JPH11353764A - Information recording and reproducing device and its processing and indicating method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable performing efficiently prescribing processing relating to desired plural devices. SOLUTION: A library controller 2 recognizes information relating to each console constituting a cassette library 1 by the number of consoles in which at least information of a console is required, and outputs simultaneously information of consoles corresponding to selected plural consoles as picture information. At this time, the library controller 2 can display simultaneously information screens of at least two consoles as picture information. Also, the library controller 2 can indicate prescribed processing relating to plural consoles by operation relating to information display parts of plural consoles on this information screen, and performs prescribed processing in accordance with this indication. Further, prescribed processing described here is, for example, processing for making a cassette K stretching over plural consoles move.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information recording / reproducing apparatus for accommodating a plurality of recording media and recording and reproducing information on and from the accommodated recording media, and a processing instruction method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of recording media (for example, cassette tapes or disk-shaped recording media) which can be attached to and detached from a recording / reproducing apparatus are stored, and if necessary, the recording media are stored in the storage media. To record various information,
There is a system for reproducing recorded information. Such a system is called a library system or an autochanger or the like, but will be referred to as a library system in the following description.

Some library systems have a predetermined configuration, while others have a configuration that can be changed to some extent according to the user. As a library system that can change the configuration in this way, for example,
A recording / reproducing console having a recording / reproducing device for recording / reproducing information on / from a recording medium, a recording medium storing console having a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing a recording medium, and the like. Some consoles are provided with a plurality of consoles, and a library system of various scales and arrangements can be constructed by arbitrarily combining these consoles. Some recording / playback consoles have a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing a recording medium. Further, such a library system includes a transport device that transports a recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing device, and a control unit that controls the recording / reproducing device and the transport device.

In this library system, a recording medium is conveyed between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing device by a conveying device based on control by a control unit, and a recording medium conveyed to the recording / reproducing device is transferred to the recording medium. On the other hand, various information is recorded by the recording / reproducing device, and the recorded information is reproduced.

In the library system, identification of a plurality of recording media is performed using, for example, identification information given to each of the recording media. The identification information is provided on the recording medium in the form of a barcode, for example. A reading device for reading identification information given to a recording medium is provided, for example, in a transport device that transports the recording medium. In addition, a unique number is also given to a plurality of storage sections for storing the recording medium.

[0006]

By the way, in the above-mentioned library system, processing operations may be performed over a plurality of consoles. For example, when performing system maintenance or returning after a failure has occurred, a processing operation such as moving a recording medium between different consoles may be performed. In the conventional library system,
When performing such a moving process of the recording medium, for example, a predetermined operation screen such as a dialog box is displayed on a display device attached to the control unit in accordance with the instruction of the moving process, and the operation screen is displayed. The identification information of the recording medium to be moved and the number of the storage unit at the source where the recording medium is stored are input from input means such as a keyboard, and the number of the storage unit at the destination is input in the same manner to perform the movement operation. It is made to be performed.

In the library system, a display device attached to the control unit has a function of displaying, as an information screen, an image representing information on the internal configuration of each console. This information screen is used. In some cases, the recording medium may be moved. In this case, for example, in the information screen of the console in which the recording medium of the movement source is stored,
By performing a mouse operation or the like, the number of the storage section in which the recording medium to be moved is stored is designated and stored, and then the console number of the destination is input, and the information of the destination console is input. By displaying the screen and specifying the number of the destination storage unit on this information screen,
The moving operation was performed. At this time, since only one information screen showing console information can be displayed at a time, in the case of a process of moving a recording medium across a plurality of consoles, the information screen of the destination and the source must be displayed again. In addition, the operation was complicated.

As described above, in the conventional library system, there is a problem that the processing of moving the recording medium over a plurality of consoles cannot be executed without a complicated operation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of efficiently performing a predetermined process over a plurality of devices, and a process instruction method therefor. To provide.

[0010]

An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is a device assembly unit formed by combining a plurality of devices connected to each other so that their positions can be changed. The device includes a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium, and any of the plurality of devices includes a plurality of storage units that can store a recording medium. An aggregate unit, a transport unit for transporting a recording medium between any storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit in the device aggregate unit, and controls the recording / reproducing unit and the transport unit, and represents information on each device. An information screen is displayed, and an operation over an information display portion of a plurality of devices on the information screen enables an instruction of a predetermined process over a plurality of devices, and a predetermined process is performed in accordance with the instruction. It is obtained by a control means having a function of performing.

Further, the processing instruction method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is a device assembly unit configured by combining a plurality of devices which are connected to each other so that their positions can be changed. The device includes a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium, and any of the plurality of devices includes a plurality of storage units that can store a recording medium. An information recording apparatus comprising: an aggregate unit; a transport unit that transports a recording medium between any storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit in the device aggregate unit; and a control unit that controls the recording / reproducing unit and the transport unit. In the playback device, a processing instruction method for instructing a predetermined process over a plurality of devices constituting a device assembly unit, wherein a control unit displays an information screen representing information on each device. By the operation across the information display portion of the plurality of devices in the information screen, in which so as to perform the instructions of the predetermined processing across multiple devices.

[0012] In the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means displays an information screen representing information on each device, and the operation over the information display portion of the plurality of devices on this information screen extends over the plurality of devices. An instruction for a predetermined process is enabled, and the predetermined process is performed according to the instruction.

In the method for instructing processing of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means displays an information screen representing information on each device, and the operation over the information display portion of the plurality of devices on the information screen causes a plurality of operations. The instruction of the predetermined process across the devices is enabled.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 and FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating a library system as an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a basic configuration of the library system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the cassette library 1 shown in FIG.

The library system according to the present embodiment accommodates a plurality of video tape cassettes (hereinafter simply referred to as cassettes) K as recording media, and uses an arbitrary cassette K accommodated as required. A cassette library 1 for recording and reproducing information, and a library controller 2 as control means for controlling the cassette library 1.

