Title of Invention

INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM, RECORDING/ REPRODUCING APPARATUS, AND RECORDING/ REPRODUCING METHOD

Abstract An information storage medium, a recording/reproducing apparatus and a recording/reproducing method are provided to increase data reproduction efficiency. The recording/reproducing apparatus includes: a write/read unit for recording data on an information storage medium and reading data from the medium; and a controller for controlling the write/read unit to record a replacement block by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating data recorded on the medium in a first area of the medium, record a replacement block for replacing a defect block generated on the medium in a second area of the medium, and record a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first replacement block in the second area if the defect is detected while the first replacement block is being recorded in the first area to perform the logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the medium, generate a defect list (DFL) entry including location information of the original block and location information of the second replacement block in order to indicate the replacement state, and move location information of the first replacement block in the second replacement block. As a result, an area for replacement by defect and an area for replacement by LOW are discriminated from each other, and data reproducing efficiency can be improved by effectively managing replacement information though the replacement by defect due to a defect generated during the replacement by LOW .
Full Text FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
"INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM, RECORDING/ REPRODUCING APPARATUS, AND RECORDING/ REPRODUCING METHOD"
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
416, Maetan -dong, Yeongtong- gu Suwon -si, Gyeonggi- do 442-742, Republic of Korea.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

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Description
INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM, RECORDING/REPRODUCING APPARATUS, AND RECORDING/REPRODUCING METHOD
Technical Field
[ 1 ] The present invention relates to an information storage medium, and more par-
ticularly, to an information storage medium, such as an optical disk, a recording/reproducing apparatus therefore, and a recording/reproducing method for providing efficient defect management of an information storage medium, including data replacement by logical overwrite (LOW) and data replacement by defect.
Background Art
[2] For rewritable information storage media, a spare area is typically provided in a
data area for defect management. That is, if a defect is detected while user data is being recorded in a user data area (an area in (he data area that excludes the spare area), or while user data recorded in (he user data area is being reproduced, replacement data for replacing defect data is recorded in the spare area.
[3] For write-once information storage media, the above defect management technique
is used in a logical overwrite (LOW). LOW is known as a method in which write-once information storage media can be used in the same manner as 1 lie rewritable information storage media. That is, lo update data previously recorded in (he user data area, recorded data can be considered as defect data, and data to replace (he recorded data can be recorded in the spare area by treating the recorded data as defect data. This makes data management easier since a host can access data using a logical address thereof and data for replacing the recorded data in (he user data area can be overwritten a( the same location by using the fixed logical address of the data recorded in the user data area and assigning a physical address corresponding to the fixed logical address to the data recorded in (he spare area.
[4] Furthermore, a new method which implements LOW for defect management has
been suggested to maximize the use of an information storage medium. In such a method, updated data can also be recorded in a non-recorded portion of a user data area, or a spare area on an information storage medium, and replacement informal ion (replacement entry information) can be prepared accordingly.
[5] Data updating by replacement by LOW and replacement by defect will now be
described with reference to FIGS. I A lo I D as follows.
[6] FIG. I A is an illustrative diagram of an example data area on an information
storage medium used lo illustrate data replacement when a logical overwrite (LOW) is

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implemented for defect management.
[7] Referring to FIG. 1A, a data area 100 includes a user data area 110 and at least one spare area 120. Data is typically recorded from a start address of the user data area 110. As shown in FIG. 1A, when data blocks Al, A2, and A3 which have been already recorded at physical locations PI, P2, and P3 in the user data area 110 on an information storage medium, respectively, are to be updated, a host commands a drive system to record data blocks B1, B2, and B3 al the original locations PI, P2, and P3 so as to update the data blocks A1, A2, and A3 to the data blocks B1, B2, and B3 by LOW. The drive system records (he data blocks Bl, B2, and B3 al physical locations P4, P5, and P6 in the user data area 110 on the information storage medium, and generates a defect list (DFL) entry 130 indicating (hat the original locations PI, P2, and P3 have been replaced with (he replacement locations P4, P5, and P6, as shown in FIG. IB.
[8] Thereafter, if the host commands (he drive system to reproduce the data blocks B1 , B2, and B3 from logical addresses corresponding to the original locations, the drive system reproduces the data blocks Bl, B2, and B3 recorded at the replacement locations P4, P5, and P6 by referring to (he DFL entry 130, and transmits (he reproduced data blocks B 1, B2, and B3 to the host. When the drive system cannot reproduce the data blocks Bl, B2, and B3 recorded al (he replacement locations P4, P5, and P6, data recorded a( the replacement locations cannot be guaranteed lo be (he same as the data recorded al (lie original locations since (he replacement locations P4, P5, and P6 are located in (he user data area I 10. As a result, the drive system continuously retries to reproduce (he data blocks B 1, B2, and B3 recorded al (he replacement locations P4, P5, and P6, and if (he drive system fails lo reproduce the data blocks B 1, 132, and B3, (he drive system informs the host (hat (he data blocks Bl, B2, and B3 cannot be reproduced.
[9] FIG. 1C is an illustrative diagram of an example data area on an information storage medium used to illustrate conventional replacement by defect.
[10] Referring (o FIG. 1C, a data area 100 also includes a user data area 110 and at least one spare area 120. Data is also recorded from a start address of (he user data area I 10. As shown in FIG. IC, when a host commands a drive system to record data blocks A 1, A2, and A3 al logical addresses corresponding to original locations PI, P2, and P3 in (he user data area I 10 on an information storage medium, respectively, the drive system detects a defect at (he physical location P2 while recording (he data blocks A i, A2, and A3 at the physical locations PI, P2, and P3, records the data block A2 at a replacement location Ps in (lie spare area 120 on the information storage medium by-replacing the original location P2 with the replacement location Ps, and generates a defect list (DFL) entry 130 indicating (hat the original location P2 was replaced with

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the replacement location Ps, as shown in FIG. ID.
[11] Thereafter, if the host commands the drive system to reproduce the data block A2
at the logical address corresponding to the original location P2, the drive system reproduces the data block A2 recorded at The replacement location Ps by referring to (he DFL entry 130, and transmits the reproduced data block A2 to the host. If the drive system cannot reproduce the data block A2 recorded at the replacement location Ps due to a defect, (he drive system can consider (he data block A2 recorded at (lie original location P2 as being the same as the data block A2 recorded at the replacement location Ps since Ps is the replacement location in (he spare area 120, as shown in FIG. 1C. As a result, even if the drive system cannot reproduce the data block A2 recorded at the replacement location Ps, (he drive system can try to reproduce the data block A2 recorded at the original location P2. If the data block A2 recorded at the original location P2 is error-correctable, (he drive system can transmit the error-corrected data block A2 (o (he host.
[12] In order (o maximize utilization of disk capacity and manage information recording media by discriminating between replacement by LOW and replacement by. defect, techniques to discriminate between an area for replacement by LOW and an area for replacement by defect have been developed. In one of these techniques, an area for re-placement by defect is limited to a spare area allocated for conventional replacement by defect, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1C, and an area for replacement by LOW is limited to a user data area of a data area or a specific area of the user data area, except the spare area, as shown, for example, in FIG. I A. Thus, whether data at a replacement location has been recorded by replacement by LOW or by replacement by defect can be determined by confirming an area in which (he replacement location of a DFL entry (also known as a replacement entry, a defect entry, or a defect/replacement entry) exists.
[13] For write-once information storage media, user data of a replacement block after replacement by defect is (he same as user data of an original block before the replacement by defect. However, since (he replacement by LOW is mainly used lo update data, there is no guarantee that user data of a replacement block be the same as user data of an original block before the replacement by LOW. If a replacement block indicated by a DFL entry is located in a spare area, there is a perception that the DFL entry has been generated due to a deled. Accordingly, user data of an original block can be regarded as being the same as user data of The replacement block. Thus, if (he replacement block cannot be error-corrected due lo a defect when it is reproduced, (he user data can be obtained by reproducing (he original block indicated by the DFL entry. More specifically, even if (he original block cannot be error-corrected since the original block has been replaced due lo (he defect, the original block may be

