Storage medium initialization method, and recording and reproducing method and apparatus

Abstract

A storage medium initializing method includes the steps of detecting a mode corresponding to a recording format to be loaded on a storage medium; and initializing the storage medium according to the mode detected in the detecting step. A recording and reproducing method and apparatus are configured to detect a type of storage medium loaded onto the apparatus and adjust the recording and reproducing processes accordingly.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 403,012, filed Apr. 1, 2003, which claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2002-099273, filed Apr. 1, 2002, and Japanese Application No. 2002-190810, filed Jun. 28, 2002. The entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to a storage medium initialization method, and recording and reproducing method and apparatus for functionally expanding a magneto-optical disc usable by a conventional mini-disc (MD) system, the expansion being made in such a manner as to maintain compatibility with the conventional MD system. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Background [0005] The so-called Mini-disc (MD), a 64 mm-across magneto-optical disc housed in a cartridge, has gained widespread acceptance today as a storage medium to and from whic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the above and other deficiencies of the related art and to provide a reproducing method, reproducing apparatus, a recording method, and recording apparatus for efficiently managing audio data through the integration of the FAT system on MD media. Alternatively, other media formats be used as well in light of the teachings of the present disclosure.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of ACIRC is that it requires a linking sector arrangement for data update purposes.

As recognized by the present inventors, MD systems have not fully achieved their potential in the market as they are not compatible with general purpose computers, such as personal computers.

Meanwhile, a higher degree of compatibility with personal computers means increased risk of unauthorized copying of copyrighted works, which in-turn requires better techniques to protect against unauthorized copying of audio works.

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