JPH04355243A - Timer operation management device for plural cassettes - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To change over execution start time depending on whether a reservation cassette is located at a tape driving position or a saving position and to accurately obtain the point of time when a timer is recorded or reproduced for each cassette. CONSTITUTION:A cassette carrying control means 914 selects a single cassette from plural cassettes and installs the selected cassette in the tape driving part. In starting the timer execution, a timer control part 1000 or a system control part 900 discriminates whether or not the cassette being the timer operation object has already been installed in the tape driving part and depending on whether the discrimination result indicates that the cassette has already been installed in it or not yet been installed in it, changes over and sets the timer execution start timing of a timer operation execution part.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a device that is incorporated into, for example, a video tape recorder (hereinafter referred to as VTR) or a digital audio tape recorder (hereinafter referred to as DAT), and is capable of automatically exchanging a plurality of cassettes within the device. The present invention relates to a timer reservation management device for multiple cassettes that makes timer reservations for each cassette.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there have been an increase in the number of long television broadcast programs. Furthermore, with the start of satellite broadcasting, the number of programs that are broadcast late into the night is increasing. Therefore,
The recording system of VTRs is also changing to the point where it is possible to record while the person is away and for long periods of time.

0003

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, current VTRs have a structure in which only one tape cassette is loaded and used for long-term recording or recording when the user is away, so there is a limit to the recording capacity. . Furthermore, since there are standards for the size of cassettes, there are restrictions on the production of large-capacity cassette tapes. In order to solve this problem, there has been a proposal to configure a VTR so that a plurality of cassettes can be loaded therein.

[0004] Therefore, if a plurality of cassettes can be loaded in advance, the cassettes can be replaced inside the VTR. Therefore, inside the device, there are tape drives in which the tape is being driven and tape drive sections in which the tape is simply on standby. The VTR also has recording Rec, Play,
In addition to functions such as rewind, fast forward, and stop, there are also functions such as timer setting. Therefore, it would be more convenient to be able to set a timer or the like for a waiting cassette even while one cassette is in operation.

When the timer is set in this way, even after the timer execution time has elapsed, another cassette may be installed in the tape drive unit and used, or another cassette may remain installed in the tape drive unit and left unattended. If the timer is running, it may become impossible to run the timer. Therefore,
When the timer execution time comes, it is conceivable that the cassette on which the timer has been set is forcibly transferred to the cassette drive unit and mounted thereon, and the timer operation is executed.

However, in such a system, there are cases in which the timer execution is started when the cassette to be executed by the timer is installed in the tape drive section, and cases in which the cassette to be executed by the timer is in a standby state. from the state where it is stored, it is transferred and attached to the tape drive unit,
There are cases where the timer execution starts for the first time after this. In these two cases, there is a large difference in the time at which recording actually starts, especially when the VTR is turned on and the timer starts running.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides that a plurality of cassettes are
When the timer is selectively executed for a specified cassette loaded inside the R, even if the cassette to be executed by the timer is located in the tape drive section or in a standby state, the timer It is an object of the present invention to provide a timer management control device for a plurality of cassettes that does not cause differences in recording or playback points.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides means for selecting a single cassette from a plurality of cassettes, means for loading the selected cassette into a tape drive section, and means for controlling the tape drive section to tape a tape. a timer operation execution unit for timer-controlling a driving means for running the;

When the timer operation execution section starts the timer execution, it includes a determination means for determining whether or not the cassette to be subjected to the timer operation has already been installed in the tape drive section, and a determination result by this determination means has already been determined. The device includes means for switching and setting the timer execution preparation timing of the timer operation execution section depending on whether the device is attached or not attached.

0010

[Operation] By the above means, when the cassette that is the target of the timer operation is in the retracted state, the execution preparation timing is advanced to cover the time required for transporting the target cassette and installing it in the tape drive unit. This allows timer recording or playback to be performed at the same timing as when the cassettes were loaded into the tape drive section from the beginning, synchronizing with the reservation start time set by the user, and eliminating variations between cassettes.

