Defect information management method, an information recording and reproducing apparatus, and an information reproducing apparatus

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To specify defect management information to be used with high reliability in a short period and to highly hold reliability of defect management information in an information recording medium which is equipped with a defect management area which can record a plurality of pieces of defect management information and a selection information area which can record a plurality of selection information indicating defect management information currently in use. SOLUTION: A procedure to extract the latest selection information is established, and the latest defect management information is retrieved based on the obtained selection information. Recording operation is restricted, when an unused area for alternative recording of defect management information does not exist. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT