JPH0473231B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic tape cassette supply selection and playback device. BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY AND PROBLEMS The present applicant previously proposed a tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback device described below. The outline of this device is as follows. A shelf device having a plurality of shelves is provided, and tape cassettes on which video signals are recorded are stored in the plurality of shelves. The back of the tape cassette is provided with a bar code indicating identification data related to the contents recorded on the tape. Then, the tape cassettes stored in this shelf device are transported and loaded into multiple VCRs using an elevator.
Further, tape cassettes taken out from the VTR are transported to a shelf device by an elevator and returned to the shelf. This elevator is provided with means for reading bar codes of tape cassettes stored in the shelf device. And multiple
The reproduction signal from the VTR is selectively sent out by the selective sending means. Furthermore, a microcomputer is provided, and is connected to the above-mentioned shelf device, a plurality of VTRs, an elevator, a selection sending means, and the like. Further, identification data read from the barcode of the tape cassette stored in the shelf device is stored in the storage means of the microcomputer. The microcomputer then controls a plurality of VTRs, elevators, selective sending means, etc., to reproduce and send out the recorded contents of the tape cassettes stored in the shelf device in a predetermined order based on the sending list. Purpose of the Invention The present invention provides a shelving device having a plurality of shelves, a plurality of playback devices, an elevating and lowering conveying means for delivering and receiving tape cassettes between the shelf device and the plurality of playback devices, and a tape cassette transfer device for transferring tape cassettes between the shelf device and the plurality of playback devices. In a tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback device, which has a selective sending means for selectively sending out signals, and a main control means for controlling a plurality of playback devices, an elevating and conveying means, and a selective sending means, the tape cassette is transferred to a plurality of playback devices. We are trying to propose something that can take enough time to replace and reload. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a shelving device including a plurality of shelves, a plurality of playback devices, an elevating and lowering conveying means for transferring tape cassettes between the shelf device and the plurality of playback devices, and a tape cassette transfer means for transferring tape cassettes between the shelf device and the plurality of playback devices. In an automatic tape cassette supply selection and playback device, which has selective sending means for selectively sending out playback signals, and main control means for controlling a plurality of playback devices, an elevating and conveying means, and a selective sending means, a tape cassette is loaded into each of the plurality of playback devices. A storage means for storing the playback end time of the tape cassette being played, and a plurality of times based on the stored contents of the storage means.
The apparatus is characterized by comprising a reproduction start order determining means for determining the next reproduction start order of the VTR. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback apparatus of this type that can take a sufficient amount of time to replace and load tape cassettes into a plurality of playback apparatuses. Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the tape cassette automatic feed selection and playback machine M as a whole. In addition, in FIG. 1, one tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M is shown.
However, in actual use, 1.
In addition to the case where one tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M is used, a plurality of tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machines M having the same configuration are used and these are controlled by a common microcomputer (described later).
Use selectively or interchangeably. In FIG. 1, 1 indicates a shelf device, and 1 ₁ to 1
n is a plurality of shelves, for example, 40 shelves. 2 is an elevator as a means of elevating and lowering;
It is driven and controlled by the guide 3 to move it up and down along the guide 3. This elevator 2 is provided with two shelves 5 and 6, of which the upper shelf 5 is the shelf _1.
~ 1n and return it to its original shelf, or e.g.
This is a shelf for passing the tape cassettes 7 to the VTRs 8 { _{8 1} to _{8 4} }, and the lower shelf 6 is a shelf for returning the tape cassettes 7 received from the VTR 8 to any of the shelves 1 ₁ to 1n. Reference numerals 9 and 10 are motors that drive actuators (not shown) for moving the tape cassettes 7 on the upper and lower shelves 5 and 6 of the elevator 1, respectively. Further, 12 is provided on the upper shelf 5 and serves as a light detecting means for detecting a bar code 11 indicating identification data related to the tape recorded contents attached to the back of the tape cassette 7 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. It is a detector. The detection signal from this photodetector 12 is A/
The signal is supplied to the microcomputer 14 via the D converter 13. Reference numerals 14M and 14K are auxiliary controllers (equipped with a keyboard) capable of controlling a monitor receiver and a wired or wireless remote controller connected to the microcomputer 14, respectively. In addition, indicators 15 {15 ₁ -15n} such as LEDs are attached to each side of the shelves 1 ₁ -1n, and this indicator 15 is connected to the microcomputer 14 to indicate the tape cassettes stored on the shelves. When the barcode 11 of No. 7 is correctly read, the display corresponding to that shelf is turned on. The contents of the identification data based on the barcode 11 attached to the tape cassette 7 include, for example, as shown in FIG. number) b, title of tape recording content for 14 characters c, tape playback start time for 8 characters, {hours, minutes, seconds and frames (1/30 seconds)} d, tape playback time for 6 characters (time , minutes, seconds, and frames) e and a checksum g for one character. There are various methods of barcode patterns for one character, but in this example, for example, Fig. 4 A is used.
