U.S. patent application number 11/374224 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for optical disk recorder with reproduction quality control.
This patent application is currently assigned to Yamaha Corporation. Invention is credited to Keishi Matsumoto.
Application Number | 20060171278 11/374224 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26625542 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060171278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsumoto; Keishi |
August 3, 2006 |
Optical disk recorder with reproduction quality control
Abstract
A method is designed for writing data originally recorded in a
source disk medium with an original reproduction signal quality,
into an object disk medium by means of an optical recording
apparatus having a machine parameter settable to control a
reproduction signal quality of data. The method is carried out by
the steps of measuring the original reproduction signal quality of
the data originally recorded in the source disk medium, setting a
value of the machine parameter of the optical recording apparatus
in accordance with the measured original reproduction signal
quality, and writing the data into the object disk medium by means
of the optical recording apparatus so as to secure the reproduction
signal quality of the written data comparable to the original
reproduction signal quality.
Inventors: |
Matsumoto; Keishi;
(Hamamatsu, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Roger R. Wise;Suite 2800
725 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles
CA
90017
US
|
Assignee: |
Yamaha Corporation
Hamamatsu-Shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
26625542 |
Appl. No.: |
11/374224 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10341675 |
Jan 14, 2003 |
|
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11374224 |
Mar 13, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
369/53.2 ;
369/47.12; G9B/19.005; G9B/20.009; G9B/20.052; G9B/27.029;
G9B/27.052; G9B/7.101; G9B/7.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 20/182 20130101;
G11B 27/36 20130101; G11B 2020/10888 20130101; G11B 7/1267
20130101; G11B 20/10 20130101; G11B 7/28 20130101; G11B 20/10481
20130101; G11B 27/28 20130101; G11B 7/0953 20130101; G11B
2020/10981 20130101; G11B 19/04 20130101; G11B 20/10009
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
369/053.2 ;
369/047.12 |
International
Class: |
G11B 5/09 20060101
G11B005/09; G11B 7/00 20060101 G11B007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 16, 2002 |
JP |
2002-07736 |
Jan 25, 2002 |
JP |
2002-017401 |
Claims
1. A method of recording data onto a recordable optical disk, the
method comprising: providing a relationship between a signal
quality of data recorded on an optical disk and a parameter related
to the signal quality; measuring a signal quality of original data
originally recorded on a source optical disk; setting a parameter
according to the measured signal quality based on the provided
relationship between the signal quality and the signal quality
parameter; and copying the original data onto a recordable optical
disk based on the set parameter such that the signal quality of the
data copied on the recordable optical disk is substantially the
same as the signal quality of the original data.
2. A method of writing data originally recorded in a source disk
medium with an original reproduction signal quality, into an object
disk medium by means of an optical recording apparatus having a
machine parameter settable to control a reproduction signal quality
of data, the method comprising: measuring the original reproduction
signal quality of the data in the source disk medium; setting a
value of the machine parameter of the optical recording apparatus
in accordance with the measured original reproduction signal
quality; and writing the data into the object disk medium by means
of the optical recording apparatus so as to secure the reproduction
signal quality of the written data comparable to the original
reproduction signal quality.
3. A method of writing data originally recorded in a source disk
medium with an original reproduction signal quality, into an object
disk medium by means of an optical recording apparatus having a
machine parameter settable to control a reproduction signal quality
of data, the method comprising: storing a relationship between a
machine parameter settable to the optical recording apparatus and a
reproduction signal quality of data written by the optical
recording apparatus; measuring the original reproduction signal
quality of the data in the source disk medium; setting a value of
the machine parameter of the optical recording apparatus according
to the measured original reproduction signal quality based on the
stored relationship between the machine parameter and the
reproduction signal quality; and writing the data into the object
disk medium by means of the optical recording apparatus with the
set machine parameter so as to secure the reproduction signal
quality of the written data comparable to the original reproduction
signal quality.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the storing includes
storing a plurality of the relationships in correspondence to
various types of source disk medium, and the method further
includes detecting the type of the source disk medium to be used
for writing of data, so that the value of the machine parameter of
the optical recording apparatus in matching with the measured
original reproduction signal quality is set based on a particular
relationship between the machine parameter and the reproduction
signal quality, stored in correspondence to the detected type of
the source disk medium.
5. A method of writing data originally recorded in a source disk
medium with an original reproduction signal quality, into an object
disk medium by means of an optical recording apparatus having a
machine parameter settable to control a reproduction signal quality
of data, the method comprising: conducting a provisional write of
test data into the object disk medium by means of the optical
recording apparatus, an analysis of a reproduction signal quality
of the test data written in the object disk medium, and a
determination of a relationship between the analyzed reproduction
signal quality and the machine parameter of the optical recording
apparatus used in the provisional write; measuring the original
reproduction signal quality of the data in the source disk medium;
setting a value of the machine parameter of the optical recording
apparatus according to the measured original reproduction signal
quality based on the determined relationship between the machine
parameter and the reproduction signal quality; and writing the data
into the object disk medium by means of the optical recording
apparatus with the set machine parameter so as to secure the
reproduction signal quality of the written data comparable to the
original reproduction signal quality.
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13. An optical recording apparatus for recording data onto a
recordable optical disk, the optical recording apparatus
comprising: a providing section that provides a relationship
between a signal quality of data recorded on an optical disk and a
parameter related to the signal quality; a measuring section that
measures a signal quality of original data originally recorded on a
source optical disk; a setting section that sets a parameter
according to the measured signal quality based on the provided
relationship between the signal quality and the signal quality
parameter; and a writing section that copies the original data onto
a recordable optical disk based on the set parameter such that the
signal quality of the data copied on the recordable optical disk is
substantially the same as the signal quality of the original
data.
14. An optical recording apparatus for writing data into an object
disk medium under a machine parameter settable to control a
reproduction signal quality of the data, which is originally
recorded in a source disk medium with an original reproduction
signal quality, the optical recording apparatus comprising: a
measuring section that measures the original reproduction signal
quality of the data in the source disk medium; a setting section
that sets a value of the machine parameter in accordance with the
measured original reproduction signal quality; and a writing
section that writes the data into the object disk medium so as to
secure the reproduction signal quality of the written data
comparable to the original reproduction signal quality.
15. An optical recording apparatus for writing data into an object
disk medium under a machine parameter settable to control a
reproduction signal quality of the data, which is originally
recorded in a source disk medium with an original reproduction
signal quality, the optical recording apparatus comprising: a
storing section that stores a relationship between the machine
parameter and the reproduction signal quality; a measuring section
that measures the original reproduction signal quality of the data
in the source disk medium; a setting section that sets a value of
the machine parameter according to the measured original
reproduction signal quality based on the stored relations between
the machine parameter and the original reproduction signal quality;
and a writing section that writes the data into the object disk
medium under the set machine parameter so as to secure the
reproduction signal quality of the written data comparable to the
original reproduction signal quality.
16. The optical recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
the storing section stores a plurality of relationships in
correspondence to various types of source disk medium, the
apparatus further including a detecting section for detecting the
type of the source disk medium to be used for writing of data, so
that the setting section sets the value of the machine parameter in
matching with the measured original reproduction signal quality
based on a particular relationship between the machine parameter
and the reproduction signal quality, stored in correspondence to
the detected type of the source disk medium.
17. An optical recording apparatus for writing data into an object
disk medium under a machine parameter settable to control a
reproduction signal quality of the data, which is originally
recorded in a source disk medium with an original reproduction
signal quality, the optical recording apparatus comprising: a test
section that conducts a provisional write of test data into the
object disk medium, analyzes a reproduction signal quality of the
test data written in the object disk medium, and determines a
relationship between the analyzed reproduction signal quality and
the machine parameter used in the provisional write; a measuring
section that measures the original reproduction signal quality of
the data in the source disk medium; a setting section that sets a
value of the machine parameter according to the measured original
reproduction signal quality based on the determined relationship
between the machine parameter and the reproduction signal quality;
and a writing section that writes the data into the object disk
medium under the set machine parameter so as to secure the
reproduction signal quality of the written data comparable to the
original reproduction signal quality.
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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/341,675, filed Jan. 14, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to adjustment of reproduction
signal quality of data which is recorded on write once optical
disks and erasable optical disks.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Optical disks are used for recording, reproducing, and
backing up audio or music data, computer data, image or still
picture data, motion picture data, and the like. This is because
optical disks can record a large amount of data in addition to the
spread of low price optical disks and optical disk recording
apparatuses capable of recording data as well as data recording
software and computers. Optical disks capable of recording data
include write once optical disks such as CD-R and DVD-R that can
record data only once; and erasable optical disks such as CD-RW,
DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM that can rewrite data. An optical disk
recording apparatus for recording dada on optical disks
automatically provides optimal values of machine parameters such as
Write Strategy associated with the reproduction signal quality of
recorded data. Occasionally, the conventional optical recording
apparatus may automatically set an improper machine parameter. When
using such an optical disk recording apparatus, a user can
determine whether or not to enable adjusting the function of
automatically decreasing an improper recording speed to a possibly
workable level.
[0006] It is known that the sound quality slightly changes when
music data on a pressed CD (such as a CD-DA manufactured by a
stamper) is copied to the above-mentioned recordable optical disk.
Since the optical disk records digital music data, there seems no
difference in the sound quality between the original music data and
the copied data. Actually, however, the music data causes a
different sound quality perceivable by specialists or experienced
listeners due to change of reproduction signal qualities such as a
.beta. value and a jitter.
[0007] Presently, though it is not clearly known why this
difference occurs, it is known that the sound quality changes with
a machine parameter related to the reproduction signal quality.
[0008] The conventional optical disk recording apparatus
automatically provides optimal parameter values as mentioned above.
Accordingly, the same optimal parameter is used to record data
irrespectively of whether an optical disk records, e.g., music data
or computer data. Though the optimal parameter is defined for the
best effort to prevent an error during data reproduction, the
parameter does not always ensure the best sound quality for music
data recording. In order to provide good sound quality for
reproduction of music data recorded on the optical disk, it is
necessary to define an optimal parameter for music data
independently of that for computer data.
[0009] When the conventional optical disk recording apparatus
records data on an optical disk, however, a user cannot set a
parameter for representing the reproduction signal quality of
recorded data. When music data is recorded on a CD-R disk, for
example, there has not been available parameter settings such as
customizing the .beta. value in order to improve the sound quality
of reproduced music data. Such a design allows beginners to easily
record data on optical disks, but has been unsatisfactory for
advanced users because there is no way of customizing a parameter
representing the reproduction signal quality.
[0010] Since optical disk materials (particularly for the recording
layer) vary with types, manufacturers, models, and the like, the
Write Strategy and recording speed settings for the optical disk
recording apparatus also vary accordingly. When music data on a
pressed CD is copied to a CD-R, sounds reproduced from the pressed
CD and the CD-R may cause different sound qualities.
[0011] Further, depending on manufacturing periods, models, and the
like, recordable optical disks are designed for different maximum
possible recording speeds and different recording speeds capable of
recording with the best signal quality. For example, an earlier
model optical disk provides a low maximum recordable speed and uses
a relatively thick recording film, making it possible to record
data at low-speed areas such as 1.times. speed (normal speed) and
2.times. speed (double speed). By contrast, a recent model optical
disk provides a high maximum recordable speed and uses a relatively
thin recording film, making it possible to record data at
high-speed ranges such as 4.times. speed (four times speed) and
8.times. speed (eight times speed). When the optical disk is
incompatible with a recording speed inadvertently set by a user,
some optical disk recording apparatuses have a function of
automatically adjust the current recording speed to the maximum
recording speed congruent with the optical disk. However, the
adjusted maximum recording speed is based on the signal quality
limit, not on the criterion of selecting a recording speed for good
sound quality with reduced jitter, for example. Accordingly, the
recording speed automatically set by this function does not
necessarily ensure good sound quality for recording music data.
