JP2009020984A - Data-reproducing device, data-reproducing method, and data-recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data reproducing device, wherein signal separation operation processing is properly performed, by eliminating unevenness of reproduction positions of respective reproducing signals, so as to attain improvements in the quality of reproduced data. <P>SOLUTION: A reproduction position control processing part 235 adjusts a reproduction position in the direction of progress of the track of each reproduced signal by signal processing based on synchronizing signals detected by a synchronization signal detecting part 231 from reproduced signals for respective reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R3. For example, the quantity and the direction of a detected position of a synchronous pattern from a signal reproduced from a track #2 by the track head R-2 are determined, based on the detected position of a synchronizing pattern from a reproduced signal by the reproducing head R-1 from the track #2 as the reference, then this discriminated result is used as deviation information of the reproduced position of the reproducing head R-2. Respective reproduced positions of the reproduced signal of the reproducing head R-1 and the reproduced signal of the reproducing head R-2 are adjusted, based on this deviation information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data reproducing apparatus, a data reproducing method, and a data recording / reproducing apparatus for reproducing data from a recording medium in which one unit of signal processing for reproducing data is divided into a plurality of tracks.

  In recent years, magnetic heads are required to have higher density recording in order to increase the capacity of magnetic recording media, and are suitable for narrowing the track width of tracks (hereinafter referred to as “narrowing”). Magnetic heads have been adopted. In general, improving the accuracy of the track servo is the key to narrowing the track.

  In a magnetic tape recording / reproducing apparatus, a so-called non-tracking system has been proposed as a countermeasure for making servo difficult as the width becomes narrower, and has been put into practical use (for example, Patent Documents 1-5). In this non-tracking method, the track that was recorded in double azimuth by helical scan is recorded in blocks for identification, so that the target track cannot be reproduced in a single trace. Can reconstruct data. With this non-tracking method, a margin of 4 times or more is allowed for track control within one track required by the conventional track servo.

  Further, the possibility of using non-tracking technology not only in helical scanning but also in linear recording has been studied (for example, Patent Documents 6 and 7).

  By the way, when a non-magnetic support having elasticity such as a polyester film is used for the magnetic recording medium substrate, even if double azimuth recording is performed, the allowable deformation amount is obtained by using a track servo. For example, when it is up to about twice the track width and further deformation occurs, the signal cannot be reproduced with a sufficient SN ratio. Also, in the case of recording without double azimuth, the width of the so-called guard band that does not cross the track is less than the amount of deformation of the tape so as not to deteriorate the reliability such as error rate even when the track servo is used. It was necessary to hold in

  Such a problem is caused by the fact that in the signal reproduction method that has been realized so far, the signal quality is significantly deteriorated when at least one reproduction head reads signals from a plurality of tracks simultaneously. In order to avoid this, it has been devised to perform guard band and double azimuth recording and to pick up only the signal from one track from the reproducing head.

However, when the track density is further increased, the installation of the guard band first hinders the installation. Also, the effect of double azimuth recording, which can reduce interference from adjacent tracks during reproduction, is reduced when the width is narrowed.

  This is the same even in the non-tracking method, and the reproducing head seems to reproduce the signal across a plurality of tracks. However, when time division is performed, the signal being reproduced always corresponds to one track. It wasn't going to play multiple tracks at the same time.

  Also, when trying to cope with higher track density with the non-tracking method, noise is mixed in by picking up signals from the adjacent track of the target track, so the limit to narrowing the track is the limit. It is coming.

  In addition to the background technology of the magnetic head device, a technique for recording a plurality of data frames at a time as a method of arranging a plurality of heads in one block and forming the same azimuth block in order to improve recording density. (For example, Patent Document 8 and Patent Document 9).

  Since these known techniques require that the reproducing head width be about half the width of the track, there is a restriction that the output of the reproducing signal cannot be made large, which is disadvantageous, for example, in securing the SN ratio. It was not necessarily suitable for higher density recording.

  A MIMO (Multi-Input / Multi-Output) technique is widely known as one used for wireless communication (for example, Patent Document 10).

  In addition, a technique using a technique related to MIMO for magnetic recording is also known (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). However, for example, when a reproducing head having a width wider than that of a recorded track is used, problems that occur in practical use have not been solved.

In the present invention, as a magnetic recording method using MIMO, it is impossible to foresee from the prior art to realize the practical application of the MIMO technology to the magnetic recording / reproducing method, which could not be realized by the paper introduced in the previous section. The technical contents will be clarified.
Japanese Patent No. 1842057 Japanese Patent No. 1842058 Japanese Patent No. 1842059 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 04-370580 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-020788 JP-A-10-283620 JP 2003-132504 A JP 2003-338812 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-071014 Japanese Patent No. 3664993 Paper IEEE Trans.Mag.Vol.30.No.6 Nov.1994 5100 pages

  As described above, in the conventional magnetic recording / reproducing system, a method of narrowing the track width on the magnetic recording medium has been adopted to increase the recording density. However, if the track width is narrowed in pursuit of a high recording density as it is, there arises a problem that the track cannot be tracked during reproduction. Therefore, a non-tracking method has been proposed in which a signal can be read from the track even if the position of the reproducing head is slightly deviated from the track. However, in order to obtain a reproduction signal appropriately by the non-tracking method, severe restrictions are imposed on the setting of the reproduction head. From this aspect, there is a limit to increasing the recording density by narrowing the track width.

  Therefore, the present inventors record a plurality of tracks, which are a unit of signal processing for reproducing data, on a magnetic recording medium by a recording head, and reproduce a signal across the plurality of tracks of the magnetic recording medium. The playback head can play back multiple signals for multiple tracks with different positional relationships with respect to multiple tracks, combine these playback signals into a single unit, and perform signal processing. A method of generating is proposed. According to this, the restriction for determining the width of the reproducing head is reduced, and the track width can be narrowed and the recording density can be increased.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the configuration of a recording apparatus 800 that employs the magnetic recording / reproducing method described above.

  As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 800 includes a multitrack unit 110, a multitrack recording encoding unit 120, a multitrack preamble adding unit 130, a multitrack recording unit 140, and a recording head array 150.

  The multitrack unit 110 distributes the recording data 1 to the number of recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 (M = 3) provided in the recording head array 150 for multitracking. The data distributor 111 is used.

  The multitrack recording encoding unit 120 includes M recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 that encode the recording data allocated to M by the data distributor 111.

  The multitrack preamble adding unit 130 adds M specific preambles 131-1, 131-2, 131- to each recording data encoded by the multitrack recording encoding unit 120 for each track. It is composed of three.

  The multi-track recording unit 140 is a means for recording the recording code string of each track to which the preamble is added on a recording medium. More specifically, the multi-track recording unit 140 provides M timings that give a desired timing to the recording code string to which the preamble is added. Output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2, 141-3, M recording compensation units 144-1, 144-2, 144-3 that perform recording compensation processing, and recording code strings after recording compensation processing Originally, it is composed of M recording amplifiers 147-1, 147-2, and 147-3 for driving the individual recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the unit recording operation by the recording apparatus 800. In this recording apparatus 100, first, the input recording data 1 is configured by the multitracking unit 110 as data (M = 3) of recording heads W-1, W-2, W-3, that is, a unit. The data is distributed to the data corresponding to the number of tracks to be processed (step S801).

  Each distributed data is encoded into a code string in consideration of recording / reproducing characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the multi-track recording encoding unit 120, respectively. Is done. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation, such as a demodulating synchronization pattern, is also added to the data code string (step S802).

  Next, control of reproducing unit-unit data by the preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, and 131-3 of the multi-track preamble adding unit 130 at a predetermined position of each encoded recording data. Therefore, a necessary pattern is added as a preamble, and a recording code string is obtained (step S803).

  Here, the predetermined position of each encoded recording data is a position determined in consideration that recording code strings are continuously recorded and reproduced. The preamble includes, for example, a gain control pattern used for learning for gain control with respect to a reproduction signal, a synchronization pattern used for bit synchronization processing, and a plurality of reproduction heads and a plurality of tracks for one unit. There are separation patterns necessary to calculate a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction. Here, the plurality of tracks for one unit are a plurality of tracks constituting one unit of signal processing for reproducing data. The synchronization pattern is also used as information for specifying the separation pattern for each track and the start position of data. These patterns are created in consideration of the rules of the code strings generated by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the multitrack recording encoding unit 120.

  The recording code string for each track is given a desired timing by the output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of the multitrack recording unit 140, and then the recording compensation units 144-1 and 144. At -2, 144-3, a recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed.

  Thereafter, the recording code string for each track is converted from a voltage to a current by the recording amplifiers 147-1, 147-2, and 147-3 and sent to the recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 for recording. Recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 (step S804).

  Next, a reproducing apparatus employing the above magnetic recording / reproducing system will be described.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reproducing apparatus 900 that employs the above magnetic recording / reproducing method.

  As shown in the figure, the reproducing apparatus 900 includes a reproducing head array 210, a channel reproducing unit 220, a signal separating unit 230, a multitrack demodulating unit 240, and a restoring unit 260.

  The reproducing head array 210 has N (N = 3) reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 that read signals from the tracks recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2. Each reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3 has its head width and arrangement determined so that a signal can be reproduced from one or more adjacent tracks on the magnetic recording medium 2. Yes.

  The channel reproducing unit 220 amplifies signals reproduced by N reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 mounted on the reproducing head array 210, and N reproducing amplifiers 221-1 and 221-2. , 221-3 and N gain amplifiers 224-1, 224-2 for controlling the gain so that the amplitude levels of the outputs of the N reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, 221-3 become predetermined values. 224-3, and A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 that quantize the outputs of the gain adjusting units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 into digital values having a predetermined bit width. Prepare.

  Note that a low-pass filter that removes unnecessary high-frequency components may be provided immediately before the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 as necessary.

  Further, the gain adjusting units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 may be arranged not in the preceding stage of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 but in the subsequent stage. This is because the bit widths of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 are used more effectively, and the configurations of the gain adjusting units 224-1, 244-2, and 224-3 are included in the preample. This is effective when it is desired to make it simple considering the detection of each pattern.

  The signal separation unit 230 includes a synchronization signal detector 231 that detects a synchronization pattern from the outputs of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3, and a synchronization signal detected by the synchronization signal detector 231. Then, the start position of the separation pattern is specified, and the channel estimation calculation and the signal separation calculation are performed using the separation pattern, thereby being reproduced by the plurality of reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3, respectively. And a signal separation processing unit 236 that separates the reproduction signal for each track from the reproduction signal for one unit.

  The multi-track demodulator 240 is configured with M equalizers 241-1, 241-2, 241-3 that perform equalization processing on the reproduction signal for each track separated by the signal separation processor 236, and the like. Generated by the M PLLs 242-1, 242-2, and 242-3 and the PLLs 242-1, 242-2, and 242-3 that perform bit synchronization from the outputs of the generators 241-1, 241-2, and 241-3. For example, M detectors 243-1, 243-2, 243-3 such as a Viterbi detector, and a detector 243 generate a code string by binarizing the reproduction signal for each track using the bit synchronization signal. M synchronization signal detectors 244-1, 244-2, 244-3 for detecting a synchronization pattern on the code string from the binarized reproduction signals output from -1,243-2, 243-3, , Sync signal detector 244-1 M decoders 245-1, 245-2, and 245-3 that identify the data start position based on the synchronization pattern detected by 244-2 and 244-3 and decode the data string from the code string; Is provided.

