U.S. patent application number 12/293946 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-24 for information recording medium, information recording device and method, information reproducing device and method, and computer program.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pioneer Corporation. Invention is credited to Tsuyoshi Hasebe, Masahiro Kato, Eisaku Kawano, Eiji Muramatsu, Akira Shimizu, Shoji Taniguchi, Masayoshi Yoshida.
Application Number | 20090317058 12/293946 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38541176 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090317058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shimizu; Akira ; et
al. |
December 24, 2009 |
INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM, INFORMATION RECORDING DEVICE AND
METHOD, INFORMATION REPRODUCING DEVICE AND METHOD, AND COMPUTER
PROGRAM
Abstract
An optical disc (100) is provided with a recording region where
prescribed clock information (WBL) is preformatted for recording.
The clock information is (i) included in a first frequency band
that is definable by a first reference frequency (Fstd) (that is
impossible for a conventional reproducing device to detect by a
detecting method based on a self-correlation) and is (ii) defined
by a frequency that is integer times the first frequency.
Inventors: |
Shimizu; Akira; (Saitama,
JP) ; Yoshida; Masayoshi; (Saitama, JP) ;
Hasebe; Tsuyoshi; (Saitama, JP) ; Kato; Masahiro;
(Saitama, JP) ; Kawano; Eisaku; (Saitama, JP)
; Taniguchi; Shoji; (Saitama, JP) ; Muramatsu;
Eiji; (Saitama, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
209 Madison Street, Suite 500
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Pioneer Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
38541176 |
Appl. No.: |
12/293946 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
March 23, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2007/056050 |
371 Date: |
September 22, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
386/252 ;
369/275.4; 386/259; 386/260; 386/E5.003; G9B/7.139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 2220/2566 20130101;
G11B 20/1262 20130101; G11B 7/0053 20130101; G11B 20/00086
20130101; G11B 2220/216 20130101; G11B 20/00449 20130101; G11B
7/00736 20130101; G11B 7/00745 20130101; G11B 7/24082 20130101;
G11B 27/3027 20130101; G11B 20/1403 20130101; G11B 20/1217
20130101; G11B 20/0021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/94 ;
369/275.4; G9B/7.139; 386/E05.003 |
International
Class: |
G11B 7/24 20060101
G11B007/24; H04N 5/91 20060101 H04N005/91 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 24, 2006 |
JP |
2006-083513 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. An information recording medium for being able to record data
by additional writing or re-writing and in which wobbled groove
track is formed, wherein key information is pre-recorded on the
groove track, the key information is for encrypting the record data
on the basis of the CSS (Content Scrambling System) encryption
method, all of the groove track are wobbled by a frequency which is
"2n" times (wherein "n" is an integer number) a wobble frequency of
a track defined by the DVD-R standard or the DVD-RW standard, in
order to prevent a reproducing apparatus from judging this
information recording medium to be a disk defined by the DVD-R
standard or the DVD-RW standard.
20. The information recording medium according to claim 19, wherein
the groove track has one kind of wobble frequency among 2 times, 10
times, 12 times and 14 times of the wobble frequency of a track
defined by the DVD-R standard or the DVD-RW standard.
21. An information recording apparatus comprising: a recording
device for recording record data onto an information recording
medium; a reading device for reading a management information
recorded in a predetermined position of the information recording
medium; a detecting device for detecting a ratio of a wobble
frequency of a groove track pre-formatted on the information
recording medium to a wobble frequency of a track defined by the
DVD-R standard or the DVD-RW standard, on the basis of the read
management information; a generation device for generating a clock
information for making said recording device record the record
data, from the groove track; a frequency dividing device for
dividing the generated clock information on the basis of the
ratio.
22. The information recording apparatus according to claim 21,
wherein address information is pre-formatted on the groove track of
the information recording medium as Land Pre-Pit, and said reading
device reads the address information from the Land Pre-Pit, on the
basis of the divided clock information.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an information recording
medium, such as an optical disc, on which recording and
reproduction can be performed by irradiating it with laser light,
such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray Disc), and a
CD (Compact Disc), a recording apparatus and method and a
reproducing apparatus and method for the information recording
medium, and a computer program.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The conventional recording-type information recording medium
(recording-type media) is designed as follows. That is, in the
recording-type information recording medium, firstly, contents such
as movie contents which allow free copy that does not need
copyright protection, so-called copy-free contents are recorded on
the basis of e.g. a DVD-Video format, and a finalize process can be
performed. In addition, on the recording-type information recording
medium on which the finalize process has been performed,
reproduction can be performed while retaining reproduction
compatibility by a conventional reproducing apparatus, such as a
DVD player.
[0003] On the other hand, in the DVD-Video format, the copyright
protection is realized by an encryption system, such as a CSS
(Content Scramble System). Specifically, if the contents whose
copyright is protected by the CSS are recorded onto the
recording-type information recording medium, the reproduction of
the contents is not allowed by a reproduction restriction system
for protecting the copyright of the contents held by the
reproducing apparatus, and the reproduction of the contents is
prohibited without exception. In other words, in general, the
conventional reproducing apparatus recognizes that the contents
whose copyright is protected by the CSS are basically recorded in
advance only on a read-only information recording medium, such as a
DVD-ROM. Thus, the conventional reproducing apparatus judges that
the contents are illegally copied in violation of the DVD-Video
format if the contents whose copyright is protected by the CSS are
recorded on the recording-type information recording medium. Then,
the reproduction of the contents is not allowed by the reproduction
restriction system, and the reproduction of the contents is
prohibited without exception. In addition, the judgment of whether
or not to be the recording-type information recording medium is
based on whether or not a signal is detected from wobble
(hereinafter referred to as a "wobble signal" as occasion demands)
unique to the recording-type information recording medium.
[0004] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, under the encryption
system, such as a CSS, the contents are encrypted and decrypted in
the following procedure. The contents, such as video and audio, are
firstly MPEG-coded by an authoring company. Then, the MPEG-coded
contents are encrypted by a title key (i.e. encryption 1) by a disc
manufacturer, and are recorded onto the information recording
medium, such as a DVD Video disc, as encrypted contents (refer to a
right-shaded portion in FIG. 17). Then, the title key is encrypted
by a disc key (i.e. encryption 2) by a copyright manager (e.g. DVD
CCA) and is recorded onto the information recording medium as an
encryption title key. In substantially the same manner, the disc
key is also encrypted by a master key set (encryption 3) by the
copyright manager and is recorded onto the information recording
medium as an encryption disc key set.
[0005] On the other hand, a general information
recording/reproducing apparatus, such as the reproducing apparatus,
generates the disc key by decrypting the encryption disc key set
(i.e. decryption 1), which is recorded on the information recording
medium, such as a DVD Video disc. The generated disc key allows the
encryption title key to be decrypted (i.e. decryption 2) and the
title key to be generated. Lastly, the generated title key allows
the encrypted contents to be decrypted (i.e. decryption 3), the
contents, such as video and audio, to be generated, and the
contents to be reproduced.
Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open NO.
2004-55079 Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open
NO. 2001-307427 Patent document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid
Open NO. 2001-357001 Patent document 4: Japanese Patent Application
Laid Open NO. 2000-311346
[0006] Non-patent document 1: "Protection of Contents on DVD",
Toshiba Review, Vol. 58, No 6 (2003).
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Subject to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] However, under the encryption system about the copyright
protection, such as a CSS, described above, if a content supplier
(content holder) that owns the copyright uses the recording-type
information recording medium and tries to supply a general user
with the contents whose copyright is protected through a legal
procedure about the copyright protection, the following technical
problem will occur. That is, there is such a technical problem that
regardless of the contents recorded on the recording-type
information recording medium through the legal procedure about the
copyright protection, a general user is not allowed to reproduce
the contents by the reproduction restriction system held by the
conventional reproducing apparatus (or general information
recording/reproducing apparatus), and the reproduction of the
contents is prohibited without exception.
[0008] In view of the aforementioned problems, it is therefore an
object of the present invention to provide an information recording
medium, an information recording apparatus and method, and an
information reproducing apparatus and method, which can realize
both the copyright protection of record data, such as contents, and
the retention of reproduction compatibility on a recording-type
information recording medium, and a computer program which makes a
computer function as the information recording apparatus and the
information reproducing apparatus
Means for Solving the Subject
(Information Recording Medium)
[0009] Hereinafter, the information recording medium of the present
invention will be explained.
[0010] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by
an information recording medium provided with a recording area in
which predetermined clock information (wobble or WBL) is
pre-formatted, for reproduction of record data, (i) the
predetermined clock information being included in a first frequency
band defined by a first reference frequency (Fstd: DVD-R/RW) (which
cannot be detected in a detection method based on an self
correlation (or autocorrelation) by a conventional reproducing
apparatus), (ii) the predetermined clock information being defined
by a frequency that is an integral multiple of the first reference
frequency.
[0011] According to the information recording medium of the present
invention, in the recording area provided for the information
recording medium, (i) the predetermined clock information included
in the first frequency band which can be defined by the first
reference frequency (Fstd: DVD-R/RW) is pre-formatted. Here, the
"first reference frequency" of the present invention is a frequency
which is a reference, such as a frequency of clock information
(wobble) pre-formatted on the conventional recording-type optical
disc, such as a DVD-R and a DVD-RW. Moreover, the "first frequency
band" of the present invention means a frequency band that is not
detected as the first reference frequency by the conventional
reproducing apparatus for judging whether or not the frequency of
the clock information can be detected (or identified) as the first
reference frequency (Fstd) on the basis of the self-correlation (or
autocorrelation) described later. In particular, the first
frequency band may be one continuous frequency band, or may be a
plurality of discrete frequency bands.
[0012] As a result, for example, a reproduction setting area is
included in the recording area, wherein the reproduction setting
area is firstly accessed in reproducing the record data and it is
to identify whether or not to be the recording media in order to
judge whether or not to allow the reproduction of the record data.
Therefore, since the predetermined. clock information that cannot
be detected by the conventional reproducing apparatus (or general
information recording/reproducing apparatus) is pre-formatted in
the recording area including the reproduction setting area, the
general information recording/reproducing apparatus cannot
distinguish between the information recording medium of the present
invention and a general read-only information recording medium,
such as a DVD-ROM, in a reproduction process in the recording area.
As a result, the conventional reproducing apparatus can perform the
reproduction process on the information recording medium of the
present invention, as in the general read-only information
recording medium.
[0013] Moreover, in the recording area provided for the information
recording medium, (ii) the predetermined clock information (wobble)
defined by the frequency that is an integral multiple of the first
reference frequency (Fstd: DVD-R/RW) is pre-formatted.
[0014] As a result, the frequency of the predetermined clock
information (wobble) is an integral multiple of the first reference
frequency (Fstd: DVD-R/RW). Thus, it is possible to pre-format
address information (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined
address information" as occasion demands), which cannot be detected
by the conventional reproducing apparatus that can detect the
address information (hereinafter referred to as "first address
information" as occasion demands), such as LPP (Land Pre-Pit),
pre-formatted with the first reference frequency and which can hold
a simple and proper phase relationship with the predetermined clock
information.
[0015] If the predetermined clock information is not an integral
multiple of the first reference frequency, the specification of the
phase relationship between the predetermined clock information and
the predetermined address information will get complex in a process
of detecting a push-pull signal in the reproduction by the
conventional reproducing apparatus, and the process of detecting
the predetermined address information will possibly become
technically difficult.
[0016] In contrast, the frequency of the predetermined clock
information (wobble) in the present invention is an integral
multiple of the first reference frequency (Fstd: DVD-R/RW). Thus,
it is possible to pre-format the predetermined address information
by pre-formatting the predetermined address information near a
position corresponding to the peak of the wobble (i.e. a position
at which the wobble has the maximum amplitude) pre-formatted on the
conventional recording-type optical disc, such as the wobble of a
DVD-R and a DVD-RW. As a result, it is possible to pre-format the
predetermined address information which can hold a simple and
proper phase relationship with the predetermined clock
information.
[0017] In addition, the frequency of the predetermined clock
information in the present invention is an integral multiple of the
first reference frequency. Thus, even by the conventional
reproducing apparatus that performs reproduction on the
conventional recording-type optical disc, such as the wobble of a
DVD-R, on which the first address information can be detected,
signal processing may be performed on the predetermined address
information, substantially as in the frame structure and signal
structure of the first address information. Therefore, it is
possible to almost or completely eliminate a need to change the
structure and the process procedure in the signal processing system
(or signal processing circuit) of the address information on the
conventional reproducing apparatus.
[0018] Moreover, in addition, in the recording area provided for
the information recording medium, the predetermined clock
information and the predetermined address information described
above are pre-formatted at all positions. Therefore, in recording
the record data, it is possible to record the record data at any
position on the basis of one type of signal processing, for
example, so that additional recording or rewriting may be performed
highly accurately, as compared to the recording based on a
plurality types of signal processing.
[0019] Consequently, it is possible to supply the contents whose
copyright is protected by the encryption system, such as a CSS, to
a general user using the recording-type information recording
medium on which the predetermined clock information described above
is pre-formatted, and it is possible to enable the conventional
reproducing apparatus to perform the reproduction process on the
supplied contents, appropriately and easily. Therefore, according
to the information recording medium of the present invention, it is
possible to realize both the copyright protection of the contents
and the retention of reproduction compatibility.
[0020] In one aspect of the information recording medium of the
present invention, the predetermined clock information is defined
by a first frequency (2n.times.Fstd) which is 2n times (wherein "n"
is an integer number) the first reference frequency.
[0021] According to this aspect, the predetermined clock
information (wobble) is defined by the first frequency
(2n.times.Fstd) which is 2n times (wherein "n" is an integer
number) the first reference frequency. Therefore, the conventional
reproducing apparatus for judging whether or not the frequency of
the clock information can be detected (or identified) as the first
reference frequency on the basis of the self-correlation hardly
detects or does not detect the predetermined clock information at
all. Here, the "self-correlation" of the present invention is a
correlation between one variable indicating a signal feature and
another variable indicating the signal feature, defined to make the
signal feature, such as a frequency, amplitude, and phase,
inductively quantitative or qualitative, in various signal, such as
a wobble signal.
[0022] As a result, the conventional reproducing apparatus can
perform the reproduction process on the information recording
medium of the present invention, as in the general read-only
information recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to realize
the retention of reproduction compatibility, more accurately.
[0023] In an aspect associated with the predetermined clock
information, the predetermined clock information may be defined by
a predetermined range of frequency centered on the first frequency
(2n.times.Fstd.+-..alpha.).
[0024] By virtue of such construction, it is possible to realize
the retention of reproduction compatibility, more accurately, on
the basis of the predetermined range of frequency centered on the
first frequency (2n.times.Fstd.+-..alpha.).
[0025] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the
present invention, the frequency of the predetermined clock
information is further included in a second frequency band (Fwb2:
DVD+R/RW) defined by a second reference frequency, which is
different from the first reference frequency (which cannot be
detected in the detection method based on the self-correlation by
the conventional reproducing apparatus).
[0026] According to this aspect, in the recording area provided for
the information recording medium of the present invention, (i) the
predetermined clock information (wobble) also included in the
second frequency band which can be defined by the second reference
frequency (Fwb2: DVD-+R/RW) is pre-formatted. Here, the "second
reference frequency" of the present invention is a frequency which
is a reference, such as a frequency of clock information (wobble)
pre-formatted on the conventional recording-type optical disc, such
as a DVD+R and a DVD+RW. Moreover, the "second frequency band" of
the present invention means a frequency band that is not detected
as the second reference frequency by the conventional reproducing
apparatus for judging whether or not the frequency of the clock
information can be detected (or identified) as the second reference
frequency.
[0027] As a result, for example, the reproduction setting area is
included in the recording area, wherein the reproduction setting
area is firstly accessed in reproducing the record data and it is
to identify whether or not to be the recording media in order to
judge whether or not to allow the reproduction of the record data.
Therefore, since the predetermined clock information that cannot be
detected by the general information recording/reproducing apparatus
(hereinafter referred to as a "second information
recording/reproducing apparatus" as occasion demands) for
performing the recording or reproduction process on the basis of
the second reference frequency is pre-formatted in the reproduction
setting area, the second information recording/reproducing
apparatus cannot distinguish between the information recording
medium of the present invention and a general read-only information
recording medium, such as a DVD-ROM, in a reproduction process in
the recording area. As a result, the second information
recording/reproducing apparatus can perform the reproduction
process on the information recording medium of the present
invention, as in the general read-only information recording
medium.
[0028] Moreover, in the recording area provided for the information
recording medium, the predetermined clock information may not be
pre-formatted by the frequency which is an integral multiple of the
second reference frequency (Fwb2: DVD+R/RW). In this case, the
predetermined clock information is preferably pre-formatted at
least by the frequency which is an integral multiple of the first
reference frequency described above, from the viewpoint of the
simple detection of the predetermined address information.
[0029] Alternatively, in the recording area provided for the
information recording medium, the predetermined clock information
may be pre-formatted by the frequency which is an integral multiple
of the second reference frequency.
[0030] As a result, the frequency of the predetermined clock
information is an integral multiple of the second reference
frequency. Thus, for example, it is possible to pre-format the
predetermined address information, which cannot be detected by the
conventional reproducing apparatus that can detect the address
information (hereinafter referred to as "second address
information" as occasion demands), such as LPP, pre-formatted with
the second reference frequency and which can hold a simple and
proper phase relationship with the predetermined clock
information.
[0031] In an aspect associated with the predetermined clock
information, the predetermined clock information may be defined by
a second frequency (2m.times.Fwb2) which is 2m times (wherein "m"
is an integer number) the second reference frequency.
[0032] By virtue of such construction, the predetermined clock
information (wobble) is defined by the second frequency
(2m.times.Fwb2) which is 2m times (wherein m is a natural number)
the second reference frequency. Therefore, the second information
recording/reproducing apparatus for judging whether or not the
frequency of the clock information can be detected (or identified)
as the second reference frequency on the basis of the
self-correlation hardly detects or does not detect the
predetermined clock information at all.
[0033] As a result, the second information recording/reproducing
apparatus can perform the reproduction process on the information
recording medium of the present invention, as in the general
read-only information recording medium. Therefore, it is possible
to realize the retention of reproduction compatibility, more
accurately.
[0034] Moreover, in this aspect associated with the predetermined
clock information, the predetermined clock information may be
defined by a predetermined range of frequency centered on the
second frequency (2m.times.Fwb2.+-..beta.).
[0035] By virtue of such construction, it is possible to realize
the retention of reproduction compatibility, more accurately, on
the basis of the predetermined range of frequency centered on the
second frequency (2m.times.Fwb2.+-..beta.).
[0036] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the
present invention, predetermined address information is
pre-formatted on the basis of the first reference frequency in the
recording area.
[0037] According to this aspect, in the recording area, the
predetermined address information (LPP) is pre-formatted on the
basis of the first reference frequency. Here, the "predetermined
address information" of the present invention is address
information which cannot be detected by the conventional
reproducing apparatus that can detect the first address
information, such as LPP (Land Pre-Pit), pre-formatted with the
first reference frequency and which can hold a simple and proper
phase relationship with the predetermined clock information.
[0038] As a result, it is possible to pre-format the aforementioned
predetermined address information which can hold a simple and
proper phase relationship with the predetermined clock information.
In addition, as a result, even by the conventional reproducing
apparatus that performs reproduction on the conventional
recording-type optical disc, such as the wobble of a DVD-R, on
which the first address information can be detected, signal
processing may be performed on the predetermined address
information, substantially as in the frame structure and signal
structure of the first address information. Therefore, it is
possible to almost or completely eliminate a need to change the
structure and the process procedure in the signal processing system
(or signal processing circuit) of the address information on the
conventional reproducing apparatus.