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sometimes error-corrected by cleaning the dust from a recording surface of an in
formation storage medium.
[ 14] In this situation, the replacement by defect and the replacement by LOW are dis-
criminated from each other to determine whether user data of a replacement block is the same as user data of an original block by recognizing areas in which replacement blocks of the DFL entry for the two type of replacements are recorded.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
|[15] However, if a defect occurs during the replacement by LOW, a replacement block
by LOW in which the defect occurs should be replaced again. That is, an original block
can initially be replaced with a replacement block via replacement by LOW, and (hen
can finally be replaced with a replacement block in a spare area via replacement by
defect. As a result of this process, user data of the original block is not the same as user
data of the final replacement block due to the intermediate replacement by LOW.
Thus, even if a replacement block exists in a spare area, there is no guarantee that user
data of the replacement block be the same as user data of the original block.
[16] Accordingly, there is a need lo ensure that user data of a replacement block is the
same as user data of an original block so as lo maximize data usage and increase data reproduction efficiency.
Technical Solution
[ I7| Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide
an information storage medium for use in conjunction with a recording/reproducing apparatus and methods lo increase data reproduction efficiency in which a replacement area for replacement by LOW is discriminated from a replacement area for replacement by defect.
Advantageous Effects
[ 18| The present invention advantageously provides techniques in which an area on an
information storage medium for replacement by defect and an area on the information storage medium for replacement by LOW are discriminated from each other, data reproduction efficiency can be maximized.
Description of Drawings
[19] FIG. I A is an illustrative diagram of an example data area on an information
storage medium used to illustrate data replacement when a logical overwrite (LOW) is
implemented for defect management;
[20] FIG. I B is a diagram of a DFL, entry list according to the data replacement by
LOW as illustrated in FIG. I A:
[2 1] FIG. IC is an illustrative diagram of an example data area on an information

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storage medium used to illustrate data replacement by defect;
[22] FIG. ID is a diagram of a DFL entry list according to the data replacement by
defect as illustrated in FIG. 1C;
[23] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an example recording/reproducing
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[24-] FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the example recording/reproducing apparatus
shown in FIG. 2;
[25] FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of an example information storage medium
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[26] FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of a DFL entry according to a first embodiment of
(he present invention;
[27] FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a recording unit block according to the first
embodiment of (he present invention;
[28] FIG. 7 is a detailed example of the recording unit block illustrated in FIG. 6;
[29] FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a DFL entry according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[301 FIG. 9A is an illustrative diagram of a defect management method according lo the
first embodiment of (he present invention;
[31] FIG. 9B is a diagram of a DFL entry list according lo the management method il-
lustrated in FIG. 9A;
[32] FIG. 10A is an illustrative diagram of a defect management method according to
the second embodiment of (lie present invention;
[33] FIG. 10B is a diagram of a DFL entry list according to the management method il-
lustrated in FIG. 10A;
[34-] FIG. I IA is an illustrative diagram of a method of managing two unlinked DFL
entries according an embodiment of the present invention;
[35] FIG. IIB is a diagram of a DFL entry list according lo the method illustrated in
FIG. 11 A;
[36] FIG. I2A is an illustrative diagram of a state where a physical address in a re
placement address field of a DFL entry is stored in an original address field of another
DFL entry according lo an embodiment of the present invention;
[37] FIG. 12B is a diagram of a DFL entry list according to the slate illustrated in FIG.
12 A:
[38] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example recording process according lo the
first embodiment of (he present invention;
[39] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example reproducing process according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
[40] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example recording process according (o the

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second embodiment of the present invention; and
[41] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example reproducing process according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
Best Mode
[42] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information
storage medium comprising: a first area for updating data recorded on the medium via
replacement by logical overwrite (LOW); and a second area for replacing defects
occurred on the medium, wherein, if a defect is detected while a first replacement
block is being recorded in the first area to replace an original block recorded in a pre
determined area of the medium according to the replacement by LOW, a second re
placement block for replacing the first replacement block is recorded in the second
area via replacement by defect, and wherein a defect list (DFL) entry indicating the re
placement state includes location information of the original block and location in
formation of the second replacement block, and the second replacement block includes
location information of the first replacement block.
[43] The second replacement block may be a recording/reproducing unit block
including a user data portion for user data and an additional information portion for the
location information of the first replacement block.
[44] The additional information portion may be recorded to have better error correction
capability than that of (he user data portion,
[45] The location information of the original block and (he location information of the
second replacement block may be represented by addresses of a physical space of the
medium. T he first area is a user data area, and the second area is a spare area on (he
information storage medium.
[46] According to another aspect of (he present invention, there is provided an in-
formation storage medium comprising: a first area for updating data recorded on (he
medium via replacement by logical overwrite (LOW); and a second area for replacing
defects occurred on the medium, wherein, if a defect is detected while a first re
placement block is being recorded in the first area to replace an original block recorded
in a predetermined area of (he medium according to (he replacement by LOW, a
second replacement block for replacing (he first replacement block is recorded in (he
second area via replacement by defect, and wherein a first defect list (DFL) entry
indicating (he stale of (he replacement by LOW and a second DFL entry indicating (he
replacement stale of the replacement by (he defect occurred during (he replacement by
LOW arc provided.
[47] The first DFL entry may further include link stale information for indicating that
(he first replacement block related to (he first DFL entry has been replaced with the second replacement block. The first area may be a user data area, and the second area

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may be a spare area on the information storage medium.
[48] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an in-
formation storage medium on which logical overwrite (LOW) replacement for
updating data recorded on the medium is performed in a user data area, a defect list
(DFL) entry including location information of an original block and location in
formation in a replacement block is generated to indicate the replacement state, and the
location information of the replacement block in the DFL entry is permitted to be
location information of an original block of another DFL entry if a space according to
a data write command is a logically un-recorded space, but is a physically recorded
space.
[49] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
recording/reproducing apparatus comprising: a write/read unit arranged to record data
on an information storage medium and to read data from the medium; and a controller
for controlling the write/read unit to record a replacement block by logical overwrite
(LOW) for updating data recorded on the medium in a first area of the medium, record
a replacement block for replacing a defect block occurred on the medium in a second
area of the medium, and record a second replacement block for replacement by defect
of a first replacement block in the second area if (he defect occurs while the first re
placement block is being recorded in (he first area (o perform The logical overwrite of
an original block recorded in a predetermined area of (he medium, for generating a
defect list (DFL) entry including location information of the original block and
location information of (he second replacement block so as to indicate the replacement
slate, and arranging location information of (he first replacement block in (he second
replacement block.
[50] According (o another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording/
reproducing apparatus comprising: a write/read unit arranged to record data on an in
formation storage medium and to read data from the medium; and a controller for
controlling (he write/read unit lo record a replacement block by logical overwrite
(LOW) for updating data recorded on (he medium in a first area of (he medium, record
a replacement block for replacing a defect block occurred on The medium in a second
area of The medium, and record a second replacement block for replacement by defect
of a first replacement block in the second area if (he defect occurs while the. first re
placement block is being recorded in the first area to perform the logical overwrite of
an original block recorded in a predetermined area of The medium, and for generating a
first defect list (DFL) entry indicating the slate of The replacement by LOW and a
second DFL entry indicating (he stale of (he replacement by defect occurred during (he
replacement by LOW.
[5 1] According lo yet another aspect o( The present invention, there is provided a

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recording/reproducing apparatus comprising: a write/read unit arranged to record data on an information storage medium and to read data from the medium; and a controller for controlling (he write/read unit to record replacement data by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating data recorded on (he medium in a user data area, for generating a defect list (DFL) entry including location information of an original block and location information of a replacement block so as to indicate the replacement s(a(e, and for setting (he location information of (he replacement block in the DFL entry to location information of an original block in another DFL entry if a space according to a data write command is a logically un-recorded space, but is a physically recorded space.
[52] According to another aspect of the present invention, (here is provided a recording/ reproducing method comprising: recording a replacement block by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating a block recorded on an information storage medium in a first area of the medium and recording a replacement block for replacing a defect block occurred on (he medium in a second area of the medium; recording a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first replacement block in the second area by moving location information of the first replacement block in the second replacement block if (he defect occurs while (he first replacement block is being recorded in the first area to perform the logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the medium; and generating a defect list (DFL) entry including location information of the original block and location information of the second replacement block so as (o indicate (he replacement stale.
[53] According (o another aspect of (he present invention, (here is provided a recording/ reproducing method comprising: recording a replacement block by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating a block recorded on an information storage medium in a first area of the medium, recording a replacement block for replacing a defect block occurred on the medium in a second area of the medium, and recording a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first replacement block in (he second area if (he defect occurs while the first replacement block is being recorded in the first area to perform the. logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the medium; and generating a first defect list (DFL) entry indicating the state of the replacement by LOW and a second DFL entry indicating the replacement stale of The re-placement by defect occurred during the replacement by LOW.
[54] According lo another aspect of (he present invention, (here is provided a recording/ reproducing method comprising: recording replacement data by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating a block recorded on an information storage medium in a user data area; generating a defect list (DFL) entry including location information of an original block and location information of a replacement block in order to indicate (he replacement stale; and setling The location information of The replacement block of (he

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DFL entry lo location information of an original block in another DFL entry if a space according to a data write command is a logically un-recorded space, but is a physically recorded space.
[55] According (o yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus comprising: a read unit for reading data from an information storage medium; and a controller for controlling the read unit to read a replacement block recorded at a replacement location based on replacement location information included in a defect list (DFL) entry related lo data to be reproduced, and if error correction of (he read replacement block fails, controlling the read unit to obtain a location of a previous replacement block from an additional information portion included in the replacement block and read a replacement block recorded at the location of (he previous replacement block, and reproducing the read replacement block.
[56] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatus comprising: a read unit for reading data from an information storage medium; and a controller for controlling the read unit to read a replacement block recorded al a replacement location based on replacement location information included in a second defect list (DFL) entry linked lo a first DFL entry related to data to be reproduced if link slate information is set in the first DFL entry, and if reproduction of the read replacement block fails, controlling (he read unit to read a replacement block recorded al a replacement local ion based on replacement location information included in the first DFL entry, and reproducing the read replacement block.
[57] According lo yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data reproducing method comprising: reading a replacement block recorded al a replacement location based on replacement location information included in a defect list (DFL) entry related lo data (o be reproduced; if error correction of (he read replacement block fails, obtaining a location of a previous replacement block from an additional information portion included in (he replacement block; and reading a replacement block recorded al (he location of (he previous replacement block and reproducing the read replacement block.
[58] According lo another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data reproducing method comprising: reading a replacement block recorded at a replacement location based on replacement location information included in a second defect list (DFL) entry linked lo a first DFL entry related lo data lo he reproduced if link stale information is set in the first DFL entry; and if reproduction of the read replacement Flock fails, reading a replacement block recorded al a replacement location based on replacement location information included in the first DFL entry and reproducing (lie read replacement block.

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Mode for Invention
[59] The present invention is applicable for use with all types of memory or computer-
readable media, recording and/or reproducing apparatuses, and computer systems im
plemented methods described according to various embodiments of the present
invention. However, for the sake of simplicity, discussions will concentrate mainly on
exemplary use of an optical disk serving as a write-once information storage medium,
although the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto .
[60] The present invention suggests two methods for data replacement when a defect
occurs during replacement by logical overwrite (LOW).
[61 ] According to the first method, when a defect occurs during replacement by LOW,
data replacement is performed in a spare area provided in a data area on an information storage medium for replacement by defect, a defect list (DFL) entry is generated to indicate a replacement state, that is, an original block has been replaced with a final replacement block, and location information of a block just before the replacement is included in an additional information portion of the final replacement block. For example, if an intermediate replacement block B is determined as a defect block due to a recording error or using a method such as verify-after-write, while an original block A in a user data area on an information storage medium is being replaced with the intermediate replacement block B in the user data area via replacement by LOW, (he original block A is replaced with a final replacement block C. A DFL entry is then generated lo indicate that the original block A has been replaced with the final replacement block C, and location information of the intermediate replacement block B is stored in an additional information portion of the final replacement block C. Also, location information of the original block A is stored in an additional information portion of (he intermediate replacement block B.
[62] Thus, if the final replacement block C cannot be reproduced due to a defect, a drive
system refers lo the location information stored in the additional information portion included in (he final replacement block C, and if (he location information indicates a location in (he user data area on an information storage medium, the drive system reproduces the intermediate replacement block B in (he user data area by considering dial die intermediate replacement block B corresponding lo the location is replaced with the final replacement block C, and (hen user data of the intermediate replacement block B is the same as user data of (he final replacement block C.
[63] Even if user data in a recording/reproducing block cannot be error-corrected,
additional information stored in the recording/reproducing block can be obtained. Moreover, it is preferable (hat error correction capability of an error correction block for the additional information be greater than error correction capability of an error correction block for the user data in a Blu-ray disk structure. An error correction code

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(ECC) format in the Blue-ray disk structure is comprised of a long distance code (LDC) cluster for the user data and a burst indicator subcode (BIS) cluster for the additional information. As a result, the user data and the additional information are comprised of different error correction blocks from each other. Since the BIS cluster is comprised of (62, 30, 32) Reed Solomon (RS) codes and the LDC cluster is comprised of (248, 216, 32) RS codes, error correction capability of the BIS cluster is excellent. Thus, even if the LDC cluster for The user data cannot be error-corrected, the BIS cluster can be error-corrected in most cases.
[64] According lo the second method, when a defect occurs during replacement by LOW, data replacement is performed in the spare area provided on an information storage medium for (he replacement by defect. To indicate the replacement stale, a DFL entry, which includes slate information indicating that an original block is replaced with a replacement block (a defect block) via replacement by LOW, and the DFL entry is linked to another DFL entry, and a DFL entry, which indicates that The replacement block (the defect block) replaced by LOW is replaced with a final replacement block (this DFL entry may further include link state information indicating (hat this DFL entry is linked lo (he previous DFL entry), are generated.
[65] In the second method, a stale in which two or more DFL entries are linked to each
other can be known using the following method. If a host commands a drive system to reproduce some sectors of a block or an entire block, (he drive system determines whether a physical location according lo the command is replaced in another area by examining DFL entries. If link state information of a corresponding DFL entry is not set, a replacement block corresponding lo the DFL entry is reproduced. However, if the link stale information is set, another DFL entry in which (he replacement block corresponding lo (he DFL entry is set lo an original block is sought, and a replacement block corresponding lo (he sought DFL entry is reproduced. That is, in the second method, the replacement by LOW and The replacement by defect are discriminated from each other. If a defect occurs during the replacement by LOW, a DFL entry generated via replacement by LOW and a DFL entry generated via replacement by defect are discriminated from each other, and link stale information provided to link the DFL entries is stored in al least the DFL entry by LOW. That is, the DFL entry generated via replacement by LOW includes slate information indicating that an original block A is replaced with an intermediate replacement block B, and the DFL entry is linked lo another DFL entry. The DFL entry generated via replacement by defect indicates that The intermediate re-placement block B is replaced with a final re-placement block C.
[66] Thus, during data reproduction, if the host commands the drive system lo reproduce The original block A, the drive system seeks a DFL entry having an original address

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corresponding lo (he original block A and obtains a replacement address (the intermediate replacement block B) with which the original address (the original block /\) is replaced, and if link stale information of the DFL entry is set, the drive system seeks a DFL entry having an original address equal to the replacement address (the intermediate replacement block B), obtains a replacement address (the final replacement block C) with which the original address (the intermediate replacement block B) is replaced, reproduces (he final replacement block C, and transmits the reproduced final replacement block C to the host. If the user data cannot be reproduced due to a defect while (he final replacement block C in the spare area on an information storage medium is being reproduced, and since the final replacement block C is in the spare area, it can be known that the final replacement block C is a replacement block replaced by replacement by defect. Also, since it can also be known that user data of the final replacement block C is the same as user data recorded at the original address of the DFL entry ((he intermediate replacement block B), the intermediate replacement block B can be reproduced instead.
[67] In summary, for write-once information storage media, since user data of a re-placement block by replacement by defect is (he same as user data of a corresponding defect block, and if (he replacement by LOW and the replacement by defect are area-discriminated from each other by determining an area in which (he replacement block is recorded, it can be determined whether (he replacement is performed by replacement by defect, i.e., whether contents of replaced user data are the same as contents of original user data. To maintain this advantage even if replacement is performed again due to a defect occurred during the replacement by LOW, the present invention suggests (he first method in which if a defect occurs during the replacement by LOW, the defect is replaced by a replacement block in (he spare area on an information storage medium via replacement by defect, a DFL entry indicate (hat an original block is replaced with a final replacement block, and location information of a previous replacement block is stored in (he final replacement block. The present invention also suggests (he second method in which if a defect is occurred during the replacement by LOW, (he defect is replaced by a replacement block in (he spare area on an information storage medium via replacement by deled, a DFL entry for indicating a state of (he replacement by LOW and a DFL entry for indicating a slate of the replacement by defect arc discriminated from each oilier, and link slate information is stored in al least one DFL entry.
[68] Turning now to FIG. 2. a schematic block diagram of an example recording/reproducing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Referring lo FIG. 2, (he recording/reproducing apparatus 200 includes a write/read unit 220 and a controller 2 10. For purposes of brevity, the recording/re-

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producing apparatus 200, albeit in whole or in part, can also be referred to as a drive
system which can be internal (housed within a host 240) or external (housed in a
separate box that connects to (he host 240).
[69] The controller 210 controls (he write/read unit 220 to record data on a disk 400,
which serves as an information storage medium according to the present embodiment,
and read data to reproduce the recorded data from (he disk 400. The controller 210
controls (he write/read unit 220 to record data by a predetermined recording unit block,
or obtains valid data by processing data read by (he write/read unit 220.
[70] In a recording operation, the controller 210 controls the write/read unit 220 to
record data by performing a logical overwrite (LOW) according to a command of a
host 240 or a control of a drive system 200. In The LOW, to update data recorded in a
user data area of a disk 400, i.e., a write-once information storage medium, updated
data, i.e., replacement data, is recorded in an un-recorded area of the user data area,
and address information of the original data and (he replacement data can be managed
so that the original data and (he replacement data have (he same logical address (this is
performed by storing (he address information in a DFL entry and writing The DFL
entry on (he disk 400). The controller 210 performs replacement by LOW in (he un
recorded area of (he user data area. The controller 2 10 also records replacement data in
a spare area for replacement by defect.
[7 1] FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of an example recording/reproducing apparatus
200 shown in FIG. 2.
[72 ] Referring to FIG. 3, the control unit 2 10 and the write/read unit 220 of an example
recording/reproducing apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. 2, can be implemented using
several different components. For example, an optical pickup 250 may serve as the
write/read unit 220 to perform read/write operations on an optical disk 400. In
addition, a host interface (l/F) 211, a digital signal processor (DSP) 212, a radio
frequency amplifier (RF AMP) 213, a servo 214, and a system controller 215 may
serve as (he control unit 210. In other words, (he optical pickup 250 and the system
controller 215 respectively correspond to The write/read unit 220 and (he controller 2 10
in FIG. 2.
[73| In a recording operation, the host l/F 211 receives data to be recorded and a write
command along with logical address information of the data to be recorded from The
host 240 and transmits The same information to The system controller 215.
[74] 'The system controller 2 15 receives The write command from (he host l/F 2 1 I and
performs initialization required for recording.
[75| In particular, according lo The first method of the present invention, (he system
controller 215 controls the write/read unit 220 lo record a replacement block by LOW for updating a block recorded on the disk 400 in the user data area of The disk 400 and

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record a replacement block for replacing a defect block generated on the disk 400 in the spare area of the disk 400. W a defect occurs while an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the disk 400 is being replaced with a first replacement block via replacement by LOW of the original block, (he system controller 215 controls the write/read unit 220 to record a second replacement block via replacement by defect of the first replacement block in the spare area of the disk 400, generates a replacement entry (DFL entry) including location information of the original block and location information of the second replacement block to indicate the replacement state, and stores location information of the first replacement block in the second replacement block.
[76] On the other hand, according to the second method of the present invention, the system controller 215 controls the write/read unit 220 to record a replacement block by LOW for updating a block recorded on the disk 400 in the user data area of the disk 400 and lo record a replacement block for replacing a defect block occurred on the disk 400 in the spare area of the disk 400. If a defect occurs while an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the disk 400 is being replaced with a first replacement block via replacement by LOW of the original block, the system controller 215 controls the write/read unit 220 lo record a second replacement block via replacement by defect of the first replacement block in the spare area of the. disk 400, and generates a first DFL entry for indicating a stale of the replacement by LOW and a second DFL entry for indicating a stale of the replacement by defect due to a defect occurred during the replacement by LOW.
[77] The DSP 212 adds additional data, such as parity bits, for error correction lo the data to be recorded that is received from the host 1/F 211, generates an ECC block, which is an error correction block, by performing ECC encoding on the data, and modulates the generated ECC block in a predetermined manner. The RF AMP 213 converts the data output from the DSP 212 lo an RF signal. The optical pickup 250 records the RF signal output from the RF AMP 213 on the disk 400. The servo 214 receives an input command required for a servo control from the system controller 215 and servo-controls the optical pickup 250.
[78] In a reproducing operation, the host 1/F 21 I receives a reproduction command from the host 240. The system controller 215 performs initialization required for (he reproduction.
[79] In particular, according lo the first method of the present invention, the system controller 2 15 converts a logical address according lo a reproduction command lo a physical address, obtains a replacement address from a DFL entry based on the physical address, and controls the write/read unit 220 lo read a replacement block recorded at a corresponding location. If error correction of the read replacement block fails, the system controller 2 I 5 obtains a location of a previous replacement block from

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an additional information portion included in (he replacement block, controls the write/
read unit 220 to read a replacement block recorded at the location of the previous re
placement block, and reproduces the read replacement block.
[80] On (he other hand, according to the second method of (he present invention, (he
system controller 215 converts a logical address according (o a reproduction command
to a physical address and seeks a DFL entry based on (he converted physical address, f f
link stale information is set in a first DFL entry related (o data (o be reproduced, the
system controller 215 controls (he write/read unit 220 (o read a replacement block
recorded at a location corresponding (o replacement location information included in a
second DFL entry linked to (he first DFL entry. If reproduction of the read replacement
block fails, the system controller 215 controls (he write/read unit 220 lo read a re
placement block recorded a( a location corresponding to replacement location in
formation included in the first DFL entry, and reproduces the read replacement block.
[8 1] The optical pickup 250 radiates a laser beam on the disk 400 and outputs an optical
signal obtained by receiving (he laser beam reflected from (he disk 400. The RF AMP
213 converts the optical signal output from the optical pickup 250 to an RF signal,
provides modulated data obtained from (he RF signal to (he DSP 212, and provides a
servo control signal obtained from (he RF signal to the servo 2 14. The DSP 2 12 de
modulates (he modulated data and outputs data obtained through ECC error correction.
[82] The servo 2 14 servo controls ol' (lie optical pickup 250 based on the servo signal
received from the RF AMP 2 13 and the command required for the servo control
received from the system controller 2 I 5. The host l/F 2 I 1 transmits the data received
from the DSP 212 lo (he host 240.
[83] FIG. 4 is a structural diagram of an information storage medium according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[84] Referring to FIG. 4, a structure of data recorded on an optical disk 400 serving as a
write-once information storage medium including a lead-in area 410, a data area 420,
and a lead-out area 430.
[85] The lead-in area 410 includes a first disk management area 411, a temporary disk
management area (TDM A) 4 12. and a second disk management area 413. The first and
second disk management areas 41 I and 413 arc provided (o record information
regarding one or more defects occurring in (he data area 420. In contrast lo the lead-in
area 410, the lead-out area 430 only includes a third disk management area 431 and a
fourth disk management area 432, and not a temporary disk management area
(TDM A).
[86] The TDM A 412 included in the lead-in area 410 is an area used to record in-
formation on temporary defect management and temporary disk management of the write-once information storage medium 400.

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[87] The TDM A 412 includes a temporary defect list (TDFL), also known as a DFL
entry list 414, a temporary disk definition structure (TDDS) 415 and a recording
management data (RMD) 416.
[88] The temporary defect list (TDFL) 414 indicates information on temporary defects
and includes location information of defect data and location information of re
placement data for replacing defect data. In particular, according to various em-
bodiments of the present embodiment, (he TDFL 414 includes a replacement (DFL)
entry 417 for indicating a stale of (he replacement by defect or a state of the re
placement by LOW.
[89] The temporary disk definition structure (TDDS) 415 includes location pointers of
the TDFL 414 and a drive area, and further includes location and size information of
spare areas 421 and 423 assigned in an initializing operation, write protection in
formation, location and size information of a temporary defect management area
assigned in the data area 420, information on the user data area 422, information on a
replaceable location in each spare area, and last recorded address information of the
user data area 422.
[90] The RMD 416 is information indicating whether the user data area 422 is recorded
by representing whether each cluster of the user data area 422 is recorded using a bit
value.
[91] A first disk management area 413, a second disk management area 41 1, a third disk
management area 431 and a fourth disk management area 432 are areas provided lo
record final disk management in formal ion when the write-once information storage
medium 400 is finalized.
[92] The data area 420 sequentially includes a first spare area 421, (he user data area
422, and a second spare area 423.
[93] The first and second spare areas 421 and 423 arc areas provided lo record re-
placement data for replacing data recorded in, the user data area 422. According lo (he
present embodiment, replacement data for replacement by defect is recorded in ilk-
spare areas 421 and 423.
[94] The user data area 422 is an area provided lo record user data. In particular,
according to various embodiments of the present embodiment, replacement data for replacing user data by LOW is recorded in the user data area 422. The user data area 422 can be divided into a plurality of small areas in which addition of user data and The LOW are. possible, and since the replacement by LOW is limited to (he user data area 422, an area for the replacement by defect is discriminated from an area for (he replacement by LOW. In oilier words, if a replacement block exists in the user data area 422, such a replacement block is used for replacement by LOW. However, if a replacement block exists in the spare area 42 1 or 423, such a replacement block is used

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for replacement by defect.
[95J FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of (he DFL entry 417 according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[96] Referring to FIG. 5, (lie DFL entry 417 includes an original address 510 and a re-
placement address 520.
[97] The original address 5 10 indicates an address in a physical space of an original
recording block, and (he replacement address 520 indicates an address in a physical
space of a replacement recording block. That is, it is preferable that (he original
address 510 be a physical address corresponding (o a logical address in a recording
command of a host. Similarly, it is preferable that (he replacement address 520 be a
physical address of a finally replaced replacement block. In other words, according to
the first embodiment of the present invention, if a second replacement block for
replacing a first replacement block in which a defect occurs is recorded in a spare area
421 or 423 on an information storage medium 400 due to the defect occurred while (he
first replacement block is being recorded for replacing an original recording block via
replacement by LOW, (he original address 510 of a DFL entry 417 for indicating this
replacement state is an address of (he original recording block, and (he replacement
address 520 is an address of (he second replacement block.
[981 FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of an example recording block 600 according to the
first embodiment of (he present invention.
[98] Referring to FIG. 6, (he recording block 600 includes a data portion 610 and an
additional information portion 620.
[100] The data portion 610 is provided to contain user data. The additional information
portion 620 is provided (o contain additional information of the user data. According to
the first embodiment of (he present invention, the additional information portion 620
includes location information of a previous replacement block 621. However, it is
preferable that the additional information portion 620 have an error correction structure
different from that of data portion 610, and that the recording block 600 be recorded so
that error correction capability of (lie additional information portion 620 is better than
error correction capability of the data portion 610.
[101] That is, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since an
example recording block can be divided into an error correction block for user data and an error correction block for additional information. il is preferable that the error correction block for additional information be error-correctable even if the error correction block for user data cannot be error-corrected. For example, in (he case of (he [..DC cluster for user data and (he BIS cluster for additional information according (o (he Blu-ray ECC formal, il is preferable that error correction capability of (he BIS cluster be excellent.

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[102] FIG. 7 is a detailed example of the recording block 600 illustrated in FIG. 6,
encoded using an interleaving encoding method.
[103] In the interleaving encoding method, a block including user data, called an LDC
block, and a block including address data, called a BIS block, are arranged inter-
leavingly and recorded in a data area 420 on an information storage medium 400, as
shown, for example, in FIG. 4. In a reproducing operation, the block including address
data is error-corrected and then the block including user data is error-corrected.
[104] Referring to FIG. 7, user data 7 ! 1 can be divided into a plurality of data frames.
The user data 711 forms a data block 712, and an LDC block 713 is formed by adding a predetermined number of row parities to the data block 712. The LDC block 713 constitutes an ECC cluster 714 according to a predetermined arrangement. The ECC cluster 714 can be distributed in ECC portions of a physical cluster block 730.
[105] An access block 717 can be formed by combining a logical address and control
data 715 combined by a recording system, a physical address 716 related to a physical location of user data on an information storage medium, and additional information 720 according to various embodiments of the present embodiment. A BIS block 718 is formed by adding a predetermined number of row parities to (he access block 717. The BIS block 718 constitutes a BIS cluster 719 according to a predetermined arrangement. The BIS cluster 719 can be distributed in BIS columns of the physical cluster block 730. A physical cluster is formed by adding a synchronization bit group of one column to the physical cluster block 730. As described above, error correction capability can be improved by arranging data according lo (he interleaving encoding method, and in particular, (he error correction capability of the additional information portion 620 can be improved lo be better than that of the data portion 610.
[106] FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a DFL entry 417 according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[107] Referring lo FIG. 8, the DFL entry 417 includes an original address 810, a re-
placement address 820, and link state information 830.
[108] According to the second embodiment, a defect occurs while a first replacement
block is being recorded to replace an original recording block via replacement by LOW, and if a second replacement block to replace the first replacement block in which the defect occurs is recorded in a spare area 42 I or 423 on an information storage medium 400. a DFL. entry for indicating (he replacement by LOW and a DFL entry for indicating (he replacement by defect are generated lo indicate such replacement stales.
[109] It is preferable that the original address 810 be a physical address corresponding to
a logical address in a recording command of a host or a physical address of a defect block occurred during the replacement, and it is preferable that the replacement

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address 820 be a physical address of a finally replaced replacement block or a physical
address of a defect block occurred during (he replacement.
[110] The link state information 830 is information indicating whether the DFL entry 417
is linked to another DFL entry.
[111] A method according to the first embodiment and a method according to the second
embodiment will now be described in detail.
[112] FIG. 9A is an illustrative diagram of a replacement process when a defect occurs
during the replacement by LOW according (o (he first embodiment of the present
invention.
[113] Referring to FIG. 9A, a defect is detected from a P5 block while updated data
blocks B1, B2, and B3 with which data blocks Al, A2 and A3 recorded in physical
spaces PI, P2, and P3 in a user data area 422 on an information storage medium 400,
as shown in FIG. 4, are replaced are being recorded in physical spaces P4, P5, and P6
according to the replacement by LOW. Then the data B2 recorded in the physical
space P5 is replaced in a physical space Ps according to the replacement by defect.
[114] Referring to FIG. 9B, a DFL entry (P2->Ps) is generated to indicate that P2 is
finally replaced with Ps here, DFL entries indicating that PI and P3 are replaced with
P4 and P6, respectively, are also generated and stored in the DLF entry list 414, as
shown in FIG. 4.
[115] In this situation, (o indicate (hat a previous replacement block of the Ps block is the
PS block, location information of the P5 block is stored in an additional information
portion of (he Ps block. By doing this, if a host commands a drive system to reproduce
data recorded al a logical address corresponding to P2 on a medium in order to
reproduce (he data B2 in the future, the drive system recognizes from the DFL entry
that the physical address P2 corresponding to the logical address has been replaced
with the physical address Ps and reproduces (he Ps block recorded in the spare area
421 or 423, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. If the user data B2 recorded in the Ps
block cannot be reproduced, (he drive system recognizes that the replacement block Ps
is a block replaced due to the replacement by defect since the replacement block Ps is
recorded in (he spare area 42 I or 423, and then recognizes (hat user data of a previous
replacement block is (lie same as user data of (he Ps block. Accordingly, The drive
system obtains location information of the previous replacement block stored in the
additional information portion of the Ps block, recognizes that (he location information
is P5, accesses (he P5 block, and reproduces user data of the P5 block.
[I116] FIG. 10A is an illustrative diagram of a replacement process when a defect occurs
during the replacement by LOW according (o (he second embodiment of the present
invention.
[ 117] In contrast to (he firs! embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9A, two DFL entries are used

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to indicate that the original location P2 on the information storage medium 400, as
shown, for example, in FIG. 4, is finally replaced with Ps through P5. That is, since P2
is replaced with P5 according to the replacement by LOW and P5 is replaced with Ps
according to the replacement by defect, two different DFL entries are used to dis
criminate the two replacement states from each other, and (heir link state is indicated
using link state information.
[118] Referring to FIG. 10B, a drive system generates a DFL entry (P2->P5) to indicate
that P2 is replaced with P5, sets the link slate information to '1' to indicate that (he DFL
entry is linked to another DFL entry in the DFL entry list 414, and generates the other
DFL entry (P5->Ps) to indicate that P5 is replaced with Ps.
[119] By doing this, if a host commands the drive system to reproduce data at a logical
address corresponding to the original location P2 on the information storage medium
400 to read the data B2, the drive system recognizes from the DFL entry (P2->P5) that
the physical address P2 corresponding to the logical address is replaced with P5 and
that the link stale information is set to '1', seeks the DFL entry (P5->Ps) in which P5 is
stored in an original address field, recognizes that P5 is finally replaced with Ps,
reproduces (he Ps block, and transmits the data B2 stored in (he Ps block to the host. If
the Ps block cannot be reproduced due to a defect, since (he drive system recognizes
from the DFL entry (P5->Ps) (hat the Ps block is a replacement block recorded in the
spare area 421 or 423, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, and that user data stored in (he
P5 block is (he same as user data stored in the Ps block, the drive system can reproduce
the P5 block and transmits the data B2 stored in (he P5 block to the host.
[120] Here, whereas the link slate information is necessary in the DFL entries to dis-
criminate whether each DFL entry is linked, two unlinked DFL entries will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 1A and 11 B as follows.
[ 121] When the replacement by LOW is performed in (he user data area 422 on an in-
formation storage medium 400, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, an area replaced according to the replacement by LOW can be physically but not logically recorded. That is, if The host tries to update the data blocks B 1, B2, and B3 at logical addresses LI, L2, and L3 according to the replacement by LOW as illustrated in FIG. 1 1 A, and since data has previously been recorded at The physical addresses PI, P2, and P3 corresponding lo (he logical addresses, the drive system records (he data blocks B I, B2, and B3 at the physical addresses P4, P5, and P6 by replacing PI, P2, and P3 with P4, P5, and P6, and generates a DFL entry (PI :P3->P4:P6) in a DFL entry list 414 to indicate the replacement stale as shown in FIG. 1 I B. Merc, since logical addresses L4, L5, and L6 corresponding lo The physical addresses P4, P5, and P6 are un-recorded areas even though the physical addresses P4, PS, and P6 arc physically recorded areas, (he host can use the logical addresses 1.4. L5. and L6. Thus, if the host tries lo record

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data blocks CI, C2, and C3 at the logical addresses L4, L5, and L6, and since data has
already been recorded at the physical addresses corresponding to the logical addresses,
the drive system records the data blocks CI, C2, and C3 at physical addresses P7, P8,
and P9 by replacing P4, P5, and P6 with P7, P8, and P9 according to the replacement
by LOW, and generates a DFL entry (P4:P6->P7:P9) in the DPI. entry list 414 to
indicate the replacement stale as shown in FIG. 1 IB.
[122] As described above, when the replacement by LOW is performed in the user data
area 422, physical addresses stored in a replacement address field of a DFL entry can
be stored in an original address field of another DFL entry. In this case, the (wo DFL
entries should not be linked to each other.
[123] Thus, according to the second embodiment, the DFL entry (PI :P3->P4:P6) can
indicate that (he two DFL entries are not linked to each other by setting its link state in
formation to '0' as shown in FIG. 1 IB. According to the first embodiment, for a DFL
entry, a physical address corresponding to a logical address should always be stored in
an original address field of the DFL entry, and a physical address corresponding to a
final replacement block should always be stored in a replacement address field of (he
DFL entry.
[ 124] FIG. 12A illustrates another example wherein a physical address stored in a re-
placement address field of a DFL entry is stored in an original address field of another
DFL when the replacement by LOW takes place in the user data area 422.
[125] Referring to FIG. 12A, when data blocks Al, A2, and A3 recorded in physical
spaces PI, P2, and P3 in the user data area 422 on an information storage medium 400.
as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, are replaced by (he replacement by LOW, updated
data blocks AT, A2', A3', and A4' are recorded in physical spaces corresponding to
logical spaces LI, L2, L3, and L4 from a physical space P4 due to an increase of (he
data amount. In this case, a drive system records the updated data blocks AT, A2', A3',
and A4' in the physical spaces P4, P5, P6, and P7 by the replacement by LOW and
generates a DFL entry (P1:P3->P4:P6) and a DFL entry (P4->P7) as shown in FIG.
12B. Here, though P4 was an un-recorded area before Al' is recorded in P4, and since
it is determined that PI is replaced with P4 before A4' is recorded in P4 corresponding
to L4, P4 is considered as an area physically but not logically recorded. Thus, in this
case, a physical address stored in a replacement address field of a DFL entry is stored
in an original address field of another DFL entry as shown m FIG. I 2B. Though the
second embodiment of (lie present invention is represented in FIG. 1213, the DFL
entries can also be implemented according to the first embodiment of (he present
invention.
[126] FIG. I 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example recording process according to the
first embodiment of (he present invention.

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[127] Referring to FIG. 13, when a defect occurs during the replacement by LOW in
operation 1310, a drive system generates a replacement block including a data portion
updated by the LOW and an additional information portion indicating a location of a
previous block (location of a defect block) in operation 1320.
[128] The drive system records the generated replacement block in a spare area 421 or
423 on an information storage medium 400 in operation 1330.
[ 129] The drive system generates a DFL entry including location information of an
original block and location information of a final replacement block, and records (lie
DFL entry in the DFL entry list 414 on (he information storage medium 400 in
operation 1340.
[130] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example reproducing process according (0 the
first embodiment of the present invention.
[131] Referring to FIG. 14, a drive system receives a data reproduction command from a
host in operation 1410.
[132] The drive system converts a logical address according to (he reproduction
command to a physical address, and seeks a DFL entry related (o the physical address
in operation 1420.
[ 133] The drive system reads a replacement block recorded at a final replacement address
stored in the DFL entry in operation 1430.
[ 134] The drive system determines whether error correction of (he replacement block is
successful in operation 1440. If (he error correction of (he replacement block is
successful, the drive system reproduces the replacement block in operation 1470.
[135] If the error correction of the replacement block is not successful, the drive system
obtains a location of a previous replacement block from additional information of (he
replacement block in operation 1450. As described with reference (o the first
embodiment of the present invention, a recording block can be divided, as shown in
FIG. 6, into a data portion and an additional information portion including location in
formation of the previous replacement block. In addition, since data is recorded so that
an error correction capability of the additional information portion is higher than that
of the data portion, and even if error correction of the data portion fails, if error
correction of (he additional information portion is possible, (he location of (he previous
replacement block can be extracted.
[136] The drive system reads a replacement block recorded at (he location of the previous
replacement block in operation 1460, and reproduces (he replacement block in
operation 1470.
[137] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example recording process according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[138] Referring to FIG. I 5, when a defect occurs during the replacement by LOW in

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operation 1510, a drive system records a replacement block including updated data in a
spare area 421 or 423 on an information storage medium 400, as shown, for example,
in FIG. 4, in operation 1520.
[139] The drive system generates a DFL entry, which indicates the replacement by LOW
and includes link slate information indicating that the DFL entry is linked to another
DFL entry, in operation 1530. The drive system also generates a DFL entry indicating
the replacement by defect in operation 1540.
[140] The drive system records the generated DFL entries in a DFL entry list 414 on an
information storage medium 400, in operation 1550.
[141] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example reproducing process according to (he
second embodiment of the present invention.
[142] Referring to FIG. 16, a drive system receives a data reproduction command from a
host in operation 1610.
[143] The drive system converts a logical address according to the reproduction
command to a physical address and seeks a DFL entry related to the physical address
in operation 1620.
[144] If link stale information of (he DFL entry is set, (he drive system seeks a final DLL
entry by searching for another DFL entry linked to the DFL entry in operation 1630.
[ 145] The drive system reads a replacement block recorded at a replacement address
stored in (he final DFL entry in operation 1640.
[ 146] If (he read replacement block can be reproduced in operation 1650, the drive
system reproduces (he replacement block in operation 1670.
[ 147] If the read replacement block cannot be reproduced, (he drive system seeks a
previous DFL entry linked lo the final DFL entry and reads a replacement block
recorded at a replacement address stored in the previous DFL entry in operation 1660
and reproduces die replacement block in operation 1670.
[ 148] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention can be written as
computer programs and can be implemented in general-use digital computers (hat
execute (he programs using a computer readable recording medium. Examples of the
computer readable recording medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM,
floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical recording media (e.g.. CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.),
and storage media such as carrier waves (e.g., transmission through (he Internet). The
computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled
compute!' systems so that (he computer readable code is stored and executed in a
distributed fashion. And the functional programs, codes and code segments for
embodying the present invention may be easily deducted by programmers m the art
which the present invention belongs lo.
[ 149] While there have been illustrated and described what are considered lo be example

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embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and modification may be made therein, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, other computer readable media such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical or data storage devices, and carrier waves, as described in (he context of a write-once or rewritable recording medium, may be utilized as long as (he data replacement techniques as described in connection with FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIGS. 9A-9B, FIGS. 10A-10B, FIGS. 11A-I IB, FIGS. 12A-12B, FIG . 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are utilized. Likewise, a central controller can be implemented as a chipset, or alternatively, a general or special purposed computer programmed to perform the methods as described with reference to FIG. 13-16. Accordingly, it is intended, therefore, (hat that present invention not be limited (o the various example embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention includes all embodiments falling within (he scope of (he appended claims.

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[ 1] 1. An information storage medium comprising:
a first area for updating data recorded on the medium using replacement by logical overwrite (LOW); and
a second area for replacing defects occurred on (he medium, wherein, if a defect is detected while a first replacement block is being recorded in the first area to replace an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the medium according to (he replacement by LOW, a second replacement block for replacing (he first replacement block is recorded in (he second area using replacement by defect, and
wherein a defect list (DFL) entry indicating the replacement state includes location information of the original block and location information of (he second replacement block, and (he second replacement block includes location information of the first replacement block.
2. The information storage medium as claimed in claim I, wherein (he second replacement block is a recording/reproducing, unit block, including a user data portion for user data and an additional information portion for the location in formation of (he first replacement block.
3. The information storage medium as claimed in claim 2, wherein the additional information portion is recorded lo have better error correction capability than that of (he user data portion.
4. 'The information storage medium as claimed in claim 1, wherein the location information of the original block and the location information of the second re placement block arc represented by addresses of a physical space of (he medium.
5. The information storage medium as claimed in claim L wherein (lie first area is a user data area, and the second area is a spare area.
6. An information storage medium comprising:
a first area for updating data recorded on the medium using replacement In logical overwrite (LOW); and
a second area for replacing defects occurred on (he medium, wherein, if a defect is defected, while a first replacement block is being recorded in (he first area lo replace an original block recorded in a predetermined area of (he medium according, to the replacement In LOW. a second replacement Mock for replacing the first replacement block is recorded in (he second area using replacement h\ wherein a first defect list (DH.) entry indicating (he slate of the replacement by LOW and a second Did., entry indicating the replacement slate of the re

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PCT/KR2005/003776"

placement by the defect occurred during the replacement by LOW are provided.
7. The information storage medium as claimed in claim 6, wherein (he first DFL. entry includes location information of (he original block and location information of the first replacement block, and the second DFL entry includes the location information of the first replacement block and location information of the second replacement block.
8. The information storage medium as claimed in claim 7, wherein (he first I )l;l, entry further includes link state information for indicating that the first replacement block related to the first DFL entry has been replaced with the second replacement block.
9. The information storage medium as claimed in claim 6, wherein die first area is a user data area, and the second area is a spare area.
10. A recording/reproducing apparatus comprising:
a write/read unit arranged to record data on an information storage medium and read data from the information storage medium; and
a controller for controlling the write/read unit to record a replacement block by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating data recorded on (he medium in a first area of the medium, record a replacement block for replacing a deled block occurred on the medium in a second area of the medium, and record a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first, replacement block in the second area if the defect occurs while the first replacement block is being recorded in (lie first area to perform (lie logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a pre determined area of the medium, for generating a defect list (DFL) entry including! location information of the original block and location information of (he second replacement block so as to indicate the replacement stale, and arranging location information of (he first replacement block in the second replacement block. 1 1. The recording/reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second replacement block is a recording/reproducing unit block including a user data portion for user data and an additional information portion for (lie location information of the first replacement block.
12. The recording/reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 11. wherein the controller further controls (he write/read unit to record (he additional information portion so that the additional information portion has better error correction capability than that of (he user data portion.
13. The recording/reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein die location information of the original block and the location information ol (he second replacement block arc represented by addresses ol a physical space ol the medium.

WO 2006/052077 28 PCT/KR2005/003776
14. The recording/reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first area is a user data area, and the second area is a spare area.
15. A recording/reproducing apparatus comprising:
a write/read unit arranged to record data on an information storage medium and record data from the information storage medium; and
a controller for controlling (he write/read unit (o record a replacement block hv logical overwrite (LOW) for updating data recorded on the medium in a first area of the medium, record a replacement block for replacing a defect block occurred on the medium in a second area of the medium, and record a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first replacement block in the second area if the defect occurs while the first replacement block is being recorded in (he first area to perform the logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a predetermined area of (he medium, and for generating a first defect list (DFL) entry indicating the stale of the replacement by LOW and a second DFL entry indicating the stale of the replacement by the defect occurred during the replacement by LOW.
16. The recording/reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first DFL entry includes location information of the original block and location information of the first replacement block, and the second DFL entry includes (he location information of the first replacement block and location information of the second replacement block.
17. The recording/reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first DFL entry further includes link stale information for indicating that the first replacement block related (o the rust DFL entry has been replaced with the second replacement block.
18. The recording/reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first area is a user data area, and the second area is a spare area.
19. A recording/reproducing apparatus comprising:
a write/read unit arranged lo record data on an information storage medium and read data from (lie information storage medium; and
a controller configured lo control the write/read unit lo record replacement data by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating data recorded on the medium in a user data area, lo generate a defect list (DFL) entry including location information o| an original block and location information of a replacement block so as lo indicate the replacement stale, and to set the location information of the replacement block in the DFL entry lo location information of an original block m another DFI. entry if a space according to a data write com ma nil is a logical I v, un-recorded space, but is a physically recorded space.

