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DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, DATA RECORDING AND REPRODUCING
APPARATUS AND RECORDING MEDIUM EACH HAVING DATA STRUCTURE
OF ERROR CORRECTING CODE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION'
The present :invention relates to a data
transmission system, a data reccDrding and reproducing
apparatus, and a recording medium. Each of these include
a data structure of error correcting code, a data structure
for use in a recording med:i.um, a niethod for arranging a
parity of an er.ror correction code, a method for
transmitting inf:ormat ion dat<_a, a method for receiving
information data, a method foa-- rec.ording information data
in a recording nledium, and a metizod for reproducing
information data from a recording rnedium.
In particular, the present invention relates to
a data transmission system for transmitting data through:
(a) a communication line; (b) a data recording and
reproducing apparatus fo.x- :t:'ecordinc_; cJ.ata into a recording
mediurn and reproducing dat: a f:rom t rte recording medium; and
(c) a recording mediun such as an c:~pt i.c:a1 disk, a magneto-
optical disk, a inagnetic disk, a _:m~ act disk, a magnetic
tape, a serniconductor mE>m0ry, or :-he :1. ike . Each of the
above include a data s~_ruc-tur_e of error correcting code, a
data structure for use ir~ a, recordang medium, a inethod for
arranging a parity of an F=or cor.r.-ect:ing code, a method
for transmitt.ing infox}mat.ic:an data, a method for receiving
information data, a method foi.- recording information data
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in a recording medium, and a method for reproducing
information data from a recording me(Jium.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When. transmitting and rec.-,ording a large amount of
digital data, an error correcting code (referred to as an
ECC hereinafter) is widely used f(.:)r the purpose of
improvirig the reliability of the d.ata..
The ECC word generated by attaching a parity to
original data increases the redundancy of the data having
the parity. The ECC has the capab3.lities of detecting and
correcting errors gene .r.at:.ed i.n the ~Drc:cess of transmitting,
recording and reproducing the data.
In general,'; hEa ECC has a hi gher error correcting
capability when the EC'C wc3rc:l has ~:in _ncre.ased redundancy,
i.e., when the ECC word includes a greater amount of parity
symbols. Therefore, the ECC word in(:-:ludes a plurality of
parity symbols or bytes.
Conventionally, when ECC encoding a large amount
of data for transmitting or recording, thF= data is divided
into a plurality of blocks each ha=vra_ng a predetermined
length, and a parity is:, at t:, ac hec:a e.Ac}i hl.ock. Then, the
parity is arranged irt tJie: tail c.?f the block to be
corrected. That is, in the conveni_.a onal process of data
transmission, the data has been trarisrrdtted with the parity
added to the t.ail of each data bl.oc-:k.. Alternatively, in
the data recording process, t.he par. ;.t.y lias been recorded in
a position adjacent to each data block. Conventional data
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recording methods using ECC will be discussed hereinbelow
in conjunction with the drawings.
An arrangement of the dat:a and the parity of the
ECC word in a convent.i.ona.l data reco:r-ding method is shown
in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1 shows a logical data format of one block
of an opti.cal disk in which data and a parity are recorded
by a prior art method f:or arranging the parity of the ECC.
The block is divided into a data area 90, a row
parity area 54, and a column parity ar-ea 53, depending on
the type of information data recarded. In the present
case, the parity is a part of: the ECC word. As is apparent
from Fig. 1, the row parity area 54 ,ind the column parity
area 53 partially overlap.
One block is comprised ot 11:D6 data frames 51 and
12 parity frames. In the preserit c::,ase, the frame 51 means
a group of data or parities corresponding to one row of
each block, and r.,onstr'_icts ari EC"C word i.n the row
direction.
Each data frame 51- is comprised of data of 158
bytes and a row parity of 1.() symbol..~; ea{:h of which consists
of one byte (referred to a.:.- a (.1 ;,a:r ity hereinafter) for
error correction of the data. ThirtF.en data frames
constitute one sect.or 52. The refore, one block is
comprised of twe:a-ve sf~~c t(,r-s 52 in c<;ise. A phys:ical
sector address 50 for each sector :.)2 i. s wri tten at the head
of each sector 52 (refEerred tc) as a sector address
hereinafter). Further, i.t is that a synchronous
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(Sync) pattern (not showri) is genera.l..ly added to the head
of each frame.
In the column parity 5:1), twelve bytes in the
direction of column constitute one parity (referred to as
a C2 parity hereinafter). The parity is used for
correcting an error of the 156-byte data series located
upward in an identical column. The above-mentioned 156-
byte data and 12-byte parity construct an ECC word in the
column direction. Fig. :I. shows a logical format of one
block, and the block is physically written continuously in
a sequence from the frame located in the uppermost position
of the block, onto a track of an optical disk iri a manner
as shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, paying attention to the
data series in the direct:i..on of t hE-! column, data are
discretely arrarlged ori tlYie disk. This arrangement is
referred to as an interleave.
Thus, conventionally, Jn k>oth (a) the data
arrarigement in t:.he direction of t:.t-te row, i. e., the data
series which i.s not: interleaveA -rnd (b) the data
arrarigement in the direcl_iori of tlie:- co:.umn, i. e., the data
series which is :inter.leavecl, the data area 90 in which data
is arranged and the parity area 93 in which the parity is
arranged have been clearLy distinrjj.,t.;shed from each other.
However, according to the recent trend of
increasing the storage capacities and reducing the access
times of optical disks, upon reading data from an optical
disk in which the ciata has been written by the prior art
arrangemerit method, there are n;any problems as detailed
below.
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Timings for detecting sector addresses upon
continuously reading out information alon_q a track will be
considered with ref:erence to Fig. 3. In this case, the
information data is sequentially read out from the frame
located in t.he uppermost positior-i of the block shown in
Fig. 1. Therefore, the twelve sector addresses are
detected at a predetermined regular time interval.
However, since the twelve column parity frames of the
column parity 53 are subsequently read out, a certain time
interval continues f:or which no sector address is detected.
Thereafter, the next bl.ock is read out, and then, the
similar phenomenon occurs repetitively.
Thus, according to the conventional method for
arranging the parity of.- the ECC, the t:.imings for detecting
the sector addresses become irregular. T'herefore, upon
retrieving a desired sector address, ~i complicated control
circuit and a complicated calculatclr cir.,-cui.t are riecessary,
which reduces read-out time. J:n th:i.s case, for example, by
providing only the row parity without adding the column
parity itself, the tiniings for detecting the sector
addresses ean be made regul.ar. However, with only the row
parity, the data correcting capahi lity is reduced, which
impairs the reliability cA: the zF.r <. :dE:ci dat::a.
SiTNIMARY OF THE INVENTION
A first object of the pre:Dent invention is to
provide a data transmission systerr-. comprising a data
transmitter and a data receiver, said system being capable
of regularly transm-wtti.nq :i.nformat.ion data in a data area,
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and regularly receiving the irrforrsiation data arranged
regularly in the data area wit:hout impairing the
reliability of the transrnitted data.
A second objecct ot the present invention is to
provide a data. recording and reproducing apparatus
comprising a data recorder and a dat.a reproducer, said
apparatus being capable of regularly recording or writing
information data in a data area, and regularly reproducing
or reading-out the information data arranged regularly in
the data area without,. impairing t:he reliability of the
recorded data..
A third object of the present invention i_s to
provide a recording medium, in which information data can
be regularly recorded or written in a (data area, and the
recorded informatio;:-i data arranged regularly in the data
area can be reproduced or read out- without impairing the
reliability of the recorded data.
A fourth object of the 1:)re sent invention is to
provide a data struct.ure for use in a recording rYrediurri, in
which informatiorr data cari be regularly recorded or written
in a data area, and the rE'corded information data arranged
regularly in the data area cari be reprodur,ed or read out
wi.thout impair. ing the re1 :i;abil. it:y c i t:he r ecorded data.
A fifth object c)f the pxe:_,ent invention is to
provide a method for, arranging a parity of an ECC, by which
information data can be recli.zlarly recc:irded or written in a
data area, and the recorded infor_-n at:ion data arranged
regularl.y in the data area cari be reproduced or.- read out
without impaiY-ing ttte reliability cf the recorded data.
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A sixth object:.: of the present invention J_s to
provide a method for transmitting information data, capable
of regularly transmitting information data in a data area.
A seventh object of the present invention is to
provide a method fo.r receiving inf.orm~ation data, capable of
regularly receiving information dat.a arranged regularly in
the data area without, iinpairing the reliability of the
transmitted data.
An eighth object of the present invention is to
provide a method for recording info.rmat::ion data, capable of
regularly recording or writing inf,z)rwation data in a data
area of a recording medium.
A ninth object of the present invention is to
provide a met.hod, for reproducing i.nfo:~:mation data, capable
of regularly reproducing or read:i.ng out information data
arranged regularly in the data area of the recording medium
without impairing the reliability cf the transmitted data.