[0039] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the
present invention, predetermined address information (LPP) is
pre-formatted on the basis of modulation (frequency modulation,
phase modulation, or amplitude modulation) of the first reference
frequency (Fstd: DVD-R/RW) in the recording area.
[0040] According to this aspect, it is possible to pre-format the
aforementioned predetermined address information, which can hold a
simple and proper phase relationship with the predetermined clock
information, highly accurately, on the basis of the various
modulation, such as frequency modulation, phase modulation, or
amplitude modulation.
[0041] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the
present invention, an encryption key for encrypting or decrypting
the record data is recorded in advance in the recording area.
[0042] According to this aspect, it is possible to supply the
record data whose copyright is protected by the encryption system,
such as a CSS, to a general user using the recording-type
information recording medium on which the predetermined clock
information described above is pre-formatted, and it is possible to
enable the conventional reproducing apparatus to perform the
reproduction process on the supplied contents, on the basis of the
encryption key, appropriately and easily.
[0043] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the
present invention the record data that is encrypted can be recorded
in the recording area.
[0044] According to this aspect, it is possible to supply the
record data whose copyright is protected by the encryption system,
such as a CSS, to a general user using the recording-type
information recording medium on which the predetermined clock
information described above is preformatted, and it is possible to
enable the conventional reproducing apparatus to perform the
reproduction process on the record data obtained by encrypting the
supplied contents, appropriately and easily.
[0045] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the
present invention, management information for managing the
information recording medium can be superimposed on the basis of
the first reference frequency (Fstd: DVD-R/RW) in the recording
area (lead-in area).
[0046] According to this aspect, in addition to or instead of the
predetermined address information described above, it is possible
to pre-format the management information for managing the
information recording medium.
[0047] As a result, it is possible to enable the conventional
reproducing apparatus to perform the process of obtaining the
management information, appropriately and easily.
[0048] In another aspect of the information recording medium of the
present invention, the recording area includes a reproduction
setting area which is firstly accessed in reproducing the record
data and which is to identity whether or not to allow the
reproduction of the record data.
[0049] According to this aspect, the reproduction setting area is
included in the recording area, wherein the reproduction setting
area is firstly accessed in reproducing the record data and it is
to identify whether or not to be the recording media in order to
judge whether or not to allow the reproduction of the record data.
Therefore, since the predetermined clock information that cannot be
detected by the conventional reproducing apparatus is pre-formatted
in the reproduction setting area, the general information
recording/reproducing apparatus cannot distinguish between the
information recording medium of the present invention and a general
read-only information recording medium, such as a DVD-ROM, in a
reproduction process in the recording area. As a result, the
conventional reproducing apparatus can perform the reproduction
process on the information recording medium of the present
invention, as in the general read-only information recording
medium.
(Information Recording Apparatus)
[0050] Hereinafter, the information recording apparatus of the
present invention will be explained.
[0051] The above object of the present invention can be also
achieved by an information recording apparatus for recording record
data onto the information recording medium of the present invention
describe above (including its various aspects), the information
recording apparatus provided with: a recording device for recording
the record data; a detecting device for detecting the predetermined
clock information (wobble); a setting device for setting signal
processing conditions in the recording (performing a division
process on the predetermined clock information), on the basis of
the detected predetermined clock information; and a controlling
device for controlling the recording device to record the record
data, on the basis of the set signal processing conditions.
[0052] According to the information recording apparatus of the
present invention, the signal processing conditions are set by the
setting device on the basis of the predetermined clock information.
Here, the "signal processing conditions" of the present invention
are various processing conditions for performing the signal
processing in the recording or reproduction corresponding to the
predetermined clock information, such as performing the division
process on the predetermined clock information.
[0053] As a result, under the control of the controlling device,
the record data can be recorded by the recording device onto the
information recording medium described above, appropriately and
easily, on the basis of the signal processing conditions.
[0054] Consequently, it is possible to supply the contents whose
copyright is protected by the encryption system, such as a CSS, to
a general user using the recording-type information recording
medium on which the predetermined clock information described above
is pre-formatted, and it is possible to enable the conventional
reproducing apparatus to perform the reproduction process on the
supplied contents, appropriately and easily Therefore) according to
the information recording apparatus of the present invention, it is
possible to realize both the copyright protection of the contents
and the retention of reproduction compatibility.
[0055] In response to the various aspects of the aforementioned
information recording medium of the present invention, the
information recording apparatus of the present invention can also
employ various aspects.
(Information Reproducing Apparatus)
[0056] Hereinafter, the information reproducing apparatus of the
present invention will be explained.
[0057] The above object of the present invention can be also
achieved by an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing
record data from the information recording medium of the present
invention described above (including its various aspects), the
information reproducing apparatus provided with: a detecting device
for detecting the predetermined clock information (wobble); a
setting device for setting signal processing conditions in the
reproduction (performing the division process on the predetermined
clock information), on the basis of the detected predetermined
clock information; a reproducing device for decrypting and
reproducing the record data on the basis of an encryption key
included in the record data; a judging device for judging whether
or not the reproduction of the record data is allowed; and a
controlling device for controlling the reproducing device to
reproduce the record data, if it is judged that the reproduction is
allowed.
[0058] According to the information reproducing apparatus of the
present invention, the signal processing conditions are set by the
setting device on the basis of the predetermined clock
information.
[0059] As a result, if it is judged by the judging device that the
reproduction is allowed, it is possible to reproduce the record
data from the information recording medium described above,
appropriately and easily, while decrypting the record data on the
basis of the signal processing conditions, using the reproducing
device under the control of the controlling device.
[0060] Consequently, it is possible to supply the contents whose
copyright is protected by the encryption system, such as a CSS, to
a general user using the recording-type information recording
medium on which the predetermined clock information described above
is pre-formatted, and it is possible to enable the conventional
reproducing apparatus to perform the reproduction process on the
supplied contents, appropriately and easily. Therefore, according
to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention,
it is possible to realize both the copyright protection of the
contents and the retention of reproduction compatibility.
[0061] In response to the various aspects of the aforementioned
information recording medium of the present invention, the
information reproducing apparatus of the present invention can also
employ various aspects.
(Information Recording Method)
[0062] Hereinafter, the information recording method of the present
invention will be explained.
[0063] The above object of the present invention can be also
achieved by an information recording method on an information
recording apparatus provided with a recording device for recording
record data onto the information recording medium of the present
invention described above (including its various aspects), the
information recording method provided with: a detecting process of
detecting the predetermined clock information (wobble); a setting
process of setting signal processing conditions in the recording
(performing the division process on the predetermined clock
information), on the basis of the detected predetermined clock
information; and a controlling process of controlling the recording
device to record the record data, on the basis of the set signal
processing conditions.
[0064] According to the information recording method of the present
invention, it is possible to receive various benefits of the
aforementioned information recording apparatus of the present
invention.
[0065] In response to the various aspects of the aforementioned
information recording apparatus of the present invention, the
information recording method of the present invention can employ
various aspects.
(Information Reproducing Method)
[0066] Hereinafter, the information reproducing method of the
present invention will be explained.
[0067] The above object of the present invention can be also
achieved by an information reproducing method on an information
reproducing apparatus provided with a reproducing device for
decrypting and reproducing the record data on the basis of an
encryption key included in the record data, from the information
recording medium of the present invention described above
(including its various aspects), the information reproducing method
provided with: a detecting process of detecting the predetermined
clock information (wobble); a setting process of setting signal
processing conditions in the reproduction (performing the division
process on the predetermined clock information), on the basis of
the detected predetermined clock information; a judging process of
judging whether or not the reproduction of the record data is
allowed; and a controlling process of controlling the reproducing
device to reproduce the record data, if it is judged that the
reproduction is allowed.
[0068] According to the information reproducing method of the
present invention, it is possible to receive various benefits of
the aforementioned information reproducing apparatus of the present
invention.
[0069] In response to the various aspects of the aforementioned
information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the
information reproducing method of the present invention can employ
various aspects.
(Computer Program)
[0070] Hereinafter, the computer program of the present invention
will be explained.
[0071] The above object of the present invention can be also
achieved by a first computer program for recording control and for
controlling a computer provided in the information recording
apparatus of the present invention described above (including its
various aspects), the first computer program making the computer
function as at least one portion of the recording device, the
detecting device, the setting device, and the controlling
device.
[0072] The above object of the present invention can be also
achieved by a second computer program for reproduction control and
for controlling a computer provided in the information reproducing
apparatus of the present invention described above (including its
various aspects), the second computer program making the computer
function as at least one portion of the reproducing device, the
detecting device, the setting device, the judging device, and the
controlling device.
[0073] According to the first and second computer programs of the
present invention, the information recording apparatus and the
information reproducing apparatus of the present invention can be
relatively easily realized as a computer reads and executes the
computer program from a program storage device, such as a ROM, a
CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a hard disk, or as it executes the computer
program after downloading the program through a communication
device.
[0074] Incidentally, in response to the various aspects of the
information recording apparatus and the information reproducing
apparatus of the present invention, each of the computer programs
of the present invention can also employ various aspects.
[0075] The above object of the present invention can be also
achieved by a first computer program product in a computer-readable
medium for tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable
by a computer provided in the aforementioned information recording
apparatus of the present invention (including its various aspects),
the computer program product making the computer function as at
least one portion of the recording device, the detecting device,
the setting device, and the controlling device.
[0076] The above object of the present invention can be also
achieved by a second computer program product in a
computer-readable medium for tangibly embodying a program of
instructions executable by a computer provided in the
aforementioned information reproducing apparatus of the present
invention (including its various aspects), the computer program
product making the computer function as at least one portion of the
reproducing device, the detecting device, the setting device, the
judging device, and the controlling device.
