JPH1186388A - Tape recording/reproducing device and tape ejecting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To extend the life of tape loading/unloading repetition. SOLUTION: When a tape is ejected in a device area DA as a tape ejecting area in at least one place of a tape recording medium, an ejecting position on the tape, i.e., a tape feeding amount X from a boundary position with a system area SYS is randomized. Specifically, the feeding amount X is calculated based on the number of tape loading and the integrated rotation time of a rotary drum. Thus, the ejecting of the tape in the same place is prevented, and the concentration of tape damaging in a particular place by tape loading/ unloading is prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a tape recording / reproducing apparatus and a tape ejecting method for recording and / or reproducing information on / from a removable tape recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a recording / reproducing apparatus capable of recording and / or reproducing digital data on a magnetic tape, a so-called tape streamer apparatus is known. Such a tape streamer device can have an enormous recording capacity of, for example, about several tens to several hundreds of gigabytes, depending on the tape length of a tape cassette as a medium. It is widely used for such purposes as backing up data recorded on media. It is also suitable for use in storing image data having a large data size.

[0003] As the above-mentioned tape streamer, for example, a tape cassette of 8 mm VTR is used as a recording medium, and data is recorded / reproduced by adopting a helical scan method using a rotary head. Proposed.

[0004] In a tape streamer apparatus using an 8 mm VTR tape cassette as described above, recording / recording is performed.
For example, S
CSI (Small Computer System Interface) is used.

At the time of recording, data supplied from a host computer, for example, is input via a SCSI interface. The input data is transmitted, for example, in units of a predetermined fixed-length data group. The input data is subjected to a compression process by a predetermined method if necessary, and is temporarily stored in a buffer memory. The data stored in the buffer memory is supplied to a recording / reproducing system for each fixed length unit called a predetermined group, and is recorded on a magnetic tape of a tape cassette by a rotary head.

During reproduction, data on a magnetic tape is read out by a rotating head and temporarily stored in a buffer memory. The data from this buffer memory is
If the data has been compressed at the time of recording, it is subjected to decompression processing and transmitted to the host computer via the SCSI interface.

Further, a data recording area on the magnetic tape forms a partition, from which data can be reproduced and written.

In such a data storage system comprising a tape streamer device and a tape cassette, in order to properly perform a recording / reproducing operation on the magnetic tape of the tape cassette, for example, the tape streamer device manages the recording / reproducing operation and the like. As management information and the like to be used for the magnetic tape, various positional information on the magnetic tape, information related to the usage history of the magnetic tape, and the like are required.

Therefore, for example, it has been considered to provide such an area of management information at the head position on a magnetic tape or the head position of a partition.

[0010] The tape streamer apparatus accesses the management information area and reads necessary management information before performing data recording or reproducing operation on the magnetic tape. Various processing operations are performed so that the recording / reproducing operation is properly performed. After the data recording or reproducing operation is completed, the management information area is again accessed by re-accessing the management information area in order to rewrite the contents of the management information which needs to be changed in accordance with the recording / reproducing operation. Is rewritten to prepare for the next recording / reproducing operation.
Thereafter, the tape streamer device unloads and ejects the tape cassette.

[0011]

In the above-described tape streamer apparatus, the operation of loading a tape into the apparatus and loading the tape, and the operation of unloading the tape and discharging the tape from the apparatus are generally performed by the tape. This is done in the first so-called device area. The position at which the tape is loaded / unloaded (hereinafter, referred to as the tape eject position) is the same position because the brake position at the time of tape rewinding is determined.

In the tape loading / unloading operation, damage (damage) to the tape is larger than that in a normal tape running operation. By repeating the tape loading / unloading operation, the tape breaks or an error in recorded data occurs. There is a problem that the rate deteriorates.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a tape recording / reproducing apparatus and a tape ejecting method capable of reducing tape damage at a tape ejecting position where tape loading / unloading is performed. The purpose is to provide.

[0014]

A tape recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention ejects a tape in at least one tape discharge area provided on a tape-shaped recording medium in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. In this case, the ejection position on the tape is randomized.

[0015] The randomization of the tape ejection position is to shift the tape position in the tape ejection area at the time of the tape ejection so as to be dispersed without being biased to a specific position. The ejection position may be calculated based on the number of times, the power supply time of the apparatus, or the like.

As a specific example of the tape recording / reproducing apparatus,
A helical scan type rotary head records / reproduces data. In this case, a loading operation such as pulling out a tape from a tape cassette and winding it around a rotating drum when a tape is mounted, and a rotating operation when a tape is ejected. Unloading operations such as returning the tape wound around the drum into the tape cassette are performed. The present invention is suitable for reducing tape damage due to such loading / unloading operations. In this case, the calculation of the tape ejection position includes the number of times of loading of the tape, the accumulated rotation time of the rotating drum, and Is used.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a tape streamer apparatus which is an embodiment of a tape recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a tape streamer device is provided with an interface controller 100 for exchanging data with an external device, and performs signal processing on data input via the interface controller 100 to convert the data into a predetermined format. Record data processing system 120
And a recording / reproducing unit 130 for recording signals supplied from the recording data processing system 120 on a tape-shaped recording medium, for example, a magnetic tape, and reproducing the magnetic tape. The tape streamer drive includes a reproduction data processing system 140 that performs signal processing on the reproduction output from the recording / reproducing unit 130 to reproduce data recorded on the magnetic tape, and a tape running system of the recording / reproducing unit 130. , And a recording data management unit 160 for managing data to be recorded on the magnetic tape.

A magnetic tape, which is an example of a tape-shaped recording medium, has at least one tape ejection area as a dedicated area for ejecting (ejecting) or mounting the tape from the apparatus. As will be described later, specific examples of the tape ejection area include a device area DA at the head of the tape and an optional device area ODA near the end of each partition when the tape is divided into a plurality of partitions.

The recording data management section 160 controls the operations of the data processing systems 120 and 140 and the recording / reproducing section 130 as recording / reproducing means and the motor drive and servo circuit 150 as tape running control means. A system controller 161 is provided for controlling the operation of the recording / reproducing means and the traveling control means, and the tape ejection area (the device area DA) when the magnetic tape is ejected. Alternatively, control is performed to randomize the tape position in ODA), that is, the tape eject position. The randomization of this tape eject position is
The tape position in the tape ejection area at the time of the tape ejection is shifted so as to be dispersed without being biased to a specific position.Specifically, the ejection is performed based on the number of times of tape attachment, the power supply time of the apparatus, and the like. The position is calculated.

The operation at the time of such tape ejection will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows the device area DA (or the optional device area O) which is a tape dischargeable area during tape formatting.
DA). This device area DA
When the length of (or ODA) is L, the tape eject position is divided into the area L ₀ , the length L ₁ , and the length L ₂ from the beginning of the device area DA, and the tape ejection position is set to the area D.
As it randomized in the middle of the length L ₁ portion in the A, seeking eject position calculation. Subsequent to the device area DA (or ODA), a system log area SYS is provided as described later.

For example, the device area DA (or OD)
A) The length from the boundary position between the system log area SYS and the tape eject position, that is, the device area D
The return amount from the boundary position of A with the system log area is X
X = Y mod L ₁ + L ₂ where a mod b is obtained by the equation of remainder (remainder) of dividing a by b. Here, Y is a pseudo-random number having a different value for each eject. As a specific example, for example, based on the number of times of tape loading and the total rotation time of the rotating drum of the apparatus, for example, Y = tape It can be obtained by an equation such as the number of times of loading × 13 + the cumulative drum rotation time. The number of times the tape is loaded is determined by the system log area SY
It can be obtained from the Load Count value that is part of the system log information in S. The integrated rotation time of the rotating drum can be obtained by reading information held inside the drive of the recording / reproducing unit 130.

As a specific example of the lengths L ₀ , L ₁ and L ₂ of the respective parts in the device area DA, L = 80
When the _{cm, L 0 = 10cm, L} 1 = 40cm, cited be L ₂ = 30 cm. At this time, the device area D
Return amount X from the boundary position of A with the system log area
X = Y mod 40 + 30 = (the number of times of loading × 13 + drum cumulative rotation time) mod 40 + 30.

The above Y may be calculated by using only one of the number of times of loading of the tape and the total rotation time of the rotary drum of the apparatus, or may be calculated by using the total energization time of the apparatus, or the time measured by a timer or the like. A pseudo random number calculated based on information or the like may be used, or a random number from a random number generator may be used, as long as a different value is obtained for each eject. Further, the length L ₁ of the device area DA (
It is preferable to use a random number or a pseudo random number such that the position in the portion (1) is dispersed without being biased to a specific portion.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation mainly by the system controller 161 at the time of the tape ejection. In step S211 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not an eject command has been issued, and if YES, the process proceeds to the next step S212. In step S212, the tape is moved to a system log area SYS described later, and in step S213, the recorded contents of the system log area SYS are updated. This is the write operation to the system log area SYS in FIG.
It corresponds to (a).

As will be described later, when a tape cassette with a memory is used, this memory (MIC: Me
It is also possible to write the contents of the system log to the "mory In Cassette" and omit updating the system log area SYS on the tape.

In the next step S214, an unload position for ejecting the tape is calculated. Specifically, the return amount X is calculated based on the number of times of tape loading and the accumulated rotation time of the rotating drum. Next step S
At 215, the tape is controlled to travel by the calculated return amount X, and the tape is moved to the unload position, that is, the tape eject position. This is because, after the tape feed operation (b) of the system log area SYS shown in FIG. 2, the tape feed amount is counted from the time when the device area DA (or ODA) is detected, and the tape feed operation (until this becomes X). c) is controlled. The determination of each area of the tape is performed by detecting an area ID described later.

When the tape is mounted, as shown in FIG. 4, it is detected whether or not the tape is mounted in step S201, and if YES, the process proceeds to step S202 to move to the system log area SYS. In S203, the system log in the area is read, and the above-described tape load count (Load Count) is obtained. When a tape cassette with a memory (MIC) is used, the reproduction of the system log area SYS on the tape can be omitted by reading the system log information written in the memory.

Next, returning to FIG. 1, the detailed configuration and operation of the tape streamer shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The tape cassette 10 used in the tape streamer shown in FIG. 1 has a memory (MIC: Memory In) as a storage element for storing identification information for identifying data recorded on a magnetic tape and a system log.
Cassette 11).

In this tape streamer device, the interface controller 100 is a so-called SC
Consists of SI (Small Computor System Interface)
The data supplied from an information processing device such as an external personal computer or a workstation is supplied to the recording data processing system 120, and the recording data reproduced by the reproduction data processing system 40 is supplied to the information processing device.

In this tape streamer, for example, at the time of data recording,
Data is sequentially input via a SCSI interface 100 in a transmission data unit of a fixed-length record (record) described later, and is supplied to a compression circuit 110. In such a tape streamer drive system, there is also a mode in which data is transmitted from the host computer 200 in units of variable-length data sets, but a description thereof is omitted here. Note that a keyboard 201 and the like are connected to the host computer 200.

The compression circuit 110 performs a compression process by a predetermined method if necessary for the input data. As an example of the compression method, if a compression method using, for example, an LZ code is adopted, in this method, a special code is assigned to a character string processed in the past and stored in the form of a dictionary. Then, the character string to be input thereafter is compared with the contents of the dictionary, and if the character string of the input data matches the code of the dictionary, the character string data is replaced with the code of the dictionary. Data of the input character string that does not match the dictionary is sequentially given a new code and registered in the dictionary. In this way, the data of the input character string is registered in the dictionary, and the data compression is performed by replacing the character string data with the code of the dictionary.

The recording data processing system 120 includes an index adding section 121 for adding index information to the recording data supplied via the interface controller 100, a subcode generating section 122 for generating a subcode, An error correction code generation unit 12 for error correction coding the recording data from the index addition unit 121
3 and a sub-code adding unit 124 for adding the sub-code and block address from the sub-code generating unit 122 to the error-correction-coded recording data.

The sub-code generator 122 includes first and second sub-code generators 122A and 122B and a system log generator 122C. The error correction code generation unit 123 includes a memory 149, a C1 encoder 1
23A, C2 encoder 123B and C3 encoder 1
23C.

The recording data processing system 120 includes a header parity adding section 125 for adding a header parity to the recording data from the subcode adding section 124 and a recording data supplied from the header parity adding section 125.
8/10 to perform Eight to Ten Moduration
A modulating unit 126 and a synchronizing signal adding unit 1 for adding a synchronizing signal to the recording data supplied from the 8/10 modulating unit 126
27 and an ATF (Automatic Trac) for tracking control added to the recording data supplied from the synchronization signal adding unit 127.
k Following) pilot signal adding section 128 for adding a pilot signal, and pilot signal adding section 128
And an amplifier 29 for amplifying the recording data supplied from.

The recording / reproducing section 130 has two recording magnetic heads Hw1 and Hw having different azimuth angles.
2 and a rotating drum 131 for rotating two magnetic heads for reproduction Hr1 and Hr2 having different azimuth angles with respect to the magnetic tape 12 while being inclined. These two
The pair of magnetic heads Hw1, Hw2, Hr1, and Hr2 are respectively close to the circumferential direction of the rotating drum 131 so as to have an interval corresponding to the track pitch Tp in the axial direction of the rotating drum 131 (that is, the track width direction). Installed.

The reproduction data system 140 includes an amplifier 141 for amplifying the reproduction output of the inclined track of the magnetic tape 12 supplied from the recording / reproducing unit 130, and a synchronizing signal from the reproduction output supplied from the amplifier 141. Is detected, the reproduction output is binarized, the time axis is corrected, and the synchronization signal detection unit 142 outputs the binary signal. The binarized reproduction data from the synchronization signal detection unit 142 is divided into 8/10
An 8/10 demodulator 143 for demodulating (Eight to Ten Demoduration) and a header parity checker 144 for checking the header parity of the reproduced data from the 8/10 demodulator 143 are provided.