The library controller 2 comprises a controller main body 21 which is a device for controlling the cassette library 1, and a mouse and a keyboard for inputting and instructing information necessary for control to the controller main body 21. An input device 22 and a display device 23 connected to the controller body 21 and having a display screen for displaying information and the like accompanying control are provided. The controller main body 21 is, for example, a transmission line 24, 2 of the RS-232C standard.
5 is connected to the cassette library 1. Further, the controller body 21 is, for example, a SCSI (Smal
l Computer System Interface) A transmission path 31 of the standard allows connection to a host computer 3 as a client using the cassette library 1.
Further, the controller main body 21 can be connected to the host computer 3 via a communication network 32 of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet (Ethernet), for example.

The cassette library 1 has a basic (Basic)
Console 1B, drive console 1D, cassette console 1C and junction console 1J
A type of console and a cassette transporter 16 as transporting means for transporting the cassette K inside the cassette library 1 are provided. The four types of consoles are selectively connected so that their positions can be changed, and the cassette library 1 can have a library configuration using some or all of these four types of consoles. . The minimum required configuration of the cassette library 1 for realizing the library system is the configuration of the basic console 1B and the drive console 1D.

Here, in FIG. 1, the cassette library 1
Only the basic configuration is shown, and an example is shown in which one side of the drive console 1D is connected to one side of the basic console 1B and one side of the cassette console 1C is connected to the other side of the drive console 1D. I have. Further, in FIG. 2, on one side direction of the basic console 1B, in order from the basic console 1B side, the drive console _{1D (1D 11, 1D 12,} ..) and cassette consoles _{1C (1C 11, 1C 12,} ..) and and alternately connected to form the console lines L1 underlying, through a junction console 1 J ₁ toward the front of the drive console 1D ₁₁ drive console 1D (1D _21,
1D ₂₂ ,. . ) And cassette console 1C (1
C ₂₁ , 1C ₂₂ ,. . ) Are alternately connected to form an extended console row L2.
₁₂ front direction through the junction console 1 J ₂ drive console 1D of _{(1D 31, 1D 32, ..} ) and cassette consoles _{1C (1C 31, 1C 32,} ..)
Are alternately connected to form an extended console row L3. In addition, as shown in FIG.
When there are a plurality of console rows, a cassette transporter 16 is installed in each console row. The transfer of the cassette K between the console rows is performed via the junction port section 18 of the junction console 1J.

The connection relationship between the consoles is not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, even if only the basic console 1B and the drive console 1D are connected, the library system As a basic function can be realized.

In the cassette library 1, the drive console 1D has a plurality of (for example, four) drive devices 13 as recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing information on / from the cassette K, and a cassette K having a plurality of storage sections. And a cassette storage shelf 14 as a recording medium storage means capable of storing a plurality of. In addition, drive console 1D
Is provided with a drive control unit 70 (FIG. 2) for controlling the drive device 13. Cassette console 1C
Is provided with a cassette storage shelf 15 as a recording medium storage means having a plurality of storage sections and capable of storing a plurality of cassettes K. In the drive console 1D to which the junction console 1J is connected and the cassette console 1C, the cassette storage shelves 14 and 15 are partially provided so that the cassette K can be transferred to and from the junction console 1J when the junction console 1J is connected. Has been removed.

The basic console 1B has an input / output port unit 11 for taking in the cassette K into the library from the front and automatically discharging the cassette K in the library to the outside, and a cassette library 1 at the front of the basic console 1B. And a display unit 12 for displaying various information such as control information on the display. The input / output port unit 11 includes an upper port unit 11 provided on the upper stage of the basic console 1B.
a and a lower port portion 11b provided in the lower stage. The upper port portion 11a and the lower port portion 11b for inputting and outputting the cassette K each have a plurality (for example, four) of input / output ports. Display 1
2 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, for example. The basic console 1B is further connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by the transmission path 24 (FIG. 2), and connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by the transmission path 25, A main drive control unit 61 (FIG. 2) connected to the drive control unit 70 of the console 1D.

The junction console 1J is used to extend the connection between consoles.
It is configured such that one side of itself can be connected to the front or rear surface of another console. Junction console 1J
As shown in FIG. 2, a junction port 18 having a mechanism for transferring the cassette K to and from another connected console is provided on one side of the upper console 11a of the basic console 1B. Is provided at a position corresponding to. An input / output port 17 having the same function as the input / output port 11 of the basic console 1B is provided on the front of the junction console 1J.
B is provided at a position corresponding to the lower port portion 11b. Further, the junction console 1J includes a basic control unit 8 for controlling a mechanism for transferring the cassette K at the junction port unit 18 and controlling the cassette transporter 16 and the like in an extended console row.
0 is provided. The basic control unit 80 controls the basic console 1
B is electrically connected to the basic control unit 60. In addition,
Other basic configurations of the junction console 1J are the same as those of the basic console 1B.

In the central part inside the basic console 1B, the drive console 1D, the cassette console 1C and the junction console 1J, as shown in FIG. 2, a transfer area 103 as a space for the cassette transfer machine 16 to move is provided. Is provided. In the transport area 103, a guide rail 101 serving as a transport path when the cassette transporter 16 moves is provided along the transport direction of the cassette transporter 16. Further, on the side of the guide rail 101, an energizing rail 102 for supplying electric power to the cassette transporter 16 is provided.