This function specification has been unsatisfactory for some users
such as experienced listeners who wish good sound quality.
[0012] To cope with this problem, for example, an experienced
listener purchases an optical disk recording apparatus suitable for
music data recording. The listener also purchases an optical disk
that is compatible with such an optical disk recording apparatus
and that is capable of recording music data with good sound
quality. Further, he or she needs to adjust an optimal write speed
for each of the selected optical disks. These works impose users
with many costs and labors.
[0013] When a CD-R disk is recorded on the optical disk recording
apparatus, that CD-R disk is not always reproduced on the same
optical disk recording apparatus, but may be reproduced on a
different CD player. In such a case, good reproduction signal
quality on the optical disk recording apparatus does not
necessarily mean good reproduction sound quality on another CD
player.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has been made in consideration of the
foregoing. It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an optical disk recording method, an optical disk recording
apparatus, and an optical disk recording program capable of
manually or automatically adjusting reproduction signal quality in
accordance with nature of data to be recorded.
[0015] As means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the
present invention has the following configurations.
[0016] (1) In a conceptual sense, the inventive method is designed
for recording data onto a recordable optical disk based on a
parameter, the inventive method comprising the steps of providing a
relation between a signal quality of data recorded on an optical
disk and a parameter related to the signal quality, measuring a
signal quality of original data originally recorded on a source
optical disk, setting a parameter according to the measured signal
quality based on the provided relation between the signal quality
and the parameter, and copying the original data onto a recordable
optical disk based on the set parameter such that the signal
quality of the data copied on the recordable optical disk is
substantially the same as the signal quality of the original
data.
[0017] In a practical sense, the inventive method is designed for
writing data originally recorded in a source disk medium with an
original reproduction signal quality, into an object disk medium by
means of an optical recording apparatus having a machine parameter
settable to control a reproduction signal quality of data. The
method comprises the steps of measuring the original reproduction
signal quality of the data originally recorded in the source disk
medium, setting a value of the machine parameter of the optical
recording apparatus in accordance with the measured original
reproduction signal quality, and writing the data into the object
disk medium by means of the optical recording apparatus so as to
secure the reproduction signal quality of the written data
comparable to the original reproduction signal quality.
[0018] According to this configuration, the present invention
measures a reproduction signal quality of data recorded on a source
optical disk, sets a machine parameter concerning reproduction
signal qualities based on the measured reproduction signal quality,
and writes data recorded on the source optical disk onto an object
recordable optical disk so as to achieve almost the same
reproduction signal quality as that of the data recorded on the
source optical disk. Accordingly, when copying music data from a
pressed CD to a CD-R, for example, a user can copy music data to
the CD-R with almost the same reproduction signal quality as that
of the pressed CD which is a copy origin. There is no possibility
of a conventional problem of reproducing a different sound quality
due to a different signal quality. It becomes possible to reproduce
music data with almost the same sound quality as that for the
source optical disk.
[0019] Signal quality parameters representing the reproduction
signal quality include not only the .beta. value and the asymmetry,
but also an HF modulation factor, HF amplitude, HF reflectance,
average reflectance, crosstalk, jitter, deviation, and effective
length. When measuring the signal quality of music data, it is a
good practice to measure one or more of these signal quality
parameters to set the machine parameter.
[0020] Machine parameters associated with the reproduction signal
quality for data recording determine the reproduction signal
quality of data that is recorded on an optical disk. For example,
such parameters include a recording speed, write strategy, laser
power irradiated to an optical disk during data recording, a target
.beta. value for OPC or running OPC, focus balance, and tracking
balance.
[0021] (2) The inventive method is designed for writing data
originally recorded in a source disk medium with an original
reproduction signal quality, into an object disk medium by means of
an optical recording apparatus. The inventive method comprises the
steps of provisionally storing a relation between a machine
parameter settable to the optical recording apparatus and a
reproduction signal quality of data written by the optical
recording apparatus, measuring the original reproduction signal
quality of the data originally recorded in the source disk medium,
setting a value of the machine parameter of the optical recording
apparatus in matching with the measured original reproduction
signal quality based on the provisionally stored relation between
the machine parameter and the reproduction signal quality, and
writing the data into the object disk medium by means of the
optical recording apparatus with the set machine parameter so as to
secure the reproduction signal quality of the written data
comparable to the original reproduction signal quality.
[0022] According to this configuration, the present invention
previously stores relationship between a reproduction signal
quality of data recorded on an optical disk and a machine parameter
concerning reproduction signal qualities, measures a reproduction
signal quality of data recorded on a source optical disk, sets a
machine parameter concerning signal qualities based on the measured
reproduction signal quality and the relationship between the
reproduction signal quality and the machine parameter, and records
data on a recordable optical disk so as to achieve almost the same
reproduction signal quality as the data recorded on the source
optical disk. Accordingly, when copying music data from a pressed
CD to a CD-R, for example, a user can copy music data to the CD-R
with almost the same reproduction signal quality as that, of the
pressed CD as a copy origin based on the relationship between the
stored reproduction signal quality and the machine parameter
concerning reproduction signal qualities. There is no possibility
of a conventional problem of reproducing a different sound quality
due to a different signal quality. It becomes possible to reproduce
music data with almost the same sound quality as that of the source
optical disk.
[0023] (3) The inventive method is designed for writing data
originally recorded in a source disk medium with an original
reproduction signal quality, into an object disk medium by means of
an optical recording apparatus having a machine parameter. The
inventive method comprises the steps of conducting a provisional
write of test data into the object disk medium by means of the
optical recording apparatus, an analysis of a reproduction signal
quality of the test data written in the object disk medium, and a
determination of a relation between the analyzed reproduction
signal quality and the machine parameter of the optical recording
apparatus used in the provisional write, measuring the original
reproduction signal quality of the data originally recorded in the
source disk medium, setting a value of the machine parameter of the
optical recording apparatus in matching with the measured original
reproduction signal quality based on the determined relation
between the machine parameter and the reproduction signal quality,
and writing the data into the object disk medium by means of the
optical recording apparatus with the set machine parameter so as to
secure the reproduction signal quality of the written data
comparable to the original reproduction signal quality.
[0024] According to this configuration, the present invention
measures a reproduction signal quality of data recorded on a source
optical disk, previously finds relationship between a reproduction
signal quality and a machine parameter concerning reproduction
signal qualities from a reproduction signal quality of data
test-recorded on a recordable optical disk, sets a machine
parameter concerning reproduction signal qualities based on the
measured reproduction signal quality of the copy source and the
relationship between a reproduction signal quality and a machine
parameter, and records data from a source optical disk onto a
recordable optical disk so as to achieve almost the same
reproduction signal quality as that of the data recorded on the
source optical disk. Accordingly, when copying music data from a
pressed CD to a CD-R, for example, a user can actually find
relationship between a reproduction signal quality and a machine
parameter concerning reproduction signal qualities by the
provisional test writing, and then copy music data to the CD-R with
almost the same reproduction signal quality as that of the pressed
CD as a copy origin. There is no possibility of a conventional
problem of reproducing a different sound quality due to a different
signal quality. It becomes possible to reproduce music data with
almost the same sound quality as that for the source optical
disk.
[0025] (4) The inventive method is designed for recording data of
various types in an optical disk medium with a given reproduction
signal quality by means of an optical recording apparatus having a
machine parameter relating to the reproduction signal quality of
the data. The inventive method comprises the steps of obtaining
information specifying a type of the data to be recorded in the
optical recording apparatus, changing a value of the machine
parameter of the optical recording apparatus in accordance with the
specified type of the data, and writing the data into the optical
disk medium by means of the optical recording apparatus so that the
reproduction signal quality of the written data is made in
conformity with the specified type of the data.
[0026] According to this configuration, the present invention
selects and sets machine parameters concerning reproduction signal
qualities of recorded data according to types of data recorded on
an optical disk when data is to be recorded on an recordable
optical disk. Consequently, it is possible to obtain data with good
reproduction signal quality corresponding to the data type.
[0027] (5) The inventive method is designed for recording data in
an optical disk medium with a certain reproduction signal quality
by means of an optical recording apparatus operative according to a
parameter relating to the reproduction signal quality of the data.
The inventive method comprises the steps of setting the optical
recording apparatus such as to vary a value of the parameter along
a time during operation of the optical recording apparatus, and
writing the data into the optical disk medium by means of the
optical recording apparatus so that the reproduction signal quality
of the written data is made variable along a time according to the
setting of the optical recording apparatus.
[0028] According to this configuration, the present invention
records data on a recordable optical disk so that during the
reproducing of the recorded data, the reproduction signal quality
varies as desired manner. When original data is music data, the
sound quality can be configured to differ from that of the original
data, thereby making new audibility available.
[0029] (6) The inventive method is designed for recording data of
various types into an optical disk medium with a certain
reproduction signal quality by means of an optical recording
apparatus at a certain recording speed. The inventive method
comprises the steps of providing a relation between a level of the
reproduction signal quality and a value of the recording speed with
respect to the various types of data, setting a value of the
recording speed based on the provided relation in accordance with a
type of the data to be recorded, and recording the data into the
optical disk medium by means of the optical recording apparatus at
the set recording speed to thereby secure an optimum level of the
reproduction signal quality for the type of the data.
[0030] According to this configuration, the present invention
previously stores relationship between a reproduction signal
quality of recorded data and a recording speed according to optical
disk types or relationship among a reproduction signal quality, a
recording speed, and a data type. Alternatively, the inventive
method test-writes data on a recordable optical disk and stores
relationship between a reproduction signal quality of recorded data
and a recording speed according to a reproduction signal quality of
the data test-written on the recordable optical disk or
relationship among a reproduction signal quality, a recording
speed, and a data type. Then the inventive method selects and sets
a recording speed causing an optimum reproduction signal quality in
accordance with the relationship between the reproduction signal
quality and the recording speed or the relationship among the
reproduction signal quality, the recording speed, and the data
type, and records data on a recordable optical disk by the set
recording speed. Consequently, it becomes possible to perform
optimum data recording in accordance with the disk types.
[0031] (7) In a conceptual sense, the inventive optical recording
apparatus is designed for recording data onto a recordable optical
disk based on a parameter. The inventive optical recording
apparatus comprises a providing section that provides a relation
between a signal quality of data recorded on an optical disk and a
parameter related to the signal quality, a measuring section that
measures a signal quality of original data originally recorded on a
source optical disk, a setting section that sets a parameter
according to the measured signal quality based on the provided
relation between the signal quality and the parameter, and a
writing section that copies the original data onto a recordable
optical disk based on the set parameter such that the signal
quality of the data copied on the recordable optical disk is
substantially the same as the signal quality of the original
data.
[0032] In a practical sense, the inventive optical recording
apparatus is designed for writing data into an object disk medium
under a machine parameter settable to control a reproduction signal
quality of the data, which is originally recorded in a source disk
medium with an original reproduction signal quality. The inventive
optical recording apparatus comprises a measuring section that
measures the original reproduction signal quality of the data
originally recorded in the source disk medium, a setting section
that sets a value of the machine parameter in accordance with the
measured original reproduction signal quality, and a writing
section that writes the data into the object disk medium so as to
secure the reproduction signal quality of the written data
comparable to the original reproduction signal quality.
[0033] According to this configuration, the measuring section
measures reproduction signal qualities of data recorded on a source
optical disk, the setting section sets a machine parameter
concerning reproduction signal qualities and adjusts a reproduction
signal quality of the data to be recorded on a recordable optical
disk to almost the same as that of data recorded on the source
optical disk, and the data writing section records the recorded
data. Therefore, the same effect as (1) can be obtained.
[0034] (8) The inventive optical recording apparatus is designed
for writing data into an object disk medium under a machine
parameter settable to control a reproduction signal quality of the
data, which is originally recorded in a source disk medium with an
original reproduction signal quality. The inventive optical
recording apparatus comprises a storing section that provisionally
stores a relation between the machine parameter and the
reproduction signal quality, a measuring section that measures the
original reproduction signal quality of the data originally
recorded in the source disk medium, a setting section that sets a
value of the machine parameter in matching with the measured
original reproduction signal quality based on the provisionally
stored relation between the machine parameter and the reproduction
signal quality, and a writing section that writes the data into the
object disk medium under the set machine parameter so as to secure
the reproduction signal quality of the written data comparable to
the original reproduction signal quality.
[0035] According to this configuration, the storing section stores
relationship between a reproduction signal quality of data recorded
on an optical disk and a machine parameter concerning reproduction
signal qualities, the signal quality measuring section measures a
reproduction signal quality of data recorded on a source optical
disk, the setting section sets a machine parameter concerning
reproduction signal qualities based on the relationship between a
reproduction signal quality and a machine parameter and based on
the measured reproduction signal quality of the copy origin and
provides adjustment so as to achieve almost the same reproduction
signal quality as that of the data recorded on the source optical
disk, and the data writing section records the recorded data from
the copy origin to a recordable optical disk. Therefore, the same
effect as (2) can be obtained.
[0036] (9) The inventive optical recording apparatus is designed
for writing data into an object disk medium under a machine
parameter settable to control a reproduction signal quality of the
data, which is originally recorded in a source disk medium with an
original reproduction signal quality. The optical recording
apparatus comprises a test section that conducts a provisional
write of test data into the object disk medium, an analysis of a
reproduction signal quality of the test data written in the object
disk medium, and a determination of a relation between the analyzed
reproduction signal quality and the machine parameter used in the
provisional write, a measuring section that measures the original
reproduction signal quality of the data originally recorded in the
source disk medium, a setting section that sets a value of the
machine parameter in matching with the measured original
reproduction signal quality based on the determined relation
between the machine parameter and the reproduction signal quality,
and a writing section that writes the data into the object disk
medium under the set machine parameter so as to secure the
reproduction signal quality of the written data comparable to the
original reproduction signal quality.
[0037] According to this configuration, the signal quality
measuring section measures a reproduction signal quality of data
recorded on a source optical disk, the test section performs test
writing on a recordable optical disk and finds relationship between
a reproduction signal quality and a machine parameter concerning
reproduction signal qualities from a reproduction signal quality of
test-written data, the setting section sets a machine parameter
concerning reproduction signal qualities based on the measured
reproduction signal quality of the copy origin and the relationship
between a reproduction signal quality and a machine parameter and
provides adjustment so as to achieve almost the same reproduction
signal quality as that of the data recorded on the source optical
disk, and the data writing section writes the original data from
the copy origin to a recordable optical disk. Therefore, the same
effect as (3) can be obtained.
[0038] (10) The inventive optical recording apparatus is designed
for writing data into an optical disk medium and is operable under
a quality parameter representing a reproduction signal quality of
the written data. The inventive optical recording apparatus
comprises an input section that inputs a desired value of the
quality parameter, a setting section that sets the inputted value
into the quality parameter, and a writing section that writes data
into the object disk medium under the set quality parameter to
thereby secure a desired level of the reproduction signal quality
of the written data in accordance with the inputted value of the
quality parameter.
[0039] According to this configuration, the input section enters a
signal quality parameter indicating a reproduction signal quality
of recorded data, and the setting section sets a machine parameter
according to a value entered from the input section. Consequently,
the signal quality can be set to any value and a user can obtain an
intended signal quality. If there is a difference in capabilities
of a recording apparatus and a reproduction apparatus, it is
possible to provide the reproduction apparatus with an optimum
signal quality.
[0040] (11) The inventive optical recording apparatus is designed
for recording data of various types in an optical disk medium with
a given reproduction signal quality and is operative under a
machine parameter relating to the reproduction signal quality of
the data. The inventive optical recording apparatus comprises a
discriminating section that discriminates a type of the data to be
recorded in the optical disk medium, a setting section that changes
a value of the machine parameter in accordance with the
discriminated type of the data, and a writing section that writes
the data into the optical disk medium so that the reproduction
signal quality of the written data is made associative with the
discriminated type of the data.
[0041] According to this configuration, the discriminating section
identifies a type of data to be recorded on an optical disk, the
setting section selects and sets machine parameters concerning
reproduction signal qualities of data to be recorded on an optical
disk in accordance with an identification result of the
discriminating section, and the data writing section records the
recorded data on a recordable optical disk. Therefore, the same
effect as (4) can be obtained.
[0042] (12) The inventive optical recording apparatus is designed
for recording data in an optical disk medium with a certain
reproduction signal quality and is operative according to a machine
parameter relating to the reproduction signal quality of the data.
The inventive optical recording apparatus comprises a setting
section that sets the machine parameter such as to vary a value
thereof along a time during operation of the optical recording
apparatus, and a writing section that writes the data into the
optical disk medium so that the reproduction signal quality of the
written data is made variable along a time according to the setting
of the machine parameter of the optical recording apparatus.
[0043] According to this configuration, the setting section adjusts
a machine parameter concerning reproduction signal qualities so
that variation or fluctuation occurs in a reproduction signal
quality of recorded data, and the data writing section records data
on a recordable optical disk based on the adjusted machine
parameter. Therefore, the same effect as (5) can be obtained.
[0044] (13) The inventive optical recording apparatus is designed
for recording data of various types into an optical disk medium
with a certain reproduction signal quality at a certain recording
speed. The inventive optical recording apparatus comprises a
storing section that stores a relation between a level of the
reproduction signal quality and a value of the recording speed with
respect to the various types of data, a setting section that sets a
value of the recording speed based on the stored relation in
accordance with a type of the data to be recorded, and a writing
section that records the data into the optical disk medium at the
set recording speed to thereby secure an optimum level of the
reproduction signal quality for the type of the data.
[0045] According to this configuration, the storing
section-previously stores relationship between a reproduction
signal quality of recorded data and a recording speed according to
optical disk types or relationship among a reproduction signal
quality, a recording speed, and a data type, or the storing section
test-writes data on a recordable optical disk and stores
relationship between a reproduction signal quality of recorded data
and a recording speed according to a reproduction signal quality of
the data test-written on the recordable optical disk or
relationship among a reproduction signal quality, a recording
speed, and a data type. The setting section selects and sets a
recording speed causing an optimum reproduction signal quality in
accordance with the relationship between the reproduction signal
quality and the recording speed or the relationship among the
reproduction signal quality, the recording speed, and the data
type. The data writing section records data on a recordable optical
disk at the set recording speed. Therefore, the same effect as (6)
can be obtained.
[0046] (14) The inventive optical recording apparatus comprises a
writing section capable of writing data into an optical disk medium
with a certain reproduction signal quality of the written data, an
estimating section operable before the writing of the data for
estimating the reproduction signal quality, and a display section
that displays the estimated reproduction signal quality which will
be expected when the data is actually written into the optical disk
medium.
[0047] According to this configuration, the estimating section
estimates a reproduction signal quality when data is recorded on
the recordable optical disk, and the display section displays the
estimated reproduction signal quality. Consequently, a user is
notified of an estimated value for the reproduction signal quality
of the recorded data before user data is recorded. Depending on the
displayed signal quality, it is possible to replace the optical
disk with a different one and select another recordable optical
disk with better reproduction signal quality.
[0048] (15) The inventive optical recording apparatus comprises a
writing section capable of writing data into an optical disk of
various types under a given machine parameter relating to a
reproduction signal quality of the written data, a storing section
that stores a relation between the machine parameter and the
reproduction signal quality, a detecting section that detects a
type of the optical disk medium to be used for writing of data, an
estimating section operable before the writing of the data for
estimating the reproduction signal quality based on the stored
relation between the machine parameter and the reproduction signal
quality and the detected type of the optical disk medium, and a
display section that displays the estimated reproduction signal
quality which will be expected when the data is actually written
into the optical disk medium of the detected type.
[0049] According to this configuration, the storing section stores
relationship between a reproduction signal quality of data recorded
on an optical disk and a machine parameter concerning reproduction
signal qualities, the detecting section identifies a recordable
optical disk type, the estimating section estimates a reproduction
signal quality based on the stored information and the
identification result when data is recorded on a recordable optical
disk, and the display section displays the estimated reproduction
signal quality. Consequently, a user is notified of an estimated
reproduction signal quality of data to be recorded on a recordable
optical disk. Depending on the displayed signal quality, it is
possible to replace the optical disk with a different one and
select a recordable optical disk with better reproduction signal
quality.
[0050] (16) The inventive optical recording apparatus comprises a
writing section capable of writing data into an optical disk of
various types with a certain reproduction signal quality of the
written data, a test section that enables the writing section to
conduct provisional writing of test data into the optical disk
medium and that measures a reproduction signal quality of the
written test data, a detecting section that detects a type of the
optical disk medium subjected to the provisional writing of the
test data, an estimating section operable before the writing of the
data for estimating the reproduction signal quality based on the
measured reproduction signal quality of the test data and the
detected type of the optical disk medium, and a display section
that displays the estimated reproduction signal quality which will
be expected when the data is actually written into the detected
type of the optical disk medium.
[0051] According to this configuration, the detecting section
identifies a recordable optical disk type, the test section
measures a reproduction signal quality from reproduction signal
qualities of data test-written on a recordable optical disk, the
estimating section estimates a reproduction signal quality based on
the identification result and the measurement result when data is
recorded on a recordable optical disk, and the display section
displays an estimated reproduction signal quality. Consequently, a
user is notified of an estimated reproduction signal quality of
data to be recorded on a recordable optical disk. Depending on the
displayed signal quality, it is possible to replace the optical
disk with a different one and select a recordable optical disk with
better reproduction signal quality.
[0052] (17) The inventive optical recording apparatus is designed
for recording data into an optical disk medium with a certain
reproduction signal quality. The inventive optical recording
apparatus comprises a storing section that stores a plurality of
quality parameters which have been used for recording data in the
past, and which represent the reproduction signal qualities of the
data recorded in the past, a display section that displays the
stored quality parameters, a selecting section that selects one of
the displayed quality parameters, a setting section that sets a
machine parameter relating to the reproduction signal quality in
accordance with the selected quality parameter, and a writing
section operable under the set machine parameter for recording the
data into the optical disk medium.
[0053] According to this configuration, the storing section stores
a signal quality parameter indicating a signal quality defined when
data is recorded on an optical disk, the selecting section selects
the parameter which is displayed on the display section and is
stored by the storing section, and the setting section sets a
machine parameter during data recording based on a value selected
by the selecting section. Consequently, the present invention is
configured to read a reproduction signal quality parameter defined
when data was recorded on an optical disk, and to easily record
data on a recordable optical disk so as to achieve the equivalent
reproduction signal quality.
