JP2000188729A - Hard disk cartridge, video recording and reproduction system having the same and viewer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To utilize the hard dish cartridge as removable media by providing a hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism, a disk control circuit, a data input-output interface, a storing means storing information on the hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism and information on stored data and a means displaying information stored in the storing means. SOLUTION: When power is supplied, a video recording and reproducing device 1 accesses the flash memory 5 of a hard disk cartridge 2 or a memory 71 to confirm the storage capacity of the cartridge 2 and storable residual capacity, records video data within the range of the residual capacity on the cartridge 2 and further records information such as recordable residual capacity and a recorded program title on the flash memory 5. The CPU 3 of the cartridge 2 displays recorded contents of the memory 5 on a display 6 by using an interval when a reproduction or recording request for video data from the device 1 does not exist.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a hard disk cartridge for recording video data, a video recording / reproducing system having the hard disk cartridge, and a viewer device connected to the hard disk cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Digital VTR devices, DVD-RAM devices, and hard disk devices have been put into practical use as video recording / reproducing devices. Among them, a device capable of recording and reproducing a plurality of programs simultaneously in view of the start of digital broadcasting. Hard disk devices are attracting attention.

[0003]

However, the hard disk drive is capable of recording and reproducing a plurality of programs, but is generally of a fixed type, so that the recorded content can be reproduced by another device through a network or the like. There was a problem that it was difficult to re-use in each device. In addition, even when a removable hard disk is used as a hard disk device, there is a problem that information as to how long the remaining recording time is in the removable hard disk cannot be determined by the removable hard disk alone. For this reason, a hard disk drive has not been used as a video data medium which is interchangeable with simultaneous recording and reproduction of multiple channels.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hard disk cartridge that can be used as a removable video data medium.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a video recording / reproducing apparatus and a viewer apparatus which reduce the risk of damage to a hard disk cartridge used as a removable video data medium.

[0006]

A hard disk cartridge according to the present invention comprises: a hard disk recording / reproducing mechanism for recording / reproducing data; a disk control circuit for controlling the hard disk recording / reproducing mechanism; an interface for inputting / outputting the data; Storage means for storing information about the hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism and information about data recorded in the hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism; and information on the hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism and the hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism stored in the storing means. Means for displaying any of the information of the recorded data.

A hard disk cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that power is supplied from the outside in the above-described hard disk cartridge.

Further, a hard disk cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned hard disk cartridge further comprises an internal power supply.

Further, a hard disk cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that the hard disk cartridge further comprises an internal power supply and a switch for switching between the internal power supply and an external power supply.

Further, the hard disk cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned hard disk cartridge, there is further provided means for switching the switch depending on the presence or absence of an external power supply.

Further, the hard disk cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned hard disk cartridge, the hard disk cartridge further comprises means for switching the switch by attaching / detaching to / from a slot of the main body.

Further, the hard disk cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned hard disk cartridge further comprises an operation section for allowing a user to switch the switch.

Further, the hard disk cartridge according to the present invention is characterized in that the data is video data, the information of the data is a program name to which the video data belongs, and the hard disk cartridge is used as a video data recording device. And

A video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention comprises:
The above-mentioned hard disk cartridge is used as storage means for video data, and is provided with means for controlling the hard disk cartridge.

Further, a video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned video recording / reproducing system, a slot for inserting a hard disk cartridge is provided.

Furthermore, a video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned video recording / reproducing system, the video recording / reproducing system has a plurality of slots and is provided with striping means.

Furthermore, a video recording / reproducing system according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned video recording / reproducing system, there is provided means for preventing the hard disk cartridge from being erroneously removed.

[0018] A viewer device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising means for reading video data from the hard disk cartridge and means for displaying the read video data. A viewer device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described viewer device, a slot for inserting the hard disk cartridge is provided.

Further, a viewer device according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above viewer device, there is provided means for preventing the hard disk cartridge from being erroneously removed.

Further, the viewer apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned viewer apparatus, there is provided means for turning on the power of the viewer apparatus main body when the hard disk cartridge is inserted into the slot.

A recording / reproducing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned hard disk cartridge is used as data storage means, and that it comprises means for controlling the hard disk cartridge.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a first embodiment. The video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 includes a tuner device 101, a digital broadcast DEMUX circuit 102, a digital broadcast decoder circuit 103, and a CPU 104. For example, when information flows through an EPG (Electric Program Guide) or the like, the CPU 104 decodes the EPG information and outputs it to a TV or a dedicated display. The hard disk cartridge 2 and the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 are compatible with IEEE1394, SCSI (Small Computer System I).
nterface), IDE (Intelligent Drive Electronics) and the like.
Power is supplied from the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 to the hard disk cartridge 2 through the power supply line 10. The video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 and the hard disk cartridge 2 may be connected only by a wire connection, but the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 may be provided with a slot into which the hard disk cartridge 2 is inserted. The video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 includes a connection interface 9 and an HDC (hard disk controller) via a disk driver software 105.
4 to send data such as video data to be recorded to the hard disk cartridge 2. The CPU 3 on the hard disk cartridge 2 sends the data received by the HDC 4 to the disk control circuit 7, controls the hard disk recording / reproducing mechanism 8, and records the data on the hard disk 81 in the hard disk recording / reproducing mechanism 8. Similarly, data recorded on the hard disk 81 of the hard disk cartridge 2 is received from the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 through the connection interface 9, read out through the HDC 4 and the disk control circuit, sent to the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1, and video recording / reproducing. The image is displayed on a TV monitor (not shown) connected to the device 1 or the like. The hard disk cartridge 2 determines the storage capacity of the cartridge by the memory 71 in the disk control circuit 7 or
The information is recorded in the flash memory 5.

The flash memory 5 records the remaining recordable capacity. Therefore, when used for the first time, the storage capacity and the remaining storage capacity are the same. When the power is turned on, the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 starts the disk driver software 105 to check whether or not the hard disk cartridge 2 is connected. Alternatively, the memory 71 in the disk control circuit 7 is accessed to check the recording capacity of the hard disk cartridge 2 and the remaining storage capacity. The video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 records video data within the recordable remaining capacity on the hard disk cartridge 2 based on the recording capacity of the hard disk cartridge 2 or the remaining storage capacity. At this time, if, for example, SCSI is used as the connection interface, video data is written in accordance with the SCSI protocol. Further, the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 sends information such as a recordable remaining capacity and a recorded program title to the hard disk cartridge 2 using a vendor unique command, and records the information in the flash memory 5. When a vendor unique command such as SCSI cannot be used, the CPU 3 of the hard disk cartridge 2 determines the remaining capacity that can be stored from the recording capacity of the hard disk 81 and the value obtained by counting the amount of data sent from the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1. Calculate,
The information is recorded in the flash memory 5. The display 6 is mounted at a position where the hard disk cartridge 2 can be viewed by a user even when the hard disk cartridge 2 is connected to the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The CPU 3 stores information such as remaining recordable capacity and already-recorded program titles in the flash memory 5 during a period in which there is no request for video data recording or video data reproduction from the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1.
And displays it on the display 6 through the display controller 61. As a result, program information and the like recorded on the disc can be confirmed without overlaying the TV screen or the like. [Embodiment 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a second embodiment. The hard disk cartridge 2b has a battery 12. The hard disk cartridge 2 and the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 are connected in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and information is exchanged in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When the hard disk cartridge 2 is removed from the video recording / reproducing device 1,
The switch 11 is detected by mechanical or electrical detection.
Switches the power supply from the power line 10 to the battery 12,
The CPU 3 reads information such as the remaining recordable capacity recorded in the flash memory 5 and the program title recorded in the hard disk cartridge 2, and displays the information on the display 6 through the display controller 61. Therefore, the information recorded on the disc cartridge 2 is transferred to the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 by the disc cartridge 2.
It will be possible to check even if it has been removed from.

