional information recognition performance improve. This will be described below with reference to FIG. 40 . the

All the position information in the optical disc medium 3101 cannot be identified with only four types of synchronization code sequences. With the four types of synchronization code sequences, the sector position, frame position and byte position in each data block can be identified, but the position of the data block currently being read in the optical disc medium cannot be identified. In order to identify the position of the currently read data block, ID information is required. For example, the data location identification area DataID shown in FIG. 14 is used for this purpose. the

Fig. 40 shows another example of the internal structure of the pattern detection and synchronization section 1703, which includes the following units. The internal structure shown in FIG. 40 is different from the internal structure shown in FIG. 39 in that a PS pattern detection section 2001 is further included. The same units as described above with reference to FIG. 39 and the same internal signals transferred between the units bear corresponding reference numerals and will not be described in detail. the

As described in the third example, for the purpose of improving the reliability of detecting the start of each data block, the PS pattern is located at the end of the first frame area 501a as the link position. When a data block includes a sector, the first frame area 501a needs to be immediately before the second frame area located at the beginning of the sector. Therefore, PS mode is also used for the purpose of improving the reliability of detecting the beginning of each sector. Since the PS pattern is located at the end of the first frame region 501a, the PS pattern is also used for the purpose of improving the reliability of detecting the beginning of each frame region. PS pattern detection section 2001 functions as a fourth detection section for detecting a PS pattern (fifth synchronization code sequence). the

For the above reasons, the output PSDET of the PS mode detection section 2001 which is the PS mode detection result is input to the 1 frame timer 2002, the frame counter 2003 and the sector counter 2004, and is used for position identification in each counter. the

FIG. 41 shows the relationship between the data format of the optical disc medium 3101 and the position information. In FIG. 41, the first frame area is indicated by "LF". The first frame area is shown with the fourth synchronization area PS described in the third example. Fig. 41 shows example values of position information in a state where synchronization is established, that is, sector position signal SPt, frame position signal FPt, and byte position signal BPt. the

The sector position signal SPt takes values from 0 to 7 sequentially from the leading sector of each data block. In the first frame area LF at the beginning of the data block, the sector position signal SPt is 0. the

The frame position signal FPt takes values from 0 to 25 sequentially from the leading sector of each sector, although the value of the frame position signal FPt is 26 in the first frame area LF. The value of the frame position signal FPt of each frame area (F0 to F25) is in the range of 0 to 25 in all sectors included in each data block. the

The byte position signal BPt takes values from 0 to 92 sequentially from the leading sector of each frame area. In all frame areas included in each sector, the value of the byte position signal BPt is 0 at the beginning of the frame area. The value of the byte position signal BPt is 0 or 1 when passing through any one of the SY0 mode, the SY mode, or the PA mode. the

FIG. 41 also shows an example waveform of the recording operation timing signal WTGT generated by the timing control section 1704 using the position information (position signals SPt, FPt, and BPt). The recording operation timing signal WTGT shown in FIG. 41 is used for recording data in one ECC block, ie, four consecutive data blocks. When at HIGH level, the recording operation timing signal WTGT indicates recording operation. At this time, the ECC encoding section 1705 outputs the ECC-encoded data ECCDT to the modulation section 1706 . the

Additional data recording is performed in the first frame area which is the link frame area. In other words, the start/termination of data recording is always performed in the second synchronization area VFO of the first frame area. Therefore, the recording operation timing signal WTGT Change from LOW (low) level to HIGH (high) level (start of recording). At the Eth byte counted from the beginning of the first frame area LF at the beginning of the next ECC block (in the example shown in FIG. 41, E=11), the recording operation timing signal WTGT changes from HIGH level to LOW level (termination of recording). the

When correct synchronization is performed, SPt=0 and FPt=26 in the first frame area LF. Therefore, the recording operation timing signal WTGT is preferably controlled so that it is at HIGH level when {SPt=0, FPt=26, BPt=S} (when data is recorded) in the current ECC block, and when {SPt=0, FPt=26, BPt=S} in the current ECC block, and when { When SPt=0, FPt=26, BPt=E}, it is at LOW level. the

Thus, the pattern detection and synchronization section 1703 functions as a detection section for detecting the PA pattern (third synchronization code sequence). The timing control section 1704 functions as a determination section for determining the recording start position based on the detected start of the PA mode. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the timing control section 1704 can randomly determine the recording start position each time recording is performed. the