The header parity check unit 14
4, a sub-code separation unit 145 for separating a sub-code from the reproduction data from the sub-code 4, an error correction processing unit 146 for performing an error correction process on the reproduction data from which the sub-code is separated from the sub-code separation unit 145, Processing unit 146
And an index separation unit 147 for separating an index from the reproduction data error-corrected by the above. The error correction processing unit 146 includes a memory 149, a C1 decoder 146A, a C2 decoder 146B, and a C3 decoder 14.
6C.

The motor drive and servo circuit 15
0 is a PG detecting unit to which a PG pulse corresponding to the rotation of the rotating drum 131 is supplied from the recording / reproducing unit 130;
A speed error detection unit for detecting a speed error from a detection output of the detection unit, a pilot signal detection unit for detecting an ATF pilot signal from the reproduction output of the recording / reproduction unit 130, and detection outputs of the speed error detection unit and the pilot signal detection unit , A tracking servo circuit for generating a tracking servo signal based on the added output of the adding unit, and the recording / reproducing unit 1 based on the tracking servo signal.
A capstan drive circuit for controlling the 30 tape running systems is provided.

The motor drive and servo circuit 15
Reference numeral 0 designates a drive operation means for rotating a reel rotatably attached to the tape cassette.

The motor drive and servo circuit 150 can control the drive control means to, for example, feed the magnetic tape 12 to a predetermined position at a high speed. For example, movement to an optional device area described later can also be performed by high-speed sending.

The motor drive and servo circuit 150
The operation is controlled by the system controller 161.

The recording data management unit 160 includes a system controller 161 that performs processing such as management of data to be recorded on a magnetic tape, and an RA that holds the identification information.
M162 and the RAM via the recording / reproducing unit 130
A write / read control unit 163 that controls writing and reading to and from 162 is provided.

The system controller 161 writes in the RAM 162 a system log for managing partitions provided on the magnetic tape, files recorded on the magnetic tape, and the like, as the identification information. Then, the write / read control unit 163
The system log stored in the RAM 162 is read and supplied to the MIC 11 via the recording / reproducing unit 130, and the system log read from the MIC 11 is written in the RAM 162.

The decompression circuit 170 performs the data decompression processing on the data compressed by the compression circuit 110 at the time of recording based on the judgment of the system controller 161, and performs the data decompression processing on the non-compressed data based on the judgment of the system controller 161. The output is passed without change.

The output data of the decompression circuit 170 is output to the host computer 200 as reproduction data via the SCSI interface 100.

FIG. 1 shows the MIC 11 provided on the tape cassette 10. This MIC11
When the tape cassette main body is loaded in the tape streamer drive, is connected so that data can be input and output to and from the system controller 161 via terminal pins and the like.

Further, mutual transmission of information is performed between the MIC 11 and the external host computer 200 using SCSI commands. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated line between the MIC 11 and the host computer 200. As a result, the exchange of data between the tape cassette and the host computer 200 can be connected only by the SCSI interface controller 100.

Next, the operation of the tape streamer having the above-described configuration will be described below. In this tape streamer device, when performing recording, recording data is supplied from an information processing device such as a personal computer or a workstation via the interface controller 100. Interface controller 100
When the recording data is supplied via the bus 105, the recording data is supplied to the index adding unit 121 and the subcode generating unit 122.

When the recording data is supplied from the interface controller 100, the index adding unit 121 adds a series of recording data to the supplied recording data in units of 40 tracks, that is, 20 frames. Is supplied to the error correction code generation unit 123 after adding index information for identifying.

The error correction code generating section 123 temporarily stores the recording data supplied from the index adding section 121 in the memory 149 for each unit. And the above C
The three encoder 123C generates an error correction code C3 of a data string corresponding to the above-described track width direction for the recording data of each unit stored in the memory 149,
This error correction code C3 is assigned to the last two tracks of the above-mentioned one unit of 40 tracks. Further, the C2 encoder 123B generates an error correction code C2 of a data string corresponding to the above-described track direction, and generates the error correction code C2.
2 is divided into two and assigned to both ends of the main data area of each track. Further, the C1 encoder 12
3A generates the error correction code C1 for each block described above.

On the other hand, the first
The subcode generation unit 122A generates a separator count, which is delimiter information indicating a delimiter of print data, a record count, which indicates the number of records, and the like, based on print data input via the interface controller 100. Further, the second sub-code generator 122B
Generates an area ID indicating each area defined on the tape format, a frame number, a group count indicating the number of recording units, a checksum, and the like, together with a block address. Further, the system log generation unit 122C generates a system log (history information) for each partition defined as the tape format.

The sub-code adding unit 124 outputs the error correction code C3,
The subcode and the block address supplied from the subcode generator 122 are added to the recording data to which C2 and C1 are added. Thereby, the subcode and the block address are allocated to the second section of each block. The sub-code adding unit 124 also generates the area I generated by the second sub-code generating unit 122B as described above.
D, a block address, and the like are assigned to each block of the above-described two sub-regions (sub 1 and sub 2). Further, the sub-code adding unit 124 is provided with the first sub-code generating unit 12.
Sub data is composed of the count value generated by 2A, the area ID generated by the second sub code generation unit 122B, the group count, the checksum, and the like, and is assigned to each block of the two sub areas.

The header parity adding section 125 generates a 2-byte parity for error detection with respect to the sub-code and block address added to the recording data by the sub-code adding section 124, and applies the 2-byte parity to the recording data. To be added. Thus, the 2-byte parity is allocated to the third section of each block. Also, the header parity adding unit 125
One-byte parity is also added to each block of one sub area (sub 1 and sub 2).

The 8/10 modulating section 126 records the recording data of the main data area to which the header parity and the block address are added by the header parity adding section 125 and the recording data of each block of the two sub-areas in units of 1 byte. Eight bits are converted into ten bits so that the DC level of the signal to be recorded is kept substantially at zero.

The synchronizing signal adding section 127 adds a synchronizing signal to the recording data converted into 10-bit data by the 8/10 modulating section 126 for each block.
Thereby, the synchronization signal is allocated to the first section of each block. Then, the recording data thus formed is supplied to pilot signal adding section 128.

The pilot signal adding section 128 generates an ATF pilot signal, adds the ATF pilot signal to recording data, and supplies the recording data to the magnetic heads Hw1 and Hw2 via the amplifier 129. As a result, the magnetic heads Hw1 and Hw2 scan the magnetic tape to perform recording, and record tracks are formed on the magnetic tape in a predetermined format.

Here, a partition may be created on the magnetic tape 12 before recording as described above. In this case, the system controller 161 creates a partition on the magnetic tape,
Partition management information indicating the number of partitions, the start position of each partition, and the like is created, and RAM 162 is created.
Write to.

When a directory is created, deleted, or changed in a partition, or when a file is recorded, deleted, or changed in a directory, the system controller 161 transmits identification information of each file from the RAM 162. After being read out and changed according to the above-described recording and the like, it is written into the RAM 162. Further, when recording, deleting, or changing a file, the system controller 161 reads management information for managing the recording position of each file from the RAM 162, and changes the file according to the new recording position of the file. Thereafter, the data is written into the RAM 162.