[0054] (18) The inventive computer program is designed for use in
an optical recording apparatus having a CPU and being capable of
writing data into an optical disk medium of various types with a
certain reproduction signal quality of the written data, wherein
the computer program is executable by the CPU for causing the
optical recording apparatus to perform a process comprising the
steps of discriminating a type of the optical disk medium to be
used for writing of data, estimating the reproduction signal
quality according to the discriminated type of the optical disk
medium before the writing of the data, and displaying the estimated
reproduction signal quality which will be expected when the data is
actually written into the optical disk medium of the discriminated
type.
[0055] According to this configuration, the inventive program
allows the computer to perform the process such that the estimating
step estimates a reproduction signal quality when data is recorded
on a recordable optical disk, and the display step displays the
estimated reproduction signal quality. Therefore, the same effect
as (14) can be obtained.
[0056] (19) The inventive computer program is provided for use in
an optical recording apparatus having a CPU and being capable of
writing data into an optical disk of various types under a given
machine parameter relating to a reproduction signal quality of the
written data, wherein the computer program is executable by the CPU
for causing the optical recording apparatus to perform a process
comprising the steps of storing a relation between the machine
parameter and the reproduction signal quality, detecting a type of
the optical disk medium to be used for writing of data, estimating
the reproduction signal quality based on the stored relation
between the machine parameter and the reproduction signal quality
and the detected type of the optical disk medium before the writing
of the data, and displaying the estimated reproduction signal
quality which will be expected when the data is actually written
into the optical disk medium of the detected type.
[0057] According to this configuration, the inventive program
allows the computer to perform the process such that the storing
step stores relationship between a reproduction signal quality of
data recorded on an optical disk and a machine parameter concerning
reproduction signal qualities, the detecting step identifies a
recordable optical disk type, the estimating step estimates a
reproduction signal quality based on the stored information and the
identification result when data is recorded on a recordable optical
disk, and the display step displays the estimated reproduction
signal quality. Therefore, the same effect as (15) can be
obtained.
[0058] (20) The inventive computer program is provided for use in
an optical recording apparatus having a CPU and being capable of
writing data into an optical disk of various types with a certain
reproduction signal quality of the written data, wherein the
computer program is executable by the CPU for causing the optical
recording apparatus to perform a process comprising the steps of
conducting a provisional write of test data into the optical disk
medium and a measurement of a reproduction signal quality of the
written test data, detecting a type of the optical disk medium
subjected to the provisional write of the test data, estimating the
reproduction signal quality before the writing of the data based on
the measured reproduction signal quality of the test data and the
detected type of the optical disk medium, and displaying the
estimated reproduction signal quality which will be expected when
the data is actually written into the detected type of the optical
disk medium.
[0059] According to this configuration, the inventive program
allows the computer to perform the process such that the detecting
step identifies a recordable optical disk type, the conducting step
measures a reproduction signal quality from data test-written on a
recordable optical disk, the estimating step estimates a
reproduction signal quality based on the identification result and
the measurement result when data is recorded on the recordable
optical disk, and the display step displays an estimated
reproduction signal quality. Therefore, the same effect as (16) can
be obtained.
[0060] (21) The inventive computer program is designed for use in
an optical recording apparatus having a CPU for recording data into
an optical disk medium with a certain reproduction signal quality,
wherein the computer program is executable by the CPU for causing
the optical recording apparatus to perform a process comprising the
steps of storing quality parameters which were used for recording
data in the past and which represent the reproduction signal
qualities of the data recorded in the past, displaying the stored
quality parameters, selecting one of the displayed quality
parameters, setting a machine parameter relating to the
reproduction signal quality in accordance with the selected quality
parameter, and recording the data into the optical disk medium
under the set machine parameter.
[0061] According to this configuration, the inventive program
allows the computer to perform the process such that the storing
step stores the signal quality parameters indicating a reproduction
signal quality defined when data were recorded on an optical disk
in the past, the display step displays the signal quality
parameters stored by the storing step, the selecting step selects
the displayed signal quality parameter, and then the setting step
sets a machine parameter during data recording based on the signal
quality parameter selected by the selecting step. Therefore, the
same effect as (17) can be obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
optical disk recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0063] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an area arrangement of an
optical disk.
[0064] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0065] FIGS. 4(A), 4(B) and 4(C) show display examples of setting a
signal quality parameter indicating the reproduction signal
quality.
[0066] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the second embodiment
of the present invention.
[0067] FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) show relationship between a C1 error and
a .beta. value and relationship between a jitter and a power when
data is recorded on an optical disk.
[0068] FIG. 7 is an example of setting parameters corresponding to
data types.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the third embodiment of
the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 9 is a graph showing waveforms of a fluctuation
component and a parameter for canceling.
[0071] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the fourth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the fifth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0073] FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) exemplify estimated reproduction
signal qualities of optical disks to be indicated on the display of
the optical disk recording apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0074] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an
optical disk recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an optical disk recording
apparatus 1 comprises an optical pickup 10; a spindle motor 11; an
RF amplifier 12; a servo circuit 13; an address detection circuit
14 as an identification means; a decoder 15; a system control
section 16 as a sound quality adjustment means, an identification
means, and a setup means; an encoder 17; a strategy circuit 18; a
laser driver 19; a laser power control circuit 20; a frequency
generator 21; an envelope detection circuit 22; a C1 error
detection circuit 23; a reproduction signal quality detection
circuit 24 as a reproduction signal quality measurement means; a
data storage circuit 25; a storing section 26 as a storage means;
an operating section 27 as a selecting means and an input means;
and a display section 28 as a display means. A data writing section
as a data recording means comprises the optical pickup 10, the
servo circuit 13, the encoder 17, the strategy circuit 18, the
laser driver 19, and the laser power-control circuit 20.
[0075] The spindle motor 1 rotatively drives an optical disk D
where data is to be recorded. At the tip of a rotating shaft of the
spindle motor, there is provided an optical disk chucking mechanism
(not shown) comprising a turn table and the like to chuck an
optical disk. The optical pickup 10 comprises an optical system
including a laser diode, a lens, and a mirror; a return light
(reflected light) receiving element; and a focus servo mechanism.
When recording and reproducing data, the optical pickup 10
irradiates a laser beam to the optical disk D, receives the return
light from the optical disk D, and outputs an RF signal to the RF
amplifier 12. The RF signal is a light receiving signal processed
by EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation). The focus servo mechanism
maintains a constant distance between a lens of the optical pickup
10 and a data surface of the optical disk. The optical pickup 10
has a monitor diode. The return light from the optical disk D
causes the monitor diode to generate an electric current that is
supplied to the laser power control circuit 20.
[0076] The frequency generator 21 supplies the servo circuit 13
with a signal for detecting an angle of rotation and a revolution
speed output from the spindle motor 11.
[0077] The RF amplifier 12 amplifies the EFM modulated RF signal
supplied from the optical pickup 10 and outputs the amplified RF
signal to the servo circuit 13, the address detection circuit 14,
the envelope detection circuit 22, the reproduction signal quality
detection circuit 24 for measuring the reproduction signal quality,
and the decoder 15.
[0078] During reproduction, the decoder 15 EFM-demodulates the
EFM-modulated RF signal supplied from the FR amplifier 12 to
generate reproduction data and outputs this data to the data
storage circuit 25. During recording, the decoder 15
EFM-demodulates the RF signal supplied from the RF amplifier 12
when reproducing a test-recorded area. Based on the demodulated
signal, the C1 error detection circuit 23 detects a C1 error and
outputs it to the system control section 16. The C1 error detection
circuit 23 applies error correction using an error correction code
called the CIRC (Cross Interleaved Reed Solomon Code) to the
EFM-demodulated signal to detect the number of C1 errors (C1 error
value).
[0079] Before recording data, the optical disk recording apparatus
1 according to the embodiment performs a test record on a PCA
(Power Calibration Area) toward the inside periphery of the optical
disk D. Based on a reproduction result from the test-recorded area,
the optical disk recording apparatus 1 is configured to request
recording conditions for good recording on the optical disk D. The
C1 error detection circuit 23 detects a C1 error for the
reproduction signal in the test-recorded area and outputs it to the
system control section 16.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 2, the following describes areas on
the optical disk D for test recording. FIG. 2 is a sectional view
showing a configuration of optical disk areas. The optical disk D
has an external diameter of 120 mm. There is provided a lead-in
area 114 between diameters 46 and 50 mm of the optical disk D.
Outward of the lead-in area 114, there are provided a program area
118 to record data and a residual area 120. An inside PCA 112 is
provided inward of the lead-in area 114. The inside PCA 112
contains a test area 112a and a count area 112b. As mentioned
above, the test area 112a is used for test recording prior to
actual recording. The test area 112a is provided with an area
capable of a plurality of test records. At the end of test
recording, the count area 112b records an EFM signal that indicates
to which portion of the test area 112a the recording is complete.
When test recording is performed next on the optical disk D, the
EFM signal is detected from the count area 112b to make it possible
to determine from which position in the test area 112a to start the
test recording. The optical disk recording apparatus 1 according to
the embodiment performs test recording on the test area 112a before
actual recording of data.
[0081] Back to FIG. 1, the data storage circuit 25 temporarily
stores reproduction data on the optical disk D output from the
decoder or data from the outside of the optical disk recording
apparatus 1. During reproduction, the data storage circuit 25
outputs the stored data to a data reproduction section (not shown).
When recording data on a recordable optical disk, the data storage
circuit 25 outputs the stored data to the encoder 17.
[0082] The address detection circuit 14 extracts a wobble signal
component included in the RF signal supplied from the RF amplifier
12. The wobble signal component contains time information (address
information) about each position, identification information (disk
ID) for identifying optical disks, and information to indicate disk
types such as pigments used for disks. The address detection
circuit 14 decodes these pieces of information and outputs them to
the system control section 16. Here, the wobble signal component
indicates a wobble frequency of a wobbling recording track on the
recordable optical disk. The time information and the
identification information are recorded by FM-modulating the
wobbling frequency.
[0083] During reproduction of the test recording area on the
optical disk D, the reproduction signal quality detection circuit
24 calculates the .beta. value or the asymmetry concerning the
reproduction signal quality from the RF signal supplied from the RF
amplifier 12 and outputs the calculated result to the system
control section 16. Here, the .beta. value can be found as
.beta.=(a+b)/(a-b), where "a" is a peak level ("+" sign) of the
EFM-modulated signal waveform and "b" is a bottom level ("-" sign)
thereof.
[0084] Before test recording on the optical disk D, the envelope
detection circuit 22 detects an envelope of the EFM signal in the
count area 112b on the optical disk D in order to detect from which
part of the test area 112a on the optical disk D the test recording
should start.
[0085] The servo circuit 13 controls revolutions of the spindle
motor 11 and controls the focus, tracking, and movement of the
optical pickup 10. During recording, the optical disk recording
apparatus 1 according to the embodiment can select the CAV
(Constant Angular Velocity) system to drive the optical disk D at
each constant speed or the CLV (Constant Linear Velocity) system to
drive the optical disk D at a constant linear speed. Accordingly,
the servo circuit 13 selects the CAV or CLV system in accordance
with a control signal supplied from the system control section 16.
The servo circuit 13 provides CAV control so that a revolution
speed of the spindle motor 11 detected by the frequency generator
21 matches the preset revolution speed. The servo circuit 13
provides CLV control to spindle motor 11 so that the wobble signal
in the RF signal supplied from the RF amplifier 12 matches the
preset velocity scale.