[0011]

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a VTR system in which a plurality of cassettes can be preloaded in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. A VT that can load multiple cassettes.
R is assumed to be a device in which, for example, a plurality of cassettes are placed on a tray device, and a cassette to be recorded or played back can be selectively and automatically conveyed to a cassette drive section and set therein. A specific example of this configuration will be described later, and the timer management system will be explained first.

Reference numeral 900 denotes a system control unit, which uses a microcomputer to process information from each part of the system and to control the functions of each part according to conditions. Stored. The figure shows only the functions necessary for the present invention in blocks, including cassette determining and controlling means 901, operation mode setting and controlling means 902, and display controlling means 903.

The source of the information input to the cassette determination and control means 901 will be explained. The cassette determination and control means 901 receives detection information from the erroneous erasure prevention claw detection means 911, cassette detection information from the cassette detection means 912, and information from the cassette selection setting means 913. In addition, the cassette determination and control means 9
Information on the operation mode setting and control means 902 is also taken into 01.

Furthermore, the cassette determination and control means 902 also receives information from a timer control section 1000 that performs processing such as timer mode and cassette discrimination.

The accidental erasure prevention claw detection means 911 detects whether each cassette placed in each mounting area of the tray device has an accidental erasure prevention claw provided on the cassette (recording is possible) or not (recording is impossible). and inputs the detected information to the cassette determining and controlling means 901. The cassette detection means 912 detects whether or not a cassette is placed in each mounting area, and inputs the information to the cassette determination and control means 901. The cassette selection setting means 913 uses the information of the cassette specified by the user from among the plurality of cassettes installed in the cassette determination and control means 90.
Give to 1. This cassette determination and control means 901
determines the conditions of the input information and controls the cassette transport control means 9.
14 to set a cassette selected from a plurality of cassettes at a predetermined cassette driving position. This puts the selected cassette into recording or playback mode.

[
The information input to the cassette determining and controlling means 901 is tabulated and input to the cassette-specific information storage means 915. Further, the information in this cassette-specific information storage means 915 is also used by the use cassette determination and control means 90.
1 directly or via the timer control unit 1000.

The operation mode setting control means 902 receives operation information from the operation mode input means 916. For example, these are command signals for recording, playback, fast forward, rewind, stop, high speed playback, slow or double speed playback, and measuring the remaining amount of tape.

When a command signal for measuring the remaining amount of tape is input, the operation mode setting and control means 902 inputs the information to the cassette determination and control means 901 to be used. Then, the use cassette determination and control means 901 determines the presence or absence of the installed cassette (cassette-specific information storage means 901).
(see table No. 15), and if there is such a cassette, the cassette transport control means 914 is controlled so that the cassette is loaded at a predetermined cassette drive position. When the cassette is loaded, the operation mode setting and control means 902 controls the tape drive system control means 917 to drive the tape, and controls the remaining tape amount measuring means 918 to measure the remaining amount of tape. When the remaining amount of tape is measured, the remaining amount of tape data for that cassette is stored in the cassette-specific information storage means 915 as information for the corresponding cassette. In this way,
The remaining amount of tape in the cassettes loaded one after another is measured, and the information for each cassette is stored in the cassette-specific information storage means 915. However, if the cassette is not loaded into the VTR from the beginning, the information detected by the cassette detection means 912 is stored in the cassette-specific information storage means 915, so the remaining amount measurement is not performed. In this case, the display is performed through the display control means 903 and the display device 920. Furthermore, there are two remaining tape measurement modes: one that calculates the remaining amount of tape in all loaded cassettes, and the other that measures the remaining amount of tape in unmeasured cassettes by omitting cassettes that have already been measured. .

In the case of normal recording and playback (other than execution of timer operation), the cassette specified by the user through the cassette selection setting means 913 is placed at the cassette drive position, and the cassette specified through the operation mode input means 916 is set. The system operates according to the operation signal. Alternatively, each cassette is selectively used in a fixed order. For example, A, B
When using a cassette, use starts from A,
When cassette A is used to the end of the tape, it is automatically replaced with cassette B and operation continues. In the case of rewinding, conversely, cassette A is rewound after rewinding of cassette B is completed. Next, timer reservation and timer operation will be explained. The reservation function and operation function related to the timer are managed by the timer control unit 1000.

