JPS62110692A - Image information storing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the storage of the same index code by displaying an instruction to store an input index code when a stored index code and the input index code are dissident. CONSTITUTION:In a registration mode time, the start up of a magnetic tape device 6 and the movement of a head to an index code storing track on an endless tape are controlled through a CPU8 in a controller 1. Next, a read out index code via a recording and reproducing circuit 15 is stored at a RAM13 through a direct memory access control 14, and is compared with the input index code from a keyboard 21. And only when they are not coincident the instruction to store the input index code at the device 6 is displayed at a display part 22 through the CPU8. The storage of the same index code can be prevented by the instruction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for storing image information in an image information storage and retrieval device that can store image information such as a document and retrieve and output it as needed.

Conventionally, document images were stored and searched as they were.
There is a type of microfilm that records reduced images as is. However, recently, as an alternative to this, photoelectric conversion technology using laser light and CCD elements has been used to convert document images into pixels and convert them into electrical image signals. 2), which are recorded on optical disks using laser light, and those which are recorded at high density on magnetic storage media are becoming increasingly popular.

For example, in the latter type of magnetic storage media, dozens of A4-sized documents can be stored on an endlessly wound magnetic tube with a length of about 36 m. This is a very convenient storage system. The storage location of the sentence 41F image can also be stored as an index code on the same magnetic tape, and by inputting this index code as necessary, the document image corresponding to the index code can be searched. It is now possible to retrieve it as a hard copy.

However, with this method, if the index code to be stored when image information is stored is previously stored on the same magnetic tape, there is no means to notify this. However, there is a problem in that image information having the same index code may be stored on the same magnetic tape.

The object of the present invention is to provide an image information storage method that can prevent the storage of data.

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

1 and 2 show the configuration of an image information storage and retrieval device according to the present invention, in which a main controller 1 inputs an image according to input information from an input device 2 having a display function such as a keyboard display. Performs editing processing such as recording, playback, addition, insertion, and deletion of information and index information. Image information 3 such as a document is sent to a two-dimensional scanning device 4
This photoelectrically converted image information (video signal) is scanned two-dimensionally and photoelectrically converted. ll1l
The data is supplied to a recording device 5 or a magnetic tape device 6 via the control device 1. The recording device 5 receives image information from the two-dimensional scanning device 4 or reproduced image information from the magnetic tape device 6, converts it into a two-dimensional visible image, and outputs it as a hard copy 7.

FIG. 3 schematically shows the cassette tape and its feeding mechanism of the magnetic tape device 6. A fixed reel 22 that does not rotate is provided in the case 21, and the reel 22 has a width of, for example, A. An inch (about 12.7 m) and about 36 m long magnetic wire fzs is wound endlessly. When the cassette tape configured as described above is loaded, the innermost tape of the tape 23 wound around the reel 22 is inserted into the NFC window 22 &
is pulled out from the capstan 24 and the via f roller 25 in the direction of arrow a in the figure at a speed of about 5rr+/5
ee) and then rewound again to the outermost periphery of the tape 23 after being fed n times. Therefore, tape 23
rotates once in about 7.2 seconds. This chi f2s
One rotation of , as shown in FIG. Confirmation is made by optically detecting at 527. Further, the output signal of the detector 22 is used as a reference for detecting a block position on the tape 23 (described later). As shown in FIG. 4, the Qi 7023 has 200 recording tracks (track width approximately 40 μm, inter-track pitch approximately 52 μm) 28 parallel to the running direction aK.
is set. Here, the recording track 28 is
From the bottom track, ro, 1, 2. ...19
The track numbers are 8.199J, and two of them are located approximately in the middle (track numbers r99 and 100).
J, the track number "99" is a golden track) has unique index information (consisting of an index code and a recording address, and the recording address consists of a track number and a block number) corresponding to one unit of image information. 281 index recording tracks to be recorded, remaining 198 (
Track numbers "0-98, 101-199") are information recording tracks 282 for recording image information. Each recording track 28 is divided into 256 blocks in the tape length direction as shown in FIG.
Each block is sequentially ro, x, 2, . . . with the tape mark 26 as a reference. ...254, 255j and block numbers are assigned. In order to record or reproduce information signals on the tape 23, a recording/reproducing head (a two-gap magnetic head with an erasing function) 29 provided near the capstan 24 is moved in the running direction a by a head access mechanism (not shown). This is done by reciprocating in micron units in orthogonal directions and selecting an arbitrary recording track 28.

