Signal processing apparatus and signal processing method

A signal-processing apparatus for carrying out a recording operation to record data onto a recording medium in predetermined recorded-data units, which are each an array consisting of a predetermined number of division-data units each comprising a predetermined number of encoded-data units, and for carrying out signal processing for said recording operation in conformity with a format prescribing a linking area for linking consecutive recorded-data units to each other, said signal-processing apparatus comprising:

• an encoding means for inputting data, carrying out predetermined signal processing suitable for an operation to record said input data onto said recording medium and outputting data to be written into said recording medium;
• a timing generation means for generating a timing signal indicating a timing to start an operation to provide said encoding means with said division-data units including a linking point described in said linking area by counting said predetermined number of said encoded-data units with a timing to detect address information for a specific one of said division-data units from said recording medium;
• and
• a linking-point detection means for detecting a timing to output a signal indicating said linking point from said encoding means by counting said predetermined number of said encoded-data units with a timing to detect address information for a specific one of said division-data units from said recording medium.

A signal-processing method for carrying out a recording operation to record data onto a recording medium in predetermined recorded-data units, which are each an array consisting of a predetermined number of division-data units each comprising a predetermined number of encoded-data units, whereby signal processing is carried out for said recording operation in conformity with-a format prescribing a linking area for linking consecutive recorded-data units to each other, said signal-processing method comprising the steps of:

• carrying out an encoding process to input data, perform predetermined signal processing suitable for an operation to record said input data onto said recording medium and output data to be written into said recording medium;
• carrying out a timing generation process to generate a timing signal indicating a timing to start processing carried out in said encoding process on said division-data units including a linking point described in said linking area by counting said predetermined number of said encoded-data units with a timing to detect address information for a specific one of said division-data units from said recording medium;
• and
• carrying out a linking-point detection process to detect a timing of said encoding process to output a signal indicating said linking point by counting said predetermined number of said encoded-data units with a timing to detect address information for a specific one of said division-data units from said recording medium.