As shown in the figure, a 2-of-5 (2or5) interleave method is adopted. That is, a barcode for one character is constructed from three black bars with a width of 1 and two black bars with a width of 3, and the total width of the black bars is 9. A barcode is also formed by the spacing between these bars, and consists of three white bars with a width of 1 and two white bars with a width of 3.
Another one-character barcode is constructed. Next, we will explain how to read barcodes. For example, consider detecting a barcode consisting of black bars. The barcode detection signal detected by the detection means 12 in FIG. 1 becomes a sine wave whose period differs depending on the width of the black bar as shown in FIG. 4B. By shaping this waveform, the
An identification data signal having a time width corresponding to each black bar is obtained as shown in FIG. The pulse widths of the data of the first to fifth black bars are respectively t ₁ , t ₃ , t ₅ ,
Assume that t ₇ and t ₉ are the pulse widths of the white bar data between them as t ₂ , t ₄ , t ₆ , and t ₈ . In this way, when a barcode signal of one character is reproduced, the pulse widths t ₁ , t ₃ , t ₅ , t ₇ , t ₉ are summed, divided by 9, and the threshold is multiplied by 1.5. By obtaining a hold value and comparing it with the pulse width of data corresponding to each black bar, the thickness of the black bar of the barcode is detected, and the barcode for one character is read. The same applies to the white bar. First, one to a plurality (n or less) of tape cassettes 7 required for a certain unit broadcasting time are manually stored on the shelves ₁₁ to 1n. and,
All tape cassettes 7 stored on each shelf
The barcode 11 is read and stored in the microcomputer 14. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 5, which shows the microcomputer 1 for reading this barcode 11.
This figure shows the functions of No. 4 in blocks. The elevator 2 is equipped with the above-mentioned detection means 12 and A/D.
A converter 13 is provided, and an A/D converter 13
The detection output of the detection means 12 is supplied to and digitized. Then, this digitized detection signal is supplied to the time width detection means 16, and the digitized detection signal is counted by the clock signal from the clock signal generator 17 with a sufficiently high frequency, and the time width is detected. be done. Then, the threshold value described above is calculated by the threshold calculation means 18. The output of the time width detection means 16 is then supplied to the comparison means 19, where it is compared with the threshold value from the threshold calculation means 18, and data based on the thickness of the black bar (or white bar) is detected. Ru. This comparison means 19
The output is the data time width size code conversion means 20
The output is further supplied to the 2-of-5 code conversion means 21, the output is further supplied to the ASCII code conversion means 22, and the output is further supplied to the data creation means 23. The barcode data obtained by the data creation means 23 is supplied to the main control means 24. Note that this main control means 24 is provided with a storage means 25. From the main control means 24, a display control means 26 that controls the display on the display 15, an actuator control means 27 that controls an actuator (not shown) for moving the tape cassette in the upper stage of the elevator 2, and an elevation drive means 4 are controlled. via elevator 2
A control signal is supplied to an elevator control means 28 for controlling the detection means 12 and a drive control means 29 for the detection means for controlling a drive means (plunger) 34 of the detection means 12 for varying the angle of the detection means 12, which will be described later. Note that the display control means 26 controls the display device 15 {15 ₁ ~
15n}, when the tape cassette 7 moves back and forth on the shelf 5 above the elevator 2,
When the barcode 11 is reliably read, the corresponding display 15 {15 ₁ to 15n} is lit. The actuator control means 27 controls the motor 9 that drives the actuator of the upper shelf of the elevator 2. FIG. 6 shows that when the barcode 11 of the tape cassette 7 described above is detected back and forth by the detection means 12, if the barcode 11 is not detected correctly, the angle of the detection means 12 is changed and the barcode 11 is detected by the detection means 12. Detection means 12 for varying the detection position in the width direction of
7a is the back surface of the cassette case of the tape cassette 7, and 11' is a bar code 11 label affixed to the back surface 7a. The detection means 12 is attached to a holder 30 and has a central axis 31
It can be rotated freely around the . A lever 32 is provided extending from the holder 30, and is pivoted clockwise by a spring 33. On the other hand, 34 indicates a plunger, and in a normal state, the plunger 34 is not energized, and the lever 32 is pulled by the spring 33 when the plunger 34 is not energized, so that the detection means 12 is at the position shown by the broken line. When the plunger 34 is biased by the control output of the control means 29, the actuator of the plunger 34 moves to the right in the figure, and the lever 32 rotates counterclockwise against the elastic force of the spring 33. Then, the detection means 12 comes to the position shown by the solid line. In this way, barcode 11 can be detected at different positions in the width direction of barcode 11. Next, the functions of the computer 14 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the elevator 2 is in a position where a shelf 5 thereon can receive and deliver tape cassettes stored, for example, on the shelf ₁₄ of the shelf device 1.
