Data recording medium an optical disk and an optical disk apparatus

Claim 2

A data recording medium having data recorded in tracks comprising: a plurality of sectors defined by dividing one of the tracks into predetermined lengths; one of the sectors including a header section that has an address area for recording address information, and a data recording section; the data recording section including a gap area, a frequency synchronization area, a byte synchronization area, and a data area; the frequency synchronization area including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded; the gap area having a length that is variable so as to allow the frequency synchronization area, the byte synchronization area, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 3

An optical disk comprising: one of spiral and concentric tracks in which data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section; the header section having: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded, a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating a start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections, which are positioned subsequent to the address mark sections, in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections and indicates an end of the address sections, the data recording section having: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 4

An optical disk comprising: one of spiral and concentric tracks in which data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section; the header section having: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded, a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating a start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections, which are positioned subsequent to the address mark sections, in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections and indicates an end of the address sections, the data recording section having: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 5

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data recorded on an optical disk, wherein the optical disk includes one of spiral and concentric tracks in which the data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section, wherein the header section includes: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded; a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections which are provided subsequent to the address mark sections and in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections, and indicates end of the address sections, wherein the data recording section includes: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the second synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 6

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data recorded on an optical disk, wherein the optical disk includes one of spiral and concentric tracks in which the data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section, wherein the header section includes: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded; a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections which are provided subsequent to the address mark sections and in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections, and indicates end of the address sections, wherein the data recording section includes: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the second synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 7

An optical disk comprising: one of spiral and concentric tracks in which data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section; the header section having: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded, a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating a start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections, which are positioned subsequent to the address mark sections, in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections and indicates an end of the address sections, the data recording section having: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section have a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 8

An optical disk comprising: one of spiral and concentric tracks in which data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section; the header section having: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded, a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating a start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections, which are positioned subsequent to the address mark sections, in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections and indicates an end of the address sections, the data recording section having: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section have a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 9

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data recorded on an optical disk, wherein the optical disk includes one of spiral and concentric tracks in which the data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section, wherein the header section includes: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded; a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections which are provided subsequent to the address mark sections and in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections, and indicates end of the address sections, wherein the data recording section includes: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section have a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the second synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 10

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data recorded on an optical disk, wherein the optical disk includes one of spiral and concentric tracks in which the data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section, wherein the header section includes: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded; a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections which are provided subsequent to the address mark sections and in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections, and indicates end of the address sections, wherein the data recording section includes: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section have a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the second synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 11

An optical disk comprising: one of spiral and concentric tracks in which data is recorded using a phase change scheme, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section; the header section having: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded, a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating a start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections, which are positioned subsequent to the address mark sections, in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections and indicates an end of the address sections, the data recording section having: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 12

An optical disk comprising: one of spiral and concentric tracks in which data is recorded using a phase change scheme, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section; the header section having: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded, a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating a start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections, which are positioned subsequent to the address mark sections, in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections and indicates an end of the address sections, the data recording section having: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 13

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data that has been recorded on an optical disk using a phase change scheme, wherein the optical disk includes one of spiral and concentric tracks in which the data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section, wherein the header section includes: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded; a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections which are provided subsequent to the address mark sections and in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections, and indicates end of the address sections, wherein the data recording section includes: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the second synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 14

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data that has been recorded on an optical disk using a phase change scheme, wherein the optical disk includes one of spiral and concentric tracks in which the data is recorded, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section, wherein the header section includes: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded; a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections which are provided subsequent to the address mark sections and in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections, and indicates end of the address sections, wherein the data recording section includes: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the second synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 15

An optical disk comprising: one of spiral and concentric tracks in which data is recorded using a phase change scheme, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section; the header section having: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded, a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating a start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections, which are positioned subsequent to the address mark sections, in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections and indicates an end of the address sections, the data recording section having: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section have a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 16

An optical disk comprising: one of spiral and concentric tracks in which data is recorded using a phase change scheme, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section; the header section having: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded, a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating a start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections, which are positioned subsequent to the address mark sections, in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections and indicates an end of the address sections, the data recording section having: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is positioned between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section have a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section.

Claim 17

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data recorded on an optical disk, wherein the optical disk includes one of spiral and concentric tracks in which the data is recorded using a phase change scheme, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section, wherein the header section includes: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded; a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections which are provided subsequent to the address mark sections and in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections, and indicates end of the address sections, wherein the data recording section includes: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section have a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the second synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 18

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data recorded on an optical disk, wherein the optical disk includes one of spiral and concentric tracks in which the data is recorded using a phase change scheme, wherein the tracks are a predetermined length and include a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes a pre-formatted header section and a data recording section, wherein the header section includes: a plurality of first synchronization code sections in which frequency synchronization patterns are recorded; a plurality of address mark sections, which are positioned subsequent to the first synchronization code section, in which an address mark indicating start of an address section is recorded, a plurality of address sections which are provided subsequent to the address mark sections and in which address information is recorded, and a first postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to a last one of the address sections, and indicates end of the address sections, wherein the data recording section includes: a gap section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the first postamble section, a second synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the second synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the second synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for byte synchronization is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a second postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the second postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section have a length that is variable so as to allow the second synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position within the data recording section, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the second synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 19

An optical disk comprising: a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position.

Claim 20

An optical disk comprising: a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position.

Claim 21

An optical disk comprising: a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position.

Claim 22

An optical disk comprising: a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position.

Claim 23

An optical disk comprising: a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, wherein the gap section and the buffer section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position, and wherein the first specific pattern and the second specific pattern are recorded at an interval that is greater than a shift amount of the data area.

Claim 24

An optical disk comprising: a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, wherein the gap section and the buffer section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position, and wherein the first specific pattern and the second specific pattern are recorded at an interval that is greater than a shift amount of the data area.

Claim 25

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data that is recorded on an optical disk using a phase change scheme, wherein the optical disk has a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 26

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data that is recorded on an optical disk using a phase change scheme, wherein the optical disk has a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 27

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data that is recorded on an optical disk using a phase change scheme, wherein the optical disk has a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 28

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data that is recorded on an optical disk using a phase change scheme, wherein the optical disk has a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 29

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data that is recorded on an optical disk using a phase change scheme, wherein the optical disk has a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position, and wherein the first specific pattern and the second specific pattern are recorded at an interval that is greater than a shift amount of the data area, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.

Claim 30

An optical disk apparatus for reproducing data that is recorded on an optical disk using a phase change scheme, wherein the optical disk has a plurality of sector areas, wherein one of the sector areas includes: a gap section, which is an empty area, a synchronization code section, which is positioned subsequent to the gap section, the synchronization code section including at least two first areas in which a frequency synchronization pattern is recorded, and a second area, which is located between the at least two first areas, in which a first specific pattern that is useful for byte synchronization is recorded, a byte synchronization section, which is positioned subsequent to the synchronization code section, in which a second specific pattern for synchronizing bytes is recorded, a data area, which is positioned subsequent to the byte synchronization section, in which the data is recorded, a postamble section, which is positioned subsequent to the data area and indicates an end of the data area, and a buffer section, which is an empty area and is positioned subsequent to the postamble section, that serves as a boundary with respect to a subsequent sector area, and wherein the gap section and the buffer section has a length that is variable so as to allow the synchronization code section, the byte synchronization section, and the data area to vary in position, and wherein the first specific pattern and the second specific pattern are recorded at an interval that is greater than a shift amount of the data area, the optical disk apparatus comprising: reproducing means for synchronously reproducing the data recorded in the data area in accordance with the frequency synchronization pattern that is recorded in the synchronization code section, the first specific pattern, and the second specific pattern.