Patent attributes
A modulation method for symbols in a frame of a compact disc includes the steps of receiving a plurality of data words, modulating each data word into a code word of a corresponding data symbol, and providing a plurality of combinations of potential merge bits to be inserted between successive symbols of the frame. At least one combination of candidate merge bits is generated according to the plurality of combinations of potential merge bits, a data symbol immediately preceding the location of the candidate merge bits, and a data symbol immediately succeeding the location of the candidate merge bits. The combination of candidate merge bits which minimizes (optimizes) the absolute cumulative DSV is selected when a subsequent group of possible combinations of candidate merge bits is detected or after a predetermined delay, and the selected combination of candidate merge bits is inserted between the two successive data symbols.