[0077] According to the first or second computer program product of
the present invention, the aforementioned information recording
apparatus or information reproducing apparatus of the present
invention can be embodied relatively readily, by loading the
computer program product from a recording medium for storing the
computer program product, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a
CD-ROM (Compact Disc--Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (DVD Read Only
Memory), a hard disk or the like, into the computer, or by
downloading the computer program product, which may be a carrier
wave, into the computer via a communication device. More
specifically, the computer program product may include computer
readable codes to cause the computer (or may comprise computer
readable instructions for causing the computer) to function as the
aforementioned information recording apparatus or information
reproducing apparatus of the present invention.
[0078] As explained above, according to the information recording
medium of the present invention, it is provided with the recording
area in which the predetermined clock information is pre-formatted,
wherein (i) the predetermined clock information is included in the
first frequency band which can be defined by the first reference
frequency, and (ii) the predetermined clock information is defined
by the frequency that is an integral multiple of the first
reference frequency. Consequently, it is possible to supply the
contents whose copyright is protected by the encryption system,
such as a CSS, to a general user using the recording-type
information recording medium on which the predetermined clock
information described above is pre-formatted, and it is possible to
enable the conventional reproducing apparatus to perform the
reproduction process on the supplied contents, appropriately and
easily. Therefore, according to the information recording medium of
the present invention, it is possible to realize both the copyright
protection of the contents and the retention of reproduction
compatibility.
[0079] Moreover, according to the information recording apparatus
of the present invention, it is provided with the recording device,
the detecting device, the setting device, and the controlling
device. According to the information recording method of the
present invention, it is provided with the recording process, the
detecting process, the setting process, and the controlling process
Consequently, it is possible to supply the contents whose copyright
is protected by the encryption system, such as a CSS, to a general
user using the recording-type information recording medium on which
the predetermined clock information described above is
pre-formatted, and it is possible to enable the conventional
reproducing apparatus to perform the reproduction process on the
supplied contents, appropriately and easily. Therefore, according
to the information recording apparatus of the present invention.,
it is possible to realize both the copyright protection of the
contents and the retention of reproduction compatibility.
[0080] Moreover, according to the information reproducing apparatus
of the present invention, it is provided with the reproducing
device, the detecting device, the setting device, the judging
device, and the controlling device. According to the information
reproducing method of the present invention, it is provided with
the detecting process, the setting process, the judging process,
and the controlling process. Consequently, it is possible to supply
the contents whose copyright is protected by the encryption system,
such as a CSS, to a general user using the recording-type
information recording medium on which the predetermined clock
information described above is pre-formatted, and it is possible to
enable the conventional reproducing apparatus to perform the
reproduction process on the supplied contents, appropriately and
easily. Therefore, according to the information reproducing
apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to realize both
the copyright protection of the contents and the retention of
reproduction compatibility.
[0081] Moreover, according to the computer program of the present
invention, it makes the computer function as the information
recording apparatus and the information reproducing apparatus of
the present invention. Thus, it is possible to enable the
information recording apparatus and the information reproducing
apparatus to supply the contents whose copyright is protected by
the encryption system, such as a CSS, to a general user using the
recording-type information recording medium on which the
predetermined clock information described above is pre-formatted,
and it is possible to enable the conventional reproducing apparatus
to perform the reproduction process on the supplied contents,
appropriately and easily. Therefore, according to the computer
program of the present invention, it is possible to realize both
the copyright protection of the contents and the retention of
reproduction compatibility, using the information recording
apparatus and the information reproducing apparatus.
[0082] These effects and other advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent from the embodiments explained below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0083] FIG. 1 is a substantial plan view showing the basic
structure of an optical disc with a plurality of recording areas,
which is an information recording medium in an embodiment of the
present invention, and a conceptual view showing a recording area
structure in its radial direction, corresponding to the substantial
plan view.
[0084] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a
recording surface of the optical disc in the embodiment of the
information recording medium of the present invention.
[0085] FIG. 3 is a conceptual graph showing a relationship between
a recording area on the optical disc in the embodiment of the
information recording medium of the present invention and an
address that can specify a position in the recording areas.
[0086] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the
recording areas of the optical disc in the embodiment of the
information recording medium of the present invention,
predetermined clock information and predetermined address
information, which are pre-formatted in the recording areas.
[0087] FIGS. 5 are a schematic diagram (FIG. 5(a)) schematically
showing the predetermined clock information and the predetermined
address information in the optical disc in the embodiment of the
information recording medium of the present invention, and a
schematic diagram (FIG. 5(b)) schematically showing clock
information and first address information based on a first
reference frequency in an optical disc in a comparison example.
[0088] FIG. 6 is a graph schematically showing the frequency of the
predetermined clock information included in a first frequency band
in the embodiment of the information recording medium of the
present invention.
[0089] FIGS. 7 are a logical block diagram (FIG. 7(a))
schematically showing a procedure of quantifying an
self-correlation in the embodiment of the information recording
medium of the present invention, and one timing chart (FIG. 7(b))
schematically showing a process of deriving a counter value, which
indicates the extent of the self-correlation.
[0090] FIG. 8 is another timing chart schematically showing the
process of deriving the counter value, which indicates the extent
of the self-correlation in the embodiment of the information
recording medium of the present invention.
[0091] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of
the information recording apparatus or information reproducing
apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0092] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of reproducing
record data by an information recording/reproducing apparatus in
the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the
present invention.
[0093] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of recording the
record data by the information recording/reproducing apparatus in
the embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the
present invention.
[0094] FIG. 12 is a graph schematically showing the frequency of
the predetermined clock information included in the first frequency
band in another embodiment (part 1) of the information recording
medium of the present invention.
[0095] FIGS. 13 are schematic diagram (FIG. 13(a)) schematically
showing the predetermined clock information and the predetermined
address information in the optical disc in the another embodiment
(part 1) of the information recording medium of the present
invention, and a schematic diagram (FIG. 13(b)) schematically
showing the clock information and the first address information
based on the first reference frequency in the optical disc in the
comparison example.
[0096] FIG. 14 is a graph schematically showing the frequency of
the predetermined clock information included in a second frequency
band in another embodiment (part 2) of the information recording
medium of the present invention.
[0097] FIGS. 15 are a logical block diagram (FIG. 15(a))
schematically showing a judgment procedure in a conventional
reproducing apparatus for judging, on the basis of band pass
filtering, whether or not the frequency of the clock information
can be detected (or identified) as the first reference frequency
(Fstd), in another embodiment (part 3) of the information recording
medium of the present invention, and a graph (FIG. 15(b))
schematically showing a spectrum obtained on the basis of the band
pass filtering.
[0098] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram schematically showing one
specific example of the effect of the present invention.
[0099] FIG. 17 is a block diagram schematically showing a general
mechanism of copyright protection.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CODES
[0100] 1 . . . center hole, 10 . . . track, 11 . . . ECC block, 100
. . . optical disc, 101 . . . lead-in area, 102 . . . data area,
103 . . . lead-out area, 200 . . . information
recording/reproducing apparatus, CDZ . . . control data zone, RMA .
. . recording management area, LB . . . laser light, WBL . . .
wobble (one example of predetermined clock information), LPP . . .
land pre-pit (one example of predetermined address information)
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0101] Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present
invention will be explained in each embodiment in order with
reference to the drawings.
(1) Information Recording Medium in Embodiment
[0102] Next, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 16, a detailed
explanation will be given on an information recording medium in an
embodiment of the present invention.
(1-1) Basic Structure (Physical Structure)
[0103] Firstly, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the basic
structure of an optical disc in an embodiment of the information
recording medium of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 1
is a substantial plan view showing the basic structure of the
optical disc with a plurality of recording areas, which is an
information recording medium in an embodiment of the of the present
invention, and a conceptual view showing a recording area structure
in its radial direction, corresponding to the substantial plan
view. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a
recording surface of the optical disc in the embodiment of the
information recording medium of the present invention.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 1, an optical disc 100 has a recording
surface on a disc main body with a diameter of about 12 cm, as is a
DVD. On the recording surface, the optical disc 100 is provided
with: a center hole 1 as a center fs; (i) a power calibration area
PCA, (ii) a recording management area RMA as one specific example
of the management area of the present invention, (iii) a lead-in
area 101 having a control data zone CDZ as another example of the
management area of the present invention; (iv) a data area 102; and
(v) a lead-out area 103, which are associated with the embodiment.
Then, for example, on a not-illustrated transparent substrate of
the optical disc 100, there is at least one recording layer
laminated. In each recording area of the recording layers, for
example, a track or tracks 50, such as groove tracks and land
tracks, are alternately placed, spirally or concentrically,
centered on the center hole 1. Moreover, on the track 50, record
information (data) is divided and recorded by a unit of ECC block
51. The ECC (Error Correction Code) block 51 is a record
information management unit by which the record information is
error-correctable.
[0105] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, in the optical disc
100 in the embodiment, a pigment-type or phase-change-type
recording layer 107, which constitutes an information recording
surface, is laminated on the lower side of the disc-shaped
transparent substrate 106, and a rejective layer 108 is laminated
on the lower side thereof. The information recording surface formed
of the recording layer 107 has grove track GT and land tracks LT
alternately formed. Incidentally, in the recording and reproduction
of the optical disc 100, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, laser
light LB is irradiated on the grove tracks GT through the
transparent substrate 106. For example, in the recording, the laser
light LB is irradiated with a recording laser power, to thereby
perform the recording into the recording layer 107 in accordance
with the record data. On the other hand, in the reproduction, the
laser light LB is irradiated with a reproduction laser power, which
is weaker than the recording laser power, to thereby read the
record data recorded in the recording layer 107.
[0106] In particular, in the data area 102, encryption information,
such as a title key, based on an encryption system, such as a CSS,
and encrypted contents encrypted by using the encryption
information, such as a title key, are recorded. More specifically,
the encryption information, such as a title key, is encrypted by
using encryption information, such as a disk key and a disk key
set.
[0107] Incidentally, the present invention is not particularly
limited to the optical disc having these five areas. For example,
even if the lead-in area 101 or the lead-out area 103 does not
exist, a data structure explained below can be constructed.
Moreover, as described later, the lead-in area 101 or the lead-out
area 103 may be further segmentized.
(1-2) Address that can Specify a Position in a Recording Area of
the Optical Disc
[0108] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a relationship between the
recording area on the optical disc and an address that can specify
a position in the recording area will be explained. FIG. 3 is a
conceptual graph showing the relationship between the recording
area on the optical disc in the embodiment of the information
recording medium of the present invention and the address that can
specify a position in the recording area. Incidentally, the
vertical axis in FIG. 3 indicates the value of the address, such as
a sector number and a land pre-pit address, and the horizontal axis
indicates a relative position in the radial direction of the
optical disc. Moreover, one specific example of the "address" of
the present invention is constructed, for example, of LBN (Logical
Block Number), a physical sector number (or sector number) which
constitutes an ECC block, or a land pre pit address.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, the recording area of the optical disc
100 in the embodiment of the information recording medium of the
present invention is provided, as described above, with: (i) the
power calibration area PCA, (ii) the recording management area RMA,
(iii) the lead-in area 101 having a control data zone CDZ; (iv) the
data area 102; and (v) the lead-out area 103, from the inner
circumferential side to the outer circumferential side.
Incidentally, various management information may be recorded in the
RMA and the CDZ. Here, the management information is various
information for managing the information recording medium, such as
(ii-1) information about recording features, such as an optimum
recording power, (ii-2) attribute information for specifying the
type of the medium, and (ii-3) information for specifying a
position in various recording layers. In particular, the encryption
key of the present invention may be recorded in advance (i.e.
pre-recorded) in the CDZ, for example, under management by a
content holder. On the other hand, the record data, such as
contents, that is encrypted by the encryption key may be recorded
by an information recording/reproducing apparatus, described later,
corresponding to the optical disc.
[0110] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, if the address that can
uniquely specify a position in the recording area of the
aforementioned optical disc 100 is the physical sector number (or
sector number) constituting an ECC block, the address in the
recording area of the optical disc 100 may increase as an optical
pickup is displaced from the inner circumferential side to the
outer circumferential side (refer to a thick solid line in FIG. 3).
Alternatively, if the address that can uniquely specify a position
in the recording area of the aforementioned optical disc 100 is the
land pre pit address, the address in the recording area of the
optical disc 100 may decrease as an optical pickup is displaced
from the inner circumferential side to the outer circumferential
side (refer to a thin dotted line in FIG. 3).
(1-3) One Specific Example of Predetermined Clock Information and
Predetermined Address Information
[0111] Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5, an explanation
will be given on one specific example of predetermined clock
information and predetermined address information in the
embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing (i)
the recording areas of the optical disc in the embodiment of the
information recording medium of the present invention, (ii) the
predetermined clock information and (iii) the predetermined address
information, which are pre-formatted in the recording areas. FIGS.
5 are a schematic diagram (FIG. 5(a)) schematically showing the
predetermined clock information and the predetermined address
information in the optical disc in the embodiment of the
information recording medium of the present invention, and a
schematic diagram (FIG. 5(b)) schematically showing clock
information and first address information based on a first
reference frequency in an optical disc in a comparison example.
Incidentally, in the optical disc shown in FIG. 4, contents whose
copyright is protected are recorded on the basis of the encryption
by the encryption system, such as a CSS (Content Scramble System),
through a finalize process, i.e. various compatibility processes in
order to be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus based on a first
reference frequency.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 4, in the recording area of the optical
disc in the embodiment, wobbles "WBL" (i.e. one specific example of
the "predetermined clock information" of the present invention)
defined by a frequency "Fwbl" which is twice the first reference
frequency, are pre-formatted. The "first reference frequency" of
the present invention is a frequency which is a reference, such as
a frequency of the clock information (e.g., wobble) pre-formatted
on the conventional recording-type optical disc, such as a DVD-R or
a DVD-RW. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in the optical disc
in the comparison example, eight wobbles "WBLstd" are formed in one
sync frame on the basis of the first reference frequency "Fstd". In
other words, one Even sync frame is constitued by WBLstd "1" to
WBLstd "8", and one Odd sync frame is constituted by WBLstd "9" to
WBLstd "16". In addition, address information "LPPstd" (i.e. one
specific example of the "first address information" of the present
invention), such as LPP (Land Pre-Pit), pre-formatted with the
first reference frequency, is formed at the three peaks from the
first peak in each one sync frame, i.e. substantially in each eight
wobbles.
[0113] In contrast, in the optical disc in the embodiment, as shown
in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5(a), 16 wobbles "WBL" are formed in one sync
frame. In other words, one Even sync frame is constituted by WBL
"1" to WBL "16", and one Odd sync frame is formed of WBL "17" to
WBL "32".
[0114] In addition, there are only three land pre-pits (i.e. one
specific example of the "predetermined address information" of the
present invention) (hereinafter referred to as "LPP" as occasion
demands) formed in each one sync frame, i.e. substantially in each
16 pieces of wobbles (or 16 wobbles). The three LPPs are formed in
the six wobbles from the first wobble. In other words, the three
LPPs are formed by a unit of a group (or pair) of two wobbles, at
the first wobbles of the units, respectively. That is, a cycle
"Tstd" in which the LPPs are formed shown in FIG. 5(a), is equal to
a cycle "Tstd" in which the address information "LPPstd" s are
formed shown in FIG. 5(b). Therefore, in the optical disc in the
embodiment, by using the predetermined address information, it is
possible to constitute the address information at the conventional
formation frequency (i.e. area resolution) based on the first
reference frequency. Moreover, the predetermined address
information may be not constituted by the LPPs but constituted by
modulating the wobble (i.e., predetermined clock information) on
the basis of a frequency, phase, or amplitude, for example.
Moreover, the LPP is constructed to include the address information
and a timing signal for synchronizing the data recording and
reproduction. More specifically, among the three LPPs, at least one
LPP has the clock information for synchronization, recorded
therein. The other LPPs has the address information and information
for controlling the data recording or the like, recorded
therein.
[0115] Incidentally, 26 pieces of the two types of sync frames
(i.e., Even sync frame or Odd sync frame) described above
constitute a sector with a data size of 2KB (Kilo Bytes), and 16
pieces of sectors constitute one ECC block with a data size of
32KB.
[0116] As a result, the frequency of the wobbles "WBL" (one example
of the predetermined clock information) is twice (i.e., an integral
multiple of) the first reference frequency (Fstd: reference
frequency for DVD-R/RW). Thus, it is possible to pre-format the
predetermined address information "LPP", (i) which cannot be
detected by the conventional reproducing apparatus that can detect
the address information "LPPstd" (i.e. one specific example of the
"first address information" of the present invention), such as LPP
(Land Pre-Pit), pre-formatted with the first reference frequency
and (ii) which can hold a simple and proper phase relationship with
the predetermined clock information.
[0117] If the frequency of the wobbles "WBL" (one example of the
predetermined clock information) is not an integral multiple of the
first reference frequency, the specification (or definition) of the
phase relationship between (i) the wobble "WBL" (one example of the
predetermined clock information) and (ii) the predetermined address
information "LPP" will have complexity in a process of detecting a
push-pull signal in the reproduction by the conventional
reproducing apparatus. And the process of detecting the
predetermined address information "LPP" will possibly become
technically difficult.
[0118] In contrast, the frequency of the wobbles "WBL" (one example
of the predetermined clock information) in the embodiment is twice
(i.e., an integral multiple of) the first reference frequency
(Fstd: reference frequency for DVD-R/RW). Thus, it is possible to
pre-format the wobbles "WBL" by pre-formatting the predetermined
address information near a position corresponding to the peak of
the wobble (i.e. a position at which the wobble has the maximum
amplitude), pre-formatted on the conventional recording-type
optical disc, such as the wobble of a DVD-R or a DVD-RW. As a
result, it is possible to pre-format the wobbles "WBL" which can
hold a simple and proper phase relationship with the predetermined
clock information.
[0119] In addition, the frequency of the wobbles "WBL" (one example
of the predetermined clock information) in the embodiment is twice
(i.e., an integral multiple of the first reference frequency (Fstd:
reference frequency for DVD-R/RW). Thus, even by the conventional
reproducing apparatus that performs reproduction on the
conventional recording-type optical disc, such as the wobble of a
DVD-R, on which the first address information can be detected,
signal processing may be performed on the predetermined address
information, substantially as in the frame structure and signal
structure of the first address information. Therefore, it is
possible to almost or completely eliminate a need to change the
structure or the process procedure in the signal processing system
(or signal processing circuit) of the address information on the
conventional reproducing apparatus.
[0120] Moreover, in addition, in the recording area provided for
the information recording medium, the wobbles "WBL" (one example of
the predetermined clock information) or the predetermined address
information "LPP" described above are pre-formatted at all
positions. Therefore, in recording the record data, it is possible
to record the record data at any position on the basis of one type
of signal processing, for example, so that additional recording or
rewriting may be performed highly accurately, as compared to the
recording based on a plurality types of signal processing.
(1-4) One Specific Example of First Reference Frequency
[0121] Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, one specific
example of the first reference frequency will be explained. FIG. 6
is a graph schematically showing the frequency of the predetermined
clock information included in the first frequency band in the
embodiment of the information recording medium of the present
invention. FIGS. 7 are a logical block diagram (FIG. 7(a))
schematically showing a procedure of quantifying an
self-correlation in the embodiment of the information recording
medium of the present invention, and one kind of timing chart (FIG.
7(b)) schematically showing a process of deriving a counter value,
which indicates the extent of the self-correlation. FIG. 8 is
another kind of timing chart schematically showing a process of
deriving a counter value, which indicates the extent of the
self-correlation in the embodiment of the information recording
medium of the present invention. Incidentally, the horizontal axis
in FIG. 6 indicates frequency, and the vertical axis indicates the
counter value (e.g., value of integral), which indicates the extent
of the self-correlation.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 6, the frequency of the wobbles "WBL" (one
example of the predetermined clock information) described above
(i.e. the frequency "Fwbl" that is twice the first reference
frequency) is included in a first frequency band which can be
defined by the first reference frequency "Fstd" Here, the "first
frequency band" in the embodiment means a frequency band that is
not detected as the first reference frequency by the conventional
reproducing apparatus for judging whether or not the frequency of
the clock information can be detected (or identified) as the first
reference frequency (Fstd) on the basis of the self-correlation.
Moreover, the "self-correlation" in the embodiment, is a
correlation between one variable indicating a signal feature and
another variable indicating the signal feature, defined to make the
signal feature, such as a frequency, amplitude, or phase,
inductively quantitative or qualitative, in various signal, such as
a wobble signal.
[0123] Specifically, the first frequency band is a frequency band
in which the counter value, which means the extent of the
self-correlation, corresponds to a smaller counter value than a
predetermined threshold value in a characteristic curve indicating
the self-correlation based on the first reference frequency, as
shown in a right-shaded hatched area in FIG. 6. That is, the
following equation (1) can indicate the first frequency band.
{(2n).times.Fstd-.alpha.}<(first frequency
band)<{(2n).times.Fstd+.alpha.} (1)
[0124] wherein, "n" is an integer number, and .alpha. is a
predetermined bandwidth that cannot be detected on the basis of the
resolution of the signal processing.
[0125] More specifically, the counter value, which means the extent
of the self-correlation, is quantified by a logical block shown in
FIG. 7(a). That is, if it is judged on the basis of the
self-correlation whether or not the frequency of the clock
information, such as a wobble signal, can be detected (or
identified) as the first reference frequency (Fstd), at first step
(or firstly), the clock information, such as a wobble signal, is
binarized. At second step (or Secondly), the binarized clock
information is inputted to a logical block "XOR" for calculating
exclusive OR value (refer to a signal "a" in FIG. 7(a)).
Simultaneously with or in tandem with this second step, at third
step (or thirdly), the binarized clock information is inputted to a
logical block "Delay" for delay by half of a reference cycle (Tstd)
corresponding to the first reference frequency (Fstd). At forth
step (or Fourthly), in the logical block "XOR" for calculating
exclusive OR value, the exclusive OR value of (i) the binarized
clock information (refer to the signal "a" in FIG. 7(a)) and (ii)
the clock information (refer to a signal "b" in FIG. 7(a)) which is
binarized and which is delayed by half of the reference cycle
(Tstd) is calculated. At fifth step (or Fifthly), the calculated
value of the exclusive OR (refer to a signal "c" in FIG. 7(a)) is
inputted to a counter for performing integration.
[0126] For example, as one example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), if the
"signal a" (i.e. "1", "1", "1", "0", "0", "0"), which is the
binarized clock information and whose cycle is the reference cycle
(Tstd) corresponding to the first reference frequency (Fstd), is
inputted to the logical block shown in FIG. 7(a), the "signal a"
and the "signal b" (i.e. "1", "1", "1", "0", "0", "0") which is
obtained by delaying the "signal a" by half of the reference cycle
(Tstd), are inputted to the logical block "XOR". Then, in the
logical block "XOR", the exclusive OR value of (i) a value (i.e.
"0", "0", "0") corresponding to a latter half cycle of the "signal
a" and (ii) a value (i.e. "1", "1", "1") corresponding to a former
half cycle of the "signal b" is calculated. And the "signal c"
(i.e. "1", "1", "1") is inputted to the counter for performing
integration, Therefore, using the counter, the calculated value of
integration, i.e. a counter value "3 (=1+1+1)" is obtained. As
described above, by using (i) the first reference frequency (Fstd),
which is the frequency of the binarized clock information described
above, and (ii) the counter value "3" described above (i.e. one
example of the maximum value "Max" in FIG. 6), it is possible to
plot a point "P1" shown in FIG. 6.
[0127] In contrast to this, as shown in FIG. 8, if the "signal a"
(i.e. "1", "1", "0", "0", "0"), which is the binarized clock
information and whose cycle is a cycle (Tstd/2) corresponding to
the frequency "Fwbl" that is twice the first reference frequency
(Fstd), is inputted to the logical block shown in FIG. 7(a), the
"signal a" and the "signal b" (i.e. "1", "1", "1", "1", "0", "0",
"0") which is obtained by delaying the "signal a" by half of the
reference cycle (Tstd), are inputted to the logical block "XOR".
Then, in the logical block "XOR", the exclusive OR value of (i) a
value (i.e. "1", "1", "1") corresponding to a former half cycle of
a next cycle of the "signal a" and (ii) a value (i.e. "1", "1", "1"
corresponding to a former half cycle of the "signal b" is
calculated. And the "signal c" (i.e. "0", "0", "0") is inputted to
the counter for performing integration. Therefore, using the
counter, the calculated value of integration, i.e. a counter value
"0 (=0+0+0)" is obtained. As described above, by using (i) the
frequency (Fwbl) that is twice the first reference frequency, which
is the frequency of the binarized clock information described
above, and (ii) the counter value "0" described above (i.e. one
example of the counter value "0" in FIG. 6), it is possible to plot
a point "P2" shown in FIG. 6.
[0128] As described above, the frequency of the wobbles "WBL" (one
example of the predetermined clock information) described above,
i.e. the frequency "Fwbl" that is twice the first reference
frequency (Fstd: frequency for DVD-R/RW), is included in the first
frequency band, which is a frequency band that is not detected as
the first reference frequency by the conventional reproducing
apparatus for judging whether or not the frequency of the clock
information can be detected (or identified) as the first reference
frequency (Fstd) on the basis of the self-correlation.
[0129] As a result, for example, a reproduction setting area is
included in the recording area, wherein the reproduction setting
area is firstly accessed in reproducing the record data and the
reproduction setting area is to identify whether or not to be the
recording media in order to judge whether or not to allow the
reproduction of the record data. Therefore, since the predetermined
clock information that cannot be detected by the conventional
reproducing apparatus (or general information recording/reproducing
apparatus), is pre-formatted in the recording area including the
reproduction setting area, the general information
recording/reproducing apparatus cannot distinguish between (i) the
information recording medium of the present invention and (ii) a
general read-only information recording medium, such as a DVD-ROM,
in a reproduction process in the recording area. As a result, the
conventional reproducing apparatus can perform the reproduction
process on the information recording medium of the present
invention, as in the general read-only information recording
medium.
[0130] Consequently, it is possible to supply the contents whose
copyright is protected by the encryption system, such as a CSS, to
a general user using the recording-type information recording
medium on which the wobbles "WBL"(one example of the predetermined
clock information) described above are pre-formatted. And it is
possible to enable the conventional reproducing apparatus to
perform the reproduction process on the supplied contents,
appropriately and easily. Therefore, according to the optical disc
in the embodiment, it is possible to realize both the copyright
protection of the contents and the retention of reproduction
compatibility.
(2) Information Recording Apparatus and Information Reproducing
Apparatus
[0131] Next, with reference to FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, an explanation
will be given on an embodiment associated with the information
recording apparatus and the information reproducing apparatus of
the present invention.
(2-1) Basic Structure
[0132] Firstly, with reference to FIG. 9, an explanation will be
given on the basic structure of the embodiment associated with the
information recording apparatus and the information reproducing
apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram
showing the overall structure of the information recording
apparatus or information reproducing apparatus in the embodiment of
the present invention.
[0133] As shown in FIG. 9, an information recording/reproducing
apparatus 200 is provided with: an optical pickup 202 for emitting
a reproduction beam to the optical disc 100 and outputting a signal
corresponding to reflected light; a spindle motor 203 for
controlling the rotation of the optical disc 100; and a servo unit
222. The servo unit 222 is supplied with a first clock signal CK1
and a pit synchronization signal SYNCp. In synchronization with
these signals, the servo unit 222 performs tracking servo and focus
servo for relative position control of the optical pickup 202 for
the optical disc 100, and spindle servo for controlling the
rotation of the spindle motor 203. Incidentally, for example, on
the optical disc 100, pit data DP synchronized with the first clock
signal CK1 is recorded by the length of a record mark. The record
mark in this example is a pit, and the track is formed of a pit
row. The track has a meandering shape according to a wobble signal
WB, which is obtained by modulating wobble data DW. The wobble
signal WB is synchronized with a second clock signal CK2. The first
clock signal CK1 has an N-fold frequency ("N" is an integer number)
of that of the second clock signal CK2. In this example, N=25, the
second clock signal CK2 is 420 KHz, and the first clock signal CK1
is 10.5 MHz.
[0134] The optical pickup 202 is provided with a laser diode for
irradiating the reproduction beam; and a four-division detection
circuit (not illustrated). The four-division detection circuit
divides the reflected light of the reproduction beam into four
areas 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D shown in the upper part of FIG. 9, and
outputs each signal corresponding to the quantity of light in
respective one of the areas. A head amplifier 204 amplifies each
output signal of the optical pickup 202, and outputs a divisional
read signal 1a corresponding to the area 1A, a divisional read
signal 1b corresponding to the area 1B, a divisional read signal 1c
corresponding to the area 1C, and a divisional read signal 1d
corresponding to the area 1D.
[0135] A sum generation circuit 210 is provided with an adder
circuit for adding the divisional read signals 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d
and outputting a sum read signal SRF. Incidentally, the sum read
signal SRF is a signal which represents the length of the record
mark.
[0136] A pit data demodulation circuit 211 reproduces the pit data
DP on the basis of the sum read signal SRF, and generates the first
clock signal CK1. More specifically, the pit data demodulation
circuit 211 demodulates the reproduced pit data DP by using a
predetermined table and generates reproduction data. For example,
if EFM modulation is employed as a modulating method, a process of
converting 14-bit pit data DP to 8-bit reproduction data is
performed. Then, a descramble process is performed in which the
order of the reproduction data is rearranged in accordance with a
predetermined rule, and the processed reproduction data is
outputted.
[0137] The reproduction data obtained in this manner is supplied to
a pit data correction circuit 212 shown in FIG. 9, on which an
error correction process and an interpolation process are
performed, and then it is stored into a buffer 213. An interface
214 sequentially reads the data stored in the buffer 213, converts
it in a predetermined output format, and outputs it to external
equipment. Moreover, various data is inputted from and outputted to
e.g. the aforementioned line connecting apparatus connected to the
external network 400, through the interface 214.
[0138] A push-pull signal generation circuit 220 generates a
push-pull signal by calculating (1a+1d)-(1b+1c). The component 1a
and 1d corresponds to the areas 1A and 1D which are on the left
side with respect to the reading direction, while the component 1b
and 1c corresponds to the areas 1B and 1C which are on the right
side with respect to the reading direction. That is, if the
reproduction beam inclines to the left side with respect to the
pit, the push-pull signal will have positive polarity. If the
reproduction beam is positioned in the center of the pit, the value
of the push-pull signal will be in the amplitude center thereof. If
the reproduction beam inclines to the right side with respect to
the pit, the push-pull signal will have negative polarity. The
relative position between the reproduction beam and the pit changes
according to the meandering of the track, and the value of the
push-pull signal represents the relative position between the
reproduction beam and the pit. That is the push-pull signal is a
signal corresponding to the meandering of the track.
[0139] The push-pull signal is outputted through a low pass filter
221 to the servo unit 222. The servo unit 222 performs tracking
control on the basis of the push-pull signal. Moreover, the
push-pull signal is supplied to a band pass filter 223. The pass
band of the band pass filter 223 is set to extract the wobble
signal WB obtained by the modulation of the wobble data DW upon
recording, from the push-pull signal. Therefore, the band pass
filter 223 constitutes the aforementioned detecting device with the
push-pull signal generation circuit 220, and the output signal
thereof is corresponding to the wobble signal WB reproduced from
the optical disc 100.
[0140] A division frequency circuit (or a frequency dividing
circuit) 226 changes the frequency of the wobble signal "1/N
(wherein "N" is an integer number)"-fold. Therefore, by changing
the frequency of the aforementioned wobbles "WBL" pre-formatted on
the optical disc in the embodiment, 1/2-fold, it is possible to
make the signal processing through the division frequency circuit
226 substantially equivalent to the conventional signal processing
in the first reference frequency.
[0141] The CPU 250 controls each of the constituent elements of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus 200.
(2-2) Operation Principle (Reproduction Process)
[0142] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an explanation will be
given on a reproduction process as an operation principle of the
information recording/reproducing apparatus in the embodiment of
the information recording apparatus of the present invention. FIG.
10 is a flowchart showing the process of reproducing record data by
the information recording/reproducing apparatus in the embodiment
of the information recording apparatus of the present
invention.
[0143] As shown in FIG. 10, in the reproduction process, firstly,
the information recording medium is inserted by a user (step
S101).
[0144] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, it is judged whether
or not various management information can be obtained from the
control data zone CDZ, for example (step S102). Incidentally, if
the finalize process is not performed on the optical disc, the
management information cannot be obtained from the optical
disc.
[0145] Here, if the various management information can be obtained
(the step S102: Yes), the various management information is
obtained from the control data zone CDZ or the like, under the
control of the CPU 250 (step S103).
[0146] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, it is judged whether
or not to reproduce the record data, such as contents, recorded on
the optical disc (step S104). If the record data, such as contents,
is to be reproduced (the step S104: `Yes), moreover it is judged
whether or not to reproduce the record data, such as contents, on
the basis of the encryption system, such as a CSS, under the
control of the CPU 250 (step S105). Here, for example, if the
record data, such as contents, is to be reproduced on the basis of
the encryption system, such as a CSS (the step S105: `Yes),
moreover, it is judged whether or not the wobble signal is
detected, i.e. whether or not the frequency of the clock
information, such as the wobble signal, described above can be
detected (or identified) as the first reference frequency (Fstd) on
the basis of the self-correlation, under the control of the CPU 250
(step S106). If the wobble signal is not detected, i.e. if the
frequency of the clock information, such as the wobble signal,
described above cannot be detected (or identified) as the first
reference frequency (Fstd) (the step S106: No), the reproduction of
the record data, such as contents, is allowed and the record data
is reproduced under the control of the CPU 250 (step S107).
Specifically, even if the contents whose copyright is protected by
the CSS are recorded on the optical disc, it is considered to have
the same conventional DVD-Video standard. Thus, in substantially
the same manner as the conventional DVD-Video standard, it is
possible to reproduce the contents while obtaining an encryption or
decryption key and cancelling the copyright protection (i.e.
De-CSS) in accordance with a reproduction instruction.
[0147] On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in the step
S106 described above, if the wobble signal is detected, i.e. if the
frequency of the clock information, such as the wobble signal,
described above can be detected (or identified) as the first
reference frequency (Fstd) (the step S106: Yes), the reproduction
of the record data, such as contents, is not allowed under the
control of the CPU 250 (step S108). Moreover, on the other hand, as
a result of the judgment in the step S105 described above, if the
record data, such as contents, is not to be reproduced on the basis
of the encryption system, such as a CSS (the step S105: No), the
data on the optical disc is judged to be the record data whose
copyright protection is unnecessary, under the control of the CPU
250, and the reproduction of the record data is allowed and the
record data is reproduced (step S109).
[0148] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, it is judged whether
or not the information recording medium is to be ejected (step
S110). Here, if the information recording medium is to be ejected
(the step S110: Yes), or as a result of the judgment in the step
S102 described above, if the various management information cannot
be obtained (the step S102: No), an ejection operation is performed
under the control of the CPU 250 (step S111).
[0149] On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in the step
S110 described above, if the information recording medium is not to
be ejected (the step S110: No), as described above, it is judged
whether or not to reproduce the record data, such as contents,
recorded on the optical disc under the control of the CPU 250 (the
step S104).
(2-3) Operation Principle (Recording Process)
[0150] Next, with reference to FIG. 11, an explanation will be
given on a recording process on the optical disc in the embodiment,
on the information recording/reproducing apparatus in the
embodiment of the information recording apparatus of the present
invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the recording process on
the optical disc in the embodiment, by the information
recording/reproducing apparatus in the embodiment of the
information recording apparatus of the present invention.
[0151] As shown in FIG. 11, in the reproduction process, firstly,
the information recording medium is inserted by a user (step
S201).
[0152] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, the various
management information is obtained from the control data zone CDZ,
for example (step S202).
[0153] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, the various
management information is obtained from the recording management
area RMA, for example (step S203).
[0154] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, it is judged whether
or not to be the optical disc on which the wobbles "WBL" (i.e. the
predetermined clock information) described above are pre-formatted,
on the basis of the management information, such as version
information about the optical disc, on the basis of the management
information that can be obtained from the LPP formed in the CDZ,
RMA, or a lead-in area, for example (step S204). Here, if it is
judged to be the optical disc on which the wobbles "WBL" (i.e. the
predetermined clock information) described above are pre-formatted
(the step S204: Yes), for example, various signal processing
conditions corresponding to the wobbles "WBL" (i.e. the
predetermined clock information) described above are set (step
S205). As described above, on the optical disc in the embodiment,
the predetermined clock information is formed using the frequency
that is twice, i.e., an integral multiple of the first reference
frequency. Thus, by adding the process of dividing, i.e. the
process of increasing the frequency "1/2"-fold while matching with
the phase of the LPP described above, the signal processing can be
performed in almost or completely the same manner as the
conventional manner, with regard to the conventional LPP signal
processing conditions (signal processing system) and the wobble
signal processing conditions,
[0155] On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in the step
S204 described above, if it is judged not to be the optical disc on
which the wobbles "WBL" (i.e. the predetermined clock information)
described above are pre-formatted, i.e. if it is judged to be the
conventional general optical disc (the step S204: NO), for example,
the various signal processing conditions corresponding to the
wobble corresponding to the first reference frequency (Fstd) are
set (step S206).
[0156] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, it is judged whether
or not to record the record data (step S207). Here, if the record
data is to be recorded (the step S207: Yes), the record data is
recorded by a predetermined amount, on the basis of the signal
processing conditions, under the control of the CPU 250 (step
S208).
[0157] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, it is judged whether
or not to perform the finalize process on the optical disc (step
S209). Here, if the finalize process is to be performed on the
information recording medium (step S209: Yes), the various
management information recorded in the recording management area
RMA is updated, under the control of the CPU 250 (step S210). Then,
under the control of the CPU 250, the finalize process is performed
on the information recording medium (step S211).
[0158] On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in the step
S207 described above, if the record data is not to be recorded (the
step S207: No), moreover, it is judged whether or not to reproduce
the record data, under the control of the CPU 250 (step S212).
Here, if the record data is to be reproduced (the step S212: Yes),
the record data is reproduced by a predetermined amount on the
basis of the set signal processing conditions, under the control of
the CPU 250 (step S213).
[0159] Then, under the control of the CPU 250, it is judged whether
or not the information recording medium is to be ejected (step
S214). Here, if the information recording medium is to be ejected
(the step S214: Yes), or as a result of the judgment in the step
S209 described above, if the finalize process is not performed on
the information recording medium (the step S209: No), or as a
result of the judgment in the step S212 described above, if the
record data is not to be reproduced (the step S212: No), an
ejection operation is performed under the control of the CPU 250
(step S215).
[0160] On the other hand, as a result of the judgment in the step
S214 described above, if the information recording medium is not to
be ejected (the step S214: No), as described above, it is judged
whether or not to be the optical disc on which the wobbles "WBL"
(i.e. the predetermined clock information) described above are
pre-formatted, on the basis of the management information, such as
version information about the optical disc, on the basis of the
management information, under the control of the CPU 250 (step
S204).