The cassette transporter 16 has a transport area 103
Inside, the cassette K can be moved in the horizontal direction while holding the cassette K along the guide rail 101 by supplying power from the energizing rail 102, and the cassette K can be moved in each console by a vertical moving mechanism (not shown). Can be moved in the vertical direction (up-down direction) while holding. In addition, the cassette transporter 16
Although not shown, a mechanism for transferring the cassette K to each console is provided. For example, the cassette K taken in from the input / output port unit 11 of the basic console 1B is stored in a cassette storage shelf of the cassette console 1C. 1
5 can be performed. Further, the cassette transporter 16 has a barcode reader (not shown) for reading barcode information indicating an ID (identification information) given to the loaded cassette K.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 includes a screen control unit 41 for controlling the display device 23, an input control unit 42 for controlling the input device 22, and an SC
SCSI controller 4 for controlling connection between host computer 3 and library controller 2 according to the SI standard
A network controller 4 for controlling connection between the communication network 32 and the library controller 2
4 is provided. Each block element in the controller main body 21 is connected to each other by an internal bus 40.

The library controller 2 includes, for example, a serial line control unit 45 for controlling the connection between the cassette library 1 and the library controller 2 via the transmission lines 24 and 25 of the RS-232C standard;
A central processing control unit 46 configured to include a PU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and performs overall control of the library controller 2 and substantial control of the cassette library 1, and performs basic operations of the library controller 2 itself. Read-only memory 47 storing basic programs and the like necessary for
And a temporary storage memory 4 serving as a work area used when the central processing control unit 46 executes a program.
8, a hard disk drive 49 for driving a built-in hard disk for storing various information such as a database relating to system information of the library system, and a floppy disk (in the figure, denoted as FD in the figure) for recording and reproducing information on the floppy disk. ) Drive 50
And A program for controlling the cassette library 1 is stored in a hard disk driven by the hard disk drive 49, and the central processing control unit 46 executes the program to realize a function of controlling the cassette library 1. It has become.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a control screen displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 is a GUI that allows the user to perform operations on the screen using a mouse or the like.
A screen realizing an interface based on an I (Graphical User Interface) environment is used as a control screen as a display device 2.
3 is displayed.

The control screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed as a control main screen when the library controller 2 is started, for example. On the main screen, a menu bar or the like for instructing control of the library system is displayed in a predetermined area (area 91 in FIG. 7), and information on the basic configuration of the cassette library 1 is displayed in a predetermined area. Graphic display is performed in an area (the area 92 in FIG. 7) in a form that can be intuitively understood. When the library controller 2 is activated, the library controller 2
Information indicating the current configuration of the console, such as the type of console and the connection relationship between the consoles, is obtained, and based on the obtained information, a graphic screen in a form as shown in an area 92 in FIG. 7 is displayed. Has become.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main part of a functional configuration of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 includes an input device 22, a display device 23, and a control function unit 55 having a function of controlling the cassette library 1. The control function unit 55 controls the entire library controller 2 and the cassette library 1
Main control unit 5 that functions to perform substantial control on
1, a screen control unit 52 connected to the main control unit 51 and functioning to control the display device 23, and a main control unit 5
1 and an input control unit 53 that functions to control the input device 22 and a storage unit 54 that functions to store various information such as a database relating to system information of the library system.

Further, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 recognizes information on each console constituting the cassette library 1 at least for consoles for which console information is required, and sends the information to a plurality of selected consoles. It has a function of simultaneously outputting the corresponding console information as image information. At this time, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays, as image information, an information screen for each console for displaying information of a console corresponding to one console, and displays at least two selected screens. The console information screen can be displayed at the same time. Note that a plurality of information screens can be displayed according to a user's selection instruction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 enables an instruction of a predetermined process over a plurality of consoles by performing an operation over an information display portion of a plurality of consoles on the information screen. Has a function of performing a predetermined process in accordance with. Here, the predetermined process is, for example, a control process for moving the cassette K across a plurality of consoles.

Note that these library controllers 2
The functions for displaying an information screen and performing predetermined processing in will be described later in detail with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 9 to 13).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the basic console 1B. The basic console 1B is connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by a transmission path 24, and a basic control unit 60 for controlling the basic console 1B itself and controlling the transport of the cassette transporter 16; A main drive control unit 61 is connected to the controller main body 21 of the controller 2 and connected to the drive control unit 70 of the drive console 1D, and controls the drive control unit 70 to control the drive device 13. I have. The main drive control unit 61 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer.

The basic control unit 60 is a communication line between the console control unit 62 for controlling each component block in the basic control unit 60 and the transport control of the cassette transporter 16 and the extended console rows L2 and L3. An inter-console-row communication unit 63 for performing communication via the base 72; a console-configuration collecting unit 64 for collecting information on the configuration of each console constituting the basic console row L1 including the basic console 1B; A display controller 6 for controlling display of a display unit 12 (FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the console 1B.
5, an input / output port control unit 66 for controlling a cassette K transfer mechanism in an input / output port unit 11 (FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the basic console 1B, and an infrared ray A transfer unit communication unit 67 for performing control communication by 71. Basic control unit 6
The 0 block elements are connected to each other by an internal bus 68. The console control unit 62 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer.

The console configuration collecting section 64 includes configuration information transmitting sections 10B, 10D ₁₁ , 10C ₁₁ , 10D ₁₂ ,... Of each console constituting the basic console row L1. . . , Information about the configuration of each console is collected.

The console control unit 62 receives information on the console configuration in the basic console row L 1 obtained by the console configuration collection unit 64 and the console information in the other console rows received via the inter-console row communication unit 63. Information about the configuration is sent to the library controller 2. These pieces of information sent from the console control unit 62 are collected as, for example, system information when the library controller 2 performs a system information creation process.

FIG. 6 shows a junction console 1J _j
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of (j = 1, 2). Junction console 1J _j controls the junction console 1J _j itself and the junction console 1
The console sequence Li extended by J _j (i = 2,
In 3) the basic control unit 80 for controlling the conveyance or the like of the cassette conveying motor 16, carried out the control of the drive unit 13 relative to the drive control unit 70 in the console string extended by the junction console 1 J _j if necessary And a main drive control unit 81 for controlling the operation. The main drive control unit 81 includes a drive console 1D
Are used for interfacing with the main drive control unit 61 of the basic console 1B and the drive control units 70 in the plurality of drive consoles 1D.