FIG. 5 shows the recording format of the index recording track 281. For 256 blocks, for example, every third block from the fourth block, that is, the fourth
, 7th, 10th, 13th, etc.
Index information is recorded n, these are the first frames (
IF), 2nd frame (2F), 3rd frame (3F)
, the fourth frame (4F), and so on. Note that the two blocks provided between each frame serve as an invalid information area (LG) for searching index information, which will be described later. Although this invalid information area is used as a gap in which nothing is recorded in this embodiment, it is also possible to record, for example, private information. Therefore, each frame consists of a frame start code (EOL), 256 items (IT) from 1st to 256th, horizontal parity check code (VP), recording gap (GAP)
, and an end-of-frame code (EOF). Each item also includes an index code (IDC) consisting of alphanumeric symbols of up to 16 characters, a track number (TNO) where the image information with this index code name is recorded, and the first track number where this image information is recorded. block number (BNO). Therefore, in this embodiment, 256 pieces of index information constitute one unit of index information group, and these pieces are recorded in one frame. The alphanumeric symbol of the index code consists of a 7-unit code and a 1-bit vertical/4 retit check code, and the track number and block number each consist of a 7-unit code and a 1-bit vertical check code. It consists of a parity check code. This index recording track 281 is
In order to shorten the search time for index information and eliminate the effects of dropouts, index information with exactly the same content is recorded multiple times. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the same index information is recorded four times for one revolution of the tape 23 every 21 frames. In the case of FIG. 6, the same index information is recorded for FDi%FD4, FD is the 1st frame, FD is the 22nd frame, FD3 is the 43rd frame,
FD starts from the 64th frame. Here, the above FD
It is called a file information group consisting of all the index information for the image information recorded on one tape 23.

Now, how image information is stored and retrieved will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

First, when the power is turned on, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 8 displays the display section 2. Figure 7 (,)
Display the guide text, "@) Kensaku", r (S))
The operator is guided and instructed to select a desired mode from among "Uron", "ρ) Saxophone", and "(C) Henkora". Therefore, the operator uses the keypad 21 to select the desired mode. For example, the key Ri is pressed in the search mode, the key S is pressed in the registration mode, the key Di is pressed in the deletion mode, and the key C is pressed in the change mode. In this way, the knee line key (NL)
) is pressed, the CPU 8 checks whether the key S is pressed and determines whether the selected ntc mode is the registration mode. As a result of this determination, for example, search mode,
When the delete mode or the change mode is selected, processing is performed according to the selected mode. Also, if the registration mode is selected, C
The PU8 displays the information shown in Figure 7(b) on the display 82□,
The operator is guided and instructed to enter the index information of the image information to be registered.

Therefore, the operator uses the keyboard 21 to input index information. At this time, index information is displayed next to the guide instruction displayed on the display section 22.

