Patent ID: 6418089
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A reproduction apparatus for reproducing a signal recorded by magnetizing a recording layer, from a recording medium by transferring the direction of the magnetization to a reproduction layer, the apparatus comprising:a) an optical pickup for emitting laser light to a predetermined position on the recording medium; b) a magnetic-field generation means disposed correspondingly to said optical pickup, for applying a biased magnetic field to the recording medium for signal reproduction; and c) control means for performing at least: c1) a reproduction operation in which said optical pickup is moved above the recording medium and a signal is read from the recording medium, wherein said control means drives said magnetic-field generation means during the reproduction operation to apply a biased magnetic field to a position on the recording medium where laser light is irradiated; and c2) a still operation in which said optical pickup is held at a predetermined position above the recording medium and a signal is not read from the recording medium, wherein said control means stops driving said magnetic-field generation means during the still operation so as not to apply a biased magnetic field to the recording medium.