Abstract:
Reproduction on an optical recording medium having plural information layers involves the problem of distortion occurring due to interlayer crosstalk and hence deterioration in the quality of a readout signal. At a predetermined radius, a correction coefficient for correcting the amount of fluctuation components is calculated from a readout signal with distortion due to the interlayer crosstalk, and then is stored. The stored correction coefficient is used to eliminate crosstalk components and to correct readout signal fluctuation during reproduction on a predetermined area. In this way, the original readout signal without interlayer crosstalk components can be obtained, so that good-quality reproduction characteristics can be achieved.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority from Japanese application JP 2007-253034 filed on Sep. 28, 2007, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an optical recording medium having plural information layers, and an optical information reproducing apparatus and method for recording or reproducing information on the optical recording medium. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]      FIG. 2  illustrates in schematic form a cross-sectional configuration of a heretofore known multilayer optical disc and the principle of selective reproduction of information on information-recordable or information-bearing information layers.  FIG. 2  shows an optical head, only a part of the objective lens. In this conventional example of the multilayer optical disc, an information recording medium includes plural information layers, that is, a total of four information layers consisting of a first information layer  211 , a second information layer  212 , a third information layer  213  and a fourth information layer  214 , and thus will be hereinafter called a “four-layer medium.” With the use of the four-layer medium, access to recorded information on the third information layer  213 , for example, involves controlling the position of an objective lens  30 , thereby positioning a light spot  32  on the third information layer  213 . On this occasion, a converging ray  31  is focused through the objective lens  30  and passes through the translucent first and second information layers  211  and  212  before reaching the third information layer  213 . However, the converging ray  31  does not act to resolve and thereby reproduce recorded information on the translucent first and second information layers  211  and  212  since a beam diameter of the converging rays  31  on the first and second information layers is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the light spot  32  on the third information layer  213 . In this manner, reproduction of information on the third information layer located on the farther side, as viewed from a light source, than the first and second information layers is achieved without being affected by the first and second information layers. 
         [0006]    Likewise, the reproduction of information on the fourth information layer  214  involves controlling the position of the objective lens  30 , thereby positioning the light spot  32  on the fourth information layer  214 . Here, the beam diameter on the layer (hereinafter called an “adjacent layer”) adjacent to the layer targeted for reproduction is given by the following equation: 
         [0000]      L*NA/(1−NÂ2)̂(½), 
         [0000]    where L represents a gap between the layers; NA, the numerical aperture of the objective lens; and λ, the wavelength of light. Letting L be 5 μm and NA be 0.85, for example, yields a beam diameter of 8 μm on the adjacent layer. This beam diameter of 8 μm is about a diameter 17-times larger and has about an area 300-times larger than the diameter of the light spot  32  on the target layer, λ/NA=470 nm, which is observed when the wavelength λ is set equal to 400 nm. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Hei 5-101398 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Literature 1) gives a description of details on conditions of recording and reproduction on an optical recording medium having plural information layers, which take place without being affected by other layers in the manner as above mentioned. 
         [0007]    Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei 11-016208 gives a disclosure as to how to design the reflectance and transmittance of the information layers of the multilayer optical disc as mentioned above. Specifically, a multilayer information recording medium having a stacked construction of three or more information layers is designed such that R n , a n , and R n-1  can satisfy the relationship defined by the following expression: 
         [0000]        R   n-1   ≈R   n ×(1 −a   n-1   −R   n-1 )̂2 
         [0000]    where R n  and a n  denote the reflectance and absorbance, respectively, of the n-th information layer from the incoming-side layer which read light from the optical head enters and R n-1  denotes the reflectance of the (n−1)th information layer. Since (1−a n-1 −R n-1 ) indicates the transmittance of the (n−1)th layer, the above expression determines that the quantity of light reflected from the (n−1)th layer will be approximately equal to the quantity of light that travels through the (n−1)th layer, bounces off the n-th layer and further travels back through the (n−1)th layer toward the optical head. In other words, the medium is designed such that all layers have approximately equal effective reflectance for light to exit from the optical head to the layers and return to the optical head. Specifically, the medium is designed so that a layer located on the far side, as viewed from the light incoming side, has high reflectance to thereby compensate attenuation of light intensity caused by reflection and absorption by a layer located on the near side. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-38463 discloses that the information layer located farther away from the light entrance surface has greater layer thickness, so that the quantities of light reflected from the information layers become approximately equal, and that the refractive index of a disc sheet is set substantially equal to that of a bonding layer. 
         [0008]    A design method for the medium of multilayer structure as mentioned above takes into account the effect of the attenuation of light through a near-side layer located between a target layer for recording or reproduction and the light incident surface of the medium, but does not take into account the influence of repeated reflections of light, or equivalently, what is termed as multiple reflections of light, in the near-side layer. Description will be given with reference to  FIG. 11  with regard to a situation where multiple-reflected light causes a problem. Assume that the target layer for reproduction is the n-th layer and that the n-th layer is irradiated at the top with light, as shown in  FIG. 11 . At this time, the light reflected from the (n−1)th layer immediately preceding the target layer travels as unwanted light to the upper side (nearer side to the light source) of the (n−2)th layer. Then, the unwanted light reflected from the upper side of the (n−2)th layer again bounces off the (n−1)th layer to travel back toward the optical head along substantially the same path as that of reflected light from the n-th layer, resulting in the occurrence of crosstalk of great magnitude. The unwanted light returning to the optical head as mentioned above presents a large problem. 
         [0009]    Firstly, the unwanted light converges on the (n−2)th layer to form a ghost spot, and thus permits optical resolution of information on the (n−2)th layer. Hence, the unwanted light causes unwanted signals having a band overlapping the band of general readout signals, and even worse the unwanted signals are inseparable from the general signals. Secondly, the returned light of the unwanted light travels back to the optical head along substantially the same path as that of the reflected light from the n-th layer and thus likewise travels through the optical head along the same optical path. As a result, both kinds of light are brought into complete coincidence on a detector. Thirdly, the incapability of light separation on the detector also constitutes a factor that renders difficult the quantitative evaluation of the amount of crosstalk caused by the unwanted light. 
         [0010]    The problem of the influence of the multiple-reflected unwanted light, namely, the crosstalk, as mentioned above, results from substantially the same distance between the layers. Accordingly, the approach of varying the distance between the layers is disclosed for example in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-213720 or Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 43, No. 7B, 2004, pp. 4983-4986. In the latter instance, four layers are spaced 15 μm, 17 μm, and 13 μm apart from each other, or in other words, the thicknesses of three spacer layers are set to 15 μm, 17 μm, and 13 μm, respectively, so as to prevent the multiple-reflected unwanted light from returning along the same path as that of the wanted reflected light. In this instance, the spacer layers having the same optical constant are used to vary the thickness and thereby vary the distance between the layers. However, this approach has the problem that the influence of the unwanted light is likely to remain because a mere difference on the order of 2 μm in the distance between the layers results in a small difference between the size of the light spot of the unwanted light and that of the originally desired light spot. In addition, a deviation on the order of only 1 μm of the distance between the layers due to manufacturing variations or the like may cause a sharp increase in the crosstalk due to the unwanted light. Conversely, there is a need to manufacture a very-high-precision medium with suppressed variations, which in turn leads to an increase in the cost of manufacture of the medium. Still another problem is that the distance between the layers has to be greater than that for a general two-layer medium in order to achieve a low margin of interlayer crosstalk, which in turn makes it difficult to increase the number of layers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Desirably, the medium is contrived to eliminate the crosstalk due to the unwanted light, because it is difficult to separate signal light from the crosstalk due to the unwanted light by use of the detector, as mentioned above. However, since manufacturing variations inevitably occur in mass production, the crosstalk caused by the unwanted light cannot be completely eliminated. Instead, a reproducing apparatus and method adapted to eliminate distortion of the readout signal due to the interlayer crosstalk are disclosed for example in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-120291 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Literature 5) as a method for overcoming the crosstalk by use of the apparatus. In this instance, the method involves sampling a top envelope signal of the readout signal, and performing gain control on the readout signal containing DC components so that the top envelope signal can be substantially constant. This method is effective in suppressing crosstalk components of lower frequencies than the frequency of the readout signal, as described in the paragraph of Patent Literature 5. Because of performing the gain control directly on the envelope signal during reproduction, the gain control can possibly become unstable while controlling signal fluctuations due to components other than interlayer leakage. Hence, this method may fail to treat signal distortion in a band of high frequencies in particular. 
         [0012]    The present invention offers a solution to the foregoing problems by adopting a constitution as given below. 
         [0013]    An optical information reproducing method for reproducing information by irradiating with a light beam an optical information recording medium having a plurality of information layers, comprising the steps of: capturing a readout signal reproduced with the light beam focused on one of the plurality of information layers; storing the readout signal; calculating a correction coefficient such that the readout signal will be substantially constant; storing the correction coefficient; and correcting fluctuation of the readout signal by performing computing, with the correction coefficient, on at least one of the readout signal and a different readout signal present in the same information layer as that containing the readout signal. 
         [0014]    The magnitude of the interlayer crosstalk, which is problematic for reproducing the information on a multilayer optical information recording medium, changes according to a distance between the information layers, a so-called interlayer distance. The interlayer distance depends not only on the physical thickness of the spacer layer interposed between the information layers, but also on the optical distance of the spacer layer. Here, the optical distance of the spacer layer may change even with the substantially same physical thickness due to a partial difference in an optical constant of the spacer layer. 
         [0015]    It has been found out that if the thickness of the spacer layer formed by spin coating varies around a track, the tendency of variation is substantially the same in a radial direction, and as a result, the tendency of variation in the readout signal caused by the interlayer crosstalk is likewise substantially the same in the radial direction. Accordingly, a variation level of the readout signal on a predetermined track is stored, the correction coefficient is calculated based on a predetermined set frequency so that the readout signal is substantially fixed, the readout signal in a preset area is calculated using the calculated correction coefficient, and thereby, the variation in the readout signal caused by the interlayer crosstalk is corrected. The capture of the readout signal for calculation of the correction coefficient is done at predetermined intervals in the radial direction of the optical information recording medium. 