The basic control unit 80 includes a console control unit 82
A console line communication unit 83, a console configuration collection unit 84, a display control unit 85, and an input / output port control unit 86
And a transporter communication section 87. The console configuration collection unit 84 includes configuration information transmission units 10J, 10D _i1 , 10 of the consoles constituting the extended console row Li.
C _i1 , 10D _i2,. . . , Information about the configuration of each console is collected. Further, the basic control unit 80 has a junction port control unit 89 for controlling a mechanism for transferring the cassette K in the junction port unit 18 (FIG. 2) provided on the side surface of the junction console 1J. Each block element of the basic control unit 80 is connected to each other by an internal bus 88. Each block element of the basic control unit 80 except the junction port control unit 89 basically has the same function as each block element of the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B.

[0040] Incidentally, the console control unit 82 (in the example of FIG. 2, the console column L1) junction another console column console 1 J _j is connected from the console of the configuration information sending unit of the information about the configuration is sent Is coming. For example, in the case of a junction console 1 J _1, from the configuration information sending unit 10D ₁₁ drive console 1D ₁₁ in FIG. 5, information 90 about the configuration, it is sent to the console control unit 82 in FIG. 6. This makes it possible to recognize the connection relationship between the console rows.

In the present embodiment, the basic console 1B, the drive console 1D, the cassette console 1C and the junction console 1J constituting the cassette library 1 correspond to the equipment of the present invention, and the cassette library except the cassette transporter 16 is provided. 1
Corresponds to the device assembly unit in the present invention.

Next, the operation of the library system having the above configuration will be described. First, the overall operation of the library system will be described.

When the library controller 2 is started, a main screen for control in a GUI environment as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2. The user performs an operation using a mouse or the like on the displayed main screen for control,
Make various settings for controlling the library system.

The library controller 2 responds to a request from the host computer 3 and operates the cassette library 1
For the basic console 1B, the desired cassette K is
An instruction for moving the input / output port unit 11 of the basic console 1B, the cassette storage shelf 15 of the cassette console 1C, the drive device 13 of the drive console 1D, and the like using the cassette transporter 16 and the drive console 1D. The drive device 13 transmits a command for recording or reproducing information. Cassette K
Is transmitted to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B via the transmission path 24. In the drive device 13, a command for recording and reproducing information is transmitted via the transmission line 25 to the main drive control unit 6 of the basic console 1 </ b> B.
1 is sent.

The basic control unit 60 controls the cassette transporter 16 based on a command from the library controller 2 received via the transmission path 24. The control from the basic control unit 60 to the cassette transporter 16 is performed by the transporter communication unit 67.
This is performed by infrared communication via (FIG. 5). The cassette transporter 16 may control the input / output port 11 of the basic console 1B based on the control from the basic controller 60, for example.
The cassette K taken in from the cassette console 1
A transport operation such as transport to the cassette storage shelf 15 of C and delivery is performed. In the console row extended by the junction console 1J, the basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1J receives a command from the library controller 2 from the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B, and transfers the cassette in the extended console row. The machine 16 is controlled in the same manner as the basic control unit 60.

The main drive control section 61 receives a command from the library controller 2 received via the transmission line 25, and based on the command, the drive control section 70 of the drive console 1D.
, And controls the drive device 13 to record and reproduce information. The drive control unit 70
Under the control of the main drive control section 61, the drive device 13 is caused to record and reproduce information.

Next, a function for displaying console information in the library controller 2 will be described in detail. Note that the following description also serves as a description of a processing instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a predetermined information screen based on the GUI environment for each console is displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2 so that the user can easily and intuitively grasp the configuration and state of each unit of each console. It has become. This information screen shows the library controller 2
Is displayed by recognizing console information such as the state of each part of the console including the drive device 13 and the storage unit, and outputting image information representing the recognized console information to the display device 23.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an information screen (hereinafter, referred to as a bin information screen) representing console information. These bin information screens are displayed, for example, by selecting a [View] menu in a menu bar on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 to display a pull-down format selection menu shown in FIG. Is displayed by selecting [Bin data] in the selection menu. The bin information screen is also displayed by, for example, clicking the [Bin data] selection icon on the leftmost side of the main screen shown in FIG. 7 with a mouse.
Further, the bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on a margin area of a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. Further, in the bin information screen, a predetermined detailed selection menu is displayed by right-clicking a mouse on a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. 7, and [Bin data] in the selection menu is displayed. ] Is also displayed.
When displaying the bin information screen from the selection menu, it is also possible to simultaneously specify which of the plurality of consoles constituting the cassette library 1 should display the bin information screen. At this time, for example, the console row of the console to be displayed and the console number (N
o. ), A bin information screen relating to a desired console can be displayed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining console numbers assigned to consoles. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG., The console 1 ₁ that is more connected in the same column, 1 _2, 1 _3,. . . If there is, for example, in the order of No. from the left console, 1, No.
2, No. 3. . . Console number is assigned. FIG. 10 is an example of a bin information screen relating to the first basic console 1B in the first column of the cassette library 1, and FIG. It is an example of the bin information screen regarding 1D.