[Embodiment 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a third embodiment. The switch 14 controlled by the switch operation button 141 and the bus switch 13 are incorporated in the hard disk cartridge 2c. The hard disk cartridge 2 and the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 are connected in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and information is exchanged in the same manner as in the first embodiment. When the hard disk cartridge 2 is detached from the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1, the switch 14
Is turned on, the power supply from the battery 12 is supplied to the flash memory 5, the memory controller 21, the display controller 61, and the display 6 through the battery power supply line 15, and at the same time, the flash memory 5 Disconnected from the bus. The memory controller 21 reads information such as a recordable remaining capacity and a program title recorded at a specific address of the flash memory 5,
1 is displayed on the display 6. By turning off the switch 14, the display of information such as the remaining recordable capacity and the program title can be turned off.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a fourth embodiment. The video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 has a slot in which a plurality of hard disk cartridges 2 can be mounted. The video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 reads the recording capacity and the remaining recordable capacity from the connected hard disk cartridge 2 according to the procedure described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the recording capacity or the remaining recordable capacity may be read from the hard disk cartridge 2b or the hard disk cartridge 2c according to the procedure described in the first embodiment. From the read information, the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 calculates the usable capacity by striping the disc, and designates a logical block to be used by striping each of the connected disc cartridges 2. Recording / reproducing to / from the hard disk cartridge 2 having high throughput is performed within the range of the logical block. This makes it possible to record and reproduce a plurality of programs of video data having, for example, an HDTV class bit rate.

[Fifth Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a fifth embodiment. The viewer device 16 has a slot into which the hard disk cartridge 2 (or 2b, 2c) can be inserted, and includes a CPU 201 and a display 202.
When the hard disk cartridge 2 (or 2b, 2c) is inserted into the viewer device, the insertion detecting mechanism 17 confirms the insertion and turns on. As the insertion detection mechanism 17, for example, a mechanical switch or the like can be used. Insertion detection mechanism 1
7 is turned on, the viewer device 16 is turned on, and the CPU 201 reads information from the hard disk cartridge 2 by the same procedure as that described in the first embodiment, and displays the program title on which the display 202 is recorded. Is displayed, the user is allowed to select a program to be reproduced, and reproduction is started. However, it is not checked whether or not the hard disk cartridge 2 is connected as described in the first embodiment.

[Embodiment 6] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a sixth embodiment. The viewer device 16b includes a CPU 201
In addition to the display 202, the display device includes a plurality of operation buttons 20, a switching logic circuit 19, a mechanical lock mechanism 22, and a shutdown logic circuit 23. When the hard disk cartridge 2 (or 2b, 2c) is connected to the viewer device 16b, the hard disk cartridge 2 is fixed by the mechanical lock mechanism 22, and easy removal is prevented. Hard disk cartridge 2 (or 2b, 2b
When c) is connected to the viewer device 16, the insertion detection mechanism 1
7, the viewer device 16b is activated at the fifth position.
This is the same as the embodiment. When removing the hard disk cartridge 2 from the viewer,
An operation of simultaneously pressing 0 or pressing a plurality of operation buttons 20 according to a predetermined sequence (referred to as an operation button sequence) removes the operation buttons 20 to the switching logic circuit 19 and sends an ON signal.

The switching logic circuit 19 is turned ON or OFF according to the truth table of Table 1.

[0030]

[Table 1] When the hard disk cartridge 2 (or 2b, 2c) is connected, the switching logic circuit is turned on, the mechanical lock mechanism is turned on, and it is possible to prevent the hard disk cartridge 2 from easily falling off the viewer 16. When the mechanical lock mechanism 22 is turned on, the shutdown logic circuit 23 receives this signal, supplies power from the battery 18, and starts the viewer 16. When the operation button sequence is performed in this state, the output of the switching logic circuit 19 becomes OF
F, the mechanical lock mechanism 22 is turned off,
The hard disk cartridge 2 can be removed. When the mechanical lock mechanism 22 is turned off, this signal is received by the shutdown logic circuit 23, the supply of battery power is stopped, and the viewer device 16 is shut down.

This function can be added to the video recording / reproducing apparatus 1 having a plurality of operation buttons and insertion slots.

