JPH04344922A - Duplex file generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To always generate doubly the same file by updating the file every time the constitution of a magnetic tape is changed in a duplex file generating system to output the same data in parallel to two magnetic tapes. CONSTITUTION:A magnetic tape state change detecting means 4 detects that the change of a state occurs in one side of the magnetic tapes 3a, 3b loaded in two sets of magnetic tape devices 2a, 2b to execute simultaneous output to a controller 1. Next, a magnetic tape position control means 5 stops the magnetic tape of the other side at the ending position of a data block just before the change of the state when the state change of the magnetic tape 3a, 3b is detected. Next, a file processing means 6 executes output processing to the magnetic tape 3a, 3b, and simultaneously, it executes processing to terminate the file of the magnetic tape when the magnetic tape state change detecting means 4 detects the state change of the magnetic tape 3a, 3b, and in addition, the magnetic tape position control means 5 stops the magnetic tape in which no state change occurs at the ending position of the data block just before the state change.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a duplex file creation method for outputting the same data onto two magnetic tapes in parallel.

[0002] In exchanges used in public communication networks, a process is performed in which a large amount of billing data, etc. generated during communication processing is sequentially output onto magnetic tape. In particular, billing data is important as it relates to the user's call charges.
Because reliability is required, a dual output method is used in which generated data is sequentially output in parallel to two magnetic tapes in real time.

[0003] The two sets of magnetic tape files created in the above manner are used for off-line processing for calculating fees for each subscriber, and at that time, matching of duplicated files is also performed as necessary.

However, during the duplex file creation process, due to a failure or other reason, one of the magnetic tapes may become unable to record, or it may be switched to another magnetic tape device.
Alternatively, if duplication occurs midway through, recording continues on the magnetic tape whose state has not changed, so the file content is different from that of the magnetic tape whose state has changed midway. Along with this, file numbers are also assigned separately, and the work and file management for processing recorded data without omission or duplication have become complicated.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a duplex file creation method in which files with the same file number are always created twice.

[0006]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing a conventional method for creating a duplex file. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing file contents when data is output to magnetic tapes attached to two magnetic tape devices under the control of a control device, but the control device and magnetic tape device are not shown. Omitted.

[0007] Throughout the drawings, the magnetic tape number is MTXX
A, MTXXB and MTXXC, header label to HD
R, end-of-file label is indicated by EOF. HDR
A group of data sandwiched between and EOF becomes one file. Also, data is written and read in blocks, but the data block (
(hereinafter simply referred to as block) is B, block number is 1,
It is indicated by numbers and symbols such as M, M+1, N, etc. In addition, H
Writing DR is called file open, and writing EOF is called file close.

[0008] Dual output is not actually done at the same time, but is done in such a way that the controller writes to the two magnetic tapes alternately. Below, one block is written to all MTs marked with A, and then to MTs marked with B.
The following explanation assumes that the same block is written to. Further, it is assumed that MTXXC is a magnetic tape used as a substitute for MTXXB or MTXXA.

[0009] In the conventional duplex file creation method, the file is closed only when the magnetic tape itself that is writing detects the end tape.
It is designed not to depend on the factors of the other magnetic tape during dual output. Therefore, even in a duplex file, the data contents recorded in the two magnetic tape files are different, and file numbers are also assigned separately. Furthermore, in order to perform processing using this magnetic tape file, the following measures are required. (1) In output processing, assign a serial number to each block when writing data, and when the file is closed, print out the serial number of the first block and the serial number of the last block of the file, and print out the serial number of the first block and the serial number of the last block of the file. Notify the maintenance and operations personnel of the scope. (2) When processing the output file offline, the maintenance and operation staff determines the magnetic tape to be processed and the block range within it based on the printed block range, and enters the necessary instruction information. and process it.

[0010] Hereinafter, a method of creating duplication and a method of using it according to the prior art will be explained with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. In (1) of Figure 7, data was initially output twice to two magnetic tapes MT11A and MT11B, but block number M+ was output to MT11B.
When writing 1 (hereinafter written as B=M+1),
If a failure occurs in the magnetic tape device in which MT11B is installed or in the magnetic tape MT11B itself, the MT11A
This shows the file contents when switching to single output, which outputs only to

[0011] In this case, MT11B has B=M+1 and E
The file ends without being able to write to OF, but MT1
1A continues writing, and when it detects an end tape (not shown) indicating the end of the tape when it has written until, for example, B=N, it closes the file. Therefore, M
The recorded contents of the T11A file and the MT11B file are different. In the conventional technology, it is assumed that the individual magnetic tapes of dual output do not have the same content.
A different file number is assigned to each magnetic tape. This file number is assigned when the file is opened and recorded in the HDR. In this example, the file number for MT11A is 110 (hereinafter referred to as F
MT11B is given a different number from F=111.

When a file is closed, the serial number of the block number recorded in the file is printed out as described above, but in the example of (1) in FIG. 7, it is of course 2.
The ranges of block serial numbers recorded in the two files F=110 and F=111 are different.

(2) in FIG. 7 is for some reason MT12
This is an example in which MT12B becomes operational and shifts from a state in which only A is performing single output to double output. In this case as well, the recorded contents of the two files F=120 and F=121 will be different.

FIG. 8 shows one magnetic tape MT during dual output.
13B illustrates an example in which the magnetic tape 13B is switched to another magnetic tape due to a failure in the magnetic tape device or the magnetic tape itself, or for other reasons such as detection of an end tape. In this example, writing of MT13A is interrupted without shifting to single output, and double output is resumed when alternative magnetic tape MT13C is opened. However, in this case as well, the contents of the three files created, F=130, F=131, and F=132, are all different.

As described above, in the duplex file creation method of the prior art, if a change in the state occurs on one magnetic tape during the output process, a file with different recorded contents is created, and the duplex files are not in a one-to-one correspondence. It disappears. Therefore, when performing offline processing or verification using these files, it is necessary to determine the block to be processed from the block serial number in the printed file, and file management becomes complicated.

The complexity of using this file will be explained with reference to FIG. In Figure 9, single output and double output are performed alternately,
Furthermore, this is an example in which the single output portion spans different magnetic tapes. In FIG. 9, three files have been created, but in order to ensure that all data is not omitted and duplicated, it is necessary to determine which block ranges from which files should be extracted and combined.

In the example of FIG. 9, there are a plurality of block combinations; for example, the blocks of B=1 to K in MT14A, the blocks of B=K+1 to L in MT14B, and the blocks of B=K+1 to L in MT14B.
If blocks B=L+1 to N of 4C are processed, all data will not be omitted and there will be no duplication (indicated by thick lines in the figure). However, in order to obtain this combination, the block serial number of each file that can be confirmed from the printout record, B
=1 to K, B=J+1 to M, and B=L+1 to N are used to determine the block serial number while checking the magnitude relationship of each block serial number, which requires complicated manual work.

Furthermore, when one of the magnetic tapes in the dual output is switched as shown in FIG. Since it is necessary to specify two parameters (B=M), both file management and offline processing become complicated.

[0019]

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] In the conventional duplex file creation method, if a change in the state of one magnetic tape occurs during the file creation process, a file with different recorded contents is created, so file processing and file The drawback was that management was complicated.

An object of the present invention is to always generate duplicates of the same file by updating the file every time the configurations of two magnetic tapes change.

[0021]

[Means for Solving the Problems] FIG. 1 shows a control device that performs a process of creating a duplex file, 2a to 2n are magnetic tape devices, 3a to 3n are magnetic tapes, and 4 to 6 are provided in the control device 1. Means 4 denotes magnetic tapes 3a and 3b mounted on two magnetic tape devices 2a and 2b, respectively, which perform simultaneous output in a plurality of magnetic tape devices 2a to 2n.
A magnetic tape state change detecting means 5 detects a change in the state of one of the magnetic tapes, and a magnetic tape state change detecting means 5 detects when the magnetic tape state change detecting means 4 detects a change in the state of one of the magnetic tapes. Magnetic tape position control means 6 stops the magnetic tape 3a at the end position of the data block immediately before the data block whose state has changed; and 6, the magnetic tape position control means 5 stops the magnetic tape 3a whose state has not changed. This is a file processing means that terminates the file on the magnetic tape 3a when the magnetic tape 3a is stopped at the end position of the immediately preceding data block.

[0022]

[Operation] In FIG. 1, a plurality of magnetic tape devices 2a to 2
When creating a duplex file using magnetic tapes (MT) 3a and 3b respectively attached to two magnetic tape devices 2a and 2b of n, a failure occurs in one of the magnetic tapes, for example, magnetic tape 3b, and recording is interrupted. When a change in state occurs, such as becoming impossible, the magnetic tape state change detection means 4 detects this and notifies the magnetic tape position control means 5 and the file processing means 6.

When the magnetic tape position control means 5 receives a notification from the magnetic tape state change detection means 4 that a state change has been detected, the magnetic tape position control means 5 transfers the data whose state has changed to the magnetic tape whose state has not changed, that is, the magnetic tape 3a. Control is performed to stop the block at the end position of the data block immediately before the block. As a result, the magnetic tape 3a stops at the end position of the last data block in which double output was normally performed.

The file processing means 6 receives a notification from the magnetic tape state change detection means 4 that a state change has been detected and stops double output, and then the magnetic tape position control means 5 selects the magnetic tape whose state has not changed. Upon receiving the notification that the position control of the magnetic tape 3a has been completed, processing is performed to terminate the file on the magnetic tape 3a.

Similarly, when shifting from single output to double output, the magnetic tape file that was single output is terminated at the start of double output. In other words, in Figure 1, when the status of one of the two magnetic tapes that performs double output changes, the file on the other magnetic tape is also terminated, so the two files are updated at the same time, and the same file is always generated twice. It will be done.

[0026]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 2 to 4 are flowcharts of a duplex file creation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 to 6 illustrate an embodiment of a duplex file creation method and flow based on the configuration shown in FIG. 1. The same symbols are used for the same parts throughout the figures. Furthermore, since the meanings of the symbols and notations in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the writing order of the duplexed files are the same as in the case of the prior art shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the explanation will be omitted, and the following will be
This will be explained using FIG. 1 as well.

(1) in FIG. 2 initially shows two magnetic tapes M.
Data was being output twice to T01A and MT01B,
When writing a block of B=M+1 to MT01B, M
Due to a failure in the magnetic tape device or the magnetic tape itself that installed T01B, we will abandon dual output from now on.
An example of the file structure when shifting to single output using only MT01A is shown.

As in the prior art, MT01A is
After writing the block =M+1, the same block is written to MT01B, but in this case, MT0
1B ends the file without being able to write B=M+1 and EOF, and MT01A is stopped at the position where writing of block B=M+1 is completed.

When MT01B is in a state where writing cannot be performed, the magnetic tape state change detection means 4 of FIG. 1 detects the change in state and notifies the magnetic tape position control means 5 and the file processing means 6.

When the magnetic tape position control means 5 receives a notification from the magnetic tape state change detection means 4 that a change in the state of MT01B has been detected, the magnetic tape position control means 5 moves the magnetic tape MT01A whose state has not changed to the block immediately before the block whose state has changed. Rewind to the end position of block B=M and stop. That is, the magnetic tape 3a stops at the end position of the last block B=M where double output was normally performed.

When the file processing means 6 receives a notification that a state change has been detected from the magnetic tape state change detection means 4, it stops double output, and the file processing means 6 stops the double output from the magnetic tape position control means 5.
Upon receiving notification that position control of 01A has ended, MT01A
Write EOF to Terminate the file. In this method, the range of blocks written to MT01A and MT01B is exactly the same, so at the start of double output, that is, at the time of HDR writing, the two magnetic tapes MT01A and MT01B have the same file number F = 01. Grant.

MT01A closes the file F=010, opens the file again, writes HDR, and starts writing from block B=M+1 with single output. At this time, the file number is updated, for example F
=011.

That is, in FIG. 2(1), if the file numbers are the same, the blocks written are also the same, so when the file is closed, only the file number is output without printing out the block serial number.

Next, (2) in FIG. 2 will be explained. (2) in Figure 2 is an example in which output to MT02B becomes possible and transitions to duplexing when only MT02A is performing single output, and MT02B outputs while MT02A is writing B=M or when writing has finished. This shows the status of the file when it is registered as a magnetic tape.

When MT02B is registered as an output magnetic tape, the magnetic tape state change detection means 4 shown in FIG. Close (
EOF writing), and HDR is written to the two magnetic tapes MT02A and MT02B before writing the next B=M+1. Here, the file of the magnetic tape MT02A has been updated from F=020 to F=021, and the same file number F=
021 is assigned and a new file is opened.

FIG. 3 shows one magnetic tape MT during double output.
In this example, magnetic tape MT03B is switched to standby magnetic tape MT03C. In this case, when MT03B stops due to a failure or the file is closed due to end tape detection, MT
The file 03A is also closed, and when the file of the waiting MT03C is opened, the file of MT03A is also opened anew. In this case, the first file of MT03A and the file of MT03B have the same file number F=
030, the file after MT03A and MT03C
The files have the same file number F=031.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which single output and double output are performed alternately, and the single output portion spans different magnetic tapes. In this case as well, if there is a change in the state of one magnetic tape, the other magnetic tape is closed, so as shown in the figure, files in which the same block is written have the same file number.

Therefore, when processing files, if the file numbers are processed in numerical order, there will be no omissions, and if there are files with the same number, if only one of the files is used, there will be no duplication. In the example of FIG. 4, if only the files indicated by bold lines are processed, all data will not be omitted and there will be no duplication. In addition, when verifying duplicated files, it is sufficient to specify only the file number and verify files with the same file number. This makes processing and management of files extremely simple.

Next, the flow of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. Note that FIGS. 5 and 6 are based on the configuration of FIG. 1, and S1 to S35 are symbols for each step. (1 in Figure 5)
) indicates the initial setting flow. In the figure, Bi indicates a block serial number, and i=1 to n. In the initial setting, S
1, i=1, that is, the first block B=1 is set.

FIG. 5(2) shows a flow of transition from the dual output state explained in FIG. 2(1) to the single output state, and will be explained below using the symbols in FIG. 2(1). The file processing means 6 in Fig. 1 is the first file processing means 6 in Fig. 2 (1).
Magnetic tape MT01A (hereinafter abbreviated as MTA) and second magnetic tape MT01B (hereinafter abbreviated as MTB)
It is assumed that data is being written in block units to the block, and writing of the i-th block (B=i) by double output is completed in S11. Next, in S12, 1 is added to the value of i to start writing the i+1 block, and first, the i+1-th block (denoted as Bi+1) is written to the MTA (S13). If the writing is not normal, rewind the MTA (S14, S17),
At this point, the MTB is closed, the file is updated, and the next file is opened (S18, S1
9). As a result, single output by the MTB is started.

[0042] If the MTA is normal in S14, the MTA
Write Bi+1 to TB (S15), and if this is written normally, proceed to write the next block (
S16→S12), repeat the above.

[0043] If writing to the MTB cannot be performed normally, a backskip process is performed in which the MTB is rewound and the MTA is rewound by a predetermined number of blocks (for example, several blocks) (S16→S20-S21). Next, a search is performed for the block immediately before the i+1 block that could not be written, that is, the i-th block (S22). This search is performed by reading out the rewound MTA one block at a time and comparing whether or not the block numbers match. However, when a Bi block is detected, the MTA is stopped at the end of that block.

Here, the file processing means 6 of FIG.
Write EOF to A and close the file (S2
3) Next, open a new file (S2
4). This new file begins writing single output.

FIG. 6 shows a flow of transition from the single output state explained in FIG. 2 (2) to the double output state, and will be explained below using the symbols in FIG. 2 (2). Figure 6
Figure 2 (2) shows the flow when MT02B (hereinafter abbreviated as MTB) is registered while MT02A (hereinafter abbreviated as MTA) is writing in a single output state. .

[0046] When MT02B is registered, the file processing means 6 in FIG. Close (S32, S33
). Next, open the file for MTA again, and open MTB at the same time (S34, S35)
, double output starts from the next block, for example B=M+1.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, FIGS. 2 to 6 merely show one embodiment of the present invention. Of course, it is not limited to. In addition, FIGS. 2 to 6 are as shown in FIG.
However, FIG. 1 shows a principle diagram, and the effects of the present invention do not change even if the means in FIG. 1 are combined or separated. For example, in FIG. 1, a change in the state of the magnetic tape is detected by the magnetic tape state change detection means 4, but a change in the state of the magnetic tape is caused by a writing failure occurring in the file processing means 6 that writes on the magnetic tape. Since it is also possible to detect
Even if both means are combined, the effects of the present invention do not change. Also,
In FIG. 5, the magnetic tape on which writing was not performed normally is rewound, but it is clear that the effects of the present invention will not change even if the magnetic tape is removed from the dual output without being rewound. Furthermore, the file open timing S35 of the newly registered magnetic tape MTB in FIG. 6 may be replaced with the file open timing S34 of the magnetic tape MTA, or the MT
Although it is also possible to do it immediately after B registration, the effect of the present invention is not changed in either case.

[0048]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
When creating a duplex file, the file is updated every time the configuration of the two magnetic tapes changes and the same file is always generated twice, which contributes to the simplification and efficiency of file processing and file management in such a duplex file. big.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1] Diagram explaining the principle of the present invention

[Figure 2] Duplicated file creation method according to the embodiment of the present invention (Part 1)

[Figure 3] Duplicated file creation method according to the embodiment of the present invention (Part 2)

[Figure 4] Duplicated file creation method according to the embodiment of the present invention (part 3)

[Figure 5] Example flow diagram of the present invention (Part 1)

[Figure 6
] Flow diagram of an embodiment of the present invention (Part 2)

[Figure 7]
Conventional technology duplex file creation method (Part 1)

[Figure 8] Conventional technique for creating duplicated files (Part 2)

[Figure 9] Conventional technology duplex file creation method (part 3)

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Control device 2a-2n Magnetic tape device 3a-3n magnetic tape 4 Magnetic tape state change detection means 5 Magnetic tape position control means 6 File processing means

Claims (1)

[Claims] [Claim 1] In a duplex file creation method that outputs the same data to two magnetic tapes in parallel to create two sets of the same file, a control device (1) includes two magnetic tape devices that perform simultaneous output. magnetic tape state change detection means (4) for detecting a change in the state of one of the magnetic tapes (3b) of the magnetic tapes (3a, 3b) respectively mounted on the magnetic tapes (2a, 2b); When the state change detection means (4) detects a state change of the magnetic tape (3b), the other magnetic tape (3a)
magnetic tape position control means (
5) and output processing to the magnetic tape (3a, 3b), and the magnetic tape state change detection means (
4) detects a change in the state of the magnetic tape (3b);
and when the magnetic tape position control means (5) stops the magnetic tape (3a) whose state has not changed at the end position of the data block immediately before the state change, A duplex file creation method characterized by comprising a file processing means (6) for terminating a file, updating the file every time the configuration of simultaneously output magnetic tapes changes, and always generating duplicates of the same file.