         [0016]    As employed herein, “the readout signal is substantially constant” means that the readout signal fluctuates within a range of 5%. Fluctuations of the readout signal beyond the range of 5% cause a rise in error rate or an increase in jitter, thus leading to deterioration in the performance capability of reproduction. Preferably, therefore, the readout signal fluctuates within the range of 5%, and thus, the condition that the rate of fluctuation of the readout signal falls within the range of 5% is set as the condition for rendering the readout signal substantially constant. 
         [0017]    The correction coefficient is used for signal fluctuation correction within a preset radius (or equivalently, a distance from the center of a disc). The above-mentioned preset area may be the area within any one of the inner radius and outer radius of the track or alternatively the area around the track, provided that the area is a predetermined area containing the track bearing the readout signal captured for the calculation of the correction coefficient. Setting the area around the track enables achieving the advantageous effect of reducing the influence of the dependence of the thickness of the spacer layer upon the radius. 
         [0018]    The correction coefficient may be calculated from readout signals on plural adjacent tracks. In this case, the method may include calculating each correction coefficient of the readout signals on the plural adjacent tracks; averaging the plural correction coefficients; and performing computing on the readout signal by use of the average correction coefficient, thereby correcting the fluctuation of the readout signal. Also, the method may include producing a virtual readout signal by averaging the readout signals on the plural adjacent tracks; and calculating the correction coefficient from the virtual readout signal. 
         [0019]    The correction coefficient for rendering the readout signal fluctuation substantially constant will conveniently be calculated by setting constant a frequency for the correction coefficient. For a reduction in storage memory capacity, however, it is preferable that the correction coefficient be calculated by varying a set frequency for the correction coefficient according to the magnitude of fluctuation of the readout signal per unit time, such as by setting high frequency for the correction coefficient in an area of a round of track where the readout signal fluctuates greatly, while setting low frequency in an area where the readout signal does not fluctuate. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the readout signal captured for calculation of the correction coefficient is the readout signal in an unrecorded area that does not bear information. The reason is as follows: although the envelope signal is obtained on an information-bearing track, signal components such as 3T and 4T are not contained in an unrecorded track bearing no information, and therefore, the unrecorded track enables more precise sampling of fluctuation components due to the interlayer crosstalk. 
         [0021]    Further, the stored correction coefficient is stored in conjunction with information such as a position on the disc (e.g., a radial position) in which the correction coefficient is calculated, and, for plural reproductions, the correction coefficient calculated and stored in advance is used for readout signal fluctuation correction. This enables achieving the advantageous effect of being able to reduce time for the capture of the readout signal for the readout signal fluctuation correction and the calculation of the correction coefficient and also being able to achieve power savings. 
         [0022]    Further, the readout signal on a round of disc may be used as a unit for the capture of the readout signal and the calculation of the correction coefficient. For constant linear velocity reproduction, reproduction time for the readout signal at an outer radius r 2  is longer than that for the readout signal at an inner radius r 1 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . If the thickness of the spacer layer formed by means of spin coating varies track by track, the trend of thickness variation and consequently, the trend of readout signal fluctuation caused by the interlayer crosstalk is substantially the same in the radial direction. Thus, if the radial positions of execution of the calculation of the correction coefficient and the readout signal correction are different, it is desirable that the correction be provided in correspondence with an angle from a given position, or equivalently, a circumferential position, rather than in correspondence with the reproduction time from the given position. For example, it is necessary that the correction coefficient calculated at a 180-degree position at the radius r 1  be likewise used at the 180-degree position at the radius r 2  (in this instance, the reproduction times from the given position (e.g., a 0-degree position shown in  FIG. 21 ) at the radius r 1  and the radius r 2  are different). 
         [0023]    In other words, if the correction coefficient is stored simply in correspondence with only the reproduction time from the given position, accurate correction is difficult for correction in a different radial position. For the calculation of the correction coefficient and the signal correction, therefore, the correction coefficient is stored in correspondence with the angle from the given position (marked with a triangle in FIG.  21 ), or equivalently, the circumferential position, rather than in correspondence with the reproduction time. Specifically, an angle θ between first and second virtual lines, starting at a point on the first virtual line and ending on the second virtual line, as shown in  FIG. 21 , is brought into correspondence with the correction coefficients in circumferential positions. The circumferential position will conveniently be stored utilizing as a trigger a disc rotation synchronizing signal such as a spindle index. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 23 , there is shown an example of a table containing the correspondence between the correction coefficient and circumferential positional information, as an example of a method for calculating the correction coefficient. The correction coefficient shown in  FIG. 23  is represented as a value calculated based on the following relational equation: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               Compensation 
                