In order: to achieve tkie above -ment.Loned
objective, according t:o a. first aspect of the present
irivention, there is provided a data transmission systern for
transmitting information dat.a witr: a parity of an error
correcting code for correc'~7ing an errc:,r.: in the information
data, comprising a data t::.:ransmitt:er anci. a data receiver,
wherein said data transmat.ter comprises:
first storage means for storing information data
to be transmitted;
second storage means for stor ing a par-ity of an
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error correcting code;
write control means for writing input information
data to be transmitted into said first storage means;
parity generating means for generating a parity
to form an error correcting code word of an error
correcting code for correcting an error of the information
data using a predetermined error correcting coding method
in response to the iriformation data stored in said first
storage means, and writing the parity into said second
storage means;
transmitting means for transmitting the
information data stored in said first storage means
together with the parity stored in said second storage
means; and
read-out control means for controlling said
transmitting means to transmit the information data stored
in said first storage mearls and t:.1le parit:.y stored in said
second storage means so t:hat eack; data component of the
information data obtained by di.vidJLny the information data
of one data block area int.<.:> a plux ala. ty of data components
and each parity component of t.he parity obtained by
dividing the parity of one block are~,r into a plurality of
parity components are transmitted at intervals of each
sector having a sector address, said sect:.or being defined
as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of
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a predetermined data amount: into a plurality of sectors
each having an identical data amount,
wherein data receiver comprises:
receiving means for receiving each data component
of the information data and each parity component of the
parity which are transmitted at iz-it:.erval.s of each sector by
said transmitting means;
data extracting means for extracting the
information data of one block area by combining a plurality
of data components received by said receiving means;
parity extracting means f:c.>r extracting the parity
of one block area by combinirig a plurality of parity
components received by said receivir:g means; and
error correcting means for correcti.ng an error in
the information data of one block area extracted by said
data extracting means, using a predetermined error
correcting decoding method, baseci on the parity of one
block area extracted by said parity extracting means, and
outputting an error-correct:ed a_nfion data.
In the above-mentioried data transmission system,
the parity preferably includes a row parity and a column
parity, and each sector is compri.s6::d of a plurality of
f rames ,
wherein said read-out contro1, means controls said
transmitting means to transnut the xow parity at the tail
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of each frame after each data component, and the column
parity in the last frame of each sector.
According to a second aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a data transmitter for
transmitting information data with zi parity of an error
correcting code for correcting an error in the information
data, comprising:
first storage means for storing information data
to be transmitted;
second storage means for st:oring a parity of an
error correcting code;
write control means for vrrit:ing input information
data to be transmitted into said fi.rst storage means;
parity gerierating means for generating a parity
to form an error correcting code word of an error
correcting code for correcting an err:or of the information
data using a predetermined error c..C>rrect:i_ng coding method
in response to the iriformation data stored in said first
storage means, and writing the par:-ty into said second
storage means;
transmitting means for transmitting the
information data stored in said first storage means
together with the parity stored a.ri said second storage
means; and
read-out control means f'or controlling said
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transmitting means to transmit the information data stored
in said first storage means and the parity stored in said
second storage means so that eacl-i data component of the
information data obtained by dividinc.4 the information data
of one data block area into a plural:i..ty of data components
and each parity component of the parity obtained by
dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of
parity components are transmitted at. intervals of each
sector having a sector address, said sector being defined
as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of
a predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors
each having an identical data amount.
In the above-mentioned data transmitter, the
parity preferably includes a row parity and a column
parity, and each sector is comprised of a plurality of
frames,
wherein said read-out control mearis controls said
transmitting means to transmit the row parity at the tail
of each frame after each data component, and the column
parity in the last frame of each sectc~r.
According to a third aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a data receiver for receiving
information data wit.h a parity of an error correcting code
for correcting an error in the information data,
comprising:
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receiving means for receiving each data component
of the information data and each parity component of the
parity which are transmitted at intervals of each sector;
data extracting means for extracting the
information data of one block area by combiriing a plurality
of data components received by said receiving means;
parity extracting means for extracting the parity
of one block area by combining a plurality of parity
components received by said receiving means; and
error correcting ctteans for correcting an error in
the information data of one block area extracted by said
data extracting means, using a predetermined error
correcting decoding method, based on the parity of one
block area extracted by said parity extracting means, and
outputting an error-corrected information data.
According to a fourth aspect cDf the present
invention, there is provided ~i data recording and
reproducing apparatus for recording information data with a
parity of an error cor:rect.i.ng code for correcting an error
in the information data into a recording medium, and
reproducing the i_nformatiori data with the parity from said
recording medium, comprising a dar-a recorder and a data
reproducer,
wherein said data recorder comprises:
first storage means for storing information data
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to be recorded;
second storage means fox: storirig a parity of an
error correcting cocie;
write control means for writing input information
data to be recorded into said first storage means;
parity generating means for generating a parity
to form an error correcting code word of an error
correcting code for correcting an error of the information
data using a predetermined error correcting coding method
in response to the information data stored in said first
storage means, and writing the parity into said second
storage means;
recording means for recording into sai.d recording
medium, the information data st.orE~d in said first storage
means together with the parity stored in said second
storage means; and
read-out cont.r..o1. means for controlling said
recording means to record the inforrnation data stored in
said first storage means and the parity stored iri said
second storage means so that each riata component Of the
information data obtained by da..vidi.ng the information data
of one data block area int.o a p_luxality of data components
and each parity component of t:.he pai-ity obtained by
dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of
parity components are recorded at int.ervals of each sector
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having a sector address, said sector being defined as an
data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a
predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each
having an identical data amount,
wherein data reproducer comprises:
repr.oducirig means for reproducing each data
component of the information data and each. parity component
of the parity whicti are recordeci at intervals of each
sector in said recording medium;
data extracting means for extracting the
information data of one block area by combining a plurality
of data components reproduced by said reproducing means;
parity extracting means for extracting the parity
of one block area bv combining a plurality of parity
components reproduce3 by said reproducing means; and
error correcting means for correcting an error in
the information datia of one block area extracted by said
data extracting means, using a predetermined error
correcting decoding method, based on the parity of one
block area extracted h)y said parity extracting means, and
outputting an error-corrected information data.
In the above-mentioned apparatus, the parity
preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and
each sector is comprised of a plurali.t.:y of frames,
wherein said read-out cont.rc-al means controls said
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recording means to record the row parity at the tail of
each frame after each data coniponeiit, and the column parity
in the :Last frame of each sector.
According to a fi.fth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a data recorder= for recording
information data with a parity of an error correcting code
for correcting an err_or in the i.nformati.on data into a
recording medium, comprising:
first storage means for storing information data
to be recorded;
second storage means for storing a parity of an
error correcting code;
write control means for writing input information
data to be recorded into said f.irst. st:.orage means;
parity generating mearis for generating a parity
to form an error correcting word ol an error correcting
code for correcti.ng an error of the ;.nformation data using
a predetermined error correcting coding method in response
to the information ciata stored in said first storage means,
and writing the parity int.o said seco.id storage means;
recordi_ng means for recording into said recording
medium, the information data stored in said first storage
means together with th.e parity st.ored iri said second
storage means; and
read-out control rneans :f'or controlling said
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recording means to record the information data stored in
said first storage means and the parity stored in said
second storage means so that each data component of the
information data obtained by da.viding the information data
of one data block a:rea into a plurality of data components
and each parity component of t:he parity obtained by
dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of
parity components are recorded at intervals of each sector
having a sector address, said sector being defined as an
data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a
predetermined data amount into a plu-rality of sectors each
having an identical data amount.
In the above-mentioned data recorder, the parity
preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and
each sector is comprised of a pl.urali_ty of frames,
wherein said read-out control means controls said
recording means to record the row parity at the tail of
each frame after each data component., and the column parity
in the last frame of each sector.
According to a sixth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a data reproducer for
reproducing information data with a parity of an error
correcting code from a recording medi.u.m, comprising:
reproducing means for x-eprodt.icing each data
component of the information data and each parity component
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of the parity which are recorded at intervals of each
sector in said recording medium;
data extracting means f'or extracting the
information data of one block area by combining a plurality
of data components reproduced by said reproducing means;
parity extracting means for extracting the parity
of one block area by combining a plurality of parity
components reproduced by said reproducing means; and
error correcting means fox- correcting an error in
the information data of one b1.ocY: area extracted by said
data extracting means, using a predetermined error
correcting decodincr tnethod, based on the parity of one
block area extracted by said parity extracting means, and
outputting an error--corrected inforntation data.
According to a seventh aspect, of the present
invention, there is provided a recording medium having a
data structure of information data and a parity of an error
correcting code for correcting an error in the information
data, said recording medium being usable by zi data
reproducer,
said recording me:dium comprising:
data reproducer readable information data; and
data reproducer readab'Le parity of an error
correcting code,
wherein each data component of the information
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data obtained by dividing tt-ie i.rifc7rmat:ion data of one data
block area into a plurality of. clata components and each
parity component of the parity ohtai.ned by dividing the
parity of one block area into a plurality of parity
components are recorded at intervals of each sector having
a sector address, said sector being defined as an data area
obtained by divic.iing one data b1oc;{ area of a predetermined
data amount into a plurality of sectors each having an
identical data amount.
In the above-mentioned x:ecording medium, the
parity preferably includes a row parity and a column
parity, and each sec:tor is comprised of a plurality of
frames,
wherein the row parity is recorded at the tail of
each frame after each data component, and the column parity
is recorded in the :.Last frame of each sector.
According to an eightll aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a data structure for use in a
recording medium having informatio-I data and a parity of an
error correcting code for correcting an error in the
information data, said s.-fac.o:r_dirig mec:,lium being usable by a
data reproducer,
said data structure comprising:
data reproducer readable information data; and
data reproducer readable parity of an error
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correcting code,
wherein each data componerit of the information
data obtained by dividing the information data of one data
block area into a plurality of data components and each
parity component of the parity obtained by dividing the
parity of one block area into a plurality of parity
components are recorded at intervals of each sector having
a sector address, said sector beinc:l c.lef.ined as an data area
obtained by dividing one data block area of a predetermined
data amount into a plurality of-; sectors each having an
identical data amount.
In the above-mentioned dzita. structure, the parity
preferably includes a row parity and a column parity, and
each sector is comprised of a pluralit:.y of frames,
wherein the row parity i:s recorded at the tail of
each frame after each data component, and the column parity
is recorded in the last frame of each sector.