The ECC encoding section 1705, modulating section 1706, and recording and reproducing optical head 1701 together serve as a recording section for performing a recording process. As described above with reference to Fig. 2, the recording process includes the step of recording the recording start VFO part 2102 (the first additional synchronization code sequence for stably reproducing data) (Fig. 2), the step of recording the second frame, the recording of the PA mode and the steps of processing the record-completed VFO section 2101 (fourth additional synchronization code sequence for stably reproducing data) (FIG. 2) in the VFO mode. In the case of the optical disc medium having the data format described in the third example, the recording process includes a step of recording the PS mode. the

During the recording operation, each synchronization code sequence is not detected (or controlled not to be detected). Therefore, each position signal (SPt, FPt, BPt) is not preset and the interpolation continues. the

As described above, the information recording device 1710 includes a function for detecting the SY0 pattern and the PA pattern from prerecorded data when additionally recording data to information prerecorded on the optical disc medium (linking) or rewriting data. Mode detection and synchronization section 1703 . The information recording apparatus 1710 also includes a timing control section 1704 for determining a timing for starting recording of additional data using the result of the mode detection. Due to such a structure, information can be additionally recorded or rewritten while detecting at high speed and stably the beginning of a first data unit (sector) or a second data unit (data block) to which data is prerecorded. In this way, the information recording apparatus achieves greatly improved recorded positional accuracy, thus achieving enhanced reliability. the

Therefore, the information recording device 1710 provides remarkable effects when applied to large-capacity, high-speed data storage devices, video disc recorders, and multimedia recorders. the

(Example 7)

FIG. 42 shows the structure of an information reproducing apparatus (reproducing apparatus) 1810 according to a seventh example of the present invention. For example, the information reproducing apparatus 1810 reproduces information recorded on the optical disc medium 101 (FIG. 1), the optical disc medium 3101 (FIG. 8), the optical disc medium 401 (FIG. 23), or the optical disc medium 1001 (FIG. 35). In the following description, the information reproducing apparatus 1810 reproduces information recorded on the optical disc medium 3101 described in detail in the second example. In FIG. 42, the signal level clipping section 1702 and the pattern detection and synchronization section 1703 are the same as those described above with reference to FIG. 38, and will not be described in detail. the

The reproduction optical head 1801 reads data recorded on the optical disc medium 3101 . For example, the reproducing optical head 1801 includes a light source (for example, a semiconductor laser) for irradiating the optical disc medium 3101 with light, an optical system for detecting light reflected by the recording surface of the optical disc medium 3101 and reading this light as a signal, and A photoelectric converter used to reproduce the read signal into an electrical signal RF. the

The PLL section 1802 reproduces the bit synchronous clock RDCLK in phase synchronization with the position of the edge of the level-sliced data RDDT using the level-sliced data RDDT obtained by the signal-level slicing section. the

The demodulation section 1804 demodulates reproduced data using the level-sliced data RDDT and the bit-synchronized clock RDCLK and outputs demodulated data DEMDT. the

Timing control section 1803 outputs demodulation operation timing signal RDGT to demodulation section 1804 so that data recorded at a prescribed position of optical disc medium 3101 can be reproduced based on position information ADR obtained by real-time identification performed by pattern detection and synchronization section 1703 . When at the HIGH level, the demodulation operation timing signal RDGT indicates the demodulation operation of reproduced data. Demodulation section 1804 outputs demodulated data DEMDT only when RDGT is at HIGH level. the

The timing control section 1803 outputs the level slice control timing signal SLGT for controlling the mode of the level slice to the signal level slice section 1702 . When at the HIGH level, the level limiter control timing signal SLGT indicates the normal level limiter operation mode. When SLGT is at the HIGH level, the signal level clipping section 1702 controls the level clipping level using the reproduced signal RF. When SLGT is at LOW level, signal level clipping section 1702 keeps the level clipping level at the value when SLGT is at HIGH level, and does not perform control. the

The timing control section 1803 outputs a PLL control timing signal PLLGT for controlling the mode of PLL phase comparison to the PLL section 1802 . When it is at HIGH level, the PLL control timing signal PLLGT indicates a common PLL follower mode. When the PLLGT signal is at HIGH level, the PLL section 1802 controls the built-in PLL to be phase-locked to the level-limited data RDDT. When the PLLGT signal is at LOW level, the PLL section 1802 holds the PLL and does not perform control. the

In addition to the control operation for reproduction, the timing control section 1803 also performs a search operation for moving the reproduction optical head 1801 using the position information ADR so that a signal can be read at a prescribed position of the optical disc medium 3101 . the

