JPH0316125Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] The present invention relates to a retrieval device for, for example, a plate-shaped recording medium or other articles or members.

Conventionally, magnetic disk cartridges were each inserted into a jacket, and a plurality of magnetic disk cartridges were stored in a storage case. To take out the desired magnetic disk cartridge, pull out the magnetic disk cartridges one by one along with the jacket from the storage case, check the file name on the index label affixed to the magnetic disk cartridge, and select the desired magnetic disk cartridge. I was looking for a disk cartridge.

However, such manual searching takes a lot of time when there are a large number of magnetic disk cartridges, and search errors are likely to occur. Furthermore, if the search is performed roughly, the magnetic disk cartridge may become bent and deformed, which may impede recording and reproduction.

The present applicant has first developed a search device that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art, is capable of automatically searching objects to be searched such as plate-shaped recording media, improves search efficiency, and does not damage the objects to be searched. Proposed.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a highly reliable search device that can increase storage capacity, be miniaturized, or have a large display area or operation area. That is.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a magnetic disk cartridge applied to the present invention. A flexible magnetic disk cartridge 1 includes a rectangular thin case 2 made of a hard polyvinyl chloride sheet, etc., and a disc-shaped magnetic disk 3 rotatably housed in the case 2.
and a liner (not shown) made of nonwoven fabric that is adhered to the inner surface of the case 2.

On the surface of the case 2, there is a label 4 for writing the recorded contents of the magnetic disk 3 (and) a reference code (hereinafter collectively referred to as file name), and a bar code 5 used for automatic search. It is provided. It is preferable that the label 4 be removable, since the recorded contents and/or the reference code may be changed. The barcode 5 is provided individually for each magnetic disk cartridge, and specifically, for example, the barcode 5 is printed directly on a predetermined position of the case 2, or the barcode 5 is printed on the case 2. Measures such as pasting the information on the case 2 are taken. Since the barcode 5 is optically continued, it needs to be different from the color of the case 2. If a transparent protective film is formed on the barcode 5, erroneous searches due to dirt on the surface or wear and tear of the code will be eliminated.

FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the search device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The search device is in storage case 6
and a control device 7 such as a personal computer, both of which are connected by a signal cable 8.

In this figure, the signal cable 8 connects to the storage case 6.
and a control device 7 are integrally connected, but there are a plurality of storage cases 6 for the portable control device 7, and a desired storage case 6 can be selected depending on the use.
It is also possible to connect the control device 7 and the control device 7 with a detachable signal cable 8.

The storage case 6 is provided with a large number of guide protrusions 9 extending from the front side toward the back side at predetermined intervals.
0 is formed. A storage space 11 in which one magnetic disk cartridge 1 is accommodated is defined by a pair of vertically opposed storage grooves 10, 10, as shown by a dashed line. In this figure, the housing space 11 is provided in only one stage, but it can be provided in multiple stages if necessary.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the storage case 6. As shown in this figure, a non-contact type barcode reading unit 12 equipped with a light emitting element and a light receiving element is installed on the front side of each guide protrusion 9. Each is installed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an address display section 13 is provided on the front surface of the storage case 6 to display an individual storage address corresponding to each storage space 11. This storage address is composed of, for example, a serial number or a combination of an alphabet and a serial number.

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of the control device 7. 14 in the figure is a computer to which an external storage device 15 is connected, which includes a main storage section 16, a calculation section 17, an input/output control section 18, an external storage device connection interface 19, an input/output port 20, and an interface adapter 21. We are prepared.

As the external storage device connection interface 19, for example, a cassette tape recorder connection interface, a communication interface (RS-
232C), measuring instrument connection interface (GP-
Various interfaces are used, such as IB) and floppy disk interfaces.

The interface adapter 21 includes an interface 22 including a DC power supply device that converts AC power supply voltage into a predetermined DC voltage.

The input/output port 20 is connected to each barcode follow-up section 12 of the storage case 6 via a signal cable 8, as well as an input operation section 23 and a display device 24.

The external storage device 15 to be connected to the computer 14 includes an additional storage section 25, an address selection circuit 26, and a secondary battery 27. The additional storage section 25 is composed of a RAM made of semiconductor, and supplements the storage capacity of the main storage section 16 of the computer 14, and a large-capacity one is used. The address selection circuit 26 has a function of selecting an address of the additional storage section 25 based on a command from the computer 14, thereby allowing data to be input/exited between the computer 14 and the additional storage section 25 without any hindrance. The battery 27 is connected to the computer 14 by the external storage device 15.
When the external storage device 15 is connected to the computer 14, it is constantly charged by the DC power supply of the interface adapter 21, but when the external storage device 15 is disconnected from the computer 14, it functions as an independent power source and the additional storage unit The data stored in 25 is retained as is.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the control device 7. As shown in the figure, an input operation section 2 is provided on the top surface of the control device 7.
3 keyboard switches 23a and a display section 24a of a display device 24 consisting of a liquid crystal display device are arranged. A slit-shaped insertion opening 28 for inserting the external storage device 15 is provided on the right side of the control device 7.
is formed, and the interface adapter 21 (see FIG. 7) is built in on the back side of the insertion opening 28. Near the insertion port 28, there is a recess 29 for finger hooking to facilitate removal of the external storage device 15.
is provided.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the external storage device 15 in cross section. FPC (Flexible Print)
A plurality of semiconductor elements 31 and batteries 27 constituting the additional storage section 25 are mounted on the circuit) 30.
It is connected. The terminal portion of the FPC 30 is connected to a hard printed circuit board 32 made of ceramics, glass-epoxy resin, etc.
The terminal portion 2 protrudes from the side end of the case 33 to the outside. Note that the case 33 is made of metal or hard synthetic resin, and in the case of metal, an insulating film of synthetic resin or the like is formed on the inner surface.

As shown in the figure, the external storage device 15 is extremely thin.
The external storage device 15 is shaped like a card, and is inserted through the insertion slot 28 of the control device 7 with the printed circuit board 32 side first, as shown in FIG. Go inside 7. The interface adapter 21 has a female connector 35, and when the external storage device 15 is inserted, the terminal portion of the printed circuit board 32 is elastically sandwiched between the female connector 35 from both sides, and the external storage device 15 is connections and support are made. The number of external storage devices 15 increases as the storage capacity increases.

The main storage unit 16 of the control device 7 stores, for example, a program for a search system by specifying a file name, a program for a search system by specifying an address (address code) of the storage case 6, a program for a system for correcting input data, etc. Each external storage device 15 stores various data necessary for searching, such as file names and addresses (address symbols), in a non-volatile or volatile manner.

Next, the specific operation of this search device will be explained. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operations from first determining the storage address of the magnetic disk cartridge to storing it there.

Prior to this operation, all the storage addresses assigned to each storage space 11 of the storage case 6 are stored in advance in the main storage section 16 or external storage device 15.
(hereinafter collectively referred to as the storage unit).
First store magnetic disk cartridge 1 in case 6.
When storing the storage address, the storage addresses are sequentially read out from the storage section in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1 based on the initial storage signal input by operating the keyboard switch 23a, and it is checked whether there is any empty address. A judgment is made (S2). Whether or not an address is vacant is determined by whether or not a barcode and a full name are registered together with the storage address. If these are registered together, the storage address is not vacant; on the other hand, the barcode A storage address where no file name or file name is registered is an empty address.

If it is determined in S2 that the address is not empty, the process advances to S3, where it is determined whether the storage address read earlier in S1 is the final address of the storage case 6. If it is not the final address, the process advances to S4, and the address read in S1 is The retrieved storage address (A ₁ ) is incremented by 1, the storage address (A ₂ ) to be read next is determined, and the process returns to the previous stage of S1.

If an empty address is found as a result of the judgment in S2, a signal thereof is output and temporarily stored for registration as will be described later, and the storage address is displayed on the display section 24a as a vacant address that can be stored (S5).

Next, the file name of the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is input through the keyboard switch 23a in S6, and the input file name is displayed on the display section 24a for confirmation.

Then, looking at the storage address displayed on the display section 24a, the operator inserts the magnetic disk cartridge 1 into the storage space 11 of the storage case 6 where the storage address is displayed (S7). When storing the magnetic disk cartridge 1, it is necessary to insert it with care so that the part with the barcode 5 faces the barcode reading section 12.

Then, in S8, when the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is inserted into the storage groove 10 and the barcode 5 passes beside the reading section 12, the barcode 5 of the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is detected by the reading section 12.
is read optically. The reading section 12 is located in the storage groove 1
0, in other words, for each storage address, by monitoring which reading section 12 outputs the code reading signal, the corresponding storage address can be read from the storage section.

Next, it is determined in S9 whether the address where the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is actually stored is the same as the empty address stored in S5. If the judgment results are the same, that is, if it is confirmed that the magnetic disk cartridge 1 has been stored in the specified position as instructed,
In S10, the barcode and file name are respectively registered in the storage area of the storage address. When the registration is completed, the display unit 24a displays that the storage operation has been completed normally (S11).

If it is determined in S9 that the memory address (empty address) and the actual stored address do not match, S12
The error in the storage location is displayed on the display section 24a to give a warning, and the process returns to the previous stage of S5.

If the above S3 determines that it is the final address,
In S13, the display unit 24a displays that storage is not possible.

In this manner, the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is first stored. Next, storage case 6
The operation of searching for a desired one from among the large number of magnetic disk cartridges 1 housed in the magnetic disk cartridge 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In S21, the file name of the magnetic disk cartridge 1 to be searched is inputted via the keyboard switch 23a. Based on this input signal, the storage addresses and file names stored in the storage section are read one by one (S22), and the input file name and the read file name are compared in S23.

If S23 determines that the file name does not exist,
Proceeding to S24, it is determined whether the storage address checked in S23 earlier is the final address, and if it is not the final address, S25
The process proceeds to S23, where the storage address (A ₁ ) of the file name verified is incremented by 1, the storage address (A ₂ ) to be read next is determined, and the process returns to the previous stage of S22.

When the corresponding file name is found in S23, the storage address where the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is stored and its file name are displayed on the display section 24a in S26, and the storage address is also displayed for verification in S28, which will be described later. is memorized once. The operator reads this storage address and pulls out the magnetic disk cartridge 1 from the part of the storage case 6 where the corresponding storage address is displayed. This pulling operation is optically detected by the code reading unit 12, and the storage address is read from the storage unit based on the pulling signal (S27).

Next, it is determined in S28 whether the address from which the magnetic disk cartridge 1 was actually pulled out and the storage address stored in S26 are the same. If the result of the determination is the same, that is, if it is confirmed that the magnetic disk cartridge 1 at the address specified has been pulled out, the display section 24a displays in S29 that the search operation has been successfully completed.

If it is determined in S28 that the memory address (read storage address) and the address that was actually pulled out do not match, the display will indicate that the magnetic disk cartridge 1 at the wrong address was pulled out in S30. 24a
Displays a warning and returns to the previous step of S27.

When it is determined that it is the final address in S24 mentioned above,
Display unit 24a indicates that the corresponding file name does not exist in S31.
Display in .

Next, the case of storing the used magnetic disk cartridge 1 in the storage case 6 will be explained with reference to FIG. 10.

At S41, the file name of the magnetic disk cartridge 1 to be stored is input through the keyboard switch 23a. Based on this input signal, the storage addresses and file names stored in the storage section are read one by one (S42), and in S43, the input file name and the read file name are compared.

If S43 determines that the file name does not exist,
Proceeding to S44, it is determined whether the storage address checked in S43 earlier is the final address, and if it is not the final address, S45
The process proceeds to S43, where the storage address (A ₁ ) of the file name verified is incremented by 1, the storage address (A ₂ ) to be read next is determined, and the process returns to the previous stage of S42.

When the corresponding file name is found in S43, the storage address and file name where the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is to be stored are displayed on the display section 24a in S46, and the storage address is also displayed for verification in S49, which will be described later. Once it is memorized. The operator looks at the displayed storage address and inserts the magnetic disk cartridge 1 into the storage space 11 of the storage case 6 where the corresponding storage address is displayed. By this insertion, the barcode 5 of the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is optically read by the reading section 12. Further, by monitoring which reading section 12 outputs the code reading signal, the storage address is read from the storage section (S48).

Next, it is determined in S49 whether the address where the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is actually stored is the same as the storage address stored in S46, and if they match,
Display unit 2 indicates that the storage operation has been completed normally on S50.
Display on 4a.

If it is determined in S49 that the memory address (the address that specified the storage position) and the actual storage address do not match, the display unit 24 indicates that the storage location is incorrect in S51.
A is displayed, an alarm is issued, and the process returns to the previous step of S47.

If it is determined that the storage address read in S44 is the final address, the display unit 24a displays in S52 that there is no corresponding file name.

In the embodiment described above, a bar code 5 is attached to the magnetic disk cartridge 1, and the magnetic disk cartridge 1 is identified by optically reading the bar code 5, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, a method of providing an identification color pattern on a plate-shaped recording medium such as a magnetic disk cartridge and reading this optically, or a method of providing a part on which a magnetic code is recorded on a plate-shaped recording medium and reading it magnetically, or It is also possible to provide identification irregularities on a shaped recording medium and read them optically with an optical sensor or the like or mechanically with a microswitch or the like.

