JPH0581773A - Magnetic tape recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a magnetic tape from degrading by recording again control information updated corresponding to the release of a mode permitting the recording and the updating of data on a magnetic tape. CONSTITUTION:By a TOC control part 8, TOC data is read from a magnetic tape and stored in a RAM 7 when the magnetic tape is set and simultaneously the TOC data in the RAM 7 is updated in accordance with the process instruction of the recording and the erasing, etc., of image data on the magnetic tape by a control part 17. Further, by an operation control part 5, the TOC data stored in the RAM 7 is recorded on the magnetic tape e.g. at every fixed time by time control by a timer or at the time of ending the use of the magnetic tape. Thus, the number of times of contact between the magnetic head and the magnetic tape is reduced and the degradation of the magnetic tape is prevented.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic tape recording device equipped with an electronic filing device for storing image data, and more particularly to a magnetic tape recording device incorporating a digital audio tape as a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in electronic filing apparatuses such as computers, those using magnetic disks such as fixed disks and floppy disks, and magnetic tapes have become widespread. In particular, magnetic tapes are often used as exchangeable and large-capacity recording media. A magnetic tape management information recording method relating to management information of data recorded on a magnetic tape is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-281470. That is, this magnetic tape management information recording system is such that the management information is written to the magnetic tape only when a rewind or unload command for the magnetic tape is given.

As the magnetic tape, a digital audio tape having a unified standard is being used recently.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional magnetic tape management information recording system, the management information is written to the magnetic tape every time a rewinding or unloading instruction of the magnetic tape is given. There is a problem in that the number of times management information is written to the magnetic tape is extremely large, and the magnetic tape is easily damaged.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic tape recording apparatus for writing management information on a magnetic tape only when necessary.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a magnetic tape recording apparatus for updating management information recorded on a magnetic tape, and stores the management information in the magnetic tape. Means, updating means for updating the management information in the storage means, mode setting means for switching and setting a mode for permitting recording and updating of data on the magnetic tape, and mode releasing means for canceling the mode. Recording control means for re-recording the updated management information in the storage means on the magnetic tape in response to the release of the mode (claim 1).

Further, in the magnetic tape recording apparatus for updating the management information recorded on the magnetic tape, a storage means for taking in the management information in the magnetic tape and an update for updating the management information in the storage means. Means, ejecting instruction means for instructing ejection of the magnetic tape from the apparatus main body, and recording for re-recording the management information in the storage means on the magnetic tape when an ejecting instruction from the eject instruction means is given. And a control means (claim 2).

Further, in the magnetic tape recording apparatus for updating the management information recorded on the magnetic tape, a storage means for taking in the management information in the magnetic tape and an update for updating the management information in the storage means. Means, a timer for elapse of time, and a recording control means for re-recording the management information in the storage means on the magnetic tape every time a predetermined time has elapsed (claim 3).

[0009]

According to the present invention, the management information of the magnetic tape is stored in the storage means, and the management information stored in the storage means is updated by the updating means. Data such as image data is recorded and updated on the magnetic tape according to the setting by the mode setting means, and when the mode is released by the mode releasing means after this, the management information updated in response to the release It is re-recorded on the magnetic tape by the recording control means.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the management information of the magnetic tape is taken into the storage means, and the management information in the storage means is updated by the updating means. When the take-out instructing means gives an instruction to take out the magnetic tape from the apparatus main body, the management information updated by the recording control means is re-recorded on the magnetic tape.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the management information of the magnetic tape is taken into the storage means, and the management information in the storage means is updated by the updating means. And
When a certain time has elapsed by the timer, the management information updated by the recording control means is re-recorded on the magnetic tape every time.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the entire magnetic tape recording apparatus 1. The magnetic tape recorder 1 includes a data controller 2 including the functions of a digital plain paper copier (DPPC).
And a digital audio tape recorder (DAT) 3.

The data control section 2 is mainly composed of an image processing control section 4, an operation control section 5, a scanner 6 for reading an original or the like, a printer 9 for copying image data or the like, a facsimile (FA).
X) 10 and page memory 11 and the like.
Further, the scanner 6, the printer 9 and the image processing control unit 4 are provided with video interfaces (VD.IF) 61 and 91, respectively.
The data control unit 2 and DAT 3 are connected by a digital audio interface (DAI) 12, and the page memories 11 and DAI 12 are connected by a video interface (VD.IF) 111.

The image processing control unit 4 is composed of a microcomputer, and internally has a bit map memory 41, a binarization processing unit 42 and an image compression / expansion processing unit (VCEP unit).
Has 43. The bitmap memory 41 is for temporarily storing the captured data from the scanner 6 and the FAX 10 or the image data from the page memory 11 as bit information. The binarization processing unit 42 binarizes the data in the bitmap memory 41. VCEP
The unit 43 compresses the data in the bit map memory 41 and outputs it to the page memory 11 or the like, or decompresses the data from the page memory 11 and outputs it to the bit map memory 4.
It is output to 1. If necessary, VCEP
The data of the scanner 6, the FAX 10 and the page memory 11 can be directly guided to a required circuit section without the section 43.

Then, the image processing control section 4 responds to the operation of a mode switching key of the operation section 17 which will be described later, and the like.
The end of data (EOD) signal indicating the end of the data is added to the end of the image data read by the or the image data received by the FAX 10, and the image data is output to the DAT 3 via the page memory 11 or the like. , Is designed to record on magnetic tape.

The image processing control section 4 can output image data from the scanner 6, image data from the FAX 10 or the like or image data from the DAT 3 to the printer 9. Further, the image processing controller 4 can output the image data read by the scanner 6 and the image data from the DAT 3 to the FAX 10.

The page memory 11 stores the image data from the image processing controller 4 or the DAT 3 page by page.

The operation control section 5 is composed of a microcomputer and controls the operation of each section of the magnetic tape recording apparatus 1 in accordance with the operation of the operation section 17. Also,
The operation control unit 5 uses a TOC (table, table, etc.) that indicates the registration date, title, and other attributes of data recorded on the magnetic tape.
Random access memory (RAM) 7 for storing data of content and TOC for managing the TOC data
The management unit 8 is provided, and the TOC data recorded on the magnetic tape is also managed. Further, the TOC management unit includes a timer 81 for managing the TOC data.

That is, when the magnetic tape is set, the TOC management unit 8 reads the TOC data from the magnetic tape and stores the TOC data in the RAM 7, and also records the image data on the magnetic tape by the operation unit 17, for example. TO in the RAM 7 according to a processing command such as erase or erase
Update C data.

Further, the operation control unit 5 is adapted to record the TOC data stored in the RAM 7 on the magnetic tape, for example, at regular time intervals when the use of the magnetic tape is completed or the time is controlled by a timer.

In the management of the TOC data, T
The image data deleted on the OC data is deleted by overwriting at the time of updating when the next image data is recorded on the magnetic tape.

The operation unit 17 includes a key for inputting TOC data for managing data recorded on the magnetic tape, a file mode for recording image data read by the scanner 6 on the magnetic tape, and data received by the FAX 10. A mode switching key for switching the FAX mode to be recorded on the magnetic tape, a key for setting the image density at the time of reading an original by the scanner 6, a required number of sheets for printing, and other keys for searching data recorded on the magnetic tape, etc. And a display circuit 171 for confirming the operation content.

Further, the operation control section 5 performs the search process based on the search instruction from the operation section 17 so as to perform the search process.
The TOC data in the RAM 7 is referred to via the C management unit 8 and the display circuit 171 in the operation unit 17 is caused to display a file name for retrieval or the like.

The DAT 3 is composed of a DAT operation control unit 14, a head control unit 15 and the like. The head controller 15 and the data controller 2 are connected by a digital audio interface (DAI) 13.

The DAT operation control section 14 controls the operation of each section of the DAT 3, and receives a control command from the operation control section 5 to instruct the head control section 15 to perform recording, reproduction, erasing, etc. I am trying. Head controller 15
Is for driving and controlling a magnetic head, a reel motor, and the like (not shown), and a random access memory / error correction code section (RAM / ECC) 151 is provided therein. The RAM / ECC 151 adds an error correction code (error correction code) to the input data from the data control unit 2 during recording, and applies error correction to the data from the magnetic tape based on the error correction code during reproduction. ..

Next, the contents recorded on the magnetic tape will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the contents recorded on the magnetic tape. Magnetic tape 2
1, the lead-in area C, the TOC area D, the data area group E, and the section identification area F added to the head of each data area E0 in the data area group E are formed. The data area E0 is formed to have a constant or arbitrary recording area unit length.

Next, the track format of the magnetic tape will be described with reference to FIG. The magnetic tape is formatted so that various data are recorded on a large number of tracks T arranged and formed with a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the running direction X. The format of each track T is shown in Table 1, EIAJ CP-2.
It is formed according to the standard of 305.

[0028]

[Table 1]

Each track T has a sub-region A formed at both ends thereof and a main region B formed at the center thereof.
Program number data (P. No) indicating the recording order of data, index data (Index) for area identification, etc. are recorded in the sub area A, and image data etc. are recorded in the main area B. It is designed to be.

The lead-in area C is provided to prevent the effect of rising of the head or the like and to discriminate the type of tape. In the sub-area A of each track T of the lead-in area C, as shown in FIG. 4, program number data “0BB” and index data “0
0 "is recorded in multiplex.

In the TOC area D, as shown in Table 2, tape attribute data such as a tape name, a conversion table of unused pages and erased pages, management data to be described later, tape operation history data, etc. are recorded. Has been done.

[0032]

[Table 2]

In the sub-area A of each track T of the TOC area D, program number data "000" is multiplexedly recorded as shown in FIG. 4, and the tracks T from the beginning to a predetermined number are tracked. Index data “AA” is recorded in the sub-area A, and index data “01” is recorded in the following track T in a multiplexed manner.

Further, in the TOC area D, management data of data of a data area group E, which will be described later, file attribute data and the like are recorded. That is, TO
As shown in Table 3, in the C area D, the program number data (P. No) and the file number data (FILEN) are associated with each data area E0 of the data area group E described later.
o), page number data of each file (PAGE N
o), an unused flag indicating whether the page is an unused page, an erased flag indicating whether the page is an erased page, an unusable flag indicating whether the page has become unusable due to deterioration or the like, and image size data indicating the size of the document. Etc. are recorded. It should be noted that "1" is set to the unused flag and the erased flag of the program numbers corresponding to the unused page and the erased page.

[0035]

[Table 3]

The data area group E has a plurality of data areas E0 for recording image data from the scanner 6 and received data from the FAX 10. In the sub-area A of the track T of the data area group E, as shown in FIG. 5, "001" is set for each data area E0 along the recording direction of the tape.
Program number data of "002", ... "N", "n + 1" ,. The data area E0 is for recording image data and the like, for example, in A3 size page units.

The section identification area F is an area in which a section identifier indicating the head of the data area is recorded, and this section identifier is used for finding the beginning of data retrieval. In the sub area A of the track T of the section identification area F, program number data having the same number data as the program number data of the data area group E is written. Further, from the tip of the section identification area F to the sub-areas A of the predetermined number of tracks T,
As shown in FIG. 4, index data “00” is recorded, and index data “AA” is recorded in the sub-area A of the track T following it.

Next, a first embodiment of the recording operation of the management information (TOC data) on the magnetic tape will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment. First, when the already recorded magnetic tape is mounted on the main body of the apparatus, the DAT operation control unit 14 starts feeding the magnetic tape (step S1). And
The operation control unit 5 controls the TOC, which is the beginning of the magnetic tape.
The TOC data is loaded from the area D into the RAM 7 (step S2). After that, when the operation unit 17 is operated and the TOC data in the RAM 7 is updated by the TOC management unit 8 (step S3), it is determined whether the mode of recording the data such as image data on the magnetic tape is released. To determine. If the mode is not released (step S4)
If NO in step S4, the magnetic tape is run from the beginning and the TOC data is rerecorded from the RAM 7 to the TOC area D of the magnetic tape if the mode is released (YES in step S4) (step S7). ). That is, normally, the TOC information is updated on the RAM 7 by the TOC management unit 8 and when the mode for permitting the recording and updating of data is released, the updated TOC information is re-recorded on the magnetic tape.

Alternatively, the operation may be performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Since steps S11 to S13 are the same as steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted.

Then, the counting of the waiting time is started (step S14). Then, it is determined whether or not the mode for recording the data such as image data on the magnetic tape has been released. If the mode is released (YES in step S15), the magnetic tape is run from the beginning and the TOC data is transferred from the RAM 7 to the TOC area D of the magnetic tape.
Are re-recorded (step S18). In step S15,
If the mode is not released (NO in step S15), it is determined whether or not the count of the waiting time has passed the auto clear setting time for resetting the mode to the initial value, and if not (NO in step S16). ),
It returns to step S13. In step S16, if the auto clear set time has elapsed (YES in step S16),
The mode is released (step S17) and the process proceeds to step S18. That is, the TOC information is usually managed by the TOC management unit 8 on the RAM 7, and the updated TOC information is re-recorded on the magnetic tape when the mode is released. The mode is also canceled when the auto clear set time has elapsed.

Next, a second embodiment of the operation of recording TOC data on the magnetic tape will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Since steps S21 to S23 are the same as steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, it is judged whether or not there is an instruction to take out the tape from the apparatus by the operation unit 17 for the end of the recording operation or the tape exchange (step S24). If there is no tape ejection instruction (NO in step S24), step S2
Returning to step 3, if there is an instruction to take out the tape (step S2
(YES in 4), run the magnetic tape from the beginning and TOC
Data is rerecorded from the RAM 7 to the TOC area D of the magnetic tape (step S25). That is, normally RAM7
When the TOC information is updated by the TOC management unit 8 and an instruction to remove the tape is issued, the updated TOC information is re-recorded on the magnetic tape.

Next, a third embodiment of the recording operation of the TOC data on the magnetic tape will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Since steps S31 to S33 are the same as steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 6, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the timer 81 counts the time (step S34), and it is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed. If it has not elapsed (N in step S35).
O), the process returns to step S33, and if the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S35), the magnetic tape is run from the beginning and the TOC data is transferred from the RAM 7 to the TO of the magnetic tape.
It is re-recorded in the C area D (step S36). That is,
Normally, the TOC information is updated on the RAM 7 by the TOC management unit 8. If the TOC information is not updated on the RAM 7 for a predetermined time, the TOC information is re-recorded on the magnetic tape.

In the present embodiment, the TOC information is re-recorded on the magnetic tape if the TOC information is not updated for a predetermined time. However, the time is set, and when the set time comes, the TOC information is rewritten. The information may be re-recorded on the magnetic tape.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, the management information updated in response to the release of the mode permitting recording and updating of data on the magnetic tape is re-recorded on the magnetic tape. By reducing the number of contact between the magnetic tape and the magnetic tape, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the magnetic tape,
The access time to the magnetic tape can be shortened.

Further, since the management information is re-recorded on the magnetic tape when an instruction to take out the magnetic tape from the apparatus main body is given, the number of contact between the magnetic head and the magnetic tape can be reduced, so that The deterioration of the tape can be prevented and the access time to the magnetic tape can be shortened.

Further, since the management information is re-recorded on the magnetic tape every time a certain period of time elapses, the risk of erasing the RAM due to an accident or the like can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an entire magnetic tape recording device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the contents recorded on a magnetic tape.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a track format of a magnetic tape.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents recorded at the beginning of a magnetic tape.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing contents recorded in a data area and a section identification area of a magnetic tape.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of another example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Magnetic Tape Recording Device 2 Data Control Section 3 Digital Audio Tape Recorder (DAT) 4 Image Processing Control Section 5 Operation Control Section 6 Scanner 7 Random Access Memory (RAM) 8 TOC Management Section 9 Printer 10 Facsimile (FAX) 11 Page Memory 12 , 13 Digital audio interface (D
AI) 14 DAT operation control unit 15 head control unit 17 operation unit 21 magnetic tape 41 bitmap memory 42 binarization processing unit 43 image compression / expansion processing unit (VCEP unit) 61, 91, 111 video interface (VD.I)
F) 81 timer 151 random access memory / error correction code section 171 display circuit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A magnetic tape recording apparatus for updating management information recorded on a magnetic tape, and storage means for taking in the management information in the magnetic tape and updating for updating the management information in the storage means. Means, mode setting means for switching and setting to a mode permitting recording and updating of data on the magnetic tape, mode releasing means for releasing the mode, and updated in the storage means in response to the release of the mode. A magnetic tape recording apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that re-records management information on a magnetic tape. 2. A magnetic tape recording device for updating management information recorded on a magnetic tape, and a storage means for taking in the management information in the magnetic tape and an update for updating the management information in the storage means. Means and ejection instruction means for instructing ejection of the magnetic tape from the apparatus main body,
A magnetic tape recording apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that re-records the management information in the storage unit onto a magnetic tape when an ejection instruction from the ejection instruction unit is given. 3. A magnetic tape recording apparatus for updating management information recorded on a magnetic tape, and storage means for taking in the management information in the magnetic tape and updating for updating the management information in the storage means. A magnetic tape recording apparatus comprising: means, a timer for elapse of time, and recording control means for re-recording the management information in the storage means on a magnetic tape every time a predetermined time elapses.