The timer control section 1000 includes a timer cassette reservation means 1001, an operation content setting means 1002,
Timer information from the operation time setting means 1003 is input, and this timer information is stored in the timer information storage section 1004.
is stored in The timer cassette reservation means 1001 is
The cassette to be operated by the timer can be specified, and the operation content setting means 1002 outputs operation content information for setting the operation content whether the cassette to be operated when the timer is executed is to be operated in recording or playback mode. be able to. Note that operation control using a timer is used in the normal recording mode, so if only the recording mode is subject to timer operation, the operation content setting means 1002 becomes a recording operation setting means, or the timer control unit 1000 By providing a function of outputting a control signal for performing a recording operation, the operation content setting means 1002 can be omitted. Operating time setting means 1
003 can output timer time information that sets the time (start and end time) for timer execution. Although not shown, the timer control unit 1000 also receives signals from a timer reservation switch for making timer reservations and a timer release switch for canceling timer reservations.
can be entered.

The timer control section 1000 inputs and stores information such as cassette designation information for timer operation, operation content information, timer time information, etc. into the timer information storage section 1004. The timer control section 1000 includes a time measuring means 1.
Time data from 005 is input. The time measurement means is a part that reports current time and date information. Therefore, when the timer time information (start information) and the current time information match, the timer control unit 1000 basically uses the cassette designation information and operation content information corresponding to the timer time information.
Enter. As a result, the cassette determination and control means 901 controls the operation mode setting control means 902,
Sets the recording or playback status of the specified cassette. Further, when the timer time information (end information) and the current time information match, the timer control unit 1000 uses the timer operation end information to determine the use of the cassette and control unit 90.
Give to 1.

The timer control section 1000 can also access the cassette-specific information storage means 915 to obtain the data, and can also access the data on the display device 92 through the display control means 903.
You can also manage the content displayed on 0. Next, the timer control unit 1000 is provided with various safety measures for setting timer reservations and executing timer operations.

FIG. 2(A) shows the cassette-specific information storage means 9.
It is a cassette-specific information table formed in 15,
A number or code is set according to the mounting position of the cassette (for example, the location of a tray device on which a plurality of cassettes can be placed in advance). In this example, codes A, B, C, etc. are shown, and these codes correspond to cassette identification codes. In addition, information on the presence or absence of a cassette, detection information on whether recording is possible, information on remaining capacity, etc. are stored in accordance with each mounting position.

On the other hand, FIG. 3B shows a timer information table formed in the timer information storage section 1004. In the designated cassette column, timer cassette reservation method 1 is displayed.
The designated cassette information inputted from 001, operation content information for timer operation in the operation content column, timer start time information in the start column, and termer end time information in the end column are set. The data stored in the designated cassette column is the same as the cassette identification code. These storage units are associated by the timer control unit 1000 and contribute to timer reservation and operation.

FIG. 3 is an example of a program that operates when making timer reservations. When the timer reservation mode is entered, the system first waits for the input of a designated cassette, and when the cassette designation information from the timer cassette reservation means 1001 is input, the cassette-specific information storage means 915 is accessed.
The presence or absence of a corresponding cassette is determined (step S1~
S3). If there is no cassette, a warning (flushing,
A buzzer, character display, etc.) are performed, and a recordable cassette is searched for, and its identification code is displayed (
Step S4). If no cassettes are placed, the tray device is controlled to be fed out, and if there are other cassettes, the device waits for a certain period of time to see if the timer reservation mode is canceled. If the timer reservation mode is not canceled, the process returns to step S2, and if the timer reservation mode is canceled, the process returns to step S1. Step S6 exists to provide an opportunity to load the cassette.

If it is determined in step S3 that a cassette exists, it is determined whether or not the cassette has an accidental erasure prevention claw (step S8). If so, it enters a state of importing the operation details, and enters a state of inputting and importing the timer time (steps S11 and S12). However, if there are no claws, it is impossible to record, so a warning process is performed and
The content of the action is taken in and the content of the action is determined (steps S9, S10). This is because even if there are no claws, there is a case where playback is specified instead of recording. If playback is specified, the process moves to step S12, and a timer time reading state is entered. When the timer time is input, the cassette identification code and each piece of information are combined and stored in the timer information storage unit 1004. At this point, one of the timer programs has been reserved, and the timer standby mode is automatically entered. When making a reservation for the next program, the process moves to step S2 and input is performed from the specified cassette input to the oscillation procedure. Furthermore, instead of specifying a cassette for each program, it is also possible to set the cassettes to be automatically allocated in the order of timer operation time. In the timer standby mode, for example, the cassette specified by the program with the earliest start time or a predetermined cassette is loaded into the cassette drive unit. In the timer standby state,
It is also possible to perform recording and playback using a non-target cassette until the start time arrives. In this case, the target cassette is loaded into the drive unit at the start time. FIG. 4 is an example of a program after timer recording has been set.

The current time and the timer start time are compared at regular intervals. If there is a match among the start times stored in the timer information storage unit 1004, it is determined whether or not the corresponding cassette identification code is stored in the cassette-specific information storage unit 915. be exposed. If a cassette exists, the reserved cassette is conveyed to the drive unit in step S27, and recording starts (step S26). If no cassette exists, a warning is issued, and the information in the cassette-specific information storage means 915 is referred to to detect a recordable cassette, and its identification code is displayed (step S23). Then, in step S24, insertion of the cassette is waited for a certain period of time. This is because the user may become aware of the warning and insert the desired cassette. If a certain period of time has elapsed and no cassette has been inserted, the previously detected recordable cassette is attached to the drive unit and recording starts (steps S25, S26).

After starting recording, the current time and timer end time are compared, and if they match, recording is stopped (
S27), the process moves to step S21. Note that when recording starts, the reservation cassette may already be attached to the drive unit, so the process moves to recording start step S26 without activating a function (not shown) to determine this and a transport function. There are also routines.

FIG. 5 shows a program when playback is specified as the timer operation content. If the current time and the timer start time match, it is determined whether there is a reserved cassette, and if there is no reserved cassette, a warning is issued (steps S31, S32, S33). Then, a cassette is waited for insertion for a certain period of time, and if a cassette is inserted, the mode shifts to playback mode, but if no cassette is inserted, the reserved cassette data (timer information) is cleared and the process moves to step S31. do. If there is a reserved cassette in step S32, the process moves to step S36 where playback is performed and a comparison between the current time and the timer end time is started (S36). If the comparison results do not match, it is determined whether or not it is the end of the tape. If it is not the end of the tape, playback is continued. If it is the end of the tape, or if the end time and the current time match, the playback is stopped and the process returns to step S31. The tape end information is
The information is imported from the operation mode setting means into the cassette determining and controlling means 901, and the timer control section monitors this information.

[0031] The above description independently shows programs when there is a recording designation and a playback designation as timer operations. However, it is also easy to alternately perform timer operations such as recording and playback. in fact,
The steps S21 and S31 for comparing the current time and timer start time are common, and the next step, although not shown, is a step for determining whether the specified operation content is recording or playback. do. If recording is designated, the routine shifts to the routine shown in FIG. 4, and if playback is designated, the routine shifts to the routine shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows a timer execution operation time switching function incorporated in the routines of FIGS. 4 and 5.

In FIG. 4, it has been explained that the reserved cassette is loaded into the tape drive section in step S27. Further, in FIG. 5, if there is a reserved cassette in step S32, the process moves to step S36 to perform playback and wait for the timer end time.

However, in reality, if there is a reserved cassette, a function is activated that first determines the state of the cassette. This means that when the reserved cassette is already loaded in the tape drive unit, the time required to start recording or playback is shortened, but when the reserved cassette is in the tray device and is in the retracted state, preparations for starting recording or playback can be made. This is to take into account this time difference and to avoid falling behind the recording start time in any case.

FIG. 6A shows a routine (step S1 in FIG. 3) for importing a reserved time when making a timer reservation.
2), the advance time is calculated from the reservation time data and stored in the timer information storage section 1004. The advance time is (T1+T2
). T1 is a general preparation or pause time, which is the time required for the recording or playback circuit to be powered on and ready; This is the time required to move the tape, attach it to the tape drive unit, and complete tape loading. Therefore, in reality, a time that is (T1+T2) ahead of the time specified by the user is stored.

FIG. 6B shows a processing routine when the timer start time (preceding time) and the current time match. In this system, when the preceding time and the current time match, it is determined in what state the reservation cassette is in (step S41). In other words, in the case of a VTR in which a plurality of cassettes can be loaded, some cassettes are attached to the tape drive unit and are being loaded with tape, while others are in a retracted state. This state determination can be made, for example, by checking in what state the cassette transport control means 914 is controlled in the system control unit 900. In other words, the cassette determining and controlling means 901 holds the control state information when selectively controlling the transfer of the cassette to the tape drive section. If the reserved cassette is present at the tape drive position, a waiting time of time T2 is set (step S42). Next, a pause time of time T1 is taken, and recording or playback is started at the time set by the user (steps S43, S44). Step S
When the cassette is in the retracted state in step S41, the cassette is immediately transferred and replaced in step S45, and the reserved cassette is installed at the tape drive position and tape is loaded. Then, in step S46, the signal processing circuit system is turned on and shifts to a pause state for time T1 (
Step S46). When time T1 has elapsed, recording or playback is started.

When operated as described above, even if the cassette is in the retracted state or installed in the tape drive section, the scheduled time set by the user and the actual start of recording or playback will be the same. match the start time.

[0037] In the conventional timer system, the timer execution start time is in the range of T1, and when using the conventional timer system, if there is a cassette exchange work in the range of T1, there may be a delay in the actual start of recording. However, according to the embodiment described above, such a problem does not exist. In this invention, the advance period of the timer execution start time changes (that is, the preparation period changes) depending on whether or not the cassette is automatically replaced. This method is not limited to the above embodiments, and various embodiments are possible.

Although the timer start time has been explained here in advance, the comparison may be made in advance of the current time. Furthermore, although T1 is a general preparation or pause time, it does not necessarily have to be a pause. It may be a stop mode or a recording mode. When the reserved cassette is present at the tape drive position, T2 is the waiting time, but other modes may be used as long as T2 is the time until recording or playback starts. This is because the reservation cassette may be operating in another mode, and it is sufficient to cancel the current mode and move on to the desired timer operation.

Next, the V in which the above management device is installed
The structure of TR will be explained. In this example, in order to make the explanation easier to understand, a VTR will be described in which two cassettes can be loaded in advance.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the basic configuration of cassette loading and unloading. Reference numeral 10 denotes a VTR housing, and an opening 12 is formed in the front surface of the housing, through which the tray device 100 can be inserted horizontally in the front-rear direction or exposed from inside the housing 10. Note that 13 is a lid provided on the opening 12, and the tray device 100 is connected to the housing 1.
It opens when pulled out from 0 and closes when inserted into the housing 10. Although not shown, this is realized by a lid opening/closing mechanism interlocked with the tray device 100.

[0041] Inside the housing 10, a motor 21 is provided at a fixed position as a tray drive mechanism, and can drive an intermediate gear 22 to rotate. The intermediate gear 22 has a rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement direction of the tray device 100, and can rotationally drive drive gears 23 and 24 that are rotatably provided in the front and rear, respectively. Drive gear 2
3 and 24 can be engaged with racks provided on the lower side of the tray device 100 to drive the tray device 100 back and forth. Further, inside the VTR, there is a function for mounting a cassette at a predetermined position and executing tape loading. A main chassis 14 is provided with a reel shaft that engages with the reel hub of the cassette and various parts (not shown) necessary for tape loading and tape driving. Reference numeral 15 denotes a rotating head drum to which a tape pulled out from a cassette placed at a predetermined mounting position is attached by tape loading. Fig. 7(A) shows a state in which the front drive gear 23 is engaged with the rack, Fig. 7(B) shows a state in which both the front and rear drive gears 23 and 24 engage with the rack, and Fig. 8 shows the rear part. The drive gear 24 is shown in mesh with the rack.

The tray device 100 has a frame-shaped tray frame when viewed from above, and the outer rails of the side plates are guided by rollers provided inside the casing 10 and are movable horizontally.

This system has cassettes 200 and 30 in the front and rear regions of the upper surface of the tray device 100, respectively.
0 can be placed (FIG. 7(A)). Pantograph mechanisms 201 and 301 are attached to the front and rear regions of the tray device 100, respectively. The pantograph mechanisms 201 and 301 are similar mechanisms, and can lower and raise the cassette bottom support plate by means of a link mechanism.

FIG. 7A shows a state in which the cassettes 201 and 301 are placed in the entire area and the rear area, respectively. The reason why the distal ends of the cassettes 201 and 301 are directed diagonally upward is that they are lifted up by a pop-up mechanism provided in the tray device 100, making it easy to insert and remove the cassettes. Moreover, in this state, the design is such that the rear cassette 300 can be taken out without having to pull out the tray device 100 largely from the opening of the housing 10. In other words, the entire front cassette 200 is exposed, but only a portion (the tip) of the rear cassette 300 is exposed through the opening. This is because by designing in this way, the distance to pull out the tray device 100 can be shortened, and the proportion of the surrounding space occupied can be reduced in terms of handling.

FIG. 7(B) shows the rear pantograph mechanism 3.
01 shows the state in which the cassette 300 is installed in the cassette installation position below the tray passing position. Further, FIG. 8 shows a state in which the front pantograph mechanism 201 lowers the cassette 200 and mounts it at a predetermined cassette mounting position. To move from the state in FIG. 7(A) to the state in FIG. 7(B),
The tray drive mechanism operates and moves the tray device 100 into the housing 10.
When the tray device 100 is moved horizontally toward the inside of the tray device 100 and reaches the first detection position (rear cassette drive position), the tray device 100 is stopped. When this position is reached, the pantograph drive mechanism, which will be described later, operates and drives the pantograph mechanism 301.
Lower the cassette 300. To shift from the state shown in FIG. 7(B) to the state shown in FIG. 8, the pantograph drive mechanism drives the pantograph mechanism so as to lift the descending cassette 300, and returns it to the original position of the tray device 100. Next, the tray drive mechanism moves the tray device 100 further to the rear, and when the pantograph mechanism 200 comes above the cassette mounting position, that is, the second detection position (front cassette drive position), the tray device 100 stop movement. Then, the pantograph drive mechanism again drives the pantograph mechanism 201 to lower the cassette 200 to a predetermined position.

In the state shown in FIG. 8, the pantograph mechanism 30 carrying the rear cassette 300 is located just above the rotary head drum 15. Here, the pantograph mechanism 301 is guided in a direction slightly lifted from the tray device 100, and the cassette 300 and the pantograph mechanism 3
01 is designed so that it does not collide with the rotating head drum 15. A member that lifts the pantograph mechanism 301 is a guide member 16 that is attached to protrude from the inner side surface of the housing 10 . In other words, when the tray device 100 moves further from the state shown in FIG. 7A with the cassette 300 raised, the bottom plate of the pantograph mechanism 301 is designed to ride on the inclined surface of the guide member 16. There is. In this way, the cassette 300, that is, the pantograph mechanism is slightly raised when the cassette 300 is in the standby position.
This is because if the height of 0 is made low, the locus of movement of the tray device 100 will collide with the upper part of the rotary head drum 15. This is also because ventilation around the rotating head drum 15 is improved to reduce temperature rise, and the safety of the cassette tape is taken into consideration.

Next, by comparing the states of FIG. 7(A) and FIG. 8, it can be seen that they are designed as follows. That is, FIG. 7A shows the tray device 100 in the most pulled out state, and FIG. 8 shows the tray device 100 in the deepest inserted state. A rack is provided at the lower edge of the tray device 100, and gears 23 and 24 mesh with the rack to drive the tray device 100 in the front-back direction. However, Fig. 7(A)
The gears 23 and 24 are arranged side by side in the tray movement direction so that only the gear 23 is engaged in the state shown in FIG. 8, and only the gear 24 is engaged in the state shown in FIG. It looks like this. Arranging the gears 23 and 24 in this manner means that the overall length of the tray device 100 in the front-rear direction can be shortened. If we try to realize the drive gear of the tray device 100 with one piece,
The total length of the tray device 100 must be longer than in the embodiment. This is because it is necessary to mesh with one gear in both the states shown in FIG. 7(A) and FIG. 8.

As described above, being able to shorten the overall length of the tray device 100 not only reduces the weight and the load on the drive device, but also narrows the space from which the tray device 100 protrudes when loading a cassette. This makes it possible to reduce the surrounding space occupied. Conversely, in other words, even if the overall length of the tray device 100 is short, the movement stroke of the tray device can be increased.

FIG. 9 is a simplified perspective view showing the tray device 100 in its most pulled out state from the housing 10. As shown in FIG. As can be seen from this figure, the pop-up member 230,
330 is in a state in which the front rotation end thereof is directed upward relative to the horizontal cassette bottom support plates 240 and 401, respectively.

The operation section of the VTR body has operation switches for recording Rec, Play, Rewind, Fast Forward, Stop, etc., and is also provided with a switch for specifying front cassette load F and rear cassette load R. There is. This system is provided with an erroneous erasure prevention claw detection device that detects whether or not the erroneous erasure prevention claw of a cassette placed on the tray device 100 is broken.

FIG. 10 shows the rear left corner of the frame 101 in detail. The same figure (A) is a perspective view, the same figure (
B) is a view from the rear. An L-shaped notch 130 is formed at the lower corner of the frame 101. An L-shaped claw detection lever 701 is arranged along this notch 130.
01 is attached to the thick surface of the frame by a shaft 702 at its intermediate portion, and is rotatable about the shaft 702 as a fulcrum. Usually, a spring (not shown) urges the protrusion 703 at one end to protrude inside the frame. Further, a protrusion 704 protruding downward is formed at the other end of the claw detection lever 701. Frame 101
A groove 131 formed on the outer side surface of the frame is a groove into which a roller fixed inside the housing enters, and the frame is guided in the front and rear direction by this roller and is movable.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the cassette 200
A and 200B are shown installed in the tray device 100, and in the case of the cassette 200A, the accidental erasure claw is broken, and in the case of the cassette 200B, the accidental erasure prevention claw remains. . As can be seen by comparing Figures (A) and (B), the rotation angle of the claw detection lever 701 is different depending on whether there is a claw or not. On the other hand, the tray device 100
When the lever is inserted into the housing, the claw detection lever 703 also moves together with the frame 101, and a shutter mechanism 720 is provided at the bottom of its movement trajectory (
Same figure (C)). The shutter mechanism 712 has a rotatable drive lever 722 attached to a shaft 721 at a fixed position.
A claw detection lever 703 is attached to one end of this drive lever 722.
A protrusion 723 that can come into contact with the protrusion 704 is formed. The claw detection lever 703 made contact possible as shown in Fig. 11.
This is because this is possible only in the state (B) (with the erroneous erasure prevention claw). In the state shown in FIG. 11A (without the accidental erasure prevention claw), there is no contact. When the protrusion 704 approaches and contacts the protrusion 723 of the drive lever 722, the shaft 721
It rotates in the direction of the arrow using the fulcrum as a fulcrum, and when it passes and becomes non-contact, it returns to its original position. During this operation, the drive lever 722 moves the shutter plate 72 through the intermediary lever 724.
5 to temporarily block the light incident on the tape end detection element 730. The shutter plate 725 is rotatably supported by a shaft 726 at a fixed position, and has a rotary end connected to the intermediary lever 724 .

As described above, according to this accidental erasure prevention claw detection device, when the cassette is mounted on the tray device and inserted into the casing, the presence or absence of the claw on the cassette is detected based on the presence or absence of the output of the tape end detection element 730. can be determined. The tape end detection element 730 is used for tape end detection, and this device can be multifunctional.

Note that in FIGS. 10 and 11, frame 1
Although we have explained the state in which the claw detection lever 701 is provided in the front area of 01, a similar claw detection lever is also provided in the rear area, and the claw to prevent accidental erasure of the cassette placed in that area is It is now detectable. However, since the front and rear pawl detection levers are designed to pass through the position where the drive lever 722 is arranged, the function of the tape end detection device is shared. Therefore, if two cassettes are recordable, the detection signal will be obtained twice.

[0055] Although the above configuration has been described for the accidental erasure prevention claw detection device, a cassette detection device can be obtained by providing a completely similar device symmetrically on the right side of the frame, and providing a cassette detection lever, a shutter mechanism, and a light sensor. be able to.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the position of the tape end detection device and the sensor that obtains the detection signal. 801 is a predetermined mounting position close to the rotary head drum 15, and a cassette is mounted at this position by a pantograph mechanism. The tape can be driven in this attached state. At the time of this installation, a light source section 802 constituting the tape detection device is installed in the hole at the center of the left and right sides of the lower bottom of the cassette.
is beginning to invade. The light from this light source section 802 is emitted horizontally in the left and right directions. On the left side, a tape end light detection element 730 using a light receiving element in the optical path of light is provided, and on the right side, a second tape start end detection element 743 is provided.
is provided. Shutter plates 725 and 742 of the shutter 720 are arranged in front of each detection element, respectively. The output of each detection element is input to the system control section.

[0057]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
When starting timer execution, the execution start time can be switched depending on whether the reserved cassette is at the tape drive position or the retracted position, and the time point of timer recording or playback for each cassette can be accurately obtained.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table formed in a cassette-specific information storage section and a timer information storage section of the circuit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a timer operation reservation program used in this system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a timer execution program used in this system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a timer execution program used in this system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a timer execution programmable device used in this system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a VTR to which the present invention is applied together with its operational aspects.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing still another operational mode of the structure shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tray device of the VTR is pulled out.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an erroneous erasure prevention claw detection device provided in connection with the tray device.

FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram shown to explain the operation of the accidental erasure prevention claw detection device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement positions of sensor sections in the accidental erasure prevention claw detection device and the cassette detection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

900... System control unit, 911... Erroneous erasure prevention claw detection means, 912... Cassette detection means, 913... Cassette selection setting means, 914... Cassette transport control means, 915... Cassette specific information storage means, 916... Operation mode input means,
917...Tape drive system control means, 918...Tape remaining amount measuring means, 1000...Timer control section, 1001...Cassette reservation selection means, 1002...Operation content setting means, 100
3... Operating time setting means, 1004... Timer information storage section, 1005... Time measuring means.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. Means for selecting a single cassette from among a plurality of cassettes, means for mounting the selected cassette in a tape drive section, and drive means for controlling the tape drive section to run the tape by timer control. a timer operation execution unit that performs a timer operation; a determination unit that determines whether or not a cassette to be subjected to a timer operation is already installed in the tape drive unit when the timer operation execution unit starts timer execution; A plurality of devices characterized by comprising means for switching and setting the timer execution preparation timing of the timer operation execution unit depending on whether the determination result indicates that the device is already attached or not. Cassette timer operation control device. 2. A cassette-specific information storage means storing cassette-specific information (information on the presence or absence of a plurality of cassettes, information on the presence or absence of an accidental erasure prevention claw for each cassette, etc.), and timer information (reservation cassette information, recording and playback during timer operation, etc.); etc., timer timing information, etc.), the contents of the cassette-specific information storage means, the contents of the timer information input and storage means, and the contents of the time measurement means. means for detecting the timer operation start time by the detecting means; and when the timer operation start time is detected by the detection means and the reserved cassette is installed in the tape drive unit, the cassette in the retracted position is inserted into the tape drive unit. A timer operation management device for a plurality of cassettes, characterized in that the device has a waiting time of a time (T2) until the cassettes are loaded, and means for moving to operation processing after passing a pause state for a certain period of time (T1). 3. Cassette-specific information storage means storing cassette-specific information (information on the presence or absence of a plurality of cassettes, information on the presence or absence of an accidental erasure prevention claw for each cassette, etc.), and timer information (reservation cassette information, recording and playback during timer operation, etc.); etc., timer timing information, etc.), the contents of the cassette-specific information storage means, the contents of the timer information input and storage means, and the contents of the time measurement means. means for detecting the timer operation start time, and when the timer operation start time is detected by the detection means and the reserved cassette is located at a retracted position other than the tape drive unit, the time
A timer operation for multiple cassettes characterized by comprising means for loading a reserved cassette in a retracted position in T2) into a tape drive unit and moving to operation processing after passing a pause state for a certain period of time (T1). Management device.