JP2009020985A - Data format, recording medium, recording device, recording method, reproducing device, reproducing method, and recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data format by which a preamble can be reproduced properly and data can be reproduced properly, even if the phases of recording signals of respective tracks do not match. <P>SOLUTION: In the data format in which a unit being one unit of signal processing for reproducing data is constituted of a plurality of tracks, the preamble, such as, gain control pattern and synchronizing which are added to data to control reproduction of data is arranged so that the positions in the direction of progress of a track does not overlap the preamble of the other track in the same unit. Since the preambles of the adjacent plurality of tracks will not be reproduced simultaneously by a reproducing head, even when the phases of the recording signals of respective tracks are not adjusted, since the reproduced signals of the preambles of adjacent tracks will not cancel each other, reproduction of data can be performed properly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data format, a recording medium, a recording apparatus, a recording method, a reproducing apparatus, a reproducing method, and a recording / reproducing apparatus that can reproduce data by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across 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.

  Accordingly, the present inventors record a plurality of tracks, which are a unit of signal processing for data detection, on a magnetic recording medium by a recording head, and reproduce a signal across the plurality of tracks of the magnetic recording medium. With a playback head that can handle multiple tracks, the signals for multiple tracks are played back in multiple different positions with respect to multiple tracks. A method of generating was 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. 21 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. 22 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. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of a playback apparatus 900 that employs the above magnetic recording and playback system.

  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. 24 is a flowchart showing the 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 a technical problem for obtaining a more stable reproduction signal in the case of adopting the above magnetic recording / reproduction method, for example, the quality of the reproduction signal when the phase of the signal recorded on each track is not matched. There was a decline.

  That is, when the recording signals of each track are out of phase, the playback signals of each track cancel each other when the preamble of each track is played back by a playback head that can play back signals across multiple tracks. Thus, there may be a case where the level of the reproduction signal decreases. The preamble includes, as information necessary for data reproduction control, a gain control pattern for controlling the gain of the reproduction signal, a synchronization pattern for synchronization detection, and the like. As a result, the gain control and the synchronization detection are difficult to perform well.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention provides a data format, a recording medium, and a recording apparatus that can reproduce a preamble satisfactorily and perform data reproduction satisfactorily even when the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase. A recording method, a reproducing apparatus, a reproducing method, and a recording / reproducing apparatus are provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, the data format of the present invention is a data format that can be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks, and for the data reproduction. A plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing, and data and a preamble necessary for control for reproducing the data are recorded for each track, and the reproduction head at the time of reproduction records the data. The position of each track in the traveling direction of the preamble is set so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously.

  According to the present invention, since the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproducing head, the reproduced signals of the preambles of the plurality of tracks cancel each other even when the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase. The preamble can be stably reproduced without matching, and data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily.

  In the present invention, the preamble of each track is arranged at a position shifted in the traveling direction of the track with respect to the preamble of at least the adjacent track among the other tracks. As a result, the preambles of a plurality of adjacent tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproducing head, so that even if the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase, the reproduction signals of the preambles of the adjacent tracks cancel each other. Thus, data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily.

  The preamble includes a gain control pattern necessary for the reproduction apparatus to control the gain of a signal reproduced by the reproduction head. As a result, gain control patterns recorded on multiple tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by a single reproduction head, so even when the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase, the gain control patterns can be reproduced stably. Therefore, gain control can be performed well, and data reproduction can be performed well.

  The preamble includes a synchronization pattern necessary for the playback apparatus to perform synchronization detection. As a result, synchronization patterns recorded on a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by one reproducing head, so that even if the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase, the synchronization patterns can be reproduced stably. Therefore, synchronization detection can be performed satisfactorily and data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily.

  The preamble includes a separation pattern necessary for the reproducing apparatus to detect a positional relationship in the track width direction when reproducing the reproducing head and the plurality of tracks. As a result, separation patterns recorded on a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by a single reproduction head, so that separation patterns can be reproduced stably even when the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase. Thus, the process of separating the reproduction signal for each track from the reproduction signal in units can be performed satisfactorily, and the data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily.

  A recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention is a recording medium that can be played back by a playback device having a playback head capable of playing back a signal across a plurality of tracks, and that performs signal processing for data playback. It has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit, and for each track, data and a preamble necessary for control for reproducing the data are recorded, and a plurality of the tracks are recorded by the reproducing head during reproduction. The preamble of each track is recorded at a position shifted in the advancing direction of the track with respect to the preamble of at least the adjacent track among the other tracks so that the preambles are not reproduced simultaneously. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, since the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproducing head, the reproduced signals of the preambles of the plurality of tracks do not cancel each other even when the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase. The preamble can be reproduced stably, and the data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily.

  A recording apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention provides a data reproducing apparatus for recording data on a recording medium so that data can be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing signals across a plurality of tracks. An apparatus for recording a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for encoding a recording encoding unit that encodes data to be recorded for each track, and encoding by the recording encoding unit In each of the recorded data for each track, at least the adjacent tracks are shifted in the direction in which the tracks progress so that the preambles of the plurality of tracks are not simultaneously reproduced by the reproduction head during reproduction. And an independent preamble adding unit for adding a preamble necessary for control of reproducing the data, The data to which the preamble of each of the track is added to and a multi-track recording unit that performs processing for recording on the recording medium by the recording head.

  According to the present invention, the preamble is added with a positional relationship that is shifted in the direction in which the tracks proceed at least between adjacent tracks so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not simultaneously reproduced by the reproducing head during reproduction. Therefore, when reproducing the recording medium, the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproducing head of the reproducing apparatus, so that data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily even when the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase.

  A recording method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method for reproducing data by a recording head on a recording medium so that data can be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks. A method of recording a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for encoding the data to be recorded for each track, and the encoded data for each track In addition, control is performed to reproduce the data with a positional relationship shifted in the direction of track advance between at least adjacent tracks so that the preambles of the plurality of tracks are not simultaneously reproduced by the reproduction head during reproduction. Adding a necessary preamble for the track, and the preamble for each track The added data, and a step of recording on the recording medium by the recording head.

  According to the present invention, the preamble is added with a positional relationship that is shifted in the direction in which the tracks proceed at least between adjacent tracks so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not simultaneously reproduced by the reproducing head during reproduction. Therefore, when the recording medium is played back, the playback head of the playback device does not play back the multiple track preambles at the same time, so even if the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase, the playback signals of the multiple track preambles mutually The preambles can be stably reproduced without canceling each other, and data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily.

  A reproducing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and each of the tracks has data and control for reproducing the data. The preamble including the gain control pattern necessary for recording is recorded, and each of the preambles of the plurality of tracks is not simultaneously reproduced by a reproducing head capable of reproducing signals across the plurality of tracks at the time of reproduction. The preamble of a track is a device for reproducing the data from a recording medium recorded at a position shifted in the traveling direction of the track with respect to the preamble of at least the next track among other tracks, Based on the playback signal of the gain control pattern, the gain for the playback signal of the playback head is calculated. Has a reproduction signal gain control processor that controls the level of the reproduction signal of the reproducing head.

  According to the present invention, since the gain control patterns recorded on a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by one reproducing head, the gain control pattern can be stabilized even when the recording signals of the tracks are not in phase. Thus, the gain control can be performed satisfactorily, and the data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily.

  The reproduction apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of reproduction heads so that signals can be reproduced with different positional relationships with respect to the tracks in the unit, and the reproduction signal gain control processing unit includes the reproduction heads. The level of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head may be controlled by calculating a gain for the reproduction signal for each reproduction head based on the reproduction signal of each preamble.

  Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the reproducing head is provided so as to be movable in the track width direction so that the unit can be scanned and reproduced with respect to each track in the unit. The level of the reproduction signal for each scan may be controlled by calculating a gain for the reproduction signal for each scan based on the reproduction signal of the preamble of the reproduction head.

  Further, in the playback apparatus of the present invention, the preamble has a separation pattern necessary for detecting a positional relationship in the track width direction during playback between the playback head and the plurality of tracks, and the preamble for each unit. A channel estimation calculation unit that calculates a channel matrix corresponding to a positional relationship in the track width direction at the time of reproduction between the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks based on the reproduction signal of the separation pattern, and obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit Signal separation for separating the reproduction signal for each track from one unit of reproduction signal reproduced by the reproduction head and controlled in level by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit based on the channel matrix An arithmetic unit may be further provided.

  According to the present invention, since the information of the separation pattern of each track can be detected well even when the recording signals of the tracks are not in phase, the channel matrix calculation unit can perform the calculation of the channel matrix satisfactorily. At the same time, since the gain control for the reproduction signal can be performed stably, the signal separation by the signal separation calculation unit can be performed well, and good data reproduction can be realized.

  A reproduction method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of tracks that constitute a unit that is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and each of the tracks has data and control for reproducing the data. The preamble of each track is recorded so that the preamble of a plurality of tracks is not played back simultaneously by a playback head capable of playing back a signal across a plurality of tracks during playback. A method of reproducing the data from a recording medium recorded at a position shifted in the traveling direction of the track with respect to the preamble of at least the adjacent track among other tracks, wherein the gain control pattern is reproduced. Based on the signal, the gain for the playback signal of the playback head is calculated and the playback head And controlling the level of the degree.

  According to the present invention, since the gain control patterns recorded on a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by one reproducing head, the gain control pattern can be stabilized even when the recording signals of the tracks are not in phase. Thus, the gain control can be performed satisfactorily, and the data reproduction can be performed satisfactorily.

  According to the present invention, even when the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase, the preamble information can be stably reproduced, and the data reproduction can be performed 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 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 at least the adjacent tracks to the recording data encoded by the multitrack recording encoding unit 120 so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproducing head during reproduction. It consists of M independent preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, and 131-3 that add preambles in a positional relationship shifted from each other in the track traveling direction.

  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 pattern necessary for control for reproducing data, for example, a gain control pattern used for learning for gain control on a reproduction signal, a synchronization pattern used for synchronization detection for bit synchronization processing, In addition, 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).

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

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the reproducing apparatus 200 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the reproducing apparatus 200 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, if 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 an independent synchronization signal detector 231, a reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232, a channel estimation calculation unit 233, and a signal separation calculation unit 234.

