JP3450256B2 - Magnetic tape device positioning method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic tape device, and more particularly to a magnetic tape device having a positioning function when the air compressor is stopped during power saving.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a magnetic tape device, in order to stabilize the running of a magnetic tape medium (hereinafter referred to as a magnetic tape), the magnetic tape is supplied by compressed air supplied from an air compressor (air compressor). It is emerging. However, in the past, the air compressor was driven even during standby when the magnetic tape was not running.

Further, when the magnetic tape is run again after the running of the magnetic tape is stopped, misalignment may occur. No. 78142 is disclosed.

According to this technique, in tape continuous shooting of a recording device, a tape displacement caused by a position movement of a loading mechanism is processed by a computer incorporated in the recording device to perform highly accurate continuous shooting. And control pulses α, β, γ for tape displacement accompanying the position movement of the loading mechanism during re-recording
X + β, Y + α-γ obtained by adding the control pulse numbers α, β, γ of the tape displacement to the control pulse number X at the rewind and the control pulse number Y at the tape run for recording start. Is set on the counter, rewinding is performed while counting down, and X
Stop when + β returns to zero. In addition, re-recording is performed while counting down, and is started when Y + α-γ is zero.

[0005]

However, since this prior art does not have a method for detecting that the magnetic tape is waiting for a specified time or longer, the compressor is driven even when the magnetic tape is not running. Therefore, there is a problem in that electric power for that is required.

Further, in a magnetic tape device for a general-purpose computer, since a signal of 30 pulses per second called a control pulse is not recorded on the magnetic tape, it is not possible to adopt a positioning technique using the control pulse. Further, when the control pulse is used, a control head for detecting the number of control pulses for tape displacement, a counter for counting the number of pulses, a correction circuit for storing the number of pulses, etc. are required. There is a drawback that the configuration of the positioning device becomes complicated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power saving method for an air compressor that solves the above problems and drawbacks, and a positioning method when the air compressor is stopped and then restarted.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a method for positioning a magnetic tape device provided with an air compressor for ensuring stable running of a magnetic tape medium by levitating an air flow, and a command from a host device for a predetermined time or more. When not issued, the air compressor is stopped and the air compressor is driven again, and the data immediately before the final data of the magnetic tape medium is detected,
Thereby, the final data is detected.

After the air compressor is stopped, the air compressor is re- driven when the tape drive command is issued from the host device.

It is characterized in that the magnetic tape medium is returned in the reverse direction, the data immediately before the final data is detected, and then the tape is run in the forward direction to detect the final data.

When the magnetic tape is loaded in the magnetic tape device, the compressor control means performs the first step of driving the air compressor and the second step of checking whether or not the tape drive command is issued from the host device. If the traveling command has been issued, the command processing is performed, and after the processing is completed, the command is checked again for the presence of a command, and the third step of checking whether the command has been issued for a specified time or longer, and a command for a specified time or longer If is not issued, the fourth step of storing the final data of the traveling command from the host device and the data immediately before the final data in the memory and stopping the air compressor, and the host device after stopping the air compressor The fifth step to check if there is a tape running command from When the command is issued, the sixth step of re-driving the air compressor, the seventh step of returning the magnetic tape medium in the reverse direction and starting reading with the tape data reader, and the final data stored in the tape data memory 8th step of searching the data immediately before the final data by comparing the data immediately before the last data with the data read from the tape data reader, and detecting that the data immediately before the final data can be detected. Includes a ninth step of running the tape in the forward direction, and a tenth step of comparing the final data stored in the tape data memory with the data read from the tape data reader to retrieve the final data. And

A method of positioning a magnetic tape device equipped with an air compressor for ensuring stable running of a magnetic tape medium by levitating an air flow, wherein the magnetic tape medium is loaded unless a command is issued from a host device for a specified time or longer. After running in the reverse direction, the air compressor is stopped, and then, when a command is issued, the air compressor is re-driven, the magnetic tape medium is run in the forward direction, and the final data of the magnetic tape medium is deleted. It is characterized in that the previous data is detected and the final data is detected.

When the magnetic tape is loaded in the magnetic tape device, the air compressor control means performs the eleventh step of driving the air compressor and the twelfth step of checking whether or not a tape running command is issued from the host device. Step 13, if a running command is issued, command processing is performed, after the processing is completed, the command is checked again for the presence of a command, and a thirteenth step for checking whether a command is issued for a specified time or longer, and a specified time or longer If the command is not issued, the final data of the running command from the host device and the data immediately before the final data are saved in the memory, the magnetic tape is run in the reverse direction, and the reading is started by the tape data reader. 14th
And the 15th step of searching the data immediately before the final data by comparing the data immediately before the final data stored in the tape data memory with the data read from the tape data reader. 16th step of stopping the air compressor when the data immediately before is detected, 17th step of checking the presence / absence of a tape running command from the host device after the air compressor is stopped, and when the command is issued, the compressor is 18th step of re-driving 16, 16th step of running the tape in the forward direction and starting reading with the tape data reader, final data stored in the tape data memory, and data read from the tape data reader And a twentieth step of searching for final data.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

According to the present invention, power is saved by automatically stopping the air compressor while the tape is not running and when the tape is displaced again when the air compressor is re-driven. The positioning is performed at the original position so that the data reliability is not deteriorated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration for implementing the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the timer 13 causes
If the command is not issued from the host device 10 for a specified time or more, the air compressor 16 is stopped. This reduces power consumption. Then, after the air compressor is stopped, when the tape running command is issued from the host device 10, the air compressor 16 is re-driven. At this time, the tape position is the position of the final data, but there is a possibility that it is slightly displaced from the original position. Therefore, the tape is returned in the reverse direction and the data immediately before the final data is searched. And
When the previous data can be detected, the tape is run in the forward direction and the final data is searched. If the final data can be detected, it means that the vehicle has returned to the original position, and from there, the traveling command data from the higher order is processed. As a result, even if the tape position shift occurs, the tape is positioned at the original position, so that the data reliability does not decrease.

The present invention, as shown in FIG.
0 as a magnetic tape device 11. The magnetic tape device 11 includes an air compressor control means 12, a timer 13, and a tape data memory 1 for storing tape data.
4 and a tape data reader 15 for reading tape data
And an air compressor 16 for stabilizing the running of the magnetic tape, and a tape running motor 17 for running the magnetic tape.

The air compressor control means 12 accepts / analyzes a command from the host device 10, commands to start / stop time measurement to the timer 13, commands to store / read data to / from the tape data memory 14, and commands to the tape data reader 15. A data read / stop command, an air compressor drive / stop command to the air compressor 16, and a tape running / stop command to the tape running motor 17 are issued.

The timer 13 has a function of measuring the time designated by the instruction. The tape data memory 14 has a function of storing the designated data in the storage location designated by the command and a function of reading the data in the designated storage location.

The tape data reader 15 has a function of reading / stopping tape data according to an instruction. The air compressor 16 drives / drives the air compressor according to a command.
Has a function to stop. The tape running motor 17 has a function of running the tape in the forward direction / reverse direction and stopping the tape according to a command.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. First, when a magnetic tape is loaded in the magnetic tape device 11, the air compressor control means 12 causes the air compressor 16
Are driven (step 30). Next, the host device 10
It is checked whether a tape running command is issued from (step 31). If the running command is issued, the tape running motor 17 is run and the command processing is performed.

After the processing is completed, the presence or absence of a command is checked again. At the same time, the time is measured by the timer 13 and it is checked whether or not the command is issued for a specified time or longer (step 32). If the command has not been issued for a specified time or more, the final data of the traveling command from the host device and the data immediately before the final data are saved in the memory 14,
The air compressor 16 is stopped (step 33).

After the compressor is stopped, it is checked whether there is a tape running command from the host device 10 (step 3).
4). When the tape running command is issued, the air compressor 16 is redriven (step 35). At this time, the tape position is the position of the final data (see 51 in FIG. 2), but the tension of the magnetic tape changes due to the stop of the compressor, and there is a possibility that it will be slightly displaced from the position before the air compressor was stopped. . Therefore, the magnetic tape is returned in the reverse direction and the tape data reader 15 starts reading (step 36). The data immediately before the final data (see 50 in FIG. 2) stored in the tape data memory 14 and the data read from the tape data reader 15 are compared and searched (step 37).

When the data immediately before the final data can be detected, the magnetic tape is run in the forward direction (step 3).
8) The final data (see 51 in FIG. 2) stored in the tape data memory 14 and the data read from the tape data reader 15 are compared and searched (step 39).
When the final data is detected, since it has returned to the original position, the traveling command data from the higher order is processed from there (step 40). If the data immediately before the final data or the final data could not be detected, the vehicle travels again, and if it cannot be detected, the process ends.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, when no command is issued from the host device 10 for a specified time or more, the magnetic tape is run in the reverse direction, and then the air compressor 16 is stopped. Then, when a command is issued thereafter, the difference is that the air compressor 16 is driven and the tape is run only in the forward direction.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail. If a command is not issued from the host device 10 for a specified time or more, the final data of the running command from the host device and the data immediately before the final data are stored in the memory 14, the tape is returned in the reverse direction, and the tape data reader 15
To start reading (step 73). The data immediately before the final data stored in the tape data memory 14 (see 50 in FIG. 2) and the data read from the tape data reader 15 are compared and searched (step 74). When the data immediately before the final data can be detected, the air compressor 16 is stopped (step 75).

After the air compressor is stopped, the presence or absence of a tape running command from the host device 10 is checked (step 76). When the command is issued, the air compressor 1
6 is driven again (step 77). The tape is run in the forward direction and the tape data reader 15 starts reading (step 78). The final data stored in the tape data memory 14 (see 51 in FIG. 2) and the data read from the tape data reader 15 are compared and searched (step 79). When the final data is detected, it means that the magnetic tape has returned to the original position, and from there, the running command data from the higher order is processed (step 8).
0).