According to a ninth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a nie~::hod for arranging a
parity of an error correct;.ing code for cor:recting an error
in the information data, in a recorciing mediurn, including
tYre following step of:
arranging the iraformation c]ata and the parity so
that each data component c>f the a.nfcõ)rmation data obtained
by dividing the information data of one data block area
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into a plurality of data components and each parity
component of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of
one block area into a plurality of parity components are
recorded at inter.vals of each sector havirig a sector
address, said sector being defined as an data area obtained
by dividing one data block area of a predetermined data
amount into a plurality ot sectors each having an identical
data amount.
In the above-mentioned method, the parity
preferably iricludes a row parity aric:i a column parity, and
each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames,
wherein said arranging step includes the step of
arranging the row parity at the tail of each frame after
each data component, and the column parity in the last
frame of each sector.
According to a tenth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for transmitting
information data with a parity of an error correcting code
for cor.rectirig an error in the i.ri#:ormation data, including
the following steps of:
writing input informatioii data to be transmitted
into first storage means;
generating a parity to form an error correcting
code word of an error co.rrectiny cc.x:le for correcting an
error of the inf_orntat_Lora data us.J..r.zg G. predetermined error
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correcting coding rnethod in response to the information
data stored in said first storage means, and writing the
parity into said second storage means;
transmitting the information data stored in said
first storage means together with LhE parity stored in said
second storage means; and
controlling to transmit. tlie information data
stored in said first storage means and the parity stored in
said second storage means so that each data component of
the information data obtained by dividing the information
data of one data block area in~~o a plurality of data
componerits and each parity component, of: the parity obtained
by dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality
of parity components are transmitted at intervals of each
sector having a sector address, said sector being defined
as an data area obtained by dividing one data block area of
a predetermiried dat,a amount :i.n.t.o a plurality of sectors
each having an identical data amount.
In the above-mentioned method, the parity
preferably includes a row parity and a co:Lumn parity, and
each sector is comprised of a plural.it:.yo of frames,
wherein sa.id controllinq step includes the step
of controlling to transmit the row parity at the tail of
each frame after each data component, and the column parity
in the last frame of each sector.
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According to an eleventh aspect of the present
invention, there is provided ta. method for receiving
information data with a parity of: an error= correcting code
for correcting an error iri. the information data, including
the following steps of:
receiving each data component of the information
data and each parity component of the parity which are
transmitted at intervals of each sector;
extractinci the information data of one block area
by combining a plurality of received dat.a conlponents;
extracting the parity of one block area by
combining a plurality of received j,:aarit:.y components; and
correcting an error in t.:he information data of
one block area extracted, using a predetermined error
correcting decoding method, based an the parity of one
block area extracted, and outputting ari error-corrected
informat:ion data.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present
invention, t.here is provided a m~::thod for recording
information data with a parity of an error cor.recting code
for correcting an error in the information data into a
recording medium, including the following steps of:
writing input :informati.on data to be recorded
into first storage means;
gerie-r. atinq a1:aarity to f oj: m, ar:. error correcting
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code word of an error correcting code for correcting an
error of the informat.ion data using a predetermined error
correcting coding method iri response to the information
data stored in said first storage means, and writing the
parity into second storage means;
recording into said x-ecordi_ng medium, the
information data stored in said first storage means
together with the parity stored in said second storage
means; and
controlling to record t:hc:; information data stored
in said first storage means and t.4-ie parity stored in said
second storage means so that each data component of the
information data obtained by dividing the information data
of one data block area into a pl.ur al:it:y of data components
and each parity component of the parity obtairied by
dividing the parity of one block area into a plurality of
parity components are recorded at intervals of each sector
having a sector address, said sector being defined as an
data area obtained by dividitig o:'iE=~ data :block, area of a
predetermined data amount into apl.urality of sectors each
having an identical data amount.
In the above -ment: ionec:t method, the parity
preferably includes a row parity and a co:lumn parity, and
each sector is comprised of a plurality of frames,
wherein said controlling step includes the step
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
- 24 -
of controlling to record t::he row parit.y at the tail of
each frame after each data companent, and the column
parity in the last frame cf. each se:.:,t:c::.r.
According to airci_rteeritr a:spect of the present
invention, there is provided a Methc>d f.or reproducing
information data with a parity of an :_ r. ror correcting code
from a recording medium, including hFtolLowi ng steps of:
reproducing each data component of the
information data and each parity component of the parity
which are recorded at intervals cA each sectcr in said
recording medium;
extracting the information data of one block
area by coznbining 13 plurality ~f clata components
reproduced;
extracting the parity j*' one block area by
combining a plurality of parity cc>mporcenns reproduced; and
correct inq an error in t:s;e information data of
one block area extracted, using a predetermined error
correcting decodi.ng methcd, basec:i c>r thE! parity of one
block area extracted, and outputt, i.nc? <.:rn error--corrected
information data.
In accordance witri one aspect of the present
invention there is provided a data transmission system for
transmitting information data witi; a:Dari_ty of an error
correcting code for correcta_ng -:rn error in said
information data, comprising a data tr a:rsmitter and a data
receiver, wherein said data t: r_ansini t.'.er comprises: a
first storage device that stores i.nformation data to be
transmitted; a second storage devi ce chat stores a parity
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
- 24a -
of an error correcting code; a wri..te control device that
writes input information data ta I)e t:ransmit:ted to said
first storage device; a parity qenerating device that
generates a parity to fcrm an error correcting code word
of an error correcting code to correct an error of said
information data us:ing a predeterm:.ir ed error correcting
coding method in response to said inaormation data stored
in said first storage device, and writing the parity to
said second storage device; a transm.itting device that
transmits said :informat ion data stored in said first
storage device and said parity 3tc:red in said second
storage device; and a read-out:. control device that
controls said transmitting device to transmit said
information data stored in said f.':i rs'. storage device and
said parity stored in said second s~c=rage device, so that
each data component of.s aid .inforrri.:,.tion data, obtained by
dividing said information data of one data block area into
a plurality of data components, aracl E ach parity component
of said parity, obtained by dividing said parity of one
block area into a plurality of pax i t-y components, are
transmitted at intervals of eaK sector having a sector
address, so that said plurality ct parity components are
dispersedly arranged in one block to be transmitted, said
sector being defined as a data are..a obtained by dividing
one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a
plurality of se.ctcrs, each having an identical data
amount, and wherein said data receiver comprises: a
receiving device that receives each ddta component of said
information data and each parity component of said parity
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
- 24b -
transmitted at intervals of eac:h sector by said
transmitting device; a data extracting device that
extracts said information data or.' one block area by
combining a plurali:.y of data cornponents received by said
receiving device; a parity extracting cievice that extracts
said parity of one block area by combining a plurality of
parity components received by said receiving device; and
an error correcting device that corr.ecLs an error in said
information data of one blc>ck area extracted by said data
extracting device, using a predetermined error correcting
decoding method, based ori said parity of orre block area
extracted by said parity extracting device, and outputting
an error-corrected information daLa, wY-rerein the parity
includes a row parity and a column parity, and each sector
is comprised of a pluraiity of frainios, and wherein said
read-out control device controls 5<3in transmitting device
to transmit the row parity at Lhe t:_aiof each frame after
each data component, an(d the column ,)ar:ity iri the last
frame of each sector.
In accordance with another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a data transmitter for
transmitting information data with a parit.y of_ an error
correcting code for correcting :rr: error in said
information data, comprising: a f~~irsu storage device that
stores information data to be transmitted; a second
storage device that stores a parity o+:_ an error correcting
code; a write control device that wriLes input information
data to be transmitted to said fir~.}t storage device; a
parity generating device that generates a parity to form
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
- 24c -
an error correcting code word of an error correcting code
that corrects an error oi said information data using a
predetermined er_ror correcting cc:7c:in.1 method in response
to said information data stored :_r: said first storage
device, and writing the pari.ty to E.aid second storage
device; a transmitti_nq device than t ransrru_ts information
data stored in said first storage device said parity
stored in said second storage devi.ce; and a read-out
control device that controls said transmitting device to
transmit said i nformation data .>t "red in said first
storage device and said parity stored in said second
storage device so that each data component of said
information data, obtained by di~/~i..dir,:g said information
data of one data olock area :intI.~ ~ plurality of data
components, and each parity component of said parity,
obtained by dividing said parity at c;ne bloc:k area into a
plurality of parity components, are transmitted at
intervals of each sector having asec.=tor address, so that
said plurality of parity components are dispersedly
arranged in one block to be tra:risml t: teca, said sector being
defined as a data area obtained by c:Li vidi_ng one data block
area of a predetermined data amou.lt- into a plurality of
sectors, each having an identical data amount, wherein the
parity includes a row parity and acoi_umn parity, and each
sector is comprised of a pl..ural.ity o#: frames, and wherein
said read-out control device controis said transmitting
device to transmit the row ~.~arit: ' :,,t the tail. of each
frame after each data component, and t;ze column parity in
the last frame of each sector.
