Patent ID: 6836455
Filing Date: 2004-12-28
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A recording/reproducing apparatus for recording data in a recording medium and reproducing the data therefrom, comprising:measuring means for measuring first data relative to said recording/reproducing apparatus; first memory means for storing second data to make a decision as to an abnormal state of the measured first data; data generating means for generating third data relative to maintenance of said recording/reproducing apparatus on the basis of the first and second data; output means for delivering the third data as an output; and a laser diode for recording data in the recording medium and/or reproducing the data therefrom, wherein the first data include a forward current value of said laser diode; the second data include the initial forward current value of said laser diode, and also data indicating the ratio of the forward current value to the initial forward current value for making a decision as to the service life of said laser diode; and said data generating means generates, from the first and second data, the third data relative to the service life of said laser diode.