[0032]

As described above, by attaching a display to a hard disk cartridge and displaying a recorded program title and remaining recordable capacity,
Even when watching a broadcast on a TV or the like using the video recording / reproducing apparatus, the contents of the program recorded in the hard disk cartridge device can be confirmed without disturbing the viewing screen of the TV. Even when the hard disk cartridge is removed from the video recording / reproducing apparatus, the program title and the remaining recordable capacity can be confirmed in the same manner, and the hard disk cartridge can be used as a replaceable medium. Further, by connecting a plurality of hard disk cartridges, it becomes possible to realize recording and reproduction of data at a higher bit rate than normal recording.
The mechanical lock mechanism for fixing the hard disk cartridge can easily fall off and greatly reduce the possibility of damaging the hard disk.Especially, a special sequence is required when removing the hard disk cartridge, further improving reliability. Will be possible. As described above, use of the hard disk cartridge as a replaceable data medium can be promoted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram relating to a first embodiment of a hard disk cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram relating to a second embodiment of the hard disk cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram relating to a third embodiment of the hard disk cartridge of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram relating to one embodiment of a hard disk cartridge and a video recording / reproducing device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram relating to one embodiment of a hard disk cartridge and a viewer device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram relating to one embodiment of a hard disk cartridge attaching / detaching method according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Video recording / reproducing apparatus 2 Hard disk cartridge 3 CPU 4 HDC (hard disk controller) 5 Disk control circuit 6 Display 7 Disk control circuit 8 Hard disk recording / reproducing mechanism 9 Connection interface 10 Power line 11 switch 12 Battery 13 Bus switch 14 Switch 15 Battery power line Reference Signs List 16 viewer device 17 insertion detection mechanism 18 battery 19 switching logic circuit 20 operation button 21 memory controller 22 mechanical lock mechanism 23 shutdown logic circuit 61 display controller 71 hard disk 81 memory 101 tuner device 102 digital broadcast DEMUX circuit 103 digital broadcast decoder circuit 105 Disk driver software 141 Switch operation button

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism for recording and reproducing data, a disk control circuit for controlling the hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism, an interface for inputting and outputting the data, information on the hard disk recording and reproducing mechanism, and the hard disk recording and reproducing Storage means for storing information relating to data recorded in the mechanism, and any one of the information of the hard disk recording / reproduction mechanism stored in the storage means and the information of data recorded in the hard disk recording / reproduction mechanism. A hard disk cartridge comprising: means for displaying. 2. The hard disk cartridge according to claim 1, wherein power is supplied from the outside. 3. The hard disk cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising an internal power supply. 4. The hard disk cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: an internal power supply; and a switch for switching between the internal power supply and an external power supply. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising means for switching the switch depending on the presence or absence of an external power supply.
Hard disk cartridge as described in. 6. The hard disk cartridge according to claim 4, further comprising means for switching the switch by attaching and detaching the switch to and from a slot of the main body. 7. The hard disk cartridge according to claim 4, further comprising an operation unit for allowing a user to switch the switch. 8. The video data recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is video data, and the information of the data is a program name to which the video data belongs, and is used as a video data recording device. Hard disk cartridge as described. 9. A video recording / reproducing system using the hard disk cartridge according to claim 8 as storage means for video data, and comprising means for controlling the hard disk cartridge. 10. The video recording / reproducing system according to claim 9, further comprising a slot for inserting a hard disk cartridge. 11. The video recording / reproducing system according to claim 10, wherein said video recording / reproducing system has a plurality of said slots and includes striping means. 12. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising means for preventing erroneous removal of the hard disk cartridge.
2. The video recording / reproducing system according to 1. 13. A viewer device comprising: means for reading video data from the hard disk cartridge according to claim 8; and means for displaying the read video data. 14. The viewer device according to claim 13, further comprising a slot into which the hard disk cartridge is inserted. 15. The viewer device according to claim 14, further comprising means for preventing the hard disk cartridge from being erroneously removed. 16. When the hard disk cartridge is inserted into the slot, the power of the main body of the viewer device is turned on.
15. The viewer device according to claim 14, further comprising: 17. A recording / reproducing system using the hard disk cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7 as means for storing data and comprising means for controlling the hard disk cartridge.