JPS6032177A - Cassette tape device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a cassette tape device with which the cassette tape operability is improved by providing a nonvolatile memory circuit consisting of a semiconductor element into a cassette case storing a magnetic tape serving as a recording medium having a low speed and large capacity. CONSTITUTION:In a record mode the signals given from an input terminal 8 are recorded on a magnetic tape in a cassette case 12 via a record signal control circuit 9, a record amplifier 10 and a record head 11. At the same time, the information needed for the record contents and its related information are stored to a nonvolatile memory circuit 4 in the case 12 via an input device 20 and a system control circuit 19. In a reproduction mode the information is first read out of the circuit 4, and both a tape drive mechanism 18 and a reproduction signal control circuit 15 are controlled by the circuit 19. At the same time, the signals are obtained from the magnetic tape in the case 12 through a reproduction signal output terminal 6 and via a reproduction head 13 and a reproduction amplifier 14. The information of the circuit 4 is displayed when necessary to a display device 21.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cassette tape device used for recording and reproducing video/audio and computer data program programs.

Conventional Structure and Problems Traditionally, cassette tape has become rapidly popular due to its small size, ease of handling, and high performance. For example, bidets are widely used for video recording, compact cassettes and ultra-small cassettes are used for audio recording, and cassette tapes of various standards are widely used for recording computer programs and data.

Cassette tapes are considered to be popular because they have a high recording density despite their low price, but on the other hand, they also have some problems unique to tapes.

One of them is the slow access time caused by the tape winding speed. For example, computer cassette tapes are sometimes provided with a section called a directory at the beginning of the tape to record file names, but each time the execution contents are changed midway through, the tape must be rewound to the beginning and the file name/S. After the reference, the tape must be fed again to the required position, leading to problems such as a reduction in processing speed. These are fundamental problems with tape devices, and occur because all necessary information is recorded on tape.

In addition, although there is no part equivalent to a directory on ordinary video and audio cassette tapes, the recorded contents can be checked by writing on the label attached to the surface of the cassette case or on the attached memo. It is being said. This has problems in long-term storage and rewriting when frequently used, and it is also difficult to read electrically.

Purpose of the Invention The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a cassette tape that can significantly improve the functionality and operability inherent in the cassette tape by adding functions with a simple configuration to the cassette tape. The purpose is to provide equipment.

Structure of the Invention The present invention provides a magnetic tape, a tape guide for stably running the magnetic tape, a cassette case for storing the magnetic tape, and a nonvolatile memory circuit comprising a semiconductor element inside the cassette tape, and this memory circuit. This is a cassette tape device equipped with a part of a connector for connecting the storage circuit to an external circuit, and information about the contents recorded on the magnetic tape inside the storage circuit, such as title items of recorded contents and those on the magnetic tape. By storing absolute addresses, etc., the functionality and operability of the cassette deck, which is an applied device, can be greatly expanded.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The present invention comprises a magnetic tape, which is a large-capacity but low-speed recording medium, and a small-capacity, but high-speed storage medium that operates purely electrically and has movable parts inside a cassette tape case. It is characterized in that it coexists with a semiconductor nonvolatile memory circuit that does not require any data and whose contents can be easily rewritten.

FIG. 1 shows an internal view of a cassette tape device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a cassette tape case, 2 is a magnetic tape, 3 is a tape running guide body including a reel hub and a tape guide, 4 is a nonvolatile memory circuit using a semiconductor element,
6 is a connector for connecting the nonvolatile memory circuit 4 to an external circuit, 6 is a conductor for connecting the nonvolatile memory circuit 4 and the connector 6, and 7 is a connector between the magnetic tape 2 and an external recording/reproducing magnetic head. contact window.

Although the cassette tape in FIG. 1 is modeled after an audio compact cassette tape, other types of cassette cases may be used.

An example of the operation of the cassette tape device of this embodiment configured as described above will be explained with reference to FIG.

8 is an input terminal for a signal to be recorded, 9 is a recording signal control circuit such as an equalizer, 1o is a recording amplifier, 11 is a recording head, 12 is a cassette tape device of the present invention, and 13 is a playback head. Note that the recording head 11 and the reproducing head 13 may be used in common. 14 is a reproduction amplifier, 16 is a reproduction signal control circuit, and 16 is a reproduction signal output terminal. and 17 is a connector terminal for connecting to a non-volatile memory circuit made of a semiconductor element housed in the cassette tape case;
It outputs control signals to the cassette tape 12, signals such as recording content items, etc. 18 is a running mechanism for driving the cassette tape; 19 is a system control circuit; 20
21 is an input device consisting of a keyboard or the like, and 21 is a display device.

First, during recording, a signal from the input terminal 8 is recorded on a magnetic tape in a cassette tape 12 via a recording signal control circuit 9, a recording amplifier 10, and a recording head 11. In addition, information necessary for the recorded content and related information are input to the input device 20. The data is stored in the nonvolatile storage circuit 4 in the cassette tape 12 via the system control circuit 19. At the time of playback, first, information inside the nonvolatile memory circuit 4 in the cassette tape 12 is read out, and the system control circuit 19 controls the tape running mechanism 1.
8. While controlling the reproduction signal control circuit 16, a signal is obtained from the reproduction signal output terminal 16 through the magnetic tape in the cassette tape 12, the reproduction head 13, and the reproduction amplifier 14.

Information stored in the nonvolatile memory circuit 4 within the cassette tape 12 is displayed on the display device 21 as necessary.

In the manner described above, it is possible to provide many functions not found in conventional cassette tapes.

Effects of the Invention The present invention complements the characteristics of both, by providing a non-volatile memory circuit using a semiconductor element, which is a high-speed memory element, in a cassette case that houses a magnetic tape, which is a low-speed, large-capacity recording medium. The non-volatile memory circuit stores information related to recording and reproduction of magnetic tape, regardless of the recording and reproduction of that magnetic tape.

This makes it possible to realize an excellent cassette tape device that can be read and has many functionalities not found in conventional cassettes.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an internal view showing one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing an example of the same operation. 1...Cassette case, 2...
Magnetic tape, 3... Tape running guide body, 4.
...Nonvolatile memory circuit, 6...Connector.

Claims (1)

[Claims] A magnetic tape, a tape running means for running the magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory circuit using a semiconductor element, and a connector means for connecting the memory circuit to an external circuit are housed in a cassette tape case, and the A cassette tape device characterized in that it is configured to drive a magnetic tape to record and reproduce necessary information, and also to enable a nonvolatile memory circuit to record and reproduce information related to the recording and reproduction of the magnetic tape.