The ECC decoding section 1805 retrieves necessary data from the demodulated data DEMDT, corrects the retrieved data using an error check code as necessary when an error is detected, and outputs the resulting data as user data. the

The reproducing optical head 1801, the signal level limiter section 1702, the PLL section 1802, the demodulation section 1804, and the ECC decoding section 1805 together serve as a device for reproducing various synchronous signals recorded in the synchronous area of the optical disc medium 3101 and recorded in the data area DATA. A reproduced portion of at least a portion of the user data. the

The information reproducing apparatus 1810 reproduces information recorded on the optical disc medium 3101 through cooperation and association of the above-mentioned units. It is very important that the information reproducing apparatus 1810 should correctly detect the position of data which has been recorded on the optical disc medium 3101 having the data format described in the second example and operate in precise synchronization therewith. For this purpose, the operation of detecting various synchronization code sequences described in detail in the second example to obtain correct position information using the level-sliced data reproduced by the reproducing optical head 1801 and the level-slicing section 1702, that is, pattern detection and the operation of the synchronization section 1703 is very important. The operation of the mode detection and synchronization section 1703 has been described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40 and will not be described in detail again. the

Fig. 43 shows operation waveforms of various timing signals for reproducing data recorded in and around the first frame area LF corresponding to the link frame. The level clipping control timing signal SLGT changes from the HIGH level to the LOW level at the BR1 byte counted from the beginning of the first frame area LF, and at the BR2 word counted from the beginning of the first frame area LF node from LOW level to HIGH level. Like the level limiter control timing signal SLGT, the PLL control timing signal PLLGT changes from the HIGH level to the LOW level at the BR1 byte counted from the beginning of the first frame area LF, and changes from the first frame area LF to the LOW level. The BR3th byte counted at the beginning of the transition from LOW level to HIGH level. the

The demodulation operation timing signal RDGT is controlled in various ways based on whether the immediately preceding data block is demodulated or not. When the immediately preceding data block is demodulated, the demodulation operation timing signal RDGT is at a high level (as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 43 ), but at the BR1-th byte counted from the beginning of the first frame area LF Or before, change from HIGH level to LOW level in the first frame area LF. Then, at or after the BR4th byte counted from the beginning of the first frame area LF, the demodulation operation timing signal RDGT changes from LOW level to HIGH level. When the immediately preceding data block is not demodulated, the demodulation operation timing signal RDGT is already at the LOW level at the beginning of the first frame area LF (as indicated by the solid line in FIG. 43). the

Here, it is assumed that the recording end position is the Eth byte counted from the beginning of the first frame area LF, and the recording start position is the Sth byte counted from the beginning of the first frame area LF (S and E is a rational number smaller than 93 bytes and satisfies S≤E), the length of the third synchronization code sequence PA is 2 bytes. The values of BR1, BR2, BR3 and BR4 are determined to satisfy 2≦BR1<S, E<BR2<BR3<BR4<93. the

In other words, by setting the level slice control timing signal SLGT to LOW at least from the E-th byte counted from the start of the first frame area LF to the S-th byte counted from the start of the first frame area LF level, the level clipping level is maintained so as not to follow the reproduction signal RF in a portion where the quality of the reproduction signal RF may be poor. Like the level slice control timing signal SLGT, the PLL control timing signal PLLGT is at the LOW level at least in the portion where SLGT=LOW. However, the point at which the PLL control timing signal PLLGT changes from the LOW level to the HIGH level is set later than the point at which the level limit control timing signal SLGT is changed. In this way, the level slice control timing signal SLGT is maintained without PLL control in a portion where the quality of the reproduced signal RF may be poor, and, after the operation following the level slice is started, the PLL and the PLL are restarted. Phase comparison between level sliced data RDDTs. The demodulation operation timing signal RDGT is set to be at LOW level at least for the portion where PLLGT = LOW. However, the point at which the demodulation operation timing signal RDGT changes from LOW level to HIGH level is set to be later with respect to the point at which the PLL control timing signal PLLGT is changed. In this way, the demodulation operation is not performed in a portion where the quality of the reproduced signal RF may be poor. the

By setting various timing signals as described above, even when data recorded in the first frame area LF (link area) and its vicinity is reproduced, discontinuity of data generated by linking or by multiple rewriting of data is prevented. The resulting degradation in the recording layer affects the reproduction processing system of the information reproduction apparatus. In this way, data can be correctly reproduced. the

The reproduction means 1810 reproduces the specific purpose data recorded in the reproduction area of the optical disc medium 1001 (FIG. 35) as follows. The PA pattern (supplementary third pattern) recorded in the first sync area PA in the first frame area 1101 (FIG. 36) is detected by a PA pattern detection section 1902 (detection section). In response to this detection, specific purpose data (specific purpose data) recorded in the specific purpose data area DASP is reproduced. the

In this way, the reproducing device 1810 includes a pattern detection and synchronization section for detecting the second synchronization code sequence (SY0 pattern) and the third synchronization code sequence (PA pattern), and for determining the reading of the start information using the pattern detection result. Timing of the operation of the timing control section and the demodulation section. Due to such a structure, the reproducing apparatus 1810 can reproduce information while detecting the start of the first data unit (sector) or the second data unit (data block) at high speed and stably. In this way, the information reproducing device 1810 can reproduce data at high speed and stably. the

The timing control section 1704 functions together with the signal level slice signal 1702 as a level slice mode switching section for switching the level slice mode of the reproduced signal using the mode detection result within a prescribed period of the first frame area LF. The timing control section 1704 and the PLL section 1802 function together as a clock reproduction mode switching section for reproducing a clock in bit synchronization with a reproduction signal. Due to such a structure, even when the data is discontinuous or the quality of the reproduced signal is degraded at the link position, the information recorded at the link position and its vicinity can be stably reproduced. As a result, the information reproducing apparatus 1810 has significantly enhanced reliability of information reproduction. the

Therefore, the information reproducing device 1810 provides remarkable effects when applied to large-capacity, high-speed data storage devices, video disc recorders, and multimedia recorders. the

In the above seven examples, according to the present invention, an optical disc medium is used as an information recording medium. The present invention is not limited to optical disc media. For example, the present invention can be applied to magnetic recording media such as hard disks. The above examples do not limit the present invention. The invention is limited only by the claims. the

The recording medium according to the present invention is not limited to a medium with pre-recorded data or a medium without recorded data. Data may be pre-recorded in the entire information track of the recording medium, or the recording medium may have no recorded data. The recording medium has an area in which data is pre-recorded and an area in which data is not recorded. the

Industrial application

In the recording medium according to the present invention, the recording area includes a first area and a second area. This area includes a frame area. In the frame area, at least a part of the second synchronization code sequence and data are recorded. The second area includes an area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded. On such a recording medium, additional data recording (linking) can be performed with a position in the fourth synchronization code sequence as a start position. In this way, additional data recording is not performed in the frame area where data is recorded. Therefore, data recording and reproduction can be performed stably even at the start position and end position of data recording. the

Claims (2)

1. A recording method for recording information on a recording medium comprising a recording area (102), the recording method comprising: generating a first region (202) comprising a fourth region (3103) comprising N frame regions, where N is greater than or equal to 3; and generating a second area (201) comprising an area in which a third synchronization code sequence and a fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded, in, Each of the N frame areas (F0-F25) includes an area having at least a part of a synchronization code sequence (SY), and data (DATA) including user data, It is characterized in that, The synchronization code sequence (SY0) to be recorded in the frame area (F0) located at the beginning of the fourth area (3103) is different from the synchronization code sequence (SY0) to be recorded in the frame area ( Any synchronization code sequence (SY) in any of the frame regions (F1-F25) of the fourth region (3103) other than F0) differs by a code distance greater than or equal to 2, wherein the code distance is non-return-to-zero Code distance in reverse notation. 2. A reproducing method for reproducing information recorded on a recording medium comprising a recording area (102), wherein: The recording area includes a first area (202) and a second area (201), The first area (202) includes a fourth area (3103) including N frame areas, where N is greater than or equal to 3, and the second area includes a frame area in which the third synchronization code sequence and the fourth synchronization code sequence are to be recorded. area; Each of the N frame areas (F0-F25) includes an area in which a synchronization code sequence (SY) has been recorded, and at least a part of data (DATA) including user data, The synchronization code sequence (SY0) that has been recorded in the frame area (F0) located at the beginning of the fourth area (3103) is different from the synchronization code sequence (SY0) that has been recorded in the frame area ( Any synchronization code sequence in any of the frame regions (F1-F25) of the fourth region (3103) other than F0) differs by a code distance greater than or equal to 2, wherein the code distance is a non-return-to-zero inversion representation The code distance in the method, The reproduction method is characterized by comprising: reproducing the synchronization code sequence (SY0) that has been recorded in the frame area (F0) located at the beginning of said fourth area (3103); and At least a part of the data (DATA) is reproduced.

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