What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for reproducing information from a recording medium having first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively, the first information signal having a size Ya, the second information signal having a size Yb, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium; and
a buffer memory for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively, the first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, the size Ya of the first information signal, the size Yb of the second information signal, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
(YaYb)Rp(RaRb)(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
2. An apparatus for recording information on a recording medium having first and second areas, the apparatus comprising:
a buffer memory for receiving first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp higher than the first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb, the first information signal having a size Ya, the second information signal having a size Yb; and
a head for receiving the first and second information signals from the buffer memory, and for recording the first and second information signals on the first and second areas of the recording medium respectively on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, the size Ya of the first information signal, the size Yb of the second information signal, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
(YaYb)Rp(RaRb)(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
3. An apparatus for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium having first and second areas, the first area being loaded with a first information signal having a size Ya, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first information signal at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp; and
a buffer memory for receiving the first information signal from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first information signal, and for outputting the first information signal at a first transfer rate Ra lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
the buffer memory being for receiving a second information signal at a second transfer rate Rb lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the second information signal, and for outputting the second information signal at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the second information signal having a size Yb;
the head being for receiving the second information signal from the buffer memory, and for recording the second information signal on the second area of the recording medium at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
wherein the head implements reproduction of the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and recording of the second information signal on the second area of the recording medium on a time sharing basis while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium; and
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, the size Ya of the first information signal, the size Yb of the second information signal, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
(YaYb)Rp(RaRb)(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
4. An apparatus for reproducing information from a recording medium having first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the first and second information signals from the first and second areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first and second information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium; and
a buffer memory for receiving the first and second information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively, the first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the buffer memory having a capacity Ym;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, the capacity Ym of the buffer memory, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
Ym>(RpRa)Ra(RpRb)Rb(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
5. An apparatus for recording information on a recording medium having first and second areas, the apparatus comprising:
a buffer memory for receiving first and second information signals at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively, for temporarily storing the first and second information signals, and for outputting the first and second information signals at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp higher than the first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb, the buffer memory having a capacity Ym; and
a head for receiving the first and second information signals from the buffer memory, and for recording the first and second information signals on the first and second areas of the recording medium respectively on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, the capacity Ym of the buffer memory, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
Ym>(RpRa)Ra(RpRb)Rb(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
6. An apparatus for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium having first and second areas, the first area being loaded with a first information signal, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first information signal at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp; and
a buffer memory for receiving the first information signal from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first information signal, and for outputting the first information signal at a first transfer rate Ra lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the buffer memory having a capacity Ym;
the buffer memory being for receiving a second information signal at a second transfer rate Rb lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the second information signal, and for outputting the second information signal at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
the head being for receiving the second information signal from the buffer memory, and for recording the second information signal on the second area of the recording medium at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
wherein the head implements reproduction of the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and recording of the second information signal on the second area of the recording medium on a time sharing basis while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium; and
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, the capacity Ym of the buffer memory, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
Ym>(RpRa)Ra(RpRb)Rb(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
7. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for partitioning the buffer memory into first and second areas in accordance with values of the first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb, wherein the first and second areas in the buffer memory are assigned to the first and second information signals respectively.
8. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for partitioning the buffer memory into first and second areas in accordance with an operation mode, wherein the first and second areas in the buffer memory are assigned to the first and second information signals respectively.
9. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a first unit containing the head, and a second unit detachably connected with the first unit and containing the buffer memory.
10. An apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing an information signal from a recording medium and transmitting the reproduced information signal at a predetermined constant transfer rate;
a buffer memory for receiving the information signal from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate, for temporarily storing the information signal, and for outputting the information signal at a transfer rate lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate;
a processor for receiving the information signal from the buffer memory and subjecting the information signal to a reproducing process;
a first unit containing the head; and
a second unit detachably connected with the first unit and containing the buffer memory and the processor.
11. An information-signal communication apparatus comprising the apparatus of claim 1 and an interface connected with the buffer memory for communication with an external.
12. An information-signal communication apparatus as recited in claim 11, further comprising a first unit containing the head, and a second unit detachably connected with the first unit and the interface and containing the buffer memory.
13. An information-signal recording medium having first and second areas on which first and second information signals are recorded respectively, the first information signal having a size Ya, the second information signal having a size Yb, wherein the first and second information signals can be reproduced from the first and second areas and can be transmitted by a head on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while the head moves between the first and second areas of the recording medium, wherein the first and second information signals outputted from the head can be received by a buffer memory at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp and can be temporarily stored in the buffer memory before being outputted from the buffer memory at first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb respectively, the first and second transfer rates Ra and Rb being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, the size Ya of the first information signal, the size Yb of the second information signal, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
(YaYb)Rp(RaRb)(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
14. An apparatus for reproducing information from a recording medium having n areas on which n information signals are recorded respectively, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the n information signals from the n areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced n information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving among the n areas of the recording medium; and
a buffer memory for receiving the n information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
15. An apparatus for recording information on a recording medium having n areas, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, the apparatus comprising:
a buffer memory for receiving n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp higher than the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn; and
a head for receiving the n information signals from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals on the n areas of the recording medium respectively on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving among the n areas of the recording medium;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
16. An apparatus for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium having n areas, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, wherein at least a first area among the n areas is loaded with a first information signal among n information signals, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first information signal at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp; and
a buffer memory for receiving the first information signal from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first information signal, and for outputting the first information signal at a first transfer rate R1 lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
the buffer memory being for receiving the n information signals except the first information signal at transfer rates R2, R3, . . . , Rn respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals except the first information signal, and for outputting the n information signals except the first information signal at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the transfer rates R2, R3, . . . , Rn being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
the head being for receiving the n information signals except the first information signal from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals except the first information signal on the n areas of the recording medium except the first area at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
wherein the head implements reproduction of the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and recording of the n information signals except the first information signal on the n areas of the recording medium except the first area on a time sharing basis while moving among the n areas of the recording medium; and
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
17. An apparatus for reproducing information from a recording medium having n areas on which n information signals are recorded respectively, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the n information signals from the n areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced n information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving among the n areas of the recording medium; and
a buffer memory for receiving the n information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and an allowable seek time S taken by the head to move from present one to next one of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
18. An apparatus for recording information on a recording medium having n areas, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, the apparatus comprising:
a buffer memory for receiving n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp higher than the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn; and
a head for receiving the n information signals from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals on the n areas of the recording medium respectively on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving among the n areas of the recording medium;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and an allowable seek time S taken by the head to move from present one to next one of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
19. An apparatus for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium having n areas, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, wherein at least a first area among the n areas is loaded with a first information signal among n information signals, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first information signal at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp; and
a buffer memory for receiving the first information signal from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first information signal, and for outputting the first information signal at a first transfer rate R1 lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
the buffer memory being for receiving the n information signals except the first information signal at transfer rates R2, R3, . . . , Rn respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals except the first information signal, and for outputting the n information signals except the first information signal at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the transfer rates R2, R3, . . . , Rn being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
the head being for receiving the n information signals except the first information signal from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals except the first information signal on the n areas of the recording medium except the first area at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
wherein the head implements reproduction of the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and recording of the n information signals except the first information signal on the n areas of the recording medium except the first area on a time sharing basis while moving among the n areas of the recording medium; and
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and an allowable seek time S taken by the head to move from present one to next one of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
20. An apparatus for reproducing information from a recording medium having n areas on which n information signals are recorded respectively, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the n information signals from the n areas of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced n information signals on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving among the n areas of the recording medium; and
a buffer memory for receiving the n information signals from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the buffer memory having a capacity Ym;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, the capacity Ym of the buffer memory, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
Ym>RpRnSn(RpRn)
21. An apparatus for recording information on a recording medium having n areas, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, the apparatus comprising:
a buffer memory for receiving n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp higher than the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, the buffer memory having a capacity Ym; and
a head for receiving the n information signals from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals on the n areas of the recording medium respectively on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving among the n areas of the recording medium;
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, the capacity Ym of the buffer memory, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
Ym>RpRnSn(RpRn)
22. An apparatus for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium having n areas, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, wherein at least a first area among the n areas is loaded with a first information signal among n information signals, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first information signal at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp; and
a buffer memory for receiving the first information signal from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first information signal, and for outputting the first information signal at a first transfer rate R1 lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the buffer memory having a capacity Ym;
the buffer memory being for receiving the n information signals except the first information signal at transfer rates R2, R3, . . . , Rn respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals except the first information signal, and for outputting the n information signals except the first information signal at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the transfer rates R2, R3, . . . , Rn being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
the head being for receiving the n information signals except the first information signal from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals except the first information signal on the n areas of the recording medium except the first area at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
wherein the head implements reproduction of the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and recording of the n information signals except the first information signal on the n areas of the recording medium except the first area on a time sharing basis while moving among the n areas of the recording medium; and
wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, the capacity Ym of the buffer memory, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
Ym>RpRnSn(RpRn)
23. An apparatus for recording information on a recording medium having n areas, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, the apparatus comprising:
a buffer memory for receiving n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, Rn . . . respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp higher than the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn;
a head for receiving the n information signals from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals on the n areas of the recording medium respectively on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving among the n areas of the recording medium;
means for deciding whether or not parameters including the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
means for, in cases where it is decided that the parameters are in the relation, permitting the head to record the n information signals on the n areas of the recording medium respectively;
means for, in cases where it is decided that the parameters are not in the relation, selecting p information signals from among the n information signals, where p denotes a predetermined natural number smaller than n;
means for deciding whether or not the parameters are in the relation regarding the p information signals; and
means for, in cases where it is decided that the parameters are in the relation regarding the p information signals, permitting the head to record the p information signals on p areas of the recording medium respectively, the p areas being among the n areas of the recording medium.
24. An apparatus for recording information on a recording medium having n areas, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, the apparatus comprising:
a buffer memory for receiving n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp higher than the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn;
a head for receiving the n information signals from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals on the n areas of the recording medium respectively on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while moving among the n areas of the recording medium;
means for deciding whether or not parameters including the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
means for, in cases where it is decided that the parameters are in the relation, permitting the head to record the n information signals on the n areas of the recording medium respectively; and
means for, in cases where it is decided that the parameters are not in the relation, controlling the head to record the n information signals on a common area in the recording medium on a time sharing basis.
25. An apparatus as recited in claim 24, further comprising means for rearranging the n information signals into n rearrangement-resultant information signals in the buffer memory, and for sequentially transmitting the n rearrangement-resultant information signals from the buffer memory to the head to sequentially record the n rearrangement-resultant signals.
26. An apparatus for recording information on a recording medium, the apparatus comprising:
a buffer memory for receiving n information signals at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, for temporarily storing the n information signals, and for outputting the n information signals at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp higher than the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2;
a head for receiving the n information signals from the buffer memory, and for recording the n information signals on the recording medium on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp;
first means for causing the head to record the n information signals on at least two areas in the recording medium on a time sharing basis while moving the head among the areas in the recording medium under conditions where the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the areas in the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
second means for causing the head to record the n information signal on a common area in the recording medium on a time sharing basis; and
third means for selecting and enabling one of the first and second means.
27. An apparatus as recited in claim 26, wherein the third means comprises means for selecting and enabling one of the first and second means in response to one of types of the n information signals, user’s requirement, apparatus specifications, a type of the recording medium, and a condition of a usable area in the recording medium.
28. An apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising means for partitioning the buffer memory into n areas in accordance with values of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, wherein the n areas in the buffer memory are assigned to the n information signals respectively.
29. An apparatus as recited in claim 14, further comprising means for partitioning the buffer memory into n areas in accordance with an operation mode, wherein the n areas in the buffer memory are assigned to the n information signals respectively.
30. An information-signal communication apparatus comprising the apparatus of claim 14 and an interface connected with the buffer memory for communication with an external.
31. An information-signal recording medium having n areas on which n information signals are recorded respectively, where n denotes a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 2, wherein the n information signals can be reproduced from the n areas and can be transmitted by a head on a time sharing basis and at a predetermined constant transfer rate Rp while the head moves among the n areas of the recording medium, wherein the n information signals outputted from the head can be received by a buffer memory at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp and can be temporarily stored in the buffer memory before being outputted from the buffer memory at transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn respectively, the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn being lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, wherein the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, a sum Rn of the transfer rates R1, R2, . . . , Rn, a sum Yn of sizes of the n information signals, and a sum Sn of seek times taken by the head to move from present ones to next ones of the n areas of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
YnRpRnSn(RpRn)
32. An apparatus for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium having first and second areas and a management area, the management area storing management information representing addresses in the first and second areas, the apparatus comprising:
a first buffer memory for receiving a first information signal at a first transfer rate, for temporarily storing the first information signal, and for outputting the first information signal at a predetermined constant transfer rate higher than the first transfer rate;
a second buffer memory for receiving a second information signal at a second transfer rate lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate, for temporarily storing the second information signal, and for outputting the second information signal at the predetermined constant transfer rate;
a head for receiving the first and second information signals from the first and second buffer memories and recording the first and second information signals on the first and second areas of the recording medium respectively on a time sharing basis and at the predetermined constant transfer rate while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium;
means for controlling the head to reproduce the management information from the management area of the recording medium before the head records the first and second information signals;
means for deriving the addresses from the reproduced management information;
means for searching for unoccupied regions in the first and second areas of the recording medium in response to the derived addresses; and
means for deciding whether or not the first and second information signals can be recorded on the unoccupied regions while recording continuities related to the first and second information signals are maintained.
33. An apparatus as recited in claim 32, wherein the deciding means comprises means for deciding whether or not the first and second information signals can be recorded on the unoccupied regions while the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, a size Ya of the first information signal, a size Yb of the second information signal, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
(YaYb)Rp(RaRb)(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
34. An apparatus as recited in claim 32, wherein the deciding means comprises means for deciding whether or not the first and second information signals can be recorded on the unoccupied regions while the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, a size Ya of the first information signal, a size Yb of the second information signal, and a maximum allowable seek time Tmax taken by the head to move on the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
(YaYb)2Rp(RaRb)Tmax(RpRaRb)
35. An apparatus for recording and reproducing information on and from a recording medium having first and second areas and a management area, the first area being loaded with a first information signal, the management area storing management information representing addresses in the first and second areas, the apparatus comprising:
a head for reproducing the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and transmitting the reproduced first information signal at a predetermined constant transfer rate;
a first buffer memory for receiving the first information signal from the head at the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, for temporarily storing the first information signal, and for outputting the first information signal at a first transfer rate lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate;
a second buffer memory for receiving a second information signal at a second transfer rate lower than the predetermined constant transfer rate, for temporarily storing the second information signal, and for outputting the second information signal at the predetermined constant transfer rate;
the head being for receiving the second information signal from the second buffer memory, and for recording the second information signal on the second area of the recording medium at the predetermined constant transfer rate;
wherein the head implements reproduction of the first information signal from the first area of the recording medium and recording of the second information signal on the second area of the recording medium on a time sharing basis while moving between the first and second areas of the recording medium;
means for controlling the head to reproduce the management information from the management area of the recording medium before the head records the second information signal;
means for deriving the addresses from the reproduced management information;
means for searching for an unoccupied region in the second area of the recording medium in response to the derived addresses; and
means for deciding whether or not the second information signal can be recorded on the unoccupied region while a recording continuity related to the second information signal is maintained.
36. An apparatus as recited in claim 35, wherein the deciding means comprises means for deciding whether or not the second information signal can be recorded on the unoccupied region while the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, a size Ya of the first information signal, a size Yb of the second information signal, a seek time Tab taken by the head to move from the first area to the second area of the recording medium, and a seek time Tba taken by the head to move from the second area to the first area of the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
(YaYb)Rp(RaRb)(TabTba)(RpRaRb)
37. An apparatus as recited in claim 35, wherein the deciding means comprises means for deciding whether or not the second information signal can be recorded on the unoccupied region while the predetermined constant transfer rate Rp, the first transfer rate Ra for the first information signal, the second transfer rate Rb for the second information signal, a size Ya of the first information signal, a size Yb of the second information signal, and a maximum allowable seek time Tmax taken by the head to move on the recording medium are in a relation as follows:
(YaYb)2Rp(RaRb)Tmax(RpRaRb)
38. An apparatus as recited in claim 32, further comprising means for indicating a result of the deciding by the deciding means.
39. An apparatus as recited in claim 32, further comprising means for calculating a first total capacity of the unoccupied regions, means for calculating a second total capacity of usable portions of the unoccupied regions, means for calculating an recording efficiency equal to a ratio between the first total capacity and the second total capacity, and means for indicating the calculated recording efficiency.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. An aircraft fuselage section located in an aircraft and having pylons for supporting a propulsion system, a transversal section of said fuselage section having a curved shape with at least a vertical symmetry plane and a central longitudinal axis, the fuselage section comprising:
a skin;
a plurality of frames arranged perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis;
an upper longitudinal box extending from one frame to another frame and a lower longitudinal box extending from one frame to another frame, both of which are configured to form together with the skin a closed multi-cell structure, each closed cell including an external side defined by the skin and internal sides defined by said longitudinal boxes; and
a plurality of lateral beams that are interconnected with said frames to form together with the skin a structural unity,
wherein the closed multi-cell structure provides torsional rigidity and bending stiffness to the aircraft fuselage section; and
wherein each of the plurality of frames includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion, wherein the first frame portion extends at least between a first internal side of said lower longitudinal box and a first internal side of said upper longitudinal box, and wherein the second frame portion extends at least between a second internal side of said lower longitudinal box and a second internal side of said upper longitudinal box.
2. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein the upper longitudinal box is divided into three boxes including a central rectangular box and two lateral triangular boxes.
3. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 2, wherein the frames have extended webs inside said boxes and joined to them.
4. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 2, wherein, in response to a pre-defined failure event, at least two of said three boxes of the upper longitudinal box remain as closed boxes.
5. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 4, wherein said pre-defined failure event comprises at least one of the following:
a propeller blade release (\u201cPBR\u201d) event;
an uncontained engine rotor failure (\u201cUERF\u201d) event; and
an ice shedding event.
6. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein the lower longitudinal box is divided into two rectangular boxes at each side of the vertical symmetry plane.
7. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 6, wherein, in response to a pre-defined failure event, at least one of said two boxes of the lower longitudinal box remains as a closed box.
8. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein the skin, the frames, the upper longitudinal box, the lower longitudinal box, and the lateral beams are made from composite materials.
9. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein the fuselage section is located proximate the rear end of an aircraft having an empennage attached behind the propulsion system.
10. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein the upper longitudinal box extends in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.
11. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper longitudinal box and the lower longitudinal box extends from a position proximate the pylons to a position aft of the pylons.
12. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper longitudinal box and the lower longitudinal box includes a web extending through at least a portion of one of the closed cells.
13. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 12, wherein the web is formed as a portion of one of the frames.
14. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of frames and at least one of the upper longitudinal box and the lower longitudinal box are formed as a unitary structure.
15. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein the upper longitudinal box is positioned above the longitudinal axis and the lower longitudinal box is positioned below the longitudinal axis.
16. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein the skin defines an uppermost portion positioned vertically above the longitudinal axis, wherein the upper longitudinal box is positioned proximate the uppermost portion.
17. The aircraft fuselage section according to claim 1, wherein the skin defines a lowermost portion positioned vertically below the longitudinal axis, wherein the lower longitudinal box is positioned proximate the lowermost portion.