Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Suk-jung Lee

Young-wook Jang

Suk-ki Kim

Hyeong-keon An

Tae-sik Joo

Je-kook Kim

Je-koonk Kim

Provided are a focus search apparatus and method for performing a focus search after moving an optical pickup to a focus-on point according to a signal output from a sine wave generator so that a stable and smooth focus search is performed. In the focus search method, a sine wave is generated in response to a focus search command. The focus search is performed using an optical pickup in response to the sine wave. The optical pickup is driven in response to an amplitude of the sine wave during the focus search and in response to a filtered focus error signal during a focus servo.

Focus search apparatus and method

Provided are an apparatus and method for detecting a type of an optical disc inserted into an optical disc system and/or adjusting a track balance in the optical disc system by detecting voltages of a focus error signal and a tracking error signal. For detecting a type of an optical disc inserted into an optical disc system, the apparatus comprising: an analog-to-digital converter that converts a focus error signal into n-bit voltage data; and a duty measurer that compares the n-bit voltage data with a positive noise voltage level and a negative noise voltage level, upcounts by a predetermined value if the n-bit voltage data is higher than the positive noise voltage level or lower than the negative voltage level, and outputs the upcounted result as a duty of the focus error signal.

Apparatus and method for detecting optical disc type and/or adjusting track balance

An optical disc player system for reproducing optical discs is provided. The system includes a digital signal processor for processing a data signal having a format read from an optical disc and reproducing the optical disc. The system includes a plurality of decoders for decoding data of different formats. The system includes a data output unit which selects the data output from the digital signal processor or the decoded data output from the decoders. The data output unit converts the selected data into an analog signal and outputs the converted signal to a corresponding channel. A controller enables one of the decoders depending on the data format of the optical disc and controls the selection operation of the data output unit, and a buffer memory for storing data output from the plurality of decoders depending to the data format or operation mode of the optical disc.

Complex optical disc player system reproducing optical discs having various formats

A digital data storage system which does not require the use of moving, mechanical components, and which utilizes semiconductor memory elements, thereby improving the reliability and extending the useful life thereof, and also minimizing the cost, complexity, and size thereof relative to conventional digital data storage systems, such as CD players and DAT devices. In a playback only embodiment, the digital data storage system includes a ROM, a system control microcomputer, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a D/A converter. In operation, the DSP is responsive to control signals generated by the system control microcomputer for reading out digital data, e.g., digital audio data, stored in the ROM, and decoding the read-out digital data. The D/A converter functions to convert the decoded read-out digital data into an analog output signal, e.g., an analog audio signal, and to supply the analog output signal to an output terminal. In a record/playback embodiment, the digital data storage system further includes an A/D converter and an EEPROM, to facilitate the recording of digital data. In operation, during a record mode of operation, the A/D converter functions to convert an input analog signal, e.g., an analog audio signal, into an input digital data signal, and the DSP functions, in response to the control signals, to write the input digital data signal into the EEPROM.

Digital storage system adopting semiconductor memory device

A digital data storage system which does not require the use of moving, mechanical components, and which utilizes semiconductor memory elements. In one embodiment, the digital data storage system includes a ROM, a system control microcomputer, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a D/A converter. In operation, the DSP is responsive to control signals generated by the system control microcomputer for reading out digital data, e.g., digital audio data, stored in the ROM, and decoding the read-out digital data. The D/A converter functions to convert the decoded read-out digital data into an analog output signal, e.g., an analog audio signal, and to supply the analog output signal to an output terminal. The digital data storage system of this embodiment is a playback-only system. In another embodiment, the digital data storage system includes all of the elements of the above-described embodiment, and further includes an A/D converter and an EEPROM, to facilitate the recording of digital data. In operation, during a record mode of operation, the A/D converter functions to convert an input analog signal, e.g., an analog audio signal, into an input digital data signal, and the DSP functions, in response to the control signals, to write the input digital data signal into the EEPROM. The digital data storage device of this embodiment functions as a record/playback system.

Growing community of inventors

Yongin, South Korea

Suk-jung Lee