In this way, when the initial key (INIT) is pressed -Gn, the CPU 8 displays the guidance text shown in FIG. 7(a) on the display section 22, and returns to the state where the mode can be specified. However, the initial key (INIT) was not pressed and the knee line key (N
When L) is pressed, it is determined whether index information has been input. As a result of this judgment, if index information has been input, the CPU 8 operates the magnetic tape device 6 to run the tape 23 and position the head 29 on the index recording track 281,
81 starts playing. Then, CPU8 uses DMA (
Direct Memory Access Control, ) 14
By giving a transfer command for one frame to
14 gives a reproduction command to the recording and reproduction circuit 15. Then, the recording/reproducing circuit 15 receives the reproduction signal from the head 29, and then the recording/reproducing circuit 15 receives the recording start index information (n, which is added next to the last index information recorded on the index recording track 281). (consisting of a special code and a recording start address at which to record the next new image information), the DMA 14 starts the recording/reproducing circuit 1.
The index information group in the frame in which the above-mentioned recording start index information, which is accepted by the controller 5, is present is stored in the RAM (random access memory) 13. and C
PU 8 is the index information and RAM that was created manually.
It is compared with the index information sequentially retrieved from the first item of the index information group stored in 13 to determine whether matching index information is recorded. As a result of this determination, for example, if matching index information exists, the CPU& displays the message shown in FIG. 7(c) on the display unit 22, indicating that matching index information exists, and The operator is prompted to select whether or not to erase the current image and replace it with the information that is currently being recorded. Therefore, the operator presses the new input key (NL) when it is okay to erase the existing image information and replace it with the image information that is about to be recorded, and then presses the key Y in the keyboard 21. - Press the line key (NL) k and then press the key Nft on the keyboard 21. Therefore, when the new line key (NL) and key N are pressed, the CPU
8 again displays the guidance text shown in FIG. 7(b) on the display section 22, and instructs the operator to find the index information of the image information to be registered. Then, the same operation is repeated. Also,
When knee-2 ink (NL) and key Y are pressed, CP
U8 displays the guidance text shown in FIG. 7(d) on the display unit 2 and instructs the operator to set the image information 3 in the two-dimensional scanning device 4.

When image t#@3 is set based on this guide, the CPU
8 confirms that it has been set, and writes the recording start address to which all new image information should be recorded, the track number (TNO) and block number (BNO) that constitute the RAM 1.
3. Read out from among the index information group stored in 3. In response to this, the CPU 8 operates the two-dimensional scanning device 4, temporarily stores the image information from the two-dimensional scanning device 4 in the page buffer (PB) 12, and transfers the contents of the page buffer 12 to the magnetic tape device 6. supply

In the above operation, it is checked whether the index information input from the keyboard 21 and the index information recorded in the image information recording section 6 match.

If there is no matching index information, after recording the index information, the CPU 8 displays the guide characters shown in FIG. Instruct the operator to
After that, it works the same way.

By the way, the two-dimensional scanning device 4 two-dimensionally scans image information 3 such as a set document using a laser beam and photoelectrically converts the image information 3. This photoelectrically converted image information is stored in the line buffer 10 via the selector 91 for each -scanning line. At this time, if one unit (one page) of image information is stored as it is, a very large capacity storage circuit is required.

However, since image information often contains a great deal of redundancy, it is advantageous to store this n compressed (less redundant). Therefore, in this example:
By supplying the line information stored in the line buffer 1117 to the signal compression circuit 11 via the selector 92, band compression is performed by the well-known MH (Modifier-Hoffman) conversion, and the compressed line information is sent to the selector. The data is supplied to the page buffer 12 via 93 and stored sequentially. When all the image information for one unit is stored in the page buffer I2, the CPU 8 moves the head 29 to the information recording track 282 where new image information is to be recorded, and after that, the image information in the page pack anno 2 is By supplying each scanning line to the magnetic chip #L6, that is, the head 29, via the selector 94, the above-mentioned information is applied to the specified block, that is, the block two blocks after the block in which image information has already been recorded. Start recording new image information.