  The restoration unit 260 concatenates the data of each track output from the M decoders 245-1, 245-2, and 245-3 in the multitrack demodulation unit 240 by an operation reverse to that at the time of recording, and reproduces data. 3 is provided.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a flow of unit reproduction operation of the reproduction apparatus 900. In the reproducing apparatus 900, first, one unit of the magnetic recording medium 2 is formed by N reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 that can reproduce signals from one or more adjacent tracks. A signal is reproduced from a plurality of tracks (step S901).

  Next, after the gain adjustment units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 adjust the amplitude levels of the outputs of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, and 221-3, the gain adjustment unit 224- The outputs of 1, 244-2 and 224-3 are converted into digital values by A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 and output to the synchronization signal detector 231 (step S902).

  The synchronization signal detector 231 detects a synchronization pattern for knowing the start position of the separation pattern in the preamble for each output of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 (step S903). .

  Next, the signal separation processing unit 236 identifies the start position of the separation pattern based on the synchronization signal detected by the synchronization signal detector 231, and uses the separation pattern to perform each reproduction head R− by channel estimation calculation. After obtaining a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction between 1, R-2, R-3 and a plurality of tracks of one unit (step S904), each reproducing head is based on this channel matrix. The reproduction signal for each of the tracks R-1, R-2, and R-3 is separated from the reproduction signal for one unit reproduced by R-1, R-2, and R-3 (step S905).

  After this, the multi-track demodulator 240 decodes the data string from the reproduction signal for each track (step S906), and the reconstruction unit 260 concatenates the data for each track to obtain reproduction data 3 ( Step S907).

  By the way, as one of the technical problems for obtaining a more stable reproduction signal in the case of adopting the above magnetic recording / reproduction method, for example, the reproduction signal reproduction position for each reproduction head is not uniform during reproduction. There was a decrease in the quality of the reproduced data.

  That is, in the above magnetic recording / reproducing system, the reproducing head is set to have a reproduction width larger than the track width so that the reproducing head can reproduce signals across a plurality of tracks, and a plurality of reproductions reproduced by the reproducing head are performed. The signal is separated into reproduction signals for each track by arithmetic processing for signal separation. In this signal separation calculation, it is important for accuracy that the reproduction positions of the input reproduction signals are aligned, and this greatly affects the quality of the reproduction signal for each track as a result of the signal separation calculation.

  However, when data is reproduced by reproducing signals from a plurality of tracks for one unit at a time using a plurality of reproducing heads, each of the signals input to the signal separation calculation unit due to a mounting accuracy problem of each reproducing head, etc. There is a risk that the playback position of the playback signal in the direction in which the track travels will be uneven, and the data will be played back by playing back the signal from multiple tracks for one unit divided into multiple times using one playback head. Similarly, when performing, there is a possibility that the reproduction positions of the respective reproduction signals in the direction in which the track proceeds are not uniform. Further, such irregularities in the reproduction positions of the respective reproduction signals are caused not only by the factors at the time of reproduction but also by irregularities in the recording positions of the recording signals of the respective tracks.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a data reproduction apparatus, a data reproduction method, and a data recording that can improve the quality of reproduction data by eliminating unevenness in reproduction positions of reproduction signals and performing signal separation calculation processing satisfactorily. A playback device is to be provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, a data reproducing apparatus of the present invention has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and each of the tracks includes data and the data A reproduction head having a reproduction width of one track or more from a recording medium on which a preamble including a synchronization pattern necessary for controlling reproduction is recorded with a plurality of reproduction signals for a plurality of tracks constituting the unit. An apparatus for acquiring and reproducing the data by signal processing, wherein the synchronization pattern is detected from each of the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head, and the synchronization pattern is detected by the synchronization signal detection unit Based on the result, the reproduction position of the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head in the traveling direction of the track is obtained by signal processing. ; And a reproduction position control processing section to match.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to satisfactorily perform the signal separation calculation by eliminating the unevenness of the reproduction positions of the plurality of reproduction signals, and it is possible to improve the quality of the reproduction data.

  In the data reproduction apparatus of the present invention, the synchronization signal detection unit may be capable of detecting a plurality of synchronization patterns in the preamble for each of the plurality of reproduction signals.

  In the data reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the reproduction position control processing unit is configured to detect a plurality of reproduction heads based on a detection result of the synchronization pattern of the same track that is commonly included in a plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head. The reproduction position of the reproduction signal in the direction in which the track proceeds may be adjusted by signal processing.

  More specifically, the reproduction position control processing unit compares the detection positions of the synchronization patterns of the plurality of reproduction signals with respect to the same track that is commonly included in the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head, This comparison result is used as information on the positional deviation of the plurality of reproduction signals in the direction in which the track proceeds. Based on the information on the positional deviation, the reproduction position in the direction in which the track proceeds is signaled. Match by processing. Thereby, the reproduction positions of a plurality of reproduction signals can be accurately adjusted.

  In the data reproducing apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of reproducing heads may be provided so as to reproduce signals from the plurality of tracks with different positional relationships with respect to the unit in the width direction of the tracks. That is, when data is reproduced by simultaneously reproducing signals from a plurality of tracks for one unit using a plurality of reproducing heads, the progress of the track of each reproduced signal due to the mounting accuracy problem of each reproducing head, etc. The signal separation calculation can be performed satisfactorily by eliminating the unevenness of the reproduction positions in the direction.

  In the data reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the reproducing head moves in the width direction of the track so as to reproduce signals from the plurality of tracks in different positional relations with respect to the unit in the width direction of the track. It may be provided. That is, even when data is reproduced by reproducing a signal from a plurality of tracks for one unit divided into a plurality of times using one reproducing head, the unevenness of the reproduction positions of the respective reproduction signals can be similarly eliminated. Thus, the signal separation calculation can be performed satisfactorily.

  Furthermore, in the data reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the preamble has a separation pattern necessary for detecting a positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the reproducing head and the plurality of tracks, and the plurality of reproducing A channel estimation calculation unit for calculating a channel matrix corresponding to a positional relationship in a track width direction during reproduction between the plurality of reproduction heads and the plurality of tracks based on the separation pattern detected from a signal; A signal separation calculation unit that separates the reproduction signal for each track from a plurality of reproduction signals whose reproduction positions are matched by the position control processing unit based on the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit; It may be provided. According to the present invention, it is possible to satisfactorily perform the arithmetic processing in the signal separation arithmetic unit by eliminating the irregularity of the reproduction positions of the plurality of reproduction signals, and it is possible to improve the quality of the reproduction data.

  A data reproduction method according to another aspect of the present invention has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and data and control for reproducing the data for each track. A plurality of reproduction signals for a plurality of tracks constituting the unit are obtained by a reproduction head having a reproduction width of one track or more from a recording medium on which a preamble including a synchronization pattern necessary for recording is recorded, A method of reproducing the data by processing, wherein a step of detecting the synchronization pattern from the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head, and a plurality of reproduction of the reproduction head based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern, respectively. A reproduction alignment step for adjusting the reproduction position of the signal in the direction in which the track travels by signal processing. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to satisfactorily perform the signal separation calculation by eliminating the unevenness of the reproduction positions of the plurality of reproduction signals, and it is possible to improve the quality of the reproduction data.

  In the data reproduction method of the present invention, the step of detecting the synchronization pattern can detect a plurality of synchronization patterns in the preamble for each of the plurality of reproduction signals.

  In the data reproduction method of the present invention, the reproduction positioning step includes a plurality of reproduction heads based on a detection result of the synchronization pattern of the same track that is commonly included in the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head. The reproduction position of the signal in the traveling direction of the track is adjusted by signal processing.

  More specifically, the reproduction positioning step compares the synchronization pattern detection positions of the plurality of reproduction signals with respect to the same track that is commonly included in the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head. The comparison result is used as information on the positional deviation between the plurality of reproduction signals in the direction in which the track proceeds. Based on the information on the positional deviation, the reproduction position in the direction in which the track proceeds is subjected to signal processing. Adjust according to. Thereby, the reproduction positions of a plurality of reproduction signals can be accurately adjusted.

  In the data reproducing method of the present invention, a plurality of reproducing heads may be provided so as to reproduce signals from the plurality of tracks with different positional relations with respect to the unit in the width direction of the tracks. That is, when data is reproduced by simultaneously reproducing signals from a plurality of tracks for one unit using a plurality of reproducing heads, the progress of the track of each reproduced signal due to the mounting accuracy problem of each reproducing head, etc. The signal separation calculation can be performed satisfactorily by eliminating the unevenness of the reproduction positions in the direction.

  In the data reproducing method of the present invention, a plurality of reproducing heads may be provided so as to reproduce signals from the plurality of tracks with different positional relations with respect to the unit in the width direction of the tracks. That is, even when data is reproduced by reproducing a signal from a plurality of tracks for one unit divided into a plurality of times using one reproducing head, the unevenness of the reproduction positions of the respective reproduction signals can be similarly eliminated. Thus, the signal separation calculation can be performed satisfactorily.

  In the data reproduction method of the present invention, the preamble has a separation pattern necessary for detecting a positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks, and the plurality of reproductions. Based on the separation pattern detected from the signal, the step of calculating a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction during playback between the plurality of playback heads and the plurality of tracks, and the playback position match And a step of separating the reproduction signal for each track from the plurality of reproduced signals based on the channel matrix. According to the present invention, it is possible to satisfactorily perform the arithmetic processing in the signal separation arithmetic unit by eliminating the irregularity of the reproduction positions of the plurality of reproduction signals, and it is possible to improve the quality of the reproduction data.

  A data recording / reproducing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a data reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks, and a recording medium so that data reproduction can be performed by the data reproducing apparatus. And a data recording apparatus for recording a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction by the recording head, wherein the data recording apparatus A multi-track recording encoding unit that encodes data to be recorded every time, and a control for reproducing the data in a code string of the data for each track encoded by the multi-track recording encoding unit A multi-track preamble adding unit for adding a preamble including a synchronization pattern necessary for the plurality of tracks; The data for each track to which the preamble is added by the multi-track preamble addition unit is recorded so that the preamble and the data are arranged as a unit that is a unit of signal processing for reproducing the data. A multi-track recording unit for recording on the recording medium by a head, wherein the data reproduction device detects a synchronization pattern from each of the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head, and the synchronization signal detection And a reproduction position control processing unit for adjusting a reproduction position of a plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head in a track traveling direction by signal processing based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern by the unit. .

