JP2009032375A - Track format, recording medium, recording device, recording method, reproducing device, reproduction method, and recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reproducing device reproducing data recorded in each track using a reproducing head which can reproduce signals over a plurality of tracks, the reproducing device capable of performing satisfactory tracking control for disturbance such as track offset thereby capable of satisfactorily performing data reproduction. <P>SOLUTION: A track format has: a plurality of tracks constituting a unit being one unit of signal processing for data reproduction; and guard bands arranged at both sides of the unit, wherein a discrimination pattern for enabling each track to discriminate themselves individually for the plurality of tracks is recorded in each guard band. Information of position relation in the direction of track width of a reproducing head for the guard band can be obtained by detecting this discrimination pattern by a reproducing device, then, by utilizing this information for tracking control correcting position relation in the direction of track width between the reproducing head and the unit, tracking control can be satisfactorily performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a track format, a recording medium, a recording apparatus, a recording method, a reproducing apparatus, a reproducing method, and a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing 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 four times or more is allowed for tracking 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. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus 800 that employs the above-described magnetic recording / reproducing method.

  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. 24 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).

  The above unit-unit recording operation on the magnetic recording medium 2 is repeated so that a plurality of units are continuously arranged in the traveling direction of the track.

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

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of a reproducing apparatus 900 that employs the above-described magnetic recording / reproducing method.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The multi-track demodulator 240 is configured with M equalizers 241-1, 241-2, 241-3 that perform equalization processing on the reproduction signal for each track separated by the signal separation processor 236, and the like. Generated by the M PLLs 242-1, 242-2, and 242-3 and the PLLs 242-1, 242-2, and 242-3 that perform bit synchronization from the outputs of the generators 241-1, 241-2, and 241-3. For example, M detectors 243-1, 243-2, and 243-3 such as a Viterbi detector, and a detector 243 are used to binarize the reproduction signal of 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, 2-4 M decoders 245-1, 245-2, and 245-3 that specify the data start position based on the synchronization pattern detected by the 4-2 and 244-3 and decode the data sequence from the code sequence; 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. 26 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 for one unit (step S904), each reproducing head R is used by using this channel matrix. The reproduction signal for each track is separated from the reproduction signal for one unit reproduced by -1, R-2, and R-3 (step S905).

  Thereafter, the multi-track demodulation unit 240 decodes the data sequence from the reproduction signal for each track (step S906), and the reconstruction unit 260 concatenates the data of each track to obtain reproduction data 3 (step S906). S907).

  Incidentally, as a technical problem for obtaining a more stable reproduction signal in the case of adopting such a magnetic recording / reproduction method, for example, there is a decrease in the quality of the reproduction signal when off-track occurs during reproduction. It was.

  That is, when a plurality of tracks are recorded on a magnetic recording medium as a unit that is a unit of data reproduction, and when such units are recorded side by side in parallel, the tracks of each adjacent unit are between each unit. A guard band is arranged to reduce interference between the two. When playing back signals recorded on multiple tracks with multiple playback heads that can play back signals across multiple tracks on magnetic recording media, even if off-track occurs, the off-track Since it is difficult to obtain information on the amount, there is a problem in that tracking control for correcting the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction cannot be performed satisfactorily.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention makes it possible to perform good tracking control and to perform data reproduction satisfactorily, a track format, a recording medium, a recording apparatus, a recording method, a reproducing apparatus, a reproducing method, and recording / reproducing. The device is to be provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, the track format of the present invention is a track format that can be played back by a playback device having a playback head capable of playing back signals over a plurality of tracks, and for the data playback. A plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing, guard bands are arranged on both sides of the unit, and each guard band individually identifies itself with respect to the plurality of tracks. An identification pattern for making it possible is recorded.

  According to the track format of the present invention, each guard band arranged on both sides of the unit is recorded with an identification pattern for individually identifying a plurality of tracks. By detecting this identification pattern, it is possible to obtain information on the positional relationship of the reproducing head with respect to the guard band in the track width direction, and this information is used to correct the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction. By utilizing this for tracking control, tracking control can be performed satisfactorily.

  Further, in the track format of the present invention, the track is composed of data and a preamble including information necessary for control of reproducing the data, and the identification pattern is the preamble of the track in the traveling direction. It is good also as arrange | positioning in an area. Accordingly, the playback apparatus can perform the identification pattern processing simultaneously with the track preamble processing.

  In the track format of the present invention, the identification pattern of the guard band may be arranged at a position shifted in the traveling direction of the track with respect to the preamble of the adjacent track. Thereby, interference between the guard band identification pattern and the preamble of the adjacent track can be avoided during reproduction, and the guard band identification pattern and the preamble of the adjacent track can be detected well.

  In the track format of the present invention, a synchronization pattern used for specifying a recording position of the identification pattern may be arranged before the identification pattern of the guard band. Thereby, the identification pattern can be detected more stably from the reproduction signal. The plurality of tracks may have a separation pattern for separating a reproduction signal for each track from a plurality of signals reproduced by the reproduction head.

  A recording medium according to another aspect of the present invention is a recording medium capable of reproducing data by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks, wherein the signal processing for the data reproduction is performed. The unit has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit, guard bands are arranged on both sides of the unit, and each guard band can identify itself with respect to the plurality of tracks. The identification pattern is recorded.

  According to the recording medium of the present invention, each guard band arranged on both sides of the unit is recorded with an identification pattern for individually identifying a plurality of tracks. By detecting this identification pattern, it is possible to obtain information on the positional relationship of the reproducing head with respect to the guard band in the track width direction, and this information is used to correct the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction. By utilizing this for tracking control, tracking control 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, which is a unit of signal processing, for identifying an identification pattern for individually identifying the plurality of tracks on both sides of the unit A guard band recording unit for recording a guard band including the guard band;

  According to the recording apparatus of the present invention, an identification pattern for individually identifying a plurality of tracks can be recorded on each guard band arranged on both sides of the unit. Thus, by detecting this identification pattern, it is possible to obtain information on the positional relationship of the reproducing head with respect to the guard band in the track width direction, and this information is used to determine the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction. By utilizing the tracking control for correction, the tracking control can be performed satisfactorily.

  In the recording apparatus of the present invention, the guard band recording unit includes an erasing signal generating unit that generates an erasing signal, and a preamble that adds a preamble including the identification pattern to the erasing signal output from the erasing signal generating unit. An addition unit and a recording head for guard band recording that records the erasure signal to which the preamble is added by the preamble addition unit on the recording medium may be provided.

  In the recording apparatus of the present invention, the preamble adding unit may add a synchronization pattern for specifying a recording position of the identification pattern before the identification pattern. The identification pattern can be detected more stably from the reproduction signal.

  In the recording apparatus of the present invention, the guard band recording unit may record the guard band using the recording head.

  Further, the recording head includes a plurality of recording heads, and each recording head further includes a setting unit that sets whether to use the recording of the track or the recording of the guard band, and the guard band recording unit includes: The guard band may be recorded using the recording head set to be used for recording the guard band by the setting unit. According to this configuration, each recording head can be set to be used for track recording or guard band recording, so the recording format can be flexibly changed to achieve the required recording density and transfer rate. be able to. In addition, the width of the guard band can be selected with a high degree of freedom by selecting the number of continuous recording heads used for guard band recording.

  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 guard band that records a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for the signal processing, and includes identification patterns on both sides of the unit for individually identifying the plurality of tracks. Is recorded.

  According to the recording method of the present invention, an identification pattern for individually identifying a plurality of tracks can be recorded on each guard band arranged on both sides of the unit. Thus, by detecting this identification pattern, it is possible to obtain information on the positional relationship of the reproducing head with respect to the guard band in the track width direction, and this information is used to determine the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction. By utilizing the tracking control for correction, the tracking control can be performed satisfactorily.

  A reproducing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, guard bands are arranged on both sides of the unit, and each guard A band is a device that reproduces the data from a recording medium on which an identification pattern for making it possible to individually identify the plurality of tracks is recorded, and can reproduce signals across the plurality of tracks. A reproduction head, an identification information detection unit that detects the identification pattern from a reproduction signal of the reproduction head, and a detection result of the identification pattern by the identification information detection unit, to detect the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks. A tracking control unit that corrects the positional relationship in the track width direction.

  According to the reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the identification pattern for individually identifying the plurality of tracks is recorded on each guard band arranged on both sides of the unit. By detecting this, information on the positional relationship of the reproducing head in the track width direction with respect to the guard band can be obtained, and this information is used for tracking control for correcting the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction. By doing so, tracking control can be performed satisfactorily. As a result, a more stable reproduction signal can be obtained against disturbances such as track offset, and high track density can be realized.

  Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the tracking control unit is configured to determine whether the identification information detection unit detects the identification pattern of each guard band on both sides of the unit. The positional relationship in the track width direction with a plurality of tracks may be corrected. For example, when the identification information of the guard bands on both sides of the unit is obtained, the tracking control unit determines that the tracking is good, and only the identification pattern of either guard band # 1 or guard band # 2 is used. If it is not obtained, it is determined that the tracking is defective. If the tracking is determined to be poor, the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction is corrected.

  In the reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the tracking control unit may determine whether the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks are based on the reproduction signal level of the identification pattern and the reproduction signal level of the adjacent track. The positional relationship in the track width direction may be corrected.

  Furthermore, in the reproducing apparatus of the present invention, a synchronization pattern used for specifying the head position of the identification information is arranged before the identification pattern of the guard band recorded on the recording medium, and the reproducing head A synchronization signal detection unit that detects the synchronization pattern from the reproduction signal of the reproduction signal, and the identification information detection unit detects the synchronization pattern from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern by the synchronization signal detection unit The position of the identification pattern may be specified. Thereby, the identification pattern can be detected more stably from the reproduction signal.

  A reproduction method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of tracks constituting a unit which is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, guard bands are arranged on both sides of the unit, and each guard A band is a method of reproducing the data from a recording medium on which an identification pattern for enabling individual identification of the plurality of tracks is recorded, and signals can be reproduced over a plurality of tracks. Detecting the identification pattern from a reproduction signal of a different reproduction head, and correcting a positional relationship in the track width direction between the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks using a detection result of the identification pattern. To do.

  According to the reproducing method of the present invention, the identification pattern for individually identifying the plurality of tracks is recorded on each guard band arranged on both sides of the unit. By detecting this, information on the positional relationship of the reproducing head in the track width direction with respect to the guard band can be obtained, and this information is used for tracking control for correcting the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction. By doing so, tracking control can be performed satisfactorily. As a result, a more stable reproduction signal can be obtained against disturbances such as track offset, and high track density can be realized.

  A recording / reproducing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention reproduces data on a recording medium by a recording head so that data can be reproduced by a reproducing apparatus having a reproducing head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks. An apparatus for recording a plurality of tracks constituting a unit, which is a unit of signal processing for the identification, for identifying the plurality of tracks individually on both sides of the unit A recording device having a guard band recording unit for recording a guard band including the information and a device for reproducing the data from the recording medium recorded by the recording device, and reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks A possible reproduction head, an identification information detection unit for detecting the identification pattern from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head, and the identification information detection unit by the identification information detection unit. Using the detection result of the pattern is for and a reproducing apparatus comprising a tracking controller for correcting the positional relationship between the track width direction between the read head and the plurality of tracks.

  By adopting such a configuration, tracking control can be performed satisfactorily, a more stable reproduction signal can be obtained against disturbance such as track offset, and high track density can be realized.

  According to the present invention, good tracking control can be performed, and 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 recording apparatus of this embodiment is an apparatus for recording signals on a tape-shaped magnetic recording medium without aligning the recording position for each track, and the reproducing apparatus does not align the reproducing position for each track from the magnetic recording medium. This is a device for reproducing a signal. The number of recording heads is M, the number of reproducing heads is N, and in this embodiment, M = 6 and N = 6.

  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, a recording head array 150, and a guard band recording unit. 160.

  The multitrack unit 110 includes a data distributor 111 that distributes the recording data 1 to M pieces of data for multitracking.

  The multi-track recording encoding unit 120 includes M recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2,..., 121-6 that encode the recording data allocated to M by the data distributor 111. Composed.

  The multi-track preamble adding unit 130 adds M preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, 131-2, and 1212 for adding a preamble necessary for data reproduction control to each recording data encoded by the multi-track recording encoding unit 120. ..., 131-6.

  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 the recording medium. More specifically, the multi-track recording unit 140 provides M timings that give desired timing to the recording code string to which the preamble is added. , 141-6, M recording compensators 144-1, 144-2,..., 144-6 that perform recording compensation processing, and recording M recording amplifiers 147-1, 147-2,... For driving the individual recording heads W- 1, W- 2,. 147-6.

  The recording head array 150 includes M recording heads W-1, W-2,..., W-6 that are used for recording tracks including data on the magnetic recording medium 2, and tracks that do not include data. It has one recording head W-0 used for recording as a guard band.

  The guard band recording unit 160 is means for recording a guard band, to which a preamble including a synchronization pattern, an identification pattern, and the like is added, on the magnetic recording medium 2 using the guard band recording head W-0.

  The guard band recording unit 160 includes an erasure signal generation unit 161, a preamble addition unit 131-0, an output timing setting unit 141-0, a recording compensation unit 144-0, and a recording amplifier 147-0.

  The erase signal generator 161 is a means for generating an erase signal to be recorded in the guard band. For the erasure signal, a code string that is not used for a data code string, such as a repetitive signal having a recording wavelength equal to or shorter than the shortest recording wavelength, or a DC signal, is used.

  The preamble adding unit 131-0 adds a guard band preamble including a synchronization pattern and an identification pattern to the code sequence of the erasure signal output from the erasure signal generation unit 161.

  The output timing setting unit 141-0 gives a desired timing to the recording code string of the erasure signal to which the preamble is added. The recording compensation unit 144-0 performs a recording compensation process on the output of the output timing setting unit 141-0. The recording amplifier 147-0 drives the recording head W-0 based on the recording code string for the guard band after the recording compensation process.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of unit and guard band recording by the recording apparatus 100. In the recording apparatus 100, an operation of recording M (M = 6) tracks including data and an operation of recording one guard band are switched and executed. First, it is determined whether an object to be recorded is a guard band or a track (step S101).

  When the object of recording to be performed is a track, control is performed to perform the following operation. First, the input recording data 1 is recorded in the multitrack unit 110 by the number of track recording heads W-1, W-2,..., W-6 (M = 6), that is, units. Is distributed to the data corresponding to the number of tracks constituting the (step S102).

  Each of the distributed data is encoded in consideration of the recording / reproduction characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, ..., 121-6 of the multi-track recording encoding unit 120, respectively. Encoded into a column. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation such as a synchronization pattern for demodulation is also added to the data code string (step S103).

  Next, the encoded recording data is subjected to preambles of a plurality of tracks by the reproducing head during reproduction by the preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, ..., 131-6 of the multitrack preamble adding unit 130. Are not reproduced at the same time, a preamble necessary for data reproduction control is added at least in a positional relationship where each adjacent track deviates in the direction in which the tracks proceed, and a recording code string is obtained (step S1). S104).

  Here, as a preamble pattern necessary for control of reproducing data, for example, a gain control pattern used for learning for gain control on a reproduction signal, synchronization used for synchronization detection for bit synchronization processing, etc. There are a pattern, an identification pattern for identifying a track, 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. . The plurality of tracks for one unit are a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is 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 head 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, ..., 121-6 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,..., 141-6 of the multitrack recording unit 140, and then the recording compensation unit 144- 1, 144-2,..., 144-6 are subjected to a recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2. The recording code string for each track subjected to the recording compensation processing is converted from voltage to current by the recording amplifiers 147-1, 147-2,..., 147-6, and the recording heads W-1, W-2,. .., W-6 and recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording heads W-1, W-2,..., W-6 (step S105).

  On the other hand, in step S101, if the target of recording to be performed is a guard band, control is performed to perform the following operation. First, an erase signal for a predetermined unit is output from the erase signal generator 161 of the guard band recording unit 160 (step S106). Next, the preamble adding unit 131-0 adds a guard band preamble to the code string of the erasure signal (step S107).

  The erasure signal recording code string output from the preamble adding unit 131-0 is given a desired timing by the output timing setting unit 141-0 in the guard band recording unit 160, and then stored in the guard band recording unit 160. A recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed in the recording compensation unit 144-0. The recording code string of the erasure signal subjected to the recording compensation process is converted from voltage to current by the recording amplifier 147-0 in the guard band recording unit 160 and sent to the recording head W-0. Recording is performed on the magnetic recording medium 2 (step S108).

  As described above, the recording apparatus 100 records the M tracks and one guard band constituting the unit, and then moves the recording head array 150 by a certain amount in the tape width direction of the magnetic recording medium 2. Next, M tracks and one guard band constituting the next unit are recorded, and this is repeated a predetermined number of times (s). Finally, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the guard band 52 is recorded on the unit 51 so that the guard bands 52 are arranged on both sides of each unit 51 and the guard bands 52 are interposed between the units 51. Performed once more than recording. That is, in the example of FIG. 6, guard band # 1, unit # 1, guard band # 2, unit # 2, guard band # 3,..., Guard band #s, from one end in the width direction of the magnetic recording medium 2. Recording is performed in the order of unit #s and guard band # s + 1. Here, the guard band # s + 1 is created by performing only the recording of the guard band 52 by the guard band recording unit 160 at the position where the recording head array 150 is finally moved in the track width direction.

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

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

  As shown in the figure, the playback apparatus 200 includes a playback head array 210, a channel playback unit 220, a signal separation processing unit 230, a multitrack demodulation unit 240, a restoration unit 260, and a tracking control unit 270.

  The reproducing head array 210 has N (N = 6) reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 that read signals from the tracks recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2. Each of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 has a head width and an arrangement so that signals can be reproduced from one or more adjacent tracks on the magnetic recording medium 2. Is decided.

  The channel reproducing unit 220 amplifies the signals reproduced by the N reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 mounted on the reproducing head array 210, and N reproducing amplifiers 221-1. , 221-2,..., 221-6 and N reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2,. , 224-6, and gain adjustment units 224-1, 224-2,..., 224-6 are converted into digital values having a predetermined bit width. A / D converters 225-1, 225-2, ..., 225-6 for quantization are provided.

  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,.

  In addition, the gain adjustment units 224-1, 224-2,..., 224-6 are arranged not in the previous stage of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2,. Also good. This is because the bit widths of the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2,..., 225-6 are used more effectively, or the gain adjusting units 224-1, 224-2,. This configuration is effective when it is desired to simplify the configuration considering the detection of each pattern included in the preampule.

  The signal separation processing unit 230 includes a synchronization signal detection unit 231, an identification information detection unit 232, a reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233, a channel estimation calculation unit 234, a reproduction position control processing unit 235, and a signal separation calculation unit 236. Yes.

  The synchronization signal detector 231 reproduces each reproduction head R-1, R-2,..., R-6 output from the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2,. A synchronization pattern in the preamble is detected from the signal.

  The identification information detection unit 232 uses the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 to determine the start position of the identification pattern in the reproduction signal of each reproduction head R-1, R-2,. Identify and detect, and output identification information.

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 detects a gain control pattern in the preamble from the reproduction signal of each reproduction head R-1, R-2,..., R-6 that has passed through the identification information detection unit 232, and Based on this gain control pattern, the gain for the reproduction signal of each reproduction head R-1, R-2,..., R-6 is calculated, and each reproduction head R-1, R-2,. • Controls the level of the R-6 playback signal.

  The channel estimation calculation unit 234 uses the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 to separate the reproduction signals included in the reproduction signal preambles of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2,. The head position of the pattern is specified, and using these separation patterns, the positional relationship in the track width direction during reproduction between the reproduction heads R-1, R-2,. Channel estimation calculation is performed to calculate the corresponding channel matrix.

  The reproduction position control processing unit 235 uses the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 to use the reproduction heads R-1, R-2,..., R− that have passed through the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233. 6 is performed to match the reproduction position of the reproduction signal.

  The signal separation calculation unit 236 calculates an inverse matrix of the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 234, and each reproduction head R-1 input from the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 based on the inverse matrix. , R-2,..., R-6, the reproduction signal for each track is separated.

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

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-track demodulation unit 240 performs M equalizers 241-1 and 241-2 that perform equalization processing on the reproduction signal for each track separated by the signal separation operation unit 236. , ..., 241-6 and M PLLs 242-1, 242-2, ..., which perform bit synchronization from the outputs of the equalizers 241-1, 241-2, ..., 241-6. 242-6 and the reproduction signals of the tracks R-1, R-2,..., R-6 using the bit synchronization signals generated by the PLLs 242-1, 242-2,. .., 243-6, and detectors 243-1, 243-2,..., For example, Viterbi detectors and the like. .., 243-6 output binarized reproduction signal is used to detect synchronization signal on code string , 244-6 and the synchronization patterns detected by the synchronization signal detectors 244-1, 244-2,. Are provided with M decoders 245-1, 245-2,..., 245-6 that specify the head position of the data and decode the data string from the code string. 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 records the data of each track output from the M decoders 245-1, 245-2, ..., 245-6 in the multitrack demodulation unit 240 at the time of recording. And a data combiner 261 that restores the reproduced data 3 by connecting them in the reverse operation.

  The tracking control unit 270 uses the identification information detected by the identification information detection unit 232 to determine the positional relationship of each reproducing head R-1, R-2,..., R-6 and the unit in the track width direction. Control is performed to correct.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a unit reproduction operation flow of the reproduction apparatus 200.

  In this reproducing apparatus 200, first, the magnetic recording medium 2 is constituted by N reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 that can reproduce signals from one or more adjacent tracks. A signal is reproduced from a plurality of tracks of one unit (step S201).

  Next, the gain adjustment units 224-1, 224-2, ..., 224-6 adjust the amplitude levels of the outputs of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, ..., 221-6. Then, the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2,..., 225-6 are converted into digital values and output to the synchronization signal detection unit 231 (step S202).

  Next, the reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 output from the A / D converters 225-1, 225-2,. A synchronization pattern included in each reproduction signal is detected (step S203).

  Next, based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 by the identification information detection unit 232, the identification pattern in the reproduction signal of each reproduction head R-1, R-2,. Is identified and the identification pattern is detected to obtain identification information (step S204).

  Next, in the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233, each reproduction head R is based on the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern in the preamble of each reproduction head R-1, R-2,. −1, R−2,..., R-6, gains for the reproduction signals are calculated, and the levels of the reproduction signals of the respective reproduction heads R-1, R-2,. (Step S205).

  Next, based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 and the identification information obtained by the identification information detection unit 232 in the channel estimation calculation unit 234, each reproducing head R-1, R-2, ..., the head position of the separation pattern included in the reproduction signal of R-6 is specified, and using these separation patterns, reproduction heads R-1, R-2, ..., R-6 and a plurality of A channel matrix corresponding to the positional relationship with the track in the track width direction is calculated (step S206).

  Next, based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 and the identification information obtained by the identification information detection unit 232 in the reproduction position control processing unit 235, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 determines the level. Processing for adjusting the reproduction position of the reproduction signal of each of the adjusted reproduction heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 is performed (step S207).

  Next, the signal separation calculation unit 236 calculates an inverse matrix of the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 234, and each reproduction position is adjusted by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 using this inverse matrix. A process of separating the reproduction signal for each track from the reproduction signals of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 is performed (step S208).

  Thereafter, the multi-track demodulator 240 decodes the data string from the reproduction signal separated for each track (step S209), and the restoration unit 260 concatenates the data of each track to obtain reproduction data 3. (Step S210).

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a track format on the magnetic recording medium 2 on which recording has been performed by the recording apparatus 100 described above.

  Here, M tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 6 recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the M recording heads are one unit 51. A plurality (s) of such units 51 are recorded side by side in the tape width direction of the magnetic recording medium 2 on the magnetic recording medium 2. On both sides of each unit 51, guard bands 52, which are areas where data is not recorded, are arranged. The purpose of the guard band 52 is to prevent data from being reproduced from a unit adjacent to the unit being reproduced.

  In each track # 1, # 2,..., # 6, a preamble 21 which is information necessary for control of reproducing the data 22 and data 22 to be reproduced are arranged. Although no data is recorded in the guard band 52, a preamble including a synchronization pattern, an identification pattern, and the like is recorded at a predetermined position in the track traveling direction.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the details of the track format of FIG. 6 and shows one unit 51 and two guard bands 52 arranged on both sides of the unit 51 from the entire track format of FIG. Is.

  As shown in the figure, each of the preambles 21 of the tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 6 includes a first preamble 23 and a second preamble 24. The first preamble 23 includes gain control patterns 41-1, 41-2, ..., 41-6, synchronization patterns 42-1, 42-2, ..., 42-6, and an identification pattern 43-1. , 43-2,..., 43-6. The second preamble 24 is composed of separation patterns 44-1, 44-2, ..., 44-6. Each track # 1, # 2,..., # 6 has gain control patterns 41-1, 41-2,..., 41-6 and synchronization patterns 42-1, 42-2 from the head side. ,..., 42-6, and identification patterns 43-1, 43-2,. Then, after the second preamble 24, data 22 to be reproduced is arranged.

  On the other hand, the guard band 52 includes only gain control patterns 41-0 and 41-7, synchronization patterns 42-0 and 42-7, and identification patterns 43-0 and 43-7, which are elements of the first preamble 23, as preambles. Is recorded.

  The patterns of the first preamble 23 recorded on the tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 6 are respectively positions in the direction in which the track proceeds with respect to the patterns of the preamble 21 of other tracks in the same unit. So that they do not overlap each other. That is, the pattern (gain control pattern 41-1, synchronization pattern 42-1 and identification pattern 43-1) of the preamble 21 of track # 1 is the pattern (gain control pattern) of the first preamble 23 of track # 2 in the t1 interval. 41-2, synchronization pattern 42-2, identification pattern 43-2) is the pattern of the first preamble 23 of track # 3 (gain control pattern 41-3, synchronization pattern 42-3, identification pattern 43-) in the t2 interval. 3) The pattern of the first preamble 23 of track # 4 (gain control pattern 41-4, synchronization pattern 42-4, identification pattern 43-4) is in the t3 section, and the first preamble of track # 5 is in the t4 section. The pattern of the preamble 23 (gain control pattern 41-5, synchronization pattern 42-5, identification pattern 43-5) is t5. During the pattern of the first preamble 23 of the track # 6 (gain control pattern 41-6, the synchronization pattern 42-6, the identification pattern 43-6) The interval t6, are disposed respectively. A gap 40 for a margin is provided between the recording sections of these patterns.

  On the other hand, gain control patterns 41-0 and 41-7, synchronization patterns 42-0 and 42-7, and identification patterns 43-0 and 43-7, which are patterns of the first preamble 23 recorded in each guard band 52, are also included. The positions of the preambles 21 recorded on the tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 6 do not overlap with the positions in the track traveling direction, for example, the pattern of the preamble 21 of the track # 6. It is arranged in the later t7 section.

  By arranging the pattern of the first preamble 23 in this way, even when the channel clock positions of the tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 6 and the guard band 52 are not aligned, The reproduction signal level is not lowered due to the cancellation of the patterns between the track and the guard band 52, and the process using the pattern of the first preamble 23 can be performed satisfactorily.

  Also, the separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 44-6, which are the second preambles 24 of the tracks # 1, # 2,. On the other hand, the positions in the traveling direction of the tracks are arranged so as not to overlap each other. That is, the separation pattern 44-1 for track # 1 is in the T1 section, the separation pattern 44-2 for track # 2 is in the T2 section, the separation pattern 44-3 for track # 3 is in the T3 section, and the separation pattern for track # 4. 44-4 is recorded in the T4 section, the separation pattern 44-5 of the track # 5 is recorded in the T5 section, and the separation pattern 44-6 of the track # 6 is recorded in the T6 section. As a result, there are six types of separation patterns corresponding to the number of tracks. Between the separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 44-6 of adjacent tracks, a gap 40 for a predetermined time is provided for a margin. Note that no separation pattern is recorded in the guard band 52.

  The separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 44-6 are recorded at a predetermined recording wavelength equal to or greater than the minimum recording wavelength.

  Gain control patterns 41-0, 41-1,..., 41-7 arranged in the tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 6 and the first preamble 23 of the guard band 52 are reproduced. Sometimes, learning for gain control of the reproduction amplifiers 221-1, 221-2, ..., 221-6 by the gain adjustment units 224-1, 224-2, ..., 224-6 in the reproduction apparatus 200 In addition to being used as a signal, it is used for control by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233. The gain control patterns 41-0, 41-1,..., 41-7 are used for control by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 as necessary. In addition, the gain control patterns 41-0, 41-1,..., 41-7 are used as learning signals for bit synchronization detection in the synchronization signal detection unit 231 in the playback device 200 as necessary. .

  .., # 6 and the sync patterns 42-0, 42-1,..., 42-7 arranged in the first preamble 23 of the guard band 52 are recorded on the playback device. , 43-7, separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 43-7, which are used for detection of the synchronization signal by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 in 200. .., 44-6 and used as information for knowing the head position of the data 22. Further, the synchronization patterns 42-0, 42-1,..., 42-7 are used for reproduction position control in the reproduction position control processing unit 235.

  Identification patterns 43-0, 43-1,..., 43-7 arranged in the first preamble 23 of each track # 1, # 2,. It is detected by the identification information detection unit 232 in 200 and used to obtain track and guard band identification information, and is also used for channel estimation calculation in the channel estimation calculation unit 234. Further, this identification information is used for playback position control in the playback position control processing unit 235.

  The separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 44-6 arranged as the second preamble 24 in each track # 1, # 2,. Is used for channel estimation calculation to obtain a channel matrix of This channel matrix corresponds to position information in the track width direction of the individual reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 for each track # 1, # 2, # 3 in one unit. In other words, it is information indicating at what ratio and in what proportion each individual reproduction head R-1, R-2,..., R-6 overlaps.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the width of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 is 1.5 times the track width. That is, the width of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 is 1.5 times the head width of the recording heads W-1, W-2,. The individual reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 can reproduce signals from a plurality of tracks.

  Next, referring back to FIG. 6, the identification patterns 43-0, 43-1,..., # 6 arranged in the tracks # 1, # 2,. Details of 43-7 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the identification information is, for example, a combination of a number from “1” to “s” for identifying a unit and a number from “1” to “6” for identifying a track in the unit, for example. It is expressed by. For example, “1_2” indicates the second track of the first unit. In the expression of the identification information, the guard band 52 is treated as a track belonging to the unit on which recording is performed at the same time, and “0” is given to the number for identifying the track of the guard band 52. Therefore, for example, “2 — 0” indicates a guard band in which recording is performed simultaneously with the track of the second unit. Also, from one side in the tape width direction of the magnetic recording medium 2, guard band # 1, unit # 1, guard band # 2, unit # 2, guard band # 3,..., Guard band #s, unit #s, guard Since recording is performed in the order of band # s + 1, the last guard band # s + 1 is a track belonging to the s + 1th unit that does not actually exist, and (s + 1) _0 is given as identification information.

  When the maximum number of units is 8192 and the maximum number of tracks in the unit is 8, the number of bits expressing the identification information is at least 13 bits for the number identifying the unit, and for the number identifying the track. Therefore, at least 3 bits may be allocated, for a total of 16 bits.

  Further, as described above, instead of giving an identification number to the unit, the unit may be identified by, for example, a system frame unit or an error correction format unit.

  Next, details of processing performed in main blocks in the playback apparatus 200 of FIG. 3 will be described.

  (About the identification information detection unit 232)

  The identification information detection unit 232 identifies the start position of the identification pattern in the reproduction signal for each reproduction head based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231, detects the identification pattern, and outputs the identification information. To do.

  When one playback head straddles the guard band 52 and the track, the synchronization signal detection unit 231 makes the synchronization pattern corresponding to the guard band 52 and the synchronization pattern corresponding to the track different from the playback signal obtained by the playback head. A sync signal corresponding to the guard band 52 and a sync signal corresponding to the track are detected. The identification information detection unit 232 uses the respective synchronization signals to identify the start positions of the guard band 52 and the track identification information, and detects the respective identification information.

  (Reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233)

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 outputs the reproduction signals of the gain control patterns 41-1, 41-1, ..., 41-7 of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2, ..., R-6. Based on, for example, the gains for the reproduction signals of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 are calculated as follows, and the reproduction heads R-1, R-2,. ..., control the level of the reproduction signal of R-6.

  For example, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 adds the signals of the gain control patterns 41-0 and 41-1 respectively reproduced from the guard band # 1 and the track # 1 by the reproduction head R-1 in FIG. Similarly, the signals of the gain control patterns 41-1, 41-2, and 41-3 reproduced from the track # 1, the track # 2, and the track # 3, respectively, by the reproducing head R-2 are added. In this way, the reproduced gain control pattern signal is added to each reproducing head R-1, R-2,..., R-6.

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

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 selects the maximum one of the six calculation results obtained as described above, and uses this to select all reproduction heads R-1, R-2,. 6 as a reference output. The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 controls a value obtained by multiplying the input reproduction signal value of each reproduction head R-1, R-2,..., R-6 by 1 / (reference output). Output as a result.

  The reference output can also be used in channel estimation calculation in the channel estimation calculation unit 234 and can also be used in the signal separation calculation unit 236.

  (About channel estimation calculation unit 234)

  The channel estimation calculation unit 234 identifies the head positions of the separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 44-6 based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231, and separates them. Reproduction signal for one unit whose level is controlled by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 by performing channel estimation calculation based on the reproduction signals of the patterns 44-1, 44-2, ..., 44-6. A channel matrix necessary for separating the reproduction signal for each track is generated. At this time, the channel estimation calculation unit 234 can know the position where the head of the separation pattern of each track is based on the identification information of each track detected by the identification information detection unit 232. The reproduction signal of the separation pattern can be discriminated with high accuracy from the reproduction signal, and the channel estimation calculation can be performed with high accuracy.

  A specific example of a method for obtaining the head position of the separation pattern of each track based on the identification information will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, for simplicity of explanation, the reproducing head width is equal to the track width, and the number of tracks is three, and the guard band is not shown.

  In FIG. 8, 51-1 is a reproduction signal of the first preamble reproduced from the track # 1 by the reproduction head R-1, and 51-2 is a first preamble reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-2. The reproduction signal 51-3 is a reproduction signal of the first preamble reproduced from the track # 3 by the reproduction head R-3. 52-1 is a reproduction signal of the second preamble reproduced from the track # 1 by the reproduction head R-1, and 52-2 is a reproduction of the second preamble reproduced from the track # 2 by the reproduction head R-2. A signal 52-3 is a reproduction signal of the second preamble reproduced from the track # 3 by the reproducing head R-3.

  Here, first, the first preamble of the track # 1 is reproduced. For example, “1_1” is obtained as the identification information of the track from the identification pattern included in the first preamble of the track # 1. Since this means the first track # 1 of the first unit, in this case, a predetermined amount of data for the track # 1 is detected from the detection end position of the first preamble of the track # 1. It is determined that the rear position is the head position of the second preamble of the track # 1. In the example of FIG. 8, a position that is 90 (10 + 30 + 10 + 30 + 10) data behind the detection end position of the first preamble of track # 1 is the head position of the second preamble of that track # 1.

  Next, the first preamble of track # 2 is reproduced. For example, it is assumed that “1_2” is obtained as the identification information of the track from the identification pattern included in the first preamble of the track # 2. Since this means the second track # 2 of the first unit, in this case, a predetermined amount of data for the track # 2 is detected from the detection end position of the first preamble of the track # 2. It is determined that the rear position is the head position of the second preamble of the track # 2. In the example of FIG. 8, a position 120 (10 + 30 + 10 + 60 + 10) data behind the detection end position of the first preamble of track # 2 is the head position of the second preamble of that track # 2.

  Next, the first preamble of track # 3 is reproduced. For example, “1_3” is obtained as the identification information of the track from the identification pattern included in the first preamble of the track # 3. Since this means the third track # 3 of the first unit, in this case, a predetermined amount of data for the track # 3 is detected from the detection end position of the first preamble of the track # 3. It is determined that the rear position is the head position of the second preamble of the track # 3. In the example of FIG. 8, a position that is 150 (10 + 60 + 10 + 60 + 10) data behind the detection end position of the first preamble of track # 3 is the head position of the second preamble of that track # 2.

  Thus, if the identification information is obtained, the head position of the separation pattern arranged behind the first preamble of the track or guard band can be accurately specified, and the reproduction signal of the subsequent separation pattern can be obtained. The channel estimation calculation based on the original can be performed with higher accuracy.

  (Reproduction position control processing unit 235)

  The reproduction position control processing unit 235 receives the reproduction signal of each reproduction head whose level is controlled by the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233, and reproduces the reproduction position based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231. Processing for adjusting the reproduction positions of the reproduction signals of the reproduction heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 that have passed through the signal gain control processing unit 233 is performed. As a result, even if the reproduction positions of the respective reproduction signals fetched from the respective reproduction heads do not coincide with each other in the track traveling direction, the reproduction positions of the respective reproduction signals can be aligned and input to the signal separation calculation unit 236. , Stable data reproduction can be performed.

  (About the signal separation calculation unit 236)

  The signal separation calculation unit 236 performs a predetermined signal separation calculation based on the channel matrix output from the channel estimation calculation unit 234, so that each reproducing head R-1, R-2,. The signal for each track is separated from the reproduction signal for one unit that is reproduced by the reproduction position control processing unit 235 and the reproduction position is aligned.

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

  (Regarding the tracking control unit 270)

  Based on the identification information detected by the identification information detection unit 232, the tracking control unit 270 and each of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2, ..., R-6 of the reproducing head array 210 and the magnetic recording medium 2 The positions of the reproducing head array 210 and the magnetic recording medium 2 in the track width direction are controlled so as to optimize the positional relationship between the tracks # 1, # 2,.

  For example, in FIG. 7, the tracking control unit 270 performs control based on the detection results of the guard bands # 1 and # 2 arranged before and after the unit # 1 detected by the identification information detection unit 232. In FIG. 7, for example, when the amount that the reproducing head R-1 overlaps the guard band # 1 and the amount that the reproducing head R-6 overlaps the guard band # 2 match, the reproduction characteristics are optimized. And At this time, the tracking control unit 270 determines that the tracking is good when the identification information detecting unit 232 obtains the identification information of the guard band # 1 and the guard band # 2, and the guard band # 1 or the guard band # 1. If only the identification information of band # 2 is obtained, it is determined that tracking is poor.

  When only the identification information of the guard band # 1 is obtained and it is determined that the tracking is poor, the tracking control unit 270 moves the reproducing head array 210 to the guard band # 2 side by a certain amount, and the identification information of the guard band # 2 If the tracking control unit 270 determines that the tracking is poor, the tracking control unit 270 moves the reproducing head array 210 to the guard band # 1 side by a certain amount. In the reproduction processing after the movement of the reproducing head array 210, tracking control is performed in the same manner. When it is determined that the tracking is poor again, a certain amount of movement of the reproducing head array 210 is repeated. Thereby, the above tracking control is repeated until it is finally determined that the tracking is good.

  Another tracking control method will be described. In FIG. 7, the level of the playback signal of the preamble 21 of the guard bands # 1 and # 2 arranged on both sides of the unit # 1 is the level of the playback signal of the preamble 21 of the tracks # 1 and # 6 at both ends of the unit # 1. The tracking control unit 270 performs control so as to correct the positional relationship between the reproducing head array 210 and the magnetic recording medium 2 in the track width direction so as to be smaller. This method is also possible by identifying which guard band or track the reproduction signal is based on the identification information detected by the identification information detection unit 232.

  Still another tracking control method will be described. In the tracking control unit 270, the identification information detection unit 232 detects that the reproduction signal of the adjacent unit track is included in the reproduction signals of the reproduction heads R- 1 and R- 6 at both ends of the reproduction head array 210. Detected based on the identified identification information. When the reproduction signal of the track of the adjacent unit is included, the tracking control unit 270 moves the reproduction head array 210 in an appropriate amount and in an appropriate direction by looking at the level of the reproduction signal of the track of the adjacent unit. For example, the positional relationship between each reproducing head R-1, R-2,..., R-6 and each track # 1, # 2,.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the synchronization pattern and the identification pattern are recorded in the guard band, and each guard band can be individually identified with respect to the track. Information on the positional relationship in the width direction can be obtained, and by using this information for tracking control that corrects the positional relationship between the reproducing head and the unit in the track width direction, tracking control can be performed well. it can.

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

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first modified column of the track format. In this track format, the pattern of the first preamble 23 arranged on the six tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 6 is divided into three sections t1, t2, t3 in the track traveling direction. The patterns of the first preambles 23 of a plurality of tracks arranged and reproduced by the individual reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-6 are shifted from each other in the track traveling direction. The position of the pattern of the first preamble 23 of each track # 1, # 2,..., # 6 is determined so as to be arranged.

  That is, the pattern of the preamble 21 of the track # 1 and the track # 4 is in the t1 section, and the pattern of the first preamble 23 of the track # 2 and the track # 5 is in the t2 section, and the first pattern of the track # 3 and the track # 6. The pattern of the preamble 23 is arranged in the t3 section. A gap 40 for a margin is provided between the recording sections of these patterns.

  The arrangement of the separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 44-6 of the second preamble 24 is the same as that in FIG. The arrangement of the pattern of the first preamble 23 in the guard band 52 is the same as that in FIG. 7, and the first preamble 23 recorded in the tracks # 1, # 2,. For example, the pattern is arranged in the t4 section after the pattern of the first preamble 23 of tracks # 3 and # 6.

  According to such a track format, compared to the track format shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to reduce the amount of consumption in the traveling direction of the track of the magnetic recording medium 2 by the pattern of the first preamble 23, and to improve the recording efficiency. Improvements can be made.

  In the description so far, the identification pattern is added to the first preamble as a separate pattern with respect to the gain control pattern and the synchronization pattern, but a plurality of types of patterns are prepared for the synchronization pattern. By associating identification information with each type of the synchronization pattern, it may be possible to simultaneously detect the synchronization pattern and acquire the identification information. Further, the identification information may be obtained by the position of the pattern in the first preamble.

  Moreover, 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.

  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 24.

  Furthermore, at the time of recording, it is not possible to identify the track by an explicit method such as an identification pattern, but in the playback device, the unit is determined according to the position on the track of the unique pattern such as each synchronization pattern or separation pattern. You may make it identify the inside track | truck and a guard band.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified column of the track format. In this track format, one unit 51 is composed of five tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 5, and each unit 51 is arranged so that a plurality of units 51 are arranged in the track traveling direction. In this track, a plurality of preambles and data are recorded. Here, the identification information of each preamble 21 is used to identify a plurality of preambles # 1 and # 2 arranged in the direction in which the track proceeds in the expression method using the unit number and the track number. It is expressed in a format with an identification number added. For example, “1_1_1” is given as identification information to the first preamble # 1 of the first track # 1 of the first unit, and “1_1_2” is given as identification information to the next preamble # 2. Note that the number of tracks constituting one unit 51 is not limited to five.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third modified column of the track format. In this track format, the guard band 52 is wider than tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 5. Such a track format is realized by using a guard band recording head having a width wider than that of the track recording head. Thus, by increasing the width of the guard band 52, the risk of reproducing a signal from the track of the adjacent unit due to the track offset of the reproducing heads R-1, R-2,..., R-5 is reduced. can do.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a fourth modified column of the track format. In this track format, the first preamble 23 arranged in the five tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 5 and the two guard bands # 1, # 2 is divided into three sections in the track traveling direction. The patterns of the first preamble 23 of a plurality of tracks which are arranged separately at t1, t2 and t3 and are reproduced by the individual reproducing heads R-1, R-2,. The positions of the patterns of the first preambles 23 of the tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 5 are determined so that they are arranged at positions shifted from each other in the direction in which they are performed.

  That is, the pattern of the preamble 21 of the track # 1 and the track # 4 is in the t1 section, and the pattern of the first preamble 23 of the track # 2 and the track # 5 is in the t2 section, the track # 3 and the two guard bands # 1, The pattern of the first preamble 23 of # 2 is arranged in the t3 section. A gap 40 for a margin is provided between the recording sections of these patterns. The arrangement of the separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 44-5 of the second preamble 24 is the same as that in FIG.

  Even with such a track format, compared to the track format shown in FIG. 7, the consumption of the magnetic recording medium 2 in the traveling direction of the pattern of the first preamble 23 can be reduced, and the recording efficiency can be improved. Can be planned.

  11 and FIG. 12, the identification patterns 43-0, 43-1,..., 43 of the tracks # 1, # 2,. -6 are arranged so that those adjacent in the track width direction do not interfere with each other during reproduction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is adjacent in the track width direction as a code string of an identification pattern By adopting code strings that do not interfere with each other during reproduction, the identification pattern 43 in the first preamble 23 of each track # 1, # 2,..., # 5 and guard bands # 1, # 2 −0, 43-1,..., 43-6 can be arranged at the same position in the track traveling direction.

For example, when 16 bits are given as the identification pattern in the same track width direction,
As the identification pattern “1_1” for track # 1, “000001-01-00-00-00-00” is given,
As the identification pattern “1_2” for track # 2, “000001-00-01-00-00-00” is given,
"000001-00-00-01-00-00" is given as the identification pattern "1_3" of the track # 3,
As the identification pattern “1_4” of the track # 4, “000001-00-00-00-01-00” is given,
“000001−00−00−00−00-01” is given as the identification pattern “1_5” of the track # 5,
“000001-00-00-00-00-00” is given as the identification pattern “1_0” of the guard track # 1.

  In this way, each track # 1, # 2,... Is arranged so that the bit position of “1”, which is a significant code in the identification pattern, does not match between those adjacent in the track width direction in the code string. .., # 5 and guard bands # 1, # 2 by selecting the code string of the identification pattern, the first of each track # 1, # 2,..., # 5 and guard bands # 1, # 2 The identification patterns 43-0, 43-1,..., 43-6 in the preamble 23 can be arranged in the same section in the track traveling direction.

  Also, the position in the track width direction at the time of reproduction between each reproduction head R-1, R-2,..., R-6 and a plurality of tracks # 1, # 2,. In the above embodiment, the separation patterns 44-1, 44-2,..., 44-6 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 are used as patterns necessary for detecting the relationship. The invention is not limited to this. For example, tracking servo information or the like can be used. In this case, a summary of the positional relationship between each recording pattern of the tracking servo information and each reproducing head in units is generated as channel estimation information.

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

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case of calculating a channel matrix of 6 rows and 6 columns or 5 rows and 5 columns has been described, but signal separation processing is also performed by obtaining a generalized inverse matrix of other square matrices. Can be done. 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.

  The amount of information for gain control may be increased by additionally arranging the gain control pattern arranged in the first preamble 23 behind the synchronization pattern.

  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 24.

  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.

  In the above embodiment, the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 has one recording head W-0 for recording as a guard band, but this is added further outside the recording head W-6. A recording head for recording as the second guard band may be provided, and for example, in the recording as shown in FIG. 6, the recording of the guard band # s + 1 may be performed more efficiently.

  In the above embodiment, the magnetic recording / reproducing system has been described in which a signal is recorded on the magnetic recording medium without aligning the recording position for each track, and the signal is reproduced from the magnetic recording medium without aligning the reproducing position for each track. The present invention is not limited to this, for example, a magnetic recording / reproducing method for recording a signal without aligning the recording position for each track, and reproducing from the magnetic recording medium by aligning the reproducing position for each track. The same applies to the above. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a magnetic recording / reproducing system in which a signal is recorded with the recording position aligned for each track, and reproduction is performed from the magnetic recording medium without aligning the reproducing position for each track.

  Next, as a modification of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, a recording apparatus that can individually switch a plurality of recording heads for guard band recording and track recording will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording apparatus 101 which is this modification.

  As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 101 includes a multi-tracking unit 110, a multi-track recording encoding unit 120, a multi-track preamble adding unit 130, a multi-track recording unit 140, a recording head array 150, An erasing signal generation unit 161, a switch setting unit 170, and a control unit 180 are provided.

  The multitrack unit 110 includes a data distributor 111 that distributes the recording data 1 into data corresponding to the number of effective channels for multitracking.

  The multi-track recording encoding unit 120 includes a plurality of recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, ..., 121-7 that encode the recording data distributed by the data distributor 111, respectively. .

  The multi-track preamble adding unit 130 outputs a plurality of preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2,..., 131-7 for adding a track preamble to the code string of the recording data, and an erasure signal generating unit 161. Are composed of a plurality of preamble adding units 131-11, 131-12,..., 131-17 for adding a guard band preamble to the erased signal.

  The multitrack recording unit 140 outputs, for each channel, the output of the track preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2,..., 131-7 and the guard band preamble adding units 131-11, 131-12. .., 131-17, a plurality of switches 146-1, 146-2,..., 146-7, and switches 146-1, 146-2,. , 141-7 for giving desired timings to the code strings respectively selected by, and a plurality of recording compensation units 144-1 for performing recording compensation processing. , 144-2,..., 144-7 and the outputs of the recording compensators 144-1, 144-2,. ..., W- Driving a plurality of recording amplifiers 147-1,147-2, ..., and a 147-7.

  The erasure signal generation unit 161 generates an erasure signal to be input to the guard band preamble addition units 131-11, 131-12,..., 131-17. As an erasing method, AC erasure with magnetization reversal using a repetitive signal having a wavelength shorter than the shortest recording wavelength (1T) used in a magnetic recording system as an erasure signal, or magnetization reversal using a DC erase signal No DC erasure etc. are adopted.

  The switch setting unit 170 selects the selection signals S-1, S-2,..., S individually for the switches 146-1, 146-2,. -7, and individually controls the switching state of the switches 146-1, 146-2,.

  The control unit 180 determines whether the recording heads W-1, W-2,..., W-7 provided in the recording head array 150 are individually used for guard band recording or track recording. In order to perform switching control, for example, the switch setting unit 170, the data distributor 111, the preamble addition units 131-1, 131-2, ..., 131-7, the output timing setting units 141-1, 141-2, ..., a control command is given to 141-7.

  Next, the operation of the recording apparatus 101 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, first, the switch setting unit 170 sends selection signals S-1 and 146-7 to the switches 146-1, 146-2, ..., 146-7 based on a control command from the control unit 180. S-2,..., S-7 are input, and recording heads W-1, W-2,..., W-7 provided in the recording head array 150 are individually recorded on tracks. Whether to use for recording or to record a guard band is set (step S111). Here, as an example, the recording head W-1 is used for guard band recording, and the other recording heads W-2,..., W-7 are used for track recording.

  Thereafter, the recording data 1 is input to the data distributor 111 of the multitrack unit 110. The data distributor 111 distributes the input recording data 1 to data corresponding to the number of effective channels based on information given in advance from the control unit 180, and each of the recording encoding units 121-2 at the subsequent stage. ,..., 121-7 (step S112).

  The recording encoding units 121-2,..., 121-7 encode the recording data for each track given from the data distributor 111 into code strings that take into consideration the recording / reproduction characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2. , Respectively, to the preamble adding units 131-2,. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation, such as a synchronization pattern for demodulation, is also added to the code string (step S113).

  The preamble adding units 131-2,..., 131-7 add preamble patterns necessary for control of reproducing data to predetermined positions of the code string of the recording data (step S114).

  The code string of the recording data to which the preamble is added is a switch 146 set so as to select the output of the track preamble adding units 131-2,..., 131-7 by a selection signal from the switch setting unit 170. ,..., 146-7 through the output timing setting units 141-2,. At -2, ..., 144-7, a recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed (step S115).

  .., 147-7 are respectively input to the recording amplifiers 147-2,..., 147-7 in the subsequent stage, and converted from voltage to current, and the recording heads W-2,. .., recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by W-7 (step S116).

  On the other hand, in the channel set for guard band recording, first, an erase signal for a predetermined unit is generated from the erase signal generator 161 (step S117), and this erase signal is set for guard band recording. The preamble adding unit 131-11 adds a guard band preamble (step S118).

  The erasure signal to which the guard band preamble is added is sent via the switch 146-1 set to select the output of the guard band preamble adding unit 131-11 by the selection signal from the switch setting unit 170. After being input to the output timing setting unit 141-1 at the subsequent stage and given a desired timing here, a recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed by the recording compensation unit 144-1. Each is performed (step S115).

  The erase signal subjected to the recording compensation is input to the recording amplifier 147-1, converted from a voltage to a current, and recorded as a guard band on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording head W-1 (step S116).

  In the above example, the case where only the recording head W-1 is used for guard band recording has been described. However, the control of the switch setting unit 170 causes the recording head W-1 and the recording head W-7 at both ends to be connected to the guard band. It is possible to make flexible changes such as using for recording or using a plurality of continuous recording heads, for example, recording head W-1 and recording head W-2 for guard band recording.

  This recording apparatus 101 is required because it can be set for each of the recording heads W-1, W-2,..., W-7 to be used for track recording or guard band recording. The recording format can be flexibly changed to realize the recording density and transfer rate. In addition, the width of the guard band can be selected with a high degree of freedom by selecting the number of continuous recording heads used for guard band recording.

  As a further modification of the recording apparatus, an erasing head using a permanent magnet and a recording head for preamble recording are arranged in the same row, a guard band is created by the erasing head, and a recording head for preamble recording is used. A configuration for recording the preamble is conceivable.

  (Second Embodiment)

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

  The magnetic recording / reproducing system of this embodiment has a recording head and a reproducing head whose number is less than the number of tracks per unit or a unit, and a recording medium on which recording is performed without aligning the recording position for each track. This is a method of reproducing without arranging the reproduction position every time.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of the recording apparatus 300 in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the second embodiment.

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

  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, a recording head array 150, and a guard band recording unit. 190.

  The multi-track recording encoding unit 120 includes M recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2,..., 121-6 that encode the recording data allocated to M by the data distributor 111. Composed.

  The multitrack preamble adding unit 130 adds M preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2, 131-2, and 1312 that add a preamble necessary for data reproduction control to each recording data encoded by the multitrack recording encoding unit 120. .., 131-6 and a storage unit 132 for storing a code string of recording data to which a preamble for each track is added.

  The guard band recording unit 190 adds an erase signal generating unit 161 that generates an erase signal, and a guard band preamble including a synchronization pattern and an identification pattern to the code sequence of the erase signal output from the erase signal generating unit 161. It includes a preamble adding unit 131-0 and a storage unit 162 that stores an erase signal to which a guard band preamble is added.

  The multitrack recording unit 140 includes a switching unit 149 that selects a recording code string to be read from the storage unit 132 and the storage unit 162, and one output timing setting unit that gives a desired timing to the recording code string selected by the switching unit 149. 141, one recording compensation unit 144 that performs recording compensation processing, and one recording amplifier that drives the recording head W-1 based on the recording code string after the recording compensation processing.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations during unit recording of the recording apparatus 300.

  In the recording apparatus 300, first, the process is branched depending on whether a recording code string for a track or a recording code string for a guard band is generated (step S301). If the process to be performed is generation of a recording code string for a track, the input recording data 1 is distributed to data of the number of tracks for one unit by the multitrack unit 110 (step S302).

  Each of the distributed data is encoded in consideration of the recording / reproduction characteristics of the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording encoding units 121-1, 121-2, ..., 121-6 of the multi-track recording encoding unit 120, respectively. Encoded into a column. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation such as a synchronization pattern for demodulation is also added to the code string (step S303).

  Next, the preamble adding units 131-1, 131-2,..., 131-6 of the multi-track preamble adding unit 130 control data reproduction at predetermined positions of the encoded recording data. A necessary preamble pattern is added to obtain a recording code string for a track (step S304). The track recording code string generated in this way is stored in the storage unit 132 (step S305).

  If the process to be performed is generation of a guard band recording code string, an erasure signal for a predetermined unit is generated from the erasure signal generation unit 161 of the guard band recording unit 190 (step S306), and the preamble addition unit 131. As a result of −0, a guard band preamble including a synchronization pattern and an identification pattern is added to the erasure signal (step S307) and stored in the storage unit 162 as a guard band recording code string (step S308).

  Thereafter, one recording code string in a predetermined order from the track recording code string for each track stored in the storage unit 132 and the guard band recording code string stored in the storage unit 162 by the switching unit 149. Is read (step S309). Next, after a desired timing is given by the output timing setting unit 141 to the read track recording code sequence or guard band recording code sequence (step S310), the recording compensation unit 144 A recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed. The recording amplifier 147 converts the voltage into a current, and the recording head W-1 records the magnetic recording medium 2 (step S311). ).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the recording of the track and guard band for one unit has been completed (step S312). If the recording has not been completed (NO in step S312), the recording head W-1 is moved to the next position. (Step S313). Next, the process returns to step S309, and the recording code string for the track or the recording code string for the guard band is read from the storage unit 132 or the storage unit 162, and similarly the process of recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is repeated. The above operation is repeated until recording of a track for one unit is completed.

  For example, when the track format shown in FIG. 7 is used, the guard band # 1 is recorded first, then moved to the position of the track # 1 and the track # 1 is recorded. Move to the position of track # 2,..., # 6 and record the track. The guard band # 2 is recorded in the recording cycle of the next unit.

  Next, a modified example of the recording apparatus 300 will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a recording apparatus 301 that is a modification of the recording apparatus 300 of FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the recording apparatus 301 is different from the recording apparatus 300 in FIG. 15 in the configuration of a multitrack recording encoding unit 120 and a multitrack preamble adding unit 130. The multi-track recording encoding unit 120 is composed of one recording encoding unit 121 that records and encodes recording data of a predetermined unit, for example, recording data for a predetermined number of tracks, and the multi-track preamble adding unit 130 includes One preamble adding unit 131 for adding a preamble pattern necessary for data reproduction control to recording data encoded for each track, and a storage unit for storing a recording code string for the track to which the preamble is added 132. Further, in this recording apparatus 301, the multitracking unit 110 (data distributor 111) is omitted from the configuration of the recording apparatus 300 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations of the unit and guard band recording of the recording apparatus 301.

  In the recording apparatus 300, first, the process is branched depending on whether the process to be performed is to generate a recording code string to be recorded as a track or to generate a recording code string to be recorded as a guard band (step S321). When the process to be performed is generation of a recording code string to be recorded as a track, the recording encoding unit 121 records and reproduces recording data for a predetermined unit, for example, recording data for a predetermined number of tracks, on the magnetic recording medium 2. Each is encoded into a code string in consideration of characteristics. At this time, information necessary for data demodulation, such as a demodulation synchronization pattern, is also added to the code string of the recording data (step S322).

  Next, a preamble pattern necessary for data reproduction control is added to a predetermined position of each encoded recording data by a preamble adding unit 131, and a recording code string for a predetermined unit of track is recorded. Is obtained (step S323). In this way, the recording code string for the track of a predetermined unit to which the preamble is added is stored in the storage unit 132 (step S324).

  When the process to be performed is generation of a recording code string to be recorded as a guard band, an erasure signal for a predetermined unit is generated from the erasure signal generator 161 of the guard band recording unit 190 (step S325). A guard band preamble including a synchronization pattern and an identification pattern is added to the code sequence of the erasure signal by the preamble adding unit 131-0 (step S326), and stored in the storage unit 162 as a guard band recording code sequence. (Step S327).

  Thereafter, one recording code string in a predetermined order from the track recording code string for each track stored in the storage unit 132 and the guard band recording code string stored in the storage unit 162 by the switching unit 149. Is read (step S328). Next, after a desired timing is given by the output timing setting unit 141 to the read recording code sequence for the track or the recording code sequence for the guard band (step S329), the recording compensation unit 144 A recording compensation process for optimizing the recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is performed, the voltage is converted from a voltage to a current by the recording amplifier 147, and is recorded on the magnetic recording medium 2 by the recording head W-1 (step S330). ).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the recording of the track and the guard band for one unit has been completed (step S331). If the recording has not been completed (NO in step S331), the recording head W-1 is moved to the next position. (Step S332). Thereafter, the process returns to step S328, and the recording code string for the track or the recording code string for the guard band is read from the storage unit 132 or the storage unit 162, and similarly, the process of recording on the magnetic recording medium 2 is repeated. The above operation is repeated until recording of a track for one unit is completed.

  For example, when the track format shown in FIG. 7 is used, the guard band # 1 is recorded first, then moved to the position of the track # 1 and the track # 1 is recorded. Move to the position of track # 2,..., # 6 and record the track. Recording of the guard band # 2 is performed in the recording cycle of the next unit.

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

  FIG. 19 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, a restoration unit 260, and a tracking control unit 270.

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

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

  The signal separation processing unit 230 includes a synchronization signal detection unit 231, an identification information detection unit 232, a reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233, a channel estimation calculation unit 234, a reproduction position control processing unit 235, a signal separation calculation unit 236, and a storage unit. 237.

  The synchronization signal detection unit 231 detects a synchronization pattern in the preamble from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 output from the A / D converter 225.

  The identification information detection unit 232 uses the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 to identify and detect the start position of the identification pattern in the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1, and outputs the identification information.

  The reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 detects the gain control pattern in the preamble from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan from the storage unit 237, and reproduces for each scan based on the gain control pattern. The gain for the reproduction signal of the head R-1 is calculated to control the level of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan.

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

  The reproduction position control processing unit 235 matches the reproduction position of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan that has passed through the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231. Process.

  The signal separation calculation unit 236 calculates an inverse matrix of the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 234, and based on this inverse matrix, the reproduction signal for one unit input from the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 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.

  The storage unit 237 is disposed behind the synchronization signal detector 231 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 for each track separated by the signal separation operation unit 236. , 241-6 and M PLLs 242-1, 242-2,... That perform bit synchronization from the outputs of the equalizers 241-1, 241-2,. , 242-6 and bit synchronization signals generated by PLLs 242-1, 242-2,..., 242-6, and binarizing the reproduction signal for each track to generate a code string, for example, Viterbi detection , 243-6 and the detection units 243-1, 243-2, ..., 243-6 are binarized. M synchronization signal detection units for detecting a synchronization signal on a code string from a reproduction signal 44-1, 244-2,..., 244-6, and the sync position detected by the sync signal detectors 244-1, 244-2,. And M decoders 245-1, 245-2,..., 245-6 for decoding the data string from the code string. 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. 19, the restoration unit 260 records the data of each track output from the M decoders 245-1, 245-2,..., 245-6 in the multitrack demodulation unit 240 at the time of recording. And a data combiner 261 that restores the reproduced data 3 by connecting them in the reverse operation.

  Based on the identification information detected by the identification information detection unit 232, the tracking control unit 270 tracks the tracks # 1, # 2,..., # 6 of the reproducing head R-1 and the magnetic recording medium 2 for each scan. The position of the reproducing head array 210 in the track width direction is controlled so as to optimize the positional relationship between the reproducing head array 210 and the reproducing head array 210. The control contents of the tracking control unit 270 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

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

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the unit playback operation of the playback apparatus 400.

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

  Next, after the synchronization signal detection unit 231 detects the synchronization pattern included in the reproduction signal output from the A / D converter 225 (step S403), the identification information detection unit 232 performs the synchronization signal detection unit. Using the synchronization pattern detected by H.231, the head position of the identification pattern in the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 is specified to obtain identification information (step S404). The reproduction signal that has passed through the identification information detection unit 232 is stored in the storage unit 237 (step S405).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the reproduction signal for one unit is stored in the storage unit 237 (step S406). If the reproduction signal for one unit is not yet stored in the storage unit 237, the reproduction head R- 1 is shifted to the next position in the track width direction (step 407), and the operations from step S401 to step S405 are repeated.

  When the reproduction signal for one unit is stored in the storage unit 237, the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233, based on the reproduction signal of the gain control pattern in the preamble for one unit stored in the storage unit 237, The gain for the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan is calculated, and the level of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan is controlled (step S408).

  Next, based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 and the identification information obtained by the identification information detection unit 232 in the channel estimation calculation unit 234, the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan A channel corresponding to the positional relationship in the track width direction at the time of reproduction between the reproduction head R-1 and a plurality of tracks for each scan is specified using the separation patterns. A matrix is calculated (step S409).

  Next, the reproduction position control processing unit 235 passes through the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233 based on the synchronization pattern detected by the synchronization signal detection unit 231 and the identification information obtained by the identification information detection unit 232. A process of matching the reproduction position of the reproduction signal of the reproduction head R-1 for each scan is performed (step S410).

  Next, the signal separation calculation unit 236 calculates an inverse matrix of the channel matrix obtained by the channel estimation calculation unit 234, and uses this inverse matrix for one unit output from the reproduction signal gain control processing unit 233. The process of separating the reproduction signal for each track from the reproduction signal is performed (step S411).

  After this, the multi-track demodulator 240 decodes the data sequence from the reproduction signal separated for each track (step S412), and the reconstruction unit 260 concatenates the data for each track to obtain reproduction data 3. (Step S413).

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

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

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

  Specific examples are shown below.

  FIG. 21 shows recording 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 integrated as a recording head array 150, for example. It is a conceptual diagram of the track format used. 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. 7, 9, 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.

  FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram of a track format recorded 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-6. In helical scan magnetic recording, a plurality of heads are independently mounted on a rotating drum. For example, a plurality of recording heads and a reproducing head are alternately arranged on a rotating drum.

  In this example, six recording heads W-1, W-2,..., 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. 7, 9, 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. 6 is a flowchart showing the unit and guard band recording operation 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. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a track format on a magnetic recording medium on which recording is performed by the recording apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the detail of the track format of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of obtaining the head position of the separation pattern of each track | truck based on identification information. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of a track format. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of a track format. It is a figure which shows the 3rd modification of a track format. It is a figure which shows the 4th deformation | transformation row | line | column of a track format. It is a figure which shows the structure of the modification of the recording device of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the unit and guard band recording by the recording device of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording device in the magnetic recording / reproducing system of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the unit and guard band recording by the recording device of FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modified example of the recording apparatus of FIG. 15. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the unit of the recording device of FIG. 17, and guard band recording. It is a figure which shows the structure of the reproducing | regenerating apparatus in the magnetic recording / reproducing system which is the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a unit playback operation of the playback apparatus of FIG. 19. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of a track 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 track 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. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a flow of unit reproduction operation of the reproduction apparatus of FIG. 25. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording data 2 Magnetic recording medium 3 Reproduction | regeneration data 21 Preamble 22 Data 23 1st preamble 24 2nd preamble 41-0, 41-1, ..., 41-7 Gain control pattern 42-0, 42-1, ..., 42-7 Synchronization pattern 43-0, 43-1, ..., 43-7 Identification pattern 44-1, 44-2, ..., 44-6 Separation pattern 51 Unit 52 Guard band 100 Recording Device 110 Multitracking section 111 Data distributor 120 Multitrack recording encoding section 121-1, 121-2, ..., 121-6 Recording encoding section 130 Multitrack preamble adding sections 131-1, 131-2, , 131-6 Preamble adding unit 140 Multitrack recording units 141-1, 141-2,. , 144-6 Recording compensation units 147-1, 147-2,..., 147-6 Recording amplifier 150 Recording head array 160 Guard band recording unit 161 Erasing Signal generating unit 131-0 Preamble adding unit 141-0 Output timing setting unit 144-0 Recording compensation unit 147-0 Recording amplifier 200 Reproducing device 210 Reproducing head array 220 Channel reproducing units 221-1, 221-2, ..., 221-6 reproduction amplifiers 224-1, 224-2,..., 224-6 gain adjustment units 225-1, 225-2,. Detection unit 232 Identification information detection unit 233 Playback signal gain control processing unit 234 Channel estimation calculation unit 235 Playback position control processing unit 23 Signal separation calculation unit 240 Multitrack demodulation unit 260 Restoration unit 261 Data combiner 270 Tracking control unit W-0 Recording heads W-1, W-2,..., W-6 for guard band recording Recording head R-1 , R-2, ..., R-6 Playback head

Claims (18)

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, guard bands are arranged on both sides of the unit, and each guard band has a plurality of tracks. A track format in which an identification pattern is recorded so that it can be individually identified. The data format according to claim 1, wherein
The track is composed of data and a preamble including information necessary for control to reproduce the data, and the identification pattern is arranged in the preamble section in the traveling direction of the track. Feature track format. The track format according to claim 2, wherein
The track format is characterized in that the identification pattern of the guard band is arranged at a position shifted in a direction in which the track advances with respect to the preamble of the adjacent track. The track format according to claim 1,
A track format characterized in that a synchronization pattern used for specifying a recording position of the identification pattern is arranged before the identification pattern of the guard band. The track format according to claim 1,
The track format has a separation pattern for separating a reproduction signal for each track from a plurality of signals reproduced by the reproduction head. A recording medium capable of reproducing data 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, guard bands are arranged on both sides of the unit, and each guard band has a plurality of tracks. A recording medium on which an identification pattern for enabling individual identification is recorded. 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 apparatus comprising: a guard band recording unit that records a guard band including an identification pattern for individually identifying the plurality of tracks on both sides of the unit. The recording apparatus according to claim 7,
The guard band recording unit is
An erase signal generator for generating an erase signal;
A preamble adding unit for adding a preamble including the identification pattern to the erase signal output from the erase signal generating unit;
A recording apparatus comprising: a guard band recording recording head that records the erasure signal to which the preamble is added by the preamble adding unit on the recording medium. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the preamble adding unit adds a synchronization pattern for specifying a recording position of the identification pattern before the identification pattern. The recording apparatus according to claim 7,
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guard band recording unit records the guard band using the recording head. The recording apparatus according to claim 10,
The recording head includes a plurality of recording heads, and each recording head further includes a setting unit that sets whether to use the recording of the track or the recording of the guard band.
The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guard band recording unit records the guard band using the recording head that is set to be used for recording the guard band by the setting unit.   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. And recording a guard band including an identification pattern for individually identifying the plurality of tracks on both sides of the unit. It has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, guard bands are arranged on both sides of the unit, and each guard band has its own track with respect to the plurality of tracks. An apparatus for reproducing the data from a recording medium on which an identification pattern for enabling individual identification is recorded,
A playback head capable of playing back signals across multiple tracks;
An identification information detector for detecting the identification pattern from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head;
A playback apparatus comprising: a tracking control unit that corrects a positional relationship between the playback head and the plurality of tracks in a track width direction using a detection result of the identification pattern by the identification information detection unit. . The playback device according to claim 13,
The tracking control unit determines whether the identification information detection unit detects the identification pattern of each guard band on both sides of the unit in the track width direction between the reproducing head and the plurality of tracks. A playback apparatus that corrects the positional relationship of. The playback device according to claim 13,
The tracking control unit corrects the positional relationship between the reproduction head and the plurality of tracks in the track width direction based on the reproduction signal level of the identification pattern and the reproduction signal level of the adjacent track. A reproducing apparatus. The playback device according to claim 13,
Before the identification pattern of the guard band recorded on the recording medium, a synchronization pattern used to specify the head position of the identification pattern is arranged,
A synchronization signal detector for detecting the synchronization pattern from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head;
The reproduction apparatus characterized in that the identification information detection unit specifies the position of the identification pattern from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head based on the detection result of the synchronization pattern by the synchronization signal detection unit. It has a plurality of tracks constituting a unit that is a unit of signal processing for data reproduction, guard bands are arranged on both sides of the unit, and each guard band has its own track with respect to the plurality of tracks. A method for reproducing the data from a recording medium on which an identification pattern for enabling individual identification is recorded,
Detecting the identification pattern from a reproduction signal of a reproduction head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks;
And a step of correcting a positional relationship between the reproducing head and the plurality of tracks in a track width direction using the detection result of the identification pattern. 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, comprising a guard band recording unit for recording a guard band including an identification pattern for individually identifying the plurality of tracks on both sides of the unit. A recording device to
An apparatus for reproducing the data from the recording medium recorded by the recording apparatus, the reproduction head capable of reproducing a signal across a plurality of tracks, and detecting the identification pattern from the reproduction signal of the reproduction head And a tracking control unit that corrects a positional relationship between the reproducing head and the plurality of tracks in the track width direction using a detection result of the identification pattern by the identification information detection unit. A recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: a reproducing apparatus.

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