After that, when all the image information for one unit has been recorded, C
The PU 8 reads the contents of a block counter (not shown) at that time and checks whether the value is smaller than the block number r254J of the last recordable block. Here, the block counter is provided in the CPU 8 and is cleared by the output of the mark detector 27.
A clock pulse (
The count is increased by a period of about 28 ms), and one revolution of the chive 23 counts from 0 to 255. As a result of the above check, if the value of the block counter is smaller than r254J, the content of the read 9 counter, that is, the block number is r+
3Jl, is stored in RAM 13 as an index search memory along with the track number at the time of levering, and "25
4", set the track number stored in the RAM IJ to 2 and change the track number.
tr+I J. That is, by doing this, the recording start address (track number, block number) at which the next new image information is to be recorded is stored in the RAM 13. Please note that the contents of the professional and counter counters are “25
4”, that is, one information recording track 282
If the recording of one unit of image information is not completed even when the last block (block number r254j) is reached, C
At that point, the PU 8 temporarily stops recording and moves the head 29 to the next new adjacent information recording track 282.
The remaining image information is continuously recorded, and when all is completed, the recording start address is stored in the RAM JJ in the same manner as above. At this time, the CPU 8 displays the track number and block number of the recording start address on the display section of the input device 2, thereby allowing the operator to know the remaining usable information recording tracks and blocks. Note that the head 29 determines from which block of which information recording trunk new image information should be recorded immediately after the chip f23 of the magnetic chip device 6 starts running.
The index recording track 281 is played back, and recording start index information is added next to the last index information recorded on the index recording track 281.
In other words, the track number (TNO) and block number (BNO) in the last item (IT) in which a unique special code (other than alphanumeric symbols) is recorded in the index code (IDC) section. il-detect, sora'i ra
This is possible by storing it in M13.

In this way, once new image information has been recorded,
The index information of the image information is inch 0. Kusu P8
) Tora, jri 28I, t-, b, CPU
IJ indexes the head 29 to the recording track 281
and record the index information. In other words, if the new image information just recorded is the 356th one (this is immediately after Chive 23 starts running, check what frame and what item number the item with the special code is in) ), the second frame (2F) of the file information group v D J
100th item (100IT), file information group F
The 100th item of the 23rd frame (23F) of D2 (
100IT), the 100th item (100fT) of the 44th frame (44F) of the 7-aisle information group FD3, the 100th item (100fT) of the 65th frame (65F) of the 7-aisle information group FD4
It is only necessary to repeatedly record the index code, track number, and block number of new image information four times for each item (100 IT). However, the index information that has already been recorded is
DJ ~ FD4's second (D7V-mu (2F,
23F, 44F.

It is very difficult to record new index information in addition to the 99th item (99IT) of 65F). Because, as mentioned above, Qi f23
Because the is running at high speed, the 99th item and the 10th item
Gear between 0 items.

It is easy to create loops and become discontinuous. Therefore, in this embodiment, a processing method as described below is used.

For example, if the invalid information area (LG) between frame 7; A transfer command for one frame is given to the transfer command.

Then, the DkM 14 receives the reproduction signal from the head 29 by giving a reproduction command to the recording and reproduction circuit 15.
Afterwards, when the recording/reproducing circuit 15 detects a frame start code (EOL), the DMA 14 is activated by the CPU 8.
The reproduction signal received by the recording/reproducing circuit 15 and the index information group of the second frame are
Jj! r: Store directly in a designated area of RAM 13.

Then, the recording/reproducing circuit 15 receives a frame end code (E
OF), the DMA 14 stops operating. Then, the CPU 8 starts operating again, detects the special code stored in the area corresponding to the 100th item in the RAM l3, and sets the recording start index information including the special code to the new image information index. Rewrite the code (IDC), track number (TNO), and block number (BNO). When this process is completed, the CPU 1i1 inputs the special code and the recording start address (track number and block number) at which the next new image information stored above is to be recorded in the area corresponding to the 101st item in the RAM IJ. Writes recording start index information consisting of. When this process is finished, C
The PU 8 sends an erase command to the recording/reproducing circuit 15,
By giving a reverse transfer command for one frame to the DMA 14, the recording contents of each second bundle of frames (2F, 23F, 44F, and 65F) of the file information group FDI-FD4 are transferred by the head 29. At the same time as erasing n, the new index information group for one frame that has been re-edited in the RAM IJ as described above is transferred to the second frame of the file information group FDI through the recording/reproducing circuit 15.
The 23rd frame of file information group FD2, the 44th frame of file information group FD3, and file information group FD
The data is sequentially recorded in the 65th frame of 4. In this way, storage 2 of one unit of image information and registration of its index information are completed. A flowchart of the main part of the above operation is shown in FIG.

