Interruptible Formatting for DVD+RW Storage Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing formatting process for DVD+RW discs is time-consuming, resulting in significant additional cost due to the need for partial formatting before recording, which delays the start of video recording and requires additional memory in DVD-Video recorders.
Innovation Solution
The formatting process is made interruptible, allowing it to be delayed until a well-defined point, such as the 'Close/Track Session' command, ensuring the device is available for immediate recording without autonomous actions that could cause delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the format process is executed completely before recording, then the storage medium is properly formatted and readable on existing devices, but the recording start time is delayed significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a partial format process (recording only the lead-in zone) before recording, rather than completing the full format process. This preliminary formatting action is sufficient to make the disc readable on existing DVD players and recorders, while avoiding the time-consuming completion of the entire format process including lead-out zone recording. The format process is interrupted at a well-defined point (after lead-in zone) to enable immediate recording.
2Productivity
If background formatting is performed during recording, then the format process continues without interrupting recording, but additional delays occur when write or read commands are received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the format process from the background and makes it interruptible by host commands. Instead of performing background formatting that could interfere with real-time recording operations, the format process is completely halted after the lead-in zone is recorded. This extraction of the format process from autonomous background execution eliminates conflicts with recording operations and ensures immediate response to host commands.
3Loss of time
If the format process is made interruptible, then recording can start immediately, but the format process must be delayed to a well-defined point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the format process dynamic and adaptable to host requirements. The format process can be interrupted at a well-defined point (after lead-in zone recording) based on host command, allowing the system to adapt between complete formatting and immediate recording needs. This dynamic control is implemented through standard SCSI/MMC commands that the host can use to interrupt the format process at appropriate moments.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for recording information on a storage medium is arranged for formatting the storage medium. The device has a medium interface for interfacing with the storage medium for recording data on the medium and retrieving data from the medium, and a host interface for receiving commands according to a protocol (ATA/ATAPI) from a host. The commands include a format command. The device has a formatter for formatting the storage medium according to a format process indicated by the format command. The formatting includes interrupting the format process until a point in time defined by a further command from the host so that no formatting in the background is performed, and therefore real-time performance of the device is not deteriorated by the formatting.