[0086] The encoder 17 EFM-modulates recorded data supplied from the
data storage circuit 25 and outputs the data to the strategy
circuit 18. The strategy circuit 18 performs time axis correction
and the like to the EFM signal supplied from the encoder 17 and
outputs the signal to the laser driver 19. The laser driver 19
drives the laser diode of the optical pickup 10 in accordance with
a signal modulated correspondingly to recorded data supplied from
the strategy circuit 18 under control of the laser power control
circuit 20.
[0087] The laser power control circuit 20 controls laser power
generated from the laser diode of the optical pickup 10. More
specifically, the laser power control circuit 20 controls the laser
driver 19 so that the optical pickup 10 can generate a laser beam
with an optimum laser power based on an electric current value
supplied from the monitor diode of the optical pickup 10 and
information indicating a target value for the optimum laser power
supplied from the system control section 16.
[0088] The system control section 16 comprises a CPU, ROM, RAM, and
the like, and controls each part of the optical disk recording
apparatus 1 in accordance with a program stored in ROM. The system
control section 16 controls each part of the optical disk recording
apparatus 1 so that test recording is performed for a specified
area on the optical disk D mounted on the apparatus prior to actual
data recording as mentioned above. From a signal obtained during
reproduction of the test-recorded area, the system control section
16 finds relationship between the reproduction signal quality
parameter and the machine parameter (recording conditions) for the
optical disk D test-recorded by the optical disk recording
apparatus 1 based on the reproduction signal quality such as the
.beta. value detected by the reproduction signal quality detection
circuit 24 and the C1 error count value detected by the C1 error
detection circuit 23. In this manner, the system control section 16
performs recording speed determination processing and the like to
find a recordable speed capable of good recording without recording
errors.
[0089] The storing section 26 stores data prepared by experiments
and the like. The operating section 27 is operated for selecting
and entering a parameter representing the reproduction signal
quality. The display section 28 displays the reproduction signal
quality of data recorded on an optical disk.
[0090] The optical disk recording apparatus 1 having the
above-mentioned configuration can use a personal computer as a
recording and reproducing apparatus for optical disks. That is to
say, an optical disk drive can provide the optical pickup 10, the
spindle motor 11, and the frequency generator 21. An MPU and its
peripheral circuits or those for the optical disk drive can provide
the RF amplifier 12, the servo circuit 13, the address detection
circuit 14, the decoder 15, the encoder 17, the strategy circuit
18, the laser driver 19, the laser power control circuit 20, the
envelope detection circuit 22, the C1 error detection circuit 23,
and the reproduction signal quality detection circuit 24. The MPU
can provide the system control section 16. Memory, RAM, and ROM can
provide the data storage circuit 25 and the storing section 26.
Input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse can provide the
operating section 27. A monitor can provide the display section
28.
[0091] The following describes operations for recording data on the
optical disk D in the optical disk recording apparatus 1 having the
above-mentioned configuration. The inventors conducted various
experiments and examinations in order to obtain good sound quality
while copying music data from a source disk to a recordable optical
disk. As a result, we found that it is possible to obtain almost
the same sound quality as for the source disk when music data is
copied to the recordable optical disk as a copy destination by
maintaining almost the same reproduction signal waveform, i.e., the
reproduction signal quality between the music data recorded on the
source disk and that recorded on the copy destination optical
disk.
[0092] When copying data recorded on an optical disk, a first
embodiment of the present invention measures the reproduction
signal quality of an optical disk (source optical disk) where data
is recorded. Data is recorded on a copy destination optical disk by
setting the machine parameter associated with the reproduction
signal quality to a specified value so as to obtain the
reproduction signal quality almost same as that for the source
optical disk.
[0093] When reading music data from a pressed CD (music CD) or a
recorded CD-R, for example, the reproduction signal quality is
measured to find signal quality parameters such as the .beta. value
and the asymmetry. Then, a specified value is determined for a
machine parameter related to the reproduction signal quality such
as a target .beta. value for OPC (Optimum Power Control) based on
the measured signal quality parameters so as to reproduce a
reproduction waveform of the original music data as faithfully as
possible. The music data recorded on the source optical disk is
recorded onto a recordable optical disk based on the
above-mentioned setting. When the OPC is performed before actual
recording to reproduce test data test-recorded with a plurality of
laser powers, it is a good practice to measure the reproduction
signal quality, find the relationship between the measured signal
quality parameter and the machine parameter associated with the
reproduction signal quality, store a result in the storing section
26, and adjust the machine parameter. Further, it is a good
practice to beforehand find the relationship between the signal
quality parameter representing the reproduction signal quality and
the machine parameter associated with the reproduction signal
quality, store a result in the storing section 26, and read the
relationship from the storing section 26 during recording to adjust
the machine parameter.
[0094] This method can provide almost the same reproduction signal
waveform or reproduction signal quality for music data on the
source optical disk and on the copy destination optical disk,
making it possible to almost equally adjust the sound quality of
music data. Data to be processed is not limited to music data.
[0095] Signal quality parameters representing the reproduction
signal quality include not only the .beta. value and the asymmetry,
but also an HF modulation factor, HF amplitude, HF reflectance,
average reflectance, crosstalk, jitter, deviation, and effective
length. When measuring the signal quality of music data, it is a
good practice to measure one or more of these signal quality
parameters to set the machine parameter. These signal quality
parameters are not completely independent of each other. Changing
one parameter may also change the other parameters accordingly.
[0096] Machine parameters associated with the reproduction signal
quality for data recording determine the reproduction signal
quality of data that is recorded on an optical disk. For example,
such parameters include a write strategy, laser power irradiated to
an optical disk during data recording, a target .beta. value for
OPC or running OPC, focus balance, tracking balance, and recording
speed.
[0097] When the reproduction signal quality varies with inside and
outside peripheries on the copy origin disk, it may be preferable
to record data by varying the machine parameter at recording
positions (radial positions or times) and to provide almost the
same reproduction signal quality with differences at the inside and
outside peripheries.
[0098] FIG. 3 exemplifies a flowchart for explaining the first
embodiment of the present invention. The following describes the
signal quality parameter as a .beta. value for representing the
reproduction signal quality. First, a user mounts a source disk
such as a pressed CD (music CD) or a recorded CD-R on the optical
disk recording apparatus 1 and operates the operating section 27 to
reproduce music data (s1). When receiving a signal from the
operating section 27, the system control section 16 automatically
adjusts a servo to read music data from the source disk. The servo
circuit 13 outputs control signals for the focus servo mechanism
and a tracking servo mechanism to the optical pickup 10. The servo
circuit 13 also outputs a revolution control signal to the spindle
motor 11. The system control section 16 outputs a specified signal
for laser power control to the laser power control circuit 20. The
laser power control circuit 20 outputs a control signal for the
laser driver 19. The laser driver 19 supplies the optical pickup 10
with a power control signal for the laser beam generated from the
laser diode. The laser diode of the optical pickup 10 generates the
laser beam with a specified laser power. The light receiving
element of the optical pickup 10 receives return light (reflected
light) of the laser beam. The return light is converted into an
electric signal and is output to the RF amplifier 12 (s2).
[0099] The music data signal is amplified in the RF amplifier 12,
is decoded in the decoder 15, and is output to the data storage
circuit 25. The data storage circuit 25 stores the music data of
the source disk (s3).
[0100] The signal amplified in the RF amplifier 12 is output to the
reproduction signal quality detection circuit 24. The reproduction
signal quality detection circuit 24 measures the reproduction
signal quality of the music data from the source disk (s4). A
measurement result is output to the system control section 16 and
is stored in the built-in RAM (s5). When the music data from the
source disk is entirely stored in the data storage circuit 25, the
system control section 16 allows the display section 28 to display
that the music data and the reproduction signal quality of the
source disk have been stored completely (s6).
[0101] When confirming the display, the user removes the source
disk from the optical disk recording apparatus 1 and then mount an
optical disk capable of recording data on the optical disk
recording apparatus 1 (s7).
[0102] The system control section 16 automatically adjusts the
servo for the data recording optical disk and outputs specified
signals to the servo circuit 13, the laser power control circuit
20, and the encoder 17. The optical pickup 10 irradiates a laser
beam to the optical disk. The light receiving element receives the
return light of the laser beam and converts that light into a
signal which is then output to the RF amplifier 12. This signal is
output to the address detection circuit 14. The address detection
circuit 14 reads ATIP (Absolute Time In Pre-groove) information in
the signal to determine the optical disk type. Then, an optical
disk address is detected from the signal and is output to the
system control section 16 (s8). Based on the optical disk
identification information, the system control section 16 reads
data stored in the storing section 26. Based on this data and the
reproduction signal quality measurement result previously stored in
the RAM, the system control section 16 sets the machine parameter
(s9).
[0103] The system control section 16 then checks if the machine
parameter is specified correctly, and performs OPC (Optimum Power
Control) to determine an optimum laser power. That is to say, based
on the specified machine parameter, the system control section 16
outputs specified signals to the servo circuit 13, the laser power
control circuit 20, the encoder 17, and the strategy circuit 18.
The optical pickup 10 records a test signal in the PCA and
reproduces it. Its return light is output to the reproduction
signal quality detection circuit 24 via the RF amplifier 12 (s10).
The reproduction signal quality detection circuit 24 detects the
reproduction signal quality from the test signal and outputs it to
the system control section 16 (s11). The system control section 16
compares data for the reproduction signal quality output from the
reproduction signal quality detection circuit 24 with the source
disk's reproduction signal quality stored in the RAM (s12). As a
result of the comparison, if there is a problem such as a failure
to obtain almost the same reproduction signal quality, the machine
parameter at step s9 is changed. Steps s9 through s12 are
reexecuted. If there is no problem, the current machine parameter
setting is used to allow the optical disk to record the music data
that is read from the source disk and is stored in the data storage
circuit 25. In other words, the music data is output from the data
storage circuit 25. In addition, specified signals are output to
the servo circuit 13, the laser power control circuit 20, the
encoder 17, and the strategy circuit 18 based on the defined
machine parameter. The optical pickup 10 irradiates a laser beam
corresponding to the music data onto the recordable optical disk to
record the music data (s13). When the music data recording is
complete, the system control section 16 allows the display section
28 to indicate completion of the recording (s14). The process then
terminates. Namely, the inventive method is designed for writing
data originally recorded in a source disk medium with an original
reproduction signal quality, into an object disk medium by means of
an optical recording apparatus. The inventive method comprises the
steps of provisionally storing a relation between a machine
parameter settable to the optical recording apparatus and a
reproduction signal quality of data written by the optical
recording apparatus, measuring the original reproduction signal
quality of the data originally recorded in the source disk medium,
setting a value of the machine parameter of the optical recording
apparatus in matching with the measured original reproduction
signal quality based on the provisionally stored relation between
the machine parameter and the reproduction signal quality, and
writing the data into the object disk medium by means of the
optical recording apparatus with the set machine parameter so as to
secure the reproduction signal quality of the written data
comparable to the original reproduction signal quality.
[0104] The storing section 26 previously stores data such as
machine parameters related to the reproduction signal quality for
data recording. Such parameters include a write strategy, a target
.beta. value for OPC, and the like corresponding to the disk
identification information. Further, with respect to the disk
identification information, it is a better practice to conduct an
experiment and the like to find data representing the relationship
between the signal quality parameter indicating the reproduction
signal quality and the machine parameter associated with the
reproduction signal quality, and store the relationship data in the
storing section 26. Namely, the step of provisionally storing may
comprise storing a plurality of the relations in correspondence to
various types of source disk medium, and an additional step is
conducted for identifying or detecting the type of the source disk
medium to be used for writing of data, so that the step of setting
sets the value of the machine parameter of the optical recording
apparatus in matching with the measured original reproduction
signal quality based on a particular relation between the machine
parameter and the reproduction signal quality, stored in
correspondence to the detected type of the source disk medium. Data
can be recorded with almost the same reproduction signal quality as
for the source disk by adjusting the machine parameter based on the
source disk's reproduction signal quality and the predetermined
relationship.