               
                   
               
                
               coefficient 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   
                     
                       the 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       value 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       of 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       the 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       read 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       signal 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       in 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       the 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       given 
                        
                       
                           
                       
                        
                       location 
                     
                     - 
                     a 
                   
                 
                 a 
               
               × 
               100 
             
           
         
       
     
         [0000]    where a denotes the average value of the sampled readout signal. As shown in  FIG. 23 , a drive may store the correction coefficient in correspondence with the circumferential position (i.e., the angle θ) from the spindle index. Also, although the correction coefficient is calculated by the above operation expression, it is to be understood that the equation for the calculation of the correction coefficient, as given herein, is only illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
         [0025]    Also, in the optical information reproducing method of the present invention, the correction of the fluctuation of the readout signal may include calculating a modulation of the readout signal targeted for correction, and correcting fluctuations of top and bottom envelopes of the readout signal targeted for correction, using a correction coefficient conversion table prepared beforehand within the drive, as shown in  FIG. 20 . The modulation, as employed herein, is expressed by the following equation. 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               Modulation 
                
               
                   
               
                
               factor 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   Top 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   envelope 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   voltage 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   value 
                 
                 - 
                 
                   Bottom 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   envelope 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   voltage 
                    
                   
                       
                   
                    
                   value 
                 
               
               
                 Top 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 envelope 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 voltage 
                  
                 
                     
                 
                  
