Circuit for detecting recorded area

In a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk, when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the space portion of the digitized signal (RF) of an RF signal from the optical disk, a counter (20) for detecting a space portion detects the noise and resets a counter (81) for detecting a recorded area with an output signal S21 therefrom. This prevents the counter (81) for detecting a recorded area from erroneously outputting a recorded area detection signal (S12) due to the noise. As a result, a counter (80) for detecting an unrecorded area outputs an unrecorded area detection signal (S20) with high accuracy to bring a recorded area signal (RECD) from a flip-flop circuit (82) to the L level. Accordingly, an unrecorded area can be detected as it is inherently with high accuracy without being erroneously recognized as a portion in which a mark portion has been recorded.

This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/JP05/002207, filed Feb. 15, 2005, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2004-185353, filed Jun. 23, 2004, the disclosures of which Applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk with high accuracy.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk has digitized an electric signal obtained from an optical pick-up unit and detected a range in which the digitized signal is supplied continuously for a specified time as a recorded area, as disclosed in, e.g., Patent Document 1.

FIG. 15shows such a conventional circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk. InFIG. 15,80is a counter for detecting an unrecorded area,81is a counter for detecting a recorded area, and82is a flip-flop circuit for holding an output signal.

In the foregoing circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk, a digitized signal RF obtained by digitizing an RF signal is inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area and an output signal S81therefrom is connected to each of the reset terminal of the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area and the set terminal of the flip-flop circuit82. A reference clock CLK is inputted to the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area and an output signal S80therefrom is connected to each of the reset terminal of the counter81for detecting a recorded area and the clock terminal of the flip-flop circuit82. The time interval between successive generation of the output signal S80from the counter80has been set to be sufficiently longer than the time interval between successive generation of the output signal S81from the counter81. The flip-flop circuit82has the D-terminal thereof connected to the ground GND and outputs a signal RECD.

A description will be given herein below to the operation of the circuit for detecting a recorded area thus constituted with reference to an overall structural view ofFIG. 15and a timing chart in a normal state ofFIG. 16.

InFIG. 15, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted first to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. In the recorded area of an optical disk, the counter81outputs the signal S81to the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area every time it counts a given number of mark portions (L-level portions) to trigger a reset, while simultaneously bringing the recorded area signal RECD as an output of the flip-flop circuit82to the “H” level, so that the recorded area is detected. In the unrecorded area, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is not inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area so that the counter81is brought into a halted state. Accordingly, the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is not reset by the counter81for detecting a recorded area and continues to count based on the reference clock CLK. When the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area has counted for a specified time, it outputs the signal S80to bring the output signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “L” level so that the unrecorded area is detected, while resetting the counter81for detecting a recorded area. Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. HEI 5-266578 (page 7 and FIG. 1)

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

In the structure of the conventional circuit for detecting a recorded area, however, the output signal S81is erroneously outputted from the counter81for detecting a recorded area when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the space portion (H-level portion) of the digitized signal of the RF signal, as shown inFIG. 17. Since the output signal S81resets the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area, the output signal S80is not outputted from the counter80so that the output signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82is held at the “H” level. Accordingly, the circuit for detecting a recorded area continues to detect the recorded area and may erroneously detect a portion to be detected inherently as an unrecorded area as a recorded area on some occasions. As a result, a recorded area cannot be detected precisely any more.

The present invention has been achieved to solve the conventional problem described above and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a circuit for detecting a recorded area which allows high-accuracy detection of a signal-recorded area of an optical disk even when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the digitized signal of an RF signal.

To attain the foregoing object, the present invention adopts a structure which frequently resets a counter for detecting a recorded area and forcibly resets the counter for detecting a recorded area upon detecting the mixture of noise to reduce the frequency with which the counter for detecting a recorded area erroneously outputs signals when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the digitized signal of the RF signal.