Next, the search and reproduction output of the image information recorded as described above will be explained. Now, input device It2
When a cross-piece command and an index code for necessary image information are input from the CPU 8, the CPU 8 causes the tape 23 to run and the head 29 to move to the index recording track 2.
81, and the reproduction of that trumpet 281 is started. For example, if the third block (block number "3") of the tape 23 is currently passing through the head 29, the CP
U8 gives a transfer command for one frame to DMA I4. Then, the DMA I 4 is connected to the recording/reproducing circuit 15.
By giving a reproduction command to the head 29, the recording/reproducing circuit 15 receives a reproduction signal from the head 29. Then, when the recording/reproducing circuit 15 detects a frame start code (EOI), D
MA14 temporarily stops the CPU 8 and starts recording/reproducing circuit 1.
5 directly stores the received reproduction signal, that is, the index information group of the first frame, in a designated area of the RAM 13. Then, the recording/reproducing circuit 15 receives a frame end code (
When detecting EOF), the DMA 14 stops operating.

Then, the CPU 8 sequentially searches for the same index code as the index code of the required image information from the index information group of the first frame transferred to the RAM 13, starting from the first item by comparing it with the input index code. I'll go. During this time, the invalid information area (LG) between the first frame and the second frame is
i1'' has passed.

At this time, for example, for all the index codes in the first frame, if the first to fifth characters of the head are different from the required index code, that is, the input index code, the first frame The search for the index code for the item is completed in a very short time. Therefore, in such a case, CPU,! After confirming that the content of the block counter is less than "7" (below the 6th block), in other words, confirming that the second frame 5 has not yet passed Herad 29, and then washing it. , again gives a transfer command for the next frame to DMA l4. Then, through the same operation as in the case of the first frame described above, the index information group of the second frame is stored in the RAM 13, and the CPU 8 starts searching for it. At this time, for example, 2 in the 27th frame
For most of the 56 index codes, up to the 14th character at the beginning matches the input index code, but the last two characters are different, and the index code input in the index information group of the second frame is different. If there is no index code that is the same as the index code that was used, searching for the index code for the second frame will take a very long time. Therefore, during this period, the third and fourth frames have already passed through the head 29, and it is assumed that the search for the second frame is completed at the 14th block. Then, CPU 8
The contents of the block counter (which is "14" at this time) are read out, and it is memorized that the frames that could not be searched are the third and fourth frames. Similarly, this search operation is repeated for the fifth frame, the sixth frame, and so on until the same index coat as the required index coat is found.

However, if you cannot find an index code that is the same as the index code you need, and you search for items whose index code is a special code, you will find that no more index information is recorded. Disable search for file information group FDI5,
The CPU 8 starts searching for the third and fourth frames that have become unsearchable. That is, the gap between the file information groups FDI and FD2 is
After passing through, the search is started for the third seven frames, that is, the 24th frame, and the fourth frame, that is, the 25th frame, of the file information group FD2. However, the second
Even in the 4th frame, there is no necessary index code, and there are many similar codes, so the search time is long9.
, at the end of the search, Fubuki 25 frame is head 29
has passed, the CPU 8 starts searching for the fourth frame, that is, the 46th frame, of the next file information group FD3. At this time, if index code 9 identical to the required index code (input index code) is not found, then C
PU8 uses the track number (TNO) and block number (BNO) following this index code (rDc) f
, reads out the index information group (46th frame) in RAM Js and stores it again in the specified area of RAM l3. Then, the CPU 8 moves the head 29 to the information recording track 282 corresponding to the stored track number and starts reproducing that track. At this time, since the block counter is operating, if the count matches the block number stored above, C
PU& is a reproduction signal from that point, that is, the entire image information is stored in the page buffer 12 via the recording and reproduction circuit 15 and the selector 93. When all the reproduced image information for one unit is stored in the page buffer 12, the CPU
8 supplies the image information (compressed information) to the signal expansion circuit 16 for each scanning line, performs band expansion by J, MH inverse conversion, and restores the original image information to the selector 91.
The data are sequentially supplied to the line buffer 10 via the following. The line information supplied to the line buffer 1θ is sequentially supplied to the recording device 5 via the selector 92 as a serial information signal synchronized with the recording timing of the recording device 5. As a result, the recording device 5 receives reproduced image information. This outputs the data as a hard copy 7.

As mentioned above, the stored index code is compared with the index code input from the input device, and if the comparison result does not match, a memorization instruction is displayed, so the operator can There is no need to remember the index code attached to the image information stored in the image information, and the index code corresponding to the image information to be stored can be accurately stored. therefore,
Since the same index code is not assigned to different image information, in other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the index code and the image information, it is possible to reliably find the desired image information when searching, improving search performance. can be achieved.

In the above embodiment, the image information storage and retrieval device includes:
Although the case has been described in which the present invention is implemented in a magnetic tape device that records or reproduces image information such as documents, the present invention can be similarly implemented in a magnetic tape device that records or reproduces other information. In addition, although the case has been described in which it is applied to a magnetic tape device that uses an endless magnetic chip as a recording medium, for example, a magnetic chip device that uses a normal magnetic chip that is not endless, or a magnetic disk device that uses a magnetic disk as a recording medium, and furthermore, Optical disk devices that use optical disks as recording media, etc.
It can be similarly implemented in other similar information storage devices.

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the index code inputted from the input device is compared with the index code stored together with the image information, and a storage instruction is displayed when there is no match according to the comparison result. As a result, there is no need to remember index codes attached to image information stored in the past, and it is possible to provide an image information storage method that can prevent the same index code from being recorded.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings are for explaining one embodiment of the present invention.
The figure is a schematic configuration diagram of the image information storage and retrieval device.
3 is a block diagram schematically showing the cassette tape of the magnetic tape device and its feeding mechanism, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the track structure and block structure of the magnetic tape. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the recording format of the index recording track in detail, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the recording format of the index recording track for the circumference of the magnetic tape, FIG. The figure is a diagram showing an example of display on the display unit. 1... Main control device, 2... Input device, 21... Keyboard, 22... Display unit, 3... Image information, 4...
... Two-dimensional scanning device, 5... Recording position, 6... Magnetic tape device, 7... Hard copy, 8... CPU,
13...RAM, 14...DMA, z5...
Recording/reproducing circuit, 23... Magnetic tape (recording medium), 2
8... Recording track, 281... Index recording track, 282... Information recording track, 29...
Recording/reproducing head (magnetic head), F... frame, L
G...Invalid, information area, I...Item, rD
c...index code, TNO...track number, BNO...block number, FD1 to FD4...
Fine information group. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takeshi Suzue, Hiko Figure 1 Figure 2 (a) □-5゜wa. (C) Toguchi 7 Doui Twin Day/7 Suarisa 7 Duyosul (Y/N)? Figure 7

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An apparatus for storing image information together with an index code assigned to each piece of image information, comprising: means for reading out the stored index code; an input device for inputting the index code; means for comparing the index code input from the input device with the index code input from the input device; and means for displaying an instruction to store the index code input from the input device when the comparison result by the means does not match. A method for storing image information, characterized by comprising the following.