                 value 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0026]    As a result of examination, it has been shown that a relationship as shown in  FIG. 22  exists between the amount of fluctuation of the top envelope of the readout signal and that of the bottom envelope thereof. The correction coefficient conversion table is the table in which the relationship shown in  FIG. 22  takes numerical form. For example, if correction is provided to the readout signal having a modulation of 52%, the amount of fluctuation of the bottom envelope is of magnitude 1.44 times that of the amount of fluctuation of the top envelope. Utilization of this relationship is effective for time reduction because of eliminating the need to calculate and store the respective correction coefficients for the top and bottom envelopes. Of course, it will be understood that an approach may be adopted which involves capturing the respective fluctuations of the top and bottom envelopes and calculating and storing the respective correction coefficients therefor. At the occurrence of some warpage in an optical head, the relationship between the respective fluctuations of top and bottom envelopes may differ from that shown in  FIG. 22 . Accordingly, the use of the respective correction coefficients calculated for the top and bottom envelopes may possibly achieve more accurate correction. 
         [0027]    For the calculation of the correction coefficient, the calculation of the correction coefficient may include detection of readout signal fluctuation, using a readout signal processing circuit included in the drive beforehand. The readout signal processing circuit is any one of an AGC (automatic gain control) circuit, an automatic slicer circuit, a PRML (partial response most-likely) circuit, and the like. These circuits have the function of suppressing the readout signal fluctuation. 
         [0028]    The configuration of a reproducing circuit in which the AGC circuit is used for the detection of the readout signal fluctuation is shown as an example in  FIG. 16 . In processing blocks shown in  FIG. 16 , a high-pass filter (HPF) eliminates low-frequency fluctuation components of the readout signal, and an equalizer (EQ) eliminates high-frequency noise components of the readout signal and also performs waveform equalization so as to achieve predetermined frequency characteristics. The AGC performs variable gain control so that the readout signal has predetermined amplitude. At this point, the AGC detects the envelope of the readout signal, and feeds the detected envelope signal as a control signal back to the variable gain of an amplitude amplifier to thereby maintain the amplitude of the readout signal constant. A control band of the AGC is several kilohertz for a general readout signal, and thus the detected envelope signal contains components within several kilohertz of the readout signal that fluctuates due to the interlayer crosstalk. Then, the above-mentioned correction coefficient can be obtained from this signal. A correction coefficient calculation circuit calculates the correction coefficient from the detected envelope signal, and a correction coefficient recording circuit holds the calculated correction coefficient. Also, the automatic slicer performs binarization on the readout signal controlled in amplitude by the AGC. The automatic slicer of duty feedback type performs variable control on a binary decision level so that a mark portion and a space portion of the readout signal are equal in duty ratio. A PLL (phase-locked loop) generates a reproduction reference clock from the binary readout signal. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 17 , the automatic slicer circuit may be used for the calculation of the correction coefficient, as in the case of the AGC circuit. In processing blocks shown in  FIG. 17 , a binary decision level signal from the automatic slicer is used for the calculation of the correction coefficient. The automatic slicer circuit of the duty feedback type performs variable control on the binary decision level so that the mark portion and the space portion of the readout signal are equal in duty ratio, to thereby accommodate signal level fluctuations or asymmetric variations during the binarization of the readout signal. Thus, variations in the binary decision level can be utilized for the calculation of the correction coefficient, as in the case of the AGC circuit mentioned above. The binary decision level is generated, for example, by integrating a difference signal between the binary signal and the inverted signal with respect to a predetermined time constant. Other flows of signal processing are the same as those in the processing blocks shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0030]    The PRML circuit having the function of adaptive target correction causes a reference level (or a target level) for Viterbi decoding to follow the readout signal, by means of an algorithm for least squares, so as to minimize an equalization error or level jitter of the readout signal. Because of containing the readout signal fluctuation components caused by the interlayer crosstalk, target level fluctuation can be utilized for the calculation of the correction coefficient, as in the case of the above two examples.  FIG. 18  shows an example of processing blocks having such a function. The flow of signal processing to the PLL is the same as those shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The PRML generates binary reproduced data resultant from the binarization, from the readout signal sampled by the reference clock generated by the PLL, by means of an algorithm for Viterbi detection. The Viterbi detection uses past and current sample data to output the most likely data sequence as a reproduced data stream. The correction coefficient calculation circuit calculates the correction coefficient from a variation in the target level, and a correction coefficient storage circuit holds the calculated correction coefficient. 
         [0031]    Further, the present invention adopts an apparatus configuration as given below. 
         [0032]    There is provided an optical information reproducing apparatus for reproducing information by irradiating with a light beam an optical information recording medium having plural information layers, including: a means for capturing a readout signal reproduced by bringing the light beam into focus on one of the plural information layers; a means for storing the readout signal; a means for calculating a correction coefficient such that the readout signal is substantially constant; a means for storing the correction coefficient; and a means for performing computing on the readout signal and/or a different readout signal in the same information layer by use of the correction coefficient, thereby correcting fluctuation of the readout signal. 
         [0033]    Also, the optical information reproducing apparatus includes a means for averaging plural correction coefficients obtained from readout signals on plural adjacent tracks; and a means for performing computing on the readout signal used for calculation of the correction coefficient and/or a different readout signal in the same information layer by use of the average correction coefficient, thereby correcting the fluctuation of the readout signal. 
         [0034]    The optical information reproducing apparatus of the present invention may include a means for averaging readout signals on plural adjacent tracks; a means for correcting a correction coefficient from a virtual readout signal resultant from the averaging; and a means for performing computing on the readout signal used for calculation of the correction coefficient and/or a different readout signal in the same information layer by use of the average correction coefficient, thereby correcting the fluctuation of the readout signal. 
