When recording or reading an optical disc having plural data recording layers, which data recording layer the light spot is focused on is detected to improve playback signal quality and signals written to the layer on which the light spot is focused are read more reliably. A convergent lens converges the laser beam on the optical disc, and a focus controller controls the focal point of the laser beam on the data layer. A tracking controller positions and tracks the focal point of the laser beam converged by the convergent lens on a track of the optical disc. A photodetector detects the reflected laser beam from the disc. A convergence detector then detects the convergence state of the laser beam emitted to the plural data recording layers. Based on output from the convergence detector, the laser driver is controlled to separately set beam power appropriately for each of the plural data layers of the disc during playback.
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0. 3. An optical disc comprising:
a first data recording layer having a first user data area for recording and reading information and a first learning area for test recording; and
a second data recording layer read through the first data recording layer, the second data recording layer having a second user data area for recording and reading information and a second learning area for test recording, wherein
the first learning area has a specific part that is provided with a recording-prohibited area where writing data is prohibited.
1. An optical disc comprising:
a first substrate having a first data layer;
a transparent reflection layer formed on the first data layer of the first substrate;
a second substrate having a second data layer to which is disposed a recordable film for recording and reproducing information; and
an adhesive layer for bonding the first substrate and the second substrate with the first data layer and the second data layer facing each other, wherein
said optical disc is configured so that information recorded to the first data layer and the second data layer is read through the first substrate,
the first data layer and the second data layer each have a separate user data area for recording and reading information, a learning area for test recording, and a read-only area for reading information, and
the learning area of the first data layer has a specific part that is provided with a recording-prohibited area where writing data is prohibited.
2. An optical disc as described in
0. 4. A reproducing method for reproducing from the optical disc as claimed in
at least one of:
reproducing first data from the first user data area, the first data recorded with recording power being adjusted in the first learning area; and
reproducing second data from the second user data area, the second data recorded with recording power being adjusted in the second learning area.
0. 5. An adjusting method for adjusting recording power for the optical disc as claimed in
at least one of:
adjusting a recording power of the first recording layer in the first learning area; and
adjusting a recording power of the second recording layer in the second learning area.
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This application
By making the depth of second layer prepits less than or equal to λ/4 and approximately λ/4, and making the prepit depth in the first layer less than the prepit depth in the second layer to reduce the first layer address amplitude, a disc configured as described by the above equation has the effect of increasing playback signal amplitude from the second layer address prepits, and improving signal amplitude in the second layer address area by reducing playback signal amplitude from the first layer address prepits and reducing the amplitude difference in signals from the first layer and second layer address prepits.
Another possible configuration is shown in
d1<λ/4<=d2, and d1>(d2−λ/4).
In this configuration the groove depth of second layer prepits is greater than or equal to λ/4 and approximately equal to λ/4, and the depth of first layer prepits is less than (second layer prepit depth) minus (λ/4) to reduce first layer address amplitude, thereby increasing playback signal amplitude from second layer address prepits. In addition, signal amplitude from second layer address areas is improved by reducing playback signal amplitude from the first layer address prepits and reducing the amplitude difference between playback signals from first and second layer address prepits.
A yet further possible configuration is shown in FIG. 8D and can be expressed as:
λ/4<=d2<d1.
In this configuration the depth of second layer prepits is greater than or equal to λ/4 and approximately equal to λ/4, and the first layer prepit depth is greater than the second layer prepit depth to reduce the first layer address signal amplitude, thereby effectively increasing the playback signal amplitude from second layer address prepits. In addition, the second layer address area playback signal amplitude is improved by reducing the playback signal amplitude from the first layer address prepits and reducing the amplitude difference between playback signals from first and second layer address prepits.
The depth of prepits in an optical disc according to the present invention refers to the optical depth or height with consideration for the refractivity of the medium.
Embodiment 2
A method for discriminating the first layer and second layer of an optical disc using a physical feature of the disc is described in the above first embodiment using an optical disc in which the groove depth is different in the first and second layers. This second embodiment of the invention describes a method whereby the disc recorder or player discriminates the first and second layers using an optical disc in which the groove depth is the same in the first and second layers.
The following second to fourth embodiments describe a convergence detector 112 for determining whether the light spot is focused on the first layer or on the second layer when a signal is generated by focusing a light spot on the optical disc.
The second embodiment of the invention is described first with reference to the figures.
A convergence detector 112 for detecting light spot convergence using a playback signal from the prepits in the address area is described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 21. The configuration of the optical disc drive is identical to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
In order to determine whether the light spot is focused on the first layer or second layer, the convergence detector 112 of the optical disc drive of the present invention determines the slice level voltage 2103 of the address signal, which is the average of the median of the playback signal waveform of the first pit train 2101 and the median of the playback signal waveform of the second pit train 2102, and then determines whether the slice level is in a first voltage range (between threshold value 1a and threshold value 1b) or a second voltage range (between threshold values 2a and 2b). If the slice level voltage is between threshold values 1a and 1b, the address signal was read from the first layer; if between threshold values 2a and 2b, the address signal was read from the second layer.
The ranges of threshold values 1a to 1b and threshold values 2a to 2b do not overlap. If, for example, as shown in
(1a−1b)=7.5%±Δ,
the address signal is from the first layer; if the slice level is in the range
(2a−2b)=2.75%±Δ,
the address signal is from the second layer. The convergence detector 112 determines from which layer the signal is read. Note that Δ is 10% of the value on the left. The threshold value range 1a to 1b is therefore (7.5%+0.75%) to (7.5%−0.75%). The same denotation is used below.
If there are three or more data recording layers, it is only necessary to define additional constant slice level voltage ranges.
Alternatively, the convergence detector 112 in the optical disc drive of this invention can determine whether the light spot is focused on the first layer or second layer based on the maximum address amplitude voltage 2105 detected from the address area. If the maximum address amplitude is within a specified range (threshold values 1c to 1d); the address is read from the first layer; if within another specific range (threshold values 2c to 2d), the second layer is recognized.