When the motor 9 is controlled by the control means 27 and an actuator (not shown) is driven, the tape cassette 7 (not shown) stored on the shelf ₁₄ is moved to the shelf 5 above the elevator 2. At this time, the barcode detection means 12 detects the barcode 11.
is read. The detection output of the barcode detection means 12, that is, the digitized detection output from the A/D converter 13, is supplied to the data width detection means 16 to detect the data width, and the detection output is supplied to the width comparison means 19. The threshold value calculated by the threshold calculation means 18 is compared with the threshold value calculated by the threshold calculation means 18. The output of the width comparison means 19 is supplied to the data creation means 23 through the data width code conversion means 20-2 of 5 code conversion means 21 and the ASCII code conversion means 22, and barcode data is created. Further, when the tape cassette 7 returns from the shelf 5 above the elevator 2 to the original shelf ₁₄ by driving the actuator, the bar code 11 is read again, and signal processing similar to that of the post-stacking is performed. Then, in the main control means 24, it is determined whether or not the barcode 11 has been read reciprocally, and if it is determined that the barcode 11 has been read reciprocally, the barcode data is reliably read by reciprocally reading the barcode data. It is determined whether or not it has been read. When it is determined that the barcode data has not been read correctly, the drive control means 29 of the detection means is controlled as shown in FIG. 6, the angle of the detection means 12 is changed, and the tape cassette 7 is read again. By moving the barcode 11 from the shelf ₁₄ to the shelf 5 above the elevator 2 and returning it to the original shelf ₁₄ , the barcode 11 is read back and forth at different positions in its width direction in the same manner as described above. When it is determined that the barcode has been read as correct data, the display 154 of the shelf ₁₄ where the tape cassette 7 was stored is turned on, and the elevator control drive means ₄ is controlled. to start the elevator 2, raise or lower the elevator 2, and stop the elevator at the next shelf. Then, the same operation as described above is performed. If the barcode is correctly read, the content of the barcode of the tape cassette 7 is stored in the storage means 25 together with the shelf number, and is displayed on the screen of the monitor receiver 14M. By repeating this, the identification data related to the tape recording contents of all the tape cassettes 7 stored in the shelves ₁₁ to 1n are read, and this is stored in the storage means 25 together with the shelf number, and Machine 14M
can be displayed on the screen. Next, the means 40 for selectively transmitting reproduced video signals from the VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ in the tape cassette automatic supply selection reproduction machine M shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. The reproduced video signals from _VTR81 to _VTR84 are selected by selection means (microcomputer 1 in Fig. 1).
41) and separately supplied to any of the output terminals 42A to 42D. Video signals of channels A to D from output terminals 42A to 42D are switched and selected by switching means (containing a special effect generating device) 43 controlled by the microcomputer 14 shown in FIG. The reproduced video signal from one VTR is output to an output terminal 43' and supplied to a broadcasting device (not shown). Next, a method of selectively transmitting reproduced video signals from a VTR will be explained. First, create a sending list. This is the microcomputer 1 in Figure 1.
4 or may be created separately. This sending list is printed on paper. and,
This transmission list is stored in the storage means 25 of the microcomputer 14 (FIG. 1), and is successively output and displayed on the screen of the monitor receiver 14M (FIG. 1). Items in the transmission list include, for example, transmission number, mode identification number, title, tape playback start time (hours, minutes, seconds), tape playback time (hours, minutes, seconds), cumulative tape playback time (hours, minutes, seconds). ), tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine (indicated by number, etc.; if there is only one unit, this item can be omitted), shelf (number corresponding to shelf ₁₁ to 1n), channel (A to D) any), VTR (numbers 1 to 8 corresponding to VTR8 ₁ to 8 ₄ )
4) etc. Note that the order of the items is arbitrary. Among the items ~ in the sending list, for example, the ~ column of the item (some of the other items can be omitted) is initially filled with data, and the remaining items are filled in with data. Fill in with data obtained by taking into consideration the data read from and the data of other items. Note that among the items ~ in the sending list, the column for the initial item is filled with data, and the columns for the remaining items are filled in by taking into account the data read from the barcode 11 of the tape cassette 7 and the data of other items. It can also be filled in with data obtained from Between each of the above-mentioned transmission numbers, there is a blank period for playback transmission, such as when images of objects in the studio (for example, announcers, performers, etc., chart panels, etc.), live (relay) images, etc. are being broadcast. There are cases. This blank period is displayed, for example, as "BREAK" or "BK" in the sending number column of the item.
The content (title) of the item is displayed in the title column of the item. Then, when a blank period is inserted between transmission numbers, the channel changes sequentially each time.
This allows the VTR to also be switched. In this way, special effects such as fade-in and fade-out can be generated by inserting a blank period (switching period) of zero time or minute time between transmission numbers. Furthermore, during the cumulative tape playback time,
The time during this blank period is also included. For example, when using this tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M to broadcast news, news shows, advertisements, etc. in a certain time period, the number of tape cassettes 7 required is one tape cassette automatic supply selection playback machine M. If the number of tape cassettes exceeds the number of shelves ₁₁ to 1n, it is necessary to use a plurality of tape cassette automatic supply selection and reproducing machines _M1 to Mk and distribute the tape cassettes 7 to each of them. Next, the method of sorting the tape cassettes 7 using the computer 14 will be explained with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 9 and the flowchart of FIG. 10. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 44 indicates a means for distributing the tape cassettes 7 as a whole. That is, the transmission number and blank period data are read from the storage means 25 and supplied to the blank period position detection means 45, so that the storage means 25 stores the transmission number data immediately before the blank period. Then, the data on the position of the blank period stored in the storage means 25 is given to the calculating means 46 for calculating the appropriate number of tape cassettes, and the sending number is set to within n (for example, 40) within the appropriate blank period. Blocks of sending numbers, that is, tape cassettes 7, are divided into blocks of numbers close to n.
form a block (group). Then, the data of the calculation result of the calculation means 46 is given to the correspondence designation means 47 between the sending number and the automatic tape cassette supply selection/reproduction machine _M1 to Mk, and the data of the designation result is stored in the storage means 25. , it is possible to fill in the column of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and reproduction machine item on the screen of the monitor receiver 14M with the data of the designation result. For example, in the case of broadcasting spot advertisements, it is assumed that there are a total of 1 to 140 transmission numbers. For example, between sending numbers 35 and 36, between 66 and 67, 77 and 78
It is assumed that there are blank periods between 90 and 91, and between 112 and 113. Thus, 35
Swelling numbers 1 to 35, 31 sending numbers 36 to 66, 24
1 to 1 with transmission numbers 67 to 90, 22 transmission numbers 91 to 112, and 28 transmission numbers 113 to 140, respectively.
The block with the fifth transmission number, ie, the block (group) of tape cassettes 7, is constructed. The tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M can be used, for example, by alternately (or cyclically if there are three or more) two (or more) tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machines M ₁ and M ₂ . The tape cassettes 7 in columns 1 ₁ to 1n of the automatic tape cassette supply selection and playback machine that is in use and in a suspended state may be replaced. Thus, when the number of tape cassettes 7 to be used is greater than the number of stages n in columns ₁₁ to 1n of one tape cassette automatic supply selection and reproduction machine M, a plurality of tape cassette automatic supply selection reproduction machines M1 to _1n can be used. Mk
The tape cassettes 7 can be allocated efficiently and easily. Further, the identification data of the tape cassettes 7 stored in the shelves ₁₁ to 1n of one or more tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machines M, read from the barcodes 11, is stored in the storage means 25. The identification data stored in the storage means 25 is updated each time the tape cassettes 7 stored in the shelves 1 ₁ to 1n are replaced. As a result, the blanks in each item of the above-mentioned transmission list are filled in or corrected, and the result is displayed on the screen of the monitor receiver 14M. In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, an example will be described in which one tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M shown in FIG. 1 is used. Next, a simple example (when news is broadcast) of the above-mentioned transmission list (displayed on the screen of the monitor receiver 14M) will be shown.

[Table] Next, the contents of Table 1 will be explained. Each time there is a blank period between transmission numbers, the channels are sequentially switched cyclically from A to B to C to D to A.
The VTR is switched to a different VTR each time the transmission number changes, but VTR numbers 1 to 4 and channels A to
There is no correspondence with D. However, when the channel changes, the VTR also changes. Note that although the time or time data actually includes hours, minutes, seconds, and frames, frames are omitted for simplicity. The dispatch numbers are not necessarily in numerical order; the numbers may be skipped or the order of the numbers may be reversed due to the insertion of a dispatch number. Playback video signals from tape cassettes with different transmission numbers belonging to different channels are simultaneously played back by different VTRs, and the playback video signal of one channel is transferred to the switching means 43 (the eighth
(Figure) may be selectively transmitted. The video signals of tape cassettes with adjacent transmission numbers may be reproduced partially overlappingly at the time of transition, and may be faded in or faded out by the special effect generating device of the switching means 43, for example. Tape cassette automatic supply selection reproducing machine M shown in Fig. 1
is equipped with four VTRs, and as shown in Table 1 above, all four VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ are used.
One part is used as a spare VTR, and normally the remaining three
It is possible to use a VTR and use the spare VTR when one of the remaining VTRs fails or when a transmission number is interrupted (inserted). That is, the VTRs 8 ₁ to 8 ₄ in FIG. 1 are controlled by the main control means 2 of the computer 14 as shown in FIG. 11.
4 (FIG. 5). For example, VTR
When VTR 8 ₄ is designated as a spare VTR, the storage means (nonvolatile storage means such as semiconductor memory or floppy disk) 50 (storage means) indicates that VTRs _{8 1} to 8 ₃ are regular VTRs and VTR 8 ₄ is a spare VTR. 25
(possible). And commonly used VTR8 ₁ to 8
_For example, when VTR 8 ₃ breaks down, VTR 8 ₃ becomes a spare VTR under the control of control means 24.
8 ₄ , and this state is stored in the storage means 50 (or the storage means 25). Further, when a transmission number is interrupted (inserted), the spare VTR ₈₄ temporarily or continuously becomes the regular VTR, and this state is stored in the storage means 50 (or the storage means 25).
Incidentally, even if all of the VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ are regular VTRs, this state also applies to the storage means 50 (storage means 25).
(possible). Then, this storage means 50 (or storage means 2
The stored contents of 5), that is, the usage status of VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ , are stored in the storage means 25 (FIG. 5), and based on this, the column of VTR items in the above-mentioned transmission list is filled in or corrected. . In this way, even if some of the VTRs fail, the failure can be quickly compensated for by the spare VTRs, so the transmission of reproduced video signals from the VTRs will never cease. Furthermore, it is possible to interrupt or add a transmission number to the transmission list, that is, to quickly reproduce the tape cassette on the VTR as the transmission list is changed. Next, a method for determining the order in which VTRs are used will be explained. Based on the above transmission list, the VTR
When the tape cassette 7 loaded in a certain VCR among _{8 1} to 8 ₄ finishes playing, that tape cassette 7 is carried by the elevator 2 and placed on the shelf 1.
At the same _time , the tape cassettes 7 stored in the other shelves are carried by the elevator 2 and loaded into the VTR again. Then, by repeating this, shelf 1
The tape cassettes 7 stored in tapes ₁ to 1n are sequentially loaded into VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ based on the transmission list and played back. In this case, among the VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ , the earlier the reproduction start time, the higher the priority. Then, the computer 14 determines the order in which the VTRs are to be used so that the priority order decreases from the earliest reproduction end time. If some of the VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ are reserved, the same determination is made for the remaining VTRs. This will be explained with reference to the functional block diagram in FIG. 12, the flowchart in FIG. 13, and Table 2 shown below.

[Table] In Figure 12, 25A, 24B, 25 ₁ ~
25 ₄ indicates a part of the storage area of the storage means 25 shown in FIG. 5, and these will also be referred to as storage means. The storage means 25A stores data on the playback start time and playback end time of tape cassettes with respective transmission numbers based on a list as shown in Table 2, for example. Storage means 25 ₁ to 25 ₄ are VTRs 8 ₁ to 8 ₄ respectively.
The reproduction end time of (numbers 1 to 4) is stored. The playback end time data read from the storage means 25 ₁ - 25 ₄ is supplied to the playback start order determining means 51 of the VTRs _{8 1} - 8 ₄ and is sorted from the earlier playback end time as shown in Table 2, for example. The priority order is lowered in order, and the playback start order of the VTRs _{8 1} to 8 ₄ is stored in the storage means 25B, thereby filling the VTR column of the transmission list items. If the sending number is inserted or changed, this operation is performed again. By doing so, it is possible to take a sufficient amount of time to replace and load the tape cassettes 7 into the VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ . Next, the auxiliary controller 14K shown in FIG. 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 14. 60A~60D are display marks corresponding to channels A~D, 61A~
61D is a normal playback control operator (operation button) for the VTR corresponding to channels A to D, 62A to
62D is a still image playback control operator (operation button) for VTR corresponding to channels A to D, 63A
~63D corresponds to channels A to D, VTR
Tongue control button (operation button) for returning the to playback ready state, 6
4 is the power switch operator (slide knob)
and are arranged on the panel 66, respectively. To explain the operation of such auxiliary controller 14K,
When the power controller 64 is on, the controllers 61A~
63D (which also serves as a display element), the control means 24 of the microcomputer 14 controls the VTR of the corresponding channel, and the operator turns on. Become. of that channel
When the operation of the controlled function for the VTR is completed, the lighting state of the operator is canceled under the control of the control means 24. In addition, the operators 61A to 61D, 62A to 62D,
63A to 63D may be common operators for the channels A to D, respectively, and a separate channel selection operator (also serving as a display element) may be provided. By employing such an auxiliary controller 14K, in conjunction with the selection means 41 and the switching means 43, control over the plurality of VTRs _{8 1} to 8 ₄ can be performed on channel A.