On the bin information screen, the internal configuration and the state of each internal component are displayed as console information. For example, in the example of the bin information screen shown in FIG. 10, an area 110 corresponding to the input / output port section 11 of the basic console 1B and an area 112 corresponding to each storage section are provided. In the example of the bin information screen shown in FIG. 11, each drive device 1 of the drive console 1D
3 corresponding to area 111 and area 1 corresponding to each storage unit
12 are provided. When the cassette K is contained in the input / output port unit 11, the drive device 13, or the storage unit, the area 11 corresponding to the portion in which the cassette K is contained.
The ID of the cassette K is displayed in 0, 111, and 112. In the library system, each component in the cassette library 1, for example, each storage unit includes:
A number (hereinafter, referred to as a bin number) for identifying the storage units is given. Therefore, the input / output port unit 1
1, the drive device 13 or the area 11 corresponding to the storage unit
At 0, 111, and 112, numbers for identifying each input / output port unit 11, drive device 13, or each storage unit are also displayed. For example, the area 112 corresponding to the storage unit
The bin number 112b corresponding to the bin area 112a is displayed beside the bin area 112a imitating the appearance of the storage unit.

Further, the bin information screen is provided with box areas 121 and 122 indicating the console number of the console corresponding to the displayed bin information screen and the information of the console row. Here, the box areas 121 and 12
By changing the information (number) in the box in 2, the bin information screen of the console in an arbitrary column and number can be displayed.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of bin information screens can be displayed on one display device 23 as shown in FIG. In the example of this figure, two bin information screens corresponding to the bin information screens shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are displayed on one display device 23.

In the present embodiment, the user can use the bin information screen to instruct the library controller 2 to perform the process of moving the cassette K. In this case, for example, on the bin information screen, move the mouse pointer over the bin area corresponding to the storage section where the cassette K to be moved is stored, press the left mouse button, and then press the left mouse button. By moving the mouse pointer to the destination of the cassette K (for example, another bin area on the bin information screen) and releasing the left mouse button, the cassette K is moved. At this time, the bin area selected as the movement source is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

Here, when a plurality of bin information screens are displayed, a process of moving the cassette K across a plurality of consoles can be performed. For example, in a state where two bin information screens are displayed as shown in FIG. 12, in the bin information screen regarding the basic console 1B displayed on the upper side, a bin area ( For example, the mouse pointer is moved to the bin area where the bin number is “3001”, the left button of the mouse is pressed, and then the bin information on the drive console 1D displayed on the lower side while the left button of the mouse is held down By moving the mouse pointer to a bin area (for example, a bin area having a bin number of “3016”) corresponding to a storage unit where the cassette K is not stored on the screen and releasing the left mouse button, the two consoles are moved. The processing of moving the cassette K over the span can be performed. At this time,
The bin area selected as the source is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the cassette K is operated simply by performing a continuous operation (so-called drag and drop) using the mouse using the bin information screen.
Can be performed. Further, in the present embodiment, the operation of moving the cassette K across a plurality of consoles can be performed by an operation over a plurality of bin information screens using a mouse.

Next, the operation involved in the process of moving the cassette K in the library controller 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

At startup, the library controller 2 acquires information indicating the current console configuration, such as the type of console and the connection relationship between the consoles, from the cassette library 1. Based on the acquired information, FIG.
Is displayed (step S101).
Next, the library controller 2 determines whether display of the bin information screen has been instructed (step S10).
2). In the bin information screen, for example, on the main screen shown in FIG. 7, the user selects the [View] menu in the menu bar to display a selection menu in a pull-down format shown in FIG. Is displayed by selecting [Bin data] in the selection menu. The bin information screen is also displayed by, for example, clicking on the leftmost [Bin data] selection icon on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 with a mouse. Further, the bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on a margin area of a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. Further, in the bin information screen, a predetermined detailed selection menu is displayed by right-clicking a mouse on a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. 7, and [Bin data] in the selection menu is displayed. ] Is also displayed.

When the display of the bin information screen is not instructed (step S102;
In N), the determination in step S102 is repeated. Also,
When Display of Bin Information Screen is Instructed (Step S10
2; Y), the library controller 2 displays a bin information screen as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 (step S103). At this time, a plurality of bin information screens can be displayed on one display device 23 as shown in FIG.

Next, the library controller 2 displays on the displayed at least one bin information screen, for example,
It is determined whether or not the left button of the mouse has been pressed on the bin area corresponding to the storage unit (step S104). If the left button has not been pressed (N), the determination of step S104 is repeated. When the left button is pressed (Y), the library controller 2 further stores a portion corresponding to the position of the pointer at which the left mouse button is pressed (for example, a bin area where the left mouse button is pressed). It is determined whether or not the cassette K is present in the storage unit corresponding to (1) (step S105). Here, when the cassette K does not exist at the position of the mouse pointer (N), the library controller 2 returns to step S104. On the other hand, when the cassette K exists at the position of the mouse pointer (Y), the library controller 2 replaces the cassette K corresponding to the position of the pointer with the cassette K of the movement source.
(Step S106). At this time, the bin area selected as the movement source is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the left mouse button has been released (step S1).
07) If the left button has not been released (N), the determination in step S107 is repeated. When the left button is released (Y), the library controller 2
Next, it is determined whether or not the position of the mouse pointer is on the bin area (step S108). If the mouse pointer is not on the bin area (N), an error message indicating that movement is not possible is displayed (N). (Step S111), and return to the determination of step S104. On the other hand, when the position of the mouse pointer is on the bin area (Y), the library controller 2 next determines whether or not the cassette K is present in the storage unit corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer. Judge (Step S1
09). If the cassette K exists (N), the library controller 2 displays an error message indicating that the cassette cannot be moved (step S111), and proceeds to step S104.
Return to the judgment. On the other hand, when the cassette K does not exist (Y), the cassette K is moved to the storage section corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer, and the process returns to the determination in step S104. At this time, when a plurality of bin information screens are displayed and the designation of the movement source and the movement destination of the cassette K by the mouse is performed over the plurality of bin information screens, the screen is spread over different consoles. The cassette K is moved.

In the above description, the movement of the cassette K between the storage sections of the cassette K has been described.
3 or a plurality of different drive devices 13
It is also possible to perform an operation of moving the cassette K between them. In such a case, by performing the designation operation using the mouse in the area 111 corresponding to the drive device 13, the same operation as the movement between the storage units can be performed.