The threshold value ranges 1c to 1d and 2c and 2d also do not overlap. For example, referring again to
maximum address area amplitude ΔAR1=(1c−1d)=3%±Δ
and identifies the first layer, and
maximum address area amplitude ΔAR2=(2c−2d)=1.1%±Δ
and identifies the second layer. The convergence detector 112 also makes this determination.
If the number of plural data recording layers is 3 or more, it is again also only necessary to define additional constant maximum address signal amplitude ranges.
This second embodiment of the invention can thus determine from the address area signal on which of plural data recording layers on the optical disc the light spot is focused.
Embodiment 3
A third embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to the accompanying figures.
The convergence detector 112 in this third embodiment detects light spot convergence using signals from unrecorded tracks in the data area, and is described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The configuration of the optical disc drive is identical to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
In order to determine whether the light spot is focused on the first layer or second layer, the convergence detector 112 of the optical disc drive of the present invention holds the groove level 602, that is, the playback signal level from an unrecorded track in the data area. The light spot is focused on the first layer if the groove level is in a specific range (between threshold values 1e and 1f), and is focused on the second layer if the groove level is in another specific range (between threshold values 2e and 2f).
If there are three or more data recording layers, it is only necessary to define additional specific groove level voltage (threshold value) ranges. It will also be noted that threshold value range 1e to 1f and threshold value range 2e to 2f do not overlap.
As shown in
(1e−1f)=6%±Δ,
the light spot is focused on the first layer. If it is in the range
(2e−2f)=2.2%±Δ,
the light spot is focused on the second layer. The convergence detector 112 makes this determination.
Alternatively, the convergence detector 112 in the optical disc drive of this invention can determine whether the light spot is focused on the first layer or second layer by holding the mirror level 601, which is the playback signal level from the mirror area of the disc. As shown in
The light spot is focused on the first layer if the mirror level is in one specific voltage range (between threshold values 1g and 1h), and is focused on the second layer if the mirror level is in another specific voltage range (between threshold values 2g and 2h).
Note that a mirror area is a mirror polished area of the disc where neither guide grooves or prepits are formed.
If the number of plural data recording layers is 3 or more, it is again also only necessary to define additional constant mirror level voltage ranges. It will also be noted that threshold value ranges 1g to 1g and 2g to 2h do not overlap.
As shown in
(1g−1h)=9%±Δ,
the light spot is focused on the first layer. If it is in the range
(2g−2h)=3.3%±Δ,
the light spot is focused on the second layer. The convergence detector 112 makes this determination.
As described above, the present invention can identify the data recording layer on which the light spot is focused in an optical disc having plural data recording layers based on a signal from an unrecorded track in the data area.
Embodiment 4
A fourth embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to the accompanying figures.
The convergence detector 112 in this fourth embodiment detects light spot convergence using signals from recorded tracks in the data area, and is described with reference to FIG. 7. The configuration of the optical disc is identical to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
In
How the convergence detector 112 in the optical disc drive of this embodiment determines whether the light spot is focused on the first layer or second layer is described below. How the convergence detector 112 determines that the light spot is focused on the first layer when the light spot is focused on the first layer is described first.
The convergence detector 112 holds the mirror-slice level voltage difference 702, which is the voltage difference between the recording signal slice level 703 (the median of the signal amplitude of the recording signal envelope, that is, the waveform of the playback signal from the data area recording track being read) and the voltage of the mirror level 701 signal (that is, a signal read from a flat mirror surface area where no guide grooves or prepits are formed).
If the mirror-slice level voltage difference 702 is in a specific range (between threshold values 1i and 1j), the light spot is focused on the first layer.
How the convergence detector 112 determines that the light spot is focused on the second layer when the light spot is focused on the second layer is described first.
The convergence detector 112 holds the mirror-slice level voltage difference 708, which is the voltage difference between the recording signal slice level 709 (the median of the signal amplitude of the recording signal envelope, that is, the waveform of the playback signal from the data area recording track being read) and the voltage of the mirror level 707 signal (that is, a signal read from a flat mirror surface area where there are no guide grooves or prepits).
If the mirror-slice level voltage difference 708 is in a specific range (between threshold values 2i and 2j), the light spot is focused on the second layer.
As in the previous embodiments, ranges 1i to 1j and 2i to 2j do not overlap.
As shown in
(1i−1j)=4.95%±Δ,
the light spot is focused on the first layer. If it is in the range
(2i−2j)=10%±Δ,
the light spot is focused on the second layer. The convergence detector 112 makes this determination.
The maximum recording signal level, which is the highest recording signal level, can be used in place of the recording signal slice level. Further alternatively, the minimum recording signal level, which is the lowest recording signal level can also be used in place of the recording signal slice level.
If the number of plural data recording layers is 3 or more, it is also only necessary to define additional constant mirror-slice level voltage difference ranges.
Alternatively, the convergence detector 112 in the optical disc drive of this invention can determine whether the light spot is focused on the first layer or second layer by holding the groove-slice voltage difference 706, which is the voltage difference between the recording signal slice level 703 (the median of the signal amplitude of the recording signal envelope, that is, the waveform of the playback signal from the data area recording track being read) and the groove level 704 voltage, that is, a signal read from an unrecorded guide groove. If the difference of the (recording signal slice level)−(groove level) is positive, the light spot is focused on the first layer; if negative, the light spot is focused on the second layer.
Depending upon the optical disc, the light spot may be focused on the first layer when the (recording signal slice level)−(groove level) difference is negative, and focused on the second layer when the difference is positive.
It will thus be known that the present invention can also determine from signals read from recorded tracks in the data area on which of plural data recording layers the light spot is focused.
Embodiment 5
A fifth embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to the accompanying figures. The second to fourth embodiments above describe a convergence detector 112 for discriminating between the first and second layers of an optical disc. The fifth to seventh embodiments below describe how to make signal output from the second layer identical to signal output from the first layer when the convergence detector 112 determines that the light spot is focused on the second layer.
This is described first with reference to FIG. 1.
The laser drive unit 113 is controlled to drive the semiconductor laser 102 at an output level optimized for the first layer when the convergence detector 112 determines that the light spot is focused on the first layer or it is not dear which layer the light spot is focused on.
If the convergence detector 112 determines that the light spot is focused on the second layer, the convergence detector 112 controls the laser drive unit 113 to drive the semiconductor laser 102 at an output level optimized for the second layer. In this case the laser drive unit 113 drives the semiconductor laser 102 at approximately 2.7 times the output power when the light spot is focused on the first layer. Why a value of 2.7 times is used is described below.
Scanning the address area with the light spot is described with reference to
Reference numeral 901 is the playback signal waveform of the first pit train in the first layer, and reference numeral 902 is the playback signal waveform of the second pit train in the first layer. Reference numeral 903 indicates the maximum signal amplitude ΔAR1 of the first layer address area, which in an optical disc with optical characteristics as shown in
Scanning the address area of the second layer with a light spot emitted at the same laser power level used for the first layer instead of driving the laser drive unit 113 at 2.7 times the first layer power level is described next. Note that the maximum amplitude ΔAR2 of the second layer address area is 1.1%, as also shown in
Reference numeral 905 in
The maximum signal amplitude of the address area is therefore 3% in both the first and second layers, and playback signal quality is therefore improved in the first and second layer address areas.
It should be noted that while semiconductor laser output is increased 2.7 times when the light spot is focused on the second layer compared with when focused on the first layer, this increase is determined by the first layer crystalline reflectance, the second layer crystalline reflectance, and the first layer absorption.
This increase is also determined by the state of the recorded and unrecorded tracks of the first layer directly below the second layer.
It is further possible to restrict increase laser output 2.7 times to when the light spot is focused on the address areas of the second layer.
Yet further, the increase in laser output can be different in the data areas and address areas of the second layer.
Embodiment 6
A sixth embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to FIG. 11.
Shown in
When the light spot is focused on the first layer or the focal point is undetermined, the convergence detector 1112 controls the gain controller 1114 so that the gain in the output voltage of the photodetector is optimized for the first layer.
When the light spot is focused on the second layer, the convergence detector 1112 controls the gain controller 1114 so that the gain in the output voltage of the photodetector is optimized for the second layer. In this case the convergence detector 1112 instructs the gain controller 1114 to set the gain in the output voltage of the photodetector 1107 to 2.7 times the gain when the light spot is focused on the first layer. When 2.7 times the gain is used is as described in the fifth embodiment above.
The light spot scanning an address area in the first layer is described next.
Reference numeral 901 is the playback signal waveform of the first pit train in the first layer, and reference numeral 902 is the playback signal waveform of the second pit train in the first layer. Reference numeral 903 indicates the maximum signal amplitude ΔAR1 of the first layer address area, which in an optical disc with optical characteristics as shown in
The light spot scanning an address area in the second layer is described next.
The maximum signal amplitude ΔAR2 of the second layer address area is therefore 3%.
The maximum signal amplitude is therefore 3% for signals read from the address areas of the first and second layers, and playback signal quality is therefore improved in the address areas of both the first and second layers.
It should be noted that the gain controller sets the output voltage gain of the photodetector when the light spot is focused on the second layer to 2.7 times the gain when the light spot is focused on the first layer, but this gain rate is determined by the first layer crystalline reflectance, the second layer crystalline reflectance, and the first layer absorption.
This gain rate is also determined by the state of the recorded and unrecorded tracks of the first layer directly below the second layer.
It is further possible to restrict increase the gain in photodetector output to 2.7 times to when the light spot is focused on the address areas of the second layer.
Yet further, the increase in photodetector gain can be different in the data areas and address areas of the second layer.
A seventh embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to FIG. 12.
Shown in
The output of the convergence detector 1212 is obtained by a method used by the convergence detector in the second, third, or fourth embodiment.
When the light spot is focused on the first layer or the focal point is undetermined, the convergence detector 1212 controls the equalization controller 1214 so that the output voltage of the playback signal operating means 1208 is equalized with equalization characteristics optimized for the first layer.
When the light spot is focused on the second layer, the convergence detector 1212 controls the equalization controller 1214 so that the output voltage of the playback signal operating means 1208 is equalized with equalization characteristics optimized for the second layer.
As shown in
The equalization curves can alternatively be set as shown in
It is also possible to tune the equalization characteristics after selecting the equalization curve. In this case the equalization controller 1214 outputs to the signal processing unit 1215, and the signal processing unit 1215 outputs the playback signal, but the equalization controller 1214 is then tuned based on jitter detected in the playback signal from the signal processing unit 1215. Tuning control also be based on the byte error rate (BER), resolution, or asymmetry instead of jitter.
The equalization characteristics for each layer are tuned by comparing the index (such as jitter, BER, resolution, asymmetry) of playback signal quality with a specific threshold value.
Jitter is a time shift from the playback signal of the original signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, low jitter generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if jitter is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, best equalization characteristic has been achieved.
The BER indicates the error rate in the playback signal, and a low BER generally indicates accurate playback. Therefore, if the BER is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best equalization characteristic has been achieved.
Resolution is the ratio between the amplitude of the signal with the shortest or proportionately shortest time interval in the playback signal, and the amplitude of the signal with the longest or proportionately longest time interval in the playback signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, high resolution generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if resolution is greater than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best equalization characteristic has been achieved.
Asymmetry is a value indicative of the second harmonic component of the playback signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, lower asymmetry generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if asymmetry is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best equalization characteristic has been achieved.
It will also be obvious that while jitter, byte error rate, resolution, and asymmetry are used as indices of playback signal quality above, other indices may also be used, including signal amplitude, C/N, and the bit error rate.
It should also be noted that different equalization characteristics can be set for the data areas and address areas of the same data recording layer.
The seventh embodiment of the invention as described above can thus improve playback signal characteristics in the address areas or data areas in each data recording layer, and can significantly improve the quality of playback signals from the address areas and data areas of the optical disc.
Embodiment 8
An eighth embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to FIG. 13. Shown in
The output of the convergence detector 1312 is obtained by a method used by the convergence detector in the second, third, or fourth embodiment.
When the light spot is focused on the first layer or the focal point is undetermined, the convergence detector 1312 controls the focus controller 1309 to optimize the focal point of the light spot on the first layer.
When the light spot is focused on the second layer, the convergence detector 1312 controls the focus controller 1309 to optimize the focal point of the light spot on the second layer.
When the beam profile is seen in section as shown in
The focal point for each layer can be tuned by comparing the index (such as jitter, BER, resolution, asymmetry) of playback signal quality with a specific threshold value.
Jitter is a time shift from the playback signal of the original signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, low jitter generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if jitter is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best focal point has been achieved.
The BER indicates the error rate in the playback signal, and a low BER generally indicates accurate playback Therefore, if the BER is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best focal point has been achieved.
Resolution is the ratio between the amplitude of the signal with the shortest or proportionately shortest time interval in the playback signal, and the amplitude of the signal with the longest or proportionately longest time interval in the playback signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, high resolution generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if resolution is greater than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best focal point has been achieved.
Asymmetry is a value indicative of the second harmonic component of the playback signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, lower asymmetry generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if asymmetry is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best focal point has been achieved.
It will also be obvious that while jitter, byte error rate, resolution, and asymmetry are used as indices of playback signal quality above, other indices may also be used, including signal amplitude, C/N, and the bit error rate.
It should also be noted that different focal points can be set for the data areas and address areas of the same data recording layer.
This embodiment of the invention as described above can thus improve playback signal characteristics in the address areas or data areas in each data recording layer, and can significantly improve the quality of playback signals from the address areas and data areas of the optical disc.
Embodiment 9
A ninth embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to FIG. 14.
Shown in
The output of the convergence detector 1412 is obtained by a method used by the convergence detector in the second, third, or fourth embodiment.
When the light spot is focused on the first layer or the focal point is undetermined, the convergence detector 1412 controls the tracking controller 1410 to optimize the tracking position of the light spot on the first layer.
When the light spot is focused on the second layer, the convergence detector 1412 controls the tracking controller 1410 to optimize the tracking position of the light spot on the second layer.
When the beam profile is seen in section as shown in
The tracking position for each layer can be tuned by comparing the index (such as jitter, BER, resolution, asymmetry) of playback signal quality with a specific threshold value.
Jitter is a time shift from the playback signal of the original signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, low jitter generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, it jitter is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best tracking position has been achieved.
The BER indicates the error rate in the playback signal, and a low BER generally indicates accurate playback. Therefore, if the BER is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best tracking position has been achieved.
Resolution is the ratio between the amplitude of the signal with the shortest or proportionately shortest time interval in the playback signal, and the amplitude of the signal with the longest or proportionately longest time interval in the playback signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, high resolution generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if resolution is greater than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best tracking position has been achieved.
Asymmetry is a value indicative of the second harmonic component of the playback signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, lower asymmetry generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if asymmetry is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best tracking position has been achieved.
It will also be obvious that while jitter, byte error rate, resolution, and asymmetry are used as indices of playback signal quality above, other indices may also be used, including signal amplitude, C/N, and the bit error rate.
It should also be noted that different tracking positions can be set for the data areas and address areas of the same data recording layer.
This embodiment of the invention as described above can thus improve playback signal characteristics in the address areas or data areas in each data recording layer, and can significantly improve the quality of playback signals from the address areas and data areas of the optical disc.
Embodiment 10
A tenth embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to FIG. 15. Shown in
The output of the convergence detector 1512 is obtained by a method used by the convergence detector in the second, third, or fourth embodiment.
When the light spot is focused on the first layer or the focal point is undetermined, the convergence detector 1512 controls the tilt controller 1515 to optimize the tilt position of the light spot for the first layer.
When the light spot is focused on the second layer, the convergence detector 1512 controls the tilt controller 1515 to optimize the tilt position of the light spot for the second layer.
The tilt position refers to the angle between the optical axis of the laser beam and the data recording layer of the optical disc. After thus selecting the tilt position, the tilt position can be further tuned. The playback signal operating means 1508 outputs to the signal processing unit 1516, which in turn outputs the playback signal. The tracking position can be tuned by detecting jitter in the playback signal and then adjusting the tilt controller 1515 based on the detected jitter. Tuning could also be based on the byte error rate (BER), resolution, or asymmetry instead of jitter.
There are two types of tilt: radial tilt (R tilt) and tangential tilt (T tilt). Radial tilt is tilt in the direction orthogonal to the track and radial to the disc. Tangential tilt is tilt in the direction parallel or tangential to the track.
Radial tilt is further described with reference to
Tangential tilt (T tilt) is further described with reference to
Drive T tilt 2005 results from optical head mounting error or biasing of the tilt stand causing the recording surface of the optical disc 2001 to be tilted relative to the optical axis of the light beam. There is no practical need to differentiate between disc T tilt and drive T tilt, and both are collectively referred to as T tilt.
The R and T tilt positions for each layer can be tuned by comparing the index (such as jitter, BER, resolution, asymmetry) of playback signal quality with a specific threshold value.
Jitter is a time shift from the playback signal of the original signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, low jitter generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if jitter is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best R and T tilt positions have been achieved.
The BER indicates the error rate in the playback signal, and a low BER generally indicates accurate playback. Therefore, if the BER is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best R and T tilt positions have been achieved.
Resolution is the ratio between the amplitude of the signal with the shortest or proportionately shortest time interval in the playback signal, and the amplitude of the signal with the longest or proportionately longest time interval in the playback signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, high resolution generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, if resolution is greater than or equal to a specific threshold value, the best R and T tilt positions have been achieved.
Asymmetry is a value indicative of the second harmonic component of the playback signal, and if the recording conditions are equal, lower asymmetry generally indicates that playback is more accurate. Therefore, for determining whether or not the optimum tracking position is obtained, if asymmetry is less than or equal to a specific threshold value, it is so determined that the best R and T tilt positions have been achieved.
It will also be obvious that while jitter, byte error rate, resolution, and asymmetry are used as indices of playback signal quality above, other indices may also be used, including signal amplitude, C/N, and the bit error rate.
This embodiment of the invention as described above can thus improve playback signal characteristics in the address areas or data areas in each data recording layer, and can significantly improve the quality of playback signals from the address areas and data areas of the optical disc.
As will be known from the preceding descriptions of an optical disc, optical disc drive, and optical disc playback method according to the present invention, which of plural data recording layers the light spot is focused on in an optical disc having a plurality of data recording layers can be determined irrespective of whether the data area is recorded or blank. Playback signal quality in the address areas and data areas can therefore be improved in each of the plural data recording layers, and it is therefore possible to significantly improve signal quality when reading from both the address areas and data areas of the optical disc.
Embodiment 11
The recording principle of a phase change optical disc is described next with reference to FIG. 23.
A disc recorder for phase change media records and erases data by emitting a laser beam to a recording thin film of the disc in order to heat the phase change material of the thin film and thereby effect a change in the crystalline phase of the film. The y-axis in
Heat interference between adjacent recording marks in conjunction with high density recording can cause recorded mark length to shift from the normal position in the recording signal. This problem is addressed by various adaptive recording compensation technologies, one of which is described with reference to FIG. 24.
In
Similarly when the previous space is long and data is recorded with a normal recording signal 2407, heat interference causes the leading edge of the recorded mark to shift −S62404 from the normal mark edge position, resulting in a shorter mark. To compensate for this the position of the first pulse in the recording pulse train is advanced +S62406 so that the mark is recorded to the normal position after recording compensation 2408.
These recording compensation techniques thus suppress interference during playback between marks and spaces of different lengths, and make it possible to improve signal quality.
Problems associated with the prior art technologies noted above are described below. Conventional double-sided optical recording media are designed such that recorded data is read and data is recorded to the disc by emitting laser beams to the disc from both above and below the disc. There is therefore little space for printing a label identifying the recorded content (disc), and handling the discs is thus difficult. Furthermore, if double-sided media is played in a drive with only one optical head, the disc must be removed from the drive, turned over, and reloaded in order to play the other side, and continuous, uninterrupted playback of all recorded content is therefore not possible. To automate reading both sides of the disc it is necessary to provide two optical heads, one on each side of the disc. This increases disc player size and cost.
The recording and playback characteristics of signals recorded at an optical disc having optical characteristics as shown in
A phase change recording film was formed on two 0.58 mm thick substrates, which were then bonded with a 0.04 mm thick adhesive layer therebetween to form the optical disc. Laser power was changed while recording to each recording layer to form recording marks. The recording marks were then reproduced, and the C/N ratio of the playback signal measured. The results are shown in FIG. 26.
Curve 2601 shows the C/N ratio when data recorded to the first recording layer was reproduced. Curve 2602 shows the C/N ratio when data recorded to the second recording layer was reproduced.
When recording data to disc, disc surface wobble and eccentricity, and external impact or vibration on the recorder, cause defocusing and tracking error, thus resulting in a degraded C/N ratio in the recording signal. Tilt, that is, deviation in the angle between the disc and optical axis of the light beam, also degrades the C/N ratio of the recording signal. Disc warping is also affected by humidity and other environmental factors. The optical head is also affected by variations resulting from the manufacturing process as well as aging. Considering C/N ratio degradation resulting from these and other factors, 45 dB is the practical limit for the C/N ratio of the recording signal if data recorded to disc is to be recorded and reproduced reliably.
The following conclusions can be drawn from
However, increasing the peak power of the laser shortens the service life of the laser, increases power consumption, and increases accumulation of recording film damage in the recording film through repeated recording. It is therefore desirable to set the recording power as low as possible.
Therefore, to avoid these problems and assure good signal quality in each recording layer, the peak power level of the recording laser must be set separately for the first recording layer and the second recording layer.
Determining the peak power is described next. The peak power can be determined by recording a signal containing a repeated sequence of the shortest marks and spaces in the recording data, and measuring the C/N ratio of the recorded signal.
For example, the peak power is set to the peak power achieving a C/N ratio of 50 dB in the recorded signal. The desirable peak power achieving this C/N ratio is learned for both the first and second recording layers.
Instead of using the C/N ratio, peak power could alternatively be set by measuring jitter in the recording signal. In this case the peak power is determined by measuring jitter in a recorded signal containing a randomized pattern of marks and spaces.
The peak power settings learned for each of the recording layers are then stored. When data is actually recorded, the convergence detector determines whether data is being written to the first recording layer or second recording layer, and the laser is then driven at the peak power setting appropriate to the detected recording layer. The semiconductor laser can thus be driven at an output level strong enough to assure good signal quality.
The present invention thus provides an optical disc drive that can record and reproduce optical recording media having two recording layers so that labels can be easily printed on the recording media, the recording media can be automatically recorded and reproduced using a single optical head, and the recording media maintains good compatibility with optical recording media having only one recording layer.
It will be further noted that this optical disc drive and optical recording medium are designed so that the second recording layer is recorded and read through the first recording layer.
The amount of light reaching the second layer differs when the first layer is recorded (thus containing a combination of crystalline spaces and amorphous marks) and when the first layer is blank (only crystalline phase). If when recording the second layer, for example, the phase of the first layer directly below (that is, between the laser and second layer) where the second layer is recorded is blank (that is, only crystalline phase), the first layer transmittance is 50% as shown in FIG. 3. However, if the intervening first layer is partially or completely recorded, transmittance increases in accordance with the area of the recorded tracks in the first layer through which the light spot passes to reach the second layer.
This eleventh embodiment of the present invention is further described below with reference to FIG. 30.
Shown in
Information indicating which of the plural recording layers the light spot is focused on is modulated and recorded to the prepits in the read-only area 3002. Both the recordable area 3003 and read-only area 3002 are formed in each of the plural recording layers.
As a result, the convergence detector can identify which of the plural recording layers the light spot is focused on.
Embodiment 12
A twelfth embodiment of the present invention is described next below with reference to FIG. 27.
Shown in
The output of the convergence detector in the second, third, or fourth embodiment.
When the light spot is focused on the first layer or the focal point is undetermined, the convergence detector 2712 controls the recording controller 2715 to set a recording compensation value optimized for the first layer.
When the light spot is focused on the second layer, the convergence detector 2712 controls the recording controller 2715 to set a recording compensation value optimized for the second layer.
A method for setting an optimized recording compensation value is described next with reference to FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. In
The values a to af in these recording compensation tables are determined to achieve optimum recording signal quality in each layer.
The recording controller 2715 stores these recording compensation tables as lookup tables used to set the recording compensation value optimized for the recording layer identified by the convergence detector 2712.
By thus setting the recording power and recording compensation tables optimized for each recording layer, this embodiment of the invention improves recording and playback signal characteristics in the writable data area, and significantly improves the reliability of an optical disc with plural data recording layers.
This embodiment is further configured to read and write the second recording layer through the first recording layer. If when recording the second layer, for example, the phase of the first layer directly below (that is, between the laser and second layer) where the second layer is recorded is blank (that is, only crystalline phase), the first layer transmittance is 50% as shown in FIG. 3. However, if the intervening first layer is partially or completely recorded, transmittance increases in accordance with the area of the recorded tracks in the first layer through which the light spot passes to reach the second layer.
As described above, an optical disc drive according to the present invention can identify which of plural recording layers on the optical disc the light spot is focused on irrespective of whether the data area is recorded or blank. Both recording and playback signal quality can thus be improved in the data area of plural recording layers, and the reliability of an optical disc having plural recording layers can thus be significantly improved.
Embodiment 13
It is therefore possible to improve playback signal quality from the optical disc by setting the peak power and bias power levels used to record to the second layer of the optical disc according to the mark density of the first layer.
The configuration of a recording power learning area is described next with reference to FIG. 34.
Learning areas 3403 are disposed at both the inside and outside circumference parts of the first layer 3401, and learning areas 3404 are likewise disposed at the inside and outside circumference parts of the second layer 3402.
User data recording areas 3405 and 3406 for writing user data are disposed to the first layer and second layer, respectively, between the inside and outside circumference areas.
The learning areas of the first and second layers are located at substantially the same positions from the disc center. Methods for determining the second layer recording power for each of the following three first layer states are described next below.
(1) first layer learning area has a blank area
(2) first layer learning area is partially recorded
(3) first layer learning area is completely recorded
A method for determining the second layer recording power settings when (1) the entire learning area of the first layer is blank is described first below with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 32.
If the first layer learning area is blank or it is known that there is a blank area in the fast layer learning area, the optical head seeks the blank learning area.
The light spot is then focused and tracked on the second layer through the blank learning area of the first layer. The second layer recording power levels are thus earned after first confirming that the first layer is blank. There are various ways of determining the recording power, one of which is the 3T mark and space method described above in the twelfth embodiment.
The recording power levels learned for recording to the second layer when the first layer is blank are then stored in memory where the peak power in a land track is Ppl0, bias power in a land track is Pbl0, peak power in a groove track is Ppg0, and bias power in a groove track is Pbg0. It should be noted that while the recording power is learned and stored for the peak power and bias power in this example, other power levels can obviously be learned and stored.
Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the learning area of the first layer. Dummy data is recorded to a specific part of the first layer learning area in order to convert it from a blank to a recorded state. Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the second layer in the area where this dummy data was recorded. The recording power levels for the second layer are thus learned after confirming that the first layer has been recorded.
The recording power levels learned for recording to the second layer when the first layer is not blank are then stored in memory where the peak power in a land track is Ppl1, bias power in a land track is Pbl1, peak power in a groove track is Ppg1, and bias power in a groove track is Pbg1. It should be noted that while the recording power is learned and stored for the peak power and bias power in this example, other power levels can obviously be learned and stored
A method for determining the second layer recording power settings when (2) the first layer learning area is partially recorded is described next below with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 32.
If part of the first layer leaning area is already recorded, the optical head seeks the first layer learning area and the light spot is then focused and tracked on the first layer.
After confirming that the light spot is focused on the learning area in the first layer, data in a specific part of the first layer learning area is erased so that it is again blank (has no data recorded thereto). The light spot is then focused and tracked on the second layer through this blank learning area on the first layer. The second layer recording power levels are thus learned after first confirming that the first layer is blank. There are various ways of determining the recording power, one of which is the 3T mark and space method described above.
The recording power levels learned for recording to the second layer when the first layer is blank are then stored in memory where the peak power in a land track is Ppl0, bias power in a land track is Pbl0, peak power in a groove track is Ppg0, and bias power in a groove track is Pbg0. It should be noted that while the recording power is learned and stored for the peak power and bias power in this example, other power levels can obviously also be learned and stored.
Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the learning area of the first layer. Dummy data is recorded to a specific part of the first layer learning area in older to convert it from a blank to a recorded state. Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the second layer in the area where this dummy data was recorded.
The recording power levels for the second layer are thus learned after confirming that the first layer has been recorded.
The recording power levels learned for recording to the second layer when the fist layer is not blank are then stored in memory where the peak power in a land track is Ppl1, bias power in a land track is Pbl1, peak power in a groove track is Ppg1, and bias power in a groove track is Pbg1. It should be noted that while the recording power is learned and stored for the peak power and bias power in this example, other power levels can obviously be learned and stored.
A method for determining the second layer recording power settings when (3) all of the first layer learning area has been recorded is described next below with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 32.
If all of the first layer learning area is already recorded, the optical head seeks the first layer learning area and the light spot is then focused and tracked on the first layer.
