Patent ID: 6674701
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An optical recording medium readout apparatus comprising:means for carrying out readout of information recorded on the optical recording medium by a light beam and for outputting a readout signal corresponding to readout information: and readout power control means for controlling a readout power of a light beam so as to reach a target value therefor based on an amplitude ratio obtained from readout signals produced by reading a plurality of types of marks on an optical recording medium, wherein the readout power control means sets readout power at a time when readout power control operations are next resumed following a temporary suspension thereof, so as to be greater than a readout power value at a point where change in amplitude ratio with respect to change in readout power goes from monotonically increasing to monotonically decreasing or from monotonically decreasing to monotonically increasing.