The write / read control unit 1
63 updates the management information of each partition stored in the RAM 162, the identification information of each file, and the management information for managing the recording position of each file. The updated management information of each partition is written to the MIC 11 via the contact terminal 63.

Thus, the data is recorded on the magnetic tape 12 in file units, and the identification information of each file recorded on the magnetic tape 12 is recorded on the MIC 11.

The data is transferred to a plurality of tape cassettes 10.
When recording is performed over the
1 is all tape cassettes 1 on which data is recorded.
0, identification information for identifying each tape cassette 10 on which data is recorded, and identification information for identifying data recorded on each tape cassette 10. 163 stores these identification information in the RAM 162.

In the tape streamer drive, when the tape cassette 10 is mounted on the recording / reproducing unit 130 when reproducing the magnetic tape on which recording has been performed as described above, the terminal opening 51 is connected to the contact terminal. 63 is exposed, and the exposed contact terminal 63 is connected to the write / read control unit 163 via the connector 137.

Then, the write / read control unit 163
Is connected to the MIC via the connector 137 and the contact terminal 63.
11 to the above management information, identification information of each file,
The management information for managing the recording position of each file is read and written to the RAM 162.

On the other hand, when the reproduction of the magnetic tape 12 is instructed from the system controller 161, the recording / reproducing unit 130 controls the rotation of the rotating drum 131 so that the rotating speed of the rotating drum 131 becomes the same as that at the time of recording. At the same time, the running of the magnetic tape 12 is controlled so that the magnetic tape 12 runs at a constant speed. As a result, the recording heads Hr1 and Hr2 for reproduction scan the magnetic tape while tilting them, and the magnetic heads Hr1 and Hr2 output the reproduction output corresponding to the scanning of the recording track to the synchronization signal detection unit 142 via the amplifier 41. Supply. The synchronization signal detection unit 142 detects a synchronization signal from the supplied playback output, binarizes the playback output with a clock synchronized with the synchronization signal, generates playback data, and supplies the playback data to the 8/10 demodulation unit 143.

The 8/10 demodulation section 143 converts the reproduction data from the synchronization signal detection section 142 from the 10-bit data into 8 bits.
The data is converted into bit data and the header parity check unit 14
4 The header parity check unit 144 performs a parity check of the subcode and the block address using the above-described 2-byte header parity. And
The sub-code separation unit 145 separates the correct sub-code parity-checked by the header parity check unit 144 from the reproduction data and supplies it to a system controller or the like (not shown), and supplies the reproduction data with the sub-code separated to the memory 149. I do.

The memory 149 temporarily stores the reproduction data to which the index information has been added for each unit, with the reproduction data for 40 tracks, ie, 20 frames, as one unit. Then, the C1 decoder 146A, based on the reproduction data for each unit stored in the memory 149,
The error correction code C1 added to each block described above.
, An error correction process is performed on the reproduction data of each block.

Further, the C2 decoder 146B outputs the 1-bit data which has been subjected to the error correction processing by the C1 decoder 146A.
For the reproduced data for each unit, an error correction process is performed on the data string corresponding to the track direction using the error correction code C2 added to both ends of the reproduced data area of each track described above. Further, the C3 decoder 146C
Is the above-mentioned one unit 4 for the reproduced data for each unit which has been subjected to the error correction processing by the C2 decoder 146B.
Using the error correction code C3 assigned to the last two tracks of the zero track, an error correction process is performed on the data string corresponding to the track width direction.

In this tape streamer drive, since the reproduced data is subjected to the error correction processing using the error correction codes C1, C2, and C3, the error of the reproduced data can be surely corrected. Data reliability can be improved.

The index separating section 147 separates the index information from the reproduction data of each unit, which has been subjected to the error correction processing by the error correction processing section 146 as described above, and supplies the separated information to the system controller 161 and the like. Then, the index information is separated and the reproduction data is supplied to the interface controller 100.

Then, the interface controller 1
00 transmits the reproduction data from the index separation unit 147 to the host computer 200 such as a personal computer or a workstation via the bus 105.

FIG. 5 shows the structure of data recorded on the magnetic tape 12. FIG. 5A schematically shows one magnetic tape 12. In the present embodiment, one magnetic tape 3 is divided into partitions (Pa
is assumed to be able to use by dividing by Rtition) units, the first partition P ₀ Following device area DA from the tape head is positioned. Hereinafter, according to the number of partitions, the partitions P ₁ ,
Are arranged in the order of P ₂ , P ₃ ... In the case of the system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set and manage up to 256 partitions. The subscripts of the partitions P ₀ , P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ ... Shown in FIG.
That n of partition P _n indicates the partition number. In the present embodiment, data recording / reproduction can be performed independently for each partition.

One partition P _n (n = 0, 1,
The schematic configuration of (2,...) Is, as shown in FIG. 5B, a system area SYS, a data area DATA, an end of data EOD, and an optional device area ODA.
And consists of

Here, a more detailed structure of the data recorded on the magnetic tape will be described with reference to FIG.

The physical head position PBOT of the tape shown in FIG.
(Phisycal Begining of Tape) from the first partition P ₀ top position LBOT (Logical Begining of Tape)
The device area (Device A), which is the area where tape cassette loading / unloading is performed,
rea) is provided. Subsequent to the device area, a system log area for storing tape use history information and the like is provided, and a data area is provided thereafter. The head of the system log area is set as a logical tape start position LBOT (Logical Bigining of Tape).

In this data area, a vendor group is first provided in which information on a vendor that creates and supplies data is provided, followed by an amble (Ambl)
e) A frame and a data area are provided.

Following the data area, EOD (End of Data) indicating the end of the data area of the partition
Area is provided. The end of the EOD is defined as a logical tape end position LEOT (Logical End of Tape). PEOT (Physical End of Tape) indicates the end position of the physical tape or the physical end position of the partition.

The EOD area described above is provided between the end position LEOT of the logical tape and the end position PEOT of the physical tape when the end position of the partition is set, followed by the option device area. Have been. This optional device area is the loading / unloading position of the tape cassette as described above.

By the way, on the tape 12, for example, FIG.
As shown in (A), diagonal recording tracks are sequentially recorded and formed by the rotary head, and 40 tracks (= 20 tracks) are formed.
Frame) as one group, a plurality of groups form the one partition. That is, data recording units in one partition are grouped, and one group is composed of 20 frames (= 40 tracks) as shown in FIG. 7A.

One track is divided into blocks (Block) having a data structure as shown in FIG. 7B, and 471 blocks are combined to form one track. That is, FIG. 7B shows a data structure in one block, and one block is composed of a 1-byte SYNC data area A1, a 6-byte ID area A2 used for search and the like, and ID data for ID data. 2
Parity area A3, 6 for error correction consisting of bytes
It is formed from a 4-byte data area A4. Also, 1
As shown in FIG. 7C, the track is formed by a total of 471 blocks, and one track is provided with margin areas A11 and A17 for four blocks at both ends, and the back of the margin area A11 and the margin A17 are provided. ATF areas A12 and A16 for tracking control are provided before. Further, an ATF area A14 is provided in the middle of one track. These ATF areas A12, A1
4. As A16, an area for 5 blocks is provided.
Then, between the ATF areas A12 and A14 and the AT
Data areas A13 and A15 for 224 blocks are provided between the F areas A14 and A16, respectively. Therefore, all data areas (A13
And A15) are 224 × 2 out of all 471 blocks.
= 448 blocks.

In this tape streamer drive, the data area is divided into 448 blocks each having 73 bytes as one block, and each block further records a 1-byte first section for recording a synchronization signal and an ID. A second section of 6 bytes for recording, a third section of 2 bytes for recording header parity, and a fourth section of 64 bytes for recording data
It is divided into sections, and a subcode and a block address are recorded together with data for each block.

As shown in FIG. 8, data to be recorded in the fourth section is 58 bytes × 384 blocks, ie, 2 bytes.
Data of 64 bytes × 448 blocks to which two-dimensional error correction codes C2 and C1 are added for every 2272 bytes of data are distributed to each block. Then, as shown in FIG.
1 is added to the main data of each block and recorded, and the error correction code C2 is divided into two and recorded into 32 blocks at both ends of the main data area of each track.

The tape streamer drive employs an error correction code configuration in which 40 tracks, ie, 20 frames, are defined as one unit (group) as two tracks, ie, one frame of 942 blocks.
As shown in FIG. 9, the error correction code C2 of the data string corresponding to the track direction is arranged and recorded on both sides of the track, and the error correction code C3 of the data string corresponding to the track width direction is recorded at the last of the 40 tracks. Allocate to two tracks and record. Note that index information for identifying a set of data is added to each unit.

As the subcode, a separator count, which is delimiter information indicating a delimiter of main data, a record count, which indicates the number of records, an area ID, which indicates each area defined on the tape format, and an absolute position of a recording unit The frame number, the group count indicating the number of recording units, the checksum, etc. are recorded.

Next, the ID area A shown in FIG.
2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The ID area A2 has a data structure as shown in FIG. 10. The ID area A2 has a 9-bit physical block address (Physical Block Address) A21.
Followed by a 39-bit ID information area (ID information area) A22.

As described above, since all data areas (A13 and A15) in one track consist of 448 blocks, the number of physical block addresses A21 contained in these data areas is also 448. Then, the physical block address A21 of these 448 is, for example, 1 as schematically shown in FIG.
The address value is given in such a manner as to be incremented from 0 to 447 in decimal notation in order from the physical block address A21 located at the head of the track.

Thus, for example, the recording / reproducing apparatus can appropriately handle the information in the ID information area A22 included in the data area in one track. Here, the data size of the ID information area A22 included in the data area in one track is determined as follows: 39 (Bit) × 448 (Block) = 17,472 (Bit) = 2,184 (Byte) , 2,184 bytes.

The type of ID area information stored in ID information area A22 shown in FIG.
12, each ID area information shown in FIG. 12 is included in the data area on one track.
184-byte ID information area A22,
.. Are stored according to a predetermined rule. Also,
In consideration of enabling the tape streamer drive to reliably read the ID area information, the same type of ID area information is recorded a plurality of times for each track in accordance with a predetermined rule.

In FIG. 12, row format I
D (Raw Format ID: 16 bit) indicates a basic format type for the magnetic tape. In the case of the present embodiment, for example, a track pitch, a data size of one frame, the number of blocks included in a track, Information such as the data size of the block, the tape length, the tape thickness, and the material of the tape are shown. Logical format ID (Logical
Format ID: 8 bit) indicates the type of recording format actually used.

The logical frame ID (Logical Frame I)
D: 8bit) is the last frame ID (Las
t Frame ID: 1bit, ECC frame ID (ECC Frame I
D: 1 bit) and logical frame number (Logical Fram)
e Number: 6bit). The last frame ID indicates whether or not the current frame including the ID area is the last frame in the group.
Indicates that the recording data in the data area of the current frame is ECC
(Error correction code).

As described above, one group includes 20 frames, and the logical frame number indicates the number of the frame in the current group.

The partition ID (Partition ID: 16bi)
t) indicates the partition number of the partition including the current frame.

The area ID (Area ID: 4 bits) indicates which area the frame belongs to.
The data ID (Data ID: 4 bit) indicates the type of data processing mode based on the recording format, and includes N-Position (4 bits) and N-Repeats (N-Repeats:
4bit) defines information on data corresponding to the multiple recording mode.

Group count (24 bits)
Indicates the total number of groups up to the group including the frame in the current partition. The file mark count (File-Mark Count: 32 bits) indicates the total number of file marks included from the start position to the current group in the current partition. The file mark is information indicating a delimiter of a data file in one partition.

Save set mark count (Save-Set M
“ark Count: 32 bit” indicates the total number of file marks included from the start position to the current group in the current partition. The save set mark is information indicating a delimiter of a data save position in one partition.

Record count (32 bits)
Indicates the total number of records included from the start position to the current group in the current partition. Absolute Frame Count: 2
4bit) indicates the total number of frames included from the start position to the current group in the current partition. An undefined (Reserved) area is provided in preparation for the addition of ID area information in the future.

Note that the definition of the ID area information and the number of bits given to each ID area information shown in FIG. 12 are merely examples, and may be changed according to actual use conditions.

Here, of the various ID area information shown in FIG.
(Area ID) will be described.

FIG. 13 shows the definition contents of the area ID. In this case, bit numbers (3-2-1-0) are assigned to the four bits forming the area ID. When each value of the bit number (3-2-1-0) is set to [0000] as shown in FIG. 13, it is defined as a device area (Device Area), and [0001] Is set as a reference area (Reference Area) when it is set to [0010], and a system log area (System Log Are
a). [0011] is undefined (Reserved).

[0100] is a data area (Data
Area [0101] is the EOD area (EOD Ar
ea), [0110] is undefined, and [0111] is other than the essential device area shown in FIG.
2 is defined as an option device area for performing loading / unloading. This optional device area will be described later.

In FIG. 13, in each column in which the value of the bit of the bit number (3-2-1-0) is indicated, the numbers in parentheses indicate the respective bit values in decimal notation. It is said.

FIG. 14 shows the data structure of the MIC. The capacity of the MIC is, for example, 2 megabytes, and fields F _{1 to} F ₄ are set in this area.

The field F ₁ contains a MIC header (MIC HEA).
DER), the tape information at the time of initialization and information for each partition are written. See MI
The C header includes manufacturing information F ₁₁ in which various information at the time of manufacturing is recorded, a serial number F ₁₂ , memory management information F ₁₃ , an operation mode flag F _14, unload position information F _{15, and the} like.

[0106] The unloading position information F ₁₅ is mainly and a position information of the magnetic tape 12 when it is unloaded from the tape streamer device 1 and the like. For example, Absolute Frame Numbe
r; AFN), partition number (Partition #), G
loop Count, Record Count, M
It is composed of ark1 Count, Mark2 Count and the like.

The field F ₂ contains the magnetic tape 12
Created corresponding to each partition actually recorded above, each system log (System Log) is stored,
A system log is recorded for each partition.
The area of the system log area on the magnetic tape 12 is formed so that information having the same contents as the system log area in the MIC can be written.

The field F ₃ contains user data (U
The information provided by the user (vendor or the like) regarding the tape cassette itself is stored, and if necessary, supplied to an external host computer 200 to be used for required processing control.

A field F ₄ contains a map (Map).
The area is used to store absolute position information of various data.

The tape streamer 1 unloads and loads the tape cassette having the magnetic tape 12 having the data area as described above. A specific example will be described, and the unloading and loading operations will be described below accordingly.

The flowchart of FIG. 15 shows a processing procedure in a loading operation when the tape streamer device 1 updates data recorded in the partition _Pn . FIG. 16 shows the loading operation of the magnetic tape 12 and the feeding operation of the magnetic tape 12.

The drive control of the magnetic tape 12 is performed by the motor drive and the servo circuit 150 as described above, and the drive control of the motor and the servo circuit 150 is performed by the system controller 161.

First, the tape streamer apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
As shown in step S1, the OD of the partition P _n-1 located at the time when the tape cassette is mounted
Load to A. This is the processing in FIG.

Here, the magnetic tape is positioned in the optional device area ODA of the partition P _n-1 at the time of loading, and this is because the magnetic tape was moved from the partition P _n at the time of unloading by the unloading operation of the tape streamer device 1. It is. That is, the recording or reproducing processing of data just prior to unloading is like made in a partition P _n, the tape streamer device 1, by the operation of unloading, immediately before such partition P _n partition P _{n- The} magnetic tape 12 is sent to the optional device area ODA provided at the last position in ₁ , and the tape cassette is ejected.

As described above, the ejection position on the tape when the tape is discharged, that is, the unloading position, is randomized for each ejection operation.

At steps S2 and S3, MI
The unloading position information recorded in C and the position information recorded in the mounted position are checked and compared. For example, the position information in the optional device area ODA is recorded in the ID. The tape streamer 1 compares the position information recorded in the ID with the position information stored in the MIC at the time of unloading. Thereby, it is confirmed whether the position at the time of unloading matches the position confirmed by loading.
If it is determined in step S3 that the position information matches, the tape streamer 1 searches the system area of the partition _Pn as shown in step S4, and uses the usage history information recorded in the system area. Read various information such as The processing performed here is the processing in FIG.

After reading the above various information, the tape streamer device 1 writes new data from the head position of the data area as shown in step S5. This processing is the processing shown in FIG.

After writing the data, the tape streamer 1 writes a new EOD to indicate the end position of the data, as shown in step S6. Then, the tape streamer device 1 performs step S7.
As shown in (5), the data stored in the MIC, that is, the tape use history information and the like are updated, and the update processing of the data is completed.

If it is determined in step S3 that the position information does not match, the tape streamer 1
As shown in step S8, the magnetic tape is rewound to the head position. Subsequently, as shown in step S9, error processing is performed, and the processing ends.

By writing data as described above, new data is overwritten on the conventional data. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the data area includes the overwritten data (New DATA) and the new EOD ( New
EOD), the old data (Old DATA) invalidated by overwriting, and the original EOD (Old EO).
D) is recorded.

Since the above-mentioned old data (Old DATA) area is naturally divided from the middle by the overwritten data (New DATA) and thus becomes invalid data, the old data (Old DATA) area is invalidated. ) Reading of the part data becomes impossible.

Therefore, the data area is made up of valid data and invalid data continuously formed in the recording / reproducing direction of the valid data.

The tape streamer device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided at the final position of the partition immediately before the partition being processed when an unload instruction is issued during the execution of recording or reproduction. The magnetic tape 12 is sent to the optional device area ODA, and the tape cassette is ejected.

On the other hand, it is also possible to send the magnetic tape 12 to the optional device area ODA provided at the last position in the partition where the unload command is issued, and discharge the tape cassette.

FIG. 18 shows that when the unload instruction is issued, the partition N-1 provided immediately before
(A) when the magnetic tape 12 is sent so as to be the optional device area ODA in the partition N, and the magnetic tape 12 is sent so as to be the optional device area ODA in the partition N located when the unload command is issued.
(B). Then, the partition N located immediately before the unload instruction is issued is, for example, updated by new data and is constituted by a data area. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, valid data (New DATA) It is composed of data (Old DATA).

When the magnetic tape 12 is sent to the optional device area ODA in the partition N currently located when the unload instruction is issued, if the data is updated in the partition whose data has been updated as described above, FIG. As shown in (b), the data must pass through a data area where invalid data exists.

However, invalid data (Old DATA)
Cannot, of course, be read. Therefore, when passing through such a data area, the tape streamer device 1
Cannot find the current position, and as a result, cannot search the target optional device area ODA, and cannot unload the tape cassette. That is, the tape streamer device 1 is configured as shown in FIG.
Optional device area ODA of partition N-1 immediately before partition N where the unload instruction was issued
By sending the magnetic tape 12, the tape cassette can be unloaded reliably even if the data is updated, because the data does not pass through the invalidated area.

Further, since there is no invalid data in the magnetic tape 12 sent as an operation at the time of unloading, the tape streamer device 1 determines, for example, whether or not there is invalid data in the feeding process. Unload processing can be performed quickly without performing exception processing. That is, the tape streamer apparatus 1 can unload any partition in the same sequence.

Also, for example, invalid data (Old DA)
TA), if the device is turned off at the same time, even if the recovery is performed in the opposite direction to the recording / reproducing direction, EOD is encountered before the system area (SYS) is found. It will be wrong position.

Next, the operation process for unloading and loading will be described. FIG. 19 shows a process from the state where the tape cassette is currently being executed to the point where the tape cassette is unloaded. FIG.
In FIG. 9, the numbers in parentheses indicate the operation order of the tape streamer.

FIG. 19 shows an operation for unloading a tape cassette having an MIC, an operation for unloading while storing various information in this MIC, and an operation for unloading various information in a system area provided in a partition. And then unloading the tape cassette.

First, an operation of unloading a tape cassette having an MIC, in which various information is stored in the MIC, will be described.

First, the tape streamer device 1 rewinds the magnetic tape from the currently located data area to the head position of the data area (1). For example, the start of the rewinding is executed by a command from the host computer 200 shown in FIG.

The magnetic tape 12 at the head position of the data area
After the rewinding of the magnetic tape, the magnetic tape is moved to a position in the optional device area ODA provided in the partition immediately before the partition to be the ejection position, specifically, a position randomized for each ejection operation as described above. 12 is rewound (2-2).

Here, the tape streamer 1 stores the tape use history information (system log) and the unload position information which is information of the unloaded position in the MIC of the tape cassette. The unload position information is, for example, a partition number.

Then, by the unloading operation,
The tape cassette is ejected from the tape streamer device 1 (3-2). For example, as a tape cassette discharging operation, the tape streamer device 1 appropriately moves the tape cassette in the device following the threading operation and, for example, raises the tape cassette to discharge the tape cassette. For example, the time required for a series of operations ((2-2) → (3-2)) is:
18 seconds.

As described above, the tape streamer device 1
By storing the position information in the MIC, it is possible to move to the previously terminated partition _Pn based on the unload position information stored in the MIC the next time it is remounted.

Therefore, the tape streamer device 1 can omit the unwinding of the entire magnetic tape 12 and can reduce the time for unloading the tape cassette.

Further, tape use history information and the like can be recorded in a system area provided in each partition. For example, when a tape cassette having no MIC is used, tape use history information is recorded in a system area provided in each partition. The unloading operation at this time is an operation from (1) to (5).

Similarly, in the unloading operation when the usage history information is recorded in the system area, the magnetic tape 12 is rewound from the current data area to the head position of the data area (1).

After rewinding to the head position of the data area, the recording start position of the system area is searched to record the history information in the system area (2-1). Tape use history information is recorded in the system area.

[0142] Upon completion of the data update of the system area, in order to discharge the tape cassette, to rewind the magnetic tape to an intermediate position of the optional device area ODA, which is provided in the partition P _n-1 immediately before the partition P _n (4).

Then, the tape streamer device 1 ejects the tape cassette by the unloading operation (5).

For example, when the tape use history information is recorded in the system area, the above series of operations ((2-1) →
The time required for (5)) is 30 seconds.

Here, as compared with the case where the above-described operation is performed on the tape cassette having the MIC, the operation for recording the usage history information in the system area ((2-1) →
The time of (3)) is long, for example, a difference of 12 seconds occurs.

Therefore, the tape streamer device is an MIC
Since the use history information and the position information are stored, it is not necessary to write the above information in the system area, so that the unloading operation can be completed at high speed.

When data cannot be recorded on the magnetic tape 12 due to the tab of the tape cassette for which data writing is prohibited, the MIC is not provided, and the magnetic tape 1 is not provided.
In the method of writing various information directly on the MIC, information cannot be written, of course. However, in the method of recording various information on the MIC, the tape use history information is stored in the MIC regardless of the operation state of the write-protect tab. Can be kept. Therefore, in the method of writing various information to the MIC, when the tape cassette is unloaded, the tape use history information stored in the MIC can be referred to.

For example, the tape streamer device 1 is
0, the unload position information and the tape use history information are stored in the MIC.

First, after the tape streamer device 1 receives an unload command from the host computer 200 shown in FIG. 1, the tape streamer device 1 terminates the currently executing process as shown in step S11.

Then, the tape streamer 1 rewinds the magnetic tape 12, passes through the system area provided at the head position in the partition being processed, and is continuously provided immediately before. Magnetic tape 1 up to the optional device area ODA of the partition
Rewind 2

After rewinding the magnetic tape 12, the tape streamer device 1 stores the tape use history information and the unload position information in the MIC of the tape cassette as shown in step S12 and subsequent step S13. .

Thereafter, in step S15, the tape streamer device 1 performs an unload operation, and then ejects the tape cassette as shown in step S16, and ends the unload operation.

Next, the loading operation will be described. FIG. 21 shows the option device area ODA of the partition N-1 by the operation at the time of the previous unloading.
7 shows the operation process when the tape cassette on which the magnetic tape 12 has been rewound is unloaded. In FIG. 21, the numbers in parentheses indicate the operation order of the tape streamer.

FIG. 21 shows the operation of loading a tape cassette having an MIC.
2 shows a loading operation while reading various information stored in a partition, and an operation of loading while reading various information recorded in a system area provided in a partition.

First, an operation of loading a tape cassette having an MIC, that is, an operation of reading various information stored in the MIC while reading the information will be described.

The tape streamer 1 performs a loading process on the mounted tape cassette (1). For example, in the loading performed here, the threading operation is performed after the tape cassette inserted into the apparatus is moved to a desired position.

Then, the tape streamer apparatus 1 reads the position information recorded in the ID of the optional device area ODA, and reads the MIC of the tape cassette.
Compare with the unload position information recorded in the
If the information matches, a search is performed for the position where the previous execution processing was performed.

That is, the tape streamer device 1 sends the magnetic tape 12 in the recording / reproducing direction from the partition N-1 at the present position, and executes the next partition at the position where the processing was executed immediately before the tape cassette was ejected. N is searched for the system area (2-
2) Standby state.

Since the tape streamer device 1 refers to the tape use history information stored in the MIC as the tape use history information at the time of the previous processing, the search only needs to confirm the final position of the system area.

For example, this series of operations ((1) → (2-
The time required for 2)) is 12 seconds.

In this way, the tape streamer device 1 moves to the partition N which was previously processed based on the position information stored in the MIC.

Since the tape streamer device 1 does not need to move from the beginning of the tape to the position where the previous execution processing was performed, as conventionally performed, the tape cassette can be loaded at a high speed. .

On the other hand, when the tape streamer apparatus 1 moves to the partition N where the previous execution processing has been performed while reading the tape use history information recorded in the system area, the tape streamer device 1 operates as in the case where various information is stored in the MIC. Then, the tape cassette mounted on the apparatus is loaded (1).

Then, in order to read the tape use history information, the tape streamer 1 searches the recording start position in the system area where the tape use history information is recorded (2-1).

When the tape streamer device 1 reaches the head position of the system area, it reads the tape use history information recorded in the system area (3). At the same time as the end of the data reading, the standby state is set as the end position of the system area.

For example, when the loading operation is completed by reading the usage history information recorded in the system area, the time required for the series of operations ((1) → (2-2)) is 24 seconds. .

Therefore, as compared with the case of performing the above-described operation on the tape cassette having the MIC, the operation (3) for reading the tape use history information from the system area requires a longer time, for example, 12 seconds.

Therefore, the tape streamer device 1
By storing the tape use history information in C, it is not necessary to read out the tape use history information from the system area, so that the loading operation can be completed at high speed.

For example, the tape streamer shown in FIG.
The unload position information and the tape use history information are read out according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, after the tape cassette is inserted, the tape streamer device 1 mounts the tape cassette and performs a loading process as shown in steps S21 and S22.

After performing the loading process, the tape streamer 1 reads the tape use history information and the unload position information from the MIC of the tape cassette, as shown in step S23 and subsequent step S24.

After reading various information from the MIC, the tape streamer device 1 sets
The tape is wound around the rotary head 131 shown in FIG. 1, and subsequently, as shown in step S26, the ID recorded in the optional device area ODA is read.

Then, the tape streamer 1 reads the position information stored in the ID as shown in step S27, and in step S27, reads the position information read from the ID and the unload position information read from the MIC. Is determined by comparison. That is, by comparing the position information, it is confirmed whether or not the position at the time of unloading recorded in the MIC and the currently loaded position match.

As a result of the comparison in step S27,
If it is determined that the read position information matches, the tape streamer device 1 is provided in a partition formed continuously with respect to the partition in the recording / reproduction direction, that is, in a partition immediately after the partition. The magnetic tape 12 is fed so as to be at the final position of the system area in which it is located, and the processing related to loading is completed.

If the result of the comparison in step S28 is that the position information does not match, the tape streamer 1 rewinds to the head position of the magnetic tape 12, performs error processing, and ends the processing. .

For example, the magnetic tape 12 used for error processing
Forcibly rewinding to the head is performed because the reel lock is intentionally released and there is a suspicion that the tape has been rewound.

Next, FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 illustrate the configuration of a tape cassette to be mounted on a tape streamer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the tape cassette 10 is composed of a pair of upper and lower halves 13 and 1 formed in a substantially rectangular shallow dish shape by a synthetic resin material, for example.
After combining them with each other such that their opening sides abut each other, they are connected by a plurality of setscrews to form a substantially box-shaped cartridge main body 15. The cartridge main body 15 accommodates therein a tape supply reel 16 and a tape take-up reel 17 in which a magnetic tape 12 is hung side by side in a longitudinal direction.

As shown in the figure, the cartridge main body 15 is provided with a rectangular display window 18 on the ceiling surface of the upper half 13 constituting the upper surface.
The state of the magnetic tape 12 wound around the tape supply reel 16 and the tape take-up reel 17 housed inside is made visible from the outside. Further, the cartridge body 15
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the tape supply reel 16 and the tape take-up reel 1 are provided on the lower half 14 constituting the bottom surface.
Hub fitting holes for allowing a part of the hub 7 to face outward and restricting the rotation of the tape supply reel 16 and the tape take-up reel 17 are provided corresponding to the respective reels. Various identification holes such as a tape length detection hole for detecting the length of the magnetic tape 12 or a tape specification identification hole for identifying the type of the magnetic tape 12 are provided on the bottom surface of the lower half 14. .

The tape supply reel 16 and the tape take-up reel 17 each include a cylindrical hub around which the magnetic tape 12 is wound, and a disk-shaped flange provided on one side of the hub. . The hub of the tape supply reel 16 and the tape take-up reel 17 is the cartridge body 1.
5 are rotatably housed in the cartridge body 15 by being fitted into the respective hub fitting holes.
The tape supply reel 16 and the tape take-up reel 17
The center of rotation of the hub is urged toward the lower half 14 by a reel pressing spring and a reel pressing plate (not shown) to prevent rattling in the cartridge body 15.

A lid member 26 for closing the front surface of the cartridge body 15 from which the magnetic tape is opened outward is rotatably assembled. The lid member 26 has a length substantially equal to the width of the cartridge main body 15, and has sidewalls 27 </ b> A and 27 </ b> B opposing each other to form a fulcrum at both ends, so that the entirety of the lid member 26 is substantially coaxial. It is formed in a character shape. A pin shaft is integrally formed on the inner surfaces of the side wall portions 27A and 27B so that the axes are aligned. This pin shaft is supported rotatably with respect to the cartridge body,
The lid member 26 can open and close the front surface of the cartridge body 15.

The tape cassette 10 has a terminal opening 51 on the back surface, and the auxiliary storage device 60 is mounted in the terminal opening. The auxiliary storage device 60 includes a nonvolatile memory MIC 62 mounted on a wiring board,
And a plurality of contact terminals 63 formed on a wiring board serving as input / output terminals of C62.

The MIC 62 is connected to the storage element via the contact terminal 63 and the connector during recording.
And an input / output control unit for controlling the input / output of data to / from the write / read control unit 163 of the tape streamer device connected thereto.

[0184]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, at least one tape provided on a tape-shaped recording medium is provided.
When the tape is ejected in the tape ejection area, randomizing the ejection position on the tape prevents the tape from being ejected at the same location, so that tape damage does not concentrate on one place In addition, the life of repeated loading / unloading of the tape can be extended.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a tape streamer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of a tape format for explaining the operation of the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation at the time of tape ejection.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation when a tape is mounted.

5 is a data configuration diagram showing a configuration of data on a magnetic tape to or from which data is written or read by the tape streamer device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a data configuration diagram showing a plurality of partitions formed on the magnetic tape and showing the data configuration of the partitions.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a physical configuration of the magnetic tape, showing a track arrangement on the magnetic tape and a configuration of track data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing data blocks in a data area on the magnetic tape.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another data block of the data area on the magnetic tape.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an ID area in the track.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing address values of physical block addresses.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing types of ID area information stored in an ID information area of the track.

FIG. 13 shows an area I included in the ID area information.
It is a figure showing the definition of D.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of data stored in an MIC mounted on the tape cassette.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing to be performed immediately after loading by the tape streamer device, and showing processing when updating data in a partition provided on the magnetic tape.

FIG. 16 is a diagram used to explain a process when a data area is updated by a process of updating data in a partition provided on the magnetic tape.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a data configuration in a partition whose data area has been updated by a process of updating data in a partition provided on the magnetic tape.

FIG. 18 shows a case where a magnetic tape is sent to an ODA in a partition N-1 formed in the previous area when an unload instruction is issued (a) and a position when an unload instruction is issued. ODA in partition N
FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a case where the magnetic tape is sent to the printer (b).

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the tape streamer apparatus unloads the tape cassette, the operation being performed while various information is stored in an MIC, and the operation performed while recording various information on a magnetic tape. It is.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed when the tape streamer device unloads the tape cassette.

FIG. 21 illustrates an operation when the tape streamer apparatus loads the tape cassette, in which the tape streamer apparatus reads various information stored in an MIC while performing the operation;
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a case where various types of information recorded in a system area of a magnetic tape are read out and performed.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed when the tape streamer device loads the tape cassette.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a tape cassette to which the tape streamer device is mounted, and is a perspective view seen from a direction in which a lid member is attached.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of a tape cassette to which the tape streamer device is mounted, and is a perspective view as viewed from the back.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 tape streamer device, 12 magnetic tape, 1
20 recording data processing system, 130 recording / reproducing unit, 1
40 reproduction data processing system, 150 motor drive and servo circuit, 161 system controller

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A tape recording / reproducing apparatus for ejecting a tape in at least one tape ejection area provided on a tape-shaped recording medium, wherein a signal is recorded and / or reproduced on the tape-shaped recording medium. Recording / reproducing means for performing the following; a traveling control means for controlling traveling of the tape-shaped recording medium; controlling operations of the recording / reproducing means and the traveling control means, and when ejecting the tape-shaped recording medium,
And a system control means for randomizing a tape position in the tape discharge area. 2. The system control means according to claim 1, wherein a position of the tape in the tape ejection area at the time of the tape ejection is determined.
2. The tape recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tape recording / reproducing apparatus is determined based on the number of times of mounting the tape-shaped recording medium and the usage time of the apparatus. 3. The recording / reproducing means has a rotating drum on which the tape-shaped recording medium is wound and guided and guided, and the system control means comprises a tape in the tape discharge area at the time of the tape ejection. 2. The tape recording according to claim 1, wherein the position is determined based on the number of times of loading of the tape-shaped recording medium and the integrated rotation time of the rotary drum, and the tape is unloaded at the tape position. / Reproducing device. 4. A tape ejecting method for ejecting a detachable tape-shaped recording medium from a tape recording / reproducing apparatus, wherein a position randomized for each ejection in at least one tape ejection area provided on the tape-shaped recording medium. And a step of unloading and discharging the tape at the randomized position in the tape discharge area.