As described above, according to the library system of the present embodiment, the library controller 2 uses the information on each console constituting the cassette library 1 at least for the consoles for which the console information is required. Since the console information corresponding to the recognized and selected consoles is simultaneously output as image information, desired console information can be easily output. In addition, the library controller 2 displays, as image information, an information screen of each console for displaying information of a console corresponding to one console, and simultaneously displays information screens of at least two selected consoles. Since it is possible, a plurality of bin information screens can be simultaneously displayed on one display device 23.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of bin information screens can be displayed. For example, when monitoring the status of each unit as the cassette moves in the cassette library 1, the Even if the source and destination of K are on different consoles, the status of two different locations can be monitored simultaneously. For example, when a cassette is loaded from outside the cassette library 1, the input / output port 1 serving as a cassette loading mechanism of the library is used.
Even if 1 and the capture destination (storage unit, etc.) are in different consoles, the status of the input / output port unit 11 and the capture destination can be monitored simultaneously. Further, by displaying a plurality of bin information screens relating to different drive consoles 1D, it is possible to simultaneously monitor a plurality of drive devices 13 accompanying recording and reproduction of data in different drive consoles 1D.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the library controller 2 performs a predetermined process (a plurality of consoles) over a plurality of consoles by the operation over the information display portion of a plurality of consoles on the information screen. (Movement of cassette K).
According to this instruction, a predetermined process is performed,
The process of moving the cassette K over a plurality of consoles can be performed efficiently.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

In the above-described first embodiment, a plurality of bin information screens are displayed to perform processing across a plurality of consoles. However, in the present embodiment, a plurality of bin information screens are displayed without being displayed. , Allowing processing to be performed across multiple consoles.

In the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays a bin information screen for each console, and performs a predetermined process over a plurality of consoles in conjunction with an operation over an information display portion of the plurality of consoles. The bin information screen to be displayed is switched so that the bin information screen corresponding to the console to be instructed is displayed. Further, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 can perform the process of moving the cassette K across a plurality of consoles by continuously operating the mouse between the bin information screens that are switched and displayed. Has become.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams for describing the function of switching and displaying the bin information screen in the present embodiment. 14 shows a bin information screen relating to the first basic console 1B in the first column of the cassette library 1, and FIG. A bin information screen related to the second drive console 1D in the first column connected to the right of the corresponding basic console 1B is shown.

In this embodiment, on an arbitrary bin information screen being displayed, the mouse pointer is moved to the bin area corresponding to the storage section in which the cassette K is stored, and the left button of the mouse is pressed. When the mouse pointer is moved while holding down the left button of the mouse, the mouse pointer is changed to a pointer 130 shaped like a cassette K, as shown in FIG. When the mouse pointer is moved to the end of the displayed bin information screen while holding down the left mouse button, the displayed bin information screen is connected to the console corresponding to the displayed bin information screen. The bin information screens for adjacent consoles are sequentially switched and displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the mouse pointer is moved to the right end of the displayed bin information screen, a bin information screen relating to the console connected to the right end of the console corresponding to the displayed bin information screen (FIG. (Corresponding to 15 bin information screens).

That is, when the mouse pointer is sequentially moved to the right end of the displayed bin information screen, a bin information screen corresponding to the console whose console number is sequentially increased is displayed on the bin information screen. When the mouse pointer is sequentially moved to the left end of the displayed bin information screen, the bin information screen is displayed as the bin information screen corresponding to the console whose console number is sequentially reduced.

Here, in the present embodiment, the mouse pointer is moved to the bin area corresponding to the storage section in which the cassette K is stored, the left mouse button is pressed, and the left mouse button is pressed. Move the mouse pointer as it is to switch the bin information screen sequentially, and perform a series of mouse operations to release the mouse pointer on the bin area on the switched bin information screen, so that multiple consoles can be displayed. The moving process of the cassette K to be straddled is executed. In the examples of FIGS. 14 and 15, the cassette K in the storage unit of the bin number “3001” is selected as the movement source cassette K on the bin information screen of FIG. 14, and the bin number “3115” on the bin information screen of FIG. Is selected as a destination of the cassette K. Thus, the cassette K is moved from the console number 1 to the console of the console number 2 only by the continuous operation of the mouse on the bin information screen. At this time, the bin area selected as the movement source is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

Next, the operation of the library controller 2 according to the present embodiment, which accompanies the movement of the cassette K, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the flow chart shown in FIG.
The processes from 01 to S207 are performed in steps S101 to S1 in FIG. 13 of the first embodiment.
This is the same as the processing up to 07. Here, step S20
In step 7, if the left button of the mouse is not released (step S207; N), the library controller 2 sequentially switches and displays the bin information screen according to the destination of the mouse (step S208), and proceeds to step S20.
Return to the determination of 7. Here, library controller 2
Regarding the switching of the bin information screen, when the mouse pointer is moved to the right end of the bin information screen, the console number is sequentially increased within the console number existence range, and the displayed bin information screen is increased. Switch to and display the bin information screen corresponding to the console of the console number. When the mouse pointer is moved to the left end of the bin information screen, the console number is sequentially reduced within the range of the console number, and the displayed bin information screen is changed to the bin corresponding to the console of the reduced console number. Switch to the information screen for display.

When the left button of the mouse is released in step S207 (step S207; Y), the library controller 2 next determines whether or not the position of the mouse pointer is in the bin area. Judgment is made (step S209), and when it is not on the bin area (N),
An error message indicating that movement is not possible is performed (step S2).
12), and return to the determination in step S204. On the other hand, when the position of the mouse pointer is on the bin area (Y), the library controller 2 next determines whether or not the cassette K is present in the storage unit corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer. A determination is made (step S210). If the cassette K is present (N), the library controller 2 displays an error message indicating that movement is not possible (step S212), and returns to the determination in step S204. On the other hand, when the cassette K does not exist (Y), the cassette K is moved to the storage section corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer, and the process returns to the determination in step S204. At this time, if the bin information screen has been switched according to the movement of the mouse, the processing of moving the cassette K across different consoles is performed.