[0105] The OPC is used to record test data using a plurality of
laser powers, reproduce the test data, check the reproduction
signal quality, and determine an optimum laser power. At this time,
it may be preferable to measure reproduction signal qualities under
a plurality of recording conditions to find the relationship
between a signal quality parameter indicative of the reproduction
signal quality and a machine parameter related to the reproduction
signal quality for the optical disk. Moreover, instead of recording
data by varying the laser power under OPC, it may be preferable to
change the machine parameter such as a write strategy and find the
relationship with a machine parameter related to the reproduction
signal quality. Data can be recorded with almost the same
reproduction signal quality as for the source disk by adjusting the
machine parameter based on the relationship obtained in this manner
and the source disk's reproduction signal quality. Alternatively,
it may be preferable to return to step s9 to verify the adjustment
conditions. Namely, the inventive method is designed for writing
data originally recorded in a source disk medium with an original
reproduction signal quality, into an object disk medium by means of
an optical recording apparatus having a machine parameter. The
inventive method comprises the steps of conducting a provisional
write of test data into the object disk medium by means of the
optical recording apparatus, an analysis of a reproduction signal
quality of the test data written in the object disk medium, and a
determination of a relation between the analyzed reproduction
signal quality and the machine parameter of the optical recording
apparatus used in the provisional write, measuring the original
reproduction signal quality of the data originally recorded in the
source disk medium, setting a value of the machine parameter of the
optical recording apparatus in matching with the measured original
reproduction signal quality based on the determined relation
between the machine parameter and the reproduction signal quality,
and writing the data into the object disk medium by means of the
optical recording apparatus with the set machine parameter so as to
secure the reproduction signal quality of the written data
comparable to the original reproduction signal quality.
[0106] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be
described. According to the second embodiment of the present
invention, a user can specify any value for the signal quality
parameter indicating the reproduction signal quality of a
recordable optical disk on the optical disk recording apparatus.
That is to say, when the optical disk recording apparatus records
music data on an optical disk, the signal quality parameter
indicating the reproduction signal quality is configured to be
definable according to user preferences. An object is to provide an
environment capable of defining the sound quality preferable to the
user. A detailed description follows.
[0107] Signal quality parameters representing the reproduction
signal quality include not only the .beta. value and the asymmetry,
but also an HF modulation factor, HF amplitude, HF reflectance,
average reflectance, crosstalk, jitter, deviation, and effective
length. These signal quality parameters are not completely
independent of each other. Changing one parameter may also change
the other parameters accordingly.
[0108] Machine parameters associated with the reproduction signal
quality for data recording determine the reproduction signal
quality of data that is recorded on an optical disk. For example,
such parameters include a write strategy, laser power irradiated to
an optical disk during data recording, a target .beta. value for
OPC or running OPC, focus balance, tracking balance, and recording
speed.
[0109] When the machine parameters are changed, however, a degree
of changing the signal quality parameters depends on disk types.
Accordingly, when a user changes the machine parameters, it is
difficult to obtain the intended reproduction signal quality.
According to the present invention, the user can specify signal
quality parameters indicating the reproduction signal quality
according to his or her preferences. Based on any specified signal
quality parameter, the apparatus is configured to adjust machine
parameters in accordance with the relationship between the signal
quality parameter indicative of the reproduction signal quality and
the machine parameter related to the reproduction signal quality
for the optical disk.
[0110] Depending on reproduction signal quality parameter values,
data recorded on a recordable optical disk may not be reproduced.
In addition, the intended reproduction signal quality may be
available only outside a specifiable range of the machine
parameters. When the user attempts to select such an improper
reproduction signal quality parameter, it may be preferable to
indicate an alert on the display section or restrict the
specifiable range of the reproduction signal quality parameter
values.
[0111] FIG. 4 shows display examples of setting a signal quality
parameter indicating the reproduction signal quality to be
displayed on the display section. As shown in FIG. 4 (A), it may be
preferable to display a graph on the display section and allow the
user to select a preset value. As shown in FIG. 4 (B), it may be
yet preferable to display a table of signal quality parameter
patterns representing reproduction signal qualities and allow the
user to select a preset value from the table. As shown in FIG. 4
(B), it may be still preferable to display a gauge for the user to
select any value on the display section and allow the user to
select an intended preset value. In this case, changing the preset
.beta. value accordingly changes parameters for the C1 error, the
jitter, and the sound, for example.
[0112] The user can define signal quality parameters indicating the
reproduction signal quality to any values. When recording music
data on an optical disk, for example, the user can set the sound
quality according to his or her preference. It is possible to save
costs and time for selecting conventional optical disk recording
apparatuses and recordable optical disks.
[0113] When a recording apparatus differs from a reproducing
apparatus, the sound quality can be set to match characteristics of
the reproducing apparatus. It is possible to reduce the chances of
such a problem that the recording apparatus provides good signal
quality, whereas the reproducing apparatus reproduces data with
degraded sound quality.
[0114] It is preferable to provide the optical disk recording
apparatus according to the second embodiment with a selection
switch for determining whether the apparatus automatically sets
signal quality parameters indicating the reproduction signal
quality or a user specifies any values for these parameters. When
the apparatus automatically sets the signal quality parameters
indicating the reproduction signal quality, it is necessary to
provide an initial value (default value).
[0115] FIG. 5 exemplifies a flowchart for explaining the second
embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the data
storage circuit 25 already stores data to be recorded on an optical
disk. First, a user operates a selection switch of the operating
section 27 to select a mode that allows the user to set signal
quality parameters indicating the reproduction signal quality. The
user mounts a recordable optical disk on the optical disk recording
apparatus 1 (s31). The system control section 16 automatically
adjusts the servo to determine a type of the mounted recordable
optical disk. Specified signals are output to the servo circuit 13,
the laser power control circuit 20, and the encoder 17. These
signals allow the optical pickup 10 to irradiate a laser beam to
the recordable optical disk. The light receiving element of the
optical pickup 10 receives return light of the laser beam. The
return light is converted into an electric signal that is then
output to the RF amplifier 12. The signal is amplified in the RF
amplifier 12 and is output to the address detection circuit 14. The
address detection circuit 14 detects ATIP information (address
information) that is then output to the system control section 16
(s32). Based on this signal, the system control section 16
determines the optical disk type. The system control section 16
retrieves data patterns of signal quality parameters indicating the
reproduction signal quality from the storing section 26. This data
is converted into, e.g., a table and is displayed on the display
section 28 (s33). The user operates the operating section 27 to
select an intended value for the signal quality parameter from the
table displayed on the display section 28 and enter the value
(s34). Based on the selected signal quality parameter value, the
system control section 16 adjusts machine parameters related to the
reproduction signal quality (s35). It may be preferable to adjust
the machine parameters based on the relationship between the signal
quality parameter (stored in the storing section 26) indicating the
reproduction signal quality of the optical disk and the machine
parameter related to the reproduction signal quality and based on
any specified signal quality parameter. Alternatively, during the
OPC to be described later, it may be also preferable to adjust the
machine parameters based on the relationship between the signal
quality parameter indicating the reproduction signal quality of the
optical disk and the machine parameter related to the reproduction
signal quality and based on any specified signal quality
parameter.
[0116] In order to perform the OPC, specified signals are output to
the servo circuit 13, the laser power control circuit 20, and the
encoder 17 for test recording. When a test-recorded position is
reproduced, the corresponding return light is received by the light
receiving element of the optical pickup. 10 and is converted into
an electric signal. The RF amplifier 12 amplifies the signal and
outputs it to the reproduction signal quality detection circuit 24
(s36). The system control section 16 sets optimum laser power based
on the signal output from the reproduction signal quality detection
circuit 24 and the like. The system control section 16 allows the
data storage circuit 25 to output data to be recorded on the
recordable optical disk (s37). The optical pickup 10 irradiates
this data as a laser beam via the encoder 17, the strategy circuit
18, and the laser driver 19 and records the data on the optical
disk (s38). When the data recording is complete, the optical disk
recording apparatus 1 uses the display section 28 to indicate
completion of the data recording and terminates the process (s39).
Namely, the inventive optical recording apparatus is designed for
writing data into an optical disk medium and is operable under a
quality parameter representing a reproduction signal quality of the
written data. The inventive optical recording apparatus comprises
an input section that inputs a desired value of the quality
parameter, a setting section that sets the inputted value into the
quality parameter, and a writing section that writes data into the
object disk medium under the set quality parameter to thereby
secure a desired level of the reproduction signal quality of the
written data in accordance with the inputted value of the quality
parameter. Preferably, the inventive optical recording apparatus
further comprises a selecting section for selecting either of an
automatic mode and a manual mode, such that the setting section
operates when the automatic mode is selected for automatically sets
a default value into the quality parameter and operates when the
manual mode is selected for sets the inputted value into the
quality parameter.
[0117] A third embodiment of the present invention will now be
described. According to the third embodiment of the present
invention, the optical disk recording apparatus automatically sets
signal quality parameters indicating the reproduction signal
quality in accordance with types and formats of data to be recorded
such as CD-DA (audio data) and CD-ROM MODE-1 (personal computer
data) In other words, the optical disk recording apparatus selects
the setting appropriate to each data type. In accordance with the
setting, the apparatus adjusts and configures machine parameters to
record data on a recordable optical disk. When the optical disk
recording apparatus records data on an optical disk, the embodiment
provides an environment capable of setting patterns of signal
quality parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality
corresponding to the data to be recorded.
[0118] A more detailed description follows. According to the third
embodiment, the system control section 16 determines a type of
recording data when the optical disk recording apparatus reads data
recorded on a source optical disk or when recording data is
transmitted to the data storage circuit from the outside. Based on
a determination result, the system control section 16 sets signal
quality parameters indicating the reproduction signal quality. When
computer data is to be recorded, for example, the apparatus
automatically sets parameters concerning the reproduction signal
quality so that no error occurs during reproduction of the data.
When music data is to be recorded, the apparatus automatically sets
parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality so that the
sound quality becomes optimum. According to the setting, the
apparatus automatically adjusts and configures machine parameters
and records the data on a recordable optical disk. It may be
preferable to previously store relationship between the
reproduction signal quality and a machine parameter for directly
and automatically setting the machine parameter. In this manner, a
user need not be aware of types of data to be recorded because the
optical disk recording apparatus automatically determines the data
types. This is especially useful for beginners.
[0119] When computer data is to be recorded, it is preferable to
pay attention to a C1 error value as the signal quality parameter
indicating the reproduction signal quality. FIG. 6(A) shows
relationship between C1 error and .beta. values when data is
recorded on an optical disk. The relationship between C1 error and
.beta. values is represented by a quadratic curve. The recording
apparatus parameter should be set so that a C1 error value becomes
the bottom value of the quadratic curve. When music data is to be
recorded, it is preferable to pay attention to a jitter value. FIG.
6(B) shows relationship between jitter and a laser power. The
recording apparatus parameter should be set so that a jitter value
becomes the bottom value of the quadratic curve.
[0120] For music data, it may be preferable to pay attention to the
HF modulation factor (I3/I11) and find a point that yields a large
value for the HF modulation factor. Further, it may be also
preferable to adjust the machine parameter so as to extend a short
pit (especially 3T) by adjusting the write strategy.