  The independent synchronization signal detector 231 detects a synchronization pattern from the outputs of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, and 225-3.

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232, based on the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern in the preamble for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3, each reproduction head R-1, R-2, The gain for the reproduction signal for each R-3 is calculated to control the level of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3.

  The channel estimation calculation unit 233 identifies the start position of the separation pattern based on the synchronization pattern detected by the independent synchronization signal detector 231 and reproduces the separation pattern whose level is controlled by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232. Channel estimation calculation is performed using the signal, and a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, R-3 and a plurality of tracks is computed.

  The signal separation calculation unit 234 calculates an inverse matrix of the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 233, and based on this inverse matrix, the reproduction signal for one unit input from the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 The process of separating the reproduction signal for each track from the track.

  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− that perform equalization processing on the reproduction signal for each track separated by the signal separation calculation unit 234. 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, which detect a synchronization signal on the code string from the binarized reproduction signals output from the detectors 243-1, 243-2, 243-3. 244-2, 244-3 and synchronization signal M decoders 245-1, 245-that specify the data start position based on the synchronization patterns detected by the output units 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 that at the time of recording. 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 independent synchronization signal detector 231 (step S202).

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

  Next, in the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232, based on the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern in the preamble for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3, each reproduction head R-1, The gain for the reproduction signal for each of R-2 and R-3 is calculated, and the level of the reproduction signal for each of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 is controlled (step S204).

  Next, the channel estimation calculation unit 233 identifies the start position of the separation pattern arranged in each reproduction signal based on the synchronization pattern detected by the independent synchronization signal detector 231, and the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232. Based on the reproduction signal of the separation pattern whose level is controlled by the above, the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, R-3 and a plurality of tracks of one unit in the track width direction are subjected to a predetermined channel estimation calculation. A channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship is obtained (step S205).

  Next, the signal separation calculation unit 234 calculates an inverse matrix of the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 233, and 1 unit output from the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 based on this inverse matrix The process of separating the reproduction signal for each track from the reproduction signal of minutes is performed (step S206).

  After this, the multi-track demodulator 240 decodes the data sequence from the reproduction signal separated for each track (step S207), and the restoration unit 260 concatenates the data for each track to generate the reproduction data 3. Is obtained (step S208).

  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.

  A unit of M tracks recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the M recording heads is referred to as a “unit”. In FIG. 6, track # 1, track # 2, and track # 3 are respectively M (here, M = 3) recording heads W-1, W-2, and W-3 of a recording apparatus (for example, recording apparatus 100). Is a track recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2. A group of these track # 1, track # 2, and track # 3 is a unit 51. Between each unit 51, an area called a guard band 52 in which nothing is recorded is secured. The purpose of the guard band 52 is to prevent the track of the adjacent unit from being reproduced.

  Preamble 21 and data 22 are recorded on track # 1, track # 2, and track # 3, respectively. As described above, the preamble 21 is used as information necessary for control for reproducing the data 22, and is used for synchronization detection for gain control pattern used for learning for gain control on a reproduction signal, bit synchronization processing, and the like. And 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.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a general preamble 21 for explaining a problem to be solved by the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, this general preamble 21 includes a gain control pattern 23, a synchronization pattern 24, and a separation pattern 25. On tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3, the gain control pattern 23, the synchronization pattern 24, and the separation pattern 25 are arranged in this order from the top. Data 22 is arranged after the separation pattern 25. The gain control pattern 23 and the synchronization pattern 24 of each track # 1, # 2, # 3 are arranged at the same position in the track traveling direction.

  The separation patterns 25-1, 25-2 and 25-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2 and # 3 are arranged so that their positions do not overlap each other. That is, the separation pattern 25-1 for track # 1 is recorded in the T1 section, the separation pattern 25-2 for track # 2 is recorded in the T2 section, and the separation pattern 25-3 for track # 3 is recorded in the T3 section. As a result, there are three types of separation patterns corresponding to the number of tracks. A gap 34 for a predetermined time is provided for a margin between the separation patterns 25-1, 25-2 and 25-3 of adjacent tracks.

  The separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 are recorded at a predetermined recording wavelength equal to or greater than the minimum recording wavelength.

  When it is assumed that such a preamble 21 is processed in the reproduction apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 3, the gain control pattern 23 is obtained by the gain adjustment units 224-1 and 224-2 in the reproduction apparatus 200 during reproduction. , 224-3 is used as a learning signal for gain control of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, 221-3, and the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 is used for gain control on the reproduction signal. The synchronization pattern 24 is used by the independent synchronization signal detector 231 for synchronization detection for bit synchronization processing, and is used as information for knowing the start position of the separation pattern 25 and the start position of the data 22. The separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 include a plurality of reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 and a plurality of tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 corresponding to one unit during reproduction. The channel estimation calculation unit 233 uses the channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction.

  The channel estimation calculation unit 233 performs channel estimation calculation using the reproduction signals of the separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3, 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 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.

  Next, a problem when such a general preamble 21 is used will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the recording state of the preamble 21 of FIG. 7, and the phase of the recording signal of the track # 1 is shown so that the relationship between the phases of the recording signals of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 can be understood. Is represented by a channel clock position P.

  In the figure, track # 1 and track # 3 are recorded with the phases being aligned, and track # 2 is recorded with a shift equivalent to one channel clock with respect to track # 1 and track # 3. ing. As described above, even if the recording positions of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are not aligned, if the channel clock position is matched, that is, if the recording signal is in phase, a plurality of tracks are recorded by the reproducing head. When the signals are reproduced across the tracks, the reproduced signals of the plurality of tracks do not cancel each other, and as a result, the control for data reproduction using the preamble 21 is performed satisfactorily.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 9, track # 1 and track # 2 are recorded with a shift of ¼ of the period of the channel clock, and track # 1 and track # 3 are recorded with 1 / of the period of the channel clock. 8 shows a state where recording is performed while being shifted from each other by eight. As described above, when the channel clock positions of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are not matched, that is, when the recording signals of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are not matched in phase, a plurality of reproducing heads are used. When signals are reproduced across tracks, the reproduced signals of the plurality of tracks cancel each other, and the signal level output from the reproducing head is lowered. As a result, control for data reproduction using the preamble 21 is performed. It is conceivable that the process cannot be performed satisfactorily.

  Next, the configuration of the preamble 21A according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of the preamble 21 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Preamble 21A of the present embodiment includes gain control patterns 23-1, 23-2, 23-3 (AGC1, AGC2, AGC3), and synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2, 24-3 (SY1, SY2, SY3). , And separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, 25-3. On the track # 1, the gain control pattern 23-1, the synchronization pattern 24-1, and the separation pattern 25-1 are arranged in this order from the top. On the track # 2, the gain control pattern 23-2 and the synchronization pattern 24- 2, the separation pattern 25-2 is arranged in this order, and on the track # 3, the gain control pattern 23-3, the synchronization pattern 24-3, and the separation pattern 25-3 are arranged in this order from the top. Data 22 is arranged after the separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3.

  The gain control patterns 23-1, 23-2, 23-3 and the synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2, 24-3 are respectively the gain control patterns 23-1, 23-2 of other tracks in the same unit. 23-3 and the synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2, 24-3 are arranged so that their positions do not overlap in the direction in which the track travels. That is, the gain control pattern 23-1 and the synchronization pattern 24-1 of the track # 1 are in the Ta section, and the gain control pattern 23-2 and the synchronization pattern 24-2 of the track # 2 are in the Tb section. The pattern 23-3 and the synchronization pattern 24-3 are arranged in the Tc section. A gap 35 for a margin is provided between the recording sections of these patterns.

  The separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 overlap with each other in the track traveling direction, as in the general preamble 21A shown in FIG. It is arranged not to become. That is, the separation pattern 25-1 for track # 1 is recorded in the T1 section, the separation pattern 25-2 for track # 2 is recorded in the T2 section, and the separation pattern 25-3 for track # 3 is recorded in the T3 section. As a result, there are three types of separation patterns corresponding to the number of tracks. A gap 34 for a predetermined time for a margin is provided between the separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 of adjacent tracks. The separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 are recorded at a predetermined recording wavelength equal to or greater than the minimum recording wavelength.

  In this way, each of the gain control patterns 23-1, 23-2, 23-3 and the synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2, 24-3 is replaced with the gain control patterns 23-1 of other tracks in the same unit. , 23-2, 23-3 and the synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2, 24-3 are arranged so that their positions do not overlap in the direction in which the tracks travel, so that each track # 1, # 2 , # 3, even when the channel clock positions do not match, when each of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R-3 reproduces a signal across a plurality of tracks, the recording signals of each track cancel each other. The level of the reproduced signal does not decrease due to the gain control pattern 23-1, 23-2, 23-3 and the gain control and synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2, 24-3. The that synchronization detection can be favorably performed.

  Next, a modification of the preamble according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the preamble 21B which is the first modified sequence. In the data format including the preamble 21B, the number of tracks constituting the unit is four and the number of reproducing heads is four. Further, the width of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 is set to 1.5 times the track width. Here, the gain control pattern 23-4 and the synchronization pattern 24-4 of the track # 4 are arranged at the same positions as the gain control pattern 23-1 and the synchronization pattern 24-1 of the track # 1. When the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 are positioned as shown in FIG. 11, the recording signal of the track # 1 is reproduced by the reproducing head R-1 and the reproducing head R-2. Then, the recording signal of the track # 4 is reproduced by the reproducing head R-3 and the reproducing head R-4. Therefore, track # 1 and track # 4 are not reproduced simultaneously by one reproducing head.

  That is, when the arrangement of the reproducing head for each track is in such a relationship, even if the gain control pattern and the synchronization pattern are recorded at the same position in the direction in which the track travels, the recording signal of each track does not match the phase. Since the cancellation does not occur and the level of the reproduction signal does not decrease, the gain control by the gain control patterns 23-1, 23-2, 23-3, 23-4 and the synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2 , 24-3, 24-4 can be detected satisfactorily.

  Here, the case where the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 are displaced in the track width direction in the configuration of the preamble 21B of FIG. 11 will be described. The widths of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 with respect to the track width are doubled, which is a width not shown. At this time, when the amount of deviation exceeds 50% of the track width, it is affected by two adjacent tracks. For example, in FIG. 11, when the reproducing head R-1 on the head array 210 is shifted downward by 50% of the track width, the reproduction signal by the reproducing head R-1 includes track # 1 and track # 2. When the reproducing head R-1 further shifts downward, the track # 3 is included. The amount of deviation for including track # 4 is calculated when it exceeds 150% of the track width. At this time, the reproducing head R-1 can reproduce the originally required track # 1. Not done.

  From the above, when the reproducing head width is doubled and the allowable off-track amount is about 50% of the track width, for example, track # 1 and track # 4 can be reproduced simultaneously by one reproducing head. Therefore, there is no cancellation by the recording signals of the tracks whose phases do not match, and the level of the reproduction signal does not decrease. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily perform gain control using the gain control patterns 23-1, 23-2, 23-3, 23-4 and synchronization detection using the synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2, 24-3, 24-4. it can.

  As described above, in the example of FIG. 11, even when the reproducing head is displaced in the track width direction during reproduction, the effect of the present invention can be expected.

  Note that the present invention can be similarly applied even when the number of tracks constituting the unit is three, but the allowable amount of deviation in the track width direction is reduced as compared with the case where the number of tracks is four. In this case, the allowable amount of deviation in the track width direction can be increased by making the width of the reproducing head smaller than twice, for example, 1.5 times the width. That is, by determining the reproducing head width in consideration of the off-track allowable amount, the effect of the present invention can be expected even when the reproducing head generates a predetermined shift in the track width direction during reproduction.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a preamble 21C that is the second modified sequence. In the data format including the preamble 21C, the gain control pattern 23-1, the synchronization pattern 24-1, the separation pattern 25-1, and the gain control pattern 23-2 of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 constituting the unit. And the synchronization pattern 24-2 and the separation pattern 25-2, and the gain control pattern 23-3, the synchronization pattern 24-3, and the separation pattern 25-3 are grouped together. Are arranged so that the positions in the traveling direction of the tracks do not overlap each other.

  Similarly, the preamble 21C does not cause a reduction in the level of the reproduction signal due to cancellation by the recording signal of each track, and the gain control by the gain control patterns 23-1, 23-2, 23-3 and Synchronization detection by the synchronization patterns 24-1, 24-2, and 24-3 can be performed satisfactorily.

  Also, in the configuration of a group such as the preamble 21C in FIG. 12, as in the application example of FIG. 11 with respect to FIG. 10, each of the group of patterns in each track is associated with one corresponding reproducing head R-1, R. It is only necessary to arrange them so that they are reproduced only by -2 and R-3, and the pattern group in each track does not necessarily overlap with the pattern group direction of the other tracks in the direction in which the track proceeds. It is not limited to arrange | positioning.

  In this example, the gain control pattern, the synchronization pattern, and the separation pattern are clearly distinguished, but for example, a pattern capable of gain control is arranged in the synchronization pattern, or the channel estimation is further performed in the synchronization pattern. Even if a pattern that can be operated is arranged and a format using a synchronization pattern integrated with others is used, the present invention is the same as long as the positions in the track traveling direction are not overlapped with each other. Can be applied to.

  Furthermore, even in the pattern having the above-described form, for example, each integrated synchronization pattern may be arranged so as to be reproduced only by one corresponding reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3. Each of the integrated synchronization patterns in each track is not necessarily limited to being arranged so that the positions in the traveling direction of the tracks do not overlap each other with respect to the integrated synchronization pattern of the other tracks. .

  Next, details of the reproduction signal gain control by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 in this embodiment will be described.

  In FIG. 10, the recording signal is read from the track # 1 and the track # 2 by the reproducing head R-1, and the recording signal is read from the track # 1, the track # 2, and the track # 3 by the reproducing head R-2. The recording signal is read from the track # 2 and the track # 3 by the reproducing head R-3.

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232, for example, based on the reproduction signals of the gain control patterns 23-1, 23-2, and 23-3 for each of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, and R-3, for example, Thus, the gain for the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is calculated, and the level of the reproduction signal for each reproduction head R-1, R-2, R-3 is calculated. Control.

  That is, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 adds the gain control pattern signals reproduced from the track # 1 and the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-1. Similarly, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 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 232 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 232 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 Then, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 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 the reference output can be used in channel estimation calculation in the channel estimation calculation unit 233, and can also be used in the signal separation calculation unit 234.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the preamble of each track is reproduced by the individual reproduction heads R-1, R-2, R-3 so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously during reproduction. By arranging the at least adjacent tracks so as to deviate from each other in the direction in which the tracks proceed, even if the recording signals of the tracks are out of phase, the playback signals of the preambles of the adjacent tracks are Stable data reproduction can be realized by preventing a decrease in signal level caused by canceling each other and reproducing the gain control pattern and the synchronization pattern satisfactorily.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the signals reproduced by the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, and R-3 over a plurality of tracks are grouped into units, and predetermined signal processing is performed. The reproduction signal for each track can be separated. For this reason, the distance between the tracks in the unit can be set narrow, or the widths of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, R-3 can be set wider than the track width. Can be realized.

  Note that the reproduction signal gain control by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 can be similarly applied to the case where the general preamble 21 shown in FIG. 7 is used. In this case, since the positions of the gain control patterns of the tracks # 1, # 2, and # 3 are the same, the gain control patterns read from the track # 1 and the track # 2 by the reproducing head R-1 are added. Processing, processing for adding the gain control patterns read from track # 1, track # 2, and track # 3 by playback head R-2, and playback from track # 2 and track # 3 by playback head R-3 The only difference is that the process of adding the gain control patterns is performed in one section.

  Further, it is necessary to detect the positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between each reproducing head R-1, R-2, R-3 and a plurality of tracks # 1, # 2, # 3 for one unit. As the pattern, in the above embodiment, for example, the separation patterns 25-1, 25-2, and 25-3 as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 are used, but the present invention is not limited to this. 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-described embodiment, a case where a 3 × 3 matrix is calculated as channel estimation information has been described. However, for example, a 4 × 4 matrix or other square matrix may be generalized inversely. It is possible to perform signal separation processing by obtaining a matrix. 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.

  In addition, the amount of information for gain control may be increased by additionally arranging a gain control pattern arranged in the first preamble 23 behind the synchronization pattern 24.

  The same pattern may be adopted as the gain control pattern arranged in the first preamble 23 and the separation pattern arranged in the second preamble 25.

  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.

  As a calculation method of signal separation processing by the signal separation calculation unit 234, for example, a method of 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.

  (Second Embodiment)

  Next, a magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus using a single head will be described as a second embodiment of the present invention.

  The magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus of this embodiment has a recording head and a reproducing head whose number is one or less than the number of tracks per unit, and a recording medium on which recording is performed without aligning the recording position for each track. It is an apparatus that reproduces without aligning the reproduction position every time.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus 300 in the magnetic recording / reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  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 at least the adjacent tracks to the recording data encoded by the multitrack recording encoding unit 120 so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproducing head during reproduction. It is composed of M independent preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, and 131-3 that add preambles with a positional relationship shifted from each other in the direction in which the track proceeds.

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

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation of the recording apparatus 300 during unit recording. 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 least the adjacent tracks are shifted from each other in the direction in which the tracks progress so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproducing head at the predetermined position of each encoded recording data. In the positional relationship, the preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, and 131-3 of the multi-track preamble adding unit 130 add a pattern necessary for reproduction control of unit unit data as a preamble, A column 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. That is, first, recording of track # 1 is performed, then, moving to the position of track # 2 and recording of track # 2 is performed, and thereafter, similarly, the position of track # 3 is moved to track # 3. The recording is further moved to the position of track # 4 and recording is performed on track # 4.

  FIG. 15 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 second 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 addition, the preambles necessary for controlling data reproduction are arranged in a positional relationship that is shifted in the direction in which the tracks travel at least between 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 to be added, 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 after the recording compensation processing And a recording amplifier 147 for driving the recording head W-1 based on the recording code string. . That is, the multitracking unit 110 (data distributor 111) is omitted from the configuration of the recording apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 13, 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. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of unit recording operation of the recording apparatus 301.

  In this recording apparatus 301, first, recording data for 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. It becomes. 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, at a predetermined position of each encoded recording data, the independent preamble adding unit 131 at least between the adjacent tracks so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced simultaneously by the reproducing head during reproduction. Preambles necessary for data reproduction control are added with a positional relationship shifted in the direction of track advance, and recording code strings for a predetermined number of tracks are obtained (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.

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

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reproducing apparatus 400 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system according to the second 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 an independent synchronization signal detector 231, a reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232, a channel estimation calculation unit 233, a signal separation calculation unit 234, and a storage unit 235.

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

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 calculates the gain for the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan on the basis of the reproduction signal of the preamble of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan, and calculates the gain for each scan. Controls the level of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1.

  The channel estimation calculation unit 233 identifies the start position of the separation pattern based on the synchronization pattern detected by the independent synchronization signal detector 231 and reproduces the separation pattern whose level is controlled by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232. Channel estimation calculation is performed using the signal.

  The signal separation calculation unit 234 calculates an inverse matrix of the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 233, and based on this inverse matrix, the reproduction signal for one unit input from the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 The process of separating the reproduction signal for each track from the track.

  The storage unit 235 is disposed between the independent synchronization signal detector 231 and the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232, and stores a reproduction signal for at least one unit.

  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 of each track separated by the signal separation operation unit 234. 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, which detect a synchronization signal on the code string from the binarized reproduction signals output from the detectors 243-1, 243-2, 243-3. 244-2, 244-3 and sync signal detection M decoders 245-1 and 245-2 that specify the data start position based on the synchronization patterns detected by the units 244-1, 244-2 and 244-3 and decode the data sequence from the code sequence , 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. 17, 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.

  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 235 stores a signal for a unit reproduced at each position where the reproducing head R-1 moves, that is, a signal reproduced from a plurality of tracks by the reproducing head R-1 at each position.

  FIG. 18 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 gain adjustment unit 224 adjusts the amplitude level of the output of the reproduction amplifier 221, the output is converted into a digital value by the A / D converter 225 and output to the independent synchronization signal detector 231. (Step S402).

  In the independent synchronization signal detector 231, after detecting the synchronization pattern for knowing the start position of the separation pattern from the output of the A / D converter 225 (step S 403), the reproduction signal of the track is stored in the storage unit 235. (Step S404).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the reproduction signal for one unit is stored in the storage unit 235 (step S405). If the reproduction signal for one unit is not yet stored in the storage unit 235, 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 S404 are repeated.

  When the reproduction signal for one unit is stored in the storage unit 235, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 reproduces the reproduction signal of the preamble of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan of one unit stored in the storage unit 235. Based on the above, the gain for the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan is calculated to control the level of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan (step S407).

  Next, the channel estimation calculation unit 233 identifies the start position of the separation pattern arranged in each reproduction signal based on the synchronization pattern detected by the independent synchronization signal detector 231, and the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232. A channel matrix is obtained by a predetermined channel estimation calculation using the reproduction signal of the separation pattern whose level is controlled by (Step S408).

  Next, the signal separation calculation unit 234 calculates an inverse matrix of the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 233, and 1 unit output from the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 232 based on this inverse matrix The process of separating the reproduction signal for each track from the reproduction signal of minutes is performed (step S409).

  Thereafter, the multi-track demodulator 240 decodes the data sequence from the reproduction signal separated for each track (step S410), and the restoration unit 260 concatenates the data for each track to generate the reproduction data 3. Is obtained (step S411).

  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 gain target value in the independent 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.

  (Third embodiment)

  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. 19 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 system, a guard band 52 is disposed between unit-configured track rows 51 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. 10, 11, and 12, for example. The present invention can also be applied to such a helical scan magnetic recording / reproducing method, and the configurations of the recording device 100 and the reproducing device 200 in the magnetic recording / reproducing method of the first embodiment can be employed.

  In FIG. 20, recording is performed on a recording medium by a double azimuth method and a helical scan method using a plurality of recording heads W-1, W-2, W-3, W-4, W-5, and W-6. 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 51 including a plurality of units which are a unit of processing for reproducing data. In the case of this double azimuth, no guard band is required.

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

  The preamble recorded on each track # 1- # 6 may be the same as that shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, 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, and the configuration of the recording apparatus 100 and the reproducing apparatus 200 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the first embodiment is adopted. be able to.

  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 general preamble employ | adopted as the format shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the recording state of the preamble of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the recording state containing the phase shift of the preamble of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the preamble concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification row | line | column of the preamble concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 2nd deformation | transformation row | line | column of the preamble concerning embodiment of this invention. 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 recording device which is a modification of the recording device in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of 2nd Embodiment. 16 is a flowchart showing a unit recording operation by the recording apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus 400 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system which is the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the unit reproduction | regeneration by the reproducing | regenerating apparatus of FIG. 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 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. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of unit reproduction | regeneration of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording data 2 Magnetic recording medium 3 Reproduction data 21 Preamble 22 Data 23-1, 23-2, 23-3 Gain control pattern 24-1, 24-2, 24-3 Synchronization pattern 25-1, 25-2, 25 -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 unit 140 Multitrack recording unit 141-1, 141-2, 141-3 Output timing setting unit 144-1, 144-2, 144-3 Recording compensation unit 147-1, 147 -2, 147-3 Recording amplifier 149 Storage unit 150 Recording head array 200 Playback Device 210 Reproducing Head Array 220 Channel Reproducing Units 221-1, 221-2, 221-3 Reproducing Amplifiers 224-1, 224-2, 224-3 Gain Adjusting Units 225-1, 225-2, 225-3 A / D Converter 230 Signal separation processing unit 231 Independent synchronization signal detector 232 Reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 Channel estimation calculation unit 234 Signal separation calculation unit 235 Storage unit 240 Multitrack demodulation units 241-1, 241-2, 241-3 Equalization 243-1, 234-2, 243-3 Detector 244-1, 244-2, 244-3 Sync signal detector 245-1, 245-2, 245-3 Decoder 260 Restoration unit 261 Data combiner R -1, R-2, R-3 Reproducing heads W-1, W-2, W-3 Recording head

Claims (20)

A data format that can be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks,
It has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and data and a preamble necessary for control for reproducing the data are recorded and reproduced for each track. A data format wherein the position of the preamble in each track in the traveling direction of the track is set so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not reproduced at the same time by the reproducing head. The data format according to claim 1, wherein
The data format is characterized in that the preamble of each track is arranged at a position shifted in the traveling direction of the track with respect to the preamble of at least an adjacent track among other tracks. The data format according to claim 1, wherein
The data format, wherein the preamble includes a gain control pattern necessary for the reproduction apparatus to control a gain of a signal reproduced by the reproduction head. The data format according to claim 1, wherein
The data format, wherein the preamble includes a synchronization pattern necessary for the playback apparatus to perform synchronization detection. The data format according to claim 1, wherein
2. The data format according to claim 1, wherein the preamble includes a separation pattern necessary for the playback apparatus to detect a positional relationship in the track width direction during playback between the playback head and the plurality of tracks. A recording medium capable of data reproduction by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks,
It has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and data and a preamble necessary for control for reproducing the data are recorded and reproduced for each track. In order to prevent the playback heads from simultaneously playing back the preambles of a plurality of tracks, the preamble of each track is in the direction that the track proceeds with respect to the preamble of at least the next track among other tracks. A recording medium recorded at a shifted position. The recording medium according to claim 6,
The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the preamble includes a gain control pattern necessary for the reproduction apparatus to control a gain of a signal reproduced by the reproduction head. The recording medium according to claim 6,
The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the preamble includes a synchronization pattern necessary for the playback apparatus to perform synchronization detection. The recording medium according to claim 6,
2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the preamble includes a separation pattern necessary for the reproducing apparatus to detect a positional relationship in the track width direction when reproducing the reproducing head and the plurality of tracks. A unit, which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, is configured on the recording medium by the recording head so that data can be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing signals across multiple tracks. An apparatus for recording a plurality of tracks,
A recording encoding unit that encodes data to be recorded for each track;
Each of the data encoded for each track encoded by the recording encoding unit is configured so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not simultaneously reproduced by the reproduction head at the time of reproduction. An independent preamble adding unit for adding a preamble necessary for the control to reproduce the data in a positional relationship shifted in the traveling direction;
A recording apparatus comprising: a multitrack recording unit that performs processing for recording the data to which the preamble for each track is added onto the recording medium by the recording head. The recording apparatus according to claim 10,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preamble includes a gain control pattern necessary for the reproduction apparatus to control a gain of a signal reproduced by the reproduction head. The recording apparatus according to claim 10,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preamble includes a synchronization pattern necessary for the reproduction apparatus to perform synchronization detection. The recording apparatus according to claim 10,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preamble includes a separation pattern necessary for the reproducing apparatus to detect a positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the reproducing head and the plurality of tracks. A unit, which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, is configured on the recording medium by the recording head so that data can be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing signals across multiple tracks. A method of recording a plurality of tracks,
Encoding data to be recorded for each track;
The encoded data for each track is shifted in the direction in which the tracks proceed at least between adjacent tracks so that the preambles of the plurality of tracks are not simultaneously reproduced by the reproduction head during reproduction. Adding a preamble necessary for the control to reproduce the data according to the positional relationship;
Recording the data with the preamble added for each track onto the recording medium by the recording head. A plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, each of the tracks including data, and a preamble including a gain control pattern necessary for control of reproducing the data; The preamble of each of the tracks is included in the other tracks so that the preambles of the plurality of tracks are not simultaneously reproduced by a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks during reproduction. An apparatus for reproducing the data from a recording medium recorded at a position shifted in a traveling direction of the track with respect to the preamble of at least an adjacent track,
A reproduction signal gain control processing unit that calculates a gain for the reproduction signal of the reproduction head based on the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern and controls the level of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head. apparatus. The playback device according to claim 15, wherein
A plurality of the reproducing heads are provided so that signals can be reproduced in different positional relations with respect to the tracks in the unit,
The reproduction signal gain control processing unit
Based on the playback signal of the preamble for each playback head, a gain for the playback signal for each playback head is calculated to control the level of the playback signal for each playback head. apparatus. The playback device according to claim 15, wherein
The reproducing head is provided so as to be movable in the track width direction so that the unit can be scanned and reproduced with respect to each track in the unit.
A reproduction apparatus for controlling a level of a reproduction signal for each scan by calculating a gain for the reproduction signal for each scan based on a reproduction signal of the preamble of the reproduction head for each scan . The playback device according to claim 15, 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.
Based on the reproduction signal of the separation pattern for each unit, a channel estimation calculation unit that calculates a channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks;
Based on the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit, from the reproduction signal for one unit reproduced by the reproduction head and whose level is controlled by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit, A reproduction apparatus further comprising: a signal separation calculation unit that separates the reproduction signal. It has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, and for each track, data and a preamble necessary for control for reproducing this data are recorded, and at the time of reproduction The preamble of each of the tracks is the same as that of at least the next track among other tracks so that the preamble of the plurality of tracks is not reproduced simultaneously by a reproducing head capable of reproducing signals across a plurality of tracks. A method of reproducing the data from a recording medium recorded at a position shifted in a traveling direction of the track with respect to a preamble,
A reproduction method comprising: calculating a gain for the reproduction signal of the reproduction head based on the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern, and controlling the level of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head. A reproduction apparatus having a reproduction head capable of reproducing signals across a plurality of tracks, and a unit of signal processing for data reproduction by a recording head on a recording medium so that data reproduction can be performed by the reproduction apparatus A recording / reproducing apparatus having a recording apparatus for recording a plurality of tracks constituting a unit,
The recording device comprises:
A recording encoding unit that encodes data to be recorded for each track;
Each of the data encoded for each track encoded by the recording encoding unit is configured so that the preambles of a plurality of tracks are not simultaneously reproduced by the reproduction head at the time of reproduction. An independent preamble adding unit for adding a preamble necessary for the control to reproduce the data in a positional relationship shifted in the traveling direction;
A multitrack recording unit that performs processing for recording the data with the preamble added for each track on the recording medium by the recording head;
The playback device
A reproduction signal gain control processing unit for calculating a gain of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head based on the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern and controlling a level of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head; Recording / playback device.

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