In the above description, the switching display of the bin information screen is limited to the case where the mouse is moved in the horizontal direction of the screen. However, the case where the mouse is moved in the vertical direction of the screen is also described. The bin information screen may be switched and displayed. In this case, in response to the vertical movement of the mouse, for example, the bin corresponding to the console (usually junction console 1J) in another console column closest to the console column to which the console corresponding to the bin information screen being displayed belongs. It is preferable to switch to the information screen and perform the display.

As described above, according to the library system of the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays the bin information screen for each console and interlocks with the operation over the information display portion of a plurality of consoles. Then, the bin information screen to be displayed is switched so that the bin information screen corresponding to the console which is the target of the predetermined processing instruction over a plurality of consoles is displayed, and the bin information screen between the switched bin information screens is displayed. Since the processing of moving the cassette K over a plurality of consoles is performed by continuous operation of the mouse, a plurality of bin information screens are not displayed as in the first embodiment, and a plurality of bin information screens are displayed. It is possible to perform processing across consoles.

The other configurations, operations, and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description is omitted.

In the first embodiment, for example, when monitoring two consoles or when moving the cassette K between the two consoles, it is necessary to display two bin information screens. Was. Thus, the first
In the embodiment, information of a plurality of consoles can be obtained by displaying a plurality of bin information screens. However, in the present embodiment, information of a plurality of consoles is obtained by a single bin information screen. To be able to Also,
In the above-described first embodiment, a plurality of bin information screens are displayed to perform processing over a plurality of consoles. In the present embodiment, a single bin information screen is displayed without displaying a plurality of bin information screens. It is possible to acquire information of a plurality of consoles on the bin information screen.

In the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays a single bin information screen including a plurality of areas for displaying information corresponding to one console as image information representing console information. In addition, a corresponding console can be selected for each area. In this case, in the present embodiment, a part of the information corresponding to one console is displayed in each area.

Further, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 operates based on a predetermined operation in a single information screen on which information on a plurality of consoles is displayed.
A predetermined process is performed over a plurality of consoles.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are explanatory diagrams showing the bin information screens displayed in the present embodiment. In the bin information screen according to the present embodiment, areas 131F and 131R for specifying a console number, areas 132F and 132R for specifying a console row, and front and back sides of the console are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the screen. Regions 133F and 133R are provided. In the present embodiment, the information (numbers) in each box-shaped area provided on the left and right sides of this screen is changed, so that information of two consoles having different columns and numbers on a single screen can be displayed. It can be divided into left and right and displayed arbitrarily.

For example, in the bin information screen of FIG. 17, the console row is one row and the console number is 2 on both the left and right sides of the screen.
Information about the console is displayed. In the bin information screen of FIG. 17, information on the front side (Front) of the console is displayed on the left side of the screen, and information on the rear side (Rear) of the console is displayed on the right side of the screen. As described above, in the present embodiment, the information of the single console is displayed on the single bin information screen, the information of the front side of the console is displayed on the left side of the screen, and the information of the back side is displayed on the right side of the screen. The displayed state is displayed when the bin information screen is displayed first. FIG.
In the bin information screen 8, an area 131 F for specifying the console number and an area 1 for specifying the front and back of the console in the screen area on the left side of the bin information screen in FIG.
By changing the information in 33F, on the left side of the screen,
The information on the back side of the console having one console row and the console number 4 is displayed.

Here, the front and back sides of the console mean that one part of the console is the front side and the other part is the back side with respect to the guide rail 101 (FIG. 2) through which the cassette transporter 16 passes. . For example, in the example of FIG.
The side of the drive console 1D where the drive device 13 is provided is the front side, and the other side where the drive device 13 is not provided is the back side.

Further, in the present embodiment, in a state where information of two consoles having different columns and numbers is displayed on a single information screen, a mouse similar to that of the first embodiment is used. By performing a continuous operation (drag and drop with a mouse), it is possible to perform a process of moving the cassette K across two consoles.

Next, the operation involved in the process of dividing and displaying the bin information screen in the library controller 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

For example, the library controller 2 selects the [View] menu in the menu bar on the main screen (FIG. 7), and further displays [Bin data] in the pull-down selection menu shown in FIG. If selected,
A bin information screen on which information can be divided and displayed is displayed (step S301). At this time, the library controller 2
Displays the information of a single console on the left and right sides of the screen as shown in FIG. 17 as the bin information screen to be displayed first, displays the information on the front side of the console on the left side of the screen, and displays the information on the right side of the screen. Is displayed on the back side (step S302). The bin information screen is also displayed, for example, by clicking the icon for selecting [Bin data] at the leftmost position on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 with a mouse. Further, the bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on a margin area of a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. Further, in the bin information screen, a predetermined detailed selection menu is displayed by right-clicking a mouse on a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. 7, and [Bin data] in the selection menu is displayed. ] Is also displayed.

Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the numbers in the boxes in the areas 131F and 131R for designating the console number on the left or right side of the bin information screen have been changed (step S3).
03) If the number is changed (Y), the display of the changed information is changed (step S305), and the process returns to step S303. If the console number has not been changed (step S303; N), the library controller 2 next sets an area 133F for designating the front / back (Front / Rear) of the console on the left or right side of the screen. Information in the 133R box (Front / R
ear) is changed (step S30).
4) If the information (Front / Rear) is not changed (N)
Returns to the determination in step S303. On the other hand, if the information (Front / Rear) on the front and back of the console has been changed (Y), the display on the changed side is changed (step S30).
5), returning to the determination of step S303.

