JPH11353763A - Information recording and reproducing device, and operation instructing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a specified operation for a specified recording medium by specifying one or more recording media easily. SOLUTION: A library controller 2 is provided with functions for displaying an information screen showing information regarding the housed state of a cassette K, specifying one or more cassettes K, for which a specified operation, such as an operation for moving the cassette K between the housing parts of a cassette console 1C, instructing the execution of a specified operation for the specified cassette K, and performing the specified operation for the cassette K in accordance with the instruction. Such specifying and instructing are carried out on the information screen by a simple mouse operation, an operation for performing a specified operation is easy, and the possibility of mistaken operations made by operation mistakes is small.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information recording / reproducing apparatus for accommodating a plurality of recording media and recording / reproducing information on / from the accommodated recording media, and an operation instruction method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of recording media (for example, cassette tapes or disk-shaped recording media) which can be attached to and detached from a recording / reproducing apparatus are stored, and if necessary, the recording media are stored in the storage media. To record various information,
There is a system for reproducing recorded information. Such a system is called a library system or an autochanger or the like, but will be referred to as a library system in the following description.

Some library systems have a predetermined configuration, while others have a configuration that can be changed to some extent according to the user. As a library system that can change the configuration in this way, for example,
A recording / reproducing console having a recording / reproducing device for recording / reproducing information on / from a recording medium, a recording medium storing console having a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing a recording medium, and the like. Some consoles are provided with a plurality of consoles, and a library system of various scales and arrangements can be constructed by arbitrarily combining these consoles. Some recording / playback consoles have a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing a recording medium. Further, such a library system includes a transport device that transports a recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing device, and a control unit that controls the recording / reproducing device and the transport device.

In this library system, a recording medium is conveyed between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing device by a conveying device based on control by a control unit, and a recording medium conveyed to the recording / reproducing device is transferred to the recording medium. On the other hand, various information is recorded by the recording / reproducing device, and the recorded information is reproduced.

In the library system, identification of a plurality of recording media stored is performed using, for example, identification information given to each of the recording media. The identification information is
For example, it is provided on a recording medium in the form of a barcode. A reading device for reading identification information given to a recording medium is provided, for example, in a transport device that transports the recording medium. In addition, a unique number is also given to a plurality of storage sections for storing the recording medium.

[0006]

By the way, in the above-mentioned library system, for example, when performing maintenance of the system or returning after a failure has occurred, the recording medium is moved between the storage units or the identification information of the recording medium is read. Or an operation to perform the operation. In order to execute such a predetermined operation, it is necessary to instruct the execution of the predetermined operation, and to specify the storage location of the recording medium and the recording medium itself. In this case, in the conventional library system, for example, when an execution command of an operation to be executed is specified first, a predetermined operation screen in a pop-up menu format or the like is displayed on a display device attached to the control unit in accordance with the specification of the execution command. Is displayed. Then, on this operation screen, a predetermined operation is performed by inputting the number of the storage unit storing the storage medium to be executed and the identification information of the storage medium by using the keyboard and specifying the storage medium. Be executed.

Here, when designating a recording medium, there is a case where it is desired to obtain or confirm information on a recording medium or the like on which an operation is to be performed. In this case, conventionally, another information screen representing information on a recording medium or the like is displayed,
It is necessary to obtain or confirm information on the recording medium and the like using the information screen. As described above, in the conventional library system, there is a problem that an operation for designating an execution target and performing a predetermined operation is complicated.
Thus, there is a problem that an erroneous operation due to an operation error or the like may be performed. In particular, in the case of specifying a plurality of execution targets, the operation for performing the predetermined operation becomes more complicated, and such a problem becomes conspicuous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to easily specify one or more recording media and perform a predetermined operation on the designated recording media. An information recording / reproducing apparatus and an operation instruction method thereof are provided.

[0009]

An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention can use a detachable recording medium to record / reproduce information by at least one of recording and reproduction, and to store the recording medium. A storage medium having a plurality of storage sections, a transport section for transporting the recording medium between any storage section and the recording / reproduction section in the storage medium storage section, and controlling the transport section and the recording / reproduction section. At the same time, an information screen representing information on the storage state of the recording medium is displayed. On this information screen, designation of one or more recording media to be subjected to a predetermined operation on the recording medium, and a predetermined And control means having a function of performing a predetermined operation on a designated recording medium in accordance with the instruction.

Further, the operation instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention can use a detachable recording medium to record / reproduce means for at least one of recording and reproduction of information, and to accommodate the recording medium respectively. A storage medium having a plurality of storage sections, a transport section for transporting the recording medium between any storage section and the recording / reproduction section in the storage medium storage section, and controlling the transport section and the recording / reproduction section. An operation instruction method for instructing execution of a predetermined operation relating to a recording medium in an information recording / reproducing apparatus including a control unit, wherein the control unit displays an information screen representing information regarding a storage state of the recording medium. On this information screen, the user is allowed to specify one or more recording media to be subjected to a predetermined operation and to instruct execution of the predetermined operation on the specified recording medium. It is obtained by the.

[0011] In the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means displays an information screen showing information on the storage state of the recording medium, and displays one or more recording media to be subjected to a predetermined operation on the information screen. Designation and an instruction to execute a predetermined operation on the designated recording medium are enabled,
According to the instruction, a predetermined operation is performed on the designated recording medium.

In the operation instruction method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the control means displays an information screen showing information on the storage state of the recording medium, and is a target of a predetermined operation on this information screen. It is possible to designate one or more recording media and to instruct to execute a predetermined operation on the designated recording media.

[0013]

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

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic diagrams showing the outline of a library system as an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of the library system according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration,
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of the cassette library 1 shown in FIG.

The library system according to the present embodiment stores a plurality of video tape cassettes (hereinafter simply referred to as cassettes) K as recording media, and uses any of the stored cassettes K as required. A cassette library 1 for recording and reproducing information, and a library controller 2 as control means for controlling the cassette library 1.

The library controller 2 comprises a controller main body 21 which is a device for controlling the cassette library 1, and a mouse and a keyboard for inputting and instructing information necessary for control to the controller main body 21. An input device 22 and a display device 23 connected to the controller body 21 and having a display screen for displaying information and the like accompanying control are provided. The controller main body 21 is, for example, a transmission line 24, 2 of the RS-232C standard.
5 is connected to the cassette library 1. Further, the controller body 21 is, for example, a SCSI (Smal
l Computer System Interface) A transmission path 31 of the standard allows connection to a host computer 3 as a client using the cassette library 1.
Further, the controller main body 21 can be connected to the host computer 3 via a communication network 32 of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet (Ethernet), for example.

The cassette library 1 has a basic structure.
Console 1B, drive console 1D, cassette console 1C and junction console 1J
A type of console and a cassette transporter 16 as transporting means for transporting the cassette K inside the cassette library 1 are provided. The four types of consoles are selectively connected so that their positions can be changed, and the cassette library 1 can have a library configuration using some or all of these four types of consoles. . The minimum required configuration of the cassette library 1 for realizing the library system is the configuration of the basic console 1B and the drive console 1D.

Here, in FIG. 1, the cassette library 1
Only the basic configuration is shown, and an example is shown in which one side of the drive console 1D is connected to one side of the basic console 1B and one side of the cassette console 1C is connected to the other side of the drive console 1D. I have. Further, in FIG. 2, on one side direction of the basic console 1B, in order from the basic console 1B side, the drive console _{1D (1D 11, 1D 12,} ..) and cassette consoles _{1C (1C 11, 1C 12,} ..) and and alternately connected to form the console lines L1 underlying, through a junction console 1 J ₁ toward the front of the drive console 1D ₁₁ drive console 1D (1D _21,
1D ₂₂ ,. . ) And cassette console 1C (1
C ₂₁ , 1C ₂₂ ,. . ) Are alternately connected to form an extended console row L2.
₁₂ front direction through the junction console 1 J ₂ drive console 1D of _{(1D 31, 1D 32, ..} ) and cassette consoles _{1C (1C 31, 1C 32,} ..)
Are alternately connected to form an extended console row L3. In addition, as shown in FIG.
When there are a plurality of console rows, a cassette transporter 16 is installed in each console row. The transfer of the cassette K between the console rows is performed via the junction port section 18 of the junction console 1J.

The connection relationship between the consoles is not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, even if only the basic console 1B and the drive console 1D are connected, the library system As a basic function can be realized.

In the cassette library 1, the drive console 1D includes a plurality (for example, four) of drive devices 13 as recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing information on / from the cassette K, and a cassette K having a plurality of storage sections. And a cassette storage shelf 14 as a recording medium storage means capable of storing a plurality of. In addition, drive console 1D
Is provided with a drive control unit 70 (FIG. 2) for controlling the drive device 13. Cassette console 1C
Is provided with a cassette storage shelf 15 as a recording medium storage means having a plurality of storage sections and capable of storing a plurality of cassettes K. In the drive console 1D to which the junction console 1J is connected and the cassette console 1C, the cassette storage shelves 14 and 15 are partially provided so that the cassette K can be transferred to and from the junction console 1J when the junction console 1J is connected. Has been removed.

The basic console 1B has an input / output port unit 11 for taking in the cassette K into the library from the front and automatically discharging the cassette K in the library to the outside, and a cassette library 1 at the front of the basic console 1B. And a display unit 12 for displaying various information such as control information on the display. The input / output port unit 11 includes an upper port unit 11 provided on the upper stage of the basic console 1B.
a and a lower port portion 11b provided in the lower stage. The upper port portion 11a and the lower port portion 11b for inputting and outputting the cassette K each have a plurality (for example, four) of input / output ports. Display 1
2 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, for example. The basic console 1B is further connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by the transmission path 24 (FIG. 2), and connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by the transmission path 25, A main drive control unit 61 (FIG. 2) connected to the drive control unit 70 of the console 1D.

The junction console 1J is used to extend the connection between the consoles.
It is configured such that one side of itself can be connected to the front or rear surface of another console. Junction console 1J
As shown in FIG. 2, a junction port 18 having a mechanism for transferring the cassette K to and from another connected console is provided on one side of the upper console 11a of the basic console 1B. Is provided at a position corresponding to. An input / output port 17 having the same function as the input / output port 11 of the basic console 1B is provided on the front of the junction console 1J.
B is provided at a position corresponding to the lower port portion 11b. Further, the junction console 1J includes a basic control unit 8 for controlling a mechanism for transferring the cassette K at the junction port unit 18 and controlling the cassette transporter 16 and the like in an extended console row.
0 is provided. The basic control unit 80 controls the basic console 1
B is electrically connected to the basic control unit 60. In addition,
Other basic configurations of the junction console 1J are the same as those of the basic console 1B.

At the central portion inside the basic console 1B, the drive console 1D, the cassette console 1C and the junction console 1J, as shown in FIG. 2, a transport area 103 as a space for the cassette transporter 16 to move is provided. Is provided. In the transport area 103, a guide rail 101 serving as a transport path when the cassette transporter 16 moves is provided along the transport direction of the cassette transporter 16. Further, on the side of the guide rail 101, an energizing rail 102 for supplying electric power to the cassette transporter 16 is provided.

The cassette transporter 16 has a transport area 103
Inside, the cassette K can be moved in the horizontal direction while holding the cassette K along the guide rail 101 by supplying power from the energizing rail 102, and the cassette K can be moved in each console by a vertical moving mechanism (not shown). Can be moved in the vertical direction (up-down direction) while holding. In addition, the cassette transporter 16
Although not shown, a mechanism for transferring the cassette K to each console is provided. For example, the cassette K taken in from the input / output port unit 11 of the basic console 1B is stored in a cassette storage shelf of the cassette console 1C. 1
5 can be performed. Further, the cassette transporter 16 has a barcode reader (not shown) for reading barcode information indicating an ID (identification information) given to the loaded cassette K.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 includes a screen control unit 41 for controlling the display device 23, an input control unit 42 for controlling the input device 22, and an SC
SCSI controller 4 for controlling connection between host computer 3 and library controller 2 according to the SI standard
A network controller 4 for controlling connection between the communication network 32 and the library controller 2
4 is provided. Each block element in the controller main body 21 is connected to each other by an internal bus 40.

The library controller 2 includes, for example, a serial line control unit 45 for controlling connection between the cassette library 1 and the library controller 2 via transmission lines 24 and 25 of the RS-232C standard,
A central processing control unit 46 configured to include a PU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and performs overall control of the library controller 2 and substantial control of the cassette library 1, and performs basic operations of the library controller 2 itself. Read-only memory 47 storing basic programs and the like necessary for
And a temporary storage memory 4 serving as a work area used when the central processing control unit 46 executes a program.
8, a hard disk drive 49 for driving a built-in hard disk for storing various information such as a database relating to system information of the library system, and a floppy disk (in the figure, denoted as FD in the figure) for recording and reproducing information on the floppy disk. ) Drive 50
And A program for controlling the cassette library 1 is stored in a hard disk driven by the hard disk drive 49, and the central processing control unit 46 executes the program to realize a function of controlling the cassette library 1. It has become.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a control screen displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 is a GUI that allows the user to perform operations on the screen using a mouse or the like.
A screen realizing an interface based on an I (Graphical User Interface) environment is used as a control screen as a display device 2.
3 is displayed.

The control screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed as, for example, a main control screen when the library controller 2 is started. On the main screen, a menu bar or the like for instructing control of the library system is displayed in a predetermined area (area 91 in FIG. 7), and information on the basic configuration of the cassette library 1 is displayed in a predetermined area. Graphic display is performed in an area (the area 92 in FIG. 7) in a form that can be intuitively understood. When the library controller 2 is activated, the library controller 2
Information indicating the current configuration of the console, such as the type of console and the connection relationship between the consoles, is obtained, and based on the obtained information, a graphic screen in a form as shown in an area 92 in FIG. 7 is displayed. Has become.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main part of a functional configuration of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 includes an input device 22, a display device 23, and a control function unit 55 having a function of controlling the cassette library 1. The control function unit 55 controls the entire library controller 2 and the cassette library 1
Main control unit 5 that functions to perform substantial control on
1, a screen control unit 52 connected to the main control unit 51 and functioning to control the display device 23, and a main control unit 5
1 and an input control unit 53 that functions to control the input device 22 and a storage unit 54 that functions to store various information such as a database relating to system information of the library system.

Further, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays an information screen showing information on the storage state of the cassette K and the like, and on this information screen, one or more objects to be subjected to a predetermined operation relating to the cassette K are displayed. Cassette K
, And an instruction to execute a predetermined operation on the specified cassette K, and a function of performing a predetermined operation on the specified cassette K in accordance with the instruction. Here, the storage state of the cassette K refers to the storage state of the cassette K stored in the storage unit, the drive device 13, or the like. The predetermined operation here is, for example, a control operation for moving the cassette K between storage units such as the cassette console 1C and a control operation for reading an ID given to the cassette K. The function for designating one or more cassettes K will be described later in detail with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 9 to 19).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the basic console 1B. The basic console 1B is connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by a transmission path 24, and a basic control unit 60 for controlling the basic console 1B itself and controlling the transport of the cassette transporter 16; A main drive control unit 61 is connected to the controller main body 21 of the controller 2 and connected to the drive control unit 70 of the drive console 1D, and controls the drive control unit 70 to control the drive device 13. I have. The main drive control unit 61 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer.

The basic control unit 60 has a communication line between the console control unit 62 for controlling each component block in the basic control unit 60 and the transfer control of the cassette transfer device 16 and the extended console rows L2 and L3. An inter-console-row communication unit 63 for performing communication via the base 72; a console-configuration collecting unit 64 for collecting information on the configuration of each console constituting the basic console row L1 including the basic console 1B; A display controller 6 for controlling display of a display unit 12 (FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the console 1B.
5, an input / output port control unit 66 for controlling a cassette K transfer mechanism in an input / output port unit 11 (FIG. 1) provided on the front surface of the basic console 1B, and an infrared ray A transfer unit communication unit 67 for performing control communication by 71. Basic control unit 6
The 0 block elements are connected to each other by an internal bus 68. The console control unit 62 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer.

The console configuration collecting section 64 includes configuration information transmitting sections 10B, 10D ₁₁ , 10C ₁₁ , 10D ₁₂ ,... Of each console constituting the basic console row L1. . . , Information about the configuration of each console is collected.

The console control unit 62 receives information on the console configuration in the basic console row L 1 obtained by the console configuration collection unit 64 and the console information in the other console rows received via the inter-console row communication unit 63. Information about the configuration is sent to the library controller 2. These pieces of information sent from the console control unit 62 are collected as, for example, system information when the library controller 2 performs a system information creation process.

FIG. 6 shows a junction console 1J _j
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of (j = 1, 2). Junction console 1J _j controls the junction console 1J _j itself and the junction console 1
The console sequence Li extended by J _j (i = 2,
In 3) the basic control unit 80 for controlling the conveyance or the like of the cassette conveying motor 16, carried out the control of the drive unit 13 relative to the drive control unit 70 in the console string extended by the junction console 1 J _j if necessary And a main drive control unit 81 for controlling the operation. The main drive control unit 81 includes a drive console 1D
Are used for interfacing with the main drive control unit 61 of the basic console 1B and the drive control units 70 in the plurality of drive consoles 1D.

The basic control unit 80 includes a console control unit 82
A console line communication unit 83, a console configuration collection unit 84, a display control unit 85, and an input / output port control unit 86
And a transporter communication section 87. The console configuration collection unit 84 includes configuration information transmission units 10J, 10D _i1 , 10 of the consoles constituting the extended console row Li.
C _i1 , 10D _i2,. . . , Information about the configuration of each console is collected. Further, the basic control unit 80 has a junction port control unit 89 for controlling a mechanism for transferring the cassette K in the junction port unit 18 (FIG. 2) provided on the side surface of the junction console 1J. Each block element of the basic control unit 80 is connected to each other by an internal bus 88. Each block element of the basic control unit 80 except the junction port control unit 89 basically has the same function as each block element of the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B.

[0037] Incidentally, the console control unit 82 (in the example of FIG. 2, the console column L1) junction another console column console 1 J _j is connected from the console of the configuration information sending unit of the information about the configuration is sent Is coming. For example, in the case of a junction console 1 J _1, from the configuration information sending unit 10D ₁₁ drive console 1D ₁₁ in FIG. 5, information 90 about the configuration, it is sent to the console control unit 82 in FIG. 6. This makes it possible to recognize the connection relationship between the console rows.

Next, the operation of the library system configured as described above will be described. First, the overall operation of the library system will be described.

When the library controller 2 is started, a main screen for control in a GUI environment as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2. The user performs an operation using a mouse or the like on the displayed main screen for control,
Make various settings for controlling the library system.

The library controller 2 responds to a request from the host computer 3 and operates the cassette library 1
For the basic console 1B, the desired cassette K is
An instruction for moving the input / output port unit 11 of the basic console 1B, the cassette storage shelf 15 of the cassette console 1C, the drive device 13 of the drive console 1D, and the like using the cassette transporter 16 and the drive console 1D. The drive device 13 transmits a command for recording or reproducing information. Cassette K
Is transmitted to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B via the transmission path 24. In the drive device 13, a command for recording and reproducing information is transmitted via the transmission line 25 to the main drive control unit 6 of the basic console 1 </ b> B.
1 is sent.

The basic control unit 60 controls the cassette transporter 16 based on a command from the library controller 2 received via the transmission path 24. The control from the basic control unit 60 to the cassette transporter 16 is performed by the transporter communication unit 67.
This is performed by infrared communication via (FIG. 5). The cassette transporter 16 may control the input / output port 11 of the basic console 1B based on the control from the basic controller 60, for example.
The cassette K taken in from the cassette console 1
A transport operation such as transport to the cassette storage shelf 15 of C and delivery is performed. In the console row extended by the junction console 1J, the basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1J receives a command from the library controller 2 from the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B, and transfers the cassette in the extended console row. The machine 16 is controlled in the same manner as the basic control unit 60.

The main drive control unit 61 receives a command from the library controller 2 received via the transmission line 25 and sends a command to the drive control unit 70 of the drive console 1D.
, And controls the drive device 13 to record and reproduce information. The drive control unit 70
Under the control of the main drive control section 61, the drive device 13 is caused to record and reproduce information.

Next, a function for designating one or more cassettes K in the library controller 2 will be described in detail. The following description also serves as a description of an operation instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the user operates the cassette library 1
A predetermined information screen is displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2 so as to easily and intuitively grasp the configuration and state of each unit in the library. This information screen is displayed when the library controller 2
The state is recognized by recognizing the state of each part of the cassette library 1 including the storage unit and the storage unit, and outputting at least a part of the information indicating the recognized state to the display device 23 together with the image information indicating the configuration.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen (hereinafter, referred to as a bin information screen) used for designating the cassette K. This bin information screen, for example,
On the main screen shown in FIG.
The [View] menu is selected to display the pull-down format selection menu shown in FIG. 8, and further, by selecting [Bin data] from this pull-down format selection menu. . The bin information screen is also displayed by, for example, clicking on the leftmost [Bin data] selection icon with the mouse on the main screen shown in FIG.
At this time, the console to be displayed is also specified at the same time. In the example shown in the figure, a bin information screen corresponding to the case where the second drive console 1D in the first column is designated in the cassette library 1 is displayed. Further, the bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on a margin area of a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. Further, in the bin information screen, a predetermined detailed selection menu is displayed by right-clicking a mouse on a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG.
It is also displayed by selecting [Bin data].

On the bin information screen, the internal configuration of the selected console and the state of each internal component are displayed. In the example of the bin information screen shown in the figure, an area 111 corresponding to each drive device 13 and an area 112 corresponding to each storage unit are provided. When the cassette K is in the drive device 13 or the storage unit,
Areas 111 and 1 corresponding to the portion where cassette K is stored
12, the ID of the cassette K is displayed. In the library system, a number (hereinafter, referred to as a bin number) for identifying a plurality of storage units is assigned to each component in the cassette library 1, for example, each storage unit. For this reason, the drive device 13 or each of the drive devices 13
Alternatively, a number for identifying each storage unit is also displayed. For example, the area 112 corresponding to the storage unit is located next to the bin area 112a that simulates the appearance of the storage unit.
The bin number 112b corresponding to 12a is displayed.

In this embodiment, the user uses this bin information screen to select one or more arbitrary cassettes K and storage units to be moved or read IDs and designate them as execution targets. Can be. Further, in the present embodiment, there are four methods for selecting and specifying using the bin information screen. Next, FIG. 10 to FIG.
The four types of selection and designation will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting and specifying only one storage unit. In this case, when the mouse pointer is moved to a specific one bin area corresponding to the storage unit to be selected on the initial bin information screen shown in FIG. 9 and left-click operation of the mouse is performed, one bin area is displayed. That is, one storage unit can be designated (FIG. 10
In the example, the bin area corresponding to the bin number “3060” is specified). By performing this operation, as shown in FIG. 10, the selected bin area is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

FIG. 11 shows a case where a plurality of storage sections are selected in a rectangular area,
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method that enables designation. Region 112 of bin information screen in initial state shown in FIG.
Move the mouse pointer to an area other than the bin area and hold down the left mouse button.
When the mouse pointer is moved to another position, a rectangular area (corresponding to the area indicated by the broken line in FIG. 11) is formed between the position where the left mouse button is pressed and the current position of the mouse pointer. It is supposed to be. All bin areas within this rectangular area correspond to the selected and designated storage unit. Note that, as shown in FIG. 11, the bin area selected in the rectangular area is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated by consecutive bin numbers. When a plurality of storage units are selected and designated by consecutive bin numbers, first, on the bin information screen in the initial state shown in FIG. 9, the bin of the bin number to be selected (hereinafter, referred to as selection start bin number) is selected. The selection start bin number is designated by moving the mouse pointer to the area and performing a left-click operation of the mouse. Thereafter, the mouse pointer is further moved to the bin area of the bin number for which selection is to be ended (hereinafter, referred to as selection end bin number), and a left-click operation of the mouse is performed while pressing the shift key of the keyboard. Bin areas of consecutive bin numbers from the selection start bin number to the selection end bin number correspond to the selected and specified storage unit. In the example shown in the figure, areas from bin number “3060” to bin number “3070” are selected and designated.
The selected bin area has been changed so that the background color is different from the others so that it can be easily recognized visually.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated by random bin numbers. On the bin information screen in the initial state shown in FIG. 9, a mouse pointer is moved to a bin area to be selected, and a certain bin area is selected by performing a left-click operation of the mouse while pressing a control key of a keyboard. , Can be specified. By repeating this operation, a new bin area is sequentially selected and added to the bin area selected and specified in the previous operation as the specified bin area. In the example of the figure, the bin number “306”
A bin area of “0” and a bin number “3070” is selected and designated, and the selected bin area is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

In the present embodiment, the user designates an execution target by the various selection methods described above, and then gives an instruction of an operation to be executed.
For example, when the mouse pointer is moved over the selected bin area and the left button of the mouse is pressed, all cassettes K in the selected bin area are to be moved. For example, by moving the mouse pointer to another bin area on the bin information screen and releasing the left mouse button, the operation of moving the cassette K is performed. Here, the designation of the destination is performed, for example, by releasing the left mouse button in the first bin area of the destination in another bin area on the bin information screen.
The source cassette K is moved in order from the area with the smallest bin number designated as the destination.

In this embodiment, when the mouse pointer is moved to the selected bin area and the right mouse button is clicked, a pop-up menu format selection menu as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. It has become so. In this selection menu, select [BCR Execut
When the [e] menu is selected, an operation for reading the ID for the cassette K in the storage unit designated using the bin information screen is executed. The operation of reading the ID is performed, for example, by moving the cassette transporter 16 to the storage section in which the cassette K whose ID is to be read is stored.
Is executed by reading bar code information indicating the ID of the cassette K by a bar code reading device provided in.

Next, a process for causing the library controller 2 to execute a predetermined operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

At startup, the library controller 2 acquires information indicating the current console configuration, such as the type of console and the connection relationship of each console, from the cassette library 1, and based on the acquired information, FIG.
Is displayed (step S101).
Next, the library controller 2 determines whether display of the bin information screen has been instructed (step S10).
2). In the bin information screen, for example, in the main screen shown in FIG. 7, a [View] menu in a menu bar is selected to display a pull-down selection menu shown in FIG. , And by selecting [Bin data] from the pull-down selection menu. The bin information screen is, for example, a main screen shown in FIG.
It can also be displayed by clicking the [Bin data] selection icon on the left side with the mouse. Further, the bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on a margin area of a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. Further, in the bin information screen, a predetermined detailed selection menu is displayed by right-clicking the mouse on a display portion imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. 7, and [Bin d
Ata] can also be displayed by selecting it.

When the display of the bin information screen is not instructed (step S102;
In N), the determination in step S102 is repeated. Also,
When Display of Bin Information Screen is Instructed (Step S10
2; Y), the library controller 2 first clears the information on the selection start bin number, the execution target bin number sequence, and the movement target bin number sequence stored with the previous execution target designation operation (step S2). S103), the storage area in the library controller 2 associated with the designated operation is returned to the initial state. Note that, when the operation to specify the execution target is first performed, the operation of clearing the information on the selection start bin number and the like is practically omitted. Further, the execution target bin number sequence here refers to the information of the bin numbers of all the storage units storing the cassettes K to be executed, and the movement target bin number sequence indicates the operation to be executed. When the cassette K is moved, the information indicates the bin numbers of all the storage units in which the cassette K to be moved is stored.

Next, the library controller 2 operates as shown in FIG.
Is displayed (step S1).
04). In the bin information screen displayed at this time, if there is a bin area already selected and designated as an execution target, the library controller 2 selects the bin area.
In accordance with the designated contents, the bin area of the execution target bin number is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily visually recognized as shown in FIGS.

Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the left button of the mouse has been pressed on the bin information screen (step S105). It is determined whether or not the pointer is on the bin area on the bin information screen (step S106). Here, if the mouse pointer is not over the bin area (N), then the library controller 2
Determines whether the left mouse button has been released (step S107). If the left mouse button has not been released (N), the left mouse button is pressed in accordance with the movement of the mouse pointer. A rectangle is formed by the moved position and the current position of the mouse pointer, and after changing the background color of the bin area in the area surrounded by the rectangle (step S109), the process returns to the determination in step S107. When the left button of the mouse is released in step S107 (step S107; Y), the library controller 2 stores the bin number corresponding to the bin area surrounded by the rectangle as the bin number sequence to be executed. (Step S110), the process returns to step S104.

When the mouse pointer is located on the bin area (Y) in step S106, the library controller 2 proceeds to the operation shown in FIG. Further, the library controller 2 determines in step S1
If the left button has not been pressed at 05 (N), it is further determined whether or not the right mouse button has been clicked (step S110), and if the right mouse button has not been clicked (step S110). N) includes step S
Return to 104. On the other hand, when the right mouse button is clicked (Y), the library controller 2
Next, the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG.

The library controller 2 determines in step S
At 106, if the mouse pointer is over the bin area (Y), as shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not the shift key of the keyboard is pressed (step S201), and the shift key is determined. If is pressed (Y), the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the shift key has not been pressed (N), the library controller 2 next determines whether or not the control key of the keyboard has been pressed (step S202). If so (Y), the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG.

If the control key has not been pressed (step S202; N), the library controller 2 next sets the bin number corresponding to the position where the mouse pointer is located as the bin number sequence to be executed. Then, the background color of the bin area corresponding to the bin number is changed (step S203). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the left button of the mouse has been released (step S204). If the left button of the mouse has not been released (N), the determination of step S204 is repeated. On the other hand, when the left mouse button is released (Y), the library controller 2 next determines whether the position of the mouse pointer is on the same bin area as the position where the left mouse button was pressed. Is determined (step S205),
If they are on the same bin area (Y), the bin number corresponding to the position where the mouse pointer is located is stored in the bin number column to be executed as the selection start bin number (step S20).
8) Return to step S104.

The library controller 2 determines that the current position of the mouse pointer is not on the same bin area as the position where the left button of the mouse is pressed (step S20).
5; N), the bin number string to be executed is stored as the bin number string to be moved (step S206), and the cassette K stored in the storage unit corresponding to the bin number string to be moved is A control operation for moving the cassette to the storage section corresponding to the bin area of the movement destination indicated by the mouse pointer position is performed (step S207), and step S1 is performed.
Return to 03.

The library controller 2 determines in step S
In step 201, when the shift key of the keyboard is pressed (Y), it is determined whether or not the selection start bin number is stored as shown in FIG. 17 (step S).
If the selection start bin number is not stored (N), the process returns to step S208. On the other hand, when the selection start bin number is stored (Y), the library controller 2 replaces all bin numbers between the selection start bin number and the bin number at the current mouse pointer position with the execution target bin number. Stored as a column (step S302),
It returns to step S104.

When the right button of the mouse is clicked (Y) in step S110, the library controller 2 sets the bin number in the bin number column to be executed, as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the bin number is stored (step S401). If the bin number is not stored (N), the process returns to step S104.
If the bin number is stored (Y), the library controller 2 further determines whether or not the mouse pointer is over the bin area of the execution target bin number (step S402). Is not on the bin area of the execution target bin number (N),
Return to

On the other hand, when the mouse pointer is over the bin area of the bin number to be executed (Y), the library controller 2 displays a pop-up menu format selection menu as shown in FIG. 14 (step S40).
3) Then, in this selection menu, select [BCR Execut
e] menu is determined (step S)
404). Here, the library controller 2 [BCR
If the [Execute] menu is not selected (N), the process returns to step S104. When the [BCR Execute] menu is selected (Y), the library controller 2 performs a control operation for performing an ID reading operation on the cassette K in the storage unit corresponding to the execution target bin number. Perform (Step S405), Step S103
Return to

When the control key of the keyboard is depressed in step S202 (step S202; Y), the library controller 2
As shown in FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the bin number corresponding to the current position of the mouse pointer is already stored in the execution target bin number sequence (step S501).
If the bin number is not stored in the execution target bin number sequence (N), the library controller 2 stores the bin number corresponding to the current position of the mouse pointer in the execution target bin number sequence. (Step S502), and it returns to step S104. On the other hand, when the bin number is already stored in the execution target bin number sequence (step S501;
In Y), the library controller 2 deletes the bin number corresponding to the current position of the pointer of the mouse from the bin number string to be executed (step S503), and proceeds to step S503.
Return to 104.

In the above description, the movement of the cassette K between the storage sections has been described with respect to the movement of the cassette K. For example, the cassette K is moved from the storage section to the drive device 1.
3 or a plurality of different drive devices 13
It is also possible to perform an operation of moving the cassette K between them. In such a case, by performing the designation operation using the mouse in the area 111 corresponding to the drive device 13, the same operation as the movement between the storage units can be performed.

As described above, according to the library system of the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays the information screen showing the information on the storage state of the cassette K and the like, and displays the cassette K on the information screen. It is possible to specify one or more cassettes K to be subjected to a predetermined operation relating to the specified cassette K and to instruct execution of a predetermined operation relating to the specified cassette K. Since it has a function of performing an operation, it is possible to easily specify one or more cassettes K and perform a predetermined operation on the specified cassette K. Further, since the cassette K to be subjected to this operation can be specified by a simple mouse operation on the information screen using the GUI, an operation for specifying the execution target and performing a predetermined operation can be performed. It is simple and the possibility of erroneous operation due to an operation error or the like is small.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a library system that uses various recording media such as a cassette-shaped recording medium other than a video tape cassette and a disk-shaped recording medium as the recording medium.

[0069]

As described above, claims 1 to 3 are described.
According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus described in any one of the above, or the operation instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, the control means for controlling the transporting means and the recording / reproducing means controls the recording medium. An information screen representing information on the storage state is displayed, and on this information screen, designation of one or more recording media to be subjected to a predetermined operation on the recording medium, and an instruction to execute a predetermined operation on the specified recording medium This makes it possible to easily designate one or more recording media and perform a predetermined operation on the designated recording media.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a basic configuration of a library system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the overall configuration of the cassette library shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a library controller illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a library controller illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a basic console shown in FIG.

6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the junction console shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control main screen displayed in the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection menu displayed after a predetermined operation on the main screen shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen displayed on the library controller shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of selecting and specifying only one storage unit on the information screen shown in FIG. 9;

11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated in a rectangular area on the information screen shown in FIG. 9;

12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated by consecutive bin numbers on the information screen shown in FIG. 9;

13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated by random bin numbers on the information screen shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a selection menu displayed after a predetermined operation on the information screen shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of the library system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart following FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart following FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is another flowchart following FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is another flowchart following FIG. 16;

[Explanation of symbols]

1: cassette library, 1B: basic console, 1C
... cassette console, 1D ... drive console, 1
J: junction console, 2: library controller, 3: host computer, 11, 17: input / output port unit, 13: drive unit, 14, 15: cassette storage shelf, 16: cassette transporter, 18: junction port unit, 21 ... Controller body, 22 ... Input device, 2
3 display device 49 hard disk drive 60
Basic control unit, 61, 81 ... Main drive control unit, 62, 8
2 ... Console control unit, 63,83 ... Console column communication unit, 64,84 ... Console configuration collection unit, 70 ... Drive control unit.

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masato Yokota 6-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Inside Sony Corporation

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a removable recording medium, and a recording medium accommodating means having a plurality of accommodating portions each capable of accommodating the recording medium. A transporting means for transporting the recording medium between an arbitrary storage section of the recording medium storing means and the recording / reproducing means; controlling the transporting means and the recording / reproducing means; An information screen representing information is displayed, and on this information screen, designation of one or more recording media to be subjected to a predetermined operation on the recording medium and an instruction to execute a predetermined operation on the specified recording medium are made. An information recording / reproducing apparatus, comprising: a control unit capable of performing a predetermined operation on a designated recording medium in response to the instruction. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is a control operation of moving the recording medium. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a reading unit that reads the identification information given to the recording medium, wherein the predetermined operation is a control operation for causing the reading unit to read the identification information of the recording medium. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium, and a recording medium accommodating means having a plurality of accommodating portions each capable of accommodating the recording medium. An information recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: a transport unit that transports the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit of the recording medium storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit; and a control unit that controls the transport unit and the recording / reproducing unit. In the apparatus, an operation instruction method for instructing execution of a predetermined operation on the recording medium, wherein the control unit displays an information screen representing information on a storage state of the recording medium, and displays the information screen on the information screen. ,
An operation instruction method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus, comprising: specifying one or more recording media to be subjected to the predetermined operation, and instructing execution of the predetermined operation on the specified recording medium. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined operation is an operation for controlling movement of the recording medium. 6. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reading unit that reads the identification information given to the recording medium, wherein the predetermined operation causes the reading unit to read the identification information of the recording medium. 5. The operation instruction method for an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control operation is performed by the control unit.