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
.- 24d -
In accordance w-1th yet ar.other aspect of the
present invention there is provided a data recording and
reproducing apparatus for recording nformation data with
a parity of an error correct.ing c:ocle for correctirlg an
error in said info:rrnation data ir:.to a recording medium,
and reproducing said inf:ormatiorl ~ata with said parity
from said recording medium, comprising a data recorder and
a data reproducer, wherein said data i-ec:order comprises: a
first storage device that stores intormation data to be
recorded; a second storage device thcat stores a parity of
ari error correcting code; awrat::e control device that
writes input information data to be recorded into said
first storage device; a parity generating device that
generates a parity to form an error correcting code word
of an error correcting code to correct an error of said
information data using a predetermir,ed error correcting
coding method in response to said inxormation data stored
in said first storage device, and writing said parity into
said second storage device; a recording device that
records, to said recording medium, s6id information data,
stored in said first storage devic(_>, and said parity,
stored in said second storage device; and a read-out
control device than coritrols said recording device to
record said information data storW a n sa_id first storage
device and said parity stored in said second storage
device so that each data componerit of said information
data, obtained by dividing informatior, data of one data
block area into a plurality oi: data components, and each
parity component of sa~~d parity, obtained by dividing said
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
-- 24e -
parity of one block area into a plurality of parity
components, are recorded at interva1s of each sector
having a sector address, so that saio plurality of parity
components are dispersedly a.rrangcad in one block to be
transmitted, said sector being defined as a data area
obtained by dividing one da~.,~~i .k.;lock area of a
predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors each
having an identical data amount, wFierein data reproducer
comprises: a reproducing device that r.eproduces each data
component of said info rrrtat i on data and each parity
component of said parity whicn are zecorded at intervals
of each sector in said rec.ording medi;.a.rr,; a data extracting
device that extracts information data of one block area by
combining a plurality ot data components reproduced by
said reproducing device; a parity extracting device that
extracts said parit.y of one b 1ocvk ax'ea by combining a
plurality o.f: parity coruponent:.s reproduced by said
reproducing device; and arr error correcti_ng device that
corrects an error in said inf-ormat.i_c.~~~,n data of one block
area extracted by said data extrai.tinq device, using a
predetermined error correcting decoding method, based on
said parity of one block area ex~-rac.ted by said parity
extracting device, and outputting an error-corrected
information data, wherein the parity :.ncludes a row parity
and a column pa.rity, and eacY-i s~ ctc, r:is comprised of a
pl.uralit.y of frames, and wherein s,::A.i.d i-ead-out control
device controls said recording c:ic~v:ice to record the row
parity at the tail ot each t' ~~~~ame after each data
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
- 24 f -
component, and the column parity :ir~~, t:ne last frame of each
sect:or.
In accordance with stil:i yet another aspect of
the present invention the1 e is z::rovLded a data recorder
for recording informat ion data with a parity of an error
correcting code for correct:ing arl error in said
information data into a recording medium, comprising: a
first storage device thar- stores int-c:r.mation data to be
recorded; a second storage device that stores a parity of
an error correcting code; a write control device that
writes input information data to be recorded to said first
storage device; a parity generating c:evice that generates
a parity to form Ein error correcting word of an error
correcting code to corrE~~~c-4. an error of said information
data using a predetermined error cDr:recting coding method
in response to said information dara stored in said first
storage device, arid writ,~ing said par:_t_y to said second
storage device; a recoraing device tnat records, to said
recording medium, said informaLio l,.i~,ta stored in said
first storage device and said parity stored in said second
storage device; and a read--<}ut control device that
controls said rec:ordir:q device to record said information
data stored in said first storage device and said parity
stored in said secc>nd storage dev ic.e:: , so that each data
component of said information data, obtained by dividing
said information data of one data blor;k area into a
plurality of data components, and each parity component of
said parity, obtained by dividing said parity of one block
area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
24g _
at intervals of each sector havinc, a sector address, said
sector being defined as a data a:rca obtained by dividing
one data block area of a predetermined data amount into a
plurality of sectors each having ar. identical data amount,
wherein the parity is dispersedly arrariged in each sector,
wherein the parity includes a rcjw parity and a column
parity, and eac7-; sector is c:ompr:;.;:>ec::i of a plurality of
frames, and wherein said read-out cohtrol device controls
said recording device to iFUcord the raw parity at the tail
of each frame after eaciz data corr.porient, arid the column
parity in the last frame of each sector.
In accordance with ti>t i l i yot. another aspect of
the present invention t~.hCere is prc:vided a method for
arranging a parity of an erroi aorrecting code for
correcting an error in an information ciata, in a recording
medium, comprising: arranging the information data and a
parity so that each data componFvnt of the iriformation
data, obtained by clividing the: L;ifcrmation data of one
data block area into a plurality of data components, and
each parity component of the parity, obtained by dividing
the parity of one block area into a plurality of parity
components, are recorded at intervals of each sector
having a sector address sucli tLat the parity is
dispersedly arranged in each secto;_, the sector being
defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block
area of a predetermined data amount into a plurality of
sectors, each having an identical ciata amount, wherein the
parity includes a row parity and a column parity, each
sector comprising a plurality of irames, and wherein the
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
_ 24h -
arranging of the information data and the parity comprises
arranging the row pa.r.ity at. a tail af. each frame after
each data component, an(i arrangi_nc.x ~:. co] umn parity in a
last frame of each sector.
In accordance with st:.i_ll yet: another aspect of
the present invention there is provided a method for
transmitting information data witl--: a parity of an error
correcting code for correcting an error in the information
data, comprising: wri.ti_ng input information data to be
transmitted into a first storage c:ievice; generating a
parity to form an error correcting code word of an error
correcting code to correct an err::)x of the information
data using a predetermined error correcting code method in
response to the information data w:-ored in said first
storage device, and wr:Lti.ng the parity into a second
storage device; t:ransmitting the in:f=ormaticn data, stored
in the first storage device, arid the parity, stored in the
second storage device; and cont.x. o l.:l i nq the transmitting of
the informati.on data and tl-ie pa:r i t~,~ so that each data
component of the informati.on datar obtained by divi_ding
the information data o E one c:lat <~~, block area into a
plurality of data components, and each parity component of
the parity, obtained by d. i. vidi.ng the parity of one block
area into a plurality of pa rit y components, are
transmitted at intervals of eacli 3ector having a sector
address such that the parity is clispersedly arranged in
each sector, the sector being defined as a data area
obtained by dividinq one data block area of a
predetermined data amount into a piurality of sectors,
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
-- 24i -
each sector having an identical data amount, wherein the
parity includes a row parity and a column parity, each
sector comprising a p1_ural;i.ty of_ t'rames, and wherein the
controlling of the transmitting cf information data and
the parity compri.se.> controlling a transmission of the row
parity to be at. a tail of each frame after each data
component, and controlling a transmission of a column
parity to be in a last frame of each sector.
In accordance with stil.i yet another aspect of
the present invention there is pr(-:vided a method for
recording information data with a parity of an error
correcting code for correcting an t:-rror in, the information
data recorded to a recording medium, comprising: writing
input information data, to be recoroed, to a first storage
device; generating a parity to form ~an error correcting
code word of an error correcting code to correct an error
of the information data using a predetermined error
correcting coding m.ethod i.n response to the information
data stored in the first storage device, and writing the
parity to a second storagE device; recording the
information data, stored i.n the ft.r::,t: storage device, and
the parity, stored in the second s.,orage device, to the
recording medium; and control.l.' ng ttie recording of the
information data and t:h~:~r. par!t,:.y so that each data
component of the infor.mation dar:.a, :>btained by dividing
the information data of one datr., block area into a
plurality of data components, and eacL parity component of
the parity, obtained by dividing the parity of one block
area into a plurality of parity components, are recorded
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
? 4 j -
at intervals of each sector having t::a sector address such
that the parity is dispersedly arranqed, the sector being
defined as a data area obtained by dividing one data block
area of a predetermined data amour, nto a plurality of
sectors, each sector having an identical data amount,
wherein the pari.ty includes a row parity and a column
parity, each sector compr:i_s.ing a p1.uralit-y of frames, and
wherein the controi.l-ing of tW, recording of the
information data and the parity (:emprises controlling a
recording of the row parity to be at a tail of each frame
after each data component:., and :::onLrc>1. 1 i ng a recording of
a column parity to be in a last frame of each sector.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of
the present invention there is pr.ovideci a recording medium
having a data st:ructure oi_ i.nformatic.an data and a parity
of an error correcting code for correcting an error in the
information data, said recording modi irn being usable by a
data reproducer, said recording nzedium ccnprising: data
reproducer readable information data; and data reproducer
readable parity of an error correcting code, wherein each
data component of the i-nformat.:.nr, data obtained by
dividing the information data of one data block area into
a plurality of data components anc each parity component
of the parity obtained by dividing the parity of one block
area into a plurality of parity components are recorded at
intervals along each sector having a sector address, said
sector being defined as a data area obtained by dividing
one data block area of a pr:=edeterm i,Ne.:.1 data amount into a
plurality of sectors each having an identical da ta amount.
CA 02191953 2003-03-26
24k, _
In accordance with st:i.7.7 yk=t: another aspect of
the present invent.i.on there is provided a data structure
for use ir a recording medium having information data and
a parity of a:i error correcting code for correctirrg an
error in the information data, said recording medium being
usable by a data reproducer, sali_d data structure
comprising: dat:.a reprodtac::e.t_ ret c.ib:.~ information data;
and data reproducer_ readabl.e par:i.tyo u,: an error correcting
code, whereiri ea(..h data componerit: )(- the information data
obtained by dividing the i:iformatmic:.n data of one data
block area into a pluraLity of data c:omponents and each
parity component of t.he par.it.y obta;ned by dividing the
parity of orle block ar.,:-ea i.n to i p1 _zralit:y of parity
comporlerits are recorded at. intc a1:7 along each sector
having a sector address, said c,ecLur being defined as a
data area obtained by dividing orr.:a dar--a block area of a
predetermined dat:a amount: into a pi.ur<zlity of sectors each
having an identical dat:.a amr.au.nt:.
According to the pr_esent. L.r.vention, a parity is
not recorded in a bunched contini..aou5 area but recorded
dispersedly in each sec-tor of the =.zrea:-> in which the data
to be corrected is recorded. The.refo_~e, the information
data arranged regularly in the data ~~iYea is regularly read
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-,25-
out, thereby simplifying and i.mproving the data reproducing
or read-out apparatus by allowing for a higher operating
speed.
Further, according to the present invention, the
parity is not solely transmitted continuously but
transmitted in such a manner t:.Yiat it is dispersedly mixed
with the data to be corrected. Tf-ie above arrangement
produces such an advantageous effect that the irlformation
data arranged regularly in the data area can be transmitted
at a predetermined constant time int:erval.
Furthermore, ac.;cc>rding to t.1ie present invention,
when interleaved symbol data or ECC block data is received,
the data series and t.:.he parity are reproduced from the
symbol data or ECC block data, so tliat the error generated
in the data series is corrected. Therefore, when the
parity is dispersedly transmitted, th=.> data series and the
parity are easily recognized, thereb ,, enabling the error
generated in the data series to be corrected.
These and other object.;. and features of the
present invention wila become ca.c,ar from the following
desc.ription taken in corajunct_io,l wit.h the preferred
embodiments thereof wi.tti ref...erence to the accompariying
drawings throughout which 7. ,i.ke par1:::;~ ar.-E.:! designated by like
reference riumerals.
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
- 2 G -
Brief Description of Drawings
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a logical
data format of one block of an opt.A.cal disk in which a
parity of an ECC is recorded by a prior art method for
arranging a parity of an ECC word;
Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a frame
and a sector written on a track o~.- a prior art optical
disk;
Fig. 3 is a timing chart showing timings for
detecting sector addresses when reading out the prior art
optical disk shown in Figs. 1 and 2,;
Fig. 4 is a scYiematic diagram showing a logical
data format of one block of an optical disk of a recording
medium of a first preferred embodiment according to the
present invention;
Fig. 5 is a schematic csiagram showing a logical
data format of a header written in. the optical disk of the
recording medium shown in Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 i s a t,: i mi.ng chari:. showing timings for
detecting sector addresses in the first preferred
embodiment;
Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a read
only optical disk in which the parity is written by the
method for arranging the parity of: the ECC of the first
preferred embodiment;
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
.- 27 -
Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view showing a
rewritable optical disk in which the parity is written by
the method for arr. anging the pari.l.:y of an ECC of the first
preferred embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a composition
of a data transmission system of a second preferred
embodiment according to the present invention;
Fig. 1..0 is a block diagram showing a composition
of a data transmitter shown in Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing a composition
of a data receiver shown iri Fig.9;
Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of a
memory write controller shown in Fig.. 10;
Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing a first part of a
process of a parity generator showri in Fig. 10;
Fig. 14 is a.f:l.owchar_t showing a second part of
the process of the parity generato7- shown in Fig. 10;
Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a process of a
memory read-out controller showri .i.n Fig. 10;
Fig. 1.6 is a flowchart showa..ng a first part of a
process of a data recei.ver showri in Fig. 11;
Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing a second part of
the process of the data receiver shown in Fig. 1.1; and
Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing a composition
of a phase-change type optic:a1.. disk recording and
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
. ?. 8 -
reproducing apparatus of a third preferred embodiment
according to the present inventiol-1.
An arrangement of the data and the parity of the ECC
word in a conventiona.l dat::.a x'ecorci.:in.g method is shown in
Fig. 1.
Fig. 1 shows a logical data format of one block
of an optical.. disk in which data axLd a parity are recorded
by a prior art mE:!thod for arranging the parity of the ECC.
The block is divided into a data area 90, a row
parity area 54, and a column parity area 53, depending on
the type of information data recr::>.r_-dec1. In the present
case, the parity is a part of t:.he E~~;~C word. As is apparent
from Fig. 1, the row parity area 54 and the column parity
area 53 partially overlap.
One block is c(:ampr:i_sed of 1':~~6 data frames 51 and
12 parity frames. In the present case, the frame 51 means
a group of data or parities correspondi.ng to one row of
each block, and, con.st2:'uct s an ECcword in the row
direction.
Each data frame 51 is cr~mpri sed. of data of 158
bytes and a row parity of _l..(:) symt>ols e,:.Ich of which consists
of one byte (referred to _is a Cl paz: i:.y hereinafter) for
error correction of the data. Thirteen data frames
constitute one sector ~)2. Therefore, one block is
comprised of twea_ve sE:1ct~;~r.~:~ 52 ixi t_hl:~; c~~~;~e. A physical
sector address 50 for each sector is written at the head
of each sector. 52 (referred to as a sector address
hereinafter). Furthe:t_, it.. is riott>d that a synchronous
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
...2~_
(Sync) pattern (not showri) is generally added to the head
of each frame.
In the column parity 53, twelve bytes in the
direction of column constitute one parity (referred to as
a C2 parity hereinafter). The parity is used for
correcting an error of the 156-byte data series located
upward in an ident-Lcal. column. The above --ment.i.oned 156-
byte data and 12-byte parity construc~t an ECC word in the
column direction. Fig. 1 shows a logical format of one
block, and the block is physically wr:itter continuously in
a sequence from the frame located in the uppermost position
of the block, onto a t..rack of an op,t:a.cal disk ir.t a manner
as shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, paying attention to the
data series in the directi.on of the column, data are
discretely arrangec, on tY-ie disk. I'his arrangement is
referred to as an interleave.
Thu.s, convent:i.or.laa.l.y, j n k:aotYa (a) the data
arrangement in the direct.ion of the row, i.e., the data
series whicl-i is riot ar7terleaved and (b) the data
arrangernent iri tr_e direction of ti-ie c(:_)lumr, i. e., the data
series which is interleaved, the dr,lta area 90 in which data
is arranged and t..he pa:r.-ir.~, area 91 i..n which the parity is
arranged have been clearly distinguished from each ottier.
However, ac:co~,ld:i.ng to t:;k~e recent trend. of
increasing the storage capacities <:rnd reducing the access
times of opti_cal di.-,ks, ac>(:.)n read:i.ilcx data from an optical
disk in which the data Yias been wr i.tte:n by the prior art
arrangement method, there are many problems as detailed
below.
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
_.30-
Timings for detecting secror addresses upon
continuously reading out :infcDrmat:i_c>n a Long a track will be
considered with reference to F'ig. 3, Irr this case, the
information data is sequentially r.-ead out from the frame
located in the uppermost position of' the block shown in
Fig. 1. T'herefore, the twelve sector addresses are
detected at a predetermined r.R~-~gula.r time interval.
However, since the t.welve cc:>lumn parity frames of the
column parity 53 are subsequently read out, a certain time
interval continues for which no sec.t::.or address is detected.
Thereafter, the next block is read out, and then, the
similar phenomenon occurs repetiti_vely.
Thus, according to the c..<:ar.ivr.nti.onal method for
arranging the parity of the. ECC, the t.imings for detecting
the sector addresses become irregular. Therefore, upon
retrieving a desired sectc>r- address, ;.i complicated coritrol
circuit and a complicated calculator circuit are necessary,
which reduces read-out time. In this case, for example, by
providing only the row pa.a:-i. t.y w_i.t:hout adding the column
parity itself, the t::imings foi dr tectirrg the sector
addresses can be madc-~ requ=l.ar. HowevF,r, with only the row
parity, the data correct: ira.g c.apab:i l i.1::y i.; reduced, which
impairs the reliability oi tY-ie recc~rded data.
Preferred embod7ment. a(:~c:-crding to the present
invention will }:)e descrik>~-.,d in d,-!t:~;ti.L hereinafter with
reference to the attached drawings.
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-31--
First Preferred Embodiment
As a first preferred embodiment, an exemplified
recording rnedium in which a parity of an ECC is dispersedly
recorded is shown.
Fig. 4 shows a logical data format of one block
of an optical disk in whJi.ch E:"C worda are recorded by a
method for arranging a parit.y of t:h~e ECC of the first
preferred embod:iment according to he present invention.
As is apparent #~,~rorn comparison between Figs. 1
and 4, this logi.cal data format a.s characterized in that
the parity of the ECC includes row pari.ties 24-.1 to 24-13
and a pair of column parities 23a and 23b that are recorded
in each of sectors 22-1. to 22-16. r,ac':h of the row parities
24-1 to 24-13 is arranged in the t.ai].. of each of rows or
frames 21-1 to 21-13, and a pair of column parities 23-la
and 23-lb is arr'anged in t.he last.:, frame 21-13 of each of
the sectors 22-1 to 22-16.
The logical data format of E;ciata structure shown
in Fig. 4 will be described in detail k:>elow.
Referring to F'.ig. 4, 1--block data to be
transmicted is comprised of 16 sec~,ors 22-1 to 22-16, and
each of the se<: tc>rs 22 - 1 t o 22. I G .:i ;:,(:)mprised of 13 rows,
namely, 13 f rames 21- 1 t:o 2-1- 1. 3. For synchronous
trarismission, a first syrac:hronous s:Sync) pat.tern 31 of 2
bytes is added to a part ~:7 i.c.~x to thE-: head of each of the
frames 21-1. to 21-13, and a secc>nc.i sync:hronous (Sync)
pattern 32 of 2 bytes is i.n::,e-rted irito the middle par-t of
each of the frames 21-1 to 21-13 to be arranged bet:ween
adjacent pairs of information data. 1:1 and ib, 2a and 2b,
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-32-
12a and 12b, or adjacent column parities 23a and 23b.
I:n the preferred embodiments, ar,. ECC word of the ECC in
each of the frames 21-1, to 21--13 is constituted to exclude
the first and second synchronous patterns 31 and 32.