In the description of the flowchart of FIG. 19, the change of the console row is omitted for the sake of simplicity, but areas 132F and 13 for specifying the console row are used.
By changing the information in the box of each area in 2R, it is possible to display information of different console rows on the left and right sides of the screen.

As described above, according to the library system of the present embodiment, the library controller 2
Displays a single bin information screen including a plurality of areas for displaying information corresponding to one console, as image information representing console information,
The corresponding console can be selected for each area, and the continuous processing of the mouse can be performed on this single information screen, so that the processing of moving the cassette K across the two consoles can be performed. Thus, the predetermined processing over a plurality of devices can be efficiently performed using a single information screen without displaying a plurality of bin information screens as in the first embodiment.

Further, according to the library system of this embodiment, bin information screens corresponding to a plurality of consoles are displayed on a single information screen. When monitoring the status of each component, even if the source and destination of the cassette K are on different consoles, the status of two different locations can be monitored simultaneously on a single information screen. Also,
For example, when a cassette is loaded from outside the cassette library 1, even if the input / output port unit 11, which is a cassette loading mechanism of the library, and the loading destination (storage unit, etc.) are on different consoles, the loading is performed with the input / output port unit 11. The previous state can be monitored simultaneously on a single information screen. Further, by displaying information on different drive consoles 1D on a single information screen, monitoring of a plurality of drive devices 13 accompanying recording and reproduction of data on different drive consoles 1D can be performed simultaneously on a single information screen. . Further, by displaying a plurality of information screens in the divided format, information on more consoles can be obtained, so that monitoring and the like on more consoles can be performed.

The other configurations, operations and effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a library system that uses various recording media such as a cassette-shaped recording medium other than a video tape cassette and a disk-shaped recording medium as the recording medium.

[0094]

As described above, claims 1 to 5
According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of the claims or the processing instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, the control unit displays an information screen representing information on each device, By performing an operation over the information display portion of a plurality of devices on the information screen, it is possible to instruct a predetermined process over a plurality of devices.
There is an effect that predetermined processing over a plurality of devices can be efficiently performed.

According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the fourth aspect or the processing instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the ninth aspect, a plurality of areas for displaying information on one device by the control means. Is displayed and a corresponding device can be selected for each area, so that predetermined processing over a plurality of devices is efficiently performed using a single information screen. It has the effect of being able to do so.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a basic configuration of a library system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the overall configuration of the cassette library shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a library controller illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a library controller illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a basic console shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the junction console shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control main screen displayed in the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection menu displayed after a predetermined operation on the main screen shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining numbers assigned to consoles in the cassette library shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen displayed in the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another information screen displayed on the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of still another information screen displayed on the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a cassette moving process using an information screen displayed in the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen displayed on a library controller in the library system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another information screen displayed on the library controller in the library system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a cassette moving process in the library system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen displayed on a library controller in the library system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another information screen displayed on the library controller in the library system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining display processing of an information screen in the library system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: cassette library, 1B: basic console, 1C
... cassette console, 1D ... drive console, 1
J: junction console, 2: library controller, 3: host computer, 11, 17: input / output port unit, 13: drive unit, 14, 15: cassette storage shelf, 16: cassette transporter, 18: junction port unit, 21 ... Controller body, 22 ... Input device, 2
3 display device 49 hard disk drive 60
Basic control unit, 61, 81 ... Main drive control unit, 62, 8
2 ... Console control unit, 63,83 ... Console column communication unit, 64,84 ... Console configuration collection unit, 70 ... Drive control unit.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masato Yokota 6-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A device aggregate unit configured by combining a plurality of devices that are connected to each other so that their positions can be changed, wherein any one of the plurality of devices uses a removable recording medium to store information. The apparatus includes a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproduction, and one of the plurality of devices includes a device assembly including a plurality of storage units capable of storing the recording medium; A transport unit for transporting the recording medium between the storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit, controlling the recording / reproducing unit and the transport unit, and displaying an information screen representing information on each device; A control means having a function of enabling a predetermined process instruction to be performed over a plurality of devices by an operation over the information display portions of the plurality of devices, and performing the predetermined process in accordance with the instruction. Information recording and reproducing apparatus characterized by comprising a. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays an information screen for each device and simultaneously displays information screens of at least two devices. 3. The control means displays an information screen for each device, and displays an information screen corresponding to an instruction target device in conjunction with an operation over an information display portion of a plurality of devices. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information screen to be displayed is switched in such a manner. 4. The control means displays a single information screen including a plurality of regions for displaying information on one device, and allows a corresponding device to be selected for each region. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined processing is control of movement of a recording medium. 6. An apparatus aggregate section configured by combining a plurality of devices connected to each other so that their positions can be changed, wherein one of the plurality of devices uses a removable recording medium to store information. Including recording and playback means for performing at least one of recording and playback, any of the plurality of devices, a device assembly unit including a plurality of storage units capable of storing the recording medium,
A transport unit that transports the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit in the device assembly unit,
In an information recording / reproducing apparatus including a control unit for controlling the recording / reproducing unit and a transporting unit, a processing instruction method for performing a predetermined processing instruction over a plurality of devices constituting the device assembly unit, The control means displays an information screen representing information on each device, and instructs a predetermined process over a plurality of devices by performing an operation over an information display portion of the plurality of devices on the information screen. A processing instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus. 7. The control means according to claim 6, wherein an information screen for each device is displayed, and information screens for at least two devices are simultaneously displayed.
A method for instructing the processing of the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in the above. 8. The control means displays an information screen for each device, and displays an information screen corresponding to a device to be instructed in conjunction with an operation over an information display portion of a plurality of devices. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the information screen to be displayed is switched. 9. The control means displays a single information screen including a plurality of areas for displaying information on one device, and allows a corresponding device to be selected for each region. 7. The method for instructing processing of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: 10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined processing is control of movement of a recording medium by the control means.