JP2001092601A - Information recording and reproducing device and method for setting its occupancy - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely attain occupancy setting to a client. SOLUTION: A library controller 2 is provided with a table for conversion for converting physically discontinuous address numbers into continuous address numbers concerning the assignment of drive devices 13, and even when the physically discontinuous address numbers are actually assigned, the drive devices 13 with the continuous address numbers are apparently used by host computers 3a and 3b so that the occupancy setting of the drive device 13 with an arbitrary address number can be attained. Thus, it is possible to attain occupancy setting to the host computers 3a and 3b as clients.

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 / reproducing information on / from the accommodated recording media, and an occupancy setting method thereof.

[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, such that the positions thereof can be changed. 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 transport device is controlled based on the control of a control unit, and a recording medium is transported between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing device, and a recording medium transported to the recording / reproducing device. Various types of information are recorded on the medium, and the recorded information is reproduced.

[0005]

Some of the above-mentioned library systems are connected to a host computer as one or more clients so that the host computer can use the library system. . In this case, the connection of the host computer is performed, for example, using ANSI (American National Standards).
SCSI (Small Compu) determined by Institude
ter System Interface) is performed by a transmission line of a standard for a jukebox in the standard.

At this time, for example, when one library system is shared and used by a plurality of host computers, the control unit of the library system uses
For each host computer as a client,
Occupation setting of a plurality of recording / reproducing devices, storage units, and the like may be performed. In this occupation setting, occupancy setting is performed by assigning a continuous address number to a plurality of recording / reproducing devices and the like and assigning this address number to each host computer. Thus, each host computer can use only the occupied recording / reproducing device or the like. At this time, it is necessary to assign consecutive address numbers to one host computer due to the standard of the transmission path used for connecting the host computers.

[0007] Therefore, conventionally, there is only a method of occupancy setting to assign a physically continuous recording / reproducing device or the like to one host computer, and an arbitrary address number is assigned to one host computer. However, there is a problem that the degree of freedom of the occupancy setting is small. For this reason, conventionally, for example, if one of the physically continuous recording / reproducing devices fails, the address number is divided, and a substitute host computer occupying the failed recording / reproducing device has a problem. There has been a problem that a change process of the occupation setting that occupies the recording / reproducing apparatus cannot be performed in some cases.

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 freely setting an occupation for a client, and an occupation setting method therefor.

[0009]

An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention uses at least one of recording / reproducing means for recording and / or reproducing information by using a removable recording medium, A recording medium storage unit having a plurality of storage units capable of storing a medium, a conveyance unit for conveying a recording medium between any storage unit and the recording / reproduction unit in the recording medium storage unit, and a request from a client. An information recording / reproducing apparatus comprising a control unit for controlling a transport unit and a recording / reproducing unit, the control unit having a function of setting an occupied portion for one or more clients. The occupied portion has a function of converting between a physical address and a logical address managed by a client.

The occupancy setting method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention uses one or more recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium, A recording medium storage unit having a plurality of storage units capable of storing a medium, a conveyance unit for conveying a recording medium between any storage unit and the recording / reproduction unit in the recording medium storage unit, and a request from a client. Accordingly, a method for setting an occupied portion for each client in an information recording / reproducing apparatus including a transport unit and a control unit for controlling the recording / reproducing unit, the control unit comprising: Set the occupied part and convert the occupied part between the physical address and the logical address managed by the client. It is intended.

In the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means converts one or more clients into a physical address and a logical address managed by the client, and sets an occupied portion. Is performed.

In the occupancy setting method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means converts one or more clients into a physical address and a logical address managed by the client. The setting of the occupied portion is performed.

[0013]

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

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic diagrams showing the outline of a library system as an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of the library system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration,
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of the cassette library 1 shown in FIG.

The library system according to the present embodiment stores a plurality of video tape cassettes (hereinafter simply referred to as cassettes) K as recording media, and uses any of the stored cassettes K 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. The controller body 21 can be connected to a plurality of host computers 3a and 3b as clients using the cassette library 1 by, for example, transmission lines 31a and 31b of a jukebox standard in the SCSI standard. Further, the controller body 21 is connected to the host computers 3a, 3b via a communication network 32 of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet.
It is also possible to connect to.

The host computer 3a occupies, for example, a predetermined occupation area of the cassette library 1, for example, an area 30a in the lower part of the cassette library 1, and is used as a client used as a main server for recording and reproducing data. It is something that can be done. Also,
The host computer 3b occupies a predetermined occupied area of the cassette library 1, for example, an area 30b in an upper portion of the cassette library 1, and is used as a client used for data backup. The occupancy setting of which area of the cassette library 1 the host computers 3a and 3b occupy is made by the library controller 2.

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 be configured as a library 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 plurality of drive devices 13 of the drive console 1D are connected to, for example, SCSI standard transmission lines 33 and 34.
Thus, it is possible to connect to the host computer 3a. The plurality of drive devices 13 are, for example, SCS
It can be connected to the host computer 3b by transmission lines 35 and 36 of the I standard. Note that only one of the host computers 3a and 3b can be connected to one drive device 13. For example, data of information to be recorded on the cassette K and the like are transmitted from the host computers 3a and 3b connected to the drive device 13 via the transmission paths 35 and 36. The output information is transmitted through transmission lines 35 and 36.
Is transmitted to the host computers 3a and 3b via the. The occupancy setting of which of the plurality of drive devices 13 the host computers 3a and 3b occupy is performed by the library controller 2.

The basic console 1B includes an input / output port 11 as an input / output means for automatically taking the cassette K from the front of the library into the library and automatically discharging the cassette K from the library to the outside. A display unit 12 is provided on the front side for displaying various information such as control information on the cassette library 1. Also,
The basic console 1B has a barcode reader (not shown) for reading barcode information indicating an ID (identification information) added to the loaded cassette K. The input / output port unit 11 includes an upper port unit 11a provided in an upper stage of the basic console 1B and a lower port unit 11b provided in a lower stage. The upper port portion 11a and the lower port portion 11b for inputting / outputting the cassette K each have a plurality (for example, four) of input / output ports. The display unit 12 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The basic console 1B further includes: a basic control unit 60 (FIG. 2) connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 via the transmission path 24;
A main drive control unit 61 (FIG. 2) is connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by the transmission path 25 and is connected to the drive control unit 70 of the drive console 1D.

The junction console 1J is used to extend the connection between the 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.

At the central portion inside the basic console 1B, drive console 1D, cassette console 1C and junction console 1J, as shown in FIG. 2, a transfer area 103, which is a space for the cassette transfer device 16 to move, is provided. Is provided. In the transfer area 103, a guide rail 101 serving as a transfer path when the cassette transfer device 16 moves is provided along the transfer direction of the cassette transfer device 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 electric power from the power supply rail 102, and the cassette K can be moved in each console by a vertical movement mechanism (not shown). Can be moved in the vertical direction (vertical direction) while maintaining the position. 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.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 includes a screen controller 41 for controlling the display device 23, an input controller 42 for controlling the input device 22, and a SCSI controller via the transmission lines 31 a and 31 b in the controller body 21. A SCSI controller 43 for controlling connection between the host computers 3a and 3b and the library controller 2 according to the standard, and a network controller 44 for controlling connection between the communication network 32 and the library controller 2 are provided. I have. 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. 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.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show examples of control screens displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2. FIG. Library controller 2
A screen realizing an interface based on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment in which a user can perform operations on the screen using a mouse or the like is used as a control screen.
The information is displayed on the display device 23.

The control screen shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, displayed as a control main screen when the library controller 2 is started. 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.

The control screens shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
The setting screen is displayed on the host computers 3a and 3b as a setting screen for performing occupancy setting. The user can use the setting screens shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 to set the host computers 3a and 3b. The area to be occupied can be specified.

Here, in FIGS. 8 and 9, [Bus
No.] includes the host computer 3a,
3b shows information on a transmission path to which the 3b is connected,
For example, Bus0 corresponds to the transmission path 31a (FIG. 1) to which the host computer 3a is connected, and Bus1 corresponds to the transmission path 31b to which the host computer 3b is connected.
In the part indicated by [Inport], the host computer 3
Areas of the input / output ports 11 of the basic console 1B and the input / output ports of the input / output port 17 of the junction console 1J occupied by a and 3b are indicated by physical address numbers. In the portion indicated by [Hidden Bin], the area of the storage section of the cassette storage shelf 14 of the drive console 1D and the storage area of the cassette storage shelf 15 of the cassette console 1C occupied by the host computers 3a and 3b are indicated by physical address numbers. Have been. In the part indicated by [Drive], the area of the drive device 13 of the drive console 1D occupied by the host computers 3a and 3b is indicated by a physical address number.

FIG. 8 is a main screen for setting for occupancy setting, and shows information on occupancy setting of all the host computers 3a and 3b connected to the library controller 2. The user can select the host computers 3a and 3b for which the occupancy setting is to be performed on the occupation setting main screen.
In FIG. 8, the selected portion is shown in a state where the selected portion is inverted. The main screen for setting shown in FIG. 8 is obtained by selecting the “Setup” menu in the menu bar on the main screen for control shown in FIG. 7 and selecting the “Bin Division” menu from a pull-down menu (not shown). Is displayed by selecting.

FIG. 9 shows the host computer 3a for which occupancy setting is to be performed on the occupation setting main screen of FIG.
This is displayed when 3b is selected (double-clicked with the left mouse button) or when the exclusive creation button 120 shown in FIG. 8 is selected to perform exclusive setting for a new host computer. On the setting screen shown in FIG. 9, the user can designate an area in which occupancy is set for the host computers 3a and 3b by inputting an address number or the like. The library controller 2 performs internal processing related to the occupancy setting based on the content specified on the setting screen shown in FIG. The hard disk of the library controller 2 has a basic table for storing an address number indicating an area for which occupancy is to be set, and a physical table when a physically discontinuous address number is specified. When a physically discontinuous address number is specified and a physically discontinuous address number is specified, the physically discontinuous address number is converted into a continuous address number, and the converted continuous address is converted. A conversion table for assigning numbers as logical address numbers managed by the host computers 3a and 3b is included.

Here, in the setting screen shown in FIG.
Regarding the occupied area of the drive device 13, the user:
A check box 110 is provided which can assign a drive device 13 having a physically discontinuous address number to one host computer 3a, 3b. On the setting screen shown in FIG. 9, the user can designate an arbitrary check box 110, whereby the user can select one of the host computers 3a and 3b.
, A drive device 13 having a physically discontinuous address number can be designated. When a physically discontinuous address number is designated for the drive device 13 on the setting screen shown in FIG. 9, the library controller 2 uses the extension table to specify the discontinuous address number. It records information. When a physically discontinuous address number is specified for the drive device 13 on the setting screen shown in FIG. 9, the library controller 2 uses the conversion table to physically Address numbers are converted into continuous address numbers, and the converted continuous address numbers are assigned as logical address numbers managed by the host computers 3a and 3b.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of an address number assignment table used in the occupancy setting process in the library controller 2. FIG. 10 (A)
Is the base table used to process occupancy settings,
The information of the occupied area of the storage section area of the set storage shelves 14 and 15 includes the first address number (internal BIN top NO.) And the last address number (internal BIN last NO) of the physical address numbers of the occupied areas. .). In the basic table, information on the occupied area for the input / output ports of the input / output port units 11 and 17 includes the start address number (INPORT start NO.) And the end address of the physical address number of the occupied area. No. (INPORT last NO.). In the basic table, the information on the occupied area of the drive device 13 includes the start address number (drive start number) and the end address number (drive end number) of the physical address number of the occupied area. It is described by. Further, information (whether or not to continue) indicating whether there is an extended table following the basic table is described in the basic table. If there is an extended table following the basic table, (continuation is present) is described.

FIG. 10B is an extension table used when a physically discontinuous address number is designated for the drive device 13, and shows the occupied area of the drive device 13 described in the basic table. The first address number (drive start number) and the last address number (drive end number) of the physical address number of the occupied area at the next stage are described. In the extension table, information (whether or not there is continuation) indicating whether or not the next extension table exists is described. If there is a subsequent extension table, (continuation is present) is described.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a conversion table for converting a physically discontinuous address number into a continuous address number. For example, the drive devices 13 having physical address numbers 1, 2, 5, and 6 are allocated to the host computer 3a, and the drive devices 13 having physical address numbers 3, 4, 7, and 8 are allocated to the host computer 3b. Figure 1
1, the physically discontinuous address numbers 1, 2, 5, and 6 are converted into continuous logical address numbers 1001 to 1004, and the physically discontinuous address number 3 is converted. , 4, 7, and 8 are converted into continuous logical address numbers 1005 to 1008.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 has a conversion table for converting a physically discontinuous address number into a continuous address number. Even if consecutive address numbers are assigned, the host computer 3
In FIGS. 3A and 3B, it is possible to use the drive device 13 having a continuous address number, and the transmission path for connecting the host computers 3a and 3b is a SCSI that cannot handle discontinuous data. Even if the format conforms to the standard protocol of the standard, the drive device 13 having an arbitrary address number can be occupied.

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 controlling the transport 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
0 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 console row communication unit 63. Information about the configuration is sent to the library controller 2.

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.

[0047] 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.

Next, the operation of the library system configured as described above 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 inputs a desired cassette K to the basic console 1B of the cassette library 1 using the cassette transporter 16 in response to a request from the host computers 3a and 3b. A command for moving the output port unit 11, the cassette storage shelf 15 of the cassette console 1C, the drive device 13 of the drive console 1D, and the like, and
In the drive device 13 of the drive console 1D,
A command for recording and reproducing information is transmitted. An instruction to move the cassette K using the cassette transporter 16 is transmitted to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B via the transmission path 24. Further, in the drive device 13, a command for recording or reproducing information is transmitted to the main drive control unit 61 of the basic console 1 </ b> B via the transmission line 25.

The basic control unit 60 controls the cassette transporter 16 based on a command received from the library controller 2 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). Based on the control from the basic control unit 60, for example, the cassette transporter 16 can control the input / output port unit 11 of the basic console 1B.
The cassette K taken in from the cassette console 1
The transport operation is performed such that the transport is performed to and transferred to the cassette storage shelf 15 of C. 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 unit 61 receives a command from the library controller 2 received via the transmission path 25 and sends a command to the drive control unit 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, the operation related to the occupancy setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The following description also serves as a description of an occupancy setting method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The library controller 2 includes a display device 2
Main screen for occupancy setting displayed in 3 (FIG. 8)
When the user selects the host computer 3a, 3b for which occupancy setting is to be performed, a setting screen (FIG. 9) for the selected host computer 3a, 3b is displayed. Library controller 2
Displays the setting screen of FIG. 9 even when the new creation button 120 is selected on the occupation setting main screen shown in FIG. When the user inputs an address number or the like indicating an area for which occupancy is to be set using a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, the library controller 2 reads the input value (step S101) and displays the read input value on the setting screen. It is displayed (step S102).

Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a decision (OK) button has been pressed on the setting screen (step S103). If the determination button has not been pressed (N), the library controller 2 repeats the determination in step S103. When the determination button is pressed (step S103: Y), the library controller 2 determines whether or not discrete values are assigned to physical addresses specified by the user. (Step S104). If a discontinuous value is not assigned to the physical address (N), the occupation area is set only in the basic table (FIG. 10A) (step S105).

If a discontinuous value is assigned to the physical address (step S104:
Y), while using a basic table and an extension table (FIG. 10B) to record physical address information,
Using the conversion table (FIG. 11), physically discontinuous address numbers are converted into continuous logical address numbers (step S106), and apparently continuous Make sure the address number is set.

Note that the host computers 3a and 3b
The connection with the drive device 13 is established by the host computer 3
It is necessary to correspond to the physical address numbers assigned to a and 3b.

As described above, according to the library system of this embodiment, the library controller 2 has the conversion table for converting physically discontinuous address numbers into continuous address numbers. This makes it possible for the host computers 3a and 3b to use the drive device 13 having a continuous address number apparently even if a discontinuous address number is actually assigned. Therefore, the drive device 13 having an arbitrary address number can be occupied, and the occupancy can be freely set for the host computers 3a and 3b as clients.

[Modification] Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for describing this modification. For example, many host computers 3
₁ , 32 _,. . . By using 3 _n (n is an integer of 2 or more), a plurality of drive devices 13 ₁ ,
13 ₂ ,. . . When occupying 13 _k (k is an integer of 2 or more) and a new occupation setting or a change in occupation setting is made, the host computer 3 ₁ ,
32 _,. . . 3 _n and the drive devices 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ ,. . .
There is a possibility that the switching process of the transmission path connecting the 13 _k is complicated.

Therefore, in this modification, the host computers 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ,. . . 3 _n and drive device 13 ₁ , 1
32 _,. . . 13 _k between the host computer 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ,. . . 3 _n and drive device 13 ₁ , 1
32 _,. . . Comprising a switching unit 130 for switching automatically the connection relationship between the 13 _k, the switching unit 130 is de library controller 2, and to control in accordance with the occupancy setting. Switching unit 130, the host computer 3 _1, 3 _2,. . . 3 _n , corresponding to the physical address number assigned to the host computer 3 ₁ ,
32 _,. . . 3 _n and drive devices 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ ,. . . 1
_3k . Thus, when a new occupancy setting or a change in the occupancy setting is made, the switching unit 130 causes the host computers 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ ,. . .
3 _n and the drive devices 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ ,. . . Since the connection relationship between the 13 _k is automatically changed, it is possible to easily switching process of the transmission path.

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

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above 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.

In the above-described embodiment, the occupancy setting of the drive unit 13 has been described. However, the occupancy setting of the storage units of the cassette storage shelves 14 and 15 and the occupancy setting of the input / output ports are also described. Can be performed in the same manner as in the case of

[0065]

As described above, claims 1 to 5
According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in any one of the above, or the occupation setting method for the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in any one of claims 6 to 10, a physical address and a client are provided to one or more clients. Since the setting of the occupied portion is performed by performing conversion with the logical address to be managed, there is an effect that the occupancy can be freely set for the client.

According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the fifth aspect or the occupancy setting method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the tenth aspect, two or more recording / reproducing means are provided.
The setting of the occupied portion and the conversion between the physical address and the logical address are performed, and the information transmission path between the recording / reproducing means and the client is performed according to the conversion between the physical address and the logical address by the control means. Switching, the information transmission path between the recording / reproducing means and the client can be automatically switched in accordance with the conversion between the physical address and the logical address by the control means. This has the effect.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a basic configuration of a library system according to an 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 a control main screen displayed in the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an occupancy setting screen displayed on the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

9 is an explanatory diagram showing another occupancy setting screen displayed in the library controller shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a table used for occupancy setting in the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

11 is an explanatory diagram showing a conversion table used for occupancy setting in the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an occupancy setting process performed in the library controller illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for describing a modification of the library system shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

1: cassette library, 1B: basic console, 1C
... cassette console, 1D ... drive console, 1
J: junction console, 2: library controller, 3a, 3b: host computer, 11, 17
... I / O port unit, 13 ... Drive device, 14, 15 ...
Cassette storage shelf, 16: cassette transporter, 18: junction port unit, 21: controller body, 22: input device, 23: display device, 49: hard disk drive, 60: basic control unit, 61, 81: main drive control unit , 62, 82: Console control unit, 63, 83: Console row communication unit, 64, 84: Console configuration sampling unit, 70: Drive control unit, 130: Switcher.

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Nobuhiro Tsurumaki 6-7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation (72) Inventor Toru Yumine 6-35-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5B065 BA01 BA08 CA40 CC02 ZA03 ZA04

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A recording system comprising: one or more recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium; and a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing the recording medium. Medium storage means; transport means for transporting the recording medium between any storage section of the recording medium storage means and the recording / reproducing means; and transport means and recording / reproducing means in response to a request from a client Control means for controlling the occupation of the occupied part with respect to one or more clients. An information recording / reproducing apparatus having a function of performing conversion between a logical address and a logical address managed by a client. 2. An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means has a function of setting a portion occupied by at least one of said recording / reproducing means and recording medium storage means. 3. An input / output unit for taking the recording medium into and out of the apparatus, wherein the control unit occupies at least one of the recording / reproducing unit, the recording medium storage unit, and the input / output unit. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of setting the information. 4. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means assigns continuous addresses as logical addresses to one client. 5. The recording / reproducing device is provided with two or more recording / reproducing devices, and the control device performs setting of an occupied portion and conversion between a physical address and a logical address for the recording / reproducing device. 2. The information according to claim 1, further comprising switching means for switching an information transmission path between the recording / reproducing means and the client in accordance with the conversion between the physical address and the logical address by the control means. Recording and playback device. 6. A recording apparatus comprising: one or more recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium; and a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing the recording medium. Medium storage means, transport means for transporting the recording medium between any storage section of the recording medium storage means and the recording / reproducing means, and, in response to a request from a client, the transport means and recording / reproducing means A method for setting an occupied portion for each client in an information recording / reproducing apparatus provided with control means for controlling the occupied portion for one or more clients. Occupying an information recording / reproducing apparatus by converting a physical address and a logical address managed by a client for an occupied portion. Constant method. 7. An occupancy setting method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control means sets a portion to be occupied for at least one of the recording / reproducing means and the recording medium storage means. . 8. The information recording / reproducing apparatus further comprises input / output means for putting the recording medium into and out of the apparatus, wherein the control means includes a recording / reproducing means, a recording medium storage means, and an input / output means. 7. An occupation part for at least one of them is set.
Occupancy setting method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in the above. 9. The occupancy setting method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a continuous address is assigned as a logical address for one client. 10. A method for setting an occupied portion and converting between a physical address and a logical address with respect to two or more recording / reproducing means, wherein the physical and logical addresses are controlled by the control means. 7. An occupancy setting method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the information transmission path between the recording / reproducing means and the client is switched in accordance with the conversion.