[0121] When music data is to be recorded on an optical disk, some
users may be indifferent to the sound quality and may attach
greater importance to the fact that data needs to be reliably
recorded on an optical disk without errors. In such a case, it may
be preferable to use signal quality parameters concerning the
reproduction signal quality for computer data though music data is
to be recorded on an optical disk. Consequently, a user can select
patterns of signal quality parameters concerning the reproduction
signal quality such as an audio-oriented pattern, computer-data
oriented pattern, and the like in compliance with data.
[0122] FIG. 7 is an example of setting signal quality parameters
indicating the reproduction signal quality corresponding to data
types. In consideration of the above-mentioned parameters, it may
be preferable to display signal quality parameters such as .beta.
values indicating the reproduction signal quality in accordance
with data types and optical disk types as shown in FIG. 7. Further,
it may be preferable to display machine parameters such as write
strategies.
[0123] FIG. 8 exemplifies a flowchart for explaining the third
embodiment of the present invention. It is assumed that the data
storage circuit 25 already stores data to be recorded on an optical
disk. First, the user mounts a recordable optical disk on the
optical disk recording apparatus 1 (s51). The system control
section 16 outputs specified signals to the servo circuit 13, the
laser power control circuit 20, and the encoder 17 in order to
determine a type of the mounted recordable optical disk. These
signals allow the optical pickup 10 to irradiate a laser beam to
the recordable optical disk. The light receiving element of the
optical pickup receives return light of the laser beam. The return
light is converted into an electric signal that is then output to
the RF amplifier 12. The signal is amplified in the RF amplifier 12
and is output to the address detection circuit 14. The address
detection circuit 14 detects ATIP information (address information)
that is then output to the system control section 16 (s52).
[0124] Using the selection switch of the operating section 27, the
user selects whether the apparatus automatically sets or the user
specifies signal quality parameter patterns concerning the
reproduction signal quality in accordance with data to be recorded
(s53). When parameters are specified automatically, the system
control section 16 retrieves a signal quality parameter concerning
the reproduction signal quality from the storing section 26 based
on data types and disk types stored in the data storage circuit 25
(s54). Based on the selected parameter value, the system control
section 16 automatically sets the parameter value. Alternatively,
the system control section 16 retrieves a signal quality parameter
and a machine parameter concerning the reproduction signal quality
and automatically sets the parameters (s55). In order to perform
the OPC, specified signals are output to the servo circuit 13, the
laser power control circuit 20, and the encoder 17. These signals
allow the optical pickup 10 to irradiate a laser beam to the
recordable optical disk for test recording. The test-recorded
position is reproduced. The light receiving element of the optical
pickup 10 receives return light from the test-recorded position.
The return light is converted into an electric signal that is then
output to the RF amplifier 12 (s56). The RF amplifier 12 outputs
the amplified signal to the reproduction signal quality detection
circuit 24. The control section 16 sets optimum laser power based
on the signal output from the reproduction signal quality detection
circuit 24 and the like (s57). The system control section 16 allows
the data storage circuit 25 to output data to be recorded on the
recordable optical disk. The optical pickup 10 irradiates this data
as a laser beam via the encoder 17, the strategy circuit 18, and
the laser driver 19 and records the data on the optical disk (s58).
When the data recording is complete, the optical disk recording
apparatus 1 uses the display section 28 to indicate completion of
the data recording and terminates the process (s59).
[0125] When the user specifies parameters, the apparatus uses a
setting of signal quality parameters concerning the reproduction
signal quality appropriate to each data type. This setting is
converted into a table and is displayed on the display section 28.
At this time, machine parameters may be displayed. Using the
operating section 27, the user selects the setting of signal
quality parameters indicating the reproduction signal quality
appropriate to an intended data type (s60). Based on this
selection, the system control section 16 sets a machine parameter
indicating the signal quality (s61) and performs the process at
step s56 and later. Namely, the inventive method is designed for
recording data of various types in an optical disk medium with a
given reproduction signal quality by means of an optical recording
apparatus having a machine parameter relating to the reproduction
signal quality of the data. The inventive method comprises the
steps of obtaining information specifying a type of the data to be
recorded in the optical recording apparatus, changing a value of
the machine parameter of the optical recording apparatus in
accordance with the specified type of the data, and writing the
data into the optical disk medium by means of the optical recording
apparatus so that the reproduction signal quality of the written
data is made in conformity with the specified type of the data. For
example, the step of obtaining information comprises obtaining the
information specifying either of a first type composed of music
data and a second type composed of computer data, so that the
changing step changes a value of the machine parameter of the
optical recording apparatus between the first type composed of
music data and the second type composed of computer data.
[0126] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be
described. According to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention, the apparatus records data by setting machine parameters
concerning the reproduction signal quality so that the signal
quality varies, i.e., changes or fluctuates during
reproduction.
[0127] A more detailed description follows. It is preferable that
the signal quality varies at a constant frequency so that the
signal quality is subject to a change or fluctuation (variation).
Further, data may be recorded so that the signal quality varies at
a random frequency. Moreover, it may be preferable to irregularly
vary the signal quality by setting the center frequency.
[0128] To cause a change or fluctuation in the signal quality
during reproduction, it may be preferable to vary a recording
power, for example. It may be also preferable to vary a write
strategy. Further, it may be preferable to vary a focus
balance.
[0129] When the above-mentioned method is used to cause a change of
fluctuation in the signal quality during reproduction, however, a
signal may be actually accompanied by an undesirable fluctuation
component due to a wobble, disk eccentricity, disk surface
vibration, and the like. To solve this, the following method can be
used to vary machine parameters and enable the intended fluctuation
by canceling an undesirable fluctuation component.
[0130] The method according to the embodiment sets a parameter to
cancel an undesirable fluctuation component. FIG. 9 is a graph
showing waveforms of a fluctuation component and a parameter for
canceling it. As shown in FIG. 9, the recording power is specified
as a machine parameter so as to correspond to an absolute value of
the disk eccentricity frequency. This can cancel a fluctuation
caused by the disk eccentricity.
[0131] It is possible to add a fluctuation component having an
intended frequency to recording data by supplying a signal with any
frequency as a base frequency. For example, it is preferable to add
the frequency (approximately 10 Hz) of an .alpha. wave component,
i.e., a type of human brain waves. Human brain waves include
.alpha., .beta., .gamma. wave components and the like. It is known
that increasing .alpha. wave components relaxes a human being. When
a person listens to the music that fluctuates at the frequency
(approximately 10 Hz) of .alpha. wave components, it is said that
.alpha. wave components increase in the brain wave in
synchronization with that frequency. When music data is recorded on
an optical disk with fluctuation at the frequency (approximately 10
Hz) of .alpha. wave components, it is expected to provide an effect
of relaxing a person who listens to the reproduced music data.
[0132] When music data is recorded, new audibility or spiritual
effects can be provided by generating a change or fluctuation in
the reproduction signal quality during reproduction. Namely, the
inventive method is designed for recording data in an optical disk
medium with a certain reproduction signal quality by means of an
optical recording apparatus operative according to a parameter
relating to the reproduction signal quality of the data. The
inventive method comprises the steps of setting the optical
recording apparatus such as to vary a value of the parameter along
a time during operation of the optical recording apparatus, and
writing the data into the optical disk medium by means of the
optical recording apparatus so that the reproduction signal quality
of the written data is made variable along a time according to the
setting of the optical recording apparatus. Preferably, the step of
setting comprises setting the optical recording apparatus such as
to periodically vary a value of the parameter along a time, so that
the reproduction signal quality of the written data periodically
varies at a given period along a time according to the setting of
the optical recording apparatus. For example, the step of setting
comprises setting the optical recording apparatus such as to
periodically vary a value of the parameter, so that the
reproduction signal quality of the written data periodically varies
to cancel a periodical fluctuation of the reproduction signal
quality inherent to the optical recording apparatus.
[0133] Referring now to a flowchart, the following describes
operations of the optical disk recording apparatus according to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart
for explaining the fourth embodiment of the present invention. It
is assumed that the data storage circuit 25 already stores data to
be recorded on an optical disk. Further, it is assumed that the
storing section 26 stores settings of frequency components supplied
to recording data. First, a user operates a switch of the operating
section 27 to select a type of frequency components supplied to
recording data (s71). The user then mounts a recordable optical
disk on the optical disk recording apparatus 1 (s72). The system
control section 16 reads a pattern of frequency components from the
storing section 26 in accordance with the selected type of
frequency components. In addition, the system control section 16
reads data to be recorded on the optical disk from the data storage
circuit 25 (s73). The system control section 16 sets a machine
parameter so that the reproduction signal quality of the data
fluctuates in response to the specified frequency component (s74).
Then, the system control section 16 outputs specified signals to
the servo circuit 13, the laser power control circuit 20, the
encoder 17, and the strategy circuit 18. The system control section
16 controls the optical pickup 10 to irradiate a laser beam to the
optical disk for data recording (s75). When the data recording is
complete, the system control section 16 allows the display section
28 to indicate completion of the data recording (s76) and
terminates the process.
[0134] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be
described. According to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention, data is automatically recorded at an optimum recording
speed in accordance with the optical disk's reproduction signal
quality and the data to be recorded. A more detailed description
follows.
[0135] There may be a case where an attempt is made to record data
on an optical disk by inadvertently setting a recording speed
incompatible with the optical disk. In such a case, as mentioned
above, a conventional optical disk recording apparatus has a
function of automatically adjusting to a maximum recordable speed
correspondingly to the optical disk. Even if this function is used
to record data, however, the best reproduction signal quality is
not always ensured. Of course, when music data is recorded, the
best sound quality does not necessarily result.
[0136] The fifth embodiment of the present invention records data
at an optimum speed corresponding to an optical disk. When music
data is recorded on an optical disk, good sound quality can be
obtained. Further, an optimum recording speed can be used in
accordance with types of data to be recorded.
[0137] The storing section 26 beforehand stores a recording speed
most appropriate to the optical disk and the type of data to be
recorded. When data is recorded on the optical disk, the apparatus
identifies types of that optical disk and data to be recorded. From
the storing section 26, the apparatus reads information about an
optimum recording speed according to an identification result.
[0138] The following describes operations of the optical disk
recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 11 exemplifies a flowchart for explaining
the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0139] It is assumed that the data storage circuit 25 already
stores data to be recorded on an optical disk. The user mounts a
recordable optical disk (s81). The system control section 16
automatically adjusts the servo and reads the ATIP information
about the recordable optical disk to identify the type of the
recordable optical disk (s82). From the storing section 26, the
system control section 16 reads information about the optical disk
and an optimum recording speed for the data to be recorded. The
system control section 16 then automatically selects the optimum
recording speed corresponding to the types of the recordable
optical disk and the data to be recorded (s83). The data is
recorded on the recordable optical disk at the selected recording
speed (s84). When the data recording is complete, the system
control section 16 allows the display section 28 to indicate
completion of the data recording (s85) and terminates the process.
The inventive method is designed for recording data of various
types into an optical disk medium with a certain reproduction
signal quality by means of an optical recording apparatus at a
certain recording speed. Namely, the inventive method comprises the
steps of providing a relation between a level of the reproduction
signal quality and a value of the recording speed with respect to
the various types of data, setting a value of the recording speed
based on the provided relation in accordance with a type of the
data to be recorded, and recording the data into the optical disk
medium by means of the optical recording apparatus at the set
recording speed to thereby secure an optimum level of the
reproduction signal quality for the type of the data. Preferably,
the step of providing comprises providing a plurality of relations
between a level of the reproduction signal quality and a value of
the recording speed in correspondence to various types of optical
disk medium, the method further comprising the step of detecting
the type of the optical disk medium to be used for writing of data,
so that the step of setting sets a value of the recording speed
based on a particular relation corresponding to the detected type
of the optical disk medium.
[0140] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be
described. According to the sixth embodiment of the present
invention, a user is notified of the reproduction signal quality of
the data and an estimated reproduction signal quality of the data
when recorded on a recordable optical disk before data recording. A
more detailed description follows.
[0141] A user may want to know the reproduction signal quality of
data that is to be recorded on a copy destination optical disk. In
such a case, the user can reduce his or her labors and costs if he
or she can be provided with information such as an estimated
reproduction signal quality of data to be recorded without
purchasing optical disks (media).
[0142] The optical disk recording apparatus according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention allows the storing section 26
to store signal quality parameters concerning the reproduction
signal quality of the optical disk, apparatus storage parameters,
and the relationship between parameters. These parameters and
relationship are found by previously conducting experiments and the
like. When data is recorded on the optical disk, the display
section 28 displays the signal quality parameters concerning the
reproduction signal quality stored in the storing section 26.
Consequently, the user can use the operating section 27 to select a
signal quality parameter concerning the reproduction signal quality
or the corresponding parameter value presented on the display
section 28. When the user operates the operating section 27 to
select a given signal quality parameter or its value, the system
control section 16 enables the setting result and the machine
parameter value stored in the storing section 26. The system
control section 16 outputs specified signals to the servo circuit
13, the laser power control circuit 20, the encoder 17, and the
strategy circuit 18. Then, the system control section 16 allows the
optical pickup 10 to irradiate a laser beam to record the data on
the recordable optical disk mounted on the spindle motor. Namely,
the inventive optical recording apparatus comprises a writing
section capable of writing data into an optical disk of various
types under a given machine parameter relating to a reproduction
signal quality of the written data, a storing section that stores a
relation between the machine parameter and the reproduction signal
quality, a detecting section that detects a type of the optical
disk medium to be used for writing of data, an estimating section
operable before the writing of the data for estimating the
reproduction signal quality based on the stored relation between
the machine parameter and the reproduction signal quality and the
detected type of the optical disk medium, and a display section
that displays the estimated reproduction signal quality which will
be expected when the data is actually written into the optical disk
medium of the detected type.
[0143] As mentioned above, since there is provided information
about an estimated reproduction signal quality of the recorded
data, the user can beforehand understand the estimated reproduction
signal quality of the data to be recorded on the optical disk.
Accordingly, it becomes unnecessary to find an undesirable
reproduction signal quality after recording and re-record data on
another medium, or to purchase a plurality of media for selecting a
proper medium capable of recording music data with good sound
quality, as conventionally practiced. That is to say, the present
invention is very profitable to users.
[0144] FIG. 12 exemplifies estimated reproduction signal qualities
of optical disks to be indicated on the display section of the
optical disk recording apparatus. As shown in FIG. 12 (A), for
example, a table may be used to provide users with estimated
reproduction signal qualities corresponding to recording speeds. As
shown in FIG. 12 (B), a graph may be used to indicate estimated
reproduction signal qualities by presenting relationship between a
.beta. value and a jitter using a recording speed as the
parameter.
[0145] A computer equipped with an optical disk drive can provide
the optical disk recording apparatus 1 operating as mentioned above
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. That is
to say, an MPU and its peripheral circuits composing the computer
can provide the address detection circuit 14 and the system control
section 16 as identification means for identifying recordable
optical disk types. Further, memory, RAM, and ROM composing the
computer can provide the storing section 26 as a storage means for
storing an estimated reproduction signal quality when data is
recorded on a recordable optical disk. In addition, a monitor
composing the computer can provide the display section 28 as a
display means for displaying an estimated reproduction signal
quality of the recordable optical disk. In such a case, a computer
program is provided for use in the optical recording apparatus
having a CPU and being capable of writing data into an optical disk
of various types under a given machine parameter relating to a
reproduction signal quality of the written data, wherein the
computer program is executable by the CPU for causing the optical
recording apparatus to perform a process comprising the steps of
storing a relation between the machine parameter and the
reproduction signal quality, detecting a type of the optical disk
medium to be used for writing of data, estimating the reproduction
signal quality based on the stored relation between the machine
parameter and the reproduction signal quality and the detected type
of the optical disk medium before the writing of the data, and
displaying the estimated reproduction signal quality which will be
expected when the data is actually written into the optical disk
medium of the detected type.
[0146] As an estimated reproduction signal quality, it may be
preferable to use a result of determining the reproduction signal
quality of test write data for the OPC. Namely, the inventive
optical recording apparatus may comprise a writing section capable
of writing data into an optical disk of various types with a
certain reproduction signal quality of the written data, a test
section that enables the writing section to conduct provisional
writing of test data into the optical disk medium and that measures
a reproduction signal quality of the written test data, a detecting
section that detects a type of the optical disk medium subjected to
the provisional writing of the test data, an estimating section
operable before the writing of the data for estimating the
reproduction signal quality based on the measured reproduction
signal quality of the test data and the detected type of the
optical disk medium, and a display section that displays the
estimated reproduction signal quality which will be expected when
the data is actually written into the detected type of the optical
disk medium.
[0147] It is a good practice to previously store the computer
program for operating the above-mentioned parts in the storing
section 26 and read and execute the program in response to a user
action on the operating section 27.
[0148] When a new recordable optical disk has come to market, a
user may want to obtain up-to-date information about that optical
disk. In such a case, it may be preferable to use a communication
means (not shown) and update the firmware via the Internet.
[0149] A seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be
described. The optical disk recording apparatus according to the
seventh embodiment of the present invention uses the storing
section to store signal quality parameters for the reproduction
signal quality for data that was recorded in the past. When
recording data on an optical disk, a user can call the past data
and record it.
[0150] A more detailed description follows. For example, a user
himself or herself adjusted the data record setting in the past and
successfully recorded music data on an optical disk "a" with very
satisfactory sound quality. The user may want to record music data
on the optical disk "a" with the same setting. In other words, the
user may want to change a copy origin disk depending on data to be
recorded and the reproduction signal quality. Further, the use may
want to perform a conditional search using a specified reproduction
signal quality value and set signal quality parameters concerning
the reproduction signal quality based on a search result. In these
cases, if the user can get information about signal quality
parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality for data
recording on optical disks in the past, the user can easily set
signal quality parameters concerning the reproduction signal
quality and record data on a recordable optical disk.
[0151] The optical disk recording apparatus according to the
seventh embodiment of the present invention uses the storing
section 26 to store signal quality parameters concerning the
reproduction signal quality that were specified during data
recording on optical disks in the past. When data is to be recorded
on another optical disk, the apparatus uses the display section 28
to display the signal quality parameters concerning the
reproduction signal quality stored in the storing section 26. A
user can operate the operating section 27 to choose from the signal
quality parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality
displayed on the display section 28. When the user operates the
operating section 27 to select a given parameter, the system
control section 16 sets the selected parameter to a value of the
signal quality parameter concerning the reproduction signal quality
stored in the storing section 26. The system control section 16
outputs specified signals to the servo circuit 13, the laser power
control circuit 20, the encoder 17, and the strategy circuit 18.
The system control section 16 allows the optical pickup 10 to
irradiate an laser beam to record data on a recordable optical disk
mounted on the spindle motor. Namely, the inventive optical
recording apparatus is designed for recording data into an optical
disk medium with a certain reproduction signal quality. The
inventive optical recording apparatus comprises a storing section
that stores a plurality of quality parameters which have been used
for recording data in the past, and which represent the
reproduction signal qualities of the data recorded in the past, a
display section that displays the stored quality parameters, a
selecting section that selects one of the displayed quality
parameters, a setting section that sets a machine parameter
relating to the reproduction signal quality in accordance with the
selected quality parameter, and a writing section operable under
the set machine parameter for recording the data into the optical
disk medium.
[0152] As mentioned above, there is provided information about
signal quality parameters concerning the reproduction signal
quality recorded in the past. Without this function, the user needs
to take a note about how he or she set signal quality parameters
concerning the reproduction signal quality. When recording data
again with the same setting, the user needs to review the memo. The
present invention eliminates the need for such complicated
works.
[0153] When the optical disk recording apparatus needs to store the
setting of signal quality parameters concerning the reproduction
signal quality, the display section of the apparatus displays
whether or not to reserve that setting after completion of the data
recording. The user can follow an instruction and enter, e.g., the
contents of a memorandum by operating the selecting section. Before
recording data on an optical disk, it may be preferable to operate
the selecting section to call an intended setting of signal quality
parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality stored in the
optical disk recording apparatus.
[0154] A computer equipped with an optical disk drive can provide
the optical disk recording apparatus 1 operating as mentioned above
according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
Further, memory, RAM, and ROM composing the computer can provide
the storing section 26 as a storage means for storing signal
quality parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality
specified for data recording on optical disks in the past. In
addition, a monitor composing the computer can provide the display
section 28 as a display means for displaying signal quality
parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality stored in the
storing section 26. A keyboard and a mouse can provide the
operating section 27 as an operation means for selecting signal
quality parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality
displayed on the display section 28. An MPU and its peripheral
circuits composing the computer can provide the system control
section 16 as a reproduction signal quality adjustment means for
supplying values stored in the storing section 26 to signal quality
parameters concerning the reproduction signal quality.
[0155] In the above case, a computer program is designed for use in
the optical recording apparatus having a CPU for recording data
into an optical disk medium with a certain reproduction signal
quality, wherein the computer program is executable by the CPU for
causing the optical recording apparatus to perform a process
comprising the steps of storing quality parameters which were used
for recording data in the past and which represent the reproduction
signal qualities of the data recorded in the past, displaying the
stored quality parameters, selecting one of the displayed quality
parameters, setting a machine parameter relating to the
reproduction signal quality in accordance with the selected quality
parameter, and recording the data into the optical disk medium
under the set machine parameter. It is a good practice to
previously store the computer program for operating the
above-mentioned parts in the storing section 26 and read and
execute the program in response to a user action on the operating
section 27.
[0156] In the above-mentioned embodiments, it may be preferable to
provide setting data for each optical disk (medium) type or
recording speed type.
[0157] The present invention is applicable not only to the CLV and
CAV systems, but also to the partial CAV system and the other
recording systems.
[0158] The present invention can reproduce music data with almost
the same sound quality as that for a source optical disk without
causing a conventional problem of reproducing a different sound
quality due to a different reproduction signal quality. It is
possible to easily adjust the reproduction signal quality just by
setting signal quality parameters concerning reproduction signal
quality. Further, a reproduction signal quality can be configured
to any value and users can obtain data with an intended
reproduction signal quality. In addition, it is possible to provide
high-quality recording data corresponding to data types.
[0159] When original data is music data, the sound quality can be
configured to differ from that of the original data, making new
audibility available. Further, data can be optimally recorded in
accordance with types of data to be recorded. In addition, it is
possible to grasp the reproduction signal quality of data recorded
on an optical disk and an estimated reproduction signal quality of
data to be recorded on a recordable optical disk. Accordingly,
depending on the reproduction signal quality, a better reproduction
signal quality can be obtained by replacing the optical disk with a
different one. When the reproduction signal quality was configured
during data recording on optical disks, that quality can be read
and reused for easily recording data on a recordable optical
disk.
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