JPH07254197A - Automatic carrier reproducing device for recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent interruption of the automatic carrying operation of a recording medium by properly processing an instruction to be invalidated such as housing a recording medium in a housing part in which the other recording medium is already housed in an automatic carrier reproducing device. CONSTITUTION:An automatic carrier reproducing device 1 is provided with, in addition to a first housing shelf 5, second to fourth housing shelves 6 to 8. During an operation of returning from a video deck 41 to an original housing part 51, in a case where a tape is already housed in the housing part 51, a controller 21 controls a carrying mechanism 11 and the tape is housed in the vacant housing part 61 of the second housing shelf 6. By this processing, an automatic carrying operation of a tape thereafter is carried out based on a proper instruction without being interrupted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention carries in a recording medium such as a video cassette tape stored in a storage rack into a reproducing apparatus and automatically reproduces the recording medium. The present invention relates to an automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium having a transporting function for returning to.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of automatic carrier reproducing apparatus is used in a library or the like as a part of an audiovisual system of a video library. FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a typical audiovisual system of this type. The automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus 100 shown in the figure has a storage shelf 101 formed with a plurality of storage sections capable of storing video cassette tapes, a plurality of reproducing apparatuses 102 for reproducing video cassette tapes, a storage shelf 101 and a reproducing apparatus. A transport mechanism (not shown) that transports the video cassette tape between the two 102 and a host computer 104 that controls the entire drive. The information reproduced by the reproducing device 102 is supplied to one of a large number of viewing booths 300 installed via the host computer 104, and is displayed on the screen in the booth. An operation panel is arranged in each booth 300. When a video cassette tape to be watched is selected here, the transport mechanism is driven via the host computer, and the selected video cassette tape is transferred from the storage shelf 101. It is taken out, inserted into one of the reproducing devices 102, and reproduced. After the reproduction is completed, the video cassette tape is automatically returned to the original location of the storage rack by the transport mechanism.

[0003]

In the automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus having this structure, as described above, the transporting mechanism is automatically driven according to the instruction input from the host computer or each booth, and the video cassette tape is used. Is carried.

In this carrying operation, there are cases where the video cassette tape cannot be inserted into the designated reproducing apparatus.
In addition, the video cassette tape extracted from the playback device may not be returned to the original storage location. For example, when the operator has already manually inserted the cassette tape into the playback device without driving the transport mechanism, the operation of loading the video cassette tape into the playback device by the transport mechanism is performed. There is. In this case, the video cassette tape inserted by the transport mechanism and the video cassette tape already inserted collide with each other, which may damage the video cassette tape. Further, in such a situation, it is necessary to interrupt the automatic transport operation by the transport mechanism and manually perform the recovery work.

Alternatively, in the operation of taking out the reproduced video cassette tape from the reproducing apparatus and returning it to the original storage place, when the operator or the like has already stored the video cassette tape in the storage place by hand. May cause the video cassette tape returned by the transport mechanism to collide with the video cassette tapes already stored and damage them. Also in this case, the automatic transport operation by the transport mechanism may also occur. It will be interrupted.

Furthermore, if a power failure or the like occurs while the transport mechanism is transporting the video cassette tape, it is necessary to manually remove the video cassette tape being transported and perform a recovery operation.

In view of such a point, the object of the present invention is to
Even when the instruction to transport the video cassette tape to the same storage location or the same playback device is given, it can be dealt with without interrupting the operation of the transport mechanism, and the start-up operation after a power failure etc. is manually performed. It is an object of the present invention to realize an automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium, which can be easily performed with no intervention.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the automatic conveying / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium according to the present invention comprises:
A first storage shelf having a plurality of storage units capable of storing recording media, a reproduction unit for reproducing the recording medium, and a recording medium taken out from the storage unit of the first storage rack and carried into the reproduction unit. In addition, in the automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus having a transporting means for performing a transporting operation of taking out the recording medium from the reproducing means and returning it to the storage section of the first storage shelf, Discriminating means for discriminating that it is impossible to return the recording medium to the designated storage portion of the storage rack, and when the discriminating means determines that the recording medium cannot be returned, the transport means returns the recording medium. A second storage rack having a storage unit capable of storing a recording medium to be recorded and the transport means are drive-controlled to perform a recording medium transport operation between the first storage rack and the reproducing means. Together with the above determination If the return by the step is determined to be impossible, the second recording medium to be returned
And a drive control means for enabling the carrying operation by the carrying means to be continued between the first housing shelf and the reproducing means thereafter.

In the automatic carrying / reproducing apparatus of this construction,
For example, when the recording medium is already stored in the storage place, another transport medium is returned by the transporting means, and when the transport is impossible, the storage medium is automatically returned. It is stored in the storage section of the second storage rack. Therefore, due to such a recording medium returning operation, the normal automatic carrying operation of the carrying means is continued without being interrupted.

Here, when the recording medium is stored in the second storage rack, the drive control means records it in the second storage rack in order to notify the operator of the fact. It is preferable to provide output means for outputting that the medium is stored.

Further, by performing a separate recording medium storing operation in a storing place where the recording medium is already stored,
In order to prevent the recording mediums from colliding with each other and causing damage or the like, the determining means may detect the fact that the recording medium is already stored in the storage unit in which the recording medium should be returned. It is preferable to have a recording medium sensing means mounted on the means. With this sensing means, when the recording medium is already stored, the drive control means causes the second storage rack before the actual storage operation of the separate recording medium in the storage location. The transporting means can be drive-controlled so as to perform the storing operation in.

Further, it is preferable that the drive control means has a backup means capable of retaining the drive state up to that time even when the drive power supply is cut off. By arranging this means, it is possible to smoothly carry out automatic conveyance after the power is turned on again. In particular, when the recording medium is held by the conveying means when the driving power is turned on, the drive control means conveys the recording medium to the storage portion of the second storage rack. It is preferable to drive-control the means. By controlling in this way, the automatic carrying operation can be continued without the intervention of manpower. In this case, the held recording medium may be returned to the storage rack of the original storage section.

Next, an automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium according to the present invention comprises a first storage rack having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing the recording medium, and a plurality of reproducing means for reproducing the recording medium. Conveying means for performing a conveying operation of taking out the recording medium from the accommodating section of the first accommodating shelf and carrying it into the reproducing means, and taking out the recording medium from the reproducing means and returning it to the accommodating section of the first accommodating shelf. And a discriminating means for discriminating that it is impossible to carry in the recording medium taken out from the first storage rack into one of the designated reproducing means; A second unit including a storage unit capable of storing a recording medium to be carried in by the carrying unit when it is determined that the recording medium is impossible.
Drive control is performed on the storage rack and the transporting means to cause the recording medium to be transported between the first storage rack and the reproducing means, and it is determined by the determining means that the recording medium cannot be loaded. In this case, the recording medium to be carried in is stored in the storage section of the second storage rack, and then the first recording medium is stored.
Drive control means for enabling the carrying operation by the carrying means to be continued between the storage shelf and the reproducing means.

According to this structure, when a separate recording medium is accommodated in the reproducing apparatus in which the recording medium is already inserted, the recording medium is automatically stored in the second storage rack. After that, the automatic carrying operation by the carrying means is continued.

Here, the drive control means is the second
In order to notify the operator or the like that the recording medium is stored in the storage rack, it is preferable to have an output means for outputting that fact.

Further, the discriminating means is instructed to carry in the recording medium so that the inserting operation of another recording medium is not actually performed to the reproducing apparatus which already accommodates the recording medium. In order to detect that the recording medium is already stored in the reproducing means, it is preferable to have a recording medium sensing means attached to each reproducing means. Based on the output of the sensing means, the drive control means, when the recording medium is detected by the recording medium sensing means, invalidates the instruction and avoids the inserting operation of the recording medium by the conveying means. You can do this,
It is possible to prevent harmful effects such as damage caused by collision between recording media.

Further, the drive control means includes the first
First storage means for storing whether or not a recording medium is stored in each storage portion of the storage shelf, and recording media from the storage shelf that does not store the recording medium based on the stored contents of the storage means. A first detection unit that detects that an instruction to take out is provided, and when the instruction is input, an output indicating that the instruction is invalid is output without driving the transport unit. Is preferred. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent unnecessary movement of the transport means.

Furthermore, the drive control means has already loaded the recording medium on the basis of the second storage means for storing whether or not the recording medium is loaded into each of the playback means, and the contents of the storage means. Second detection means for detecting an instruction to carry in the recording medium to the reproducing means, and when the instruction is input, the instruction is input without driving the conveying means. Is preferably output to indicate that is invalid. According to this configuration, the double insertion operation of the recording medium with respect to the reproducing means can be prevented before the operation. Therefore, the number of recording media stored in the second storage rack can be reduced by such an operation.

Next, as a countermeasure against a power failure or the like, the first and second storage means are provided with a backup function capable of retaining the stored contents even when the drive power is cut off. preferable. Further, the drive control means, when the recording medium is held by the conveying means when the drive power is turned on, the drive control means conveys the recording medium to the storage rack of the second storing means. It is preferable to drive-control the means. Alternatively, the recording medium in the held state may be returned to the original storage section.

[00020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 3 show the structure of an automatic carrying / reproducing apparatus for a video cassette to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of a control system of this automatic carrying / reproducing apparatus. is there.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the basic constituent elements of the automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus 1 of this example are the same as those of the conventional one, and they are assembled in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in the apparatus case 2. The gantry 3 supports the video deck storage rack 4 and the video cassette tape storage rack 5. In this example, the VCR storage shelf 4 is arranged in the center, and here,
A plurality of video decks 41 are stored. The video cassette tape storage shelves 5 on the left and right, respectively, sandwiching this.
R and 5L are arranged. On the lower side of one of the storage shelves 5R, as will be described later, in the case where an inappropriate video cassette tape transport operation is performed, a second slot for storing the video cassette tape transported at that time, Third and fourth
The storage shelves 6, 7, and 8 are partitioned and formed. Each of the storage shelves 6, 7, and 8 includes a plurality of video cassette tape storages 61, 71, and 81.

A transport mechanism 11 for transporting the video cassette tape is arranged on the front side of the storage rack. The transport mechanism 11 includes a gripper 111 for holding a video cassette tape, and a Z-axis moving mechanism 1 for moving the gripper in the depth direction (Z-axis direction) of the storage rack.
12, a Y-axis moving mechanism 113 for moving the Z-axis moving mechanism 112 up and down (moving to the Y-axis method), and an X-axis moving mechanism 11 for moving the Y-axis moving mechanism 113 left and right (X-axis direction).
It is composed of 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gripper 111
Is opened and closed by a drive mechanism to hold the video cassette tape 9. In addition, the Z-axis moving mechanism 112
Is the support base 112a and the gripper 1 on this upper surface.
A guide mechanism 1 that supports 11 to be movable in the Z-axis direction.
12b and 112c, and a drive mechanism 112e for moving the gripper in the Z-axis direction.

Here, in this example, the gripper 1
A sensor 111a as a recording medium sensing means for sensing whether or not the video cassette tape is stored in the storage portion of the storage shelf is carried at the tip portion of the storage unit 11. As this sensor, for example, a reflection type optical sensor can be used. In addition to the above, a plurality of sensors (not shown) are attached to the gripper to detect whether or not the video cassette tape is properly gripped.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a sensor 41b as a recording medium sensing means for detecting whether or not a video cassette tape is inserted into the video cassette tape insertion opening 41a in each video deck 41. Is installed. This sensor can also use an optical sensor. Alternatively, the presence or absence of the video cassette tape may be determined by this output using a limit switch or the like attached to the video cassette tape loading mechanism in the video deck 41.

As shown in FIG. 4, the drive of each part of the automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus 1 of this example is controlled by the controller 21. As the external devices, a host computer 22 and external devices such as a display device 23 arranged in each booth (see FIG. 7) are connected to the controller 21. Further, the outputs of the sensors 111a and 41b are input to the controller 21. The controller 21 can be composed of a microcomputer, and controls the automatic feeding operation of the video cassette tape according to the control program stored in the ROM.

The controller 21 of this example determines that it is impossible to automatically return the video cassette tape from the video deck 41 to the designated storage section 51 in the storage shelves 5R, 5L. It has a discrimination function. Further, it also has a second discriminating function for discriminating that it is impossible to insert the video cassette tape taken out from the storage portions 51 of the storage shelves 5R, 5L into the designated video deck. Furthermore, when the video cassette tape is stored in the second, third, and fourth storage shelves by the transport mechanism, an output terminal T1 is provided for outputting a signal indicating the video cassette tape.

Further, the controller 21 is provided with a first memory as a memory for storing whether or not a video cassette tape is stored in each storage portion 51 of the storage shelves 5R, 5L, and the storage contents of this memory. Based on the above, there is provided a first detection function for detecting that the instruction to take out the video cassette tape from the storage portion in which the video cassette tape is not stored is instructed. Further, when such a take-out instruction is given by the detection function, the output terminal T2 is provided for invalidating the instruction without driving the transport mechanism and outputting a signal indicating that fact. .

Further, each of the video decks 41 is also provided with a second memory for storing whether or not the video cassette tape is inserted, and the video cassette tape is already inserted based on the contents of this memory. It has a second detection function of detecting that the insertion of the video cassette tape into the VCR is instructed. And
When such an insertion operation is instructed by this detection function, the output terminal T3 is provided which outputs a signal indicating that instruction is invalidated without driving the transport mechanism and the fact is indicated.

Here, the first and second memories of the present example are configured as a type having a backup function capable of retaining the stored contents of them even when the driving power supply is cut off.

In the automatic carrier reproducing apparatus 1 of this example,
The transport mechanism is driven and controlled under the control of the controller 21, and the transport operation of the video cassette tape is performed as follows. First, in the normal automatic carrying operation, the storage shelves 5R, 5
The video cassette tape is taken out from the designated storage portion of L and is automatically inserted into the designated video deck 41. In addition, the automatic return operation of taking out the video cassette tape from the designated video deck 41 and returning it to the original storage section 51 is performed.

However, in the automatic return operation, when the video cassette tape is already stored in the designated storage section 51, when the sensor 111a detects it, the automatic return operation is not performed and the video cassette tape is not returned. Is stored in the storage section of the second storage rack. Further, in the automatic insertion operation, when it is detected by the sensor 41b on the video deck side that the video cassette tape is already inserted in the designated video deck, the automatic insertion operation is not performed and Disable the command.

Further, in this example, prior to the determination by such a sensor, it is determined whether or not the input automatic inserting operation and automatic returning operation are possible based on the contents of the first and second memories. However, when it is determined that it is impossible, such a command is invalidated.

Further, in the case where the apparatus is stopped due to a power failure or the like while the video cassette tape is being transported by the transport mechanism, when the power is turned on again, the video cassette tape being transported is transferred to the fourth storage rack. It is designed to be stored in the storage section of.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show a schematic operation flow of the automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus 1 of this example. The operation of the apparatus 1 of this example will be described according to these flows.

First, FIG. 5 shows an outline of a system flow of the apparatus 1 of this example. Explaining according to this flow, first, in step ST1, the controller 21 is in a state of waiting for an instruction from the host computer 22. In this standby state, the host computer 22 side instructs the automatic insertion operation of the video cassette tape (takes out the video cassette tape from the designated storage section 51 of the storage shelf 5 for the designated VCR and conveys it. If an instruction for inserting and inserting) is issued, steps ST2 to ST5 are sequentially executed. On the other hand, an instruction to automatically return the video cassette tape (an instruction to take out the video cassette tape from the designated VCR for the designated storage portion of the storage shelf 5 and convey and return it) was issued. In that case, step ST2
The control from A to step ST5A is sequentially executed.

Next, the invalid processing of the external command will be described.

As described above, in the apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the controller 21 is formed with the first and second memories, and the video cassette tapes are provided in the respective storage sections of the storage shelf 5 in the first memory. It is stored whether or not is stored. The second memory stores whether or not a video cassette tape is inserted in each VCR 41.

Therefore, when the controller 21 receives an instruction to automatically return the video cassette tape from the outside, it is first determined whether or not the video cassette tape is already stored in the designated storage section 51. 1 is detected based on the contents of the memory, and if it is already stored, such a command is invalidated without driving the transport mechanism 11. Then, the fact of invalidation is output to the outside. Next, when it is detected that the designated storage section 51 is empty, it is determined whether or not the video cassette tape is inserted in the designated VCR based on the contents of the second memory. To do. If not inserted,
Without driving the transport mechanism 11, such a command is invalidated and a message to that effect is output. When the designated storage 51 is empty and the video cassette tape is inserted in the designated VCR, the controller 21
Receives an external command, drives and controls the transport mechanism 11, and executes an automatic return operation of the video cassette tape.

Here, the contents of the first and second memories may not correspond to the current states of the storage section 51 of the storage shelf 5 and the video deck 41. For example, an operator manually stores the video cassette tape in the storage section 5 of the storage shelf 5.
This is the case when it is stored in No. 1 or inserted into the video deck 41. In this case, the controller 21 drives the transport mechanism 11. The operation in this case will be described below.

First, FIG. 6 shows a flow when the automatic returning operation of the video cassette tape to the storage portion 51 in which the video cassette tape is already stored is activated. In this case, the transport mechanism 11 is driven, the video cassette tape is taken out from the designated video deck 41, and the video cassette tape is transported to the front position of the designated storage section 51 of the storage rack 5. In this state, the sensor 111a carried by the Z-axis moving mechanism 111 of the transport mechanism 11 detects the video cassette tape stored in the storage section 51. When the tape is detected, the control proceeds along the flow of “YES” from step ST11, and in step ST12, the origin of the transport mechanism 11 is again set. Next, step S
It moves to the front of the storage unit 51 which is designated again at T13. After that, in step ST14, it is again checked again based on the output of the sensor 111a whether or not the tape is stored in the storage portion 51.

If it is reconfirmed that the tape is stored, the process proceeds to step ST15 and the transport mechanism 11
Is driven to convey the video cassette tape to the front of the empty storage section 61 in the second storage rack 6, and then in step ST16, the video cassette tape is stored in the storage section 61. After the tape is stored in the storage portion 61, in step ST17, a command to that effect is output, the transport mechanism 11 is returned to the original position, and the control ends.

In this example, if the contents of the second memory and the actual inserted state of the VCR are inconsistent, it is determined whether or not a VCR 41 has a VCR inserted. Sensor 41b for detecting
Is installed. In the controller 21, based on the outputs of these sensors together with the contents of the second memory,
It is detected whether or not a video cassette tape is already stored in the designated video deck 41. When the automatic insertion operation of the video cassette tape to the video deck 41 in which the video cassette tape has already been inserted is instructed, this external command is invalidated, and that effect is output without driving the transport mechanism 11. .

Here, each video deck 41 has a sensor 4
When 1b is not arranged, the automatic insertion operation of the video cassette tape is activated. In this case,
The control may be performed as follows. That is, the transport mechanism 11
Is driven, the video cassette tape is taken out from the designated storage portion 51 of the storage rack 5, and the video cassette tape is conveyed to the front of the designated video deck 41. Then, an attempt is made to insert a video cassette tape. However, since the tape is already stored in the VCR, it cannot be inserted. For example, if this insertion is tried twice and the insertion cannot be performed, it is determined that the tape is already stored in the VCR, the transport mechanism 11 is driven, and the video cassette tape is stored in the storage shelf. Return to the original storage section 51. Alternatively, in this case, the video cassette tape is stored in the empty storage section 7 of the third storage section 7.
You may control so that it may store in 1.

Next, in the apparatus 1 of this embodiment, when the driving of the video cassette tape is stopped by the feeding mechanism 11 due to a power failure or the like, when the power is turned on again, the video being fed is carried out as follows. I handle cassette tapes. That is, when the power is turned on again, the controller 21 causes the transport mechanism 11 to detect whether the video cassette tape is in the transport state. When it is found that the video cassette tape is in the transporting state, the transporting mechanism 11 is driven to transport it to the empty storage section 81 of the fourth storage rack 8, and the video cassette tape is stored therein. Then, the fact that the processing is performed in this way is output and displayed.

As described above, in the automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus 1 of this example, the controller 21 is provided with the first and second memories, and the state of the storage section 51 of the storage rack 5 and the state of the video deck 41 are controlled. keeping. Therefore, when there is an instruction to insert a tape into a VCR that already stores a tape, or to return a tape to a storage unit that already stores a tape, the transport mechanism 11 is not driven. Such an operation can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to prevent such an operation from being actually started and interrupt the automatic tape inserting operation and the automatic tape returning operation. Further, even if there is a tape take-out command from an empty storage section or an empty video deck, such a command is invalidated without driving the transport mechanism 11, which is preferable.

When the automatic return operation of the tape to the storage unit in which the tape is already stored is activated, the tape is stored in the empty storage unit 6 of the second storage rack 6.
I am trying to store it in 1. Therefore, also in this case, it is possible to continue the subsequent automatic return and automatic insertion operations of the tape without interrupting the operation.

Further, in this example, the transport mechanism 11 is made to carry a sensor 111a to detect the tape stored in the storage portion. Therefore, by inserting another tape into the already-stored storage portion, it is possible to avoid the adverse effect that the tapes collide with each other and are damaged.

In the above description, the video cassette tape is used as an example of the recording medium, but other recording media such as compact discs, laser discs, and ordinary cassette tapes are automatically used. The same can be applied to the case of carrying and recycling.

[00051]

As described above, in the automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium of the present invention, the second storing shelf is arranged in addition to the first storing shelf for storing the recording medium, and the reproducing means is used to 1
When it is impossible to return the recording medium to the designated storage section of the storage rack, the recording medium to be returned is stored in the storage section of the second storage rack.
According to this configuration, even if such an automatic return operation of the recording medium is instructed, it is possible to perform the normal automatic operation of the recording medium thereafter without interruption, without human intervention.

Further, in the present invention, the carrying means is provided with a recording medium sensing means for detecting whether or not a recording medium is stored in the storage portion of the first storage rack. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the adverse effect that another recording medium is inserted into the already stored recording medium and both recording media collide with each other and are damaged.

Further, according to the present invention, since the backup means is provided which can keep the driving state until then even when the driving power is cut off, even if such a situation occurs, after the power is turned on again. The automatic conveyance of the recording medium can be restarted immediately.

Next, when the recording medium automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus of the present invention cannot carry in the recording medium taken out from the first storage rack into one of the designated reproducing means, The recording medium is stored in the storage portion of the second storage rack that is separately provided. Therefore, even if such an operation is instructed, the subsequent automatic carrying operation can be continued without interruption.

Further, in the present invention, the reproducing means is
Since the recording medium sensing means for detecting that the recording medium is already inserted is attached, the recording medium insertion operation is performed with respect to the reproducing means in which the recording medium is already inserted, and the recording mediums are It is possible to eliminate harmful effects such as collision and damage. Further, since the conveying means is not actually driven by such an invalidated command, useless driving can be avoided.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the first storage means for storing whether or not the recording medium is stored in each storage portion of the first storage rack, and whether the recording medium is inserted in each reproducing means. Second storage means for storing whether or not the transport means is not driven by an invalid external command based on the stored contents. Therefore, it is possible to prevent useless conveyance operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an automatic transport / playback apparatus for a video cassette tape according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a front view of the device of FIG. 1. FIG.

3A and 3B are views showing a gripper portion in the apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. 3A is a schematic partial side view thereof, and FIG. 3B is a schematic partial plan view thereof.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a control system of the apparatus of FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a system flow of the apparatus of FIG.

6 is a schematic flowchart showing a processing procedure when the video cassette tape in the apparatus of FIG. 1 cannot be stored in the first storage rack.

FIG. 7 is an overall configuration diagram of a video audiovisual system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Automatic carrying / reproducing apparatus 4 ... Video deck shelf 41 ... Video deck 41b ... Sensor 5 ... First storage shelf 51 ... First storage shelf storage section 6 ... Second storage rack 61 ... Second storage rack storage section 7 ... Third storage rack 71 ... Third storage rack storage section 8 ... Third storage rack 81 ... ..Storage unit of the third storage rack 9 ... Video cassette tape 11 ... Transport mechanism 111a ... Sensor 21 ... Controller 22 ... Host computer 23 ... CRT, etc.

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A first storage shelf having a plurality of storage units capable of storing a recording medium, a reproducing means for reproducing the recording medium, and a recording medium taken out from the storage unit of the first storage rack. Transporting means for carrying in the reproducing means, taking out the recording medium from the reproducing means and returning the recording medium to the storage section of the first storage rack; and a playback means specified by the reproducing means on the first storage rack. Determination means for determining that it is impossible to return the recording medium to the storage section, and a recording medium to be returned by the conveying means when the determination means determines that the recording medium cannot be returned And a second storage shelf having a storage section capable of storing the storage medium and the transport means to drive the recording medium between the first storage shelf and the reproducing means, and to perform the determination. Returned by means If it is determined that the recording medium to be returned is not stored, the recording medium to be returned is stored in the storage section of the second storage rack, and the subsequent transfer between the first storage rack and the reproducing unit is performed. A drive control unit that enables the transport operation by the unit to continue, and an automatic transport / playback apparatus for a recording medium. 2. The automatic conveyance reproduction of a recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the drive control unit has an output unit that outputs that the recording medium is stored in the second storage rack. apparatus. 3. The recording medium mounted on the conveying means according to claim 1, wherein the discriminating means detects that the recording medium is already stored in a storage portion for returning the recording medium. The drive control means has a sensing means, and when the recording medium is detected by the recording medium sensing means, the drive control means should store the recording medium to be returned in the storage portion of the second storage rack. An automatic transport / playback apparatus for a recording medium, characterized in that the transport means is controlled. 4. The drive control means according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a backup means capable of holding a drive state up to that time even when the drive power supply is cut off. An automatic transport / playback device for a recording medium, which is characterized in that 5. The recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drive control unit, when the recording medium is held by the conveying unit when the drive power is turned on, Drive control of the carrying means so as to perform any one of the operation of storing the recording medium in the storage section of the second storage rack and the operation of returning the recording medium to the original storage section of the first storage rack. An automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium, characterized by: 6. A first storage shelf having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing recording media, a plurality of reproducing means for reproducing the recording medium, and a storage medium from the storage section of the first storage shelf. Transporting means for performing a transporting operation for taking out the recording medium from the reproducing means and returning the recording medium to the storage section of the first storage rack, and the recording medium taken out from the first storage rack Discriminating means for discriminating that it is impossible to carry into the designated one of the reproducing means, and when the discriminating means judges that the carrying in is impossible, the discriminating means is carried in by the conveying means. A second storage rack provided with a storage unit capable of storing a recording medium to be recorded, and drive control of the transporting means so that the recording medium is transported between the first storage means and the reproducing means. Together with the determination means Therefore, if it is determined that the recording medium cannot be carried in, the recording medium to be carried in is stored in the storage section of the second storage rack, and the recording medium between the first storage means and the reproducing means thereafter is stored. An automatic conveyance / reproduction device for a recording medium, comprising: a drive control means that enables the conveyance operation by the conveyance means to continue. 7. The automatic transport reproduction of a recording medium according to claim 6, wherein the drive control means has an output means for outputting that the recording medium is stored in the second storage rack. apparatus. 8. The discriminating means according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the discriminating means is attached to each reproducing means in order to detect that the recording medium is already stored in the reproducing means instructed to carry in the recording medium. And a recording medium sensing unit, wherein the drive control unit invalidates the instruction when the recording medium is detected by the recording medium sensing unit. apparatus. 9. The drive control unit according to claim 6, wherein the drive control unit stores whether or not a recording medium is stored in each storage unit of the first storage rack.
And a first detection unit that detects, based on the stored contents of the storage unit, an instruction to take out the recording medium from the storage unit in which the recording medium is not stored. An automatic carrying / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium, which, when input, outputs an output indicating that the instruction is invalid without driving the carrying means. 10. The drive control means according to claim 6, further comprising a second storage means for storing whether or not a recording medium is loaded in each of the reproduction means. A second detection unit that detects that the recording medium has been instructed to be loaded into the reproduction unit in which the recording medium has already been loaded, based on the contents of the storage unit. Is an apparatus for automatically conveying and reproducing a recording medium, which outputs an output indicating that the instruction is invalid without driving the conveying means. 11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first and second storage means have a backup function capable of retaining the stored contents even when the drive power supply is cut off. Automatic transport and playback device for recording media. 12. The recording medium according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the drive control means, when the recording medium is held by the transport means when the drive power is turned on, An automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium, characterized in that the transporting means is drive-controlled so that the storage means is stored in the storage rack of the second storing means. 13. A first storage shelf having a plurality of storage units capable of storing recording media, a plurality of reproducing means for reproducing the recording medium, and a storage medium from the storage unit of the first storage rack. Transporting means for performing a transporting operation of taking out the recording medium from the reproducing means and returning the recording medium to the storing section of the first storage rack, and carrying out the recording medium from the reproducing means; First discriminating means for discriminating that the recording medium cannot be returned to the designated storing section, and one of the reproducing means designated for the recording medium taken out from the first storing rack. Second discriminating means for discriminating that it is impossible to carry in, and when the first or second discriminating means judges that it cannot be returned or carried in, the conveying means returns or Is brought in Second and third storage shelves having storage portions capable of storing a desired recording medium, and drive control of the transporting means to transport the recording medium between the first storage shelf and the reproducing means. When the first discriminating means judges that the recording medium cannot be returned, the recording medium to be returned is stored in the storage section of the second storage rack, and then the first recording medium is stored. If the carrying operation by the carrying means can be continued between the storing means and the reproducing means, and if the second judging means judges that the carrying-in is impossible,
A drive control means for storing the recording medium to be carried in in the storage portion of the third storage rack and enabling the subsequent transport operation by the transport means between the first storage rack and the reproducing means. An automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium, comprising: 14. The recording medium according to claim 13, wherein the drive control unit has an output unit that outputs that the recording medium is stored in the second and third storage shelves. Automatic transport playback device. 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first discriminating means is mounted on the conveying means in order to detect that the recording medium is already stored in a storage section for returning the recording medium. When the recording medium is detected by the recording medium sensing means, the drive control means stores the recording medium to be returned in the second storage rack. An automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium, characterized in that the transporting means is controlled to be stored in a storage portion. 16. The state according to claim 13, further comprising a fourth storage rack, wherein the drive control means holds the recording medium by the transport means when the drive power is turned on. If the recording medium is present, the drive means is drive-controlled to store the recording medium in either the storage unit of the fourth storage rack or the original storage unit of the first storage rack. An automatic transporting / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium. 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the second discriminating means detects that a recording medium is already stored in the reproducing means instructed to carry in the recording medium. In order to achieve this, the recording medium has a second recording medium sensing unit attached to each reproducing unit, and the drive control unit invalidates the instruction when the recording medium is detected by the recording medium sensing unit. An automatic conveying / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium, characterized in that 18. The drive control unit according to claim 13, wherein the drive control unit stores whether or not a recording medium is stored in each storage unit of the first storage rack. And a first detection unit that detects, based on the stored contents of the storage unit, an instruction to take out the recording medium from the storage unit in which the recording medium is not stored. An automatic carrying / reproducing apparatus for a recording medium, which, when input, outputs an output indicating that the instruction is invalid without driving the carrying means. 19. The drive control means according to claim 13, wherein the drive control means stores second storage means for storing whether or not a recording medium is carried into each of the reproduction means. A second detection unit that detects that the recording medium has been instructed to be loaded into the reproduction unit in which the recording medium has already been loaded, based on the contents of the storage unit. Is an apparatus for automatically conveying and reproducing a recording medium, which outputs an output indicating that the instruction is invalid without driving the conveying means. 20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the first and second storage means have a backup function capable of retaining the stored contents even when the drive power supply is cut off. Automatic transport and playback device for recording media.