After confirming that the light spot is focused on the learning area in the first layer, data in a specific part of the first layer learning area is erased so that it is again blank (has no data recorded thereto). The light spot is then focused and tracked on the second layer through this blank learning area of the first layer. The second layer recording power levels are thus learned after first confirming that the first layer is blank. There are various ways of determining the recording power, one of which is the 3T mark and space method described above.
The recording power levels learned for recording to the second layer when the first layer is blank are then stored in memory where the peak power in a land track is Ppl0, bias power in a land track is Pbl0, peak power in a groove track is Ppg0, and bias power in a groove track is Pbg0. It should be noted that while the recording power is learned and stored for the peak power and bias power in this example, other power levels can obviously also be learned and stored.
Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the learning area of the first layer. When it is known that a particular part of the first layer learning area is not blank, the optical head directly seeks that recorded area. Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the second layer through the recorded part of the first layer learning area The recording power levels for the second layer are thus learned after confirming that the first layer has already been recorded.
The recording power levels learned for recording to the second layer when the first layer is not blank are then stored in memory where the peak power in a land track is Ppl1, bias power in a land track is Pbl1, peak power in a groove track is Ppg1, and bias power in a groove track is Pbg1. It should be noted that while the recording power is learned and stored for the peak power and bias power in this example, other power levels can obviously be learned and stored.
Methods (1), (2) and (3) above detect the initial state of the first layer learning area, but this initial state detection step can be eliminated to simplify the system. In this case the recording power levels for the second layer are determined using the above method (2) based on the assumption that part of the first layer learning area is not blank.
Recording to the user data area in the second layer is described next. If the part of the fast layer the light spot passes through in order to record to the user data area of the second layer is largely blank, the recording power can be set to peak power Ppl0 and bias power Pbl0 in the land tracks, and to peak power Ppg0 and bias power Pbg0 in the groove tracks.
If the part of the first layer the light spot passes through in order to record to the user data area of the second layer is largely recorded, the recording power can be set to peak power Ppl1 and bias power Pbl1 in the land tracks, and to peak power Ppg1 and bias power Pbg1 in the groove tracks.
If the part of the first layer the light spot passes through in order to record to the user data area of the second layer contains a mixture of recorded and blank areas, or if the recording mark density is between blank and recorded states, the recording power can be set to peak power Ppl0 or Ppl1 and bias power Pbl0 or Pbl1 in the land tracks, and to peak power Ppg0 or Ppg1 and bias power Pbg0 or Pbg1 in the groove tracks.
Alternatively, if the part of the first layer the light spot passes through in order to record to the user data area of the second layer contains a mixture of recorded and blank areas, or if the recording mark density is between blank and recorded states, the recording power can be set to an extrapolated peak power Ppl2 between Ppl0 and Ppl1 and extrapolated bias power Pbl2 between Pbl0 and Pbl1 in the land tracks, and to extrapolated peak power Ppg2 between Ppg0 and Ppg1 and extrapolated bias power Pbg2 between Pbg0 and Pbg1 in the groove tracks.
These power levels can be extrapolated by simply obtaining the averages as shown below.
(Ppl0+Ppl1)/2
(Pbl0+Pbl1)/2
(Ppg0+Ppg1)/2
(Pbg0+Pbg1)/2
Alternatively, the learned power levels can be weighted and then added to obtain the extrapolated levels as shown below.
Ppl0*y1+Ppl1*y2
where y1 and y2 are real numbers such that y1+y2=1, and are determined according to the recording mark density of the first layer through which the light spot passes.
It should be noted that while the land track peak power is considered here, the same operation can be applied to the land track bias power and the groove track peak power and bias power levels.
By setting the recording power levels for the second layer according to the recording mark density in the first layer through which the light spot passes when recording to the second layer, recording and playback signal quality can be improved in the data areas of plural data recording layers, and the reliability of an optical disc having plural data recording layers can be significantly improved.
Methods for determining the second layer recording power for each of the following three first layer states are described next below.
(1) first layer learning area has a blank area
(2) first layer learning area is partially recorded
(3) first layer learning area is completely recorded
A method for determining the second layer recording compensation tables when (1) the entire learning area of the fist layer is blank is described first below with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 33.
If the first layer learning area is blank or it is known that there is a blank area in the first layer learning area, the optical head seeks the blank learning area.
The light spot is then focused and tracked on the second layer through the blank learning area of the first layer. The second layer recording compensation table is thus learned after first confirming that the first layer is blank. There are various ways of determining the recording compensation table, one of which is the minimum jitter method.
The recording compensation tables learned for recording to the second layer when the first layer is blank are then stored in memory as land track recording compensation table Tl0 and groove track recording compensation table Tg0. The recording compensation tables referred to here and below are the values a to af in the recording compensation tables described above, and tables Tl0 and Tg0 are the respective collections of the values a to af.
While the recording compensation tables define four recording compensation levels, the invention shall not be so limited and a different number of compensation levels can be used.
Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the learning area of the first layer. Dummy data is recorded to a specific part of the first layer learning area in order to convert it from a blank to a recorded state. Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the second layer in the area where this dummy data was recorded.
After thus confirming that the first layer has been recorded, the recording compensation tables for the second layer are learned. The results are then stored in memory as land track recording compensation table Tl1 and groove track recording compensation table Tg1.
A method for determining the second layer recording compensation tables when (2) the first layer learning area is partially recorded is described next below with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 33.
If part of the first layer learning area is already recorded, the optical head seeks the first layer learning area and the light spot is then focused and tracked on the first layer.
After confirming that the light spot is focused on the learning area in the first layer, data in a specific part of the first layer learning area is erased so that it is again blank (has no data recorded thereto). The light spot is then focused and tracked on the second layer through this blank learning area of the first layer. The second layer recording compensation table is thus learned after first confirming that the first layer is blank. There are various ways of determining the recording compensation tables, one of which is the minimum jitter method.
The recording compensation tables learned for recording to the second layer when the first layer is blank are then stored in memory as land track recording compensation table T10 and groove track recording compensation table Tg0.
Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the learning area of the first layer. Dummy data is recorded to a specific part of the first layer learning area in order to convert it from a blank to a recorded state. Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the second layer in the area where this dummy data was recorded. After thus confirming that the first layer has been recorded, the recording compensation tables for the second layer are learned. The results are then stored in memory as land track recording compensation table Ill and groove track recording compensation table Tg1.
A method for determining the second layer recording compensation tables when (3) the first layer learning area is completely recorded is described next below with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 33.
If all of the first layer learning area is already recorded, the optical head seeks the first layer learning area and the light spot is then focused and tracked on the first layer.
After confirming that the light spot is focused on the learning area in the first layer, data in a specific part of the first layer learning area is erased so that it is again blank (has no data recorded thereto). The light spot is then focused and tracked on the second layer through this blank learning area of the first layer. The second layer recording compensation tables are then learned after first confirming that the first layer is blank. There are various ways of determining the recording compensation tables, one of which is the minimum jitter method.
The recording compensation tables learned for recording to the second layer when the first layer is blank are then stored in memory as land track recording compensation table 10 and groove track recording compensation table Tg0.
Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the learning area of the first layer. When it is known that a particular part of the first layer learning area is not blank, the optical head directly seeks that recorded area. Next, the light spot is focused and tracked to the second layer through the recorded part of the first layer learning area. After thus confirming that the first layer is not blank, the second layer recording compensation tables are learned. The results are then stored in memory as land track recording compensation table Tl1 and groove track recording compensation table Tg1.
Methods (1), (2) and (3) above detect the initial state of the first layer learning area, but this initial state detection step can be eliminated to simplify the system. In this case the recording compensation tables for the second layer are determined using the above method (2) based on the assumption that part of the first layer learning area is not blank.
Recording to the user data area in the second layer is described next. If the part of the first layer the light spot passes through in order to record to the user data area of the second layer is largely blank, land track recording compensation table Tl0 and groove track recording compensation table Tg0 are used.
If the part of the first layer the light spot passes through in order to record to the user data area of the second layer is largely recorded, land track recording compensation table Tl1 and groove track recording compensation table Tg1 are used.
If the part of the first layer the light spot passes through in order to record to the user data area of the second layer contains a mixture of recorded and blank areas, or if the recording mark density is between blank and recorded states, either land track recording compensation table Tl0 or Tl1, and either groove track recording compensation table Tg0 or Tg1, are used.
Alternatively, if the part of the first layer the light spot passes through in order to record to the user data area of the second layer contains a mixture of recorded and blank areas, or if the recording mark density is between blank and recorded states, an extrapolated table Tl2 between land track recording compensation table Tl0 and Tl1, and an extrapolated table Tg2 between groove track recording compensation table Tg0 and Tg1, can be used.
Table extrapolation is described next with reference to FIG. 36. In
The tables shown in block 3605 in
The tables define compensation values for same mark and space combinations. For example, A1 and A2 define compensation values for a 3T space and 3T mark combination but for different first layer conditions.
Extrapolated tables can be calculated by obtaining the average of the values at the same mark and space combination positions in the tables as shown below.
(A1+A2)/2
(B1+B2)/2
...
(Af1+Af2)/2
Alternatively, the tables can be extrapolated by weighting and then adding the values as shown below.
A1*z1+A2*z2
B1*z1+B2*z2
...
Af1*z1+Af2*z2
where z1 and z2 are real numbers such that z1+z2=1, and are determined according to the recording mark density of the first layer through which the light spot passes.
It should be noted that while the land track compensation tables Tl0 and Tl1 are considered here, the same operation can be applied to the groove track tables.
By setting recording compensation tables for the second layer according to the recording mark density in the first layer through which the light spot passes when recording to the second layer, recording and playback signal quality can be improved in the data areas of plural data recording layers, and the reliability of an optical disc having plural data recording layers can be significantly improved.
Embodiment 14
A fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is described next with reference to
The optical disc shown in
The recording-prohibited areas 3504 are described next. When recording to the second layer, the recording power or recording compensation table optimized for the second layer differs according to the recording mark density in the first layer through which the light spot passes in order to record to the second layer. It is therefore necessary to learn the recording power levels or recording compensation tables that are best for a particular recording mark density.
Providing recording-prohibited areas 3504 as shown in
(1) the first layer learning area has a blank area
(2) the first layer learning area is partially recorded, or
(3) the first layer learning area is completely recorded.
If, however, it is known that there is a blank area in the first layer, learning can follow the blank area conditions in the flow chart shown in FIG. 32. It is therefore not necessary to erase an area in the first layer in order to create a blank area, and the learning time is shortened accordingly.
Embodiment 15
A fifteenth embodiment of the present invention is described next with reference to
Information identifying the type of optical disc is preprinted in the read-only area 3505 in the formed of modulated prepits. The locations of the first and last radial positions of the recording-prohibited areas 3504 are also recorded in the read-only area 3505. Alternatively, the start and end addresses of the recording-prohibited areas 3504 are recorded.
The disc drive can therefore know by reading the read-only area 3505 that there is an area on the disc that cannot be recorded to, and can know that the first layer is blank when the light spot passes through the recording-prohibited area 3504 of the first layer when learning the recording power or recording compensation tables in the learning area of the second layer.
It is therefore possible to omit the steps for erasing data in the first layer in order to confirm a blank area in the first layer when learning the recording power or recording compensation tables for the second layer, and the learning time can be shortened accordingly.
By thus setting recording power levels or recording compensation tables optimized for each recording layer, recording and playback signal characteristics can be improved in the data areas of plural data recording layers, and the reliability of an optical disc having plural data recording layers can be significantly improved.
An optical disc, optical disc drive, and optical disc playback method according to the present invention can thus identify which of plural data recording layers the light spot is focused on whether or not data is recorded to a data area of an optical disc having plural data recording layers. The reliability of an optical disc having plural data recording layers can therefore be significantly improved
Although the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.
Ishida, Takashi, Nakamura, Atsushi, Shoji, Mamoru
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