The first sector 22--1 is cortlprised of 13 frames
21-1 to 21-13, in which,
(a) the first frame 21-1 includes a header 20 of
12 bytes, the information data la of 79 bytes, the
information data lb of 81. bytes, ar)d a row parity 24-1 of
10 bytes that is calci.ilated based on the header 20 and the
information data la and lb;
(b) the second frame 21-2 includes information
data 2a of 91 bytes, information dat,,r 2b of 81 bytes, and
a row parity 24-2 of 10 bytes that is calculated based on
the information data 2a anc:f. 2b;
(c) the i.-th frame 21-i ir.lc::ludes information data
ia of 91 bytes, info.r.mati_on data ik> of 81 bytes, and a row
parity 24-i of 10 bytes t:hat is cal=,ti.:ilat.ed based on the
information data ia and ib, (i == 3, 4, .., 11);
(d) the 12-t:h f-~'ame 11 -'_::, includes information
data ia of 91. bytes, information dat,:~. 12b of 77 bytes, an
error detection code (EDC) 25 of 4 bytes for the
information data la, 1.b, 2a, 2b, ..., 12a and :L2b, and a
row parity 24-12 of 10 k:?ytes t1-i at. i.calculated basE~d on
the information data ~.2a <.rild 12b, and the error detection
code 25; and
(e) the 1:3--th :E:ramt, 21--1 a includes a column
parity 23a of 91. bytes, ac-oltzmn parity '23b of 81 bytes,
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-33-
and a row parity 24--13 of 10 bytes tha;t. is calculated based
on the column parities 23a and 23b.
Fur_the:r, each of the second to 16-th sectors 22-2
to 22-16 is comprised of 13 frames 21-1 to 21-13, in a
manner similar t:o that of, the fi7:=;~;t .3ectors 22-1. In the
ECC block data consisting of the sectors 22-1 to 22-16, the
column parities 23a arfW calculated based on all the headers
20, all the information data la, 2a, 3a, .. .., and 12a, and
the column parities 23b are calculat~ed based on all the
information data 1b, 2b, 3b, ..., and 1.2b, and all., the
error detection codes (EDC) 25. Eack:i of the row parities
14-1 to 14-13 are calculated based ~n the 7:-emaining rows or
frames 21-1 to 21-13. Further'more, t.ric:: row parities 24-13
of all sectors 22-1 to 2t,. 1-6 can al.so be calculated in the
mass based ori a set of t..he row parities 24-1 to 24-12 of
all the sectors 22-1 to 22-16.
Fig. 5 shows a logical data forrnat of a header
written in the optical disk shown i r.i F] g. 4.
Referring to Fiq. 5, the header 20 arranged at
the head of each of t7ie -.r_.ct_:o.r~ ~''''' 1 t-o 22-16 includes a
. ~ .,
sector address 61 of 4 bytes, arl error correction code
(IEC) of 2 bytes for sect.cir adc~re ;.:, 6":1_, cind an attribute
data 63 of 6 bytes for representing an attribute of the
sector 22. Therefore, orie sector ac.ldzess 61 is arranged at
the head of each. of the cE~.ctor5 21. 1-.c 22--16.
In this case, c>nr:~ column parity of 16 bytes for
correcting an error of (12 x :16) -byt t:, ciata of one column is
arranged uniformly irl the column so as to be segmented into
16 column parities each of one byt::e. That: is, the format
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-34-
shown in Fig. 4 differs frorn the format of Fig. 1 in the
location of the column parities 23a and 23b of the 16
sectors if they are compared wi_ti-r each other. The
relationship between each parity arid the series of
corrections of the data f.ormat: of the first preferred
embodiment showri in Fig. 4 is substantially the same as
that of prior a.rt shown ir-i F'ig. 1.
Consideration is given t.c, timings for detecting
the sector addresses 61 when the information data is
continuously read out along ti-ie track of the optical disk
in which the column parities 23a and 23b of the 16 sectors
22-1 to 22-16 are dispersedly rec:or-ded as described above.
Fig. 4 shows logica1 1:ormat of one block.
The block is physically recorded cont:.inuously in sequence
from the uppermost frame along t't1e txack of the disk. In
each frame, each dzita is recorded sequer:.tially from the
leftmost byte to the r.ight.most byte. This is the same as
that of the prior ar_ t opt i cal disk shown i ri F'ig. 2.
Fig. 6 is a timing c.ha:rt. showirig timings for
detecting sector addresses in the first preferred
embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 6 , t ht:> addresses 61 are
detected regularly at a predetermined constant time
iz-iterval Tc even in the detection of the sector addresses
61 performed in the i:>ot.a.ndai:-y :f r:om t:he current block to the
next block. As is apparent from t:he, d,:~ta format: shown in
Fig. 4, each sector address 61 is dk:-. t: e,:fted once in thirteen
frames, and this is the same when t,he read-out process
continues to the next. block..
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
35-
Fig. 'I is a schematic plan view showing a read
only optical disk :300:1 in which tne parity of the ECC is
written, by the method for arranging i:-he parity of the ECC
of the first preferred embodiment.
Referring to Fig. '7, a r.ecording area is arranged
in a spiral shape. One sect.o.r. 22 is arranged into a part
of a spiral recording area of the read only optical disk
3001 having a center hole 3001h. That is, a CLV (Constant
Linear Velocity) method is used as a recording method for
the read only optical disk 3001. Further, as is apparent
from Fig. 7, each sectoa- address 61 of the header 20 is
detected at the predetermined constant, time interval Tc in
the read only opt::.icc:il di_sk 3001.
Fig. 8 i_s s. schematic plan view showing a
rewritable optical disk 3002 in which the parity of the ECC
is written by the method 1:or arranging the pari_ty of the
ECC of the first preferred embodimr:~n.t
Referring to F'ig. 8, a recording area is arranged
in a spiral shape. Orie sector. 22 Ls arranged into a part
of one turn of a recording area of t}-.,e rewritable optical
disk 3002 havirig a center hole 3002h. 'T''hat. is, a zoned CAV
(Constant Angul.ax Velocity) methcx.3 is used as a recording
method for the rewritablF~.a c.>pt.a.cal ciisk 3002. Further, as
is apparent froni F':ig. 8, each sE.<:tol- address 61 of the
header 20 is detected at. I.he predet ez:-minFd c:on.=stant time
interval. Tc in the rew:ritable optical disk 3002.
As is apparent f=Lc>m the alDovf:-~ description of the
first preferred e.mbodiment., each sector address 61 of the
header 20 is detected at the predetermined constant time
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
--36-
interval Tc in the optical disk. '1001 or 3002 of the
recording medium of the present pxefr.:,rred embodiment in a
manner different from that of the prior art shown in Fig.
1. In the present case, data to be regularly detected is
of course not limited to the sectox- address. For example,
the data to be regularly detected may be the header 20.
That is, data arranged to be interleaved in corresponding
positions in an identical. c:olumri or fxame 21 of each of the
sectors 22 :is guaranteed to bE~ detected at the
predetermined constant time interval Tc.
Second Preferred Emkiodiment
As a second preferred embodiment, an exemplified
data transmission systerri for dispersedly transmitting a
parity of an ECC is shown.
Fig. 9 is a block di agram showing a composi_t ion
of a data transmission system of a second preferred
embodiment according to the present: invention.
Referring to Fig. 9, the data transmission system
comprises a data transmitter 1.000 ar,.d a data receiver 2000.
Input data is inputted to a memory write controller 101,
then processed in the data t-ransmi.t:.ter 100o in a manner as
described in detail later. 'I'he:rea.Lt.er, a transmitted
signal including the input data and a parity of an ECC is
transrnitted. from a transmi.t-t.er :L06 through a telephone line
4000 to a receiver. 201. the data receive:r 2000. The
transmitted signal is received by the receiver 201, and
then processed in the data receivcr.. 2000 in a manner as
descri_bed in detail :Later. Then, output data is outputted
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-37-
from an error correcting processox- 205 of the data receiver
2000.
Fig. 10 is a block diGiq;r.am showur_ng a composition
of the data transmitter =t000 show.ri in Fi.g. 9. Fig. 10
includes conceptual diagrams of not only data 108 and 109
stored respectively in a dat:a me.mol-y 102 and a parity
memory 104, but also of data 1()7 and 110 flowing through
the respective paths for the sake clarity.
The dzita transrrlitt:er 1000 comprises the memory
write controller 101, the data memory 102, a parity
generator 103 having an ECC encoder 1.03a, the parity memory
104, a memory read-out coritrolle-r 10~, and the transmitter
106. In the data tr.ansmitter 1.000, t:cZe memory write
controller 101 comprises a page count:er 121 and a data
counter 122, and the parity generator 1.03 comprises a page
counter 123 and a data. counter 1.24.
The memory write controLler 101 comprises the
page counter 121 for count.ing a page number corresponding
to a block riumber. The data countex: 122 is used for
counting a row number j iri byte and -I column number i in
byte, and latches or temporarily st..c.>res the input data sent
from an external unit, then stores thr, irzput data into the
data memory 102 having a memory ca.pacit:y of two pages
i
(pages "0" and "1 ") corresponding to two blocks, based on
the numbers i, _j and p indicated by Lhe page and data
counters 121. and 122. ':PhE=~ data trarismi ssion system manages
data of N rows x M columns as one block, and transmits data
in a unit of one block with a parity attached thereto. In
the second preferred embodirnent, rd a s (1.2 x 16) frames, and
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-38-
M is 182 bytes except for synchronous patterns 31 and 32,
as is apparent from Fig. 4. Therefore, the memory write
controller 101 latches the input dat_;a 107 of N rows x M
columns as a unit or one block, from the external unit.
The parity gene.rator 1_03 comprises the ECC
encoder 103a inside thereof, and the page counter 123 for
counting a page number corresponding to a block number and
a data counter 124 for counting a row number j in byte and
a column nurnber i in byte. Tha:~ parity generator 103
calculates a parity for the in.for.mat.i.on data 108 of N rows
x M columns stored in the data memory 102, using, for
example, the Reed-Solomon codi..ng method, which is well
known to those skilled iri ttle art. In practice, the parity
generator 103 calculates the row par!.ty 24 comprised of m
bytes for correcting an error of t'ae row ECC word of each
row comprised of M bytes of data and m-byte row parity. In
the preferred embodirner-it, in is 10 bytes as is apparent from
Fig. 4. Furthermore, in t.hf.- direction of column, the
parity generator 103 similarly calculates the column parity
23a or 23b comprised of n bytes f:o.i cs::,)rrecting an error of
the column ECC word serieb of eac'r: coiumn comprised of N
bytes of data and n-byt::es of t-l1e cc::1umn parity 2.3a or 23b.
In the preferred embodiment, n is 16 bytes, as is apparent
from Fig. 4.
The parity data 109 c:al_c:ulated, by the parity
generator 103 is stored int.~o t:.he pa:r:Lt y memory 104. The
data rnemory 102 and the parit...y mectio:rv 1.04 are provided in
different blocks wit:h r~~ cta,rd tu tl:lk> t.ype of information
data stored in each of the memories 102 and 103. However,
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
--39-
they are practically allocated to areas of different
addresses in a RAM comprisec:i of a semiconductor memory or
the like.
The memory read-out contro:ller 105 reads the
information data 1C8 of N rows x M columns stored in the
data memory 102 and the parity 109 stored in the parity
memory 104 according to a predF:tc:,rmined procedure. The
controller 105 ther., trarismits to the transmitter 106 the
information data 108 and parity dat.a 109 as a transmission
data or an ECC block data 1.10 in whJLch t:::he inforrnation data
of one block and the parity are mixed together. The
transmission data 110 has t::he same format as that of Fig.
4 described in the first preferred embodiment.
Therefor, the symbo-I data or ECC block data is
sent by the memory read-oi..tt contro_ller 105 so that the row
parit:y 24 and the column parities :23a and 23b are sent at
intervals of each sector 22. The sector 22 is defined as
a data area obtained by dividing one data block area of a
predetermined data amount into a plurality of sectors 22
each having an identical data amount, (D.r as a part of the
transmitted data for tr<::rnsm.i..tt3..ncr information data of a
predetermined amuunt including t.hE-2 EDC 21:). Hereinafter,
the data including the info:zmat:.ion dat.a 108 and the parity
data 109 is referrecl to a.S an ECC block data 1.10.
The transmitter 1.06 comprises a modulator and an
amplifier. The transm_i.tt:Err :1.06 mo-Iu:L<~~tes a carrier si_gnal
according to the transmission I?aCC block data 110 including
the information data 108 and the parity data 109 which is
sent from the me.mory read out. controller 105. Using a
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
--4()-
predetermined digital modulation method such as FSK, PSK,
QAIM or the like, the tx-ansmitter 1t:16 theri amplifies the
modulated transmitted signal, and t r. ansmits the transmitted
signal through t.Yie telephone line 4000 of a public switched
telephone network to the receiver 201 of the dat.a receiver
2000 as showri in Fig. 9.
In the preferred embodi.ment, the read-out
controller 105 controls t:lie transmitter 106 to transmit the
information data stored in the data mt~>.mory 102, and the row
parities 24 and the column parities 23a and 23b stored in
the parity memory 104. Each ,iat: a componerit of the
information data obtained by dividing the information data
of one data block area into a plurality of data components
and each parity componen.t of the row parities 24 and the
column parities 23a arid 23b obtairied by dividing the row
parities 24 and the column par.it::aes 23a and 23b of one
block area into a p1.urality of parity components are
transmitted at interval.s of each secto~: 22.
In the preferred embodiment, the parity of the
ECC includes row parities 24 and c:olur,ln pariLties 23a and
23b, and each sector 22 i.s comp~-~],.sFd of a plurality of
fr.ames 21. 'the read-out. c.:n? r_> .lc r 105 coritrols the
transmitter 106 t:o t:r.ansrxlit the r.ow parity 24 at the tail
of each frame 21 after eacli data compc:,nent, and the column
parities 23a and 23b in the last f rame 21 of each sE~ctor
22.
Fig. 11. is a block d=iagra.m showing a composi.tion
of the data receiver 2000 shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11
includes conceptual diagrams of cfc.it:a 207 and 208 stored
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-41-
respectively in a data metnory 203m and a parity memory 204m
and data 206 flowing through each path for clarity.
The data receiver 2000 comprises the receiver
201, a memory write controller 201a, an ECC block data
memory 202, a data extr;-:mctor 203, a. parity data extractor
204, the data memory 203m, the parit.y memory 204m, and the
error correcting processor 205. Tn the data receiver 2000,
the memory wri.te controller 201a comprises a page counter
221 for counting a page number corresponding to a block
number and a data counter 222 for counting a row number j
in byte and a columri number i i.n byte. 'T'he parity
extractor 204 comprises arl ECC decoder 204a inside thereof.
The receiver 201 comprises a telephone receiver
and a demodulator. The receiver 201. receives a received
signal including the ECC block dat.a 110 of Fig. 10 that is
sent from the data transmitter 1000. The demodulator
demodulates the modulated signal of t:he received signal
using a predetermined demodulation method corresponding to
the modulation method used iri tire transmitter 106 shown in
Fig. 10 to generate received data incl.uding the ECC block
data 110, which is sE~nt:. to t.he nietnOry write controller
201a. The memory write c._:cv,ntro.llei 20"La stores the input
data into the ECC block data memory 202 based on the
numbers p, i arid j indicated by th(:-~ p~zge and data couriters
221 and 222. In the preseiit case, it, is assumed that: the
received data 206 is comprised of data of (N + n) rows x(M
+ m) columns and pa-rities having Ei c.iat.a structure showri in
Fig. 4. In the pref erred embod:i.mei- t, the information data
and the parity are represented by symbols each of one byte.
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-42--
The ECC block data memory 202 has a st:.orage capacity of two
corres)c:~rrdi~~ to t:wo blocks, in
pages (pages ' 0" and 11111) ~ g
a manner similar to that of the data memory 102 shown in
Fig. 10.
The data extractor 203 extracts and reads out
only the information data 207 from the received ECC block
data 206 stored in the ECC:' block dat:E, memory 202, and. then
transmits the extracted data 207 to the error correcting
processor 205 through the data memc,:ry 203m of 'a data buffer
memory. In gerieral, the data extractor 203 extracts the
information data of one block area by combining a plurality
of data components, as showri in 207 of Fig. :L1 .
The parity data extractor 204 extracts and reads
out only the parity 208 from the received ECC block data
206 stored in the ECC b.l.ock data rriemory 202, and then
transmits the parity 208 to the erroi:, correcting processor
205 through the parit.y memoxy 2('4m of a parity buffer
memory. In general, the parity data extractor 204 extracts
the parity of one block tiirea by c=:mk:)i.nintg a plurality of
parity components, as shown in 208 of Fig. 11.
The error c.or:recting proc(=>ssor 205 executes a
predet:er.mineri calculatirag pr_or..e.>:~-, by mearrs of the
information data 2C7 transmitted f::rom the data, extractor
203 and, the parity 208 t-ran.srnit:.ted t.i.-om the parity data
extractor 204, and t.h(,n c.>utputs tne resuLting data whose
errors have been corrected as or.rt.plzt: data. The -error
correcting processor 2 C E) coz: rc:+c t.s an error in the
information data of the ECC' word of one block area
extr_acted by the dat.a e,x:t:rac t.c.,>? :~03 and. the parity
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
..43--
extractor 204. This is accomplished by using a
predetermined error c:.orrect:.i.rlg decoding method
corresponding to the error correc:.t:irrg encoding method of
the data transmitter. :L000, based. on t-}ie parity of the ECC
extracted by ttre parity extract.or. 204, and outputs an
error-corrected inf_ormation dat.a.
The operation of the d~zt.a transmissi_on system
comprising the data transm:i.tter 1000 and t:.he data receiver
2000 constructed as above will be described below with
reference to Fi_ga. 10 to 17.
Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing a process of the
niemory write controller 101 that ::>bt ains and latches the
input data 107 of N rows }r: M cc:~:Lum:ri >. In 1-.he present case,
the data memory 102 has a sto.ra<c,:,:ipacity of a total of
two pages (pages "0" and "'a'") , wh.ere the information data
of N rows x M columns ciorrespond.:.> t:c,, one page. The page
counter 121. showrl in Fig.20 serve;; to pex-f orm a buffering
process with switching between two pages f:or sto.ring input
data in steps S401 and S410 to S412. Each one--byte input
data is stored into the dak,a memoxy 1.02 secquent:ially from
the left side t(::) the :rigi-tt:. side ire {=_,_ich row o:L- frame in
steps S403 to S9:07 and s(:~quent::ia1]~;/ f: rom t:he uppermost row
or frame to the lowermos-t. row car i. rame in steps S408 to
S409.
Figs.:L3 and 14 ar. e f l owc,ha:rt.s showing a process
of t;he parity generator ;1-03 c>:f F'iq. 10 for calculating the
parity. In the presen;:, c:ase, 1:..11 ECC encoder 10;3a is
provided inside the parity genez.atc:,ar 103, ar.id has the
followi:rig structi.ire : wheri p1ura:l. - k.:)yt.es data az_e inputted
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-44-
into the ECC encoder 103a on a byte by byte basis,
calculation is performed by the. 1:C:C eric.oder 103a one byte
at a time ( i. e., te:rmed one-byte When the information data of one row of
frame
stored in the data memory 102 is read out by repeatedly
reading out one-byte data from the data memory 102 and one
row parity 24 of ten bytes for one frame is calculated in
steps S501 to S505, the one row pari-ty 24 of ten bytes for
one frame is stored irr the positior< ot: the row parity 24 of
the parity memory 104 in steps S506 to S510.
Thereafter, using a similar procedure, data in
the column direction is read out by zepeatedly reading out
one-byte data from the data memor:y 102 and 16-byte parity
symbols on the column in the column pa~r.ities 23a or 23b, or
the last row parity 24-13 of each sectc>r 22 are calculated
in steps S511 to S515. The parity symbols of the column
parities 23a or 23b, or the 1-ast row parity 24-13 of each
sector 22 are then stored in the position of the column
parities of the pax _itv rnernory 104 in steps S516 to S520.
This procedure is repeated 7.zntil, t:l-ie rightmost column in
step S521 to S523.
Fig. 1;> is a flowchart. showing a process of the
memory read-out controllex 105 of F i.(:~. 10. A read-out
output sequence is indicated in the 1:: ransmi-tted ECC block
data 110 of Fig. 10. Data of one row or frame including
the row parity 24 is sequentially read out from its
uppermost row o_r:- frame., ~ind thc.:ri rl_> t::ransmitt:ed to the
transmitter 106 in steps S601 tc, !_3607. One row parity
frazrle or the last~ f rame including th(_ column parities 23a
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-45-
and 23b and the row parity 24-13 _is read out every time Q
data frames are read out in steps SF708 to S614. By this
operation, the f:rairies 21-13 of the column parities 23a and
23b are dispersedly transrriitted from the transmitter 106.
It is riot necessary to ciistinguish between the case where
the information dat.a is read out. from the data memory 102
in step S606 and the case where the parity is read out from
the parity memory 104 i:rl step S61.2 si.rlce they are merely
located in different addresses of one storage area in
practice.
As is apparent from the above description, the
input data 107 of N rows x M columns obtained by the memory
write controller 101. is processed by the data transmitter
1000 so as to attach the parity 109 to the information
data. The parity 109 is transmitted from the transmitter
106 dispersedly in the form of :i.nt'~rleaved da.ta in the
column direction.
Figs. 16 and 17 are f l owcha.rt:.; .:howing a process
of the data receiver 2000 for Nxecutir,g an error correcting
process by obtaining the received d,-It a;:06 comprised of
symbols of (N + n) rows x(M + m) c~ol umns .
Irl the pi"eserlt casE:', t.::t"!.Ee ECC" decoder 204a is
provided inside the parity extractor 204, and has the
following structure : when a plural. i.t~,, :_Xf bytes of data are
inputted into the ECC decoder 204a they a:re provided on a
byte by byte bas i s c:7ne -byt:E::: c;3at<a } .
When receiving tYie EuC wox-d of one frame, the
er_ror correcting process is execut~~~,~d in tl-le :row direction
in steps S801, to S809. 'I'his process -'-s repeated for all
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
-46-
the frames in steps S810 to S811. When the error
correcting process in the r(:)w di.r(.,!ct:ion :;.s completed, the
error correcting process in the row dei_rection is executed
according to a similar procedure in steps S818 to S825.
When the error correcting process, (--)f the ECC words or ECC
block data corresponding to one page is completed through
the above-mentioned process, t_hen, the same error
correcting process is repeated f::c;,r the symbol stored in
another page of the ECC block data .nemory 202 in steps S826
to S828.
As is apparent:; from the ak?ove description, the
symbols of (N + n) rows x (M + tn) columns obtained by the
receiver 201 are subjected to the error correcting process
in the data receliver 2000, and then, the error--corrected
data of (N rows) x (M columns) is outputted from the error
correcting processor 205.
Third Preferred Embudimenct
Fig. 18 is a block diagr~::im showing a composition
of a phase-change type opti.c;.1 :.1 disk recording and
reproducing apparat.us of a th_ircf. preferred embodiment
according to the present i.nvention,
As is apparent f:roiYl compari,:,on between Figs. 9
and 18, the differences between tYie second and third
preferred embodiments arr=~ {:as fo:.t.lc a,; :
(1) a recordi.nc~pa.ocessor a.6a is provided instead
of the transmitter 106;
(2) a reproducing procE.,ssor 201.a is provided
instead of the rE:~:cei.ver :; 0]; and
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(3) a disk dr.iva..ng mechanism 112 for rotating the
disk 3000, laser diodes 111 and 211 and a photo detector
212 are further provided to the second preferred embodiment
shown in Fig. 9.
In response to the inpitt data with the parity
sent from the memory r.ead-out, controller 105, the recording
processor 106a converts the input data into a recording
signal, amplifies 1-_he recording signal, and then outputs
the amplified recording signal to the laser diode 111. The
laser diode 111 generates laser 1.1i..qht modulated according
to the recording signal for recc.,rding and projects the
laser light onto a part of the disk :3000 to be recorded.
The laser diode 211 generates a relatively weak
continuous laser light for reproducing and projects the
laser light onto a part of the disk 3000 to be reproduced.
Then, a reflected light on the pDrt of the disk 3000 is
incident onto the photo detector 212 which de.tects the
reflected light, converts the same i-nto an electric signal,
and outputs the elect1-1c Signa1 to the reproducing
processor 201.a. The reproducing processor 201a performs a
wavef.orm-shaping process so a,:, t.c> convert the input
electric signal into a pu:i.se - shapeci digital data.
In the optical disk. 3000, an optical recording
layer is formed, iri which a, first reflectance represents
information data "0" and Li secon(~ rr:),flectance represents
information data "1".
Upon recording of inf..oxmat.i..on data "0" or "1"
the laser light of a fi..r.:}t. intensity ~:.->r a second intensity
is respectively projected fr.om the 1<mser diode 111 onto a
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
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par.t of the disk. 3000 to be x-ecorded. Then, the
ref lectance of the recording layer becomes a first value or
a second value according to the i_ntensi.ty of the laser
light:.
Upon reading-out of information data, the weak
laser light is continuously projerõt--ed i:rom the laser light
211 onto a part. of the disk 3000 to be reproduced, and then
a value, e.g. an intensity of t-he reflected light is
detected by the photo detector 212.
In the third pre.ferred embodiment, the rewritable
disk 3000 is used, however, the present invention is not
limited to this. The preserit :invent:i.on can be applied to
the other kind of disk recording and reproducing apparatus,
such as a read only optical disk, an additional recordable
disk or the like.
Other Embodiments
The met,:hod for arranging thF,:- parity of the ECC of
the present invention has been (lescribed based on the
preferred embodiments thereof, however, the present
inverition is of course riot limited to those preferred
embodiments. I'he following other embodiments are also
provided.
In the first preferred embodiment, the column
parity comprised of 16 bytes is arranged dispersedly one
byte by one byte. However, the present irivention is not
limited to such numerical specifications. For example, a
method for dispersedLy arranging a c::,o~~~umn parity comprised
of 48 bytes tnree byte:- :-) , thret c_:ari be used.
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In the second preferred embodiment, the parity
generator 103 and the memory read-out controller 105 are
operated after the information data of one block has been
entirely inputted to the memory write controller 101.
However, the preserit i nvention is not li_mited to such a
sequence. For example, just after the mernory write
controller 101 has obtained t:he a.nfrormation data of- one
row, the parity generator 1.03 may calculate the row parity
of the information data.
In the above-ment.ioned prk3ferred embodiments, the
optical disk is used as a recor.ding medium, however, the
present invention is not limited to this. The present
invention cai-i be appl i.ecf t::o the c.,,t:h v!r kind of recording
medium, such as a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a
magnetic disk, a compact. disk, magnetic tape, a
semiconductor memory, or the like.
In the above--merit ioned pl-r=~f:eri:-ed ernbodi.ments, the
telephone line 4000 is used, however, ~he present inverition
is not limited to this. 0ther types o--( communication lines
can be used such as ari ISI:)N :3ervices Digital
Network) l ine , a packet exchange network l ine , an ATM
(Asynchronous 'I'ransfer Mod(-_~) c.:ommur:_il-~ation line, a F'rame
Relay communication line, or the like.
In the above- ment.:i..oned prF:,fe rt ed enlbodiments, the
parity of the Reed-Solomon code oi the: forward error
correction method is u::~,ed as the ECC, h~owever, the present
invention is not li::n.ited t:...~ thi=,. F"or example, a block
code such as a Hamming cnde., ari extended Hamming code, a
CA 02191953 1996-12-03
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BCH (Bose-Chau-dri-Hoc:kengerri) code, a Fire code or the like
may be used as the ECC.
In the above-merit:ioned px:eferred embodiments, the
data structure shown in Fig. 4 i.. used, however, the
present iriveritiorl is not :l.imited to this. A data structure
similar to that shown in Fig. 4 may be used iri which the
sector addresses 50 are arranged s.t e,.,,~ch sector so that the
sector addresses 50 can be detect.ecl at a predetermined
constant time i.nterval,
Although the present invention has been fully
described in. connecti.on with the preferred embodiments
thereof with reference to t:.he accompanying drawings, it is
to be noted that various changes and modifications are
apparent to those skilled in the art.. Such changes and
modifications are to be understood a,-x included within the
scope of the presen~-_ invention as defined by the appended
claims unless they depart therefrom.
Industrial Applicability
According to the present- :i_nvent:ion, a parity is
not. recorded in a bunched continuous area but recorded
dispersedly in each sectoi for the a.rF..as in which the data
.
to be corrected is rE~corcled. 'T'hereAo:r~e, the information
data arranged regularly ir the data a:iPa is regularly read
out, thereby sirnpl.ifyi.ng <::rrid :i_mprc>v7 rg the data reproducing
or read-.out apparatus by allowing fc-x a Mgher operating
speed.
Further, accordi.rig to thFz pi:esent invention, the
parity is not solea.y transmitted continuously but
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transmitted in such a manner that it is dispersedly mixed
with the data to be corrected. 'I'he above arrangement
produces such an advantageous effect that the information
data arranged regularly a n the data area can be transmitted
at a predetermined constant time iiiterval.
Furthermore, according tt., t~ie~. pzesent invention,
when interleaved symbo:l. data or ECC. block data is received,
the data series and thE= parity are reproduced from the
symbol data or ECC block data, so t.hat the error generated
in the data series is corrected. Therefore, when the
parity is dispersedly transmitted., thfY data series and the
parity are easily recognized, tller-eby enabling the error
generated in the dat::a series to be corrected.