         [0035]    Preferably, the optical information reproducing apparatus of the present invention further includes a means for calculating a modulation of the readout signal; a correction coefficient conversion table for correction coefficient conversion of top and bottom envelopes, based on modulation information; a means for storing the correction coefficient conversion table; and a means for correcting fluctuations of the top and bottom envelopes of the readout signal, using the correction coefficient conversion table. Utilization of the correction coefficient conversion table for the readout signal correction is effective for time reduction because of eliminating the need to calculate and store the respective correction coefficients for the top and bottom envelopes. Of course, it will be understood that the approach may be adopted which involves capturing the respective fluctuations of the top and bottom envelopes and calculating and storing the respective correction coefficients therefor. In a situation where the correction coefficient conversion table cannot be applied, for example, when some warpage occurs in the optical head, the approach of determining the respective correction coefficients for the top and bottom envelopes enables achievement of accurate correction, although taking time. 
         [0036]    An optical information recording medium suitable for the information reproducing method of the present invention, having plural information layers, is characterized by including write-protected areas for readout signal fluctuation correction, which are disposed at predetermined intervals in the radial direction of the optical information recording medium. 
         [0037]    The write-protected areas for the readout signal fluctuation correction may be disposed at the same radius on two or more of the plural information layers at the predetermined intervals in the radial direction of the optical information recording medium. The disposition of the write-protected areas at the same radius has the advantage of being able to reduce the fluctuation components of the readout signal involved in recording. Preferably, information such as an address of a write-protected track is written in a disc management area. The writing of the address of the write-protected track in the disc management area has the advantage of reducing the processing time required for the optical information reproducing apparatus to perform information reproducing, because of enabling the drive to make an instantaneous determination of a radial position or the like on the write-protected track. 
         [0038]    The present invention can achieve the optical information reproducing method, the optical information reproducing apparatus and the optical information recording medium suitable therefor, capable of eliminating the influence of readout signal fluctuation even at the occurrence of the fluctuation in the readout signal caused by the interlayer crosstalk during reproduction on the optical information recording medium having the plural information layers, thereby enabling accurate restoration of information based on the readout signal as not affected by the influence of the interlayer crosstalk. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a process flow chart of an information reproducing method according to the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a view illustrating the configuration of a conventional multilayer recording medium and the principle of independent reproduction on layers. 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a readout signal according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a measurement method for calculation of a correction coefficient according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing calculation for the calculation of the correction coefficient according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of the readout signals before and after correction according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a process flow chart of the information reproducing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a process flow chart of the information reproducing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is a process flow chart of the information reproducing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  is a diagram for explaining the calculation of the correction coefficient according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  is a diagram for explaining interlayer crosstalk in a multilayer recording medium. 
           [0050]      FIG. 12  is a diagram of an information reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 13  is a diagram of the information reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 14  is a diagram of the information reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 15  is a diagram of the information reproducing apparatus and an optical information recording medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 16  is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data reproducing circuit of the present invention. 
           [0055]      FIG. 17  is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the data reproducing circuit of the present invention. 
           [0056]      FIG. 18  is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the data reproducing circuit of the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 19  is a diagram of the information reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0058]      FIG. 20  is a diagram of the information reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram of readout signals at different radii according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 22  is a plot showing the relationship between a modulation and the amount of bottom envelope fluctuation normalized by the amount of top envelope fluctuation. 
           [0061]      FIG. 23  is a schematic diagram showing the capture of the readout signal and the calculation of the correction coefficient, and a correction method for reproduces signals at different radii. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0062]    Best mode for carrying out the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0063]      FIG. 1  shows a process flow chart of an information reproducing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, a multilayer recording medium of 12 cm diameter having a stacked construction of three information layers is used, and reproduction is performed on the layer located farthest away from a laser irradiation side. In this embodiment, correction coefficients are defined for each 1 mm, and the radius for calculating correction coefficient is set at intervals of 1 mm, for example, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, . . . , and 57 mm. Description will be given here with regard to a readout signal correction method as implemented at the vicinity of a radius of 40 mm, as an example. First, a readout signal is captured at a radius of 40.0 mm (at step S 101 ), and then stored (at step S 102 ).  FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of the readout signal captured in an oscilloscope. Envelope signals of the readout signal are distorted under the influence of interlayer crosstalk, and thus, a reproduced result cannot be accurately restored as it is. Accordingly, a correction coefficient is calculated so that the readout signal is substantially constant (at step S 103 ), and the correction coefficient is stored (at step S 104 ). Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the voltage values of the readout signal were measured at sampling points (marked with “•” in  FIG. 4 ), the ratio of the measured value to an ideal envelope under no signal fluctuation was calculated, and the reciprocal of the calculated ratio was set as the correction coefficient in a predetermined area. In this embodiment, a range of 39.5 mm to 40.5 mm was defined as the predetermined area. Then, a readout signal is captured at a radius of 40.1 mm (at step S 105 ), and the readout signal captured at step S 105  undergoes correction by being subjected to a computing process using the correction coefficient stored at step S 104  (at step S 106 ). Consequently, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the readout signal obtained at a radius of 40.1 mm was subjected to the correction using the correction coefficient calculated at a radius of 40 mm, to thereby form a good-quality readout signal with little fluctuation. Thus, the signal could be accurately restored. 
         [0064]    Likewise, each correction coefficient was calculated for each radius from the innermost radius to the outermost radius as described above, and stored in memory. The correction coefficient calculated at a radius of 24 mm was used to correct a readout signal in a area of a radius of 23.5 mm to 24.5 mm, and the correction coefficient calculated at a radius of 25 mm was used to correct a readout signal in a area of a radius of 24.5 mm to 25.5 mm. As mentioned above, each correction coefficient was calculated in units of a predetermined radius, and stored. The use of each correction coefficient for the readout signal correction enables a correction process in a shorter time, as compared to a method that involves evaluating and correcting the amount of readout signal fluctuation every time the readout signal is read. The present invention is characterized by learning the amount of readout signal fluctuation in units of the predetermined radius and using the learned amount of correction in units of the predetermined area. 
         [0065]    In the first embodiment, each correction coefficient is calculated in units of a radius of 1 mm, and the correction coefficient calculated at a radius of 40 mm is used for a area of a radius of 39.5 mm to 40.5 mm. However, a area of a radius of 40 to 41 mm or a area of a radius of 39 mm to 40 mm may be set as the area for which the correction coefficient is used, and any area will do, provided that the area contains a radius at which the readout signal captured for the calculation of the correction coefficient is present. However, the track for the calculation of the correction coefficient can be located at the midpoint of the area to thereby lessen the influence of the dependency of the readout signal fluctuation upon the radius, as is the case with the first embodiment. Also, likewise, the area for which the correction coefficient is used may be narrowed to a area of a radius of 39.75 mm to 40.25 mm or be rather widened to a area of a radius of 39 mm to 41 mm. The narrowed range has the advantage of being able to lessen the influence of the dependency of the readout signal fluctuation upon the radius, while the widened range has the advantage of being able to reduce the time for the calculation of the correction coefficient and the memory capacity for storage of the correction coefficient. 
         [0066]    Also, in the first embodiment, the ratio between the envelope of the readout signal and the ideal envelope under no signal fluctuation is calculated, and the reciprocal of the calculated ratio is set as the correction coefficient; however, a difference between the readout signal voltage value and the ideal envelope voltage value may be set as the correction coefficient, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Any correction coefficient will do, provided that the coefficient is correlated with the difference between the measured distortion-bearing readout signal and the ideal readout signal. 
         [0067]    Also, information obtained for the readout signal correction may be used to suppress fluctuations in a tracking servo or the like. 
         [0068]    Further, although in the first embodiment the correction coefficient is calculated from the readout signal on the information-bearing track to thereby suppress the readout signal fluctuation due to the interlayer crosstalk, the correction coefficient may be calculated from a readout signal on a so-called unrecorded track that does not bear information. Since the unrecorded track bears no information, the main cause of the signal fluctuation is often the interlayer crosstalk. Thus, the use of the unrecorded track enables accurate sampling of signal fluctuation components due to the interlayer crosstalk. As an example, with the use of the same disc as that mentioned above, the readout signal correction coefficient was calculated, and was stored, in an unrecorded area disposed at a radius of 43.00 mm, in accordance with the process flow chart shown in  FIG. 1 ; and a readout signal in a recorded area at a radius of 43.05 mm was subjected to correction using the stored correction coefficient mentioned above. As a result, a good readout signal with little fluctuation could be obtained. 
         [0069]    Also, as shown in a process flow chart of  FIG. 7 , after the calculation of the correction coefficient from the readout signal (at step S 703 ), the correction coefficient is used to perform computing on the readout signal and thereby correct the readout signal fluctuation, and the amount of signal fluctuation is checked whether or not equal to or less than a predetermined amount (at step S 706 ). This enables achieving the signal fluctuation correction with higher accuracy. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0070]    In the first embodiment, the readout signal on only one predetermined track is used for calculation of the correction coefficient. For the second embodiment, description will be given with reference to  FIG. 8  with regard to an instance where readout signals on plural tracks are used for calculation of correction coefficients. First, a predetermined readout signal is captured (at step S 801 ), the readout signal is stored (at step S 802 ), a correction coefficient such that the readout signal is substantially constant is calculated (at step S 803 ), and the correction coefficient is stored (at step S 804 ). At this point, a determination is made as to whether or not the capture of plural predefined (N) readout signals and the calculation and storage of the correction coefficients are completed (at step S 805 ). If they are not completed, steps S 801  to S 804  are executed until the calculation and storage of N sets of correction coefficients are completed. In the second embodiment, N is set equal to 5 (N=5), and five sets of correction coefficients are calculated from readout signals on five tracks and are stored. Thereafter, the N sets of correction coefficients are averaged (at step S 806 ), and the average correction coefficient is stored as the correction coefficient for use in a predetermined area (at step S 807 ), which in turn is used for the readout signal fluctuation correction. In the second embodiment, the average correction coefficient is calculated from the readout signals on five contiguous tracks; however, the tracks do not have to be the contiguous tracks, and, for example, discrete tracks may be selected for averaging of correction coefficients obtained therefrom. Also, if a determination is made that an accurate correction coefficient cannot be calculated due to the presence of a defect in a specified track, a different track in the same area may be used in place of the defective track. 
