JPH03173912A - Magnetic recording and reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically perform an appropriate cleaning without providing a discriminating recessed part and a detecting switch by discriminating a cleaning type with an initial control means and a discriminating means and performing a prescribed cleaning process accordingly. CONSTITUTION:A tape discriminating signal is recorded in a prescribed part of the beginning of a tape by the initial control means with one pair of main heads 3a and 3b, and it is regenerated for monitoring with one pair of subheads 4a and 4b. In this case, since a tape incapable of recording is used as the cleaning tape, a monitor regenerative signal of the subheads is not inclusive of the tape discriminating signal, and its envelope level becomes a low level based on noise, thus discriminating this as a normal tape by the discriminating means. Then, in the case of the cleaning tape, after a given period of time for traveling, the tape is ejected by a cleaning process means, so that an appropriate amt. of cleaning is automatically performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a magnetic recording and reproducing device used in mass storage equipment and the like.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, a rotary head type digital audio tape recorder (hereinafter referred to as R-DAT) has been used as a large-capacity memory device such as a cassette streamer of computer equipment.

In other words, when used as a mass storage device, the fifth
As shown in the figure, the head cylinder (
2) is provided with a pair of main rotary magnetic heads (hereinafter referred to as main heads) (8a) and (3b) for recording and reproducing in mutually opposite azimuths, that is, positive and negative azimuths, separated by 180°; Both main heads (3a) and (3b) are located at positions 2700 behind the main heads (3a) and (3b), respectively.
) Sub-rotary magnetic heads (hereinafter referred to as sub-heads) (4a) and (4b) of each azimuth are provided as heads for monitor reproduction.

The arrow line t in FIG. 5 indicates the running direction of the tape (1), and the arrow line S indicates the rotation direction of the cylinder (21).

By the way, when the RDAT is used as a mass storage device, as shown in FIG. 6, the tape (1) has a device area (lb) immediately after the league part (1a) at the start end for loading and unloading a fixed tape length.

It is set as a test area (IC) for checking the condition of tape (1) (error rate, etc.).
The area between C) and the terminal leader section (la) is set as a data area (1d) used for recording and reproduction.

Further, the tape (1) is inserted into the cassette insertion slot and discharged from the cassette insertion slot with the tape (1) completely rewound.

Therefore, when tape (1) is inserted and loaded, this loading is almost done in the device area (L
)l) is performed at the position where helical scanning is performed, and the influence of loading tension etc. on the data area (ld) is prevented.

When the loaded tape (1) scans the test area (IC) in a helical manner,
Main head (3a), (31)) Φ recording and sub head (4
1).

(4b) Monitor playback is performed, and it is determined from the error rate of the signal obtained by this monitor playback whether or not the tape (1) is a defective tape with deformation or the like.

Then tape (1) is placed at the starting edge of the data area (ld).
When the main heads (3a) and (3b) run, the above-mentioned determination is completed and the data area (3a) and (3b) are opened based on the operation settings.
ld) begins recording or playback.

This movement is based on the rotation of the capstan (based on the running of the tape (1) and the rotation of the cylinder (2)), and the head (3a) is rotated.

(ah), (4a), (4b) are cylinders (each one of 21
While rotating, the tape (1
) to perform a helical scan.

Then, by alternate helical scanning of the main heads (8a) and (lb), tracks (Al, fBl) of positive and negative azimuths are alternately recorded during recording, as shown in FIG. 7, and during reproduction, the upper rack ( A) and CB) are played alternately.

In addition, the track (A) is based on the DAT tape format, and as shown in Figure 8, there are two subcode areas (SUB), two pilot signal areas (PLT),
The main area (MAIN) is time-divided, address information signals and ATF) racking control signals are recorded in the subcode area (SUB) and pilot signal area (PLT), and actual digital information is recorded in the main area (kiAIN). is recorded.

The arrow line in FIG. 8 indicates the head scanning direction.

Furthermore, during recording, the latest recording of the main heads (3a) and (8b) is monitored and reproduced by alternating helical scans of the sub heads (41) and (4b), and this monitor reproduction allows checking for recording errors in digital information. be done.

By the way, especially when using R-DAT as a mass storage device, the heads (3a), (8b), (4a)
), (4b) In order to prevent errors in recording and reproduction due to dirt, etc., it is necessary to periodically perform so-called cylinder cleaning.

This cylinder cleaning is performed by running a special non-recordable cleaning cassette tape (hereinafter referred to as a "cleaning tape") coated with an abrasive material for a predetermined cleaning period in a recording or playback state.

Conventionally, one of the following two methods is employed in order to prohibit checks and the like in the test area (IC) and perform cleaning for a necessary period of time.

The first method uses a tape with recesses formed in the cassette case for tape discrimination as a cleaning tape, and a switch for tape discrimination that detects the four parts is installed, and recording is possible based on the close signal of this switch. The cleaning tape is distinguished from a normal tape (hereinafter referred to as normal tape) and the loaded cleaning tape is run in a recording or reproducing state.

However, the recess is actually formed by opening an unopened glue hole.

The second method is to provide an operation switch for specifying a cleaning tape in the operation section instead of forming the four parts in the cleaning tape cassette case, and to run the loaded cleaning tape in a recording or playback state based on the operation of this switch. .

The running time of the cleaning tape is determined based on the user's operation mode switching regardless of which of the above methods is pressed.
Managed manually.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-90225 (OLIB 5/
In 41), as in the first method, a space is formed in the cassette case of the cleaning team, and a switch for detecting these four parts is provided, and when the cleaning tape is loaded based on the contact signal of this switch. , it is described that the tape is automatically run for a certain period of time and then ejected, thereby automating the cleaning process.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the case of the R,-DAT as the conventional mass storage device, in order to perform cylinder cleaning, a switch for detecting the four parts formed in the cassette case of the cleaning team 1 or an operation switch for specifying the cleaning tape must be provided. First, the dark structure becomes complicated.

Since the cleaning time can be managed manually,
Over- or under-cleaning tends to occur, making it impossible to perform proper cleaning.

Moreover, in the case of the configuration in which the four parts are detected, it is necessary to use a dedicated cleaning tape having the recessed parts formed therein, which makes the cleaning tape expensive.

Further, in the case of the configuration in which the designation is made using the operation switch, the operation becomes complicated and the operability is significantly deteriorated.

Therefore, it is conceivable to automatically perform cleaning based on the detection of the recess in the cassette case as described in the above publication, but in this case, although proper rinning can be performed, the mechanism configuration becomes complicated and the cleaning tape is The problem is that it is expensive.

The same problems as described above occur also in magnetic recording/reproducing devices other than R-DAT used as mass storage devices.

The present invention provides a four-head magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus in which a head cylinder is provided with a pair of main heads for recording and reproducing and a pair of sub-heads for monitor reproduction. To automatically identify a cleaning tape and perform proper cylinder cleaning without forming four parts for identification.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus of the present invention includes recording of a signal for tape discrimination in a predetermined part of the beginning of the cassette tape at the time of low day blowing of the cassette tape, and monitoring and reproducing the recording. initial control means for controlling; and determining whether or not the tape discrimination signal recorded in the predetermined portion matches the signal reproduced from the predetermined portion by monitor playback, or the envelope level of the reproduced signal; The present invention includes a recordable normal tape, a non-recordable cleaning chip, and a cleaning processing means for unloading and ejecting the tape after running for a predetermined cleaning time when loading one tape based on the detection.

[Effect]

In the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, when a cassette tape is loaded, the initial control means performs recording and monitor reproduction of a predetermined portion at the beginning of the tape, and The head records a tape discrimination signal, and this recording is monitored and reproduced by a pair of sub-heads.

At this time, in the case of a cleaning tape, there is no signal for tape discrimination in the monitor playback signals of both heads, and the envelope level thereof also becomes a low level based on noise.

Then, the tape discrimination signal recorded by the tape discrimination means matches the monitor-reproduced signal.

Identification between a regular tape and a cleaning tape is made based on detection of a discrepancy or an envelope level of the monitored signal.

Further, based on the identification result of the tape identification means, if the tape is a running tape, the cleaning processing means discharges the tape after running for the cleaning time.

Therefore, by recording and monitoring the loaded cassette tape, proper cylinder cleaning is automatically performed without the need for detecting a recess in a conventional cassette case or operating a switch to designate a cleaning tape.

〔Example〕

Embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 2. FIG.

Figure 1 shows the 几-D used as a mass storage device.
The case is shown in which the main head (3a) is installed in the head cylinder (2) with the head arrangement shown in Fig. 5, as in the conventional case.
, (3b) and the sub-heads (4a), (4b) are installed randomly. When the cassette tape (1) is inserted into the cassette insertion slot, the microcomputer configuration operates based on the contact signal of the insertion detection switch (5). A control circuit (6) for control detects tape insertion.

This control circuit (6) is an initial control means and tape identification means for performing cylinder cleaning in the control circuit of Rr)AT as a conventional mass storage device.

It is formed by adding cleaning processing means.

Based on the detection of the tape insertion, the control circuit (6) executes the loading control of the tape (1), drives the cassette output motor f7) to move the tape (1) at the loading position, and then The capstan motor (9) is driven via the capnut motor drive circuit f81, and this drive rotates the capstan Qlj to position the tape (1) so that the device area (1h) in FIG. 6 is scanned. Complete loading of tape (1).

After completion of this loading, initial control means, tare identification means. Based on the cleaning processing means, the cleaning control in Step 21''>Te1 is executed.

That is, the tape (1) is held in a running state by the initial control means, and the recording section 011 is moved to the main head (3a).
), (3b) records, sub-heads (4a), (4b)
Under the control of tD motor reproduction, recording and monitor reproduction of a test area (IC) as a predetermined portion at the beginning of the tape (1) are performed.

At this time, the cylinder motor Oa rotates at a constant speed and constant phase to rotate the cylinder (2), and at the same time, based on the input switching, the input selector switch outputs digital information for discrimination as a signal for tape discrimination from the input terminal 04). The circuit switches to the discrimination information output circuit n51 which outputs the .

Further, in order to prohibit tracking control based on the monitor reproduction output, the switch between the ATF signal generation circuit α of the reproduction section QG and the drive circuit (8) is turned off.

Then, the digital information from the output circuit a east is supplied to the modulator Ql of the recording section 0]1 via the changeover switch 8-1.
Digital conversion such as 0 conversion is performed.

Then, by switching the recording signal changeover switch based on the recording control, when the main heads (3a, (81)) record and form the tracks (Al, (f51) in FIG. 7, respectively), each area in FIG. (PLT), (MAIN)
(SOB) In synchronization with the rescan, the pilot signal of the pilot signal generation circuit 121), the output signal of the modulator a9, and the address information signal of the subcode signal generation circuit are transferred to the changeover switch (1), the recording amplifier, and the rotary The signals are supplied to the main heads (8a) and (3b) via the transformer (2), and each signal is time-divisionally recorded on the trunks fAl and U.

In addition, the sub heads (4a), (4b) and the main head (3a)
, to scan the tape (1) with a 270° delay from (3b), the main head (3a), (3b) is ) -) ivy fA) , @ When the tape (1) is scanned at the top edge 1, the sub head (4b), (la) is the relevant track (A).

Scanning starts from the bottom end of the track fBl immediately before the direction (A).

Then, the reproduced signals from the sub-heads (4a) and (4b) are sent to the ATF signal generation circuit α and the demodulator (to) via the rotor's lance (c) and the reproducing amplifier (to) of the reproducing section 0. Supplied.

At this time, the generation circuit α generates an error signal for ATF tracking control based on the pilot signal in the reproduced signal, and the demodulator (E) reproduces digital information of the area (MAIN) in the reproduced signal.

Furthermore, the digital information reproduced and formed by the demodulator (1) is supplied to the output terminal (5) and the exclusive OR gate (hereinafter referred to as EXOR) tA of the comparison section (to).

Note that during recording on the main heads (8a) and (8b), switch 0 is off, so the running phase control of the tape (1) based on the error signal of the generation circuit 07), that is, the tracking control, is not performed. do not have.

On the other hand, the comparison section - is connected to the EXOR wire and the memory ω, and this memory (to) converts the digital information of the output circuit I'lz via the changeover switch n+ to this information based on the memory control of the control circuit (6). is delayed and read out to EXOR (to) at timing 1 when it is monitored and reproduced.

Therefore, the digital information supplied to the main heads (8B), (8b) during scanning of the test area (IC) and the digital information reproduced by the sub heads (4a), (4b) at the same timing. is supplied to EXORfi.

If the tape (1) is a cleaning tape that cannot be recorded, the two digital information supplied to F; be done.

Based on this detection signal, the tape identification means of the control circuit (61) identifies the normal tape and the cleaning team 1, and when the cleaning tape is identified, the cleaning processing means starts recording the test area (IC) and monitor playback. After the cleaning time set from , the main head (3a),
(3b) o Record and sub-head (4a).

The monitor playback (4h) is stopped, and the drive of the capstan motor (8) is also stopped to stop the running of the tape (1).

Furthermore, the motor (7) is driven to unload, and the tape (1) is unloaded and ejected from the cassette insertion slot.

Therefore, when using a cleaning tape, the tape (1) runs for the cleaning time and is discharged, and the tape (1)
Appropriate cylinder cleaning is automatically performed without forming recesses or the like in the cassette or +/- case, and without providing a special detection switch or the like.

On the other hand, if tape (1) is a recordable regular tape,
I! : Both digital information supplied to the XOR factor match,
The output signal of F:X0R (to) is held at "0".

Then, when the output signal of Rfi to F'8 is held at 110'' and the tape (1) runs in the terminal case of the test area (1C), the main head (8a),
(8b) recording and monitor playback of the sub heads (4a) and (4b) are stopped, and the capstan motor ``8''
The drive of the tape (1) is stopped, the running of the tape (1) is stopped, and a transition is made to a standby state for recording or playback based on an operation.

Among them, when using a normal tape, the control circuit (6), for example, uses the output signal of the demodulator (to) supplied to the output terminal (5).
) is also used to check the condition of tape (1).

(Example 2) Next, Example 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

In Fig. 3, the difference from Fig. 1 is that in place of the comparison section (to) in the same figure, a level detection section (equipped with a cable) consisting of a detection circuit G1), a comparator (32), and a reference power source (33) is used. It is a point.

Then, when the tape (1) is inserted, as in the first embodiment, after the tape (1) runs at the terminal end 1 of the device area (1h), the main head ( 8B), (, 8b) records and subheads (4a), (
4b) The playback begins.

At this time, based on the head switching path shown in FIG.
A record established between C) and the playback amplifier (C).

A playback head selector switch (not shown) is switched.

t7'c, FT During the 180° period of high level and low level of recording head switching pad/L'7=, recording is performed on the main heads (3B) and (3b) in the first half, and recording is performed on the sub head in the second half. (4a) and (4b) are reproduced.

Then, when using normal tape, based on each recorded signal,
A playback signal with a high level shown in Figure 4 is output from the playback amplifier (to), and the positive component of this playback signal is sent to the detection circuit (
31), and from this detection circuit (31) to the comparator □□□. The signal is output, and the output of the comparator (support) becomes high level at the timing of the reproduced signal.

On the other hand, since recording cannot be performed when using a cleaning tape, the reproduction signal of the reproduction amplifier becomes a low level of noise only as shown in FIG. As shown in fel, the reference level /L/
A transverse wave signal with an envelope level smaller than vr is output, and the output signal of comparison RB (32) continues to be held at low level.

The tape identification means of the control circuit (6) is connected to the comparator (3).
By inverting the level of the output signal D and holding it at a low level as shown in the figure, a normal tape and a cleaning tape are distinguished, and based on the result of this discrimination, the cleaning processing means etc. perform the same processing as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment as well, proper cylinder cleaning is automatically performed when the cleaning tape is loaded.

In the above embodiment, the application was applied to an R-DAT used in a regular storage device, but if an area corresponding to a test area (IC) is provided at the beginning of the tape and the tape runs from the beginning during loading, the head The present invention can be applied to various magnetic recording/reproducing devices having a four-rad configuration in which a cylinder is provided with a pair of main rotary magnetic heads and a pair of sub-rotary magnetic heads.

〔Effect of the invention〕

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it produces the effects described below.

By providing an initial control means, a tape identification means, and a cleaning processing means, when loading a cassette tape for cleaning, a recess for tape identification is created in the cassette case of the tape based on recording of a predetermined part at the beginning and monitoring playback. It is possible to distinguish between a normal cassette tape and a cleaning cassette tape without forming a detection switch or the like for the recess, and to eject the cassette tape after the tape has run during the cleaning time and insert it into the appropriate cylinder. Cleaning can be done automatically.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures 1 to 4 show an embodiment of the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus of the present invention, and Figures 1 and 2 are block diagrams of the first embodiment, flowcharts for explaining the operation, and Figures 3 and 4 fa. )~f
el is a block diagram of the second embodiment, a waveform diagram for explaining the operation, and FIGS. 5 to 8 are R used in the bean storage device.
-DAT, Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the head arrangement, Fig. 6 is a diagram of the configuration of the tape, Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the head scan,
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the track format. (1)...Cassette tape, C2)...Head cylinder, (3a). (3h)...Main head, (4a), (4b)...Sub-head, (61...Control circuit, (to)...Comparison section,
(34) Level detection section.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A head cylinder on which a loaded and running cassette tape is wound at a predetermined angle;
a pair of main rotating magnetic heads with opposite azimuths and arranged 80 degrees apart and recording and reproducing the tape by alternately helical scanning the tape; and a position of the cylinder delayed from each of the two main rotating magnetic heads. In a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a pair of sub-rotary magnetic heads having the same azimuth and each of the main rotary magnetic heads for monitoring and reproducing the recording of both the main rotary magnetic heads, the tape is an initial control means for controlling recording of a signal for tape discrimination in a predetermined portion at the starting end of the tape and monitor playback of the recording; and playback from the predetermined portion by the signal for tape discrimination recorded in the predetermined portion and monitor playback. tape identification means for identifying a recordable normal cassette tape and a non-recordable cleaning cassette tape based on a match or mismatch with the reproduced signal or detection of an envelope level of the reproduced signal; A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus comprising: a cleaning processing means for unloading and ejecting the cleaning cassette tape after running for a predetermined cleaning time when loading the cleaning cassette tape based on the identification result of the identification means. .