  According to the data reproducing apparatus, data reproducing method, and data recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to improve the quality of reproduced data by eliminating the unevenness of the reproduction positions of the reproduced signals and performing the signal separation calculation process satisfactorily. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  (First embodiment)

  As a first embodiment of the present invention, a recording apparatus and a reproducing apparatus in a magnetic recording / reproducing system using a multi-head will be described. The recording device of this embodiment is a device for recording a signal on the magnetic recording medium without aligning the recording position for each track, and the reproducing device reproduces the signal without aligning the reproducing position for each track from the magnetic recording medium. It is a device to do. Here, the number of recording heads is M, the number of reproducing heads is N, and in this embodiment, M = 3 and N = 3.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus 100 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 100 includes a multitrack unit 110, a multitrack recording encoding unit 120, a multitrack preamble adding unit 130, a multitrack recording unit 140, and a recording head array 150.

  The multitrack unit 110 distributes the recording data 1 to the number of recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 (M = 3) provided in the recording head array 150 for multitracking. The data distributor 111 is used.

  The multitrack recording encoding unit 120 includes M recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 that encode the recording data allocated to M by the data distributor 111.

  The multitrack preamble adding unit 130 adds M preambles necessary for controlling data reproduction in units of units to each recording data encoded by the multitrack recording encoding unit 120. 1, 131-2, 131-3. These independent preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, and 131-3 are such that at least the adjacent tracks advance each other in order to prevent the preambles of a plurality of tracks from being simultaneously reproduced by the reproducing head during reproduction. Preamble is added with the positional relationship shifted in FIG.

  The multi-track recording unit 140 is a means for recording the recording code string of each track to which the preamble is added on a recording medium. More specifically, the multi-track recording unit 140 provides M timings that give a desired timing to the recording code string to which the preamble is added. Output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2, 141-3, M recording compensation units 144-1, 144-2, 144-3 that perform recording compensation processing, and recording code strings after recording compensation processing Originally, it is composed of M recording amplifiers 147-1, 147-2, and 147-3 for driving the individual recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the unit recording operation by the recording apparatus 100. In this recording apparatus 100, first, the input recording data 1 is configured by the multitracking unit 110 as data (M = 3) of recording heads W-1, W-2, W-3, that is, a unit. The data is distributed to the data corresponding to the number of tracks to be performed (step S101).

  Each distributed data is encoded into a code string in consideration of recording / reproducing characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the multi-track recording encoding unit 120, respectively. Is done. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation such as a synchronization pattern for demodulation is also added to the data code string (step S102).

  Next, the respective recordings encoded by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, 121-3 by the independent preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, 131-3 of the multitrack preamble adding unit 130. In order to prevent data from being played back by the playback head at the same time during playback, the data is required to control data playback in a positional relationship that is shifted at least between adjacent tracks in the direction in which the tracks proceed. A preamble is added to obtain a recording code string (step S103).

  Here, as a preamble necessary for data reproduction control, for example, a gain control pattern used for learning for gain control with respect to a reproduction signal, a synchronization pattern used for synchronization detection for bit synchronization processing, and the like, and There is a separation pattern necessary for calculating a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction between a plurality of reproducing heads and a plurality of tracks for one unit. The plurality of tracks for one unit are a plurality of tracks constituting one unit of signal processing for data reproduction. The synchronization pattern is also used as information for specifying the separation pattern for each track and the start position of data. These patterns are created in consideration of the rules of the code strings generated by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the multitrack recording encoding unit 120.

  The recording code string for each track is given a desired timing by the output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of the multitrack recording unit 140, and then the recording compensation units 144-1 and 144. At -2, 144-3, a recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed.

  Thereafter, the recording code string for each track is converted from a voltage to a current by the recording amplifiers 147-1, 147-2, and 147-3 and sent to the recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 for recording. Recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 (step S104).

  In the recording apparatus 100, recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed so that the track arrangement is such that the preamble of a plurality of tracks can be reproduced by one reproducing head. In this embodiment, an example of a method of recording each track without gaps in the width direction is illustrated, but even if a region that is not a recording code string, such as a guard band, is provided between the tracks, 1 It is assumed that recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium 2 so that the track arrangement is such that the preambles of a plurality of tracks can be reproduced by one reproducing head.

  Next, a reproducing apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the reproducing apparatus 200 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the playback apparatus 200 includes a playback head array 210, a channel playback unit 220, a signal separation processing unit 230, a multitrack demodulation unit 240, and a restoration unit 260.

  The reproducing head array 210 has N (N = 3) reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 that read signals from the tracks recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2. Each reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3 has its head width and arrangement determined so that a signal can be reproduced from one or more adjacent tracks on the magnetic recording medium 2. Yes.

  The channel reproducing unit 220 amplifies signals reproduced by N reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 mounted on the reproducing head array 210, and N reproducing amplifiers 221-1 and 221-2. , 221-3 and N gain amplifiers 224-1, 224-2 for controlling the gain so that the amplitude levels of the outputs of the N reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, 221-3 become predetermined values. 224-3, and A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 that quantize the outputs of the gain adjusting units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 into digital values having a predetermined bit width. Prepare.

  Note that a low-pass filter that removes unnecessary high-frequency components may be provided immediately before the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 as necessary.

  Further, the gain adjusting units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 may be arranged not in the preceding stage of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 but in the subsequent stage. This is because the bit widths of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 are used more effectively, and the configurations of the gain adjusting units 224-1, 244-2, and 224-3 are included in the preample. This is effective when it is desired to make it simple considering the detection of each pattern.

  The signal separation processing unit 230 includes a synchronization signal detection unit 231, a reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233, a channel estimation calculation unit 234, a reproduction position control processing unit 235, and a signal separation calculation unit 236.

  The synchronization signal detection unit 231 calculates the synchronization pattern in the preamble from the reproduction signals for the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 output from the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3. To detect.

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 detects the gain control pattern in the preamble from the reproduction signal for each of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, R-3 that has passed through the synchronization signal detection unit 231, and performs this gain control. Based on the pattern signal, the gain for the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is calculated, and reproduction for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is performed. Control the level of the signal.

  The channel estimation calculation unit 234 specifies the start position of the separation pattern based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231, and calculates the channel matrix by channel estimation calculation using the reproduction signal of this separation pattern. To do.

  The reproduction position control processing unit 235 is based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 that has passed through the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233. A process for adjusting the playback position of the playback signal is performed.

  The signal separation calculation unit 236 obtains the channel obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 234 from the reproduction signals for the respective reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 whose reproduction positions are aligned by the reproduction position control processing unit 235. Using the matrix, the reproduction signal for each track is separated by a predetermined calculation process.

  As a calculation method of signal separation processing by the signal separation calculation unit 236, for example, a method for obtaining a generalized inverse matrix for a channel matrix can be cited. A method for obtaining a generalized inverse matrix for this channel matrix is generally called a zero-forcing method. However, the method of signal separation processing is not limited to this, and for example, the MMSE (Minimum Mean Squared Error) method can also be used.

  The signal separation processing unit 230 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores information necessary for processing. The signal separation processing unit 230 performs processing by storing information for a predetermined unit including a preamble and data, for example, in the storage unit.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-track demodulation unit 240 performs M equalizers 241-1 and 241-2 that perform equalization processing on the reproduction signal for each track separated by the signal separation operation unit 236. , 241-3, M PLLs 242-1, 242-2, and 242-3 that perform bit synchronization from the outputs of the equalizers 241-1, 241-2, and 241-3, and PLLs 242-1 and 242-2 , 242-3 to generate a code string by binarizing the reproduction signal for each track using the bit synchronization signal generated by M, 243-3, 243-2, 243, 243, for example. -3 and M synchronization signal detectors 244-1 and 244 for detecting a synchronization pattern on the code string from the binarized reproduction signals output from the detectors 243-1, 243-2 and 243-3 -2, 244-3 and synchronous signal M decoders 245-1 and 245-that specify the data start position based on the synchronization patterns detected by the detectors 244-1, 244-2 and 244-3 and decode the data sequence from the code sequence. 2,245-3. Note that the multitrack demodulation unit 240 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores information such as data necessary for performing the above processing.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the restoration unit 260 operates the data of each track output from the M decoders 245-1, 245-2, and 245-3 in the multi-track demodulation unit 240 in the reverse operation to the recording time. And a data combiner 261 for recovering the reproduction data 3 by connecting them.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a unit reproduction operation flow of the reproduction apparatus 200. In the reproducing apparatus 200, first, one unit of the magnetic recording medium 2 is formed by N reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 that can reproduce signals from one or more adjacent tracks. A signal is reproduced from a plurality of tracks (step S201).

  Next, after the gain adjustment units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 adjust the amplitude levels of the outputs of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, and 221-3, the gain adjustment unit 224- The outputs of 1, 244-2 and 224-3 are converted into digital values by the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2 and 225-3 and output to the synchronization signal detector 231 (step S202).

  Next, the synchronization signal detector 231 detects a synchronization pattern for knowing the start position of the separation pattern in the preamble for each output of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3. (Step S203).

  Subsequently, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 detects the gain control pattern in the preamble from the reproduction signal for each of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, R-3 that has passed through the synchronization signal detector 231. Based on this gain control pattern, the gain for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is calculated for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3. The playback signal level is individually controlled (step S204).

  Next, the channel estimation calculation unit 234 specifies the start position of the separation pattern arranged in each reproduction signal based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detector 231, and the reproduction signal of the separation pattern is determined. Based on a predetermined channel estimation calculation, a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction between each reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3 and a plurality of tracks for one unit is obtained (step S205). .

  Next, in the reproduction position control processing unit 235, each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R that has passed through the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231. A process of adjusting the reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each −N is performed (step S206).

  Next, in the signal separation calculation unit 236, channel estimation calculation is performed from the reproduction signals for the respective reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3, in which the reproduction positions of the reproduction signals are aligned by the reproduction position control processing unit 235. Using the channel matrix obtained by the unit 234, a process for separating the reproduction signal for each track is performed (step S207).

  Thereafter, the multi-track demodulator 240 decodes the data sequence from the reproduction signal for each track (step S208), and the reconstruction unit 260 concatenates the data for each track to obtain reproduction data 3 ( Step S209).

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a data format on the magnetic recording medium 2 on which recording is performed by the recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

  Track # 1, track # 2, and track # 3 are tracks recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by M (M = 3) recording heads of the recording apparatus 100, respectively. Preamble 21 and data 22 are recorded on track # 1, track # 2, and track # 3, respectively. As described above, the preamble 21 includes, as information necessary for reproducing the data 22, a gain control pattern used for learning for gain control with respect to a reproduction signal, a synchronization pattern used for bit synchronization processing, and the like. This includes a separation pattern necessary for calculating a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction between the read head and a plurality of tracks of one unit.

  Here, a unit 51 as a unit of signal processing for reproducing data is a group of M preambles 21 and M data 22 in each of M tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3. It is.

  In the magnetic recording medium 2, S units 51 are arranged in parallel to each other, and an area where nothing is recorded, which is called a guard band 52, is provided between the adjacent units 51. The purpose of the guard band 52 is to prevent the track of the adjacent unit 51 from being reproduced.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the preamble 21 in the data format of FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the preamble 21 includes a first preamble 23 and a second preamble 24. The first preamble 23 includes gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, 25-3 and synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, and gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2. , 25-3 and the synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26-3 are continuously arranged. The second preamble 24 is composed of separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, 27-3. On the track # 1, the gain control pattern 25-1, the synchronization pattern 26-1, and the separation pattern 27-1 are arranged in this order from the top. On the track # 2, the gain control pattern 25-2 and the synchronization pattern 26- are arranged from the top. 2 and the separation pattern 27-2, and on the track # 3, the gain control pattern 25-3, the synchronization pattern 26-3, and the separation pattern 27-3 are arranged in this order from the top. Data 22 is arranged after the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3. Data 22 is a recording code string created by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the recording apparatus 100 of FIG. The first preamble 23 and the second preamble 24 are added to the recording code string by the independent preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, and 131-3.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the widths of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 are 1.5 times the track width. That is, the width of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 is 1.5 times the head width of the recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3, and the individual reproducing heads R-1 , R-2, and R-3 can reproduce signals from a plurality of tracks. That is, the reproducing head R-1 reproduces a signal over the tracks # 1 and # 2, and the reproducing head R-2 reproduces a signal over the three tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3. The reproducing head R-3 reproduces the signal across the track # 2 and the track # 3.

  In the first preamble 23, the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, 25-3 and the synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, # 3 are respectively They are arranged so that their positions do not overlap each other. That is, in FIG. 7, the gain control pattern 25-1 and the synchronization pattern 26-1 of the track # 1 are in the T1 section, and the gain control pattern 25-2 and the synchronization pattern 26-2 of the track # 2 are in the T2 section. 3 gain control pattern 25-3 and synchronization pattern 26-3 are arranged in the T3 section. A gap 28 for a margin is provided between the recording sections of the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, 25-3 and the synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26-3 of adjacent tracks. Yes.

  At the time of reproduction, the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are, for example, gain adjustment units 224-1 in the reproduction apparatus 200 shown in FIG. It is used as a learning signal for gain control of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, and 221-3 by 224-2 and 224-3. The gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 are used for learning for detecting bit synchronization by the synchronization signal detector 231 and a reproduction signal by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 as necessary. It is also used for level control. Furthermore, the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 are used by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 for reproduction position control of each reproduction signal as necessary.

  At the time of reproduction, the synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, and 26-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are, for example, stored in the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 by the synchronization signal detector 231. This is used as information for knowing the start positions of the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, 27-3 and the start position of the data 22. The synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, and 26-3 are used for playback position control of each playback signal in the playback position control processing unit 235.

  In this data format, in the first preamble 23, gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, 25-3 and synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26- of each track # 1, # 2, # 3 are recorded. 3 are arranged so that their positions do not overlap with each other, even if the channel clock positions of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are not aligned, the individual reproducing heads R-1, R- When 2 and R-3 reproduce a signal across a plurality of tracks, the output of the reproduction signal does not decrease due to cancellation by the recording signal of each track. Thus, the above control using the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, 25-3 and the synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26-3 can be performed satisfactorily.

  On the other hand, in the second preamble 24, the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, 27-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are reproduced by the channel estimation calculation unit 234 during reproduction. Used to obtain a channel matrix necessary for the calculation for separating the reproduction signals for tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 from the reproduction signals for R1, R-2, and R-3 by channel estimation calculation unit 234 Pattern.

  These separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3 are also arranged so that their positions do not overlap each other. That is, in FIG. 7, the separation pattern 27-1 for track # 1 is recorded in the T4 section, the separation pattern 27-2 for track # 2 is recorded in the T5 section, and the separation pattern 27-3 for track # 3 is recorded in the T6 section. ing. As a result, the types of separation patterns are the T4 section, the T5 section, and the T6 section, and there are three types corresponding to the number of tracks. A gap 29 for a predetermined time is provided for a margin between the recording sections of the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3 of adjacent tracks.

  Here, the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3 are recorded at a predetermined recording wavelength equal to or greater than the minimum recording wavelength.

  During reproduction, the channel estimation calculation unit 234 performs channel estimation calculation using the reproduction signals of the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3, and generates a channel matrix as a result. This channel matrix corresponds to position information in the track width direction of the individual reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 for the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 in one unit, in other words. Information indicating which track in the unit overlaps with which track in each unit, each reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3.

  Next, a specific example of reproduction signal gain control by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 will be described.

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 uses, for example, the following reproduction signals from the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 for the respective reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3. In this way, the gain of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is calculated, and the level of each reproduction signal is controlled.

  For example, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 adds the gain control pattern signals respectively reproduced from the track # 1 and the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-1 in FIG. Similarly, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 adds gain control pattern signals reproduced from the track # 1, the track # 2, and the track # 3 by the reproduction head R-2. Similarly, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 adds the gain control pattern signals reproduced from the track # 2 and the track # 3 by the reproduction head R-3.

  The addition of the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern is performed, for example, by detecting the peak value of the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern in each track and obtaining the average value thereof. Note that this calculation is not limited to the above method, and another method may be used as long as the correlation between the reproduced signals is established.

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 selects the maximum one of the three calculation results obtained as described above, and uses this as a reference output for all the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, R-3. And The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 outputs, as a control result, a value obtained by multiplying the input reproduction signal value for each reproduction head by 1 / (reference output).

  Note that this reference output can be used in channel estimation calculation in the channel estimation calculation unit 234, and can also be used in the signal separation calculation unit 236.

  Next, details of the control for adjusting the reproduction position of each reproduction signal by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 in the reproduction apparatus 200 of the first embodiment will be described.

  First, the principle that discrepancy occurs in the reproduction position of each reproduction signal will be described.

  FIGS. 8 to 11 extract and model a part of the data format of FIG. 7 so that the recording position and the reproduction position for each track can be known on the basis of the channel clock position P at the time of recording and reproduction of the track # 1. It is the figure shown in.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a recording state in which recording is performed for each track # 1, # 2, and # 3 without aligning the recording position and the channel clock phases are aligned. Here, the recording position of track # 2 is shifted toward the head traveling direction 13 side by one clock with respect to the recording position of the other track. S1 indicates the amount of deviation at the time of recording.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the reproduction position of the reproduction signal when the magnetic recording medium 2 having the recording state of FIG. 8 is reproduced for each track # 1, # 2, and # 3 without arranging the reproduction position. is there. The head widths of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 are 1.5 times the track width, and the reproducing head R-1 reproduces a signal across the track # 1 and the track # 2, The reproducing head R-2 reproduces a signal over three tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3, and the reproducing head R-3 reproduces a signal over a track # 2 and a track # 3. To do. In the representation of the reproduction signal in FIG. 9, the size of the reproduction signal in the track width direction corresponds to the output size. In this example, the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-2 is shifted to the opposite side of the head traveling direction by the deviation amount of S2, and the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-3 is advanced by the deviation amount of S3. It is shifted to the direction 13 side.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a recording state in which recording is performed for each of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 without aligning the recording position, and in addition, the channel clock phase is not aligned. The recording position of track # 2 is shifted toward the head moving direction 13 by the amount of shift of S4, and the recording position of track # 3 is shifted toward the head moving direction 13 by the amount of shift of S5. Note that the values of S4 and S5 are values less than the width of the channel clock.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reproduction position of the reproduction signal when the magnetic recording medium 2 having the recording state of FIG. 10 is reproduced without aligning the reproduction position for each track # 1, # 2, and # 3. is there. In this example, the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-2 is shifted toward the head traveling direction 13 by the deviation amount of S6, and the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-3 is the head movement direction 13 by the deviation amount of S7. It is shifted to the side.

  As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when recording is performed without aligning the recording position for each track, and when reproduction is performed without aligning the playback position even during playback, the synchronization pattern of each track is detected. The reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head cannot always be adjusted only based on the result obtained. That is, if the playback position of each playback signal is aligned based on the result of detecting the synchronization pattern of each track in a situation where the recording position is not aligned for each track, the inconsistency of the recording position shift remains as it is. It will remain in the matching result.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 is based on the synchronization signal detected from the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 by the synchronization signal detection unit 231. In the following manner, processing for adjusting the reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 is performed.

  In FIG. 6, the head widths of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 are set to 1.5 times the track width, and the reproducing head R-1 receives signals across the track # 1 and the track # 2. The reproducing head R-2 reproduces the signal across the three tracks # 1, # 2 and # 3, and the reproducing head R-3 reproduces the signal across the track # 2 and the track # 3. Reproduce. The synchronization signal detection processing in the synchronization signal detection unit 231 is configured to detect a plurality of synchronization patterns for each reproduction signal. Thus, the reproduction head R-1 uses the synchronization pattern and the track # 1 of the track # 1. The synchronization pattern of # 2 can be detected. Further, the reproducing head R-2 can detect the synchronization pattern of track # 1, the synchronization pattern of track # 2, and the synchronization pattern of track # 3. Further, the reproducing head R-3 can detect the synchronization pattern of track # 2 and the synchronization pattern of track # 3.

  The reproduction position control processing unit 235 synchronizes from the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-2 with reference to the detection position of the synchronization pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-1. The amount and direction of the shift of the pattern detection position is determined, and this determination result is used as the shift information of the playback position of the playback signal by the playback head R-2. Similarly, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 uses the detection position of the synchronization pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-1 as a reference, and the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-3. The amount and direction of the shift of the detection position of the synchronization pattern from is determined, and this determination result is used as the shift information of the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-3.

  Thus, for example, in the example of FIG. 9, as the deviation information of the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-2, “the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-2 with respect to the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-1”. Is reproduced by the amount of deviation of S2 to the opposite side of the head traveling direction. Further, as reproduction position deviation information of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-3, “reproduction by the reproduction head R-1” is obtained. The reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-3 is deviated from the signal reproduction position by the deviation amount of S3 toward the head traveling direction 13 ". Similarly, in the example of FIG. 11, the reproduction position deviation information of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-2 is “reproduction of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-2 with respect to the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-1. The position is shifted to the head traveling direction 13 side by the shift amount of S6 ”, and“ reproduction of reproduction signal by reproduction head R-1 ”is further obtained as reproduction position deviation information of reproduction signal by reproduction head R-3. With respect to the position, the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-3 is shifted toward the head traveling direction 13 by the shift amount of S7 ".

  The reproduction position control processing unit 235 reproduces the reproduction position of each reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 based on the reproduction position deviation information of the reproduction signal thus obtained. Are adjusted by signal processing so as to match. The reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is adjusted within a predetermined range within the accuracy of synchronization pattern detection.

  As a result, even when recording is performed without aligning the recording position for each track, and reproduction is performed without aligning the playback position for each track, each of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 is performed. The reproduction positions of the reproduction signals can be made uniform, and the subsequent signal separation process can be performed satisfactorily.

  Prior to the control operation of the reproduction position control processing unit 235, the synchronization pattern of the track # 2 is applied to the reproduction signals of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 as necessary. It is desirable to perform gain control so that the detection can be performed satisfactorily. That is, since the output level of the reproduction signal of the track # 2 obtained by the reproducing heads R-1 and R-3 on both sides is low, the reproducing heads R- on both sides are raised by raising the level to a level sufficient to detect the synchronization pattern. The sync pattern can be detected well from the reproduction signals of 1 and R-3.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the case where the synchronization pattern of a predetermined track (for example, track # 2) is reproduced by all the reproduction heads has been described. However, reproduction position control by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 is performed in this way. It is possible even if it is not a case.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the data format of FIG. 7 and each reproducing head. In this example, the position of the reproducing head array 210 in the track width direction in FIG. 7 is shifted upward with respect to the appropriate position, and the synchronization pattern of the track # 2 cannot be reproduced by the reproducing head R-1. It is.

  In this example, attention is first focused on the synchronization pattern of track # 1. The synchronization pattern of the track # 1 is reproduced by the reproduction heads R-1 and R-2 (not shown), and the reproduction position control processing unit 235 is reproduced from the track # 1 by the reproduction head R-1. Based on the detection position of the synchronization pattern from the signal, the amount and direction of the shift of the detection position of the synchronization pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 1 by the reproduction head R-2 is determined. -2 is the reproduction position deviation information of the reproduction signal.

  Next, attention is focused on the synchronization pattern of track # 2. Since the synchronization pattern of the track # 2 is reproduced by the reproduction heads R-2 and R-3 (not shown), the reproduction position control processing unit 235 is reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-2. Based on the detected position of the sync pattern from the read signal, the amount and direction of the shift of the detected position of the sync pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproducing head R-3 is determined, and the result of the determination is used as the reproducing head. The reproduction position deviation information of the reproduction signal by R-3 is used.

  Then, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 uses the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-1 as a reference based on the reproduction position deviation information of the two reproduction signals, and performs other reproduction heads R-2, R-2, Deviation information of the reproduction position of each reproduction signal of R-3 is created, and based on this, the reproduction position of each reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is made to coincide. Adjustment is performed by signal processing.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modification of the data format of FIG. In this data format, the number of tracks and the number of reproducing heads constituting a unit are four. The arrangement of the first preamble 23 and the second preamble 24 in the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 is the same as that in FIG. 7, but the position of the first preamble 23 in the track # 4 in the track traveling direction is The position of the first preamble 23 of track # 1 is the same. The reproducing head R-1 reproduces the signal across the tracks # 1 and # 2, and the reproducing head R-2 reproduces the signal across the three tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3. Head R-3 reproduces a signal across three tracks # 2, # 3, and # 4, and reproduction head R-4 reproduces a signal across tracks # 3 and # 4. The head width and arrangement of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 are determined.

  In this example, as described in the example of FIG. 7, for example, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 first uses the detection position of the synchronization pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-1 as a reference. The amount and direction of the detection position shift of the synchronization pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-2 is determined, and this determination result is used as information on the deviation of the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-2. To do. Similarly, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 uses the detection position of the synchronization pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-1 as a reference, and the signal reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-3. The amount and direction of the shift of the detection position of the synchronization pattern from is determined, and this determination result is used as the shift information of the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-3.

  Next, attention is focused on the synchronization pattern of track # 4. Since the synchronization pattern of the track # 4 is reproduced by the reproduction heads R-3 and R-4, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 performs the synchronization pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 4 by the reproduction head R-3. The amount and direction of the detection position shift of the synchronization pattern from the signal reproduced from the track # 4 by the reproduction head R-4 is determined with reference to the detection position of the reproduction head R-4. Information on the playback position of In this case, the reproduction position deviation information of the reproduction signal by R-4 is relative information to R-3, and is therefore relative information. By combining with other deviation information, the deviation based on the predetermined position is used. Information can be obtained.

  Then, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 uses the reproduction position of the reproduction head R-1 as a reference based on the reproduction position deviation information of each reproduction signal obtained above, and performs other reproduction heads R-2 and R-3. , R-4 reproduction position deviation information of each reproduction signal is created, and based on this, reproduction position of each reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 Are adjusted by signal processing so as to match.

  The playback position control described in the present embodiment can be similarly applied to a data format having five or more tracks.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, control is performed so that the reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head is matched based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern of the track reproduced in common among a plurality of reproduction heads. Therefore, even when recording is performed without aligning the recording position for each track, and reproduction is performed without aligning the reproduction position for each track, the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, The reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each R-3 can be made uniform, and the subsequent signal separation processing can be performed satisfactorily. Therefore, more stable reproduction signal processing can be performed, and high track density can be realized.

  The above has been described on the assumption that the width of the reproducing head is 1.5 times the track width, and each reproducing head is arranged so that each reproducing head performs reproduction over a plurality of tracks. The position of each reproducing head in the track width direction may be controlled so that each reproducing head is arranged across a plurality of tracks. Thereby, even if the width of the reproducing head is made narrower, it is possible to ensure a state where each reproducing head straddles a plurality of tracks.

  Next, a modification of this embodiment is shown.

  In the above embodiment, the separation pattern as shown in FIG. 7 is used as a pattern necessary for detecting the positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between each reproduction head and a plurality of tracks for one unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, tracking servo information can be used. In this case, a summary of the positional relationship between each recording pattern of the tracking servo information and each reproducing head in units is generated as channel estimation information.

  Further, the channel estimation calculation may be performed using both the means for detecting the positional relationship using the separation pattern and the means for detecting the positional relationship using the tracking servo information.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case where a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns or 4 rows and 4 columns is calculated as the channel estimation information has been described. However, even if it is another square matrix, by obtaining its generalized inverse matrix Signal separation processing can be performed. Furthermore, a generalized inverse matrix may be obtained in the same manner for a matrix other than a square matrix.

  Note that the type of separation pattern needs to correspond to the number of tracks in order to obtain a generalized inverse matrix.

  The separation pattern is a pattern having the number of tracks that are primary independent of each other. For example, when the number of recording heads is 3 and the number of reproducing heads is 4, that is, when the number of recording tracks is 3 and the number of reproducing signals is 4, there are three types of separation patterns that are primarily independent of each other. It is assumed to be composed of the following pattern.

  The amount of information for gain control may be increased by additionally arranging the gain control pattern arranged in the first preamble behind the synchronization pattern.

  The same pattern may be adopted as the gain control pattern arranged in the first preamble and the separation pattern arranged in the second preamble.

  In the above embodiment, the separation pattern orthogonal to the time axis is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a separation pattern orthogonal to the frequency axis or an orthogonal code is used. A separated pattern may be used.

  (Second Embodiment)

  Next, another recording apparatus and reproducing apparatus in a magnetic recording / reproducing system using a multi-head will be described as a second embodiment of the present invention. The recording apparatus of this embodiment is an apparatus for recording signals on a magnetic recording medium with the recording positions aligned for each track, and the reproducing apparatus reproduces the signals from the magnetic recording media without aligning the reproduction positions for each track. Device. Here, the number of recording heads is M, the number of reproducing heads is N, and in this embodiment, M = 3 and N = 3.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of the recording apparatus 101 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 101 includes a multitracking unit 110, a multitrack recording encoding unit 120, a multitrack preamble adding unit 130, a multitrack recording unit 140, and a recording head array 150.

  The multitrack unit 110 distributes the recording data 1 to the number of recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 (M = 3) provided in the recording head array 150 for multitracking. The data distributor 111 is used.

  The multitrack recording encoding unit 120 includes M recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 that encode the recording data allocated to M by the data distributor 111.

  The multitrack preamble adding unit 130 adds M specific preambles 132-1, 132-2, and 132- to each recording data encoded by the multitrack recording encoding unit 120 for adding a specific preamble for each track. It is composed of three.

  The multi-track recording unit 140 is a means for recording the recording code string of each track to which the preamble is added on a recording medium. More specifically, the multi-track recording unit 140 provides M timings that give a desired timing to the recording code string to which the preamble is added. Output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2, 141-3, M recording compensation units 144-1, 144-2, 144-3 that perform recording compensation processing, and recording code strings after recording compensation processing Originally, it is composed of M recording amplifiers 147-1, 147-2, and 147-3 for driving the individual recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the unit recording operation by the recording apparatus 101. In this recording apparatus 101, first, the input recording data 1 is configured by the multitracking unit 110 as data (M = 3) of recording heads W-1, W-2, W-3, that is, a unit. It is distributed to the data corresponding to the number of tracks to be performed (step S111).

  Each distributed data is encoded into a code string in consideration of recording / reproducing characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the multi-track recording encoding unit 120, respectively. Is done. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation such as a synchronization pattern for demodulation is also added to the data code string (step S112).

  Next, control of reproducing unit-unit data at a predetermined position of each encoded recording data by the preamble adding units 132-1, 132-2, and 132-3 of the multitrack preamble adding unit 130 is performed. Therefore, a necessary pattern is added as a preamble, and a recording code string is obtained (step S113).

  Here, as a preamble necessary for data reproduction control, for example, a gain control pattern used for learning for gain control with respect to a reproduction signal, a synchronization pattern used for synchronization detection for bit synchronization processing, and the like, and There is a separation pattern necessary for calculating a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction between a plurality of reproducing heads and a plurality of tracks for one unit. The plurality of tracks for one unit are a plurality of tracks constituting one unit of signal processing for data reproduction. The synchronization pattern is also used as information for specifying the separation pattern for each track and the start position of data. These patterns are created in consideration of the rules of the code strings generated by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the multitrack recording encoding unit 120.

  The recording code string for each track is given a desired timing by the output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2, and 141-3 of the multitrack recording unit 140, and then the recording compensation units 144-1 and 144. At -2, 144-3, a recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed.

  Thereafter, the recording code string for each track is converted from a voltage to a current by the recording amplifiers 147-1, 147-2, and 147-3 and sent to the recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 for recording. Recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 (step S114).

  In the recording apparatus 101, recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium 2 so as to have a track arrangement in which the preamble of a plurality of tracks can be reproduced by one reproducing head. In this embodiment, an example of a method of recording each track without gaps in the width direction is illustrated, but even if a region that is not a recording code string, such as a guard band, is provided between the tracks, 1 It is assumed that recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium 2 so that the track arrangement is such that the preambles of a plurality of tracks can be reproduced by one reproducing head.

  Next, a reproducing apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reproducing apparatus 201 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the second embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the reproducing apparatus 201 includes a reproducing head array 210, a channel reproducing unit 220, a signal separation processing unit 230, a multitrack demodulation unit 240, and a restoration unit 260.

  The reproducing head array 210 has N (N = 3) reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 that read signals from the tracks recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2. Each reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3 has its head width and arrangement determined so that a signal can be reproduced from one or more adjacent tracks on the magnetic recording medium 2. Yes.

  The channel reproducing unit 220 amplifies signals reproduced by N reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 mounted on the reproducing head array 210, and N reproducing amplifiers 221-1 and 221-2. , 221-3 and N gain amplifiers 224-1, 224-2 for controlling the gain so that the amplitude levels of the outputs of the N reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, 221-3 become predetermined values. 224-3, and A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 that quantize the outputs of the gain adjusting units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 into digital values having a predetermined bit width. Prepare.

  Note that a low-pass filter that removes unnecessary high-frequency components may be provided immediately before the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 as necessary.

  Further, the gain adjusting units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 may be arranged not in the preceding stage of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 but in the subsequent stage. This is because the bit widths of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3 are used more effectively, and the configurations of the gain adjusting units 224-1, 244-2, and 224-3 are included in the preample. This is effective when it is desired to make it simple considering the detection of each pattern.

  The signal separation processing unit 230 includes a synchronization signal detection unit 231, a channel estimation calculation unit 234, a reproduction position control processing unit 235, and a signal separation calculation unit 236.

  The synchronization signal detection unit 231 calculates the synchronization pattern in the preamble from the reproduction signals for the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 output from the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3. To detect.

  The channel estimation calculation unit 234 specifies the start position of the separation pattern based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231, and calculates the channel matrix by channel estimation calculation using the reproduction signal of this separation pattern. To do.

  The reproduction position control processing unit 235 performs processing for matching the reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231. .

  The signal separation calculation unit 236 obtains the channel obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 234 from the reproduction signals for the respective reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 whose reproduction positions are aligned by the reproduction position control processing unit 235. Using the matrix, the reproduction signal for each track is separated by a predetermined calculation process.

  As a calculation method of signal separation processing by the signal separation calculation unit 236, for example, a method for obtaining a generalized inverse matrix for a channel matrix can be cited. A method for obtaining a generalized inverse matrix for this channel matrix is generally called a zero-forcing method. However, the method of signal separation processing is not limited to this, and for example, the MMSE (Minimum Mean Squared Error) method can also be used.

  The signal separation processing unit 230 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores information necessary for processing. The signal separation processing unit 230 performs processing by storing information for a predetermined unit including a preamble and data, for example, in the storage unit.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-track demodulation unit 240 performs M equalizers 241-1 and 241-2 that perform equalization processing on the reproduction signal for each track separated by the signal separation operation unit 236. , 241-3, M PLLs 242-1, 242-2, and 242-3 that perform bit synchronization from the outputs of the equalizers 241-1, 241-2, and 241-3, and PLLs 242-1 and 242-2 , 242-3 to generate a code string by binarizing the reproduction signal for each track using the bit synchronization signal generated by M, 243-3, 243-2, 243, 243, for example. -3 and M synchronization signal detectors 244-1 and 244 for detecting a synchronization pattern on the code string from the binarized reproduction signals output from the detectors 243-1, 243-2 and 243-3 -2, 244-3 and synchronous signal M decoders 245-1 and 245-that specify the data start position based on the synchronization patterns detected by the detectors 244-1, 244-2 and 244-3 and decode the data sequence from the code sequence. 2,245-3. Note that the multitrack demodulation unit 240 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores information such as data necessary for performing the above processing.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the restoration unit 260 operates the data of each track output from the M decoders 245-1, 245-2, and 245-3 in the multi-track demodulation unit 240 in the reverse operation to the recording time. And a data combiner 261 for recovering the reproduction data 3 by connecting them.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of unit playback operation of the playback apparatus 201. In the reproducing apparatus 201, first, one unit of the magnetic recording medium 2 is formed by N reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 that can reproduce signals from one or more adjacent tracks. A signal is reproduced from the plurality of tracks (step S211).

  Next, after the gain adjustment units 224-1, 224-2, and 224-3 adjust the amplitude levels of the outputs of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, and 221-3, the gain adjustment unit 224- The outputs of 1, 244-2 and 224-3 are converted into digital values by the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2 and 225-3 and output to the synchronization signal detector 231 (step S212).

  Next, the synchronization signal detector 231 detects a synchronization pattern for knowing the start position of the separation pattern in the preamble for each output of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3. (Step S213).

  Subsequently, the channel estimation calculation unit 234 specifies the start position of the separation pattern arranged in each reproduction signal based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detector 231, and the reproduction signal of the separation pattern is determined. Based on a predetermined channel estimation calculation, a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction between each reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3 and a plurality of tracks for one unit is obtained (step S214). .

  Next, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 determines the reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, RN based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231. The matching process is performed (step S215).

  Next, in the signal separation calculation unit 236, the channel estimation calculation unit 234 uses the reproduction signal for each of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, R-3 whose reproduction positions are aligned by the reproduction position control processing unit 235. Using the obtained channel matrix, a process of separating the reproduction signal for each track is performed (step S216).

  After this, the multi-track demodulator 240 decodes the data sequence from the reproduction signal for each track (step S217), and the reconstruction unit 260 concatenates the data of each track to obtain reproduction data 3 (step S217). S218).

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of the preamble 21 recorded by the recording apparatus 101 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the preamble 21 includes gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, 25-3 and synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26-3. The gain control pattern 25-1 , 25-2, 25-3 and the synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26-3 are continuously arranged. The second preamble 24 is composed of separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, 27-3. On the track # 1, the gain control pattern 25-1, the synchronization pattern 26-1, and the separation pattern 27-1 are arranged in this order from the top. On the track # 2, the gain control pattern 25-2 and the synchronization pattern 26- are arranged from the top. 2 and the separation pattern 27-2, and on the track # 3, the gain control pattern 25-3, the synchronization pattern 26-3, and the separation pattern 27-3 are arranged in this order from the top. Data 22 is arranged after the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3. Data 22 is a recording code string created by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the recording apparatus 101 of FIG. 14 at the time of recording. The first preamble 23 and the second preamble 24 are added to the recording code string by the preamble adding units 132-1, 132-2, and 132-3.

  In the example of FIG. 18, the width of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R-3 is 1.5 times the track width. That is, the width of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 is 1.5 times the head width of the recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3, and the individual reproducing heads R-1 , R-2, and R-3 can reproduce signals from a plurality of tracks. That is, the reproducing head R-1 reproduces a signal over the tracks # 1 and # 2, and the reproducing head R-2 reproduces a signal over the three tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3. The reproducing head R-3 reproduces the signal across the track # 2 and the track # 3.

  In the first preamble 23, the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, 25-3 and the synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, 26-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, # 3 are They are arranged at the same position in the traveling direction.

  At the time of reproduction, the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are, for example, gain adjustment units 224-1 in the reproduction apparatus 201 shown in FIG. It is used as a learning signal for gain control of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, and 221-3 by 224-2 and 224-3. The gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 are also used for learning for bit synchronization detection by the synchronization signal detector 231 as necessary. Furthermore, the gain control patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 are used by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 for reproduction position control of each reproduction signal as necessary.

  At the time of reproduction, the synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, and 26-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are, for example, stored in the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 by the synchronization signal detector 231. This is used as information for knowing the start positions of the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, 27-3 and the start position of the data 22. The synchronization patterns 26-1, 26-2, and 26-3 are used for playback position control of each playback signal in the playback position control processing unit 235.

  On the other hand, in the second preamble 24, the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, 27-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are reproduced by the channel estimation calculation unit 234 during reproduction. Used to obtain a channel matrix necessary for the calculation for separating the reproduction signals for tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 from the reproduction signals for R1, R-2, and R-3 by channel estimation calculation unit 234 Pattern.

  These separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3 are arranged so that their positions in the track traveling direction do not overlap each other. That is, in FIG. 18, the separation pattern 27-1 for track # 1 is recorded in the T4 section, the separation pattern 27-2 for track # 2 is recorded in the T5 section, and the separation pattern 27-3 for track # 3 is recorded in the T6 section. ing. As a result, the types of separation patterns are the T4 section, the T5 section, and the T6 section, and there are three types corresponding to the number of tracks. A gap 29 for a predetermined time is provided for a margin between the recording sections of the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3 of adjacent tracks.

  Here, the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3 are recorded at a predetermined recording wavelength equal to or greater than the minimum recording wavelength.

  During reproduction, the channel estimation calculation unit 234 performs channel estimation calculation using the reproduction signals of the separation patterns 27-1, 27-2, and 27-3, and generates a channel matrix as a result. This channel matrix corresponds to position information in the track width direction of the individual reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 for the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 in one unit, in other words. Information indicating which track in the unit overlaps with which track in each unit, each reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3.

  In the second embodiment, the configuration of the preamble is not limited to FIG. For example, the amount of information for gain control may be increased by additionally arranging a gain control pattern arranged in the first preamble behind the synchronization pattern. In addition, the same pattern may be adopted as the gain control pattern arranged in the first preamble and the separation pattern arranged in the second preamble.

  Next, details of the control for adjusting the reproduction position of each reproduction signal by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 in the reproduction apparatus 201 of the second embodiment will be described.

  First, the principle that discrepancy occurs in the reproduction position of each reproduction signal will be described.

  19 and 20 extract and model a part of the data format of FIG. 18 so that the recording position and the reproduction position for each track can be known with reference to the channel clock position P at the time of recording and reproduction of track # 1. FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a recording state in which recording is performed with the recording positions aligned for each of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3, and the channel clock phases are also aligned.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the position of a reproduction signal when the magnetic recording medium 2 having the recording state of FIG. 19 is reproduced without aligning the reproduction position for each track # 1, # 2, and # 3. Here, the head width of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 is 1.5 times the track width, and the reproducing head R-1 transmits a signal across the track # 1 and the track # 2. Playback head R-2 reproduces a signal across three tracks # 1, # 2 and # 3, and reproduction head R-3 reproduces a signal across track # 2 and track # 3 It shall be. In the reproduction signal expression in FIG. 20, the size of the reproduction signal in the track width direction corresponds to the output size. In this example, the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-2 is shifted toward the head moving direction 13 side by the deviation amount of S1 with respect to the reproduction position of the reproduction signal by the reproduction head R-1, and reproduction by the reproduction head R-3 is performed. The signal reproduction position is shifted toward the head traveling direction 13 by the shift amount of S2.

  As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, when the recording is performed with the recording position aligned for each track and the reproduction is performed without aligning the reproduction position at the time of reproduction, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 Based on the detection result of the track synchronization pattern, reproduction position deviation information of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is created. Then, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 performs adjustment by signal processing so as to match the reproduction positions of the reproduction signals for the respective reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 based on the deviation information. .

  When the recording positions of the tracks are aligned, it is not always necessary to arrange the reproducing head so as to straddle a plurality of tracks. Further, the data format is not limited to that shown in FIG. 18, and as shown in FIG. 7, the gain control pattern and the synchronization pattern of each track are arranged so that the positions in the track traveling direction do not overlap each other. The present invention can also be applied when a data format is adopted. Furthermore, the playback position control described in the present embodiment can be applied to a data format having four or more tracks as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, when reproducing the magnetic recording medium 2 recorded with the recording positions aligned for each track, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 detects the synchronization pattern of each track. Based on the result, adjustment can be performed by signal processing so that the reproduction positions of the reproduction signals for the respective reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 coincide with each other, and a high track density can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, the modification described in the first embodiment can be similarly adopted.

  (Third embodiment)

  Next, a magnetic recording / reproducing system using a single head will be described as a third embodiment of the present invention. The recording device of this embodiment is a device for recording a signal on the magnetic recording medium without aligning the recording position for each track, and the reproducing device reproduces the signal without aligning the reproducing position for each track from the magnetic recording medium. It is a device to do.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus 300 in the magnetic recording / reproducing method according to the third embodiment.

  The recording apparatus 300 performs unit recording with a single head. Here, the predetermined number of times that the unit is recorded by one recording head is M, and the predetermined number of times that the unit is reproduced by one reproducing head is N. In this embodiment, M = 3 and N = 3. And

  As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 300 includes a multitrack unit 110, a multitrack recording encoding unit 120, a multitrack preamble adding unit 130, a multitrack recording unit 140, and a recording head array 150.

  The multitrack recording encoding unit 120 includes M recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 that encode the recording data allocated to M by the data distributor 111.

  The multitrack preamble adding unit 130 adds M preambles necessary for controlling data reproduction in units of units to each recording data encoded by the multitrack recording encoding unit 120. 1, 131-2, 131-3. These independent preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, and 131-3 are such that at least the adjacent tracks advance each other in order to prevent the preambles of a plurality of tracks from being simultaneously reproduced by the reproducing head during reproduction. Preamble is added with the positional relationship shifted in FIG.

  The multi-track recording unit 140 includes a storage unit 149 that stores recording data for at least one unit, one output timing setting unit 141 that gives a desired timing to the recording code string of each track to which the preamble is added, and a recording The recording compensation unit 144 includes a recording compensation unit 144 that performs compensation processing, and a recording amplifier 147 that drives the recording head W-1 based on the recording code string after the recording compensation processing.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations during unit recording of the recording apparatus 300. In the recording apparatus 300, first, the input recording data 1 is distributed to M (M = 3) pieces of data (data for each track) by the multitracking unit 110 (step S301).

  Each distributed data is encoded into a code string in consideration of recording / reproducing characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, and 121-3 of the multi-track recording encoding unit 120, respectively. Is done. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation, such as a demodulation synchronization pattern, is also added to the code string (step S302).

  Next, at a predetermined position of each encoded recording data, the M independent preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, 131-3 of the multi-track preamble adding unit 130 store the unit unit data. A pattern necessary for reproduction control is added as a preamble, and a recording code string is obtained (step S303). The recording code string for each track to which the preamble is added in this way is stored in the storage unit 149 (step S304).

  Thereafter, the recording code string of the track to be recorded first is read from the storage unit 149 (step S305), and a desired timing is given to the recording code string of this track by the output timing setting unit 141. The recording compensation unit 144 performs a recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2, the recording amplifier 147 converts the voltage into a current, and the recording head W-1 converts the magnetic recording medium 2. (Step S306).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the recording of one unit of track has been completed (step S307). If not completed (NO in step S307), the recording head W-1 is moved to the next position (step S308). ). Thereafter, the recording code string of the next track is read from the storage unit 149, and the processing for recording is similarly repeated. The above operation is repeated until recording of a track for one unit is completed.

  Next, a modification of the recording apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the third embodiment will be shown.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus 301 which is a modification of the recording apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the third embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 301 includes a recording encoding unit 121 that records and encodes recording data in a predetermined unit, for example, recording data for a predetermined number of tracks, and encoded recording data for each track. In other words, the preamble required for controlling data reproduction in units of units is shifted in the direction of track advancement between at least adjacent tracks so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproduction head during reproduction. An independent preamble adding unit 131 that is added in a positional relationship, a storage unit 149, an output timing setting unit 141 that gives a desired timing to the recording code string to which the preamble is added, a recording compensation unit 144 that performs recording compensation processing, and a recording A recording amplifier 147 for driving the recording head W-1 based on the recording code string after the compensation processing; It is configured. That is, the multitrack recording unit 110 (data distributor 111) is omitted from the configuration of the recording apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 21, and the multitrack recording encoding unit 120 is configured by one recording encoding unit 121. The multitrack preamble adding unit 130 is composed of one independent preamble adding unit 131.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the unit recording operation flow of the recording apparatus 301.

  In this recording apparatus 301, first, recording data in a predetermined unit, for example, recording data for a predetermined number of tracks, is encoded into a code string in consideration of recording / reproduction characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording encoding unit 121. Is done. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation such as a synchronization pattern for demodulation is also added to the data code string (step S311).

  Next, the independent preamble adding unit 131 adds a pattern necessary for control of reproducing the data in units at a predetermined position of each encoded recording data as a preamble, thereby obtaining a recording code string. (Step S312). The recording code string for each track to which the preamble code is added in this way is stored in the storage unit 149 (step S313).

  Thereafter, the recording code string of the track to be recorded first is read from the storage unit 149 (step S314), and a desired timing is given to the recording code string of this track by the output timing setting unit 141, and then the recording is performed. The compensation unit 144 performs a recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2, and the recording amplifier 147 converts the voltage into a current. The recording head W-1 applies the recording compensation process to the magnetic recording medium 2. It is recorded (step S315).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not recording of one unit of track has been completed (step S316). If not completed (NO in step S316), the recording head W-1 is moved to the next position (step S317). ), The recording code string of the next track is read from the storage unit 149, and the recording process is repeated in the same manner. The above operation is repeated until recording of a track for one unit is completed.

  As a result, recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium 2 in, for example, the data format shown in FIG.

  Next, a reproducing apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reproducing apparatus 400 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the reproducing apparatus 400 includes a reproducing head array 210, a channel reproducing unit 220, a signal separation processing unit 230, a multitrack demodulation unit 240, and a restoration unit 260.

  The reproducing head array 210 has one reproducing head R-1 that reads a signal from each track recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2.

  The channel reproducing unit 220 amplifies the signal reproduced by the reproducing head R-1 mounted on the reproducing head array 210, and the amplitude level of the output of the reproducing amplifier 221 becomes a predetermined value. And a gain adjuster 224 for controlling the gain, and an A / D converter 225 for quantizing the output of the gain adjuster 224 into a digital value having a predetermined bit width.

  The signal separation processing unit 230 includes a synchronization signal detection unit 231, a reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233, a channel estimation calculation unit 234, a reproduction position control processing unit 235, a signal separation calculation unit 236, and a storage unit 237.

  The synchronization signal detector 231 detects a synchronization pattern in the preamble from the output of the A / D converter 225.

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 detects the gain control pattern in the preamble from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each trace that has passed through the synchronization signal detection unit 231, and based on the signal of this gain control pattern In addition, the gain for the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each trace is calculated to control the level of the reproduction signal.

  The channel estimation calculation unit 234 uses the synchronization signal detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 to identify the start position of the separation pattern included in the playback signal preamble of the playback head R-1 for each trace, Using this separation pattern, channel estimation calculation is performed to calculate a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction at the time of reproduction between the reproduction head R-1 and a plurality of tracks for each trace.

  The reproduction position control processing unit 235 determines the reproduction position of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each trace that has passed through the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 based on the synchronization signal detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231. Perform the matching process.

  The signal separation calculation unit 236 uses a channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 234 to perform a predetermined calculation process on a track from a reproduction signal for one unit whose reproduction position is aligned by the reproduction position control processing unit 235. A process of separating the reproduction signal for each is performed.

  The storage unit 237 is disposed between the synchronization signal detector 231 and the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233, and stores a reproduction signal for at least one unit. The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 reads the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each trace from the storage unit 237 and performs gain control on the reproduction signal for each trace.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-track demodulation unit 240 performs M equalizers 241-1 and 241− that perform equalization processing on the reproduction signal for each track separated by the signal separation operation unit 236. 2, 241-3, M PLLs 242-1, 242-2, and 242-3 that perform bit synchronization from the outputs of the equalizers 241-1, 241-2, and 241-3, and PLLs 242-1, 242- For example, M detectors 243-1, 243-2, such as a Viterbi detector, generate a code string by binarizing the reproduction signal for each track using the bit synchronization signal generated at 2 242-3. 243-3, and M synchronization signal detectors 244-1 that detect a synchronization pattern on the code string from the binarized reproduction signals that are the outputs of the detectors 243-1, 243-2, and 243-3. Synchronized with 244-2 and 244-3 M decoders 245-1 and 245 for decoding the data string from the code string by specifying the data start position based on the synchronization patterns detected by the signal detectors 244-1, 244-2 and 244-3 -2, 245-3. Note that the multitrack demodulation unit 240 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores information such as data necessary for performing the above processing.

  Referring back to FIG. 25, the restoration unit 260 performs the operation opposite to that at the time of recording the data of each track output from the M decoders 245-1, 245-2, and 245-3 in the multitrack demodulation unit 240. And a data combiner 261 for recovering the reproduction data 3 by connecting them.

  Note that the track tracing during reproduction by the single head is repeated at least as many times as the number of recording tracks of one unit. That is, the tracing may be repeated more times than the number of tracks. At that time, all tracks for one unit are traced at least once. The storage unit 237 stores a signal corresponding to a unit reproduced at each position where the reproducing head R-1 has moved, that is, a signal reproduced by the reproducing head R-1 from a plurality of tracks at each position, and a synchronization signal detector 231. Thus, the necessary reproduction signal after the separation pattern is stored.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the unit reproduction operation of the reproduction apparatus 400.

  In the reproducing apparatus 400, first, signals are reproduced from a plurality of tracks at the initial position by the reproducing head R-1 (step S401). Next, after the amplitude level of the output of the reproduction amplifier 221 is adjusted by the gain adjusting unit 224, the output is converted into a digital value by the A / D converter 225 and output to the synchronization signal detector 231 ( Step S402).

  The synchronization signal detector 231 detects the synchronization pattern for knowing the start position of the separation pattern from the output of the A / D converter 225 (step S403), and then the track reproduction signal is stored in the storage unit 237. (Step S404).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the reproduction signal for one unit is stored in the storage unit 237 (step S405). If the reproduction signal for one unit is not yet stored in the storage unit 237, the reproduction head R- 1 is shifted to the next position in the track width direction (step 406), and the operations from step S401 to step S405 are repeated.

  When the reproduction signal for one unit is stored in the storage unit 237, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 reads out the reproduction signal for one unit stored in the storage unit 237 and arranges the reproduction signal for each trace. Based on the gain control pattern, the gain for the reproduction signal for each trace is calculated to control the level of the reproduction signal for each trace (step S407).

  Next, the channel estimation calculation unit 234 specifies the start position of the separation pattern arranged in each reproduction signal based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detector 231, and the reproduction signal of the separation pattern is determined. Based on a predetermined channel estimation calculation, a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction between the reproducing head R-1 for each trace and a plurality of tracks for one unit is obtained (step S408).

  Next, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 matches the reproduction position of the reproduction signal for each trace that has passed through the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231. (Step S409). The processing by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 is the same as the processing described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

  Next, the signal separation calculation unit 236 uses the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 234 from the reproduction signal for each trace whose reproduction position is aligned by the reproduction position control processing unit 235, for each track. A process for separating the reproduction signal is performed (step S410).

  Thereafter, the multi-track demodulator 240 decodes the data sequence from the reproduction signal separated for each track (step S411), and the restoration unit 260 concatenates the data for each track so that the reproduction data 3 is obtained. Is obtained (step S412).

  Note that a low-pass filter that removes unnecessary high-frequency components may be provided immediately before the A / D converter 225 as necessary. Further, the gain adjusting unit 224 may be connected to the subsequent stage of the A / D converter 225 to control the gain after quantization. This is effective when it is desired to use the bit width of the A / D converter 225 more effectively, or to make the configuration of the gain adjustment unit 224 simple in consideration of the detection of each pattern included in the preampule. Alternatively, the gain adjustment unit 224 may perform gain adjustment using information obtained by taking an error from the target gain value in the synchronization signal detector 231.

  Further, if the multitrack demodulator 240 performs the demodulation process while controlling the output timing for each track, the data concatenation process in the restoration unit 260 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, in this case, the restoration unit 260 is not necessary.

  The present invention is not limited to the linear recording system and non-azimuth recording system magnetic recording / reproduction described above, but can also be applied to a helical recording system and an azimuth recording system.

  Specific examples are shown below.

  FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram of a data format recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by a non-azimuth method and a helical scan method using a plurality of recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3. Also in the helical scan method, a guard band 52 is disposed between unit-configured track rows 53 composed of track # 1, track # 2, and track # 3. The preamble 21 recorded on the track # 1, the track # 2, and the track # 3 may be the same as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 18, for example. The present invention can also be applied to such a helical scan type magnetic recording / reproducing method. For example, the configuration of the recording device 100 and the reproducing device 200 in the magnetic recording / reproducing method of the first embodiment can be adopted. it can.

  In FIG. 28, a plurality of recording heads W-1, W-2, W-3, W-4, W-5, and W-6 are used to record on a recording medium by a double azimuth method and a helical scan method. It is a conceptual diagram of a data format.

  In this example, six recording heads W-1, W-2, W-3, W-4, W-5, and W-6 are used for recording and reproduction, respectively. Of these recording heads, the three consecutive recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 and the remaining three consecutive recording heads W-4, W-5, and W-6 are mutually connected to each other. The azimuth direction, which is the magnetization direction, is made different. That is, track # 1- # 3 and track # 4- # 6 have different azimuth directions. These tracks # 1 to # 6 form a unit configuration track row 53 including a plurality of units as a unit of processing for reproducing data. In the case of this double azimuth, no guard band is required.

  In this example, a group of tracks # 1 to # 6 is a unit of signal processing for reproducing data. However, three consecutive tracks (for example, track # 1) having the same azimuth direction are used. -# 3 and tracks # 4- # 6) may each be subjected to signal processing as one unit.

  The preamble recorded on each track # 1- # 6 may be the same as that shown in FIGS. 7 and 18, for example. The present invention can also be applied to such a magnetic recording / reproducing system of the double azimuth method and the helical scan method. For example, the configurations of the recording device 100 and the reproducing device 200 in the magnetic recording / reproducing method of the first embodiment are described. Can be adopted.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical scope described in the claims.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of unit recording by the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a multitrack demodulator in the playback device of FIG. 3. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of unit playback by the playback device of FIG. 3. It is a conceptual diagram of the data format on the magnetic recording medium with which recording was performed by the recording device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the preamble in the data format of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the actual recording state based on the format of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the reproduction | regeneration position at the time of reproducing | regenerating the magnetic recording medium with the recording state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the actual recording state based on the format of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the reproduction | regeneration position at the time of reproducing | regenerating the magnetic recording medium with the recording state of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the data format of FIG. 7 and each reproducing head. It is a figure which shows the modification of the data format of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of unit recording by the recording device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a unit playback operation by the playback apparatus of FIG. 16. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the preamble recorded on the magnetic recording medium by the recording device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the actual recording state based on the format of FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reproduction position when the magnetic recording medium having the recording state of FIG. 19 is reproduced without aligning the reproduction position for each track. It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device in the magnetic recording / reproducing system which is the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of unit recording by the recording device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the modification of the recording device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of unit recording by the recording device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an operation of unit reproduction by the reproduction apparatus of FIG. 25. It is a conceptual diagram of a data format recorded on a magnetic recording medium by a non-azimuth method and a helical scan method using a plurality of recording heads. It is a conceptual diagram of a data format recorded on a recording medium by a double azimuth method and a helical scan method using a plurality of recording heads. It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording apparatus which employ | adopted the magnetic recording and reproducing system which the present inventors proposed in the past. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the unit recording by the recording device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus which employ | adopted the magnetic recording / reproducing system which the present inventors proposed in the past. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a unit reproduction operation flow of the reproduction apparatus of FIG. 31. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording data 2 Magnetic recording medium 3 Reproduction data 21 Preamble 22 Data 25-1, 25-2, 25-3 Gain control pattern 26-1, 26-2, 26-3 Synchronization pattern 27-1, 27-2, 27 -3 separation pattern 51 unit 100 recording device 110 multitracking unit 111 data distributor 120 multitrack recording encoding unit 121-1, 121-2, 121-3 recording encoding unit 130 multitrack preamble adding unit 131-1, 131-2, 131-3 Independent preamble adding units 132-1, 132-2, 132-3 Preamble adding unit 140 Multitrack recording units 141-1, 141-2, 141-3 Output timing setting units 144-1, 144 -2, 144-3 Recording compensation units 147-1, 147-2, 147-3 Amplifier 149 Storage unit 150 Recording head array 200 Playback device 210 Playback head array 220 Channel playback unit 221-1, 221-2, 221-3 Playback amplifier 224-1, 24-4-2, 224-3 Gain adjustment unit 225-1 225-2, 225-3 A / D converter 230 Signal separation processing unit 231 Synchronization signal detector 233 Playback signal gain control processing unit 234 Channel estimation calculation unit 235 Playback position control processing unit 236 Signal separation calculation unit 237 Storage unit 240 Multitrack Demodulator 241-1, 241-2, 241-3 Equalizer 243-1, 234-2, 243-3 Detector 244-1, 244-2, 244-3 Synchronization signal detector 245-1, 245- 2, 245-3 decoder 260 restoration unit 261 data combiner R-1, R-2, R-3 reproducing head W-1, -2, W-3 recording head

Claims (15)

It has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and for each track, data and a preamble including a synchronization pattern necessary for control for reproducing the data are provided. An apparatus for acquiring a plurality of reproduction signals for a plurality of tracks constituting the unit from a recorded recording medium with a reproducing head having a reproduction width of one track or more, and reproducing the data by signal processing,
A synchronization signal detector for detecting the synchronization pattern from each of the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head;
A reproduction position control processing unit that adjusts reproduction positions of a plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head in a track traveling direction by signal processing based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern by the synchronization signal detection unit. A data reproducing apparatus characterized by the above. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The data reproduction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization signal detection unit can detect a plurality of synchronization patterns in the preamble for each of the plurality of reproduction signals. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The reproduction position control processing unit advances the track of the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern of the same track that is commonly included in the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head. A data reproducing apparatus characterized by matching reproduction positions in directions by signal processing. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The reproduction position control processing unit compares the synchronization pattern detection positions of the plurality of reproduction signals with respect to the same track that is commonly included in the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head, and compares the comparison results with the plurality of reproduction signals. As the positional deviation information in the direction in which the track proceeds, the reproduction positions of the plurality of reproduced signals in the direction in which the track proceeds are matched by signal processing. A data reproducing apparatus. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
2. A data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of reproducing heads are provided so as to reproduce signals from the plurality of tracks with different positional relationships with respect to the unit in the width direction of the tracks. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The reproduction head is provided so as to be movable in the width direction of the track so as to reproduce signals from the plurality of tracks in a different positional relationship with respect to the unit in the width direction of the track. Data reproducing device. The data reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The preamble has a separation pattern necessary for detecting a positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks.
A channel estimation calculation unit that calculates a channel matrix corresponding to a positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the plurality of reproduction heads and the plurality of tracks, based on the separation patterns detected from the plurality of reproduction signals. When,
A signal separation calculation unit that separates a reproduction signal for each track from a plurality of reproduction signals whose reproduction positions are matched by the reproduction position control processing unit, based on the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit; The data reproducing device further comprising: It has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and for each track, data and a preamble including a synchronization pattern necessary for control for reproducing the data are provided. A method of acquiring a plurality of reproduction signals for a plurality of tracks constituting the unit from a recorded recording medium with a reproducing head having a reproduction width of one track or more, and reproducing the data by signal processing,
Detecting the synchronization pattern from each of the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head;
A data reproduction method comprising: a reproduction position alignment step of adjusting a reproduction position of a plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head in a traveling direction of a track by signal processing based on a detection result of the synchronization pattern . A data reproduction method according to claim 8, comprising:
The method for detecting a synchronization pattern may include detecting a plurality of synchronization patterns in the preamble for each of the plurality of reproduction signals. A data reproduction method according to claim 8, comprising:
In the reproduction positioning step, the track progress direction of the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern of the same track that is commonly included in the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head. A data reproduction method characterized by matching reproduction positions by signal processing. A data reproduction method according to claim 8, comprising:
The reproduction positioning step compares the synchronization pattern detection positions of the plurality of reproduction signals with respect to the same track that is commonly included in the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head, and compares the comparison results with the plurality of reproduction signals. As information on the positional deviation between the reproduction signals in the direction in which the track advances, the reproduction position in the direction in which the track advances among the plurality of reproduction signals is adjusted by signal processing based on this positional deviation information. Data playback method. A data reproduction method according to claim 8, comprising:
2. A data reproducing method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of reproducing heads are provided so as to reproduce signals from the plurality of tracks with different positional relationships with respect to the unit in the width direction of the tracks. A data reproduction method according to claim 8, comprising:
The reproduction head is provided so as to be movable in the width direction of the track so as to reproduce signals from the plurality of tracks in a different positional relationship with respect to the unit in the width direction of the track. Data playback method. A data reproduction method according to claim 8, comprising:
The preamble has a separation pattern necessary for detecting a positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks.
Based on the separation patterns detected from the plurality of reproduction signals, calculating a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the plurality of reproduction heads and the plurality of tracks;
Separating the reproduction signal for each track based on the channel matrix from a plurality of reproduction signals whose reproduction positions have been adjusted in the reproduction position alignment step. A data reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks, and a signal processing for data reproduction by the recording head on the recording medium so that the data reproducing apparatus can reproduce the data. A data recording / reproducing apparatus having a data recording apparatus for recording a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit,
The data recording device comprises:
A multi-track recording encoding unit for encoding data to be recorded for each track;
A multitrack preamble adding unit for adding a preamble including a synchronization pattern necessary for control of reproducing the data to the code string of the data for each track encoded by the multitrack recording encoding unit; ,
Each track to which the preamble is added by the multi-track preamble adding unit so that the preamble and the data of the plurality of tracks are arranged as a unit that is a unit of signal processing for reproducing the data. A multi-track recording unit for recording the data on the recording medium by a recording head,
The data reproduction device includes:
A synchronization signal detector for detecting the synchronization pattern from each of the plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head;
A reproduction position control processing unit that adjusts, by signal processing, reproduction positions of a plurality of reproduction signals of the reproduction head in a track traveling direction based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern by the synchronization signal detection unit. A data recording / reproducing apparatus.

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