         [0071]    Also, in the second embodiment, the correction coefficients are calculated from each of the readout signals, and the correction coefficient obtained through the averaging of the plural correction coefficients is used as the correction coefficient for the predetermined area; however, as shown in  FIG. 9 , processing may involve capturing plural readout signals; averaging envelope fluctuations of the readout signals (at step S 904 ); calculating a correction coefficient such that the envelope of the averaged readout signal is substantially constant (at step S 905 ); storing the correction coefficient (at step S 906 ); and using the correction coefficient for the readout signal correction in the predetermined area. 
         [0072]    A set frequency for the correction coefficient may be varied according to the area. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the frequency may be set high in the area where the readout signal fluctuates greatly to thereby increase the set number of correction coefficients, while the frequency is set low in the area where the readout signal fluctuates little. Varying a set frequency for the correction coefficient according to the magnitude of fluctuation per unit time enables fine setting of the correction coefficient in the area where the readout signal fluctuates greatly, while reducing the storage memory capacity. This enables accurate signal fluctuation correction. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0073]    An example of an optical information reproducing apparatus for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 . First, an optical information recording medium  1201  having plural information layers is irradiated with a light beam from an optical head  1202 , and the light beam is brought into focus in a predetermined area on one of the plural information layers for tracking. The signal light reflected from the recording medium is detected by a detection circuit  1203 , the signal is reproduced by a reproducing circuit  1204 , and the readout signal is stored in a readout signal storage circuit  1205 . Then, a correction coefficient is calculated by a correction coefficient calculation circuit  1206  for calculating the correction coefficient such that the readout signal is substantially constant, and the calculated correction coefficient is stored in a correction coefficient storage circuit  1207 . The stored correction coefficient is used for the readout signal correction in the predetermined area containing the signal reproduced for the calculation of the correction coefficient. For the readout signal in the predetermined area, likewise, the optical information recording medium  1201  is irradiated with the light beam from the optical head  1202 , the signal light reflected from the optical information recording medium  1201  is detected by the detection circuit  1203 , and the signal is reproduced by the reproducing circuit  1204 . Then, a readout signal correction circuit  1208  corrects signal using the correction coefficient stored in the correction coefficient storage circuit  1207 , and signal processing is performed by a readout signal processing circuit  1209 . 
         [0074]    The apparatus of the present invention also includes a readout signal averaging storage circuit  1301  for reproducing and storing readout signals on plural tracks and averaging and storing the readout signals, as shown in  FIG. 13 . In the circuit  1301 , a correction coefficient is calculated from a virtual readout signal resultant from the averaging by use of the correction coefficient calculation circuit, and the calculated correction coefficient is stored in the correction coefficient storage circuit. The stored correction coefficient is used for the readout signal correction in the predetermined area containing the signal reproduced for the calculation of the correction coefficient. Although a process for capturing each reproducing signal on the plural tracks and averaging the readout signals is described here, the apparatus of the present invention may perform plural reproductions on the same track and average the obtained readout signals. Further, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the apparatus may be configured to calculate correction coefficients from readout signals, respectively, to average the plural correction coefficients by a correction coefficient averaging storage circuit  1401 , and to use the average correction coefficient for the readout signal correction in the predetermined area. 
         [0075]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention may be configured to detect the frequency of readout signal fluctuation by a readout signal fluctuation frequency detection circuit  1501  and increase or reduce, by a correction coefficient frequency setting circuit  1502 , the number of correction coefficients set according to the readout signal fluctuation. 
         [0076]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , an optical information recording medium suitable for the information reproducing method of the present invention includes write-protected areas for readout signal fluctuation correction, which are disposed at predetermined intervals in the radial direction of the optical information recording medium. Preferably, the write-protected areas are disposed at the same radius on two or more of the plural information layers. Such disposition of the write-protected areas at the same radius has the advantage of being able to reduce the fluctuation components of the readout signal involved in recording. Preferably, information such as an address of a write-protected track is recorded in a disc management area. The writing of the address of the write-protected track in the disc management area has the advantage of reducing the processing time required for the optical information reproducing apparatus to perform information reproduction, because of enabling the drive to make an instantaneous determination of a radial position or the like on the write-protected track.  FIG. 15  is a schematic view, in which only four write-protected areas are shown; however, it is to be understood that the number of write-protected areas of the present invention is not limited to this. 
         [0077]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention utilizes a disc rotation synchronizing signal obtained from a spindle motor  1901  to store in memory  1903  the correction coefficient in correspondence with a circumferential position on the disc, or equivalently, an angle. Angle detection utilizing the disc rotation synchronizing signal is performed by an angle detection circuit  1902 , and the readout signal, the correction coefficient, the circumferential position represented by the angle, and so on can be stored in the memory  1903 . The readout signal correction corresponding to the circumferential position enables providing accurate correction to even the readout signal in a different radial position. 
         [0078]    The optical information reproducing method, the optical information reproducing apparatus and the optical information recording medium of the present invention can suppress the influence of the interlayer crosstalk and thereby achieve accurate reproduction, for example, in the case where the readout signal on the multilayer optical recording medium is affected by the influence of the interlayer crosstalk.