~D, so multiple
Control over the VTR becomes easier. Next, based on the above-mentioned transmission list,
The operation of the tape cassette automatic supply selection reproducing machine M which sequentially sends out reproduced video signals will be explained. Since the sending list is stored in the storage means 25 of the microcomputer 14, the elevator 2 is controlled by the microcomputer 14 accordingly, and the elevator 2 controls the shelf device 1.
The tape cassettes 7 are taken out one by one from the shelves ₁₁ to 1n, transported one by one to a predetermined one of the VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ , and loaded by horizontal loading.
Also, tape cassette 7 of the VTR that has finished playing is
taken out from the VTR by horizontal unloading,
The elevator 2 returns the items to the original shelves 1 ₁ to 1n or to a pre-designated return-only shelf. While the tape cassette automatic supply selection playback machine M is in operation, "PLAY" is displayed in the playout list on the screen of the monitor receiver 14M if the corresponding VTR is being played.
is displayed, and if it is ready for playback, "CUE UP" is displayed.
is displayed. In addition, multiple tape cassette automatic supply selection playback machine
When using M ₁ to Mk, when all tape cassettes 7 on shelves 1 ₁ to 1n of one tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine have been played, the tape cassettes 7 on that shelf 1 ₁ to
A new tape cassette 7 is manually stored in the tape cassette 1n, and the other tape cassette automatic supply selection/playback machines are operated. Now, while operating the tape cassette automatic supply selection playback machine M according to the sending list,
It may be necessary to change the sending list. This will be explained below with reference to FIG. 15, which shows the functional blocks of the computer 14, and FIG. 16, which shows its flowchart. First, a case will be described in which a tape cassette 7 is already loaded in the VTR and this tape cassette 7 is to be replaced with another tape cassette 7. That is, VTR8 ₁ to 8 ₄
It is assumed that tape cassettes 7 are loaded in all of the tape cassettes 7. In Figure 15, 70 has a low priority.
This is a detection means for the VTR, and the input terminal 71
When a transmission number insertion command is given from , the VTR with the lowest priority at that time is detected. The data of this detected VTR is
is given to the detection means 72 which detects whether or not the VCR is being played back, and if it is being played back, the detection data is given to the detection means 70 and the VTR with the lowest priority at that point is detected again. be done. If the detection means 72 detects that the VTR detected by the detection means 70 is not being played back, the detection data is supplied to the control means 73. The control means 73 controls the elevating drive means 4, and the elevator 2 is driven and controlled by the elevating drive means 4, and the tape cassette 7 of the detected VTR is moved to the shelves ₁₁ to 1n.
At the same time, the tape cassette 7 with the desired delivery number is taken out from one of the shelves ₁₁ to 1n and loaded into the detected VTR. However,
When it is the detected VTR's turn to play, the tape cassette 7 loaded in that VTR is played. For example, in Table 2, when the VTR 8 ₃ (number 3) containing the tape cassette 7 with the sending number 1 is being played, the VTR with the lowest priority is the one loaded in the tape cassette 7 with the sending number 4. There is
It is VTR8 ₂ (number 2). If the VTR 8 ₂ is not in playback, the tape cassette 7 loaded in the VTR 8 ₂ is replaced with a tape cassette 7 with a sending number 10 or 15, for example. Also, sending number 1
VTR ₈ loaded with tape cassette 7 3
(No. 3) and the VTR ₈ (No. 2) loaded in the tape cassette 7 with the sending number 4 are both playing, the next VTR with the lowest priority will send the feeding number 7 into the tape cassette 7. has been
It is _VTR83 (number 3). Therefore, this VTR8
The tape cassette 7 loaded in _{No. 3} may be replaced with the tape cassette 7 with delivery number 10 or 125, for example. Note that the tape cassette 7 with delivery number 10 was previously stored in one of the shelves 1 ₁ to 1n, and the delivery order has been changed.
125 tape cassettes 7 are placed on the shelf 1 ₁ after the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M starts the feeding operation.
~1n (in this case,
(It is necessary to specify a shelf and have the photodetector 12 of the elevator 2 read the barcode 11 of the tape cassette 7), or the tape cassette 7 must be stored in advance on one of the shelves ₁₁ to 1n as a spare. It is something that In this way, when a sending number is inserted, the playback start time of the tape cassette 7 of the subsequent sending number is delayed by the calculation of the control means 24 of the computer 14, and the insertion of the inserted sending number is delayed. The modified transmission list including
will be displayed on the screen. Note that a plurality of transmission numbers may be inserted at the same time.
For example, in the case of two tape cassettes 7 at the same time, the tape cassettes 7 loaded in the third and fourth priority VTRs among the VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ may be replaced with the other two tape cassettes 7. Thus, in the sending list, the desired sending number,
That is, it is possible to easily and reliably transmit and insert the reproduction signal from the desired tape cassette 7. Note that it is also possible to delete part of the sending list. Also, by inserting a blank period (VTR switching period) between the sending numbers of a certain channel during the sending operation of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M, the channel after the insertion of the blank period can be changed. , different VTRs are played back before and after the spatial period, making it possible to generate special effects such as fade-in and fade-out during the blank period. In this case, the channel in which the blank period was inserted and the next channel are taken into consideration, and the channel after the blank period is changed to a channel different from both the channel in which the blank period was inserted and the next channel. This is shown in FIG. 17 showing the functional blocks of the computer 14 and in FIG.
This will be explained below with reference to FIG. 80 is a detection means for detecting a channel in which a blank period has been inserted; when a blank period insertion command is given from an input terminal 81 to this detecting means, a channel in which a blank period has been inserted is detected. When the channel detecting means 80 detects a channel into which a blank period has been inserted, the detected data is given to the channel detecting means 82 which detects the next channel, and the next channel is detected. Ru. And both channel detection means 80, 82
Detected data is given to the channel changing means 83, and the channel after the blank period of the channel into which the blank period has been inserted is changed to the both channel detecting means 83.
The channel is changed to a channel other than both channels detected at 0 and 82, and is stored in the storage means 25. In the transmission list of Table 1 above, for example, if a blank period (time is zero) is inserted between transmission numbers 1 and 2, the channels of transmission numbers 2 and 3 will change from A to C (or D is also possible). will be changed to However, the channel remains A for transmission number 1. In this way, the overall order of channels is not changed, the change in the order of channels is partially stopped, and by inserting a new blank period, other blank periods that already exist (especially zero There is no longer any possibility that the special effect will become impossible due to the disappearance of the period of time (or a minute period of time). Note that blank periods can also be deleted. In that case, the channel before the blank period is changed to be the same as the channel before the blank period. In Table 1 above, if the blank period between transmission numbers 3 and 4 is deleted, the channels of transmission numbers 4 to 6 are changed from B to A. If the blank period between transmission numbers 3 and 4 is zero or a minute time, the generation of special effects will be stopped. Next, if the elevator 2 in the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M breaks down, there is a risk that the barcode 11 on the tape cassette 7 may not be read, so an auxiliary barcode reader is installed as shown in FIG. (Manual barcode reader) 85 is installed in the elevator 2 (it can be installed separately).
This barcode reader 85 includes a photodetector 1 that detects the barcode 11 on the back of the tape cassette 7.
2' is provided, and a detection signal from this photodetector 12' is supplied to the above-mentioned microcomputer 14 via an A/D converter 13'. When elevator 2 breaks down, tape cassette 7
by manually moving the tape cassette 7 back and forth to the photodetector 1.
2', that is, the identification data of the tape cassette 7, is stored in the storage means 25 of the microcomputer 14. After that, this tape cassette 7 is loaded into an empty VTR with a lower priority among the VTRs ₈₁ to ₈₄ , and when the turn for playback arrives as usual, the tape cassette 7 is loaded into that VTR.
Play it on a VCR. The operation in the event that the elevator 2 breaks down while the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine M is operating according to a pre-made sending list (consisting of sending numbers 1 to 35, for example) is shown on the monitor receiver. 14M
This will be explained with reference to FIG. 20 showing the transmission list displayed on the screen. The meanings of the symbols for each item and content in FIG. 20 are as follows. NO: Delivery number MD: Mode identification number TTL: Title STT: Tape playback start time DRT: Tape playback time ACT: Tape playback cumulative time M: Cassette feeder BN: Shelf CH: Channel VT: VTR VTM: VTR mode PLY: CUE during reproduction: Preparing for reproduction As shown in FIG. 20A, suppose that the elevator breaks down while transmission numbers 15 and 16 are being reproduced and transmission number 17 is preparing for reproduction. In addition, by inserting the sending number etc.