Specifically, a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk according to the present invention comprises: a counter for detecting an unrecorded area; and a counter for detecting a recorded area, wherein the counter for detecting an unrecorded area receives a reference clock, outputs an unrecorded area detection signal as a first output, and outputs a reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area as a second output and the counter for detecting a recorded area receives a digitized signal obtained by digitizing an RF signal from the optical disk and produces an output serving as a reset signal for resetting the counter for detecting an unrecorded area and also as a recorded area detection signal.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, respective times elapsed until the unrecorded area detection signal is outputted from the counter for detecting an unrecorded area, until the reset signal is outputted to the counter for detecting a recorded area, and until the recorded area detection signal is outputted from the counter for detecting a recorded area satisfy a relationship represented by: Time Elapsed Until Unrecorded Area Detection Signal is Outputted>Time Elapsed Until Reset Signal is Outputted to Counter for Detecting Recorded Area>Time Elapsed Until Recorded Area Detection Signal is Outputted, wherein the time elapsed until the unrecorded area detection signal is outputted is longest.

A circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk according to the present invention comprises: a counter for detecting an unrecorded area; a counter for detecting a recorded area; and a counter for detecting a space portion, wherein the counter for detecting an unrecorded area receives a reference clock and produces an output serving as an unrecorded area detection signal, the counter for detecting a recorded area receives a digitized signal obtained by digitizing an RF signal from the optical disk and produces an output serving as a reset signal for resetting the counter for detecting an unrecorded area and also as a recorded area detection signal, and the counter for detecting a space portion receives each of the reference clock and the digitized signal to be reset with a mark portion of the digitized signal and outputs the reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, a time elapsed from a reset until the reset signal is outputted to the counter for detecting a recorded area in the counter for detecting a space portion and a time of a longest space portion of the digitized signal satisfy a relationship represented by: Time Elapsed Until Reset Signal is Outputted to Counter for Detecting Recorded Area>Time of Longest Space Portion.

A circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk according to the present invention comprises: a counter for detecting an unrecorded area; a counter for detecting a recorded area; and a counter for detecting a mark portion, wherein the counter for detecting an unrecorded area receives a reference clock and produces an output serving as an unrecorded area detection signal, the counter for detecting a recorded area receives a digitized signal obtained by digitizing an RF signal from the optical disk and produces an output serving as a reset signal for resetting the counter for detecting an unrecorded area and also as a recorded area detection signal, and the counter for detecting a mark portion receives each of the reference clock and the digitized signal to be reset with a space portion of the digitized signal and outputs the reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, a time elapsed after a reset until the reset signal is outputted to the counter for detecting a recorded area in the counter for detecting a mark portion and a time of a shortest mark portion of the digitized signal satisfy a relationship represented by: Time of Shortest Mark Portion>Time Elapsed Until Reset Signal is Outputted to Counter for Detecting Recorded Area.

A circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk according to the present invention comprises: a counter for detecting an unrecorded area; a counter for detecting a recorded area; and a counter for detecting a mark portion, wherein the counter for detecting an unrecorded area receives a reference clock and produces an output serving as an unrecorded area detection signal and also as a reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area, the counter for detecting a recorded area receives an output of the counter for detecting a mark portion and produces an output serving as a reset signal for resetting the counter for detecting an unrecorded area and also as a recorded area detection signal, and the counter for detecting a mark portion receives each of the reference clock and a digitized signal obtained by digitizing an RF signal from the optical disk to be reset with a space portion of the digitized signal.

A circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk according to the present invention comprises: a counter for detecting an unrecorded area; a counter for detecting a recorded area; and a counter for detecting a space portion, wherein the counter for detecting an unrecorded area receives a reference clock and produces an output serving as an unrecorded area detection signal and also as a reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area, the counter for detecting a recorded area receives an output of the counter for detecting a space portion and produces an output serving as a reset signal for resetting the counter for detecting an unrecorded area and also as a recorded area detection signal, and the counter for detecting a space portion receives each of the reference clock and a digitized signal obtained by digitizing an RF signal from the optical disk to be reset with a mark portion of the digitized signal.

A circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk according to the present invention comprises: a counter for detecting an unrecorded area; a counter for detecting a recorded area; a counter for detecting a space portion; and a counter for detecting a mark portion, wherein the counter for detecting an unrecorded area receives a reference clock and produces an output serving as an unrecorded area detection signal, the counter for detecting a recorded area receives a digitized signal obtained by digitizing an RF signal from the optical disk and produces an output serving as a reset signal for resetting the counter for detecting an unrecorded area and also as a recorded area detection signal, the counter for detecting a space portion receives each of the reference clock and the digitized signal to be reset with a mark portion of the digitized signal and outputs the reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area, and the counter for detecting a mark portion receives each of the reference clock and the digitized signal to be reset with a space portion of the digitized signal and outputs the reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, the counter for detecting a space portion halts an operation upon detecting the mark portion of the digitized signal and resumes the operation upon detecting the space portion of the digitized signal.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, the counter for detecting a space portion measures a time elapsed after a reset and outputs the reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area when the measured time exceeds a longest space time of the digitized signal.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, the counter for detecting a mark portion halts an operation upon detecting the space portion of the digitized signal and resumes the operation upon detecting the mark portion of the digitized signal.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, the counter for detecting a mark portion measures a time elapsed after a reset until a next reset and outputs the reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area when the measured time is less than a shortest mark time of the digitized signal.

A circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk according to the present invention comprises: a counter for detecting an unrecorded area; a counter for detecting a recorded area; a counter for detecting a space portion; a counter for detecting a mark portion; and a flip-flop circuit, wherein the counter for detecting an unrecorded area receives a reference clock and produces an output serving as an unrecorded area detection signal and also as a reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area, the counter for detecting a recorded area receives an output of the flip-flop circuit and produces an output serving as a reset signal for resetting the counter for detecting an unrecorded area and also as a recorded area detection signal, the counter for detecting a space portion receives each of the reference clock and a digitized signal obtained by digitizing an RF signal from the optical disk to be reset with a mark portion of the digitized signal and produces an output to be inputted to a reset input of the flip-flop circuit, and the counter for detecting a mark portion receives each of the reference clock and the digitized signal to be reset with a space portion of the digitized signal and produces an output to be given to a set input of the flip-flop circuit.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, the counter for detecting a mark portion outputs a pulse when a time of the detected mark portion is not less than a shortest mark time and not more than a longest mark time.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, the counter for detecting a mark portion measures a time elapsed from a reset until a next reset, compares the measured time with each of a shortest mark time and a longest mark time, and outputs a pulse when the measured time is not less than the shortest mark time and not more than the longest mark time.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, the counter for detecting a space portion outputs a pulse when a time of the detected space portion is not less than a shortest space time and not more than a longest space time.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, the counter for detecting a space portion measures a time elapsed from a reset until a next reset, compares the measured time with each of a shortest space time and a longest space time, and outputs a pulse when the measured time is not less than the shortest space time and not more than the longest space time.

In the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention, respective times elapsed until the unrecorded area detection signal is outputted from the counter for detecting an unrecorded area and until the recorded area detection signal is outputted from the counter for detecting a recorded area satisfy a relationship represented by: Time Elapsed Until Unrecorded Area Detection Signal is Outputted>Time Elapsed Until Recorded Area Detection Signal is Outputted.

By thus constituting the counter for detecting an unrecorded area such that it outputs two types of signals which are the unrecorded area detection signal and the reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area and that the output period of the reset signal to the counter for detecting a recorded area is shorter than the output period of the unrecorded area detection signal, the present invention allows frequent resetting of the counter for detecting a recorded area at a stage prior to the outputting of the unrecorded area detection signal. As a result, even though unnecessary noise is superimposed on the digitized signal of the RF signal, the probability of erroneous generation of an output signal from the counter for detecting a recorded area is reduced. Accordingly, the probability of erroneous detection of a recorded area resulting from erroneous resetting of the counter for detecting an unrecorded area is also reduced so that the recorded area is detected with high accuracy.

In accordance with the present invention, even though unnecessary noise is superimposed on the space portion or mark portion of the digitized signal of the RF signal, the counter for detecting a space portion or the counter for detecting a mark portion detects the noise and resets the counter for detecting a recorded area. This reduces the probability of erroneous generation of an output signal from the counter for detecting a recorded area and also reduces the probability of erroneous detection of a recorded area resulting from erroneous resetting of the counter for detecting an unrecorded area. As a result, the recorded area is detected with high accuracy.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the circuit for detecting a recorded area according to the present invention can reduce the probability of erroneous recognition by which an unrecorded area of an optical disk is erroneously detected as a recorded area thereof even though unnecessary noise is superimposed on the digitized signal of an RF signal from the optical disk. Accordingly, it becomes possible to detect the recorded area with high accuracy.

DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS

10,80Counter for Detecting Unrecorded Area

20,50Counter for Detecting Space Portion

30,40Counter for Detecting Mark Portion

81Counter for Detecting Recorded Area

S11Reset Signal to Counter for Detecting Recorded Area

RF Digitized Signal

CLK Reference Clock

S12Reset Signal to Counter for Detecting Unrecorded Area or Recorded Area Detection Signal

S21, S31Reset Signal to Counter for Detecting Unrecorded Area

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, the embodiments of the present invention will be described herein below.

FIG. 1shows the structure of a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk in a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawing,10is a counter for detecting an unrecorded area to which a reference clock CLK has been inputted,81is a counter for detecting a recorded area, and82is a flip-flop circuit. The counter10for detecting an unrecorded area outputs an unrecorded area detection signal S10as a first output signal and outputs a reset signal S11for resetting the counter81for detecting a recorded area as a second output signal. In the unrecorded area of an optical disk, the unrecorded area detection signal S10is set to be outputted only after the lapse of a sufficiently longer time than a time which elapses before the reset signal S11is outputted.

The counter81for detecting a recorded area receives, as an input, a digitized signal RF obtained by digitizing an RF signal from the optical disk, while receiving the reset signal S11from the counter10for detecting an unrecorded area which is inputted to the reset terminal of the counter81. An output of the counter81for detecting a recorded area is inputted as a reset signal to the reset terminal of the counter10for detecting an unrecorded area and also inputted as a recorded area detection signal S12to the set terminal S of the flip-flop circuit82. The flip-flop circuit82has a D-terminal connected to the ground GND and a clock signal to which the unrecorded area detection signal S10from the counter10for detecting an unrecorded area is inputted.

A description will be given herein below to the operation of the circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk thus constituted according to the present embodiment with reference to the timing charts ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

First, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The counter81for detecting a recorded area outputs a reset signal to the counter10for detecting an unrecorded area every time it counts a specified number of mark portions (L-level portions) in the recorded area of the optical disk, while simultaneously outputting the recorded area detection signal S12to the set terminal S of the flip-flop circuit82to bring a recorded area signal RECD to the “H” level.

In the unrecorded area of the optical disk, on the other hand, the mark portion of the digitized signal RF is not inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area so that the counter81is brought into a halted state. Accordingly, the counter10for detecting an unrecorded area is not reset by the counter81for detecting a recorded area and continues to count based on the reference clock CLK. When the counter10for detecting an unrecorded area has counted for a specified time, it outputs the reset signal S11to reset the counter81for detecting a recorded area. When the state in which the mark portion of the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is not inputted further continues, the unrecorded area detection signal S10is outputted this time to bring the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “L” level. In the recorded area, the reset signal S11from the counter10for detecting an unrecorded area has been set to be outputted only after a lapse of a sufficiently longer time than a time which elapses before the recorded area detection signal S12is outputted from the counter81for detecting a recorded area. Accordingly, the reset signal S11is not outputted in the recorded area.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the counter81for detecting a recorded area is reset in a period shorter than the time interval between successive outputting of the unrecorded area detection signal S10. Therefore, even when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the digitized signal RF of the RF signal, the probability of erroneous operation of the counter81due to noise can be reduced. This allows higher-accuracy detection of a recorded area than has been performed conventionally.

FIG. 3shows the structure of a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk in a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawing, an additional counter20for detecting a space portion is newly provided. The counter20for detecting a space portion has an input terminal to which the reference clock CLK is inputted and a reset terminal to which an inversion signal of the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted such that it is reset by the mark portion (L-level portion) of the digitized signal. An output of the counter20for detecting a space portion is connected as a reset signal S21to the reset terminal of the counter81for detecting a recorded area. A counter80for detecting an unrecorded area outputs only an unrecorded area detection signal S20inputted to the clock terminal of the flip-flop circuit82. The time interval between successive outputting of the unrecorded area detection signal S20from the counter81has been set to be sufficiently longer than the time interval between successive outputting of the recorded area detection signal S12from the counter81in the recorded area. As for the other components, they are the same as shown inFIG. 1so that the description thereof will be omitted by using like reference numerals to designate like parts.

A description will be given herein below to the operation of the circuit for detecting a recorded area with reference to the timing charts ofFIGS. 3 and 4.

First, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The counter81for detecting a recorded area outputs the reset signal S12to the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area to trigger a reset every time it counts a specified number of mark portions in the recorded area of the optical disk, while simultaneously bringing the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “H” level. In the mean time, the counter20for detecting a space portion performs the operation of being reset with the mark portion (L-level portion) of the digitized signal and starting counting when the digitized signal has shifted to the space portion. In the recorded area, however, there is no counting up to a value not less than a set value so that the reset signal S21is not outputted.

On the other hand, in the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the counter20for detecting a space portion counts up to a value not less than the set value to detect a space portion with a length not less than a maximum space length from the digitized signal, recognizes the signal-unrecorded area to output the reset signal S21to the counter81for detecting a recorded area so that the counter81stops the counting operation. In the unrecorded area, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal has only a space portion (H-level portion) and no mark portion (L-level portion) so that the counter81for detecting a recorded area is brought into a halted state. Accordingly, the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is not reset by the counter81for detecting a recorded area and continues to count based on the reference clock CLK. When the counter81for detecting a recorded area has counted for a specified time, it outputs the unrecorded area detection signal S20to bring the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “L” level.

Even when noise is superimposed on the unrecorded area, the possibility that a space portion with a length not less than a maximum space length comes subsequently is high and therefore the probability that the reset signal S21is outputted from the counter20for detecting a space portion is high. As a result, it becomes possible to reset the counter81for detecting a recorded area even when the counter81has erroneously counted the number of mark portions due to the noise. This prevents erroneous resetting of the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area and allows higher-accuracy detection of a recorded area than has been performed conventionally.

FIG. 5shows the structure of a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk in a third embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit for detecting a recorded area shown in the drawing has been obtained by disposing a counter30for detecting a mark portion in place of the counter20for detecting a space portion shown inFIG. 3. When the reference clock CLK is inputted to the input terminal of the counter30for detecting a mark portion and the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the reset terminal thereof, the counter30performs the operation of being reset with the space portion (H-level portion) of the digitized signal and starting counting when the digitized signal has shifted to the mark portion. When the counter30for detecting a mark portion is reset at a count not more than a set value, i.e., when a mark portion with a length not more than a minimum mark length is detected, the counter30recognizes that unnecessary noise has been superimposed on the space portion (signal-unrecorded area) and outputs a reset signal S31to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The reset signal S31is inputted to the reset terminal of the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The time interval between successive outputting of the unrecorded area detection signal S20from the counter80has been set to be sufficiently longer than the time interval between successive outputting of the reset signal S12from the counter81in the recorded area of the optical disk. As for the other components, they are the same as inFIG. 3so that the description thereof will be omitted by using like reference numerals to designate like parts.

A description will be given herein below to the operation of the circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk thus constituted according to the present embodiment with reference to the timing charts ofFIGS. 5 and 6.

First, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The counter81for detecting a recorded area outputs the reset signal S12to the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area to trigger a reset every time it counts a specified number of mark portions in the recorded area of the optical disk, while simultaneously bringing the recorded area signal RECD as an output of the flip-flop circuit82to the “H” level. In the mean time, the counter30for detecting a mark portion performs the operation of being reset with the space portion and starting counting when the digitized signal has shifted to the mark portion.

When unnecessary noise is superimposed on the space portion of the digitized signal, the counter30for detecting a mark portion is reset at a count not more than a set value to detect a mark portion with a length not more than the minimum mark length, recognize that unnecessary noise has been superimposed on the signal-unrecorded area, and output the reset signal S31to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. In the unrecorded area, the mark portion of the digitized signal RF is not inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area so that the counter81is brought into a halted state. Accordingly, the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is not reset by the counter81for detecting a recorded area and continues to count based on the reference clock CLK. When the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area has counted for a specified time, it outputs the unrecorded area detection signal S20to bring the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “L” level so that an unrecorded area is displayed.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, even when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the unrecorded area of an optical disk, the time during which noise stays superimposed has a high possibility of being not more than the minimum mark length. As a result, it becomes possible to reset the counter81for detecting a recorded area by using the counter30for detecting a mark portion. This prevents erroneous resetting of the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area and allows higher-accuracy detection of a recorded area than has been performed conventionally.

FIG. 7shows the structure of a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit for detecting a recorded area shown in the drawing comprises a counter40for detecting a mark portion having an internal structure different from that of the counter30for detecting a mark portion shown inFIG. 5. When the reference clock CLK is inputted to the input terminal of the counter40for detecting a mark portion and the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the reset terminal thereof, the counter40for detecting a mark portion measures the length of a mark portion recorded in the digitized signal RF through time measurement based on the reference clock CLK, compares the measured mark length with the minimum mark length and a maximum mark length, and outputs an output signal (pulse) S41only when the measured mark length falls between the minimum and maximum mark lengths by judging that the mark portion has been read normally. The output signal S41is inputted for the detection of a recorded area to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The unrecorded area detection signal S20from the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is inputted as a reset signal to the reset terminal R of the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The time interval between successive outputting of the unrecorded area detection signal S20from the counter80has been set to be sufficiently longer than the time interval between successive outputting of the reset signal S12from the counter81in the recorded area of the optical disk. As for the other components, they are the same as inFIG. 5so that the description thereof will be omitted by using like reference numerals to designate like parts.

A description will be given herein below to the operation of the circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk thus constituted according to the present embodiment with reference to the timing charts ofFIGS. 7 and 8.

First, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the counter40for detecting a mark portion. The counter40for detecting a mark portion repeatedly measures the length of each mark portion recorded in the digitized signal RF based on the reference clock CLK and outputs the output pulse S41only when the inputted mark length falls between the minimum and maximum mark lengths by judging that the mark portion has been read normally. Each of the output pulses S41is inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The counter81for detecting a recorded area counts the output pulses S41from the counter40for detecting a mark portion and outputs the reset signal S12to the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area every time it counts a specified number to trigger a reset, while simultaneously bringing the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “H” level.

In the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the counter40for detecting a mark portion does not output the output pulse S41so that the counter81for detecting a recorded area is brought into a halted state. Accordingly, the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is not reset by the counter81for detecting a recorded area and continues to count based on the reference clock CLK. When the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area has counted for a specified time, it outputs the unrecorded area detection signal S20to bring the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “L” level and reset the counter81for detecting a recorded area.

Even when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the time during which the noise stays superimposed has a high possibility of being not more than the minimum mark length so that the counter40for detecting a mark portion makes a noise judgment and does not output the output pulse S41to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. This prevents the counter81for detecting a recorded area from erroneously counting the noise as a mark portion and erroneously resetting the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area. As a result, it becomes possible to detect a recorded area with accuracy higher than achieved conventionally.

FIG. 9shows the structure of a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit for detecting a recorded area shown in the drawing comprises a counter50for detecting a space portion having an internal structure different from that of the counter20for detecting a space portion shown inFIG. 3. When the reference clock CLK is inputted to the input terminal of the counter50for detecting a space portion and the inversion signal of the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the reset terminal thereof, the counter50for detecting a space portion measures the length of a space portion recorded in the digitized signal RF through time measurement based on the reference clock CLK, compares the measured space length with a minimum space length and the maximum space length, and outputs an output signal (pulse) S51only when the measured space length falls between the minimum and maximum space lengths by judging that the space portion has been read normally. The output signal S51is inputted for the detection of a recorded area to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The unrecorded area detection signal S20from the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is inputted as a reset signal to the reset terminal R of the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The time interval between successive outputting of the reset signal S20from the counter80has been set to be sufficiently longer than the time interval between successive outputting of the reset signal S12from the counter81in the recorded area of the optical disk. As for the other components, they are the same as inFIG. 7so that the description thereof will be omitted by using like reference numerals to designate like parts.

A description will be given herein below to the operation of the circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk thus constituted according to the present embodiment with reference to the timing charts ofFIGS. 9 and 10.

First, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the counter50for detecting a space portion. The counter50for detecting a space portion repeatedly measures the length of each space portion recorded in the digitized signal of the RF signal based on the reference clock CLK and outputs the output pulse S51only when each inputted space length falls between the minimum and maximum space lengths by judging that the space portion has been read normally. The counter81for detecting a recorded area counts the output pulses S51from the counter50for detecting a space portion and outputs the reset signal S12to the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area every time it counts a specified number to trigger a reset, while simultaneously bringing the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “H” level.

In the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the counter50for detecting a space portion does not output the output pulse S51so that the counter81for detecting a recorded area is brought into a halted state. Accordingly, the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is not reset by the counter81for detecting a recorded area and continues to count based on the reference clock CLK. When the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area has counted for a specified time, it outputs an unrecorded area detection signal S20to bring the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “L” level and reset the counter81for detecting a recorded area.

Even when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the inter-noise time has a high possibility of being not more than the minimum space length so that the counter50for detecting a space portion makes a noise judgment and does not output the output pulse S51. This prevents the counter81for detecting a recorded area from erroneously counting the noise as a mark portion and erroneously resetting the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area. As a result, it becomes possible to detect the recorded area with accuracy higher than achieved conventionally.

FIG. 11shows the structure of a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit for detecting a recorded area shown in the drawing comprises each of the counter20for detecting a space portion ofFIG. 3showing the second embodiment and the counter30for detecting a mark portion ofFIG. 5showing the third embodiment. The respective reset signals S21and S31from the counters20and30are inputted to the reset terminal of the counter81for detecting a recorded area through an OR circuit60. The time interval between successive outputting of the unrecorded area detection signal S20from the counter80has been set to be sufficiently longer than the time interval between successive outputting of the reset signal S12from the counter81in the recorded area of the optical disk. As for the other components, they are the same as inFIGS. 3 and 5so that the description thereof will be omitted by using like reference numerals to designate like parts.

A description will be given herein below to the operation of the circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk thus constituted according to the present embodiment with reference to the timing charts ofFIGS. 11 and 12.

First, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The counter81for detecting a recorded area outputs the reset signal S12to the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area to trigger a reset every time it counts a specified number of mark portions in the recorded area of the optical disk, while simultaneously bringing the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “H” level. In the mean time, the counter20for detecting a space portion performs the operation of being reset with the mark portion of the digitized signal RF and starting counting when the digitized signal has shifted to the space portion. On the other hand, the counter30for detecting a mark portion performs the operation of being reset with the space portion of the digitized signal RF and starting counting when the digitized signal has shifted to the mark portion.

In the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the counter20for detecting a space portion counts up to a value not less than the set value, detects a space portion with a length not less than a maximum space length to recognize that the detected space portion is a signal-unrecorded area, and outputs the reset signal S21to the OR circuit60to halt the counting operation.

When unnecessary noise is superimposed on the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the counter30for detecting a mark portion is reset at a count not more than a set value, detects a mark portion with a length not more than the minimum mark length to recognize that unnecessary noise has been superimposed on the signal-unrecorded area, and outputs the reset signal S31to the OR circuit60. After the noise, the possibility that a space portion with a length not less than the maximum space length is high so that, upon counting up to a value not less than the set value, the counter20for detecting a space portion outputs the reset signal S21to the OR circuit60. The OR circuit60performs a logic OR operation between the two reset signals S21and S31and outputs the result thereof as a reset signal S35to the counter81for detecting a recorded area.

In the unrecorded area, the mark portion of the digitized signal RF is not inputted to the counter81for detecting a recorded area so that the counter81is brought into a halted state. Accordingly, the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is not reset by the counter81for detecting a recorded area and continues to count based on the reference clock CLK. When the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area has counted for a specified time, it outputs the unrecorded area detection signal S20to bring the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “L” level.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, even when unnecessary noise is superimposed on the unrecorded area, the counter81for detecting a recorded area can be reset by using the counter20for detecting a space portion and the counter30for detecting a mark portion. This prevents erroneous resetting of the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area and allows higher-accuracy detection of a recorded area than has been performed conventionally.

FIG. 13shows the structure of a circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk in a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit for detecting a recorded area shown in the drawing comprises each of the counter40for detecting a mark portion ofFIG. 7showing the fourth embodiment and the counter50for detecting a space portion ofFIG. 9showing the fifth embodiment. A reset signal S41from the counter40for detecting a mark portion is inputted to the set terminal S of a flip-flop circuit70. On the other hand, a reset signal S51from the counter50for detecting a space portion is inputted to the reset terminal R of the flip-flop circuit70and the output thereof is inputted for the detection of a recorded area from the output terminal Q to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The time interval between successive outputting of the reset signal S20from the counter80has been set to be sufficiently longer than the time interval between successive outputting of the reset signal S12from the counter81in the recorded area of the optical disk. As for the other components, they are the same as inFIGS. 7 and 9so that the description thereof will be omitted by using like reference numerals to designate like parts.

A description will be given herein below to the operation of the circuit for detecting a recorded area of an optical disk thus constituted according to the present embodiment with reference to the timing charts ofFIGS. 13 and 14.

First, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the counter40for detecting a mark portion. The counter40for detecting a mark portion repeatedly measures the length of a mark portion recorded in the digitized signal RF based on the reference clock CLK and outputs the output pulse S41only when the inputted mark length falls between the minimum and maximum mark lengths by judging that the mark portion has been read normally. On the other hand, the digitized signal RF of the RF signal is inputted to the counter50for detecting a space portion. The counter50for detecting a space portion measures the length of the recorded space portion based on the reference clock CLK and outputs the output pulse S51only when each inputted space length falls between the minimum and maximum space lengths by judging that the space portion has been read normally.

The flip-flop circuit70generates a signal S52obtained by removing a noise component from the original digitized signal RF with the signals of these output pulses S41and S51and inputs the generated signal S52to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. The counter81for detecting a recorded area counts the signals S52from each of which the noise component has been removed and outputs the reset signal S12to the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area to trigger a reset every time it counts a specified number, while simultaneously bringing the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “H” level.

In the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the counter40for detecting a mark portion does not output the output pulse S41and the counter50for detecting a space portion does not output the output pulse S51so that the counter81for detecting a recorded area is brought into a halted state. Accordingly, the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area is not reset by the counter81for detecting a recorded area and continues to count based on the reference clock CLK. When the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area has counted for a specified time, it outputs the unrecorded area detection signal S20to bring the recorded area signal RECD from the flip-flop circuit82to the “L” level and reset the counter81for detecting a recorded area.

When unnecessary noise is superimposed on the unrecorded area of the optical disk, the width of the noise has a high possibility of being smaller than the minimum mark length and the time after the noise has a high possibility of being not less than the maximum space length so that each of the counter40for detecting a mark portion, the counter50for detecting a space portion, and the flip-flop circuit70makes a noise judgment and does not output the output signal S52to the counter81for detecting a recorded area. Because the counter81for detecting a recorded area counts the signals S52with no noise component, it is prevented from erroneously resetting the counter80for detecting an unrecorded area due to noise. As a result, it becomes possible to detect a recorded area with accuracy higher than achieved conventionally.

Since the present invention can thus reduce the probability of erroneous recognition by which an unrecorded area of an optical disk is erroneously detected as a recorded area even though unnecessary noise is superimposed on the digitized signal of the RF signal from the optical disk, it is useful for a circuit for detecting a recorded area capable of detecting a recorded area of a write-once/rewritable optical disk with high accuracy.