(3) Optical Disc in Another Embodiment
[0161] Next, with reference to FIG. 12 to FIG. 16, an explanation
will be given on the detailed structure of an optical disc in
another embodiment of the information recording medium of the
present invention. Incidentally, in the another embodiment of the
information recording medium of the present invention, the same
structure as that in the aforementioned embodiment carries the same
numerical reference and name, and the explanation thereof will be
omitted, as occasion demands.
(3-1) Optical Disc in Another Embodiment--Part1--
[0162] Firstly, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIGS. 13, another
embodiment (part1) of the information recording medium of the
present invention will be explained. FIG. 12 is a graph
schematically showing the frequency of the predetermined clock
information included in the first frequency band in another
embodiment (part 1) of the information recording medium of the
present invention. FIGS. 13 are a schematic diagram (FIG. 13(a))
schematically showing the predetermined clock information and the
predetermined address information in the optical disc in the
another embodiment (part 1) of the information recording medium of
the present invention, and a schematic diagram (FIG. 13(b))
schematically showing the clock information and the first address
information based on the first reference frequency in the optical
disc in the comparison example.
[0163] As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13(a), in the recording area of
the optical disc in another embodiment (part 1), the wobbles "WBL"
defined by a frequency that is an integral multiple of the first
reference frequency, i.e. a tenfold frequency (i.e. another
specific example of the "predetermined clock information" of the
present invention) are pre-formatted.
[0164] Specifically, in the optical disc in another embodiment
(part 1), as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13(a), 80 pieces of wobbles
(or 80 wobbles) "WBL" are formed in one sync frame. In other words,
one Even sync frame is constituted by WBL "1" to WBL "80", and one
Odd sync frame is constituted by WBL "81" to WBL "160".
[0165] In addition, there are only three land pre-pits (i.e. one
specific example of the "predetermined address information" of the
present invention) (hereinafter referred to as "LPP" as occasion
demands) formed in each one sync frame, i.e. substantially in each
80 pieces of wobbles. The three LPPs are formed in the 30 pieces of
wobbles from the first wobble. In other words, the three LPPs are
formed by a unit of a group of ten wobbles, at the first wobbles of
the units, respectively. That is, a cycle "Tstd" in which the LPPs
are formed shown in FIG. 13(a) is equal to a cycle "Tstd" in which
the address information "LPPstd" is formed shown in FIG. 13(b).
[0166] As a result, the frequency of the wobbles "WBL" (i.e. one
example of the predetermined clock information) is 10 times, i.e.,
an integral multiple of the first reference frequency (Fstd:
reference frequency for DVD-R/RW). Thus, it is possible to
pre-format the predetermined address information "LPP", (i) which
cannot be detected by the conventional reproducing apparatus that
can detect the address information "LPPstd" (i.e. one specific
example of the "first address information" of the present
invention), such as LPP (Land Pre-Pit), pre-formatted with the
first reference frequency and (ii) which can hold a simple and
proper phase relationship with the predetermined clock
information.
(3-2) Optical Disc in Another Embodiment--Part2--
[0167] Next, with reference to FIG. 14, an explanation will be
given on another embodiment (part2) of the information recording
medium of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a graph schematically
showing the frequency of the predetermined clock information
included in a second frequency band in another embodiment (part 2)
of the information recording medium of the present invention.
[0168] As shown in FIG. 14, the frequency "Fwbl" of the wobbles
"WBL" (one example of the predetermined clock information)
described above may be further included in the second frequency
band that can be defined by a second reference frequency "Fstd2".
Here, the "second frequency band" in another embodiment means a
frequency band that is not detected as the second reference
frequency by the conventional reproducing apparatus for judging
whether or not the frequency of the clock information can be
detected (or identified) as the second reference frequency "Fstd2",
on the basis of the self-correlation. Incidentally, the wobble
corresponding to the first reference frequency, is referred to as
the wobble "WBLstd", and the wobble corresponding to the second
reference frequency, is referred to as wobble "WBLstd2". That is,
the following equation (2) can indicate the second frequency
band.
{(2m).times.Fstd2-.beta.}<(second frequency
band)<{(2m).times.Fstd+.beta.} (2)
[0169] wherein, "m" is an integer number, and .beta. is a
predetermined bandwidth that cannot be detected on the basis of the
resolution of the signal processing.
[0170] Specifically, the frequency band included in the first
frequency band and the second frequency band, is a frequency band
(i) in which the counter value corresponds to a smaller counter
value than a predetermined threshold value in a characteristic
curve indicating the self-correlation based on the first reference
frequency, and (ii) in which the counter value corresponds to a
smaller counter value than a predetermined threshold value in a
characteristic curve indicating the self-correlation based on the
second reference frequency, as shown in a right-shaded hatched area
in FIG. 14.
[0171] As described above, the frequency of the wobbles "WBL" (one
example of the predetermined clock information) described above,
i.e. the frequency "Fwbl" that is an integral multiple, such as
twice, 10 times, 12 times, or 14 times, of the first reference
frequency (Fstd: frequency for DVD-R/RW), is included in the first
frequency band which is a frequency band that is not detected as
the first reference frequency by one kind of conventional
reproducing apparatus. At the same time, it is included in the
second frequency band which is a frequency band that is not
detected as the second reference frequency by another kind of
conventional reproducing apparatus.
[0172] As a result, both (i) one kind of conventional reproducing
apparatus that can detect the clock information of the first
reference frequency (e.g. a reproducing apparatus for DVD-R/RW) and
(ii) another kind of conventional reproducing apparatus that can
detect the clock information of the second reference frequency
(e.g. a reproducing apparatus for DVD+R/RW) cannot detect the
wobbles "WBL" (one example of the predetermined clock information),
so that it is possible to perform the reproduction process on the
information recording medium of the present invention, as in the
general read-only information recording medium.
(3-3) Optical Disc in Another Embodiment--Part3--
[0173] Next, with reference to FIGS. 15, an explanation will be
given on another embodiment (part3) of the information recording
medium of the present invention. FIGS. 15 are a logical block
diagram (FIG. 15(a)) schematically showing a judgment procedure in
a conventional reproducing apparatus for judging, on the basis of
band pass filtering, in judging whether or not the frequency of the
clock information can be detected (or identified) as the first
reference frequency (Fstd), in another embodiment (part 3) of the
information recording medium of the present invention, and a graph
(FIG. 15(b)) schematically showing a spectrum obtained on the basis
of the band pass filtering.
[0174] As shown in FIG. 15(a), on the information
recording/reproducing apparatus in the embodiment, it may be judged
whether or not the frequency of the clock information can be
detected (or identified) as the first reference frequency (Fstd),
using an output value outputted by a detection circuit (or a
detection wave circuit) for detecting a signal of the push-pull
signal, which passes through a band bass filter "BPF" in which a
center frequency is "Fwbl" and a bandwidth is ".alpha.".
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(b), if a spectrum that is larger
than a noise and larger than a predetermined threshold value, is
detected at the frequency "Fwbl", it may be judged that the
frequency of the clock information pre-formatted on the optical
disc is the first reference frequency.
[0175] As a result, according to the recording-type information
recording medium, the information recording apparatus, and the
information reproducing apparatus in the embodiment described
above, it is possible to supply the contents whose copyright is
protected by the encryption system, such as a CSS, to a general
user, using the information recording medium on which the wobbles
"WBL" (one example of the predetermined clock information)
described above are pre-formatted. And it is possible to enable the
conventional reproducing apparatus to perform the reproduction
process on the supplied contents, appropriately and easily.
Therefore, according to the optical disc in the embodiment, it is
possible to realize both the copyright protection of contents and
the retention of reproduction compatibility.
[0176] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16, a content holder that owns
copyright, can supply the contents whose copyright is protected,
using the recording-type information recording medium (e.g.,
optical disc) of the embodiments described above. That allows more
efficient business, such as sales without stock by small-lot
production and small distribution responding to a user's order.
Therefore, it is possible to receive such an apparent benefit that
efficiency in business can be realized with respect to various
resources in human, economy, and equipment, such as a stock
management.
[0177] In the aforementioned embodiments, as one specific example
of the information recording medium, an explanation is given on the
single-layer type optical disc on which recording or reproduction
can be performed using laser light, such as Blu-ray, red LD light,
or infrared rays. In addition, the present invention can be also
applied to a multilayer type (or multiple layer type) optical disc
with two or more recording layers. Moreover, it can be also applied
to other various information recording media which support
high-density recording or high transmission rate.
[0178] Moreover, in the aforementioned embodiments, as one specific
example of the information recording apparatus and the information
reproducing apparatus, an explanation is given on the information
recording/reproducing apparatus compatible with the single-layer
type optical disc. In addition, the present invention can be also
applied to an information recording/reproducing apparatus
compatible with the multilayer type (or multiple layer type)
optical disc with two or more recording layers. Moreover, it can be
also applied to an information recording/reproducing apparatus
compatible with other various information recording media which
support high-density recording or high transmission rate.
[0179] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned
embodiments, but various changes may be made, if desired, without
departing from the essence or spirit of the invention which can be
read from the claims and the entire specification. An information
recording medium, an information recording apparatus and method, an
information reproducing apparatus and method, and a computer
program for recording control, all of which involve such changes,
are also intended to be within the technical scope of the present
invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0180] The information recording medium, the information recording
apparatus and method, the information reproducing apparatus and
method, and the computer program according to the present invention
can be applied to an information recording medium, such as an
optical disc, on which recording and reproduction can be performed
by irradiating it with laser light, such as a DVD (Digital
Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray Disc), and a CD (Compact Disc), and
also applied to an information recording/reproducing apparatus or
the like for the information recording medium. Moreover, they can
be applied to an information recording/reproducing apparatus or the
like which is mounted on various computer equipment for consumer
use or for commercial use, or which can be connected to various
computer equipment.
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