In this embodiment, when the command is not issued for a specified time or more, the magnetic tape is run in the reverse direction and then the air compressor is stopped. Then, when a command is issued, the air compressor is driven and the magnetic tape is run only in the forward direction. Therefore, command processing can be executed in a short time after the command is issued.

[0030]

As described above, the present invention is based on the previous data.
Compare playback digital data itself without erasing data
For high-precision positioning that is not affected by noise, etc.
Those that do, even if tape position to stop the air compressor is deviated from its original position, after the air compressor is driven again to return the magnetic tape in the reverse direction, searching previous data of the final data Then, if it can be detected, then the tape is run in the forward direction, the final data is searched, and it is confirmed that it is detected . Therefore , it is possible to return to the original position before the air compressor was stopped, and there is an effect that the data reliability is not lowered.

Further, while the tape is not running, the air compressor is automatically stopped by detecting whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed, which has the effect of reducing the power consumption of the magnetic tape device. .

Further, since the device structure required for positioning, the tape data reader, the tape data memory, etc. can be the ones of the conventional device, the structure of the positioning device at the time of stop / re-travel can be done without requiring special hardware. There is an effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration for realizing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data recording state of a magnetic tape.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Upper device 11 Magnetic tape unit 12 Air compressor control means 13 timer 14 Tape data memory 15 Tape data reader 16 Air compressor 17 Tape running motor

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method of positioning a magnetic tape device comprising an air compressor for ensuring stable running of a magnetic tape medium by levitating an air flow, wherein a command is issued from a host device for a specified time or more. Positioning of a magnetic tape device, characterized in that the air compressor is stopped and the air compressor is driven again, and the data immediately before the final data of the magnetic tape medium is detected, thereby detecting the final data. Method. 2. The method of positioning a magnetic tape device according to claim 1, wherein the air compressor is re- driven when the tape drive command is issued from the host device after the air compressor is stopped. 3. The magnetic tape medium is returned in the reverse direction, data immediately before the final data is detected, and then the tape is run in the forward direction to detect the final data. 2. A method of positioning a magnetic tape device according to 2. 4. When the magnetic tape is loaded in the magnetic tape device, the compressor control means performs the first step of driving the air compressor and the second step of checking whether or not a tape running command is issued from the host device. If the travel command is issued, the command is processed, and after the processing is completed, the command is checked again for the presence of a command, and the third step for checking whether the command has been issued for a specified time or longer, and a specified time. If the above command is not issued, the fourth step of storing the final data of the traveling command from the host device and the data immediately before the final data in the memory and stopping the air compressor, and after stopping the air compressor, The fifth step of checking for a tape running command from the host device and the tape running command When the command is issued, the sixth step of re-driving the air compressor, the seventh step of returning the magnetic tape medium in the reverse direction and starting reading with the tape data reader, and the final data stored in the tape data memory The 8th step of searching the data immediately before the final data by comparing the data immediately before the last data with the data read from the tape data reader, and the data immediately before the final data can now be detected. Includes a ninth step of running the tape in the forward direction, and a tenth step of comparing the final data stored in the tape data memory with the data read from the tape data reader to retrieve the final data. A method of positioning a characteristic magnetic tape device. 5. A method of positioning a magnetic tape device comprising an air compressor for ensuring stable running of a magnetic tape medium by levitating an air flow, wherein the magnetic tape is provided unless a command is issued from a host device for a specified time or longer. The medium is run in the reverse direction, then the air compressor is stopped, and then a command is issued to re-drive the air compressor to run the magnetic tape medium in the forward direction and the final data of the magnetic tape medium. A method for positioning a magnetic tape device, which comprises detecting the immediately preceding data and detecting the final data. 6. When the magnetic tape is loaded in the magnetic tape device, the air compressor control means performs an eleventh step of driving the air compressor and a step of checking whether or not a tape running command is issued from the host device. 12 steps, the 13th step that performs command processing if a running command has been issued, checks again for command presence after completion of processing, and checks whether a command has been issued for a specified time or longer; If the command has not been issued for longer than the time, the final data of the running command from the host device and the data immediately before the final data are saved in the memory, and the magnetic tape is run in the reverse direction and read by the tape data reader. First to start
The fourth step, the fifteenth step of comparing the data immediately before the final data stored in the tape data memory with the data read from the tape data reader, and searching the data immediately before the final data; The 16th step of stopping the air compressor when the data immediately before the data is detected, the 17th step of checking the presence or absence of a tape running command from the host device after the air compressor is stopped, and the command being issued, The 18th step of re-driving the compressor 16, the 19th step of running the tape in the forward direction and starting the reading by the tape data reader, the final data stored in the tape data memory, and the reading by the tape data reader. A twentieth step of comparing the data and retrieving the final data. Method for positioning a tape device.