JP2002230708A - Magnetic recording/reproducing device, and magnetic recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform an accurate recording/reproducing operation in a narrow track pitch. SOLUTION: In a recording operation on a magnetic tape 2, reproducing is carried out by a detecting magnetic head 332 in an adjacent track on the traveling direction side of a magnetic tape 2, which is partially overwritten by a latest track recorded by a recording magnetic head 331. A magnetic head movement control means 13 moves a magnetic head part 33 in a track width direction according to the output level of the reproducing signal, and controls the driving of a magnetic head moving means 12 so as to keep constant the width of the adjacent track. Also, when the output level drops below a specified value, a signal output control means 14 controls a recording signal output means 11 such that a recording signal recorded on the adjacent track is outputted again to the recording magnetic head 331 in the recording of another track.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus and a magnetic recording method for recording and reproducing signals on and from a magnetic tape, and more particularly to a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus and a magnetic recording method using a helical scan system. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the field of magnetic recording, there has been an increasing need to record and reproduce a large amount of signals such as high-quality audio data and high-quality video data. Rates are desired. As a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus that records and reproduces data using a magnetic tape, a helical coil that helically winds a magnetic tape around a rotating drum provided with a magnetic head on an outer peripheral portion to record and reproduce signals. A scanning method is known. In the helical scan method, the magnetic head slides in a diagonal direction on the running magnetic tape at a high speed to record and reproduce signals, so that the relative sliding speed between the magnetic tape and the magnetic head is high. Improvements in density and data transfer rates have been realized. Further, as a method of realizing a higher transfer rate, a multi-track head is known, in which a plurality of magnetic heads are arranged in a track width direction to enable simultaneous recording and reproduction on a plurality of tracks. I have.

[0003]

However, in recent years,
With a further increase in the amount of information to be handled, improvement in recording density has been desired from the viewpoint of downsizing of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus. In the above-described magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, one method of improving the recording density of a magnetic tape is to reduce the track pitch.

However, in the conventional helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, it is extremely difficult to perform stable and reliable recording and reproduction when the track pitch is narrowed due to the following factors. For example, recording is performed due to variations in the shape of the magnetic head at the time of manufacturing, variations in the mounting position of the magnetic head with respect to the rotating drum, variations in the rotation speed of the rotating drum, variations in the running speed of the magnetic tape, variations in the tension of the magnetic tape, and the like. Although the track pitch of the track changes slightly, if the track pitch is designed to be a very small value of several μm or less, errors in the track pitch caused by these variations cannot be ignored and the normal It becomes impossible to perform recording and reproduction operations.

In recording by a multi-track head having a plurality of recording magnetic heads in the track width direction, the magnetic head disposed closest to the running direction of the magnetic tape is formed by recording by previous scanning. By performing scanning so as to always overwrite a part of the track adjacent to the traveling direction, a continuous recording pattern without a gap is formed. In some cases, the range over which an adjacent track is overwritten is not constant, and the overwritten track becomes narrow, making it impossible to reproduce a signal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus capable of performing accurate recording and reproducing operations when a track pitch is narrow. I do.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a magnetic recording method capable of performing an accurate recording operation when a track pitch is narrow.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing a signal on / from a magnetic tape, wherein a recording signal output for outputting a recording signal to / from the magnetic tape is provided. Means, a rotating drum around which the magnetic tape is helically wound around the outer peripheral surface, at least one recording magnetic head for recording the recording signal from the recording signal output means on the magnetic tape, For detecting the reproduction of the adjacent track during recording on the latest track, in order to detect the width of the adjacent track on the magnetic tape running direction part of which has been partially overwritten by the latest track recorded by the magnetic head. A magnetic head, and at least one magnetic head disposed on the rotating drum. Gas-recording and reproducing apparatus is provided.

In such a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, an adjacent track in the running direction of the magnetic tape, which is partially overwritten by the latest track recorded by the recording magnetic head, is reproduced during recording on the latest track. By providing the magnetic head for detection, the width of the adjacent track can be detected from the output level of the reproduction signal by the magnetic head for detection. For example, a magnetic head moving means for supporting the magnetic head portion movably in the track width direction of the magnetic tape with respect to the rotating drum, and the magnetic head portion in the track width direction in accordance with the output level of a reproduction signal by the detection magnetic head. And a magnetic head movement control means for controlling the magnetic head movement means so that the width of the adjacent track is constant, thereby correcting the width of the adjacent track during recording of a signal by the recording magnetic head. It becomes possible. Further, by providing a signal output control means for controlling the recording signal output means to output a signal recorded on an adjacent track again when the output level of the reproduction signal by the detection magnetic head is equal to or less than a predetermined value, When the adjacent track becomes extremely narrow, the signal recorded on the adjacent track is recorded again on another track, so that the loss of the signal of the unreproducible track can be prevented.

Further, such a magnetic head moving means,
Magnetic head movement control means and signal output control means are provided, and when the value of the output level of the reproduction signal by the magnetic head for detection is within a predetermined range, the magnetic head movement control means responds to the output level of the reproduction signal. Then, the magnetic head section is moved in the track width direction to control the magnetic head moving means so that the width of the adjacent track is constant. The output level value of the magnetic head for detection is controlled by the signal output control means to the predetermined value. When the error in the width of the formed adjacent track is small, the recording signal output means is controlled so as to output the signal recorded on the adjacent track again when the distance is below the range. During this time, the width of this adjacent track is corrected, and if the error is large, the recording signal of this adjacent track is recorded again on another track,
It is possible to prevent the loss of the signal of the unreproducible track.

Further, according to the present invention, in a magnetic recording method for recording a signal on a magnetic tape, a part of the magnetic tape is overwritten by the latest track recorded on the magnetic tape by at least one recording magnetic head. In the case where the output level value of the reproduction signal reproduced during recording on the latest track of the adjacent track on the running direction side of the magnetic tape is within a predetermined range, according to the output level of the reproduction signal, The magnetic head for recording is moved in the track width direction so that the width of the adjacent track becomes a predetermined value, and when the value of the output level falls below the predetermined range, the signal recorded on the adjacent track is used as the signal. A magnetic recording method is provided in which recording is performed again on another track by a recording magnetic head.

In such a magnetic recording method, an adjacent track in the running direction of the magnetic tape, which has been partially overwritten by the latest track recorded on the magnetic tape by the recording magnetic head, is moved to the latest track. The width of an adjacent track is detected from the output level value of a reproduced signal reproduced during recording. When the value of the output level is within a predetermined range, the recording magnetic head is moved in the track width direction so that the width of the adjacent track becomes a predetermined value in accordance with the output level, thereby forming the adjacent track. If the track width error is small, the width of this adjacent track is corrected during recording by the recording magnetic head, and if the output level value falls below a predetermined range, the signal recorded on the adjacent track is used for recording. By re-recording the data on another track by the magnetic head, if the error in the width of the adjacent track is large, the track width becomes extremely narrow and cannot be reproduced, thereby preventing loss of the signal of this track. it can.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows a main configuration of a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, and an outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present invention has a two-layer structure of, for example, a rotating drum 31 and a fixed drum 32, and has a drum unit 3 having a magnetic head unit 33 for writing and reading signals to and from the magnetic tape 2.
A recording signal output unit 11 for outputting a recording signal for the magnetic tape 2, a magnetic head moving unit 12 for supporting the magnetic head unit 33 so as to be movable in the track width direction of the magnetic tape 2 with respect to the rotating drum 31, Head moving means 1
2 includes a magnetic head movement control means 13 for controlling the driving of the recording head 2 and a signal output control means 14 for controlling the signal output from the recording signal output means 11.

In the drum device 3, the rotary drum 31 is provided with a magnetic head portion 33 on the outer peripheral surface, and a fixed drum 32
Is provided coaxially with the rotating drum 31 and is fixedly attached to the chassis of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1.
The magnetic head unit 33 includes a recording magnetic head 331 and a reproducing magnetic head (not shown). When recording and reproducing signals, the magnetic tape 2 is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum device 3.
Is helically wound and travels, and the rotating drum 31
As the recording magnetic head 331 and the reproducing magnetic head scan the surface of the magnetic tape 2 in an oblique direction by the rotation of, recording and reproduction of signals are performed. Thus, the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 uses the helical scan method for the recording / reproducing operation.

The magnetic head section 33 is provided with a magnetic tape 2.
It has a magnetic head for detection 332 for detecting the width of the track formed thereon. The magnetic head 3
Reference numeral 3 may be a multi-track head in which a plurality of recording magnetic heads 331 are arranged in the track width direction. Further, the rotating drum 31 may be provided with a plurality of magnetic head portions 33, but here, it is assumed that only one is provided.

In the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1, when a signal recording operation on the magnetic tape 2 is performed, a recording signal supplied from an external circuit or an external device such as a computer device is supplied from a recording signal output unit 11 to a recording magnetic recording medium. Output to the head 331. Here, the recording magnetic head 33
1 is to record a signal on the magnetic tape 2 by scanning so as to always overwrite a part of the adjacent track formed at the time of the previous scanning, so that a continuous recording pattern having no gap between the tracks. To form At this time, for example, variations in the shape of the recording magnetic head 331 during manufacturing, variations in the mounting position of the magnetic head unit 33 with respect to the rotary drum 31, variations in the rotation speed of the rotary drum 31, the running speed of the magnetic tape 2, and magnetic variations Due to factors such as variations in the tension of the tape 2, the track pitch of the recorded track may not be constant, and the range overwriting an adjacent track may not be constant. For example, when the overwriting range on the adjacent track is too large, a track with an extremely narrow width is formed, and a normal reproduction operation cannot be performed later, and a recording signal may be lost.

For this purpose, the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present invention
Then, a detection magnetic head 332 for detecting the width of the track formed on the magnetic tape 2 during the recording operation is provided,
The track width is corrected or the recording signal is controlled according to the detection signal. The detection magnetic head 332 is provided on the magnetic head unit 33 so that when a signal is recorded by the recording magnetic head 331, an adjacent track partially overwritten by this recording is scanned.
When the magnetic head unit 33 is a multi-track head in which a plurality of recording magnetic heads 331 are arranged in the track width direction, the detection magnetic head 332 is one of the plurality of recording magnetic heads 331. The recording magnetic head 331 disposed closest to the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 scans an adjacent track that is partially overwritten.

The magnetic head movement control means 13 moves the magnetic head section 33 in the track width direction in accordance with the output level of the signal detected by the magnetic head 332 for detection, so that the width of the formed track is reduced. The magnetic head moving means 12 is controlled so as to be constant. Thereby, the width of the track formed by recording by the recording magnetic head 331 is corrected. As the magnetic head moving means 12, it is desirable to use a piezoelectric element. by this,
For example, even when the track pitch is set to be very narrow, such as 5 μm, it is possible to move the magnetic head 33 delicately and to correct the track width during recording of one track with high responsiveness. Become.

On the other hand, the signal output control means 14 controls the recording signal output means 11 when the output level of the signal detected by the detection magnetic head 332 falls below a certain value. The recording signal output to the head 331 is output to the recording magnetic head 331 again at the time of recording on an arbitrary track thereafter. Thereby, the overwriting range of the adjacent track by the recording magnetic head 331 becomes extremely large, and when the adjacent track cannot be normally reproduced, the signal recorded on the adjacent track is recorded again on another track, Loss of the signal is prevented. Also, the recording signal output means 1
1 includes a recording signal output to the recording magnetic head 331, which includes a signal indicating the order of tracks to be reproduced, so that a recording signal of a track that cannot be reproduced as described above is converted to another track. When the recording is performed again, the recorded signals are rearranged in accordance with the signal indicating the reproduction order, thereby enabling normal reproduction and output.

Further, a fine adjustment mechanism of the track pitch constituted by the magnetic head moving means 12 and the magnetic head movement control means 13 as described above, and a recording signal re-output processing constituted by the recording signal output means 11 and the signal output control means 14 By providing both mechanisms, for example, the output level R (R
≧ 0), a is the boundary value at which fine adjustment of the track pitch using the magnetic head moving means 12 is necessary, and b (a>b> 0) is the limit value at which this fine adjustment is possible. When a ≧ R ≧ b, fine adjustment of the track pitch is performed by the magnetic head moving means 12 and the magnetic head movement control means 13, and when R <b, the recording signal output means 11 and the signal output control means 14 It is also possible to control the output of the recording signal. Thus, the case where the error of the overwriting range of the adjacent track by the recording magnetic head 331 is relatively small and the case where the error of the overwriting range is extremely large and the normal reproduction of the adjacent track is impossible are determined. And the re-output processing of the recording signal can be selected and performed.

The recording magnetic head 331 includes
An inductive magnetic head in which a coil is wound around a magnetic core having a magnetic gap is used, and a thin film magnetic head manufactured by using a thin film forming technique is more preferable. As a result, a fine track pitch of, for example, 5 μm can be formed with high precision, and stable recording and reproduction can be performed in response to the increase in recording density. A reproducing magnetic head (not shown) provided in the magnetic head unit 33 is a magnetoresistive effect type (M
It is desirable that the MR head has an R (Magneto Resistive) element. Further, the detection magnetic head 332
And the reproducing magnetic head may have the same configuration, and the function of the detecting magnetic head 332 may be shared by the reproducing magnetic head.

Next, a specific embodiment of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present invention will be described. First, FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration example of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present invention. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
Using, for example, a data storage device of a computer device,
Alternatively, it is used as a recording device for video signals and audio signals. FIG. 2 schematically shows a running system of the magnetic tape 2 during the recording or reproducing operation of the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1. 2, a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 includes a drum device 3 for recording and reproducing signals on and from a magnetic tape 2, a capstan 4 and a pinch roller 5 for moving the magnetic tape 2 at a predetermined speed.
And a plurality of tape guides (denoted by TG in the figure) 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6 for assisting the running of the magnetic tape 2.
e. Further, the magnetic recording / reproducing device 1
Has a supply reel 7a for the magnetic tape 2 and a take-up reel 7b.

In the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1, when recording and reproducing of the magnetic tape 2 are performed, the cassette case 7 is inserted into the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 from below in FIG. It is held by a cassette mechanism (not shown), transported inside, and set at a position close to the drum device 3. Thereafter, while the rotating drum 31 of the drum device 3 rotates, the pinch roller 5 and the TGs 6a to 6e
Move in the direction of arrow B in the drawing to perform loading, so that the magnetic tape 2 is wound around the drum device 3. In addition, the rotation of the capstan 4 and the take-up reel 7b causes the magnetic tape 2 to travel and start writing or reading a recording signal.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration example of the drum device 3 in a perspective view. The drum device 3 has a cylindrical shape having a smooth outer peripheral surface as a whole, and an upper rotating drum 31.
And a fixed drum 32 fixed coaxially with the rotation axis of the rotating drum 31. Leads 32a for guiding the running of the magnetic tape 2 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed drum 32, whereby the magnetic tape 2 runs around the outer peripheral surface of the drum device 3 in a helical manner. On the other hand, the rotating drum 31 is provided with a magnetic head unit 33 having a reproducing magnetic head for detecting a recording signal of the magnetic tape 2 and a recording magnetic head 331 for writing a signal. The magnetic head unit 33 is supported by a piezoelectric element (not shown) so as to be movable in the track width direction of the magnetic tape 2 with respect to the rotating drum 31 as described later. It should be noted that a plurality of such magnetic head units 33 are usually mounted at positions, for example, 180 degrees opposite to each other about the rotation axis of the rotating drum 31, but are not shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the rotating drum 31 has only one magnetic head unit 33.

Next, FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the magnetic head unit 33. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the magnetic head 33 when viewed from the outside of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 31. The magnetic head 33 is provided so as to protrude slightly outward from the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drum 31, and
The upper part is scanned to write and read signals. In FIG. 4, the scanning direction of the magnetic head unit 33 with respect to the magnetic tape 2, that is, the rotating direction of the rotary drum 31 is the lower direction in the figure shown by the arrow C, and the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 is the arrow D It is the right direction in the figure shown by.

The magnetic head section 33 includes recording magnetic heads 331a and 33 for recording signals on the magnetic tape 2.
1b and 331c, and reproducing magnetic heads 333a, 333b and 333c for reproducing signals are arranged in the track width direction of the magnetic tape 2 to form a multi-track head. Recording magnetic head 331a-
The width of 331c corresponds to one track, and is arranged at intervals of three tracks. by this,
In one scan of the magnetic tape 2 by the magnetic head unit 33,
For three tracks spaced three tracks apart,
At the same time, signal writing is performed. The reproducing magnetic heads 333a to 333c are arranged at intervals of three tracks, respectively, and can simultaneously read recording signals of three tracks at intervals of three tracks. As described above, the magnetic head unit 33 simultaneously performs recording and reproduction on three tracks, thereby improving the data transfer rate during recording and reproduction.

Also, the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331
c is a so-called inductive magnetic head,
In particular, it is desirable to use a thin-film magnetic head manufactured using a thin-film forming technique. In the case of this thin-film magnetic head, the recording magnetic head according to the present invention is a manufacturing process capable of forming a multi-track head, which is often formed with a very narrow track width, with high precision. It is suitable as 331a to 331c. On the other hand, the reproducing magnetic heads 333a to 333c have M
It is desirable to use an MR head using an R element. As a result, it is possible to accurately read a recording signal on a track having a fine width. Further, since the MR head is generally excellent in resolution in the linear density direction, when used in the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c, not only the recording density in the track width direction but also the recording density in the linear density direction is improved. And higher recording density can be realized. The reproducing magnetic head 333a
To 333c are arranged at positions shifted by one track with respect to the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c. This is because the function of the head element for detecting the track width is also used for the reproducing magnetic head 333c as described later.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a part of the structure of a track formed on the magnetic tape 2 by the magnetic head unit 33. In FIG. 5, the magnetic head unit 33 for the magnetic tape 2 is shown.
3 shows a part of a track formed when the scanning of the image data is normally performed. In FIG. 5, the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 is in the left direction in the figure as indicated by the arrow E. The display of the formed track is changed in correspondence with the scanned recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c. The track numbers are shown as T1 to T15 in the upper part of the track in order to facilitate understanding, and in the lower part. Is the magnetic head 3
The number of scans by No. 3 is shown as S1 to S7 in order.

As shown in FIG. 5, the writing of signals by the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c of the magnetic head unit 33 is performed by one scan in the number of scans S3, for example, three tracks T9, T5 and T1. This is performed on three tracks at the same time with a track interval. At this time, the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c scan the tracks T9, T5 and T1, respectively. In the next scan, that is, in the scan at the number of scans S4, each of the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c moves the track T1.
2. Recording of T8 and T4 is performed. As described above, the magnetic tape 2 travels a distance of three tracks from one scan to the next scan by each of the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c, thereby forming parallel tracks.

In adjacent tracks, one track overwrites the end of the other track so that a continuous recording pattern with no gap between the tracks is formed. For example, the track T5 formed by the recording magnetic head 331b at the scan number S3 is different from the track T6 formed by the recording magnetic head 331a at the previous scan number S2 by the magnetic tape 2.
Overwrites part of the running direction side of. The track T4 formed by the recording magnetic head 331c in the next scanning number S4 overwrites a part of the track T5 on the traveling direction side. Further, the track T4 formed by the recording magnetic head 331c includes not only the track T5 but also the track T3.
In the number of scans S1 before scanning, the recording magnetic head 331
A part of the track T3 formed on the side opposite to the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 is also overwritten.

As described above, each recording magnetic head 331a
331c always form a track by overwriting a part of an adjacent track formed by the previous scanning. For example, the recording magnetic head 331a at the time of manufacturing is used.
331c, variations in the mounting position with respect to the rotary drum 31, variations in the rotational speed of the rotary drum 31, the variation in the running speed of the magnetic tape 2, variations in the tension of the magnetic tape 2, etc., overwrite adjacent tracks. The range in which the track is formed is not constant, and the width of the formed track may slightly change. Here, FIG. 6 shows a part of a track configuration example when the track width is not constant.

In FIG. 6, as in FIG. 5, the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 is the left direction in the figure as indicated by the arrow F.
The display of the track is changed corresponding to the scanned recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c. The track numbers are shown as T21 to T35 in the upper part of the track, and the number of scans is shown as S11 to S17 in the lower part. . As shown in FIG. 6, the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331
If there is variation in the shape, mounting position, etc. of 1c,
The width of the formed track is not constant.

Here, in the magnetic head section 33, attention is paid to the track formed by the recording magnetic head 331a, which is the recording magnetic head 331 disposed on the side most opposite to the running direction of the magnetic tape 2, as described above. In addition, both ends of this track are overwritten by a track formed by the recording magnetic head 331b after one scan and a track formed by the recording magnetic head 331c after three scans. For this reason, when the track width becomes unstable, an error in a range overwritten by an adjacent track tends to increase. For example, in FIG. 6, in the number of scans S12, the recording magnetic head 331 is used.
Then, the track T26 formed by the recording tape C is relatively overwritten on the running direction side of the magnetic tape 2 by the track T25 formed by the recording magnetic head 331b in the number of scans S13. The track T27 formed by the magnetic head 331c overwrites the side opposite to the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 relatively largely. As a result, the width of the track T26 is extremely narrow, and in some cases, signal reproduction becomes impossible.

Therefore, in the present invention, the recording magnetic head 3
31a, and detects the track width of the track after both ends are overwritten by subsequent scanning, and corrects the track width if the track width is unstable, or corrects the track width if the track width is extremely narrow. The recording signal is re-recorded to correct the track width instability. Specifically, the track width is detected by reproducing the recording signal of the track formed by the recording magnetic head 331a and having both ends overwritten by subsequent scanning, and detecting the magnitude of the output level of the reproduction signal. Do it by doing. As the track detecting means, the reproducing magnetic head 333c is also used for signal reproduction. The track width is corrected by using a piezoelectric element to attach the magnetic head section 33 to the rotating drum 31 and moving the magnetic head section 33 in the track width direction by the piezoelectric element. Further, the recording signal is re-recorded when the output level from the reproducing magnetic head 333c falls below a certain value.
This is performed by controlling the output means of the recording signal for 1c.

First, the detection of the track width will be described in detail. As described above, in the present invention, the recording magnetic head 3
This track is reproduced by the reproducing magnetic head 333c in order to detect the track width formed after the both ends have been overwritten by subsequent scanning.
Here, referring to FIG. 6, first, the track T26 formed by the recording magnetic head 331c in the number of scans S12 is different from the track T26 in the number of scans S13 after one scan.
One end is overwritten by the track T25 formed by the recording magnetic head 331b, and the other end is overwritten by the track T27 formed by the recording magnetic head 331c in the number of scans S15 after two scans. Therefore, in order to reproduce the track T26 at this time, the recording magnetic head 331c is moved to the track T2.
Immediately after scanning the track 7, the track T26 adjacent to the magnetic tape 2 in the running direction may be scanned.

Referring to FIG. 4, the reproducing magnetic head 333c is disposed at a position shifted by one track from the recording magnetic head 331c in the running direction of the magnetic tape 2. The reproducing magnetic head 333c is located on the opposite side of the scanning direction of the magnetic tape 2 with respect to the recording magnetic head 331c.
c. Therefore, the end of the reproducing magnetic head 333c is overwritten by the track formed by the recording magnetic head 331c.
It is possible to scan a track adjacent to the magnetic tape 2 in the running direction and detect the track width.

Next, the moving means of the magnetic head unit 33 will be described. FIG. 7 shows the rotating drum 3 of the magnetic head unit 33.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an attachment structure for the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the magnetic head portion 33 is formed on a head base 34 made of, for example, brass, and the head base 34 is attached to the rotating drum 31 by a piezoelectric element 35. The piezoelectric element 35 supports the magnetic head 33 so that the magnetic head 33 can move in the width direction of the track formed on the magnetic tape 2, that is, almost vertically in the drawing. When the track pitch is set to be very narrow, for example, 5 μm, the piezoelectric element 35 enables the magnetic head 33 to move finely and corrects the track width during the recording of one track with high responsiveness. Is possible.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of a control system for correcting the track width and controlling the output of the recording signal in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1. The control system in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 8 includes recording magnetic heads 331a to 331.
c, a magnetic head unit 33 including reproduction magnetic heads 333a to 333c, a piezoelectric element 35 as a moving means of the magnetic head unit 33, and recording magnetic heads 331a to 331.
Recording signal output circuit 1 for outputting a recording signal to 31c
01 and a head output detection circuit 10 for detecting a reproduction signal for detecting a track width by the reproduction magnetic head 333c.
2, a control circuit 103 for controlling the piezoelectric element 35 and the recording signal output circuit 101 according to the detection signal, and a reproduction signal coupling circuit 104 for demodulating and coupling each reproduction signal from the reproduction magnetic heads 333a to 333c. And a reproduction signal output circuit 105 for performing error correction and the like on the combined reproduction signal and an interface (indicated as I / F in the figure) 1 for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device such as a computer device.
06.

In this control system, when a signal recording operation on the magnetic tape 2 is performed, a recording signal is supplied from an external device to the recording signal output circuit 101 via the interface 106, and the recording signal output circuit 101 Under the control of 103, the recording signal is divided into tracks, modulated, and modulated to record magnetic heads 331a to 331.
output to each of c. Thereby, the writing of the signal to the magnetic tape 2 is performed by the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331a.
331c is performed simultaneously for three tracks per scan. On the other hand, the reproducing magnetic head 333c receives the supply of the sense current from the control circuit 103, and as described above, immediately after the track is scanned by the recording magnetic head 331c, the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 on this track. The adjacent track on the side is scanned, and a change in the resistance value that changes according to the recording signal is output as a voltage change of the reproduction signal. The head output detection circuit 102 is provided for the magnetic head 3 for reproduction.
The output level of the reproduction signal by the detection circuit 33c is detected and output to the control circuit 103.

The control circuit 103 includes a head output detection circuit 1
A signal for controlling the driving of the piezoelectric element 35 is output in accordance with the output level detected by 02. Piezoelectric element 35
According to the control signal from the control circuit 103, the magnetic head unit 33 is moved to the rotating drum 31 by the magnetic tape 2
In the direction of travel. For example, the control circuit 103
When the received output level falls below a predetermined value, the track formed by the recording magnetic head 331c is
The drive control of the piezoelectric element 35 is performed so that the range overwriting the adjacent track on the running direction side of the magnetic tape 2 has a correct size. Thereby, the overwrite amount of the track formed by the recording magnetic head 331c is corrected, and the width of the formed track is corrected. Such correction of the track width is performed by the recording magnetic head 331c.
It is also possible to perform the scanning in the middle of each scanning.

When the received output level is extremely low, the control circuit 103 controls the reproducing magnetic head 3 at this time.
A control signal is output to the recording signal output circuit 101 so that a signal recorded on the track scanned by the scanning line 33c is output again to one of the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c. One of the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c re-records the designated recording signal on the magnetic tape 2 based on the control signal. As a result, a signal that is largely overwritten by the recording magnetic head 331c and cannot be reproduced is recorded again on another track, and it is possible to prevent loss of the signal. Further, the recording signal output circuit 101 may include the order of tracks at the time of reproduction in a recording signal for each track output to the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c. Thus, even if there is a recording signal that cannot be reproduced and is re-recorded on a subsequent track, the reproduction order of the signals can be changed according to the order of the tracks, and correct reproduction can be performed.

On the other hand, when the signal reproducing operation for the magnetic tape 2 is performed, the reproducing magnetic heads 333a to 333 are used.
3c receives a supply of a sense current from the control circuit 103 and scans the magnetic tape 2 to read recording signals for three tracks per scan. The read signal is supplied to a reproduction signal combination circuit 104, where it is amplified, demodulated, and combined. At this time, if the recording signal includes a signal indicating the order of tracks at the time of reproduction, the reproduced signals for each track are rearranged and combined in accordance with this signal, and are sequentially output. The reproduction signal output circuit 105 performs error correction processing and the like on the combined reproduction signal and outputs the result to an external device such as a computer device via the interface 106.

Next, FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the processing by the control circuit 103 during the signal recording operation on the magnetic tape 2. In step S901, the control circuit 103 divides the recording signal supplied via the interface 106 for each track to the recording signal output circuit 101, and divides each recording magnetic head 331a in a predetermined order.
331c. Thus, a signal is recorded on the magnetic tape 2. Further, at this time, the control circuit 103 operates the recording signal output circuit 10.
Control is performed so that signals specifying the order of tracks at the time of reproduction are sequentially described in the recording signal. In step S902, a sense current is supplied to the reproducing magnetic head 333c. Thus, immediately after the track is scanned by the recording magnetic head 331c, the reproducing magnetic head 333c scans the track adjacent to the track in the running direction of the magnetic tape 2, and
The recording signal is reproduced and supplied to the head output detection circuit 102. In step S903, the head output detection circuit 1
02 monitors the output level R output.

In step S904, the piezoelectric element 35
Is used to determine the magnitude of the output level R with respect to an arbitrary value a that is a value for which the track width should be corrected, and if R ≦ a, the process proceeds to step S905. In step S905, the magnitude of the output level R with respect to an arbitrary value b which is a threshold value at which the signal recorded on the track cannot be reproduced is determined. If R ≧ b, the process proceeds to step S906, where R <R If b has been reached, the process proceeds to step S907. Thus, it is determined whether the recording magnetic head 331c overwrites the adjacent track on the side of the magnetic tape 2 in the running direction extremely large. In step S906, according to the value of the output level R, the magnetic head unit 33 moves the magnetic tape 2 by the recording magnetic head 331c.
The driving of the piezoelectric element 35 is controlled such that the overwriting range for the adjacent track on the traveling direction side has a normal size. In step S907, when R <b, the recording signal recorded on the adjacent track largely overwritten by the recording magnetic head 331c is re-output to any of the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c. Then, a signal for instructing the recording signal output circuit 101 is output. For example, a signal indicating the order of tracks at the time of reproduction, which corresponds to the recording signal to be re-output, is designated to the recording signal output circuit 101, and the recording signal output circuit 101
Reads out a recording signal of a designated number from a recording signal which has been stored in a memory (not shown) for a certain period of time and has already been recorded, and outputs it to any of the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331c.

By the above processing, in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 of the present invention, the width of the track formed by the recording magnetic head 331a whose both ends are overwritten is within a range that can be corrected by moving the magnetic head unit 33. For example, by driving the piezoelectric element 35, the track width can be corrected instantaneously. If the track width becomes too small to be reproduced, the signal recorded on this track is recorded on another track again. Can be done. Therefore, for example, the recording magnetic heads 331a to 331 during manufacturing
When there is a variation in the shape of c, a variation in the mounting position with respect to the rotary drum 31, a variation in the rotational speed of the rotary drum 31, a variation in the running speed of the magnetic tape 2, a variation in the tension of the magnetic tape 2, etc. The recorded signal is recorded without loss, and an accurate reproduction output operation can be performed on the recorded signal.

Next, as a second embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus 1 having a different structure of the magnetic head unit 33 will be described. FIG. 10 shows a configuration of a magnetic head unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10A shows a magnetic head for recording, and FIG. 10B shows a magnetic head for reproduction.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration in which a recording magnetic head unit 36 for recording a signal and a reproducing magnetic head unit 37 for reproducing a signal are separately provided. 10, the scanning direction of each head with respect to the magnetic tape 2 is a downward direction in the figure as indicated by an arrow G, and the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 is a rightward direction in the figure as indicated by an arrow H. .

The recording magnetic head 3 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 6 denotes four recording magnetic heads 361a, 361b, and 3
The multi-track heads 61c and 361d are arranged so as to be shifted by one track in the track width direction. Further, a dedicated detection magnetic head 362 for detecting a track width is provided at a position shifted by one track at a position further away from the recording magnetic head 361d in the running direction of the magnetic tape 2. With such a structure,
The recording magnetic head unit 36 can simultaneously record four adjacent tracks for each scan of the magnetic tape 2. In addition, the magnetic head for detection 36
As will be described later, right after scanning the magnetic tape 2 by the recording magnetic head 361d, the recording magnetic head 361d scans the track whose end is overwritten and reproduces the recording signal of this track. . The recording magnetic head 36 is attached to the rotary drum 31 by the piezoelectric element 35 so as to be movable in the track width direction.

On the other hand, the reproducing magnetic head unit 37 shown in FIG. 10B has four reproducing magnetic heads 373a and 373.
The multi-track heads b, 373c and 373d are arranged so as to be shifted by one track in the track width direction. With such a structure, the reproducing magnetic head unit 37 moves the magnetic tape 2 every one scan.
It is possible to simultaneously reproduce four adjacent tracks.

The recording magnetic head 36
And the reproducing magnetic head section 37 is usually
Two sets are provided on each one. For example, each combination is 180 degrees with respect to the rotation axis of the rotating drum 31.
The recording magnetic head section 36 and the reproducing magnetic head section 37 are provided at a position shifted by 90 ° from the rotation axis. However, in this embodiment, for simplicity of description, it is assumed that only one recording magnetic head unit 36 and one reproducing magnetic head unit 37 are provided on the rotating drum 31.

Next, FIG. 11 shows a part of the configuration of a track formed on the magnetic tape 2 by the recording magnetic head section 36 described above. FIG. 11 shows a part of a track formed when the recording magnetic head unit 36 scans the magnetic tape 2 normally. In FIG. 11, the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 is the leftward direction in the figure as indicated by the arrow I. The display of the formed track is changed in accordance with the number of times the magnetic tape 2 has been scanned by the recording magnetic head unit 36, and the track numbers are sequentially displayed on the upper part of the track in order to facilitate understanding.
At the bottom, the number of scans by the recording magnetic head unit 36 is shown as S21 to S23 in order.

As shown in FIG. 11, the writing of signals by the recording magnetic heads 361a to 361d of the recording magnetic head section 36 is performed, for example, by one scan in the number of scans S21 and adjacent tracks T41 to T44. This is performed for four tracks. At this time, the recording magnetic heads 361a to 361d are connected to the tracks T44 and T44, respectively.
43, T42 and T41 are scanned. In the next scan, that is, in the scan at the number of scans S22, each of the recording magnetic heads 361a to 361d has the track T48,
Recording of T47, T46 and T45 is performed. In this manner, the magnetic tape 2 travels a distance of four tracks from one scanning by the recording magnetic heads 361a to 361d to the next scanning, thereby forming parallel tracks.

The track formed by the recording magnetic head 361a is formed by the recording magnetic head 361d in the next scan so that the end opposite to the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 is overwritten. As a result, a continuous recording pattern having no gap between tracks is formed in each scan. For example, the track T formed by the recording magnetic head 361d in the number of scans S22
Reference numeral 45 overwrites a part of the track T44 formed by the recording magnetic head 361a in the previous scanning count S21 on the side opposite to the running direction of the magnetic tape 2.

As described above, the track formed by the recording magnetic head 361a disposed closest to the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 has the track most opposite to the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 in the next scan on the magnetic tape 2. The end portion is always overwritten by the track formed by the recording magnetic head 361d disposed on the side. Therefore, for example, variations in the shape of the recording magnetic heads 361 a to 361 d during manufacturing, variations in the mounting position with respect to the rotary drum 31, the rotational speed of the rotary drum 31, and the magnetic tape 2.
If there is a variation in the running speed of the magnetic tape 2 or a variation in the tension of the magnetic tape 2, the range over which the recording magnetic head 361d overwrites the adjacent track formed by the previous scan is not constant, and the width of this adjacent track is not constant. May be extremely small.

Therefore, the recording magnetic head section 36 is provided with a detection magnetic head 362 for detecting the track width of an adjacent track whose end is overwritten. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 1, the recording magnetic head 361d overwrites the end of an adjacent track on the magnetic tape 2 running direction side formed one scan before recording the magnetic tape 2.
Therefore, in order to detect the track width of the adjacent track, immediately after scanning is performed by the recording magnetic head 361d, the track formed by this scanning is adjacent to the track formed in the running direction of the magnetic tape 2. What is necessary is just to scan a track. Here, referring to FIG. 10, the detection magnetic head 362 is disposed at a position shifted by one track in the running direction of the magnetic tape 2 from the recording magnetic head 361d. , The adjacent track to be overwritten can be scanned.

By such a detecting magnetic head 362, a reproduction signal of an adjacent track immediately after being overwritten by the recording magnetic head 361d is obtained. According to the output level, the recording magnetic head unit 36 is driven by the piezoelectric element 35. By moving in the track width direction, the track width can be corrected. When the output level of the detection magnetic head 362 is lower than a threshold value at which reproduction output is possible, the recording signal of the track being scanned by the detection magnetic head 362 at this time is
By outputting the signal to any one of the recording magnetic heads 361a to 361d and recording the data again on another track, it is possible to prevent signal loss.

[0058]

As described above, in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the adjacent track on the magnetic tape running direction side, which is partially overwritten by the latest track recorded by the recording magnetic head, is updated. By providing the detection magnetic head for reproducing during recording on the track, the width of the adjacent track can be detected from the output level of the reproduction signal from the detection magnetic head. For example, a magnetic head moving means for supporting the magnetic head portion movably in the track width direction of the magnetic tape with respect to the rotating drum, and the magnetic head portion in the track width direction in accordance with the output level of a reproduction signal by the detection magnetic head And a magnetic head movement control means for controlling the magnetic head movement means so that the width of the adjacent track is constant, thereby correcting the width of the adjacent track during recording of a signal by the recording magnetic head. It becomes possible. Further, by providing a signal output control means for controlling the recording signal output means to output a signal recorded on an adjacent track again when the output level of the reproduction signal by the detection magnetic head is equal to or less than a predetermined value, When the adjacent track becomes extremely narrow, the signal recorded on the adjacent track is recorded again on another track, so that the loss of the signal of the unreproducible track can be prevented.

According to the magnetic recording method of the present invention, the track adjacent to the running direction of the magnetic tape, which has been partially overwritten by the latest track recorded on the magnetic tape by the recording magnetic head, is read. The width of an adjacent track is detected from the value of the output level of a reproduced signal reproduced during recording on the track. When the value of the output level is within a predetermined range, the recording magnetic head is moved in the track width direction so that the width of the adjacent track becomes a predetermined value in accordance with the output level, thereby forming the adjacent track. If the track width error is small, the width of this adjacent track is corrected during recording by the recording magnetic head, and if the output level value falls below a predetermined range, the signal recorded on the adjacent track is used for recording. By re-recording the data on another track by the magnetic head, if the error in the width of the adjacent track is large, the track width becomes extremely narrow and cannot be reproduced, thereby preventing loss of the signal of this track. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration example of a drum device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a magnetic head unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a part of a configuration of a track formed on a magnetic tape by a magnetic head unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of a configuration example of a track when a track width is not constant.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting structure of the magnetic head unit to the rotary head.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a control system related to correction of a track width and output control of a recording signal in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a control circuit during a signal recording operation on a magnetic tape.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a magnetic head unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a part of a configuration of a track formed on a magnetic tape by a recording magnetic head unit in a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 magnetic recording / reproducing device, 2 magnetic tape, 3 drum device, 4 capstan, 5 pinch roller,
6a to 6e: tape guide, 7: cassette case,
7a ... supply reel, 7b ... take-up reel, 11 ...
... Recording signal output means, 12 ... Magnetic head moving means, 1
3 ... magnetic head movement control means, 14 ... signal output control means, 31 ... rotating drum, 32 ... fixed drum, 32
a ... lead, 33 ... magnetic head part, 331 ... magnetic head for recording, 332 ... magnetic head for detection

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus for recording / reproducing a signal on / from a magnetic tape, a recording signal output means for outputting a recording signal to / from the magnetic tape, and the magnetic tape being helically wound around an outer peripheral surface. A rotating drum, at least one recording magnetic head for recording the recording signal from the recording signal output means on the magnetic tape, and a part of which is overwritten by the latest track recorded by the recording magnetic head A magnetic head for reproducing the adjacent track during recording on the latest track to detect the width of the adjacent track on the side of the magnetic tape in the running direction, and at least one magnetic head disposed on the rotating drum. A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus, comprising: a magnetic head section provided. 2. A magnetic head moving means for supporting the magnetic head portion with respect to the rotating drum so as to be movable in a track width direction of the magnetic tape, and according to an output level of a reproduction signal by the detection magnetic head. 2. A magnetic head movement control means for moving the magnetic head portion in the track width direction and controlling the magnetic head movement means so that the width of the adjacent track is constant. The magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. A signal output control means for controlling said recording signal output means to output a signal recorded on said adjacent track again when an output level of a reproduction signal by said detection magnetic head is equal to or lower than a predetermined value. 2. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: 4. A magnetic head moving means for supporting the magnetic head portion movably with respect to the rotating drum in a track width direction of the magnetic tape, wherein a value of an output level of a reproduction signal by the magnetic head for detection is predetermined. In this case, the magnetic head unit is moved in the track width direction according to the output level of the reproduction signal, and the magnetic head moving means is controlled so that the width of the adjacent track becomes constant. Magnetic head movement control means, and when the value of the output level falls below the predetermined range,
2. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: signal output control means for controlling the recording signal output means so as to output the signal recorded on the adjacent track again. 5. A magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said magnetic head moving means is a piezoelectric element. 6. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recording signal output means includes a signal indicating an order of a track to be reproduced in the recording signal to be output. 7. The magnetic head unit is a multi-track head in which a plurality of the recording magnetic heads are arranged in the track width direction, and the detection magnetic head is a plurality of the recording magnetic heads. 2. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjacent track, of which a part is overwritten by the recording magnetic head disposed closest to the running direction of the magnetic tape, is scanned. 8. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting magnetic head is the same as a reproducing magnetic head for reproducing and outputting a signal recorded on the magnetic tape. 9. The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording magnetic head includes a thin-film magnetic head manufactured by using a thin-film forming technique. 10. The magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic head for detection includes a magnetoresistive element. 11. A magnetic recording method for recording a signal on a magnetic tape, wherein the magnetic tape is partially overwritten by a latest track recorded on the magnetic tape by at least one recording magnetic head. When the output level value of a reproduced signal reproduced during recording on the latest track is within a predetermined range, an adjacent track on the traveling direction side of the adjacent track is determined according to the output level of the reproduced signal. When the recording magnetic head is moved in the track width direction so that the width becomes a predetermined value, and when the value of the output level falls below the predetermined range,
A signal recorded on the adjacent track is re-recorded on another track by the recording magnetic head.