FIG. 11 is a schematic external view of a search device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points.

That is, the magnetic disk cartridge 1 does not have a barcode 5 as an identification symbol, the storage case 6 does not have a barcode reader 12, and the storage case 6 and the control device 7 are connected to each other by a signal cable 8. Not connected. Therefore, in the case of this search device, a search is performed using a file name and storage address. In addition, an opening/closing lid 34 is rotatably or slidably provided in front of the insertion port 28 formed on the side surface of the control device 7, to more reliably prevent dust from entering the control device 7. There is. If the opening/closing lid 34 is made of a transparent material such as synthetic resin, it is convenient because it can be determined whether the external storage device 15 is inserted into the control device 7 without opening the opening/closing lid 34.

Conventionally, the following control devices are known as control devices equipped with external storage devices. In other words, a device section approximately the same size as the plane of the card-shaped external storage device is formed next to the display section of the control device, and a slidable shutter is provided on the case portion of the external storage device. There is.

When installing this external storage device in the control device, open the shutter to expose the internal terminal section, then open the lid on the installation section of the control device, place it on the installation section, and insert it inside the installation section. Bring the installed elastic terminal piece into contact with the internal terminal part of the external storage device. Thereafter, by closing the lid, the internal terminal portion of the external storage device and the terminal piece of the control device are reliably connected by the elastic force from the lid side.

However, this control device has the following drawbacks. In other words, since the device section is provided on the plane of the control device, dust tends to adhere to its terminal strips, resulting in poor connection when the internal terminal section of the external storage device is contacted from above the terminal strips. This may cause malfunction. Further, if the shutter of the external storage device does not open reliably due to malfunction or the like, troubles such as the external storage device becoming unusable may occur. Furthermore, since the mounting section requires at least the same space as the flat surface of the external storage device, the area of the adjacent display section may become narrower, making it difficult to see, or if the display section is made to a predetermined size, the mounting section may become larger. This increases the width of the control device, which poses an obstacle to downsizing the control device.

As mentioned above, the present invention has a built-in computer, an input operation section and a display section on the surface, an external storage device insertion slot on the side, and a connection between the computer and external storage device on the back side of the insertion slot. a control device equipped with an interface adapter that enables the transmission and reception of signals between the two, and an external storage device having a hard terminal protruding from one end thereof, which is removably latched to the interface adapter; The present invention is characterized in that a search program and search information are stored in a storage section of the computer and a storage section of an external storage device.

Since the external storage device is inserted from the side of the control device as described above, there is almost no adhesion of dust and malfunctions due to poor connection between the control device and the external storage device are eliminated. Further, since the external storage device does not have a shutter mechanism, there are no problems caused by its operation troubles, and as a result, reliability can be improved. Furthermore, since the external storage device is inserted into the inside of the control device from the side, the surface of the control device can be dedicated to the input operation section and the display section, so the display area or operation section area can be increased, or This has the advantage that the control device can be made smaller.

Although the above embodiment describes the search for a plate-shaped recording medium such as a magnetic disk cartridge, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to searches for other articles and members such as a large number of gauges. There's no need to explain.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the work of storing the object to be searched in a storage body such as a storage case or the work of pulling out the object to be searched from the storage body was performed manually, but these tasks can be automatically performed using an industrial robot or the like. It is also possible to do so.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The figures are all for explaining the embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 1 is a plan view of a magnetic disk cartridge which is the object to be searched; Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of the search device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the search device, FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram of the search device, FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the control device in the search device, and FIG. 6 is a diagram of the search device. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing how the external storage device is attached to the control device, and FIGS. A flowchart to explain the operation of the search device,
FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a search device according to a second embodiment. 7...Control device, 14...Computer, 15
...External storage device, 16...Main storage section, 21...
Interface adapter, 23...Input operation unit,
23a...keyboard switch, 24...display device, 24a...display unit, 25...extension storage unit, 2
8...Insertion slot, 32...Hard printed circuit board.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] It has a built-in computer, an input operation section and a display section on the front surface, and an external storage device insertion slot on the side, making it possible to send and receive signals between the computer and the external storage device at the back of the insertion slot. a controller equipped with an interface adapter installed thereon, and an external storage device having a hard terminal protruding from one side end that is removably locked to the interface adapter, and the controller is equipped with an external storage device that protrudes from one side end, and is equipped with an external storage device that has a hard terminal protruding from one end that is removably locked to the interface adapter. A search device, characterized in that a search program and search information are stored in a storage section of the device.