Patent ID: 6891788
Filing Date: 2005-05-10
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for reproducing information recorded on an optical disk which is provided for recording data of a signal modulated according to a predetermined modulation method in a form of concavo-convex pits, said optical disk comprising a first area having a reflecting film partly removed, and a second area for recording pits which are different from pits satisfying requirements of said predetermined modulation method, said apparatus comprising: a first area detecting circuit for detecting said first area in accordance with a reproduced signal from said optical disk upon reproducing information recorded in said first area, and outputting a first detecting signal; a second area detecting circuit for detecting said second area in accordance with a reproduced signal from said optical disk upon reproducing information recorded in said second area, and outputting a second detecting signal; and judging means for judging whether or not the information recorded on said optical disk should be reproduced, in accordance with said first and second detecting signals, wherein said second area detecting circuit comprises: a first comparator for comparing the reproduced signal from said optical disk upon reproducing information recorded in said second area, with a predetermined first threshold value, and outputting a first comparison result signal; a second comparator for comparing the reproduced signal from said optical disk upon reproducing information recorded in said second area, with a predetermined second threshold value, and outputting a second comparison result signal; and an arithmetic logic circuit for performing a logic operation between said first comparison result signal and said second comparison result signal, and outputting a logic operation result signal, wherein said first area detecting circuit judges whether or not said first area is detected in accordance with whether or not a first number of data from a predetermined sector address to said detected first area, which is counted based on the reproduced signal from said optical disk upon reproducing information recorded on a track including said first area, substantially coincides with a second number of data from said predetermined sector address to said detected first area, which is counted based on a reproduced signal from said optical disk upon reproducing information recorded on a further track including said first area and adjacent to said track.