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20. The recording/reproducing apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the logically un-recorded and physically recorded space is identified recording/reproducing unit block by recording/reproducing unit block.
21. A recording/reproducing method comprising:
recording a replacement block by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating a block recorded on an information storage medium in a first area of the medium and recording a replacement block for replacing a defect block occurred on the medium in a second area of the medium;
recording a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first replacement block in the second area by arranging location information of the first replacement block in the second replacement block if the defect occurs while the first replacement block is being recorded in the first area to perform the logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the medium; and
generating a defect list (DFL) entry including location information of the original block and location information of (he second replacement block so as to indicate the replacement stale.
22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the second replacement block is a recording/reproducing unit block including a user data portion for user data and an additional information portion for the location information of the first replacement block.
23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the additional information portion has better error correction capability than (hat of the user data portion.
24. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the location information of (he original block and the location information of the second replacement block are represented by addresses of a physical space of (he medium.
25. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first area is a user data area and the second area is a spare area.
26. A recording/reproducing method comprising:
recording a replacement block by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating a block recorded on an information storage medium in a first area of the medium, recording a replacement block for replacing a defect block occurred on the medium in a second area of the medium, and recording a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first replacement block in the second area if the defect occurs while the first replacement block is being recorded in the first area to perform the logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the medium; and generating a first defect list (DFL) entry indicating the stale of the replacement

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by LOW and a second DFL entry indicating the replacement stale of the replacement by defect occurred during the replacement by LOW.
27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first DFL entry includes location information of (he original block and location information of the first replacement block, and the second DFL entry includes (he location information of the first replacement block and location information of (he second replacement block.
28. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first DFL entry further includes link slate information for indicating that the first replacement block related to the first DFL entry has been replaced with the second replacement block.
29. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the first area is a user data area, and the second area is a spare area.
30. A recording/reproducing method comprising:
recording replacement data by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating a block
recorded on an information storage medium in a user data area;
generating a defect list! (DFL) entry including location information of an original
block and location information of a replacement block so as lo indicate the re
placement stale; and
setting the location information of the replacement block in the DFL entry to
location information of an original block in another DFL entry if a space
according lo a command is a logically un recorded space, but is a physically
recorded space.
31. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the logically un-recorded and physically recorded space is identified by the recording block.
32. A data reproducing apparatus comprising:
a read unit to read data from an information storage medium; and a controller controlling (he read unit to read a replacement block recorded a( a re placement location based on replacement location information included in a defect list (DFL) entry related lo data lo be reproduced, and if error correction of the read replacement block fails, controlling the read unit lo obtain a location of a previous replacement block from an additional information portion included in the replacement block and read a replacement block recorded at the location ol the previous replacement block, and reproducing the read replacement block,
33. A data reproducing apparatus comprising:
a read unit lo read data from an information storage medium; and
a controller controlling the read unit lo read a replacement block recorded ai a ic
placement location based on replacement location information included in a

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second defect list (DFL) entry linked to a first DFL entry related to data to be reproduced if link state information is set in the first DFL entry, and if reproduction of the read replacement block fails, controlling die read unit to read a replacement block recorded at a replacement location based on replacement location information included in (he first DFL entry, and reproducing the read replacement block.
34. A data reproducing method comprising:
reading a replacement block recorded at a replacement location based on replacement location information included in a defect list (DFL) entry related to data to be reproduced;
if error correction of the read replacement block fails, obtaining a location of a previous replacement block from an additional information portion included in the replacement block; and
reading a replacement block recorded at (he location of the previous replacement block and reproducing the read replacement block.
35. A data reproducing method comprising:
reading a replacement block recorded at a replacement location based on replacement location information included in a second defect list (DFL) entry linked to a first DFL entry related to data to be reproduced if link state information is set in the first DFL entry; and
il reproduction of (he read replacement block fails, reading a replacement block recorded at a replacement location based on replacement 'location information included in (he first DFL entry, and reproducing the read replacement block.
Dated this 18th day of May, 2007.
OMANA RAMAKRISHNAN
OF K & S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT(S)

31
ABSTRACT
"INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM, RECORDING/ REPRODUCING APPARATUS, AND RECORDING/ REPRODUCING METHOD"
An information storage medium, a recording/reproducing apparatus and a recording/reproducing method are provided to increase data reproduction efficiency. The recording/reproducing apparatus includes: a write/read unit for recording data on an information storage medium and reading data from the medium; and a controller for controlling the write/read unit to record a replacement block by logical overwrite (LOW) for updating data recorded on the medium in a first area of the medium, record a replacement block for replacing a defect block generated on the medium in a second area of the medium, and record a second replacement block for replacement by defect of a first replacement block in the second area if the defect is detected while the first replacement block is being recorded in the first area to perform the logical overwrite of an original block recorded in a predetermined area of the medium, generate a defect list (DFL) entry including location information of the original block and location information of the second replacement block in order to indicate the replacement state, and move location information of the first replacement block in the second replacement block. As a result, an area for replacement by defect and an area for replacement by LOW are discriminated from each other, and data reproducing efficiency can be improved by effectively managing replacement information though the replacement by defect due to a defect generated during the replacement by LOW .

Documents:

730-MUMNP-2007-ABSTRACT(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-abstract(complete)-(21-5-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-abstract(granted)-(24-9-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-abstract.doc

730-mumnp-2007-abstract.pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-CANCELLED PAGES(21-5-2009).pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-CLAIMS(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-claims(complete)-(21-5-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-claims(granted)-(24-9-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-claims.doc

730-mumnp-2007-claims.pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-correspondence(25-7-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-correspondence(ipo)-(24-9-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-correspondence-received.pdf

730-mumnp-2007-description (complete).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-description(complete)-(21-5-2007).pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-DESCRIPTION(COMPLETE)-(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-description(granted)-(24-9-2009).pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-DRAWING(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-drawing(complete)-(21-5-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-drawing(granted)-(24-9-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-drawings.pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 1(21-5-2007).pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-FORM 1(21-5-2009).pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-FORM 1(25-7-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 18(21-5-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 2(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 2(complete)-(21-5-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 2(granted)-(24-9-2009).pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 2(title page)-(complete)-(21-5-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 2(title page)-(granted)-(24-9-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 26(21-5-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 3(21-5-2007).pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-FORM 3(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 3(25-7-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form 5(21-5-2007).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form-1.pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form-18.pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form-2.doc

730-mumnp-2007-form-2.pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form-26.pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form-3.pdf

730-mumnp-2007-form-5.pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-OTHER DOCUMENT(21-5-2009).pdf

730-MUMNP-2007-PETITION UNDER RULE 137(21-5-2009).pdf

730-mumnp-2007-wo international publication report(21-5-2007).pdf

abstract1.jpg


Patent Number 236113
Indian Patent Application Number 730/MUMNP/2007
PG Journal Number 40/2009
Publication Date 02-Oct-2009
Grant Date 24-Sep-2009
Date of Filing 21-May-2007
Name of Patentee SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
Applicant Address 416 MAETAN-DONG, YEONGTONG-GU, SUWON-SI, GYEONGGI-DO 442-742
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 HWANG SUNG - HEE 150-1401 JUGONG APT. 955-1,YEONGTONG-DONG, YEONGTONG-GU,SUWON-SI, GYEONGGI-DO 443-809
2 KO JUNG - WAN 114-1101 BYUCKSAN APT., MANGPO-DONG, YEONGTONG-GU,SUWON-SI, GYEONGGI-DO 443-707
PCT International Classification Number G11B7/007
PCT International Application Number PCT/KR2005/003776
PCT International Filing date 2005-11-08
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10-2004-0092641 2004-11-12 Republic of Korea