JP2001101752A - Information recording and reproducing device and method for outputting its configuration information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information recording and reproducing device configured with the combination of a plurality of devices that can easily output information denoting the configuration of the information recording and reproducing device. SOLUTION: A library controller 2 recognizes the configuration of a cassette library 1 and allows a display device 23 to display a state monitor menu simulating the actual arrangement of a console on the basis of the recognized configuration information. Part of the status of each section is displayed on this state monitor menu.

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 configured by combining a plurality of devices, and a configuration information output method for outputting information indicating the configuration 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.

[0004]

By the way, in the library system, there is a case where an image showing the system configuration and the state of each unit in the system is displayed on a display device attached to the control unit. In this case, it is conceivable to display an image imitating the actual arrangement of the console so that the user can easily grasp the configuration of the system and the state of each unit in the system.

In the case of displaying an image which simulates the actual arrangement of consoles as described above, in the case of a library system in which the configuration of the system is almost determined in advance, an image which simulates the actual arrangement of consoles is displayed. The main part of the image can be prepared in advance. However,
In the case of a library system that can construct a system of various scales and arrangements by arbitrarily combining multiple consoles, it is not possible to prepare in advance the main part of the image that mimics the actual console arrangement However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to display an image imitating the actual console arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to enable an information recording / reproducing apparatus configured by combining a plurality of devices to easily output information representing the configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an information recording / reproducing apparatus and a method of outputting configuration information thereof.

[0007]

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 controlling the recording / reproducing unit and the transport unit; And a control unit having a function of recognizing the configuration of the device including the type of each device to be connected and the connection relationship, and outputting image information representing the recognized configuration.

Further, the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention is a device assembly unit configured by combining a plurality of devices that are connected to each other so that their positions can be changed. Either 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 the recording medium. Information comprising: a device assembly; a transport unit for transporting a recording medium between any storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit in the device aggregate; and a control unit for controlling the recording / reproducing unit and the transport unit. A method for outputting information indicating a configuration of a device in a recording / reproducing device, wherein a control unit recognizes a configuration of the device including a type and a connection relationship of each device and outputs image information indicating the recognized configuration. Than it is.

In the information recording / reproducing apparatus or the configuration information output method according to the present invention, the control means recognizes the configuration of the apparatus including the type of each device and the connection relationship, and outputs image information representing the recognized configuration. .

[0010]

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

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing the outline of a library system as an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 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 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. Library 1 for recording and reproducing information by means of a library, and a library controller 2 for controlling the cassette library 1
And

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.
The controller body 21 can also 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
Types of consoles and a cassette transporter 16 for transporting cassettes K inside the cassette library 1
And 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 plurality of storage units, and And a cassette storage shelf 14 capable of storing a plurality of. In addition, the drive console 1D includes a drive control unit 70 (FIG. 2) for controlling the drive device 13. The cassette console 1C includes a cassette storage shelf 15 having a plurality of storage sections and capable of storing a plurality of cassettes K. In the drive console 1D and the cassette console 1C to which the junction console 1J is connected,
When the junction console 1J is connected, the cassette storage shelves 14 and 15 are partially removed so that the cassette K can be transferred to and from the junction console 1J.

The basic console 1B has an input / output port 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 / 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.

At the central portion inside the basic console 1B, the drive console 1D, the cassette console 1C, and the junction console 1J, as shown in FIG. 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. Further, the cassette transporter 16 has a barcode reader (not shown) for reading barcode information indicating an ID (identification information) added 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 connection between the cassette library 1 and the library controller 2 via 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, for example, a main control screen when the library controller 2 is started. On this 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 the cassette library 1 is displayed.
The information about the basic configuration is graphically displayed in a predetermined 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 obtains 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 obtained information, Area 9 of 7
A graphic screen in the form shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.

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.

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 a 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 structure collecting unit 64, the console configuration information sending unit 10B configuring the console lines L1 _{underlying, 10D 11, 10C 11, 10D} 12,. . . , Information about the configuration of each console is collected.

The console control unit 62 receives information on the configuration of the console 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 on the configuration is transmitted 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.

[0032] 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 in the present invention. 1
Corresponds to a device assembly unit in the present invention, the cassette transporter 16 corresponds to a transport unit in the present invention, and the library controller 2 corresponds to a control unit in the present invention. Further, the drive device 13 corresponds to the recording / reproducing means in the present invention.

In the library system according to the present embodiment, the library controller 2 controls the entire cassette library 1 including the drive device 13 and the cassette transporter 16. In the present embodiment, in particular, the library controller 2 has a function of recognizing the configuration of the cassette library 1 including the type and connection relationship of each console constituting the cassette library 1 and outputting image information representing the recognized configuration. are doing. When outputting image information indicating the configuration, the library controller 2 can selectively perform a plurality of types of display with different sizes of display portions of each console.

The library controller 2 further recognizes the state of each part of the cassette library 1 including the drive unit 13, the storage unit and the cassette transporter 16, and expresses at least a part of the information indicating the recognized state. It has a function to output it together with image information. When outputting image information indicating a configuration, the library controller 2 can selectively perform a plurality of types of display in which at least one of a size of a display portion of each console and a display mode of information indicating a state is different. It has become.

The library controller 2 further has a function of outputting detailed information indicating a state related to the specified location in response to an instruction designating a predetermined location in the image information representing the configuration. .

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 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
A command 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 or 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 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 section 61 receives a command from the library controller 2 received via the transmission path 25 and, based on a command from the library controller 2, controls 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 of outputting image information representing a configuration which is a feature of the present embodiment will be described in detail. The following description also serves as a description of the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the actual console arrangement is used as image information indicating the configuration so that the user can easily and intuitively grasp the configuration of the cassette library 1 and the state of each unit in the cassette library 1. The displayed image information is displayed. In the present embodiment, this image information is called a status monitoring screen.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the status monitoring screen. This example is an example in which the cassette library 1 includes three consoles: a basic console 1B, a drive console 1D, and a cassette console 1C. In FIG. 8, reference numerals 111B, 111
D and 111C indicate display portions of the basic console 1B, the drive console 1D, and the cassette console 1C, respectively. Cassette library 1 in this example
Then, basic console 1B, drive console 1D,
The consoles are arranged in the order of the cassette consoles 1C, and the display portion of each console is also arranged in the status monitoring screen according to the actual console arrangement.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the status monitoring screen. In this example, the cassette library 1 includes a basic console 1B, three drive consoles 1D,
This is an example in the case of being constituted by eight three consoles, one cassette console 1C and two junction consoles 1J. In FIG.
B indicates a display portion of the basic console 1B,
D _11, 111D _12, 111D ₃₁ drive console 1
D indicates a display portion, 111C ₁₁ and 111C ₂₁ indicate display portions of the cassette console 1C, and reference numerals 111J ₁ ,
111 J ₂ denotes a display portion of the junction console 1 J. In the cassette library 1 in this example, consoles are arranged in the order of a basic console 1B, a drive console 1D, a cassette console 1C, and a drive console 1D to form a console row L1, and a drive console 1D adjacent to the basic console 1B.
And a cassette console 1C connected to the junction console 1J, a console row L2 is formed, and a junction console 1J connected to a drive console 1D which is the fourth console from the basic console 1B side. The drive console 1D connected to the junction console 1J provides a console row L3.
Is configured. And on the status monitoring screen,
The display part of each console is arranged according to the actual arrangement of the consoles. In the status monitoring screen, the console rows L1 to L3 are displayed as “Line: 1”, “Lin”.
e: 2 "and" Line: 3 ".

As will be described in detail later, at least a part of the information indicating the status of each unit in the cassette library 1 is displayed in the display portion of each console on the status monitoring screen.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be given of a means for recognizing the configuration of the cassette library 1 including the types and connection relationships of the consoles constituting the cassette library 1. FIG. 10 schematically shows each console in the arrangement example shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, each console _{1B, 1D 11, 1D 12,} 1D
_{21, 1D 31, 1C 11,} 1C 12, 1C 21, 1C 31, 1
J ₁ and 1J ₂ are the configuration information sending units 10B and 1 respectively.
_{0D 11, 10D 12, 10D 21} , 10D 31, 10C 11, 1
0C _12, has a _{10C 21, 10C 31, 10J 1} , 10J 2. Each of the configuration information transmission units holds, as the configuration information, information of its own console type and information of the console row, and transmits these configuration information to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B or the junction console 1J ₁ , It adapted to deliver to the basic control unit 80 of 1 J _2. Note that the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B, the configuration information from the configuration information sending unit of each console in the console lines L1 is sent, the basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1 J _1, each console in the console column L2 It sent the configuration information from the configuration information sending unit of, the basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1 J _2, so that the configuration information from the configuration information sending unit of each console in the console column L3 is sent.

The junction consoles 1J ₁ and 1J ₂
Each of the basic control units 80 transmits the configuration information transmitted from the configuration information transmission unit of each console to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B via the communication line 72. The basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B includes the configuration information sent from the basic control units 80 of the junction consoles 1J ₁ and 1J ₂ and the configuration information sent from the configuration information sending unit of each console in the console row L1. Are sent to the library controller 2 via the transmission path 24.

The library controller 2 recognizes the configuration of the cassette library 1 based on the configuration information sent from the basic control unit 60, and information on the recognized configuration of the cassette library 1 (hereinafter, referred to as console configuration). (Hereinafter, referred to as console configuration information) is stored in the storage unit 54 (hard disk) as a database. In a predetermined case, the library controller 2 displays a state monitoring screen on the display device 23 based on the held console configuration information.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, an example of information held by the configuration information sending unit of each console and a method of sending the information to the basic control units 60 and 80 will be described. FIG.
1, (a) represents information held by the configuration information transmission unit of each console in the console row L1, and (b)
Represents the information held by the configuration information transmission unit of each console in the console row L2, and (b) represents the console row L3
Indicates the information held by the configuration information sending unit of each console in FIG. In this figure, "B" represents a basic console. “D” and “D ′” represent a drive console, and particularly “D ′” represents a drive console connectable to the junction console 1J. Also, "C",
“C ′” indicates a cassette console, and particularly “C ′” indicates a cassette console connectable to the junction console 1J. Also,
“J” indicates a junction console. These pieces of information are set and held by, for example, a dip (DIP) switch. In FIG. 11, “0”, “2”, and “3” represent console rows L1, L2, and L3, respectively. These pieces of information are set and held by, for example, a rotary switch.

The basic control section 60 and the configuration information transmission section of each console in the console row L1 are connected by a signal line for transmitting a timing signal and a signal line for transmitting configuration information. The basic control unit 60 transmits a timing signal indicating a timing of transmitting information at a predetermined cycle via a signal line for transmitting a timing signal. The timing signal is sequentially transmitted from a console closer to the basic control unit 60 to a console farther from the console so as to be delayed by one cycle per console. When receiving the timing signal, the configuration information transmitting unit of each console transmits the configuration information to the signal line for transmitting the configuration information. In this way, the configuration information from the configuration information transmission unit of each console in the console row L1 is sequentially input to the basic control unit 60 at a timing shifted by one cycle of the timing signal.
, The type of each console and the connection relationship can be understood. The same applies to the basic control unit 80.

The console control section 82 in the basic control section 80 of the junction console 1J receives the configuration information from the console configuration information transmission section in another console row to which the junction console 1J is connected. It has become. Thus, the basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1J can recognize the console row without setting the console row information in the configuration information sending unit of the junction console 1J. The basic control unit 80 uses the information of the console sequence recognized in this way as a part of the configuration information in its own configuration information transmission unit, and transmits the information to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B.
To be sent. This makes it possible to recognize the connection relationship between the console rows.

Next, the operation of the library controller 2 for recognizing the console configuration and displaying the status monitoring screen will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this operation, the library controller 2 first determines whether or not there has been a library system activation or configuration recognition instruction (step S101). The configuration recognition instruction is, for example,
The user selects the item “Setup” in the menu bar in the area 91 on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 (left-click operation of the mouse), and further selects the item “Console Composition” in the pull-down menu. It is done by doing. If there is no library system activation or configuration recognition instruction (N), step S
The judgment of 101 is repeated.

When the library controller 2 is activated or receives a configuration recognition instruction (step S101; Y), the library controller 2 performs a configuration recognition process (step S102). This configuration recognition processing is performed by the basic control unit 60,
This is a process for causing the console 80 to collect configuration information from the configuration information transmission unit of each console and recognizing the console configuration based on this information. Next, the library controller 2 determines whether configuration information has been obtained from all consoles (step S103). If obtained (Y), the console configuration information database is updated (step S
104), a status monitoring screen is displayed based on the console configuration information (step S105), and the operation ends.

On the other hand, if the configuration information has not been obtained from all consoles (step S103; N), it is determined whether or not a timeout (a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the configuration recognition process) (step S103). S106). If the timeout has not occurred (N), the process returns to step S102 to continue the configuration recognition processing. If a timeout occurs (Y), the process proceeds to step S105, where a state monitoring screen is displayed (step S105), and the operation is terminated. In this case, the status monitoring screen is displayed based on the previous console configuration information.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the library controller 2 automatically recognizes the console configuration and displays the status monitoring screen imitating the actual console arrangement. It is possible to easily display a status monitoring screen imitating the actual console arrangement even if the library system is capable of constructing a system of various scales and arrangements by arbitrarily combining. The status monitoring screen displayed in this way allows the user to easily and intuitively grasp the configuration of the cassette library 1 and the status of each unit in the cassette library 1.

Next, in the present embodiment, when the library controller 2 displays a status monitoring screen, a function of selectively displaying a plurality of types of displays having different sizes of display portions of each console. explain. In the present embodiment, a state monitoring screen of the basic size (L (large) size) in which the size of the display portion of each console is the largest, and S in which the size of the display portion of each console is the smallest.
Selectively, three types of status monitoring screens, a (small) size status monitoring screen and an M (medium) size status monitoring screen in which the size of the display portion of each console is intermediate between the basic size and the S size It can be displayed.

In this embodiment, when the library system is started, the main screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display device 23. This main screen is also a basic size state monitoring screen. For example, on the status monitor screen of the basic size, a margin 1 other than the display of the console
When the mouse is right-clicked with the cursor placed on 21, a size selection menu as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. "Console" in this size selection menu
When “Size: M” is selected (left mouse click operation), an M-size state monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. In addition, "Conso" in the size selection menu
When "le Size: S" is selected, an S size state monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. In addition, "Console Size: L" in the size selection menu
When a is selected, a standard size state monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. Note that “Logical No.” in the size selection menu shown in FIG. 14 is an item for selecting to display a console number associated with each console on the status monitoring screen with a logical number. , “Physical No.” is an item for selecting to display a console number associated with each console on the status monitoring screen with a physical number.

Note that when the cursor is placed in the margin and the mouse is right-clicked on the M size status monitor screen or the S size status monitor screen, the size / display type described later will be used. A selection menu is displayed, and the size can be changed using the size / display type selection menu.

In the state monitor screen of the standard size shown in FIG. 13, since the display portion of the console is large, it may not be possible to display the display portions of all the consoles constituting the cassette library 1. In such a case, only the display portions of the basic console and the drive console are displayed. This is because the status of the basic console and the status of the drive console can change frequently, so their status display is important for monitoring, while the status of the cassette in the cassette console does not change frequently. Therefore, the importance is low for monitoring. In FIG. 13, only the console row L1 (Line: 1) is displayed. However, if the cassette library 1 includes other console rows, the screen is scrolled to display the other console rows. Parts can be displayed.

In the state monitoring screen of the M size shown in FIG. 15, since the size of the display portion of the console is smaller than that of the standard size, the cassette library 1 is configured up to the cassette library 1 of a certain size. The display part of all consoles can be displayed. However, when the cassette library 1 becomes large,
In some cases, it is difficult to display all console display portions. In such a case, as in the case of the standard size, only the display portions of the basic console and the drive console may be displayed, or each console may be displayed until the display portions of all consoles can be displayed. The display portion may be reduced.

In the S size state monitoring screen shown in FIG. 16, the size of the display portion of the console is the smallest.
Even in the case of a large-scale cassette library, the display portions of all consoles constituting the cassette library 1 can be displayed.

In the present embodiment, when the status of each section in the cassette library 1 (hereinafter referred to as status) can be displayed by characters such as characters and symbols on the status monitoring screen of three sizes, The status is displayed by a character, and when the status cannot be displayed by the character, the status is displayed by a color. Here, it is assumed that the status is displayed as a character on the standard size status monitor screen and the M size status monitor screen. Also, on the S size state monitoring screen, there are cases where the status can be displayed with characters and cases where it is not possible, or cases where it is possible and impossible to display the status depending on the status. The status is displayed by a character, and if the status cannot be displayed, the status is displayed by color.

Here, an example of status display will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the library status portion 131 in the display portion of the basic console includes the status of the entire cassette library 1 including the cassette transporter 16 or the status of the entire console line L1 when there are a plurality of console lines. Of the statuses of the cassette transporter 16 are displayed, for example. For example, "Ready" indicates that the cassette transporter 16 is operable, and "Not Ready" indicates that the cassette transporter 16 is inoperable.

In the drive console portion 132 in the display portion of the drive console, the status of the drive console 1D having a higher priority is displayed. For example, “Fan 1 Stop” indicates that the first fan for cooling in the drive console 1D is stopped.

The drive status portion 133 in the display portion of the drive console includes a drive device 13.
The status with the highest priority is displayed.
For example, “Tape In” is the drive device 1
3 indicates that the cassette K is in the “No T
“ape” indicates that the cassette K is not in the drive device 13, and “Write” indicates that the drive device 1
3 indicates that writing is being performed, “Read” indicates that the drive device 13 is reading, and “No.”
“Use” indicates that the drive device 13 is not used, and “No Communication” indicates that the drive device 13 cannot communicate or power is not supplied.

The ID (identification information) of the cassette K contained in the drive device 13 is displayed on the cassette portion 134 in the display portion of the drive console.

As shown in FIG. 15, the main part of the status of the cassette console is displayed on the display portion 135 of the cassette console. For example, the total number of storage units (“All”), the number of storage units in use (“Used”), and the number of open storage units (“Free”) are displayed.

When the status is displayed in color on the S size status monitor screen shown in FIG. 16, it is preferable to change the color according to the type and nature of the status. For example, a normal status such as “Ready” or “No Tape” is displayed in white, and “Not Re
Status requiring attention, such as "ady", is displayed in yellow, the status at the time of abnormality is displayed in red, and "Writ"
"e" and "Read" are displayed in blue, and when the user requests processing, they are displayed in pink.

Next, the operation of the library controller 2 relating to the size switching of the status monitoring screen will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 17 shows the operation from the start of the library system. In this operation, the library controller 2 first obtains console configuration information (step S111). Next, the library controller 2 displays the status monitoring screen in the basic size based on the acquired console configuration information (Step S112). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a click operation has been performed on the blank portion 121 of the screen (Step S113). If there is no click operation (N), the library controller 2 repeats step S113. When there is a click operation (Y), the library controller 2
The size selection menu shown in FIG. 14 is displayed (step S114). Next, the library controller 2 determines the size selected in the size selection menu (Step S115). The library controller 2 uses “Co
If “nsize: L” is selected, a basic size display mode for displaying a basic size is selected (step S116), and “Consol Size” is selected.
If "e: M" is selected, the M size display mode for displaying the M size is selected (step S11).
7). The library controller 2 uses “Console
If "Size: S" is selected, an S size display mode for displaying the S size is selected (step S118), and it is determined whether the status can be displayed by a character (step S119). If the display is not possible (N), a color display mode for displaying the status in color is selected (step S120), and if the display is possible (step S119; Y), the color display mode is not selected. When the mode selection is completed as described above, the library controller 2 updates the display of the information display screen according to the selected mode (step S122), and returns to step S113.

On the other hand, when there is no click operation in the blank portion 121 of the screen (step S113; N), the library controller 2 determines whether or not the status has been updated (step S121). In addition,
The library controller 2 monitors the status at any time. If the status has not been updated (N), the library controller 2 returns to step S113 as it is, and if the status has been updated (Y).
Then, the display on the information display screen is updated to display the updated status (step S122), and the process returns to step S113.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when displaying the status monitoring screen, the library controller 2 selectively performs a plurality of types of display in which the size of the display portion of each console is different. Therefore, the user has to grasp and monitor the entire configuration of the cassette library 1 and grasp and monitor the local configuration in the cassette library 1 both.
It can be done easily.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the library controller 2 displays the status monitoring screen, a plurality of types of displays differing in at least one of the size of the display portion of each console and the display mode of the information indicating the status. Since the display is selectively performed, the user can select the display mode of the status monitoring screen according to the purpose.

In particular, according to the present embodiment, when the status cannot be displayed by the character, the status is displayed in color, so that the user can easily grasp the outline of the status or check the abnormality. It is possible to quickly and easily determine whether or not there is. In particular, in normal times, detailed information of the status is not required, and it is sufficient to determine whether or not there is an abnormality. Therefore, by displaying the status in color, it is possible to efficiently monitor the entire cassette library 1. Become.

In this embodiment, even when the status can be displayed by the character, the color of the background portion of the character may be changed according to the status.

Next, in the present embodiment, a function in which the library controller 2 outputs detailed status information related to the specified location in response to an instruction designating a predetermined location in the status monitoring screen. explain.

In the following, the operation on the S size state monitoring screen shown in FIG. 18 will be described as an example.
The same applies to the operations on the basic size status monitor screen and the M size status monitor screen.

In this embodiment, when a right-click operation is performed on the display portion 141 of the basic console on the state monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 18, the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. You. "Library status" in this detailed display selection menu ("DMS" in FIG. 19)
When "Status") is selected (left mouse click operation), as shown in FIG. 20, the detailed status of the cassette library 1, for example, the cassette transporter 16 (when there are a plurality of console rows, the console row L1 is displayed). The detailed status of the cassette transport 16) is displayed.
Note that when the left double-click operation is performed on the library status portion 131 in the display portion 141 of the basic console, the detailed status of the cassette library 1 as shown in FIG. 20 is also displayed.

Further, “bin data” (“Bin Dat” in FIG. 19) in the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG.
When "a") is selected, detailed information (hereinafter, referred to as bin status) of the cassette in the basic console 1B is displayed as shown in Fig. 21. In the bin status display screen, each storage section is displayed. When a corresponding area 151 is provided and the cassette K is stored in the storage unit, the ID of the cassette is displayed in the corresponding area 151. In the bin status display screen shown in FIG. An area 152 corresponding to the input / output port section 11 is also provided, and when a cassette K is inserted in the input / output port section 11, the ID of the cassette is displayed in the area 152. The display section 141 of the basic console The bin status shown in FIG. 21 is also displayed when a left double-click operation is performed on the middle margin.

When a right-click operation is performed on the display portion 142 of the drive console on the state monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 18, a detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. “Drive console status” in this detailed display selection menu (“Drive
e Console Status ”),
The detailed status of the drive console 1D as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. Note that when a left double-click operation is performed on the drive status portion 132 in the display portion 142 of the drive console, the detailed status of the drive console 1D as shown in FIG. 23 is also displayed.

A plurality of "drive statuses"("D" in FIG. 22) in the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG.
live No. 1 Status ”to“ Drive
No. 4 Status ”),
As shown in FIG. 24, the detailed status of the corresponding drive device 13 is displayed. Note that the drive status portion 133 in the display portion 142 of the drive console is displayed.
When the left double-click operation is performed,
The detailed status of the drive device 13 is displayed as shown in FIG.

Further, “bin data” (“Bin Dat” in FIG. 22) in the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG.
When "a") is selected, the bin status in the drive console 1D is displayed as shown in FIG.
In the bin status display screen shown in FIG. 25,
An area 154 corresponding to a port for transferring the cassette K between the area 153 corresponding to each drive device 13 and the junction port 18 of the junction console 1J is also provided. , The corresponding area 15
3, 154, the cassette ID is displayed. In addition, on a blank portion in the display portion 142 of the drive console,
Even when the left double-click operation is performed, the bin status shown in FIG. 25 is displayed.

When the user right-clicks on the display portion 143 of the cassette console on the status monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 18, a detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. When "Bin Data"("BinData" in FIG. 26) in the detailed display selection menu is selected, as shown in FIG.
The bin status at C is displayed. The bin status shown in FIG. 27 is also displayed when a left double-click operation is performed on the display portion 143 of the cassette console.

Further, when a right-click operation is performed on the display portion 144 of the junction console on the state monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 18, a detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. "Junction console status" in this detailed display selection menu (Fig. 28
"Junction Console Status"
If s ") is selected, a detailed status of the junction console 1J is displayed (not shown). For example, this status is the same as that of FIG. Note that when a left double-click operation is performed on the junction console status portion 145 in the junction console display portion 144, the detailed status of the junction console 1J is also displayed.

Also, “Bin Data” in the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 28 (“Bin Dat” in FIG. 28)
When "a") is selected, the bin status in the junction console 1J is displayed as shown in Fig. 29. In the bin status display screen, an area 156 corresponding to the junction port 18 of the junction console 1J is displayed. Area 1 corresponding to output port
57 is also provided, and when a cassette K is inserted in each port section, the ID of the cassette is displayed in the corresponding area 156, 157. The bin status shown in FIG. 29 is also displayed when a left double-click operation is performed on a blank portion in the display portion 144 of the junction console.

Next, the operation of outputting detailed status information in the library controller 2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Note that FIG.
0 to 34 show the operation from the start of the library system. In this operation, the library controller 2 first obtains console configuration information (step S131). Next, the library controller 2
A status monitoring screen is displayed based on the acquired console configuration information (step S132). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a click operation has been performed on the console portion in the state monitoring screen (Step S).
133), if there is no click operation on the console portion (N), step S133 is repeated, and the display of the status monitoring screen is continued.

If there is a click operation on the console portion in the state monitoring screen (step S133; Y), the library controller 2 determines the type of the console on which the click operation has been made (step S134).
Here, in the case of the basic console, the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG. 31, in the case of the drive console, the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG. 32, and in the case of the cassette console, the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG. In this case, the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 31, when there is a click operation in the basic console portion, the library controller 2 first determines the type of the click (step S141). In the case of right-click, the library controller 2 displays the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 19 (step S142), and determines the type selected in this detailed display selection menu (step S14).
3). If the selected type is the library status, the library controller 2 displays the detailed status of the library shown in FIG. 20 (step S20).
144) If the selected type is bin data, the bin status shown in FIG. 21 is displayed (step S1).
45). On the other hand, if the type of the click is a left double click, the library controller 2 determines the location of the click (step S146), and if the location of the click is the library status portion, details of the library shown in FIG. Display the status (step S14)
4) If the click location is in the margin, the bin status shown in FIG. 21 is displayed (step S14).
5). After displaying the detailed screen such as the library detailed status and the bin status, the library controller 2 determines whether or not an operation to close the detailed screen has been performed (step S147). S147 is repeated, and if performed (Y), the process returns to step S132 in FIG. 30 to display the status monitoring screen. The operation of closing the detail screen is, for example, selecting a button marked “OK” in the detail display selection menu.

As shown in FIG. 32, when there is a click operation on the drive console, the library controller 2 first determines the type of the click (step S151). In the case of a right click, the library controller 2 displays the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 22 (step S152), and determines the type selected in this detailed display selection menu (step S1).
53). Then, when the selected type is the drive console status, the library controller 2
The detailed status of the drive console shown in FIG. 23 is displayed (step S154). If the selected type is the drive status, the detailed status of the drive device 13 shown in FIG. 24 is displayed (step S155).
If the selected type is bin data, the bin status shown in FIG. 25 is displayed (step S156). On the other hand, if the type of the click is a left double click, the library controller 2 determines the location of the click (step S157). The detailed status is displayed (step S154),
If the click location is the drive status part,
The detailed status of the drive device 13 shown in FIG. 24 is displayed (step S155), and if the click location is a blank portion, the bin status shown in FIG. 25 is displayed (step S156). Library controller 2
After displaying the detail screen, it is determined whether or not an operation of closing the detail screen has been performed (step S158). If not performed (N), step S158 is repeated. If performed (Y), the step in FIG. Returning to S132, a state monitoring screen is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 33, when there is a click operation on the cassette console, the library controller 2 first determines the type of click (step S161). In the case of a right click, the library controller 2 displays the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 26 (step S162), and determines whether or not bin data has been selected in this detailed display selection menu (step S162). If the bin data is not selected (N), step S162 is repeated, and if the bin data is selected (Y), the bin status shown in FIG. 27 is displayed (step S164). On the other hand, if the type of the click is a left double click, the library controller 2 displays the bin status shown in FIG. 27 (step S164). After displaying the bin status, the library controller 2 determines whether or not an operation of closing the detail screen has been performed (step S165). If the operation has not been performed (N), step S165 is repeated. 30, the process returns to step S132 to display the status monitoring screen.

As shown in FIG. 34, when there is a click operation at the junction console, the library controller 2 first determines the type of click (step S171). In the case of a right-click, the library controller 2 displays the detailed display selection menu shown in FIG. 28 (step S172), and determines the type selected in this detailed display selection menu (step S173). When the selected type is the junction console status, the library controller 2 displays the detailed status of the junction console (not shown) (step S174). The displayed bin status is displayed (step S175). On the other hand, if the type of the click is a left double click, the library controller 2 determines the location of the click (step S
176) If the click location is the junction console status portion, the detailed status of the junction console (not shown) is displayed (step S17).
4) If the click location is in the margin, the bin status shown in FIG. 29 is displayed (step S17).
5). After displaying the detail screen, the library controller 2 determines whether or not an operation of closing the detail screen has been performed (step S177). If not performed (N), step S177 is repeated, and if performed, (Y) 30, the process returns to step S132, and the status monitoring screen is displayed.

By the way, since it is difficult to display detailed status information on the status monitoring screen, conventionally, in order to view detailed status information, another menu for displaying detailed status information is opened. A complicated operation such as selecting an item for which detailed status information is to be displayed on the menu is required.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in response to an instruction (click operation) designating a predetermined location in the display portion of each console in the status monitoring screen, a detailed status related to the designated location is displayed. Since the information is displayed, the detailed information of the part desired by the user can be displayed by a simple operation while displaying the state of the entire system. Thus, the user can quickly and easily perform both the overall schematic monitoring of the cassette library 1 on the status monitoring screen and the local details in the cassette library 1 on the detailed screen. Become. Therefore, especially when an error occurs, quick response is possible.

Next, in the present embodiment, when the library controller 2 displays the status monitoring screen, the display mode includes the display of the logical configuration of each device and the display of the physical configuration of each device. A function that can selectively perform a plurality of different types of display will be described.

As described above, when the right-click operation is performed on the margin 121 other than the display portion of the console on the status monitor screen of the basic size as shown in FIG. 13, the size selection as shown in FIG. A menu is displayed. On the other hand, when a right-click operation is performed in a blank portion other than the display portion of the console on the M-size status monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 15 or the S-size status monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 16, A size / display type selection menu as shown in FIG. 35 is displayed.

The size / display type selection menu shown in FIG. 35 includes, in addition to the items included in the size selection menu shown in FIG. 14, three items for selecting a display type, “Display Type: Logical”,
"Display Type: Vertical",
"Display Type: Horizontal"
Is included. Among them, "Display T
“ype: Logical” is an item for selecting to display a logical configuration of each console (hereinafter, also referred to as a logical display). Also, "Display T
"type: Vertical" is an item for selecting display of a physical configuration of each console such that a basic console row L1 is arranged in the vertical direction of the screen (hereinafter, also referred to as vertical display). is there. Also, "Disp
“Layer Type: Horizontal” indicates that the physical configuration of each console is displayed such that the basic console row L1 is arranged in the horizontal direction of the screen (hereinafter, referred to as “type”).
Also called horizontal display. ) Is an item to select.

For example, on the S size state monitoring screen,
When "Display Type: Logical" in the size / display type selection menu shown in FIG. 35 is selected (left mouse click operation), for example, a state monitoring screen by logical display as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed.
In the status monitoring screen with this logical display, consoles are grouped by console row, so that you can see how many logical numbers are included in each console row.
The logical configuration of each console is displayed.

For example, on the S size status monitoring screen, “Display Type: Horizonta” in the size / display type selection menu shown in FIG.
When "1" is selected, for example, a state monitoring screen in horizontal display as shown in FIG. 36 is displayed. In the status monitoring screen by the horizontal display, the physical configuration of each console is displayed such that the basic console row L1 is arranged in the horizontal direction of the screen. In the state monitoring screen by the horizontal display, the connection relation between the consoles is also represented.

For example, on the S size status monitor screen, “Display Type: Vertical” in the size / display type selection menu shown in FIG. 35 is displayed.
When is selected, for example, a state monitoring screen in vertical display as shown in FIG. 37 is displayed. In the vertical state monitoring screen, a console row L
The physical configuration of each console is displayed so that 1s are arranged. On the status monitor screen in the vertical display, the connection relation between consoles is also shown.

In the horizontal state monitoring screen shown in FIG. 36, the console line L1 is arranged at the upper end of the screen, and the other console lines are arranged to extend downward from the console line L1. On the other hand, in the vertical state display screen shown in FIG. 37, the console row L1 is arranged at the left end of the screen, and the other console rows are replaced with the console row L.
It is arranged to extend from 1 to the right. Therefore, in these status monitoring screens, which console is connected to which console is accurately displayed, but which side of the console row L1 is connected to the other console row is not accurately displayed. In some cases. But,
In the state monitoring screen by the horizontal display or the state monitoring screen by the vertical display, it may be configured to accurately indicate to which side the other console row is connected to the console row L1.

Next, the operation of the library controller 2 relating to the switching of the display mode of the state monitoring screen will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 38 and 39. FIGS. 38 and 39 show the operation from the start of the library system. In this operation, the library controller 2 first obtains console configuration information (step S201). Next, the library controller 2 displays a state monitoring screen in a basic size based on the acquired console configuration information (step S20).
2). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a right-click operation has been performed on the blank portion 121 (see FIG. 13) of the screen (step S203). If there is no right-click operation in the margin of the screen (N), the library controller 2 repeats step S203. When there is a right-click operation in the margin of the screen (Y), the library controller 2 displays the size selection menu shown in FIG. 14 (step S20).
4). Next, the library controller 2 determines the size selected in the size selection menu (step S2).
05). The library controller 2 uses “Consol
e Size: L ”is selected, the step S
Returning to 202, the status monitor screen is displayed in the basic size. The library controller 2 uses “Console
If “Size: M” is selected, the state monitoring screen is displayed in M size (step S206), and “Conso
When "le Size: S" is selected, the state monitoring screen is displayed in S size (step S207).

When the state monitor screen is displayed in the M size or the S size, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a right click operation has been performed in a blank portion of the screen (step S208). If there is no right-click operation in the margin of the screen (N), the library controller 2 repeats step S208. When there is a right-click operation in the margin of the screen (Y), the library controller 2 displays the size / display type selection menu shown in FIG. 35 (step S).
209). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a size selection has been selected in the size / display type selection menu (step S210). When the selection of the size is selected (Y), the library controller 2 returns to Step S205. When the size selection is not performed (N) and the display type is selected, the library controller 2 determines the selected display type (step S211).

If the selected display type is a logical display, the library controller 2 groups the consoles by console row and displays the logical configuration of each console (step S212). S20
Return to 8. When the selected display type is the vertical display, the library controller 2 displays the physical configuration of each console so that the basic console row L1 is arranged in the vertical direction of the screen (step S1). S213),
It returns to step S208. Library controller 2
Means that if the selected display type is landscape,
The physical configuration of each console is displayed so that the basic console row L1 is arranged in the horizontal direction of the screen (step S214), and the process returns to step S208.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the library controller 2 displays the status monitoring screen, it displays the logical configuration of each console and the physical configuration of each console. Since multiple types of displays with different display modes are selectively performed, the user can select the display mode according to the purpose, grasp the logical configuration of each console, and Both of grasping the physical configuration can be easily performed.
Further, according to the present embodiment, at least a part of the status of each unit is displayed on the status monitoring screen, so that the user can monitor the status while grasping the configuration of each console. , The correspondence between the status and the console can be easily recognized.

For example, during normal management, it is more important to grasp the logical configuration of each console and to monitor the status of each unit than to grasp the physical configuration of each console. It is often preferable to select a configuration display. In addition, the display of the logical configuration of each console is easier than the display of the physical configuration of each console, since the entire cassette library 1 is more likely to be included in the screen. Display with a typical configuration is suitable.

On the other hand, at the time of maintenance, it is necessary to recognize which status corresponds to which console, etc., so that the physical configuration of each console can be understood rather than the logical configuration of each console. Becomes important. Therefore, at the time of maintenance, it is often preferable to select the display of the physical configuration of each console.
The display of the physical configuration of each console also shows the connection relationship between the consoles, so this display allows the user to easily recognize which status corresponds to which console, etc. Become.

In the present embodiment, the display of the physical configuration of each console includes a plurality of types of displays in which the arrangement directions of the consoles are different from each other.
It is possible to more easily grasp the physical configuration of each console. For example, when the console row L1 is longer than other console rows, the console row L1 is often used mainly. In such a case, when the horizontal display is selected, the console row L1 is displayed.
Are arranged in the horizontal direction of the screen, so that it is often easy to grasp the physical configuration of each console by focusing on the console row L1. On the other hand, when there is another console row longer than the console row L1, the console row longer than the console row L1 is often used mainly. In such a case, when the vertical display is selected, the console rows longer than the console row L1 are arranged in the horizontal direction of the screen.
In many cases, it is easy to grasp the physical configuration of each console by focusing on a console row longer than one.

As described above, the size / display type selection menu shown in FIG. 35 allows the user to right-click in the margin of the screen when the status monitor screen is displayed in M size or S size. The size / display type selection menu can be displayed by operating the menu bar. That is, as shown in FIG. 40, when the user selects the item of “View” in the menu bar (left mouse click operation), a pull-down menu is displayed. Then, the user selects “Main” in the pull-down menu.
When the cursor is moved to the triangle displayed at the right end of the item of “Window”, a size / display type selection menu shown in FIG. 35 is displayed.

In the present embodiment, the user
When the vertical display or the horizontal display is selected, the arrangement of the displayed consoles may be changed. An example of the operation method in this case will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, “Display Type: Vertica” in the size / display type selection menu shown in FIG.
l ”or“ Display Type: Horizon ”
When the mouse is right-clicked when "ntal" is selected, the pop-up menu shown in FIG. 41 is displayed. “Turn F” in this pop-up menu
When "freely" (free rotation) is selected, a screen for inputting an angle is displayed (not shown). When an angle is input on this screen, the entire display portion of the cassette library 1 on the screen is displayed by the input angle. Rotated. When “Turn CCW 90 °” (rotate left 90 °) in the pop-up menu shown in FIG. 41 is selected, the entire display portion of the cassette library 1 on the screen is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise. Also, “Turn CW 90” in the pop-up menu shown in FIG.
When “°” (rotate 90 ° right) is selected, the entire display portion of the cassette library 1 on the screen is rotated 90 ° clockwise. When "Flip Horizontally" (horizontal inversion) in the pop-up menu shown in FIG. 41 is selected, the arrangement of each console on the screen is horizontally inverted. When “Flip Vertically” (vertical flip) in the pop-up menu shown in FIG. 41 is selected, the arrangement of each console on the screen is flipped upside down.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the present invention provides various types of recording media such as a cassette-shaped recording medium other than a video tape cassette and a disc-shaped recording medium. The present invention can be applied to a library system using a medium.

[0110]

As described above, claims 1 to 9 are described.
11. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 or
According to the configuration information output method for an information recording / reproducing device described in any one of the above items 18, the information recording / reproducing device configured by combining a plurality of devices recognizes the configuration of the device including the type and connection relationship of each device. Since the image information representing the recognized configuration is output, the information representing the configuration of the device can be easily output in an information recording / reproducing apparatus configured by combining a plurality of devices. To play.

An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 or claim 11,
According to the configuration information output method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus described in any one of 16, 17, and 18, when outputting image information representing a configuration, a plurality of types of displays having different display modes are selectively performed. Therefore, there is an effect that the user can select a display mode according to the purpose.

Further, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the third aspect or the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the twelfth aspect, a plurality of types of displays having different display forms are displayed in different sizes of the display portion of each device. Since a plurality of different types of displays are included, the user can easily understand both the configuration of the entire information recording / reproducing apparatus and the local configuration. It works.

Further, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the fourth or fifth aspect or the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the recording / reproducing means includes:
Since the state of the storage unit and the transporting means is recognized and at least a part of the information indicating the recognized state is output together with the image information indicating the configuration, the user can further grasp the configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus. At the same time, it is possible to monitor the state.

Further, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the fifth aspect or the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, when outputting image information indicating the configuration,
Since a plurality of types of displays in which at least one of the display mode of the image information indicating the configuration and the display mode of the information indicating the state is different are selectively performed, further, the user can change the configuration according to the purpose. It is possible to select the display mode of the image information to be displayed or the display mode of the information indicating the state.

According to the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 6 or the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 15, according to an instruction designating a predetermined place in the image information representing the configuration. Output detailed information indicating a state related to the designated place. Further, the user can monitor the overall outline with the image information indicating the configuration and the local details with the detailed information. Monitoring can be performed quickly and easily.

Further, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9 or the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, a plurality of different display modes are provided. Since the display of the type includes the display of the logical configuration of each device and the display of the physical configuration of each device, the user can further understand the logical configuration of each device and This makes it possible to easily understand both the physical configuration of the device.

According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the eighth aspect or the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the seventeenth aspect, the physical configuration of each device is displayed in the direction of the arrangement of each device. Since the display includes a plurality of types of displays different from each other, there is an effect that the user can more easily grasp the physical configuration of each device.

According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the ninth aspect or the configuration information output method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the eighteenth aspect, the states of the recording / reproducing means, the storage section and the transporting means are recognized and recognized. Since at least a part of the information indicating the state is output together with the image information indicating the configuration, the user can monitor the state while grasping the configuration of the information recording / reproducing apparatus, and can also monitor the state. There is an effect that it is possible to easily recognize the correspondence between the information to be represented and the device.

[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 illustrating an example of a status monitoring screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the status monitoring screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining means for recognizing the configuration of a cassette library according to an embodiment of the present invention.

11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of information held by a configuration information transmission unit of each console in FIG. 10 and a method of transmitting the information to a basic control unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of recognizing a console configuration and displaying a status monitoring screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic size state monitoring screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a size selection menu according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an M-size state monitoring screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an S size state monitoring screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation related to size switching of a status monitoring screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for describing an operation of outputting detailed status information in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed display selection menu of a basic console in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a detailed status display screen of the cassette library according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a bin status display screen of a basic console according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed display selection menu of the drive console according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed status display screen of the drive console according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed status display screen of the drive device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen of the bin status of the drive console according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed display selection menu of the cassette console according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a bin status display screen of the cassette console according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed display selection menu of the junction console according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a bin status display screen of the junction console according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an operation of outputting detailed status information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart following FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart following FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart following FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart following FIG. 30;

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a size / display type selection menu according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a state monitoring screen by horizontal display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a state monitoring screen by vertical display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an operation relating to switching of the display mode of the status monitoring screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart following FIG. 38;

40 is an explanatory diagram for describing an operation when the size / display type selection menu shown in FIG. 35 is displayed by an operation from a menu bar.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an operation when the arrangement of consoles displayed when vertical display or horizontal display is selected according to an embodiment of the present invention can be changed.

[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, 13: drive unit, 16: cassette transporter, 60: basic control unit, 61 ...
Main drive control unit, 64 ... console configuration collection unit, 70
... drive control unit, 80 ... basic control unit, 84 ... console configuration collection unit.

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 In-house F term (reference) 5D057 AA17 AA19 AA23 AA27 BB28 BE05 CB05 CB07 5D072 AB17 AB19 AB23 AB28 BE05 BG03 BH09 CA20 CB02

Claims (18)

[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; Between the storage section and the recording / reproducing means, the transporting means for transporting the recording medium, the recording / reproducing means and the transporting means being controlled, and the type and connection relationship of each device constituting the device assembly portion And a control unit having a function of recognizing a configuration of the device including the above and outputting image information representing the recognized configuration. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means selectively outputs a plurality of types of displays having different display forms when outputting image information indicating a configuration. 3. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of types of displays having different display forms include a plurality of types of displays having different sizes of display portions of respective devices. 4. The control means further comprises: a recording / reproducing means;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of recognizing a state of the storage unit and the conveying unit, and outputting at least a part of information representing the recognized state together with image information representing the configuration.
An information recording / reproducing device according to the above. 5. When outputting image information indicating a configuration, the control unit selectively selects a plurality of types of displays in which at least one of a display mode of the image information indicating the configuration and a display mode of the information indicating the state is different. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein
An information recording / reproducing device according to the above. 6. The control means further comprises: a recording / reproducing means;
A function of recognizing the states of the storage unit and the transporting means, and outputting detailed information indicating a state related to the specified place in response to an instruction specifying a predetermined place in the image information representing the configuration. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The information recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of types of displays having different display forms include a display of a logical configuration of each device and a display of a physical configuration of each device. Playback device. 8. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display of the physical configuration of each device includes a plurality of types of displays having different arrangement directions of each device. 9. The control means further comprises: recording / reproducing means;
8. A function for recognizing a state of the storage unit and the transporting means, and outputting at least a part of information representing the recognized state together with image information representing the configuration.
An information recording / reproducing device according to the above. 10. A device aggregation unit configured by combining a plurality of devices that are connected to each other so that their positions can be changed, wherein any 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,
An information recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: a control unit for controlling the recording / reproducing unit and a transport unit. A method for outputting information representing a configuration of the device, wherein the control unit includes a type of each device and a connection relationship. A configuration information output method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus, comprising: recognizing a configuration of an apparatus; and outputting image information representing the recognized configuration. 11. The configuration information output method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, when outputting image information indicating a configuration, a plurality of types of displays having different display forms are selectively performed. 12. The configuration information output device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of types of displays having different display forms include a plurality of types of displays having different sizes of display portions of respective devices. Method. 13. The method according to claim 13, wherein the control unit recognizes states of the recording / reproducing unit, the storage unit, and the transporting unit, and outputs at least a part of information representing the recognized state together with image information representing the configuration. The method for outputting configuration information of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: 14. When outputting image information indicating a configuration, a plurality of types of display in which at least one of a display mode of the image information indicating the configuration and a display mode of the information indicating the state is different are selectively performed. The method for outputting configuration information of an information recording / reproducing apparatus of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein Further, the control means recognizes the states of the recording / reproducing means, the storage section and the transport means, and in response to an instruction designating a predetermined place in the image information representing the configuration, designates a designated place. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising outputting detailed information indicating a state associated with the information recording / reproducing apparatus. 16. The information recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of types of displays having different display forms include a display of a logical configuration of each device and a display of a physical configuration of each device. A method of outputting configuration information of a playback device. 17. The display of the physical configuration of each device is as follows:
17. The configuration information output method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 16, including a plurality of types of displays in which the arrangement directions of the respective devices are different. 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the control unit recognizes states of the recording / reproducing unit, the storage unit, and the transporting unit, and outputs at least a part of information indicating the recognized state together with image information indicating the configuration. 17. The method for outputting configuration information of an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: