JP2006190075A - Information processor and information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To record attribute information of data recorded in a magnetic tape in a MIC by a table format. <P>SOLUTION: In an attribute information table recorded in the MIC of a tape cassette mounted on a tape streamer drive, a title of a file name, a preparation date and an update date of a file, a data size, a data kind showing a kind of data of the file, a compressibility of the data, e.g. are registered as attribute information supplied from a host computer 210, and a group number, offset from the top of a group, etc. being information showing a data recording position being attribute information generated after finish of recording of the data are further registered as attribute information for each identifier with which data (file) of one recording unit recorded in the magnetic tape can be distinguished. This invention can be applied to a tape streamer drive. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, and in particular, an information processing device and an information processing method suitable for use in searching for data recorded on a recording medium that sequentially records data, In addition, it relates to the program.

  Conventionally, a tape streamer drive is well known as a data recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording digital data on a magnetic tape and reproducing digital data recorded on the magnetic tape. A magnetic tape of a tape cassette, which is a medium mounted on a tape streamer drive, can have an enormous recording capacity of about several tens to several hundreds GB (gigabytes), for example. For this reason, for example, a hard disk of a host computer It is widely used when backing up data recorded in a file, or when creating an archive from image data or moving image data having a large data size (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 09-134256 A

  The tape streamer drive described in Patent Document 1 uses a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) interface for data input / output. That is, when data is recorded on the magnetic tape of a tape cassette mounted on the tape streamer drive, the data is transmitted from the host computer, for example, with 32 kbytes as one record, and the transmitted data is transmitted via the SCSI interface. Is input to the tape streamer drive. The input data is compressed, buffered as necessary, modulated, supplied to a magnetic head via an RF amplifier, and recorded on a magnetic tape. When data recorded on the tape cassette is read, the data read by the magnetic head is demodulated, buffered as necessary, decompressed, and transmitted to the host computer.

  The tape cassette also has a non-volatile memory (MIC: Memory In Cassette) that records data from the system controller of the tape streamer drive to the non-volatile memory and non-volatile from the system controller of the tape streamer drive. Data recorded in the memory is read out. Information is exchanged between the nonvolatile memory and the host computer using SCSI commands. For example, a serial data bus independent of the SCSI interface is provided between the nonvolatile memory and the host computer. There is no need to connect with.

  As a host computer for backing up data or creating an archive using a tape streamer drive, various computers ranging from large computers to general personal computers are used.

  In the era when large-scale computers were widely used, file formats used for recording data on magnetic tape include, for example, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) / JIS label magnetic tape format and IBM label For example, in JIS-SX-0601, data is recorded on the magnetic tape by repeating the label including the file name (up to 17 characters) and the file body. In the format rules, file organization, fixed record length, and variable length are specified.

  For these magnetic tape formats, it is unfamiliar with the drive and control of the magnetic tape, that is, it cannot be recorded on the magnetic tape as it is, for example, an ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) file or a VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method). ) There are also file formats such as files. Data in these formats cannot be recorded on a magnetic tape as it is for data organization such as handling of fixed rows.

  In addition, currently widely used file formats include a file format called a sequential file that can be directly recorded on a magnetic tape. For example, in UNIX (registered trademark), the file system itself is a single byte stream regardless of whether it is a disk, a magnetic tape or the like. It is set by an application program such as tar (Tape archiver).

  In addition, in the interface between the conventional tape streamer drive and the host computer, the logical layer of the application layer (the layer that defines the logical command set, etc., not the physical layer or transport layer such as electrical connection) The command set is obtained by correcting and expanding a command set for a random access device such as an HDD into a command set for a tape streamer drive.

  Examples of interfaces mainly used in conventional personal computers and peripheral devices include SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), ATA (AT Attachment), and ATAPI (ATA Packet Interface). SCSI is a system interface standardized by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) for connecting peripheral devices such as an external hard disk, MO (magneto optic), and CD-R drive to a personal computer. ATA is an official standard name of IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) standardized by ANSI and mainly used as an interface for HDD. ATAPI is a packet interface designed to connect devices other than hard disks, such as CD-ROM, to the IDE controller. Compared with IDE, ATAPI improves transfer speed, supports removable media, and is suitable for portable PCs. Functions are standardized. Since ATAPI can convert a SCSI command into an ATA command, a CD-ROM drive that does not require an expensive SCSI interface can be relatively easily developed by using ATAPI.

  For each of these interface standards, an extended command set for recording / reproducing data on magnetic tape is defined. Using these command sets, data recorded on magnetic tape is regarded as a single stream, and magnetic tape is used. It is possible to command positioning, data reading, or writing in block unit addresses, byte unit addresses, file mark units, or set mark units with reference to the start position of the file and the current recording / playback position. Is possible.

  That is, in the interface standards such as SCSI, ATA, and ATAPI mainly used in conventional personal computers and peripheral devices, there is no concept of data units handled as files and folders in the host computer. Also, the tape streamer drive does not have the concept of data units that are handled as files and folders in the host computer, and performs processing related to recording data on the magnetic tape or reproducing data recorded on the magnetic tape. ing.

  It is an application program executed in the host computer that recognizes the data unit handled as a file or folder in the host computer and defines the file format of the data recorded on the magnetic tape. For example, MTF (Microsoft Tape Format) specified by Microsoft Windows (trademark) NT, and tar (Tape Archiver) command in UNIX (trademark) (without compression function, but multiple files can be combined into one For example, there are formats defined by a command used to restore the original file and transfer the files collectively.

  The tape streamer drive described above is characterized by having a large storage capacity, but has the problem of long recording / reproducing positioning time.

  A tape streamer drive must read the identifier of a file recorded with data on the magnetic tape of the installed tape cassette (in many cases, it is recorded at the beginning of each recorded data). The contents of data recorded on the tape cannot be known. For this reason, in recording data on a magnetic tape using a tape streamer drive, it is necessary to scan the recorded data from the beginning in order to access the data desired by the user. This directory information area requires a longer access time to the desired data as compared to a randomly accessible HDD or the like.

  To cover such drawbacks in recording data on magnetic tape with a tape streamer drive, for example, in the backup utility (NTBACKUP.EXE) included with Windows (registered trademark), an index, Information such as directory information is held in the host computer, and the host computer controls the tape streamer drive to record data on the magnetic tape and to read the data recorded on the magnetic tape, refer to the catalog. Has been made to be able to. That is, the host computer stores file information of data recorded on the magnetic tape by the tape streamer drive.

  Since magnetic tape is a removable medium, a host computer other than the host computer that holds the catalog can be used to instruct data to be recorded on the magnetic tape or to read data recorded on the magnetic tape. There is a case to receive. In such a case, the host computer that does not hold the catalog needs to scan the magnetic tape in order to perform the operation of creating the catalog. If the capacity of magnetic tape is further increased, it takes a long time to create a catalog.

  As described above, since the host computer regulates the operation of the tape streamer drive, the damage of the magnetic tape can be reduced by optimizing the operation of the tape streamer drive independently of the processing of the host computer. It was difficult to shorten the access time.

  Tape streamer drives are often used to back up data to magnetic tapes or create archives. That is, at the time of data writing, since it already exists as one complete file on the hard disk of the host computer, for example, attribute information such as a file name and a file size has already been determined. However, in data recording or reproduction processing on a magnetic tape by a conventional tape streamer drive, attribute information such as file size cannot be used for controlling the processing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to easily retrieve data sequentially recorded on a recording medium.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that is capable of mounting a recording medium on which data is sequentially recorded and that processes data recorded on the recording medium or information related to the data. Attribute information reading means for reading attribute information from an attribute information recording area in which data attribute information is recorded in a table format, which is different from a recording area in which data is recorded, and from other information processing apparatuses Based on the supplied acquisition means for acquiring the command and information necessary for execution of the command and the information acquired by the acquisition means, a record corresponding to the data is obtained from the attribute information read by the attribute information reading means. And a search means for searching.

  A reproducing means for reproducing data corresponding to the record searched by the searching means can be further provided. The acquiring means includes information for searching the data recorded on the recording medium, and information based on the information. And a command requesting reproduction of data corresponding to the retrieved record.

  An attribute information transmission control unit that controls transmission of attribute information corresponding to the record searched by the search unit to another information processing apparatus can be further provided. The acquisition unit stores the attribute information in a recording medium. It is possible to acquire information for searching for data and a command for requesting transmission of attribute information included in a record searched based on the information.

  Statistical information for calculating statistical information about data using attribute information included in the record searched by the searching means, and statistical information for controlling transmission of the statistical information calculated by the calculating means to other information processing devices A transmission control unit, and the acquisition unit acquires information for searching for data recorded in the recording medium and a command for requesting transmission of statistical information about the data. can do.

  The recording medium can be a tape cassette capable of recording data on a magnetic tape.

  The attribute information recording area may be at least a part of a recording area of a memory different from the magnetic tape provided in the tape cassette.

  The recording medium can be a CD-R.

  Acquisition means for acquiring data recorded on the recording medium and data attribute information; data recording means for recording data on the recording medium; and attribute information recording control means for controlling recording of attribute information in the attribute information recording area Can be further provided.

  A plurality of data temporary storage means for temporarily storing data acquired by the acquisition means, and a storage control means for controlling temporary storage of data in the data temporary storage means based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition means. The storage control means is configured to read data when the storage capacity data of the temporary storage means is stored in any of the plurality of temporary storage means. The data recording unit can record the data read by the storage control unit on a recording medium.

  An information processing method of the present invention is an information processing method of an information processing apparatus that can be loaded with a recording medium on which data is sequentially recorded and that processes data recorded on the recording medium or information about the data. The data in the recording medium based on the acquisition control step for controlling the acquisition of the command and the information necessary for execution of the command supplied from another information processing apparatus, and the information whose acquisition is controlled by the process of the control acquisition step Search that reads the attribute information from the attribute information recording area in which the attribute information of the data is recorded in a table format and searches for a record corresponding to the predetermined data. And a step.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute processing of data recorded on a recording medium in which data is sequentially recorded or information related to data, and is supplied from another information processing apparatus. Based on the acquisition control step for controlling the acquisition of the command and information necessary for executing the command and the information whose acquisition is controlled by the process of the control acquisition step, it is different from the recording area in which the data in the recording medium is recorded And a retrieval step of retrieving the attribute information from the attribute information recording area in which the attribute information of the data is recorded in a table format and searching for a record corresponding to the predetermined data Is executed on the computer.

  In the information processing apparatus, the information processing method, and the program according to the present invention, a command and information necessary for executing the command supplied from another information processing apparatus are acquired, and a recording medium is obtained based on the acquired information. The attribute information is read out from the attribute information recording area in which the attribute information of the data is recorded in a table format, which is different from the recording area in which the data is recorded, and corresponds to the predetermined data A record is retrieved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to search for data, and in particular, attribute information of data recorded in a table format in a recording area different from the data recording area is read out. Based on the read attribute information The record corresponding to the predetermined data can be searched.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between constituent elements described in the claims and specific examples in the embodiments of the present invention are exemplified as follows. This description is to confirm that specific examples supporting the invention described in the claims are described in the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, even though there are specific examples that are described in the embodiment of the invention but are not described here as corresponding to the configuration requirements, the specific examples are not included in the configuration. It does not mean that it does not correspond to a requirement. On the contrary, even if a specific example is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, this means that the specific example does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. not.