Because there is a risk that the VTR number may change, VTR numbers below the transmission number that is being prepared for playback are not displayed. As a result, the display of the shelf BN column and the display of the lines with sending numbers 18 and below disappear, and a horizontally elongated frame is displayed below the sending number 17. Therefore, while looking at the hard copy sending list, search for the tape cassette 7 with sending number 18 from the shelves ₁₁ to 1n, hang it on the auxiliary barcode reader 85, and read the barcode 1.
After reading 1, empty VTR8 ₁ (number 1)
When loaded, the columns for each item except the shelf item in the frame are filled in and displayed, and then the frame moves to the next line with the sending number 18, as shown in FIG. 20C. In the state shown in FIG. 20C, transmission numbers 16 and 17 are being reproduced, and transmission number 18 is in a reproduction preparation state. From then on, repeat this operation. In this way, even if the elevator 2 is out of order, the tape cassette 7 can be manually played back and selectively sent out by the VTR. In addition to the VTR, audio tape recorders, data tape recorders, etc. can also be used as playback devices. Further, instead of a bar code, identification data may be attached to the back of the tape cassette by magnetic recording or optical recording. Effects of the Invention According to the present invention described above, a shelf device including a plurality of shelves, a plurality of playback devices, an elevating and lowering conveying means for transferring tape cassettes between the shelf device and the plurality of playback devices, and a plurality of In the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback device, which has a selective sending means for selectively sending out a playback signal from a playback device, and a main control means for controlling a plurality of playback devices, an elevating and conveying means, and a selective sending means, a plurality of tape cassettes are It is possible to obtain one that can take enough time to replace and load the playback device.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of an example of a tape cassette automatic supply selection and reproduction machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a tape cassette used in the tape cassette automatic supply selection reproduction machine of FIG. 1, and FIG. The figure is the second
Figure 4 is a pattern diagram showing an example of the format of the barcode attached to the tape cassette in Figure 4. Figure 4 is an example of the barcode pattern for one character of the barcode attached to the tape cassette in Figure 2, and the waveform of its read signal. Pattern and waveform diagram shown, 5th
The figure is a block diagram showing one function of the microcomputer of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine of FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the functional blocks of FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the selection and sending means of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine of FIG. 1, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing other functions of the microcomputer of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine shown in FIG.
1 and 12 are block diagrams showing other functions of the microcomputer of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine of FIG. 1, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the functional blocks of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the auxiliary controller of the microcomputer of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine of FIG. 1, and FIG. 15 shows other functions of the microcomputer of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine of FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the functional blocks of FIG. 15,
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing other functions of the microcomputer of the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine of FIG. 1, FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the functional blocks of FIG. 17, and FIG. FIG. 20 is a layout diagram showing another part of the tape cassette automatic supply selection reproducing machine shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 20 is a pattern diagram showing the screen of a monitor receiver for explaining the apparatus shown in FIG. 19. M is a tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback machine, 1 is a shelf device, ₁₁ to 1n are the plurality of shelves, 2 is a lifting/lowering conveyance means (elevator), 5 and 6 are shelves above and below the elevator, 7 is a tape cassette, 8 {8 ₁ to 8 ₄ } is
VTR, 11 is a barcode attached to the tape cassette, 12 and 12' are barcode detectors, 14 is a microcomputer, 14M is a monitor receiver,
14K is an auxiliary controller, 24 is a main control means, 25,
25A, 25B, 25 ₁ to 25 ₄ are storage means, 40
41 is a selection means, 43 is a switching means, 44 is a distribution means, 45 is a blank period position detection means, 46 is a calculation means for the number of tape cassettes, 47 is a transmission number and tape cassette automatic supply selection reproduction. means for specifying correspondence with the machine; 50 is a storage means; 5
1 is a playback start order determining means, 61A to 61D are normal playback control operators, 62A to 62D are still image playback control operators, 63A to 63D are operators to return the VTR to a playback preparation state, and 70 is a VTR with a low priority.
72 is a detection means for detecting whether or not the VTR is playing, 73 is a control means, 80 is a detection means for detecting a channel into which a blank period is inserted, and 82 is a detection means for detecting the next channel. means,
83 is a channel changing means, and 85 is an auxiliary barcode reader.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A shelving device comprising a plurality of shelves, a plurality of playback devices, an elevating and lowering transportation means for transferring tape cassettes between the shelf device and the plurality of playback devices, and a means for transmitting playback signals from the plurality of playback devices. In the tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback apparatus, which has a selective sending means for selectively sending out tapes, and a main control means for controlling the plurality of playback devices, the elevating and conveying means, and the selective sending means, each of the plurality of playback devices It has a storage means for storing the playback end time of the loaded tape cassette, and a playback start order determining means for determining the next playback start order of the plurality of VTRs based on the stored contents of the storage means. A tape cassette automatic supply selection and playback device characterized by: