Patent ID: 6188653
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An optical data processing apparatus comprising:an optical pick-up to selectively generate and irradiate a first laser beam and a second laser beam on a phase-change recording type optical storage medium having a recording layer on which main data and reproduction management data have been recorded, the laser beam selection being made according to the reproduction management data, the first laser beam having a first laser power capable of carrying the main data without erasing when reflected from the optical storage medium and the second laser beam having a second laser power capable of erasing the main data from the optical storage medium while carrying the main data when reflected from the optical storage medium, the first laser power raising a temperature of the recording layer but below a first temperature at which the recording layer is in an amorphous state, the second power being raising a temperature of the recording layer higher than the first temperature but below a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature and is a specific max temperature beyond which reproduction of the main data is impossible;an analyzer to analyze the reproduction management data carried by the first or the second laser beam to determine whether the first or the second laser beam is generated and supplies a command signal to the optical pickup, the optical pickup thus generating the first or the second laser beam in response to the command signal; anda reproducer to reproduce the data to be reproduced carried by the first or the second laser beam.