  Further, this description does not mean that all the inventions corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention are described in the claims. In other words, this description is an invention corresponding to the specific example described in the embodiment of the invention, and the existence of an invention not described in the claims of this application, that is, in the future, a divisional application will be made. Nor does it deny the existence of an invention added by amendment.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 (for example, the tape streamer drive 1 in FIG. 1) can be loaded with a recording medium (for example, a magnetic tape or a CD-R) in which data is sequentially recorded. Is an information processing apparatus for processing data recorded on or information relating to data, and is an area different from the recording area in which data in the recording medium is recorded, and data attribute information is recorded in a table format The attribute information reading means (for example, the table reading control unit 125 in FIG. 2) for reading the attribute information from the attribute information recording area (for example, the MIC 63 in FIG. 1), and the command and An acquisition unit (for example, the command acquisition unit 101 in FIG. 2) that acquires information necessary for command execution and an acquisition unit Information based on the, to the attribute information read by the attribute information reading means, retrieval means for retrieving a record corresponding to the data (e.g., search processing section 124 in FIG. 2); and a.

  Reproducing means (for example, reproducing head 42 in FIG. 1) for reproducing data corresponding to the record searched by the searching means can be further provided, and the acquiring means is information for searching for data recorded on the recording medium. And a command for requesting reproduction of data corresponding to the record retrieved based on the information.

  Attribute information transmission control means for controlling transmission of attribute information corresponding to the record searched by the search means to another information processing apparatus (for example, the inquiry result information supply control unit 127 in FIG. 1) can be further provided. The acquisition unit can acquire information for searching for data recorded in the recording medium and a command for requesting transmission of attribute information included in the record searched based on the information.

  Using the attribute information included in the record searched by the search means, the calculation means (for example, the inquiry information generation processing unit 126 in FIG. 2) that calculates statistical information about the data, the statistical information calculated by the calculation means, Statistical information transmission control means (for example, the inquiry result information supply control unit 127 in FIG. 1) for controlling transmission to other information processing apparatuses can be further provided, and the acquisition means stores the data recorded on the recording medium. Information for searching and a command for requesting transmission of statistical information about data can be acquired.

  The recording medium may be a tape cassette (for example, the tape cassette 51 of FIG. 1) capable of recording data on a magnetic tape (for example, the magnetic tape 62 of FIG. 1).

  The attribute information recording area may be at least a part of a recording area of a memory (for example, the MIC 63 in FIG. 1) different from the magnetic tape provided in the tape cassette.

  An acquisition unit (for example, the USB interface 21 in FIG. 1) that acquires data recorded on the recording medium and data attribute information; and a data recording unit (for example, the recording head 41 in FIG. 1) that records data on the recording medium; Attribute information recording control means (for example, the table storage control unit 123 of FIG. 2) for controlling the recording of attribute information in the attribute information recording area can be further provided.

  Temporary data storage based on a plurality of data temporary storage means (for example, the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n in FIG. 1) for temporarily saving the data acquired by the acquisition means and the attribute information acquired by the acquisition means Storage control means (for example, the cache memory controller 28 in FIG. 1) for controlling temporary storage of data in the means, and the storage control means can be temporarily stored in any of the plurality of temporary storage means. When data having a storage capacity included in the storage unit is stored, the data can be read, and the data recording unit can record the data read by the storage control unit on a recording medium.

  The information processing method according to claim 10 can be loaded with a recording medium (for example, magnetic tape or CD-R) on which data is sequentially recorded, and data or information on the data recorded on the recording medium is stored. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus (for example, the tape streamer drive 1 in FIG. 1) to be processed, and an acquisition control for controlling acquisition of a command and information necessary for executing the command supplied from another information processing apparatus A recording area in which data in the recording medium is recorded based on the information whose acquisition is controlled by the step (for example, the process of step S111, step S114, or step S117 in FIG. 11) and the process of the control acquisition step. Is an attribute information recording area in which attribute information of data is recorded in a table format (for example, And a search step (for example, step S112, step S115, or step S118 in FIG. 11) of reading out attribute information from the MIC 63) and searching for a record corresponding to predetermined data. To do.

  Also in the program according to claim 11, the embodiment (however, an example) to which each step corresponds is the same as the information processing method according to claim 10.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a tape streamer drive 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  The tape streamer drive 1 is supplied with data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and a command for controlling the operation of the tape streamer drive 1 from a host computer, which will be described later with reference to FIG. Information related to command execution, such as attribute information of data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and search conditions or search condition expressions for reading data recorded on the magnetic tape 62. Based on the supply, data is recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 to be mounted, or data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 is reproduced.

  The USB interface 21 receives data recorded on the magnetic tape, commands, or various information related to the execution of the command from the host computer, and sends the data recorded on the magnetic tape to the compression / decompression processing unit 27. The system controller 22 is supplied with various information related to the command or the execution of the command. In addition, the USB interface 21 indicates data that has been read from the magnetic tape supplied from the compression / decompression processing unit 27 and subjected to various processes, an ACK for a command supplied from the system controller 22, and an inquiry result. Send the data to the host computer.

  The host computer and the tape streamer drive 1 perform data input / output based on the USB (Universal Serial Bas) standard. Further, in the tape streamer drive 1, when the host computer executes, for example, a command for instructing data recording once for data handled as one file (or one content), the magnetic tape 62 is used. Data (hereinafter referred to as data of one recording unit). That is, a command for commanding data recording is transmitted from the host computer for each recording of data in one recording unit, attribute information is supplied for each data in one recording unit, and further data in one recording unit is recorded. A command for instructing data reproduction is transmitted for each reproduction.

  The attribute information includes, for example, the file name and title of the file (data in one recording unit), the file data type (for example, moving image data, still image data, text data, audio data, video data, etc.), data Information describing size, data contents (for example, if it is a content such as a television broadcast program, broadcast date and time, broadcast station name, program name, performer name, etc.), name of data creator or copyrighted person, data Application name used for creation, video data and video data playback time, video data frame rate, bit rate, sampling rate, codec type information, data playback mode information, file creation date and update date, Reliability information such as data compression rate and error rate, and the level required for playback Transfer rate, access frequency, or the like information added by the user to the file (data of one recording unit) is used.

  The system controller 22 controls the operation of the tape streamer drive 1 based on a command supplied from the host computer via the USB interface 21.

  Specifically, the system controller 22 controls the operation of each part of the tape streamer drive 1 when receiving a command for instructing the start of data recording from the host computer via the USB interface 21. The data supplied from the computer is recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 mounted, and the attribute information of the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 is acquired or generated, and the MIC 63 described later is obtained. Register in the attribute information table to be recorded. In addition, the system controller 22 receives a command for instructing search of data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and search information or search formula necessary for the search from the host computer via the USB interface 21. At this time, search processing is performed with reference to the attribute information table recorded in the MIC 63, and the search result is transmitted to the host computer via the USB interface 21.

  Further, when the system controller 22 receives a command from the host computer for requesting notification of a scheduled time required to access or read predetermined data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 via the USB interface 21, The scheduled time required to access or read predetermined data is calculated, and the calculation result is transmitted to the host computer via the USB interface 21. Further, the system controller 22 receives a command for instructing reading of predetermined data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and information for designating data to be read from the host computer via the USB interface 21. The attribute information table recorded in the MIC 63 is referred to, the operation of each part of the tape streamer drive 1 is controlled, and predetermined data is read from the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51, via the USB interface 21. , Send it to the host computer.

  The SRAM 23 and the flash ROM 24 are connected to the system controller 22 and store programs executed by the system controller 22 and data necessary for executing these programs. Specifically, the SRAM 24 is used as a work memory used for storage of various flag data in a program executed by the system controller 22 and arithmetic processing, and the flash ROM 24 includes, for example, a program executed by the system controller 22. And constants used for control, or information related to the tape streamer drive 1 is stored. Note that one or both of the SRAM 223 and the flash ROM 24 may be configured as an internal memory of a microcomputer configuring the system controller 22. Information related to the tape streamer drive 1 includes, for example, the manufacturer name, serial number, date of manufacture, current temperature, current winding amount of the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 mounted, and the like. There is information.

  The counter 25 executes, for example, a counting process necessary for generating attribute information registered in the attribute information table recorded in the MIC 63 in the program executed by the system controller 22 based on the control of the system controller 22. To do. The timer 26 is a timer that is referred to by the system controller 22.

  When the data supplied from the host computer is recorded on the magnetic tape 62, the compression / decompression processing unit 27 converts the data supplied from the USB interface 21 to a predetermined value based on the control of the system controller 22 as necessary. The compressed data is applied to the cache memory controller 28 by applying the compression processing of the system. Any compression method may be used. For example, when compression using an LZ code is performed, the compression / decompression processing unit 27 assigns a dedicated code to a character string processed in the past, and the dictionary The received data is compressed by comparing the character string input thereafter and the contents of the dictionary. That is, when the character string of the input data does not match the code of the dictionary, a new code is sequentially given to the data of the input character string, the code is output as compressed data, and the input character string When the code is newly registered in the dictionary and the character string of the input data matches the code of the dictionary, the code registered in the dictionary is output as compressed data, whereby the input data is compressed.

  When the compression / decompression processing unit 27 reads the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and supplies the data to the host computer, the compression / decompression processing unit 27 compresses the data supplied from the cache memory controller 28 based on the control of the system controller 22. Is expanded and supplied to the USB interface 21. For example, when compression is performed using the LZ code, the compression / decompression processing unit 27 refers to the dictionary stored therein, compares the supplied compressed data with the code registered in the dictionary, and performs compression. The compressed data is decompressed by detecting the previous input character string.

  When the data supplied from the host computer is recorded on the magnetic tape 62, the cache memory controller 28 stores the compressed data supplied from the compression / decompression processor 27 based on the control of the system controller 22 into the cache memories 29-1 to 29-2. The data is supplied to one of the cache memories 21-n and cached, and the data cached in any of the cache memories 29-1 to 21-n is read and supplied to the ECC processing unit 30. To do. Further, when the cache memory controller 28 reads out the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and supplies it to the host computer, the cache memory controller 28 demodulates the error supplied from the ECC processing unit 30 based on the control of the system controller 22. The corrected data is supplied to one of the cache memories 29-1 to 21-n to be cached and cached in any of the cache memories 29-1 to 21-n. Is read out and supplied to the compression / decompression processor 27.

  The cache memories 29-1 to 21-n temporarily cache the supplied data based on the control of the cache memory controller 28. In each of the cache memories 29-1 to 21-n, the cacheable data capacity and the data capacity of one group of data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 have corresponding values. Details of the structure of data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 will be described later.

  Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish the cache memories 29-1 to 21-n from each other, they are simply referred to as the cache memory 29.

  Further, the cache memory 29-1 to the cache memory 21-n may be physically configured by a plurality of memories, or physically, one-chip memory may be divided into a plurality of storage areas and used. It may be. A part of the storage area of the cache memory 29-1 to the cache memory 21-n may be used as a work memory used for processing executed in the cache memory controller 28 or the system controller 22.

  When the data supplied from the host computer is recorded on the magnetic tape 62, the ECC processing unit 30 converts the error correction code (ECC: error) into the compressed data supplied from the cache memory controller 28 under the control of the system controller 22. correction code) is added and supplied to the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31. Further, when the ECC processing unit 30 reads out the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and supplies the data to the host computer, the ECC processing unit 30 demodulates the data supplied from the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 based on the control of the system controller 22. If an error has occurred in the data based on the error correction code of the data, a process for detecting and correcting the error is executed, and the data after error correction is supplied to the cache memory controller 28.

