Patent ID: 6674699
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method for handling data on a data carrier having at least one data area for further functions which forms a reserved area when interpreted in accordance with a first specification, said data area for further functions being usable as a header area with at least one bit for a status information item, or being usable at least in part as a useful data area when interpreted in accordance with a second specification, said method comprising the steps of:in the event of reception, reading said status information item from said header area; setting said status information item to a first value designating â€œreservedâ€  whenever said data on said data carrier have been generated or processed in a way which implies that a content of said data area for further functions no longer complies with said second specification; setting said status information item to a second value designating â€œvalidâ€  whenever said data on said data carrier have been generated or processed in a way which implies that a content of said data area for further functions does comply with said second specification; and, in the event of transmission, transmitting said status information item together with said header data.