  When the data supplied from the host computer is recorded on the magnetic tape 62, the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 modulates the compressed data to which the error correction code is added under the control of the system controller 22 to generate RF ( Radio Frequency) signal, the RF signal is amplified and equalized, and supplied to the recording heads 41-1 and 41-2. Further, when the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 reads the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and supplies the data to the host computer, the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 uses the reproduction heads 42-1 to 42-3 based on the control of the system controller 22. A reproduction equalizing process is performed on the supplied RF signal, demodulated, and supplied to the ECC processing unit 30.

  The servo controller 32 is a mechanical driver 34 that drives a drum motor 35-1, a capstan motor 35-2, reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and a loading motor 35-5 based on the control of the system controller 22. By controlling the rotation and the rotation speed of each motor, the magnetic tape travels at the time of data recording / reproduction or fast forward / rewind, the tape tension control at the time of magnetic tape travel, the tape cassette 51 The operation of loading or unloading (loading or unloading) is controlled. In particular, the servo controller 32 is generated from an FG (frequency generator) provided in each of the drum motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, and the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and is a mechanical driver. Based on the rotation information of the motor supplied via 34, an error between the target rotation speed and the actual rotation speed is detected in the rotation operation of each motor, and the mechanical driver 17 is controlled based on the error. By doing so, it is possible to realize the rotational speed control by the closed loop of each motor.

  The mechanical driver 34 rotationally drives each of the drum motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and the loading motor 35-5 based on the control of the servo controller 32. It is a driver. Further, the mechanical driver 34 supplies the rotation information of the motor generated from the FG provided in each of the drum motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, and the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4. Then, it is supplied to the servo controller 32.

  The drum motor 35-1 rotates the rotary drum 36 around which the magnetic tape 62 drawn from the supply tape reel 61-1 of the tape cassette 51 mounted on the tape streamer drive 1 is wound. The capstan motor 35-2 rotationally drives a capstan (not shown) for causing the magnetic tape 62 to travel at a constant speed. The reel motors 35-3 and 35-4 rotate and drive the supply tape reel 61-1 and the take-up tape reel 61-2 of the tape cassette 51 mounted on the tape streamer drive 1. The loading motor 35-5 drives a loading mechanism (not shown) to load or unload the tape cassette 51.

  The EEP-ROM 33 is a memory that stores information such as constants necessary for the servo controller 32 to control each motor.

  On the rotary drum 36, recording heads 41-1 and 41-2 and reproducing heads 42-2 to 42-3 are arranged. Specifically, a gap between two recording heads 41-1 and 41-2 having different azimuth angles is disposed on the rotating drum 36 in close proximity, and a reproducing head 42-2 having a predetermined azimuth angle is provided. The gaps 42 to 42-3 are arranged at predetermined angular intervals. The recording heads 41-1 and 41-2 record data supplied from the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 on the magnetic tape 62. The reproducing heads 42-2 to 42-3 reproduce the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 and supply the data to the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31.

  In the tape cassette 51, the supply tape reel 61-1 and the take-up tape reel 61-2 are rotationally driven by a reel motor 35-3 and a reel motor 35-4 to transfer the magnetic tape 62 at a predetermined speed. . Data is recorded on the magnetic tape 62 by the recording heads 41-1 and 41-2. Further, the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 is reproduced by the reproducing heads 42-2 to 42-3. The magnetic tape 62 drawn from the supply tape reel 61-1 of the tape cassette 51 is wound around a rotating drum 36 rotated by a drum motor 35-1, and is rotated by a capstan motor 35-2 (not shown). It is transferred in a predetermined direction by a capstan and a pinch roller (not shown).

  Data is recorded on and reproduced from the magnetic tape 62 by a helical scan method.

  The tape cassette 51 is provided with an MIC 63. The MIC 63 is connected to the system controller 22 via the cache memory 37 so as to be able to exchange data, and the system controller 22 registers information related to data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51. The information registered in each field of the information table (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 9) can be supplied, and the information registered in each field of the attribute information table can be read out. Has been made. The MIC 63 also records information related to the tape cassette 51. The information related to the tape cassette 51 includes, for example, the manufacturer name of the tape cassette 51, the number of loads, the date of manufacture, the position of the bad spot, the remaining capacity of the tape, and the like.

  The cache memory 37 is connected to the system controller 22 and the MIC 63 and is used for a temporary cache of data read from the MIC 63 or data to be written to the MIC 63.

  The MIC 4 may be disposed in the tape cassette 28 as in the conventional configuration, but instead, a predetermined recording area of the magnetic tape 62 may be handled as a recording area corresponding to the MIC 63. good. In such a case, in the tape streamer drive 1, for example, when the tape cassette 51 is mounted in the tape streamer drive 1, the attribute information table recorded in the recording area corresponding to the MIC 63 of the magnetic tape 62 is read out. By temporarily storing in the cache memory 37, the system controller 22 refers to the attribute information table temporarily stored in the cache memory 37, performs a data recording / reproducing operation, and updates the attribute information table as necessary. Can be made possible. In addition, the attribute information table temporarily stored in the cache memory 37 updated for the data recording / reproducing operation by the system controller 22 is stored in the magnetic tape before the tape cassette 51 is ejected from the tape streamer drive 1. It can be recorded in a recording area corresponding to 62 MICs 63. By doing so, in the tape streamer drive 1, the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 is recorded in the recording area corresponding to the MIC 63 without scanning each time during the data recording / reproducing process. The recording / reproducing operation can be controlled with reference to the attribute information table.

  Note that the MIC 4 in which the attribute information table in which information related to data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 is registered is not only provided in the tape cassette 51 but also provided in the tape streamer drive 1. Anyway. In such a case, the attribute information table needs to be created corresponding to each of the tape cassettes 51 that are removable media. Therefore, the attribute information table recorded in the tape streamer drive 1 is, for example, a tape cassette. It is necessary to make it distinguishable by an ID uniquely associated with 51.

  In addition, a drive 38 is connected to the system controller 22 as necessary. Examples of the drive 38 include a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) and an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory). ) And DVD), a magneto-optical disk (including MD (registered trademark) (Mini-Disk)), or a removable medium 71 such as a semiconductor memory is mounted so that data can be exchanged with the system controller 22. Has been made.

  In the tape streamer drive 1 of FIG. 1, the interface between the host computer and the host computer is USB, but the interface between the tape streamer drive 1 and the host computer may be other than USB, such as SCSI. . That is, in order to be able to execute the processing operation (operation defined in the so-called application layer) between the tape streamer drive 1 and the host computer described in the present embodiment, the layer below the transport layer is adapted to the interface. By extending this function, the present invention can be applied regardless of the type of interface between the tape streamer drive 1 and the host computer.

  FIG. 2 illustrates functions that can be realized by the tape streamer drive 1 (including functions realized by hardware in the tape streamer drive 1 and functions realized by a software program executed in the system controller 22). It is a functional block diagram.

  The command acquisition unit 101 is a command supplied from the host computer and various types of information supplied with the command (for example, when data is recorded, attribute information of the data to be recorded, etc.). Is acquired, information such as a search condition or a search condition expression used for data search or reading is acquired, and the command and necessary information are recorded and played back by the recording / playback control unit 102, the identifier generation unit 103, and the table processing unit. The attribute information acquisition unit 121 or the search processing unit 124 and the drive control unit 105 in FIG.

  Specifically, when the command supplied from the host computer is a command for instructing the start of data recording, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies a command for instructing the start of data recording to the recording / playback control unit 102. When the identifier generation unit 103 is notified that a command for instructing the start of data recording has been received and attribute information is supplied together with the data to be recorded, the attribute information is acquired from the attribute information acquisition unit 121 and the recording / playback control unit 102. To the cache memory allocation processing unit 111. Further, when the command supplied from the host computer is a command for instructing data search, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies a command for instructing data search to the search processing unit 124 together with the search condition or the search condition expression. If the command supplied from the host computer is a command for instructing data reproduction, the command for instructing data reproduction is supplied to the recording / reproduction control unit 102.

  The recording / playback control unit 102 controls operations required for data recording / playback by the compression / decompression processing unit 27, the cache memory controller 28, the ECC processing unit 30, and the compression / modulation and RF processing unit 31. Specifically, for example, when receiving a command for commanding data recording from the command acquisition unit 101, the recording / playback control unit 102, the compression / decompression processing unit 27, the cache memory controller 28, and the ECC processing unit 30 In addition, the compression / modulation and RF processing unit 31 is controlled to control the processing of data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 supplied to the USB interface 21, and the command acquisition unit 101 reproduces predetermined data. When a command to be commanded is received, the compression / decompression processing unit 27, the cache memory controller 28, the ECC processing unit 30, and the compression / modulation and RF processing unit 31 are controlled and recorded on the magnetic tape 62. Control reproduction of predetermined data. Further, the recording / reproducing control unit 102 selects which of the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n to cache the data to be recorded or reproduced, that is, to the cache memory 29 of the data to be recorded or reproduced. The function of the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 that executes the process of determining the allocation of the cache memory.

  The cache memory allocation processing unit 111 executes a process of determining allocation of data to be recorded or reproduced to the cache memory 29 based on the data capacity or data type of data to be recorded or reproduced. Specifically, when data is recorded on the magnetic tape 62, for example, when the cache destination is changed depending on the data capacity, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 uses the attribute information supplied from the command acquisition unit 101 as a basis. In addition, for example, the small size data is cached in the same cache memory 29, and the cache memory 29 that caches the data is determined according to the capacity of the supplied data. Data of the data size is recorded as a group. In addition, when the cache destination is changed depending on the type of data, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 uses the attribute information supplied from the command acquisition unit 101, for example, for data such as moving images, still images, and texts. By determining the cache memory 29 that caches data depending on the type, the same type of data is recorded in groups on the magnetic tape 62.

  By doing so, the data recording / reproducing process can be controlled based on the attributes of the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 or the data read from the magnetic tape 62.

  The identifier generation unit 103 is identification information for identifying data to be recorded when receiving a notification from the command acquisition unit 101 that a command to start recording data has been received. An identifier uniquely associated is issued, and the fermented identifier is supplied to the recording / reproduction control unit 102 and stored therein (in practice, for example, stored in the SRAM 23 of FIG. 1) and transmitted to the host computer. As the identifier, for example, an ID unique throughout the world such as a GUID (Global Unique ID) or a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) may be used. Further, the identifier generation unit 103, for example, completely sets the physical address written in the ROM (for example, the flash ROM 24 in FIG. 1) in the device as “unique random seed (source of random number generation)” in theory. A unique identifier may be generated. In addition to generating a completely unique identifier in theory, the identifier generation unit 103 generates a random number having no practical problem based on, for example, a random number, a system state, a hash function, etc. (that is, probabilistically, A random number may be generated so that the same thing is not easily generated), and the random number may be used as an identifier.

  When recording data on the magnetic tape 62, the table processing unit 104 controls registration and update of information in the attribute information table recorded in the MIC 63, and reads out the attribute information table stored in the MIC 63. From the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62, an inquiry result of data that matches the condition is generated, or processing that searches for data that matches the condition is executed.

  The table processing unit 104 includes an attribute information acquisition unit 121, an attribute information generation unit 122, a table storage control unit 123, a search processing unit 124, a table read control unit 125, an inquiry result information generation processing unit 126, and an inquiry result information supply control. The function of the unit 127 is provided.

  The attribute information acquisition unit 121 acquires the attribute information supplied from the command acquisition unit 101 and supplies the attribute information to the attribute information generation unit 122 and the table storage control unit 123. The attribute information generation unit 122 is based on the attribute information supplied from the attribute information acquisition unit 121 and the information supplied from the recording / playback control unit 102, for example, information on the recording position of data obtained at the time of data recording. Information is generated and supplied to the table storage control unit 122. Further, the recording / playback control unit 102 supplies the attribute information generation unit 122 with the identifier associated with the data of one recording unit generated by the identifier generation unit 103, so that the attribute information generation unit 122 is supplied The identifier is supplied to the table storage control unit 122. The table storage control unit 123 sets each field for each recording unit (for example, a unit of data handled as a file in the host computer) of the recorded data in the attribute information table stored in the MIC 63. In order to register various attribute information, one record of the attribute information table is generated, and registration in the attribute information table is controlled. A specific example of the attribute information registered in the attribute information table will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The search processing unit 124 receives a command to search for data and a search condition or a search condition expression from the command acquisition unit 101, and controls the table read control unit 125 to read the attribute information table of the MIC 63. Execute the search process to inquire about information related to the record that matches the search condition or search condition expression, and statistical information such as the number of data that matches the search condition and the total data capacity of the data that matches the search condition. The result information generation processing unit 126 is supplied. The table reading control unit 125 controls reading of the attribute information table recorded in the MIC 63 based on the control of the search processing unit 124.

  The inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 generates information indicating the inquiry result based on the record supplied from the search processing unit 124 that matches the search condition or the search condition expression, and supplies the information to the inquiry result information supply control unit 127. To do. When the search result is a plurality of records, the information indicating the query result may be in a table format or a set of a plurality of record information. For example, the file name, the data capacity, It may be composed only of attribute information that matches the content of the inquiry, such as the access time to the desired data or the time taken to transfer the desired data to the host computer. A specific example when the information indicating the inquiry result is in a table format will be described later with reference to FIG. The inquiry result information supply control unit 127 supplies information indicating the inquiry result generated by the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 to the host computer, specifically, to the host computer via the USB interface 21. To control.

  Then, the drive control unit 105 controls the servo controller 32 based on the command supplied from the command acquisition unit 101 to operate the mechanical driver 34, and the drum motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, the reel The motors 35-3 and 35-4 and the loading motor 35-5 are driven to rotate.

  Next, the data recording / reproducing operation of the tape streamer drive 1 will be described.

  When the USB interface 21 receives a command to start recording data and attribute information of data to be recorded from the host computer, the USB interface 21 instructs the system controller 22 to start recording data. Provides command and attribute information of data to be recorded.

  At this time, the functions executed in the system controller 22 will be described. The command acquisition unit 101 notifies the identifier generation unit 103 that it has received a command for instructing the start of data recording. A unique identifier (for example, GUID) uniquely associated with newly recorded data is issued, supplied to the recording / playback control unit 102, and stored (specifically, stored in the SRAM 23). At the same time, the process of supplying the generated identifier to the host computer via the USB interface 21 is controlled. Further, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies a command for instructing the start of data recording to the recording / reproduction control unit 102 and the drive control unit 105, so that the recording / reproduction control unit 102 includes the compression / decompression processing unit 27 and the cache memory controller 28. Then, the ECC processing unit 30 and the compression / modulation and RF processing unit 31 are controlled to start processing for recording the supplied data onto the magnetic tape 26, and the drive control unit 105 operates the mechanical driver 34, Control of the servo controller 32 is started to rotationally drive each of the drum motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and the loading motor 35-5.

  In the system controller 22, when the command acquisition unit 101 receives supply of attribute information of data to be recorded together with a command for instructing data recording, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102 Based on the attribute information, allocation of temporary storage of data to the cache memory 29 is determined as necessary. Data allocation may be determined according to, for example, the size of data or the type of data. In the system controller 22, when the command acquisition unit 101 receives supply of attribute information of data to be recorded together with a command to start data recording, the attribute information acquisition unit 121 of the table processing unit 104 The attribute information is acquired from the command acquisition unit 101.

  The USB interface 21 receives supply of data to be recorded from the host computer and supplies the data to the compression / decompression processing unit 27. The compression / decompression processing unit 27 compresses the supplied data by a predetermined method based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / playback control unit 102), and supplies the compressed data to the cache memory controller 28. . The cache memory controller 28 converts the supplied compressed data into the cache memories 29-1 to 29- based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102). Supply to any of n and store.

  Then, after the data of one recording unit supplied from the host computer is cached in any one of the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n, the system controller 22 determines the attribute stored in the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51. A record of attribute information corresponding to one recording unit of data registered in the information table is generated, supplied to the cache memory 37, temporarily cached, and then supplied to the MIC 63 for registration.

  Specifically, the attribute information acquisition unit 121 acquires the attribute information supplied from the command acquisition unit 101 and supplies the attribute information to the attribute information generation unit 122 and the table storage control unit 123. The attribute information generation unit 122 is based on the attribute information supplied from the attribute information acquisition unit 121 and the information acquired from the recording / playback control unit 102 at the time of data recording. Attribute information is generated and supplied to the table storage control unit 122. Further, the recording / playback control unit 102 supplies the attribute information generation unit 122 with the identifier associated with the data of one recording unit generated by the identifier generation unit 103, so that the attribute information generation unit 122 is supplied The identifier is supplied to the table storage control unit 122. The table storage control unit 123 generates a record of the attribute information table for each recording unit of data to be recorded (for example, a unit of data handled as a file in the host computer) and stores it in the MIC 63. Controls registration of various attribute information in each field of the attribute information table. The attribute information table has a function as a relational database, and is described in, for example, a structured query language for a relational database system, so-called SQL (Structured Query Language).

  The MIC 63 stores an attribute information table and registers a record of attribute information corresponding to one recording unit of data supplied via the cache memory 37 in association with an identifier.

  When any one of the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n is recorded to the full capacity, the cache memory controller 28 reads the data recorded in the cache memory 29 whose capacity is full and performs ECC processing. To the unit 30. Further, the cache memory controller 28 is instructed to terminate the data recording process, when the tape streamer drive 1 is powered off, or when a command is not supplied for a predetermined period of time or longer. Data recorded in any of the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n is read and supplied to the ECC processing unit 30.

  Based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / playback control unit 102), the ECC processing unit 30 performs error check code such as a parity bit for each block of the supplied data. Is supplied to the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31. The modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 modulates the supplied data and converts it into an RF signal based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / reproduction control unit 102). Then, amplification and equalizing processes are performed and the recording heads 41-1 and 41-2 are supplied.

  The servo controller 32 refers to information recorded in the EEP-ROM 33 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the drive control unit 105), controls the mechanical driver 34, and controls the drum The motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and the loading motor 35-5 are driven to rotate. The recording heads 41-1 and 41-2 record the supplied data on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 by a helical scan method.

  The structure of data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3A shows a data structure of a block unit, which is a unit to which ECC is added in the ECC processing unit 30. In one block, following a SYNC data area in which a synchronization signal is described, ECC such as an ID area in which an ID used for search or the like is described and an ID error correction parity bit in the ID area is described. It is composed of a parity area and a data area in which data supplied from the host computer is described. As shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of blocks and margin areas at both ends constitute one track data.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, data is recorded on the magnetic tape 62 so that one group consists of 8000 tracks, and an invalid area having a predetermined interval is provided between the groups. This track is physically recorded so as to be inclined with respect to the width direction of the magnetic tape 62.

  In FIG. 3C, the case where data is recorded so as to form one group with 8000 tracks is illustrated, but the synchronization signal, ID, ECC, and the like included in one group are excluded. The capacity of data (that is, data described in the data area in FIG. 3A) is determined by the storage capacity of the cache memory 29. As described above, the data recording process on the magnetic tape 62 is not performed for each recording unit, but data is supplied from the host computer for each recording unit, and the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n. The data is cached, and the cached data is read from the cache memory 29-1 to 29-n where the capacity is full, and subjected to a predetermined process, so that the magnetic Data is recorded on the tape 62. That is, one group of data is a group of data recorded on the magnetic tape at one time. In other words, the data cached in any one of the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n is added to each block. In addition, redundant data such as ECC is added, and the data capacity of one group is based on the data capacity recorded in the cache memory 29, and the redundancy and rewrite rate required by ECC addition, modulation processing, etc. (For example, about 1.5 times the data capacity of the cache memory 29). Further, since data is read from the magnetic tape 62 for each block, the data of one block read from the magnetic tape 62 is demodulated and error-corrected, and then cache memories 29-1 to 29-29. It can be cached in any one of -n.

  Next, the relationship between one recording unit and one group in data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the data recording process on the magnetic tape 62 is not performed for each recording unit, but the data is cached in the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n for each recording unit. -1 to 29-n, the cached data is read out from the data that has been cached to the full capacity, and subjected to predetermined processing so that the data is recorded on the magnetic tape 62. Has been made. That is, one recording unit that is a group of data supplied from the host computer and one group that is a group of data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 are different data units. Therefore, when the data capacity of one recording unit is smaller than one group, a plurality of data of one recording unit (# 0 to # 3 and # 5 to # 5) are assigned to one group as in the group 151-1 and the group 151-4. # 8) is recorded, and when the data capacity of one recording unit is larger than one group, data of one recording unit (#) extends over a plurality of groups, such as group 151-2 and group 151-3. 4-1 and # 4-2) are recorded.

  Next, when the USB interface 21 receives a command to search for data and a search condition or search condition expression used for the search from the host computer, the USB interface 21 sends data to the system controller 22. A command and a search condition or a search condition expression for instructing a search are supplied.

  At this time, the functions executed in the system controller 22 will be described. The command acquisition unit 101 supplies the search processing unit 124 with a command for instructing data search and a search condition or search condition expression. The search processing unit 124 controls the table read control unit 125 to read the attribute information table of the MIC 63. Then, the search processing unit 124 extracts a record that matches the search condition or the search condition expression from the information registered in the attribute information table read by the table read control unit 125, and the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126. To supply.

  That is, the search processing unit 124 can search for information registered in an attribute information table described in a structured query language for relational database systems, so-called SQL.

  The inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 generates information indicating the inquiry result based on the information related to the record that matches the search condition or the search condition expression supplied from the search processing unit 124, and the inquiry result information supply control unit 127. To supply. When the search result is a plurality of records, the information indicating the query result may be in a table format or a set of a plurality of record information, and only includes attribute information that matches the content of the query. It may be. The inquiry result information supply control unit 127 controls transmission of information indicating the inquiry result generated by the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 to the host computer.

  Next, when the USB interface 21 receives a command for instructing data reproduction and information specifying the data to be reproduced from the host computer, the USB interface 21 instructs the system controller 22 to reproduce the data. Provide information specifying the command to be played and the data to be played.

  At this time, the functions executed in the system controller 22 will be described. The command acquisition unit 101 sends a command for instructing data reproduction and information for designating data to be reproduced to the recording / reproduction control unit 102 and the drive control unit 105. Supply. The drive control unit 105 operates the mechanical driver 34 to rotate and drive the drum motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and the loading motor 35-5. Then, the servo controller 32 is controlled to read the designated data recorded on the magnetic tape 26. The recording / playback control unit 102 controls the compression / modulation and RF processing unit 31, the ECC processing unit 30, the cache memory controller 28, and the compression / decompression processing unit 27 to control processing of the read data.

  The servo controller 32 refers to information recorded in the EEP-ROM 33 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the drive control unit 105), controls the mechanical driver 34, and controls the drum motor 35. −1, the capstan motor 35-2, the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and the loading motor 35-5 are driven to rotate. The recording heads 41-1 and 41-2 allow the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 to be read by the reproducing heads 42-1 to 42-3 and supplied to the compression / modulation and RF processing unit 31. .

  The modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 operates on the RF signals supplied from the reproduction heads 42-1 to 42-3 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / reproduction control unit 102). Then, reproduction equalizing processing is performed, demodulated, and supplied to the ECC processing unit 30. The ECC processing unit 30 is based on the error correction code of the demodulated data supplied from the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / reproducing control unit 102). If an error has occurred in the data, a process for detecting and correcting the error is executed, and the error-corrected data is supplied to the cache memory controller 28.

  The cache memory controller 28 stores the compressed data supplied from the compression / decompression processing unit 27 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102). 29-1 to cache memory 21-n is supplied and cached, and data cached in any of cache memory 29-1 to cache memory 21-n is read out and compressed / This is supplied to the decompression processing unit 27.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 27 decompresses the compressed data supplied from the cache memory controller 28 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / playback control unit 102), and the USB interface 21 To supply. The USB interface 21 outputs data supplied from the compression / decompression processing unit 27, read from the magnetic tape 62, and subjected to various processes, to the host computer.

  Next, when the USB interface 21 receives an inquiry from the host computer such as the time required to access the desired data or the time required to acquire the desired data, the USB interface 21 The system controller 22 is supplied with information necessary for calculating an inquiry command and an answer to the inquiry.

  At this time, the functions executed in the system controller 22 will be described. The command acquisition unit 101 supplies information necessary for calculating an inquiry command and an answer to the inquiry to the search processing unit 124 and the recording / playback control unit 102. . The search processing unit 124 controls the table read control unit 125 to read the attribute information table of the MIC 63. Then, the search processing unit 124 extracts information necessary for calculating the answer to the query from the information registered in the attribute information table read by the table read control unit 125, and the query result information generation processing unit 126. The recording / reproducing control unit 102 supplies information indicating the state of each unit of the tape streamer drive 1 to the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126.

  The inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 generates information indicating the inquiry result based on the information supplied from the search processing unit 124 and the recording / playback control unit 102 and supplies the information to the inquiry result information supply control unit 127. The inquiry result information supply control unit 127 controls transmission of information indicating the inquiry result generated by the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 to the host computer.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the host computer 201 connected to the tape streamer drive 1 of FIG.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212 or a program loaded from a storage unit 218 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213. The RAM 213 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 211 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 211, ROM 212, and RAM 213 are connected to each other via a bus 214. An input / output interface 215 is also connected to the bus 214.

  An input / output interface 215 includes an input unit 216 including a keyboard and a mouse, an output unit 217 including a display and a speaker, a storage unit 218 including a hard disk, and the tape streamer drive 1 described with reference to FIG. USB interface 219 is exchanged.

  A drive 220 is connected to the input / output interface 215 as necessary, and a magnetic disk 231, an optical disk 232, a magneto-optical disk 233, a semiconductor memory 234, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from them is loaded. The storage unit 218 is installed as necessary.

  Specifically, the CPU 211 of the host computer 201 supplies various commands and commands to be supplied to the tape streamer drive 1 based on a user operation input supplied from the input unit 216 via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214. Various types of information supplied together are generated and supplied to the tape streamer drive 1 via the bus 214, the input / output interface 215, and the USB interface 219.

  When the user selects data stored in the storage unit 218 and instructs the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 attached to the tape streamer drive 1 to store the data (at this time, the data is stored in the storage unit 218). The CPU 211 may or may not remain at 218. In other words, the data may be copied or moved), and the CPU 211 instructs the start of data recording. The command and attribute information of data to be recorded are supplied to the tape streamer drive 1 via the bus 214, the input / output interface 215, and the USB interface 219, and the selected data stored in the storage unit 218. Is read out via the input / output interface 215 and the USB interface 219. Supplied to the flop streamer drive 1.

  When the USB interface 219 receives an identifier that is identification information for identifying data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 from the tape streamer drive 1, the CPU 211 converts the received identifier into recorded data or the data thereof. The attribute information is stored in the storage unit 218 or the RAM 213 in association with the attribute information.

  Further, when the user instructs to search the data stored in the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 attached to the tape streamer drive 1 and inputs the search condition, the CPU 211 is recorded. A command for instructing data search and a search condition or search condition formula are supplied to the tape streamer drive 1 via the bus 214, the input / output interface 215, and the USB interface 219.

  When the USB interface 219 receives the inquiry result information from the tape streamer drive 1, the CPU 211 acquires the supplied inquiry result information via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214, and sends the inquiry result to the user. Display screen data is generated, supplied to the output unit 217 via the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215, and displayed on the display.

  Further, when the user designates one of the data stored in the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 mounted in the tape streamer drive 1 and instructs to read the data, the CPU 211 designates A command for instructing reading of the read data is supplied to the tape streamer drive 1 via the bus 214, the input / output interface 215, and the USB interface 219.

  When the USB interface 219 receives the designated data from the tape streamer drive 1, the CPU 211 supplies the received data to the recording unit 218 and stores it, and if necessary, outputs it to the output unit 217. The display image data is displayed on the display, and the sound is output from the speaker.

  Further, the time required for the user to access the desired data stored in the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 attached to the tape streamer drive 1 or the time required to acquire the desired data. The CPU 211 sends an inquiry command and information necessary for calculating a response to the inquiry to the tape streamer drive 1 via the bus 214, the input / output interface 215, and the USB interface 219. To supply.

  When the USB interface 219 receives the inquiry result information from the tape streamer drive 1, the CPU 211 acquires the supplied inquiry result information via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214, and sends the inquiry result to the user. Display screen data is generated, supplied to the output unit 217 via the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215, and displayed on the display.

  Next, processing of the host computer 201 during data storage will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 1, the CPU 211 determines whether or not a data recording start command has been received based on a signal indicating an operation input by the user supplied from the input unit 216 via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214. . If it is determined in step S1 that a data recording start command has not been received, step S1 is repeated until it is determined that a data recording start command has been received.

  If it is determined in step S1 that a data recording start command has been received, in step S2, the CPU 211 sends a command for instructing the tape streamer drive 1 to start data recording to the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215. Via the USB interface 219. The USB interface 219 transmits a command for instructing the start of data recording to the tape streamer drive 1.

  In step S3, the CPU 211 treats one recording unit of data to be recorded as needed based on the data instructed by the user in step S1, for example, one file in the host computer 201. The attribute information attached to the data is read from the storage unit 218 and supplied to the USB interface 219 via the input / output interface 215. The USB interface 219 transmits the attribute information of the data of one recording unit to be recorded to the tape streamer drive 1.

  Here, in step S3, whether or not there is attribute information that can be transmitted to the tape streamer drive 1 among the attribute information of the data of one recording unit to be recorded is, for example, the format of the data of one recording unit to be recorded. And how the attribute information is associated with the data. Specifically, if the attribute information is multiplexed with the data or only described in the data as a header, it is not easy to transmit the attribute information to the tape streamer drive 1 in step S3. However, even in such a case, if the attribute information is previously extracted from the data by the processing of the CPU 211 and stored in the form of, for example, an attribute information file, the attribute information is determined in step S3. Can be easily transmitted to the tape streamer drive 1.

  In particular, in step S3, for determining the allocation of the cache memory 29 in the processing of the tape streamer drive 1, which will be described later, as the attribute information of the data of one recording unit to be recorded, for example, information indicating the data size or the type of data. If the information used in the above can be transmitted to the tape streamer drive 1, it is suitable for data recording executed in the tape streamer drive 1.

  In step S4, the USB interface 219 receives an identifier associated with data of one recording unit to be recorded. This identifier is transmitted from the tape streamer drive 1 in step S33 of the processing of the tape streamer drive 1 at the time of data recording, which will be described later with reference to FIG. The CPU 211 supplies the received identifier to the storage unit 218 or the RAM 213 for storage. The storage unit 218 or the RAM 213 stores the supplied identifier.

  In step S <b> 5, the CPU 211 reads data for one recording unit to be recorded from the storage unit 218 and transmits it to the tape streamer drive 1 via the USB interface 219.

  In step S6, the CPU 211 determines whether or not transmission of data for one recording unit has been completed. If it is determined in step S6 that the transmission of data for one recording unit has not ended, the process returns to step S5, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If it is determined in step S6 that the transmission of data for one recording unit has been completed, the processing is terminated.

  By such processing, the host computer 201 uses the tape streamer drive 1 to record one recording unit data to be recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51, for example, data handled as one file in the host computer 201. Is sent to the tape streamer drive 1 and the corresponding attribute information is transmitted as necessary, and the identifier of the data of one recording unit to be recorded is received from the tape streamer drive 1 and stored and recorded. One recording unit of data is transmitted to the tape streamer drive 1.

  Next, processing of the tape streamer drive 1 during data storage, which is executed in parallel with the processing described with reference to FIG. 6, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Here, the processing will be described based on the functional blocks of FIG. 2 that describe the functions that can be realized by the tape streamer drive 1. That is, these processes are processes executed by functions realized by the hardware in the tape streamer drive 1 described with reference to FIG. 1 and functions realized by a software program executed in the system controller 22. For example, the process in which the command acquisition unit 101 acquires a command is synonymous with the system controller 22 acquiring a command via the USB interface 21. Hereinafter, the description of the correspondence between such functional blocks and hardware blocks is obvious from the description of FIG. 1 and FIG.

  In step S31, the command acquisition unit 101 receives from the host computer 201 a command for instructing the start of data recording, that is, a command for instructing the start of data recording transmitted by the host computer 201 in the process of step S2 in FIG. Determine whether or not. If it is determined in step S31 that a command for instructing data recording is not received, the process of step S31 is repeated until it is determined that the command is received.

  If it is determined in step S31 that a command for instructing the start of data recording has been received, in step S32, the command acquisition unit 101 indicates that the command for instructing the start of data recording has been received. 103, the identifier generation unit 103 generates an identifier associated with one recording unit of data to be recorded.

  In step S <b> 33, the identifier generation unit 103 transmits the generated identifier to the host computer 201 and supplies it to the recording / playback control unit 102. The recording / playback control unit 102 supplies the supplied identifier to the attribute information generation unit 122.

  In step S <b> 34, the command acquisition unit 101 determines whether or not attribute information of data for one recording unit to be recorded is received from the host computer 201.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the attribute information of one recording unit of data to be recorded is received from the host computer 201, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies the attribute information to the attribute information acquisition unit 121 in step S35. The attribute information acquisition unit 121 supplies the attribute information to the attribute information generation unit 122 and the table storage control unit 123. The table storage control unit 123 receives supply of the identifier from the attribute information generation unit 122, configures and records a new record corresponding to the generated identifier, for example, in the attribute information table as shown in FIG. Register attribute information of data of one recording unit. Specifically, based on the control of the system controller 22, the attribute of data of one recording unit newly read in the attribute information table read from the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51 and temporarily stored in the cache memory 37. Information is added. The information in the attribute information table temporarily stored in the cache memory 37 is written in the MIC 63, for example, when the tape cassette 51 is instructed to be ejected from the tape streamer drive 1.

  The attribute information table shown in FIG. 9 includes, for example, a file name, a title, a file creation date / update date / time, a data size, and a file data type for each identifier capable of distinguishing data (file) of one recording unit. In addition to data type (for example, types of moving image data, still image data, text data, audio data, video data, etc.), data compression rate, etc., information explaining the data content (for example, a television broadcast program, etc.) If it is content, broadcast date and time, broadcast station name, program name, performer name, etc., so-called information included in the metadata), name of the creator or copyright holder of the data, application name used for data creation, Movie data and video data playback time, movie data frame rate, bit rate, sampling rate, or -Information related to dick type, information related to data playback mode, reliability information such as error rate, average transfer rate required during playback, access frequency, or user added to a file (data per recording unit) In addition to being registered as attribute information supplied from the host computer 210, the information generated after the data recording is completed includes a group number, which is information indicating the data recording position, and the information from the head of the group. An offset or the like is registered as attribute information.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the attribute information of the data for one recording unit to be recorded has not been received from the host computer 201, or after the process of step S35 is completed, the recording / playback control unit 102 performs the process in step S36. The cache memory allocation processing unit 111 determines allocation of the cache memory 29 that caches supplied data.

  Specifically, when it is determined in step S34 that the attribute information of the data has been received, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 determines the allocation of the cache memory 29 based on the attribute information. Specifically, when the cache destination is changed according to the data capacity, for example, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 supplies the small-size data by caching them in the same cache memory 29, for example. By determining the cache memory 29 that caches the data according to the capacity of the data to be recorded, data of a small data size can be recorded in a group on the magnetic tape 62, and depending on the type of data When the cache destination is changed, for example, the same type of data is stored on the magnetic tape 62 by determining the cache memory 29 that caches data according to the type of data such as moving images, still images, and texts. , To be recorded as a group It can be. If the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 determines that the attribute information of the data has not been received in step S34, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 allocates the supplied data based on the current cache state of the data in the cache memory 29. The memory 29 is determined.

  In step S <b> 37, the recording / playback control unit 102 starts receiving data of one recording unit from the host computer 201. Specifically, the USB interface 21 receives supply of recorded data from the host computer 201 and supplies the data to the compression / decompression processing unit 27. The compression / decompression processing unit 27 compresses the supplied data by a predetermined method based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / playback control unit 102), and supplies the compressed data to the cache memory controller 28. .

  In step S38, the recording / playback control unit 102 caches the data in one of the cache memories 29 according to the assignment. Specifically, the cache memory controller 28 converts the supplied compressed data in step S36 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102). Based on the allocation determined by the processing, it is supplied to one of the cache memories 29-1 to 29-n and stored.

  In step S39, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102 determines whether or not the capacity of any of the cache memories 29 is full. If it is determined in step S39 that none of the cache memories 29 is full, the process proceeds to step S43 described later.

  If it is determined in step S39 that the capacity of any one of the cache memories 29 is full, in step S40, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102 stores the received data in the cache memory 29. To change.

  In step S 41, the recording / playback control unit 102 and the drive control unit 105 read the data cached in the cache memory 29 whose capacity is full from the cache memory 29 and record it on the magnetic tape 62. Specifically, the cache memory controller 28 reads the data recorded in the cache memory 29 whose capacity is full based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / playback control unit 102). To the ECC processing unit 30. Based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / playback control unit 102), the ECC processing unit 30 performs error check code such as a parity bit for each block of the supplied data. Is supplied to the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31. The modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 modulates the supplied data and converts it into an RF signal based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / reproduction control unit 102). Then, amplification and equalizing processes are performed and the recording heads 41-1 and 41-2 are supplied. The servo controller 32 refers to information recorded in the EEP-ROM 33 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the drive control unit 105), controls the mechanical driver 34, and controls the drum The motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and the loading motor 35-5 are driven to rotate. The recording heads 41-1 and 41-2 record the supplied data on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 by a helical scan method. As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the data is stored in the cache memory 29 regardless of the data capacity of one recording unit (for example, the data size of data handled as a file in the host computer 201). The data is recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 in groups of data capacity determined by the storage capacity.

  In step S <b> 42, the recording / playback control unit 102 supplies information on the recording position of data on the magnetic tape 62 to the attribute information generation unit 122. The attribute information generation unit 122 temporarily holds data recording position information.

  If it is determined in step S39 that none of the cache memories 29 is full, or after the processing of step S42 is completed, the recording / playback control unit 102 in step S43 determines the data of one recording unit. It is determined whether reception and cache have ended. If it is determined in step S43 that reception of one recording unit of data and caching have not ended, the processing returns to step S39, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S43 that reception of one recording unit of data and caching has been completed, in step S44, the recording / playback control unit 102 indicates that reception of one recording unit of data and caching has ended. Notify the generation unit 122. The attribute information generation unit 122 determines whether or not there is attribute information that is included in the data of one recording unit or is generated by the end of recording. The attribute information generated by the end of recording includes, for example, a group number indicating a data recording position and a byte offset from the head of the group.

  If it is determined in step S44 that the attribute information is included in the data of one recording unit or there is attribute information generated by the end of recording, the attribute information generation unit 122 is included in the data of one recording unit in step S45. The attribute information generated by the end of the recording is supplied to the table storage control unit 123, and the table storage control unit 123 is included in the data of one recording unit or the attribute information generated by the end of the recording Information is registered in a record corresponding to an identifier generated in association with data of one recording unit that has been received and cached in the attribute information table. Specifically, under the control of the system controller 22, the attribute of the data of one recording unit newly recorded in the attribute information table read from the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51 and temporarily stored in the cache memory 37. Information is added. The information in the attribute information table temporarily stored in the cache memory 37 is written in the MIC 63, for example, when the tape cassette 51 is instructed to be ejected from the tape streamer drive 1.

  In step S44, when it is determined that there is no attribute information included in the data of one recording unit or generated by the end of recording, or after the processing of step S45 is ended, the processing is ended.

  Through such processing, data of one recording unit supplied from the host computer 201 to the tape streamer drive 1 is temporarily cached in the cache memory 29, and as described with reference to FIGS. The attribute information corresponding to the data of one recording unit is registered in the attribute information table while being recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 in units of data capacity determined by the storage capacity.

  Next, processing of the host computer 201 at the time of data reading will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing described with reference to FIG. 10 includes processing for performing a search for reading data.

  In step S <b> 71, the CPU 211 may use a search condition (or a search condition expression) based on a signal indicating a user operation input supplied from the input unit 216 via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214. The same applies to the following), and it is determined whether or not an inquiry about attribute information of data that matches the condition is instructed. If it is determined in step S71 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry about attribute information of data that matches the condition has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S73 described later.

  If it is determined in step S71 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry for attribute information of data that matches the condition has been instructed, in step S72, the CPU 211 determines the attribute that matches the search condition for the tape streamer drive 1. An inquiry command for inquiring information is supplied to the USB interface 219 via the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215. The USB interface 219 transmits an attribute information inquiry command that matches the search condition to the tape streamer drive 1, and the process proceeds to step S79 described later.

  If it is determined in step S71 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry about attribute information of data that matches the condition has not been instructed, in step S73, the CPU 211 receives an input unit via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214. Based on the signal indicating the user's operation input supplied from 216, it is determined whether or not a search condition has been input and an inquiry for statistical information on data that matches the condition has been commanded. The statistical information is, for example, the number of data that matches the search condition, the total data capacity of the data that matches the search condition, the access time to the desired data, or the time taken to transfer the desired data to the host computer. is there. If it is determined in step S73 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry for statistical information of data that matches the condition has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S75 described below.

  If it is determined in step S73 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry for statistical information on data that satisfies the condition has been commanded, in step S74, the CPU 211 determines the statistics that match the search condition for the tape streamer drive 1. An inquiry command for inquiring information is supplied to the USB interface 219 via the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215. The USB interface 219 transmits an inquiry command for statistical information that matches the search condition to the tape streamer drive 1, and the process proceeds to step S79 described later.

  If it is determined in step S73 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry for statistical information of data that matches the condition has not been instructed, the CPU 211 inputs via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214 in step S75. Based on the signal indicating the user's operation input supplied from the unit 216, it is determined whether or not a search condition has been input and an inquiry for attribute information and statistical information of data that matches the condition has been commanded. If it is determined in step S75 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry about attribute information and statistical information of data that matches the condition has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S77 to be described later.

  If it is determined in step S75 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry about attribute information and statistical information of data that matches the condition has been instructed, the CPU 211 sets the search condition for the tape streamer drive 1 in step S76. An inquiry command for inquiring the matched attribute information and statistical information is supplied to the USB interface 219 via the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215. The USB interface 219 transmits an attribute information and statistical information inquiry command that matches the search condition to the tape streamer drive 1, and the process proceeds to step S 79 described later.

  If it is determined in step S75 that a search condition has been input and an inquiry about attribute information and statistical information of data that matches the condition has not been instructed, in step S77, the CPU 211 uses the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214. Based on the signal indicating the user's operation input supplied from the input unit 216 via the input unit 216, it is determined whether or not a search condition is input and transmission of data that matches the condition is instructed. If it is determined in step S77 that a search condition is input and that transmission of data that matches the condition is not instructed, the process returns to step S71, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S77 that a search condition is input and transmission of data that matches the condition is instructed, in step S78, the CPU 211 sends data that matches the search condition to the tape streamer drive 1. The requested command is supplied to the USB interface 219 via the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215. The USB interface 219 transmits a data transmission request command that matches the search condition to the tape streamer drive 1, and the process proceeds to step S83 to be described later.

  After the process of step S72, step S74, or step S76 is completed, in step S79, the USB interface 219 transmits, as a command reply, the tape streamer drive 1 in the process of step S120 described later with reference to FIG. It is determined whether inquiry result information has been received. If it is determined in step S79 that inquiry result information has not been received, the process in step S79 is repeated until it is determined that inquiry result information has been received.

  If it is determined in step S79 that the inquiry result information has been received, in step S80, the USB interface 219 supplies the inquiry result information to the CPU 211 via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214. Based on the inquiry result information, display image data for displaying the contents of the reply to the inquiry on the display of the output unit 217 or audio data for output from the speaker of the output unit 217 is generated. The information is supplied to the output unit 217 via the output interface 215 to notify the user by displaying the reply content to the inquiry or outputting the voice.

  In step S <b> 81, the CPU 211 determines whether or not the user has instructed to read any data based on a signal indicating the user's operation input supplied from the input unit 216 via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214. Determine whether. In step S81, when it is determined that reading of any data is not instructed, the process ends.

  If it is determined in step S81 that any one of the data has been read, the CPU 211 sends a command requesting the tape streamer drive 1 to transmit the selected data to the bus 214 and the input / output. The data is supplied to the USB interface 219 via the interface 215. The USB interface 219 transmits a selected data transmission request command to the tape streamer drive 1.

  After the process of step S78 or step S82 is completed, in step S83, the USB interface 219 determines whether reception of the read data transmitted from the tape streamer drive 1 is completed as a command reply. If it is determined in step S83 that the data reception has not ended, the process of step S83 is repeated until it is determined that the data reception has ended.

  If it is determined in step S83 that the data reception has been completed, in step S84, the USB interface 219 supplies the received data to the storage unit 218 for storage, and also indicates that the data reception has been completed. Since it is supplied to the CPU 211 via the output interface 215 and the bus 214, the CPU 211 displays display image data for displaying a message or an image for notifying the user of the end of data reception on the display of the output unit 217. Generates audio data for generating or outputting a voice message from the speaker of the output unit 217, supplies the audio data to the output unit 217 via the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215, and notifies the user of the end of data reception To do.

  By such processing, the host computer 201 transmits an inquiry about data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 mounted on the tape streamer drive 1 to the tape streamer drive 1 and displays the inquiry result or voice. Notifies the user by output, requests the tape streamer drive 1 to read data that matches the search condition or is selected by the user, and selects from the tape streamer drive 1 that meets the search condition or is selected by the user It is possible to receive the supplied data.

  Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12, the processing of the tape streamer drive 1 at the time of data reading, which is executed in parallel with the processing of the host computer 201 at the time of data reading described with reference to FIG. explain.

  In step S111, the command acquisition unit 101 receives from the host computer 201 the inquiry command for attribute information of data that matches the search condition, that is, the inquiry command transmitted by the host computer 201 in the process of step S72 of FIG. Judge whether or not. If it is determined in step S111 that an inquiry command for data attribute information that matches the search condition has not been received, the process proceeds to step S114, which will be described later.

  If it is determined in step S111 that an inquiry command for data attribute information matching the search condition has been received, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies the search condition to the search processing unit 124 of the table processing unit 104 in step S112. Therefore, the search processing unit 124 controls the table reading control unit 125 to read the attribute information table (read from the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51 and stored in the cache memory 37), and the search condition Based on the above, search processing is executed.

  In step S113, the search processing unit 124 supplies the search result, that is, the record that matches the condition, to the query result information generation processing unit 126. Therefore, the query result information generation processing unit 126 is supplied from the search processing unit 124. In addition, based on the record that matches the search condition or the search condition expression, the query result information of the attribute information that matches the search condition is generated and supplied to the query result information supply control unit 127, and the process goes to step S120 described later. move on. When the search result is a plurality of records, the information indicating the inquiry result may be in a table format or a set of a plurality of record information. For example, the file name, the data capacity, etc. in the search result Alternatively, it may be composed only of attribute information that matches the content of the inquiry.

  A specific example when the information indicating the inquiry result is in a table format is shown in FIG. For example, FIG. 13A is an example of a search result table showing a search result of data having a file name including a text indicated as a search condition by the user. FIG. 13B is an example of a search result table showing data search results when the user specifies a creation date range and a data size range as search conditions. FIG. 13C is an example of a search result table showing a search result of data when the user has a file name including the text indicated as the search condition and designates the creation date range. is there.

  If it is determined in step S111 that an inquiry command for data attribute information that matches the search condition has not been received, in step S114, the command acquisition unit 101 receives, from the host computer 201, statistics on data that matches the search condition. It is determined whether or not an information inquiry command, that is, an inquiry command transmitted by the host computer 201 in the process of step S74 in FIG. 10, has been received. If it is determined in step S114 that an inquiry command for statistical information of data that matches the search condition has not been received, the process proceeds to step S117 described later.

  If it is determined in step S114 that an inquiry command for statistical information of data that matches the search condition has been received, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies the search condition to the search processing unit 124 of the table processing unit 104 in step S115. Therefore, the search processing unit 124 controls the table read control unit 125 to read the attribute information table (read from the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51 and stored in the cache memory 37), and the attribute information table. Referring to the table, the search process is executed based on the search condition.

  In step S 116, the search processing unit 124 supplies the search result to the query result information generation processing unit 126. Therefore, the query result information generation processing unit 126 applies the search condition or the search condition expression supplied from the search processing unit 124. Based on the matched record, statistical information of data that matches the search condition is calculated, inquiry result information is generated and supplied to the inquiry result information supply control unit 127, and the process proceeds to step S120 described later. The statistical information is, for example, the number of data that matches the search condition, the total data capacity of the data that matches the search condition, the access time to the desired data, or the time taken to transfer the desired data to the host computer. is there.

  If it is determined in step S114 that an inquiry command for statistical information of data that matches the search condition has not been received, the command acquisition unit 101 determines from the host computer 201 the attribute of the data that matches the search condition in step S117. It is determined whether an inquiry command for information and statistical information, that is, an inquiry command transmitted by the host computer 201 by the processing in step S76 of FIG. 10 has been received. If it is determined in step S117 that an inquiry command for data attribute information and statistical information matching the search condition has not been received, the process proceeds to step S121 described below.

  If it is determined in step S117 that a command for inquiring data attribute information and statistical information that matches the search condition has been received, the command acquisition unit 101 searches the search processing unit 124 of the table processing unit 104 to perform a search in step S118. Since the condition is supplied, the search processing unit 124 controls the table reading control unit 125 to read the attribute information table (read from the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51 and stored in the cache memory 37). Referring to the attribute information table, the search process is executed based on the search condition.

  In step S119, the search processing unit 124 supplies the search result to the query result information generation processing unit 126. Therefore, the query result information generation processing unit 126 applies the search condition or the search condition expression supplied from the search processing unit 124. Based on the matched records, the statistical information of the data that matches the search conditions is calculated, the query result information is generated from the attribute information of the data that matches the search conditions and the calculated statistical information, and the query result information supply control To the unit 127.

  After the process of step S113, step S116, or step S119 ends, in step S120, the inquiry result information supply control unit 127 transmits the generated inquiry result information to the host computer 201, and the process ends. .

  If it is determined in step S117 that a command for querying attribute information and statistical information of data that matches the search condition has not been received, the command acquisition unit 101 matches the search condition from the host computer 201 in step S121. It is determined whether or not a data transmission request command, that is, an inquiry command transmitted by the host computer 201 by the processing in step S78 of FIG. 10 has been received. If it is determined in step S121 that a data transmission request command that matches the search condition has not been received, the process proceeds to step S124 described later.

  If it is determined in step S121 that a transmission request command for data matching the search condition has been received, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies the search condition to the search processing unit 124 of the table processing unit 104 in step S122. The search processing unit 124 controls the table reading control unit 125 to read out the attribute information table (read out from the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51 and stored in the cache memory 37). Referring to and executing the search process based on the search condition. The search result always includes attribute information regarding the data recording position.

  In step S123, the search processing unit 124 supplies the search result to the recording / playback control unit 102. Therefore, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102 temporarily stores the searched data when it is read out. After selecting the cache memory 29, the process proceeds to step S127 described later.

  If it is determined in step S121 that a data transmission request command matching the search condition has not been received, in step S124, the command acquisition unit 101 receives a data transmission request command selected by the user from the host computer 201. That is, it is determined whether or not a data transmission request command transmitted by the host computer 201 has been received in the process of step S82 of FIG. If it is determined in step S124 that the transmission request command for the data selected by the user has not been received, the process returns to step S111, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S124 that the transmission request command for the selected data has been received, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies information indicating the selected data to the search processing unit 124 in step S125. The unit 124 controls the table reading control unit 125 to read the attribute information table (read from the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51 and stored in the cache memory 37), and refer to the attribute information table. The recording position of the selected data is searched, and the search result is notified to the recording / playback control unit 102.

  In step S126, the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102 selects the cache memory 29 for temporary storage when the selected data is read.

  After the process of step S123 or step S126 is completed, in step S127, the recording / playback control unit 102 and the drive control unit 105 are based on information regarding the recording position on the magnetic tape 62 included in the supplied search results. The data that matches the search result or the data selected by the user is read out, the reproduction process is executed using the selected cache memory 29, and the reproduced data is transmitted to the host computer 201. Processing is terminated.

  Specifically, the servo controller 32 controls the mechanical driver 34 with reference to the information recorded in the EEP-ROM 33 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the drive control unit 105). Thus, the drum motor 35-1, the capstan motor 35-2, the reel motors 35-3 and 35-4, and the loading motor 35-5 are rotated. The reproducing heads 42-1 to 42-3 read out the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 and supply the data to the compression / modulation and RF processing unit 31. The modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 converts the RF signal supplied from the reproduction heads 42-1 to 42-3 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / reproduction control unit 102). On the other hand, reproduction equalizing processing is performed, demodulated, and supplied to the ECC processing unit 30. The ECC processing unit 30 is based on the error correction code of the demodulated data supplied from the modulation / demodulation and RF processing unit 31 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / reproducing control unit 102). If an error has occurred in the data, a process for detecting and correcting the error is executed, and the error-corrected data is supplied to the cache memory controller 28.

  Then, based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the cache memory allocation processing unit 111 of the recording / playback control unit 102), the cache memory controller 28 receives the compressed data supplied from the compression / decompression processing unit 27. The cache memory 29-1 to the cache memory 21-n is supplied and cached, and the data cached in any of the cache memory 29-1 to the cache memory 21-n is read, This is supplied to the compression / decompression processing unit 27. The compression / decompression processing unit 27 decompresses the compressed data supplied from the cache memory controller 28 based on the control of the system controller 22 (in other words, the control of the recording / playback control unit 102), and the USB interface 21 To supply. The USB interface 21 transmits data read from the magnetic tape 62 and processed in various ways supplied from the compression / decompression processing unit 27 to the host computer 201.

  By such processing, the tape streamer drive 1 executes search processing with reference to the attribute information table stored in the MIC 63 based on the command supplied from the host computer 201, and data that matches the search conditions. Any one or both of the attribute information and the statistical information can be transmitted to the host computer 201 as inquiry result information. When the search result is a plurality of records, the inquiry result information may be in a table format or a set of a plurality of record information. For example, the file name, the data capacity, the desired data among the search results It may be configured only from attribute information that matches the content of the inquiry, such as the access time to the user or the time required to transfer the desired data to the host computer.

  Further, the tape streamer drive 1 reads out data that matches the search result or data selected by the user based on a command supplied from the host computer 201 and transmits the data to the host computer 201.

  Next, processing of the host computer 201 other than data recording or reading will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S151, the CPU 211 makes an inquiry about information about the tape cassette 51 and the tape streamer drive 1, for example, based on a signal indicating the user's operation input supplied from the input unit 216 via the input / output interface 215 and the bus 214. In addition, it is determined whether or not an inquiry other than data recording or reading is instructed, such as an inquiry about statistical information of data not related to a search. Information on the tape cassette 51 and the tape streamer drive 1 includes, for example, the name of the manufacturer of the tape cassette 51 mounted, the number of loads, the date of manufacture, the position of the bad spot, the remaining capacity of the tape, and the tape streamer drive. 1 information such as the manufacturer name, serial number, date of manufacture, current temperature, current winding amount of the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 mounted. Inquiries regarding statistical information on data not related to the search include, for example, the number of data in one recording unit recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 loaded, the total data capacity of the recorded data, and a predetermined amount. There is an estimated time for reading the file.

  If it is determined in step S151 that an inquiry other than data recording or reading is instructed, in step S152, the CPU 211 sends an inquiry command other than data recording or reading to the USB interface 219 via the bus 214 and the input / output interface 215. To supply. The USB interface 219 transmits an inquiry command other than data recording or reading to the tape streamer drive 1.

  In step S151, when it is determined that an inquiry other than data recording or reading is not instructed, or after the process of step S152 ends, the process ends.

  Through such processing, for example, an inquiry command other than data recording or reading such as an inquiry about information about the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1 is transmitted to the tape streamer drive 1.

  Next, processing of the tape streamer drive 1 other than data recording or reading, which is executed in parallel with the processing described with reference to FIG. 14, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S181, the command acquisition unit 101 determines whether an inquiry command other than data recording or reading, that is, the inquiry command transmitted in step S152 of FIG. 14 has been received from the host computer 201. If it is determined in step S181 that an inquiry command other than data recording or reading has not been received, the process of step S181 is repeated until it is determined that the command has been received.

  If it is determined in step S181 that an inquiry command other than data recording or reading has been received, in step S182, the command acquisition unit 101 supplies the acquired command to the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126. The information generation processing unit 126 determines whether it is possible to generate inquiry information for the command by reading the attribute information registered in the attribute information table. If the content of the inquiry is, for example, the number of data of one recording unit recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the tape cassette 51 that is mounted, the total data capacity of the recorded data, etc., the attribute information table It is determined that the inquiry information for the command can be generated by reading the registered attribute information. If it is determined in step S182 that the inquiry information for the command cannot be generated by reading the attribute information registered in the attribute information table, the process proceeds to step S185 described later.

  If it is determined in step S182 that the query information for the command can be generated by reading the attribute information registered in the attribute information table, the query result information generation processing unit 126 reads the table in step S183. The control unit 125 is controlled to read the attribute information registered in the table based on the command.

  In step S184, the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 generates inquiry result information based on the attribute information read by the table reading control unit 125, and supplies the inquiry result information to the inquiry result information supply control unit 127. Then, the process proceeds to step S190 described later.

  If it is determined in step S182 that the inquiry information for the command cannot be generated by reading the attribute information registered in the attribute information table, the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 in step S185 determines whether the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 By reading information about the tape streamer drive 1 from the flash ROM 24 or the MIC 63, it is determined whether or not inquiry information for the acquired command can be generated. When the content of the inquiry is, for example, information about the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1, it is possible to generate inquiry information for the acquired command by reading the information about the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1. To be judged. For example, the content of the inquiry requires both the attribute information described in the attribute information table and the information related to the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1 to generate inquiry result information such as the time required for reading a predetermined file. In the case where it is determined in step S185 that the inquiry information for the acquired command cannot be generated by reading the information related to the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1, the process proceeds to step S188 described later. .

  If it is determined in step S185 that inquiry information for the acquired command can be generated by reading information relating to the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1, the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 in step S186. Based on the command, the information related to the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1 is read from the flash ROM 24 or the MIC 63, or the arithmetic processing is executed based on the read information.

  In step S187, the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 generates inquiry result information based on the information about the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1 or the calculation result, and supplies the inquiry result information to the inquiry result information supply control unit 127. The process proceeds to step S190 described later.

  In step S185, when it is determined that the inquiry information for the acquired command cannot be generated by reading the information on the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1, the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 in step S188 Based on the table, the table read control unit 125 is controlled to read the attribute information registered in the attribute information table, and the necessary information regarding the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1 is read from the flash ROM 24 or the MIC 63. Alternatively, arithmetic processing is executed based on the read information.

  In step S189, the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 generates inquiry result information based on the read attribute information, information on the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1, or the calculation result, and supplies inquiry result information. This is supplied to the control unit 127.

  After the processing of step S184, step S187, or step S189 is completed, in step S190, the inquiry result information supply control unit 127 transmits the inquiry result information generated in the inquiry result information generation processing unit 126 to the host computer 201. Then, the process is terminated.

  By such processing, in the tape streamer drive 1, both the attribute information described in the attribute information table and the information related to the tape cassette 51 or the tape streamer drive 1 in response to an inquiry command other than data recording or reading. Inquiry result information can be generated and supplied to the host computer 201 based on any information.

  Therefore, by applying the present invention, when searching for data recorded on a recording medium on which data is sequentially recorded, such as a magnetic tape, or inquiring about information related to such data, the data is recorded on the recording medium. This eliminates the need to scan existing data from the beginning, thus facilitating search processing or query result information generation processing for a query, and shortening the processing time.

  In particular, by applying the present invention, the tape streamer drive 1 describes the information related to the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the mounted tape cassette 51 in the MIC 63 as, for example, an attribute information table in the form of a relational database. can do. As a result, when the host computer 201 sends an inquiry command described in SQL syntax or the like regarding the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the attached tape cassette 51, the tape streamer drive 1 will read the attached tape cassette 1 Of the data recorded on the magnetic tape 62 of the cassette 51, the attribute information, statistical information, or the data itself that matches the conditions can be easily extracted or calculated and sent to the host computer 201. Is possible.

  In the tape streamer drive 1 to which the present invention is applied, the cache memory 21-1 to the cache memory 29-n are used in both cases of data recording and data reproduction (recording and recording). Not separated for playback). By providing a plurality of cache memories 29-1 to 29-n, the tape streamer drive 1 to which the present invention is applied can be applied to the magnetic tape 62 based on the attribute information supplied prior to the data to be recorded. Since the cache memory 29 for temporarily storing data before recording can be selected, for example, on the magnetic tape 62, data having a small data size can be recorded in one group, for example, Depending on the types of data such as moving images, still images, and texts, the same type of data can be recorded together in the same group.

  Further, in the tape streamer drive 1 to which the present invention is applied, an attribute information table is generated based on the attribute information of recorded data regardless of the number of cache memories 29 provided, and the MIC 63 of the tape cassette 51 is generated. When the data is reproduced, the data can be retrieved by referring to the attribute information table, or statistical information on the recorded data can be calculated.

  The present invention can be applied not only when data is recorded on a magnetic tape but also when data is recorded sequentially, for example, when data is recorded on a CD-R or the like. It is possible to achieve the same effect as that used when doing so. Since the CD-R does not include an MIC, the attribute information table may be recorded in a part of the recording area of the CD-R.

  The series of processes described above can also be executed by software. The software is a computer in which the program constituting the software is incorporated in dedicated hardware, or various functions can be executed by installing various programs, for example, a general-purpose personal computer For example, it is installed from a recording medium.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the recording medium is distributed to provide a program to a user separately from a computer, and includes a magnetic disk (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded, an optical disk (CD-ROM ( FIG. 5 shows a removable medium 71 including a Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (DVD) (including Digital Versatile Disk), a magneto-optical disk (including MD (Mini-Disk) (trademark)), or a semiconductor memory. As shown, a magnetic disk 231 (including a flexible disk) on which a program is recorded, an optical disk 232 (CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), magneto-optical disk 233 (including MD (Mini-Disk) (trademark)), or semiconductor memory 234 or the like. Consists of cage media.

  Further, in the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded on the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in chronological order according to the described order, but may be performed in parallel or It also includes processes that are executed individually.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tape streamer drive to which this invention is applied. It is a functional block diagram for demonstrating the function which can implement | achieve the tape streamer drive of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the data recorded on a magnetic tape. It is a figure for demonstrating the data recorded on a magnetic tape. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a host computer. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the host computer at the time of data recording. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the tape streamer drive at the time of data recording. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the tape streamer drive at the time of data recording. It is a figure for demonstrating an attribute information table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the host computer at the time of data reading. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the tape streamer drive at the time of data reading. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the tape streamer drive at the time of data reading. It is a figure for demonstrating inquiry result information. It is a flowchart for demonstrating processing of the host computer other than data recording or reading. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of a tape streamer drive other than data recording or reading.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape streamer drive, 21 USB interface, 22 System controller, 27 Compression / decompression processing part, 28 Cache memory controller, 29 Cache memory, 30 ECC processing part, 31 Modulation / demodulation and RF processing part, 32 Servo controller, 34 Mechanical driver , 36 Rotating drum, 37 Cache memory, 41 Recording head, 42 Playback head, 51 Tape cassette, 62 Magnetic tape, 63 MIC, 101 Command acquisition unit, 102 Recording / reproduction control unit, 103 Identifier generation unit, 104 Table processing unit, 105 Drive control unit, 111 cache memory allocation processing unit, 121 attribute information acquisition unit, 122 attribute information generation unit, 123 table storage control unit, 124 search processing Unit, 125 table read control unit, 126 inquiry result information generation processing unit, 127 inquiry result information supply control unit, 201 host computer, 211 CPU, 216 input unit, 127 output unit, 218 storage unit, 219 USB interface

Claims (11)

In an information processing apparatus capable of mounting a recording medium on which data is sequentially recorded and processing the data recorded on the recording medium or information on the data,
Attribute information reading means for reading the attribute information from an attribute information recording area that is different from a recording area in which the data is recorded in the recording medium and in which attribute information of the data is recorded in a table format When,
An acquisition means for acquiring a command and information necessary for executing the command, supplied from another information processing apparatus;
An information processing apparatus comprising: search means for searching a record corresponding to the data from the attribute information read by the attribute information reading means based on the information acquired by the acquisition means . Replaying means for replaying the data corresponding to the record retrieved by the retrieving means;
The acquisition means acquires information for searching the data recorded on the recording medium and the command for requesting reproduction of the data corresponding to the record searched based on the information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Attribute information transmission control means for controlling transmission of the attribute information corresponding to the record searched by the search means to the other information processing apparatus,
The acquisition means acquires information for searching the data recorded in the recording medium and the command requesting transmission of the attribute information included in the record searched based on the information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. Calculation means for calculating statistical information about the data using the attribute information included in the record searched by the search means;
Statistical information transmission control means for controlling transmission of the statistical information calculated by the calculation means to the other information processing apparatus,
The information according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information for searching for the data recorded in the recording medium and the command that requests transmission of the statistical information related to the data. Processing equipment. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a tape cassette capable of recording the data on a magnetic tape. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the attribute information recording area is at least a part of a recording area of a memory different from the magnetic tape provided in the tape cassette. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a CD-R. Obtaining means for obtaining the data recorded on the recording medium and attribute information of the data;
Data recording means for recording the data on the recording medium;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: attribute information recording control means for controlling recording of the attribute information in the attribute information recording area. A plurality of data temporary storage means for temporarily storing the data acquired by the acquisition means;
Based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition means, further comprising storage control means for controlling the temporary storage of the data in the data temporary storage means,
The storage control unit reads the data when the data of the storage capacity included in the temporary storage unit is stored in any of the plurality of temporary storage units,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the data recording unit records the data read by the storage control unit on the recording medium. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus capable of mounting a recording medium on which data is sequentially recorded and processing the data recorded on the recording medium or information on the data,
An acquisition control step for controlling acquisition of a command and information necessary for executing the command, supplied from another information processing apparatus;
Based on the information whose acquisition is controlled by the process of the control acquisition step, the recording information is recorded in a table format in a different area from the recording area where the data is recorded in the recording medium. And a retrieval step of retrieving the attribute information from the attribute information recording area, and retrieving a record corresponding to the predetermined data. A program for causing a computer to execute processing of the data recorded on a recording medium in which data is sequentially recorded or information related to the data,
An acquisition control step for controlling acquisition of a command and information necessary for executing the command, supplied from another information processing apparatus;
Based on the information whose acquisition is controlled by the process of the control acquisition step, the recording information is recorded in a table format in a different area from the recording area where the data is recorded in the recording medium. And a retrieval step for retrieving the attribute information from the attribute information recording area, and retrieving a record corresponding to the predetermined data.

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