Magnetic tape cartridge, cartridge management system, reading method, and program

Abstract

To provide a magnetic tape cartridge, a cartridge management system, a reading method, and a program enabling accurately reading an identifier.SOLUTION: A magnetic tape cartridge includes a case on which an identifier is displayed, and a storage medium in which reading condition information that is information regarding a condition for reading the identifier is stored.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a magnetic tape cartridge, a cartridge management system, a reading method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a reading control device that controls the reading of identification information attached to a cartridge arranged in a certain direction. The reading control device includes an image acquisition means that acquires an image of the identification information in accordance with reading conditions stored in a storage means and associated with the reading position of the identification information, and a condition control means that changes the reading conditions if the identification information cannot be read based on the acquired image, and updates the reading conditions stored in the storage means with the changed reading conditions if the identification information can be read based on the image acquired by the image acquisition means under the changed reading conditions.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a library device. The library device includes a media storage cabinet with multiple storage cells for storing storage media with barcode labels attached, a recording / playback device that uses the storage media to record or play back information, a media transport device that transports the storage media between the media storage cabinet and the recording / playback device, and a reading device mounted on the media transport device that optically reads the barcode labels on the storage media by line scanning with a one-dimensional image sensor. The library device is characterized by having an inventory processing unit that reads the barcode labels of the recording media by scanning each of them multiple times while moving the media transport device and notifies the stored media information, and an error cause identification processing unit that extracts error data from the reading results obtained by the inventory processing unit to determine the presence or absence of a barcode label, and performs a predetermined retry process if it determines that a barcode label is present, or reports the determination result without performing the retry process if it determines that a barcode label is not present.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a library device. The library device is a non-contact type library device for storage media, and is characterized by including means for tilting (or rolling) the attitude of the barcode reader when an unreadable signal is output from the barcode reader, and means for re-reading after tilting (or rolling). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-122484 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. WO2005 / 004142 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-22072 Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the technology disclosed herein provides a magnetic tape cartridge, a cartridge management system, a reading method, and a program that enable accurate reading of an identifier compared to when the identifier is read without taking into account information regarding reading conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a magnetic tape cartridge comprising a case on which an identifier is displayed and a storage medium on which read condition information, which is information regarding the conditions for reading the identifier, is stored.

[0008] A second aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a magnetic tape cartridge according to the first aspect, in which the reading condition information includes optical condition information, which is information about the optical conditions for optically reading the identifier, and / or label information, which is information about the label on which the identifier is printed.

[0009] A third aspect of the technology disclosed herein is a magnetic tape cartridge according to the second aspect, in which the optical condition information includes at least one of reflectance information, which is information relating to reflectance, light source output information, which is information relating to the output of the light source, and exposure time information, which is information relating to the exposure time.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the third aspect, in which the reflectance information includes information indicating the relationship between the reflectance and the reading angle.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the third or fourth aspect, in which the exposure time information includes information indicating a specified value of the exposure time.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the light source output information includes information indicating a reflectance according to the output of the light source.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the second aspect, in which the label information includes material information that is information indicating the material of the label.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the second aspect, in which the label information includes surface condition information that is information relating to the surface condition of the label.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the eighth aspect, in which the surface condition information includes information indicating the presence or absence of a laminate film on the surface of the label.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, in which the storage medium is a cartridge memory.

[0017] An eleventh aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the identifier includes a one-dimensional image and / or a two-dimensional matrix image.

[0018] A twelfth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a cartridge management system applied to a magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, comprising a processor and a reading device that reads an identifier, wherein the processor acquires reading condition information stored in a storage medium and causes the reading device to read the identifier based on the reading condition information.

[0019] A thirteenth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the cartridge management system according to the twelfth aspect, in which the processor changes the reading settings of the reading device when reading the identifier based on the reading condition information.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a reading method that includes acquiring read condition information, which is information regarding the conditions for reading an identifier stored in a storage medium of a magnetic tape cartridge and displayed on a case of the magnetic tape cartridge, and reading the identifier based on the read condition information.

[0021] A fifteenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute processing including acquiring read condition information, which is information regarding the conditions for reading an identifier stored in a storage medium of a magnetic tape cartridge and displayed on the case of the magnetic tape cartridge, and reading the identifier based on the read condition information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cartridge management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a magnetic tape cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an identifier displayed on a magnetic tape cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a magnetic tape drive according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a state in which a magnetic field is emitted from the underside of a magnetic tape cartridge according to an embodiment by a first non-contact read / write device. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a cartridge management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of functions of a library controller included in the cartridge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of functions of a library controller included in the cartridge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of functions of a library controller included in the cartridge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a reading control process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of functions of a library controller included in a cartridge management system according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of functions of a library controller included in a cartridge management system according to a second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a third modified example, illustrating an example of an aspect in which optical condition information is stored in a cartridge memory. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of functions of a library controller included in the cartridge management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of functions of a library controller included in a cartridge management system according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 16]FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a fifth modified example, illustrating an example of how label information is stored in a cartridge memory. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a sixth modified example, illustrating an example of a mode in which reading condition information is stored in a cartridge memory. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an identifier displayed on a magnetic tape cartridge according to a seventh modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0024] NVM is an abbreviation for "Non-volatile memory". CPU is an abbreviation for "Central Processing Unit". GPU is an abbreviation for "Graphics Processing Unit". RAM is an abbreviation for "Random Access Memory". EEPROM is an abbreviation for "Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory". EL is an abbreviation for "Electronic Luminescent". LCD is an abbreviation for "Liquid Crystal Display". SSD is an abbreviation for "Solid State Drive". HDD is an abbreviation for "Hard Disk Drive". USB is an abbreviation for "Universal Serial Bus". ASIC is an abbreviation for "Application Specific Integrated Circuit". FPGA is an abbreviation for "Field-Programmable Gate Array". SoC is an abbreviation for "System-on-a-chip". PLC is an abbreviation for "Programmable Logic Controller". IC is an abbreviation for "Integrated Circuit." RFID is an abbreviation for "Radio Frequency Identifier." CCD is an abbreviation for "Charge-Coupled Device." LED is an abbreviation for "light-emitting diode." PET is an abbreviation for "Polyethylene terephthalate."

[0025] [First embodiment] As an example, and as shown in FIG. 1, a cartridge management system 10 includes a magnetic tape library 12, a library controller 14, and a host computer 16.

[0026] The magnetic tape library 12 includes a storage shelf 22 that stores a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges 20 and one or more magnetic tape drives 30. The storage shelf 22 is provided with a plurality of cartridge storage cells 24, a plurality of drive storage cells 26, and a transport mechanism 28. The magnetic tape cartridges 20 are an example of a "magnetic tape cartridge" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the cartridge management system 10 is an example of a "cartridge management system" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0027] Each cartridge storage cell 24 has a size that can store, for example, one magnetic tape cartridge 20, and each cartridge storage cell 24 stores a predetermined number of magnetic tape cartridges 20, for example, one each. The cartridge storage cells 24 are arranged in a 10-row by 5-column grid pattern, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 1, 10 rows by 5 columns of cartridge storage cells 24 are shown, but this is merely an example, and there may be more than one. Also, although a grid-like arrangement is shown here, this is merely an example, and other arrangement methods may be used.

[0028] 1, the direction toward the top of the paper is the upward direction, and the direction toward the bottom of the paper is the downward direction, as indicated by double-headed arrow 25. Also, as indicated by double-headed arrow 27, the direction toward the left of the paper is the leftward direction, and the direction toward the right of the paper is the rightward direction.

[0029] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the rows of cartridge storage cells 24 are assigned row numbers 1 to 10 from the top in Fig. 1, and the columns of cartridge storage cells 24 are assigned column symbols A to E from the left in Fig. 1. Using these row numbers and column symbols, each cartridge storage cell 24 is assigned a cell name to identify the position of the cartridge storage cell 24. For example, the cartridge storage cell 24 located in the first row of column A is assigned the cell name "A1."

[0030] Each drive storage cell 26 houses one magnetic tape drive 30. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , of the four drive storage cells 26 arranged vertically, the topmost drive storage cell 26 houses a first magnetic tape drive 30-1, and the second-highest drive storage cell 26 houses a second magnetic tape drive 30-2. Note that, although the example shown in FIG. 1 shows four drive storage cells 26, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the number of drive storage cells 26 may be one or more. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first magnetic tape drive 30-1 and the second magnetic tape drive 30-2, they will be simply referred to as "magnetic tape drives 30."

[0031] A magnetic tape cartridge 20 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30. The library controller 14 outputs a tape drive drive signal to the magnetic tape drive 30. The tape drive drive signal is a signal that instructs the magnetic tape drive 30 to drive. In accordance with the tape drive drive signal, the magnetic tape drive 30 reads data from the magnetic tape MT housed in the magnetic tape cartridge 20 and writes data to the magnetic tape MT.

[0032] The transport mechanism 28 transports the magnetic tape cartridges 20 between the cartridge storage cells 24 and the magnetic tape drives 30. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the transport mechanism 28 includes an upper bar 28A, a lower bar 28B, a pair of horizontally movable robots 28C, a vertical bar 28D, and a vertically movable robot 28E. The upper bar 28A is fixed to the upper part of the storage shelf 22 so as to extend horizontally. The lower bar 28B is fixed to the lower part of the storage shelf 22, parallel to the upper bar 28A.

[0033] The pair of horizontally movable robots 28C are attached to both ends of the vertical bar 28D. The pair of horizontally movable robots 28C are fitted into the upper bar 28A and the lower bar 28B. The horizontally movable robot 28C is a self-propelled robot that can move along the horizontal direction, and moves the vertical bar 28D horizontally along the upper bar 28A and the lower bar 28B while keeping the orientation of the vertical bar 28D perpendicular to the orientation of the upper bar 28A and the lower bar 28B. The vertically movable robot 28E is attached to the vertical bar 28D. The vertically movable robot 28E is a self-propelled robot that can move along the vertical direction. In other words, the vertically movable robot 28E moves in the vertical direction along the vertical bar 28D. The vertically movable robot 28E is provided with a gripper (not shown) that grips the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0034] Although the transport mechanism 28 has been described as including the horizontally movable robot 28C and the vertically movable robot 28E, this is merely an example. The transport mechanism 28 may be configured in any manner as long as it is capable of transporting the magnetic tape cartridges 20 within the magnetic tape library 12.

[0035] The transport mechanism 28 operates under the control of the library controller 14. The library controller 14 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to the transport mechanism 28. The transport mechanism drive signal is a signal that instructs the transport mechanism 28 to drive. Each of the horizontally movable robot 28C and the vertically movable robot 28E is equipped with a motor (not shown), and the motors of the horizontally movable robot 28C and the vertically movable robot 28E generate power by driving in accordance with the transport mechanism drive signal input from the library controller 14. The horizontally movable robot 28C and the vertically movable robot 28E propel themselves using the power generated by the motor.

[0036] The library controller 14 is communicatively connected to the magnetic tape library 12 via a communication cable. The library controller 14 comprehensively controls the transport mechanism 28 and the magnetic tape drives 30. For example, the library controller 14 controls the removal of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 from the cartridge storage cell 24 and the storage of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 in the cartridge storage cell 24. The library controller 14 controls the transportation of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. The library controller 14 controls the loading of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 into the magnetic tape drive 30 and the removal of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 from the magnetic tape drive 30. The library controller 14 controls the reading of data from the magnetic tape MT, the writing of data to the magnetic tape MT, etc.

[0037] The host computer 16 is communicatively connected to the library controller 14 via a communication cable. While wired communication is illustrated here as an example, wireless communication is also possible. The host computer 16 receives instructions from a user and instructs the reading and writing of data from and to the magnetic tape MT housed in the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0038] Under the control of the host computer 16, the library controller 14 searches for a specific magnetic tape cartridge 20 (for example, a magnetic tape cartridge 20 to be read or written from) from among multiple magnetic tape cartridges 20, causes the transport mechanism 28 to remove the specific magnetic tape cartridge 20 from the cartridge storage cell 24, and causes the magnetic tape drive 30 to read or write data from the magnetic tape MT in the specific magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0039] Next, an example of the configuration of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the loading direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 into the magnetic tape drive 30 is indicated by arrow A, the direction of arrow A is the front direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 20, and the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 is the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. In the following description of the structure, "front" refers to the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0040] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for convenience of explanation, the direction opposite to the front direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 will be referred to as the rear direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 20, and the rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 will be referred to as the rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. In the following explanation of the structure, "rear" refers to the rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0041] In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the direction of arrow B, which is perpendicular to the direction of arrow A, is referred to as the right direction, and the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 is referred to as the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. In the following description of the structure, "right" refers to the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0042] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for convenience of explanation, the direction perpendicular to the directions of arrows A and B is indicated by arrow C, the direction of arrow C is the upward direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 20, and the upward side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 is referred to as the upper side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. In the explanation of the structure shown below, "upper" refers to the upper side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0043] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for convenience of explanation, the direction opposite to the upward direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 is referred to as the downward direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 20, and the downward side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 is referred to as the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. In the following explanation of the structure, "lower" refers to the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0044] As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic tape cartridge 20 has a box-shaped case 36 that is generally rectangular in plan view. The case 36 houses a magnetic tape MT. The case 36 is made of resin such as polycarbonate and has an upper case 38 and a lower case 40. The upper case 38 and the lower case 40 are joined by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding) and screw fastening, with the lower peripheral surface of the upper case 38 and the upper peripheral surface of the lower case 40 in contact with each other. The joining method is not limited to welding and screw fastening, and other joining methods may also be used. The case 36 is an example of a "case" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0045] The supply reel 42 is rotatably housed inside the case 36. The supply reel 42 includes a reel hub 42A, an upper flange 42B1, and a lower flange 42B2. The reel hub 42A is cylindrical. The reel hub 42A is the axial center of the supply reel 42, and its axial direction is aligned with the up-down direction of the case 36, and it is disposed in the center of the case 36. The upper flange 42B1 and the lower flange 42B2 are each formed in an annular shape. The center of the upper flange 42B1 in a plan view is fixed to the upper end of the reel hub 42A, and the center of the lower flange 42B2 in a plan view is fixed to the lower end of the reel hub 42A. The reel hub 42A and the lower flange 42B2 may be integrally molded.

[0046] The magnetic tape MT is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the reel hub 42A, and the widthwise ends of the magnetic tape MT are held by an upper flange 42B1 and a lower flange 42B2.

[0047] An opening 36B is formed in the front side of the right wall 36A of the case 36. The magnetic tape MT is pulled out through the opening 36B.

[0048] The lower case 40 is provided with a cartridge memory 44. Specifically, the cartridge memory 44 is housed in the right rear end portion of the lower case 40. The cartridge memory 44 is equipped with an IC chip (not shown) having an NVM. In this embodiment, a so-called passive RFID tag is used as the cartridge memory 44, and various pieces of information are read and written to the cartridge memory 44 in a contactless manner. The cartridge memory 44 is an example of the "storage medium" and "cartridge memory" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0049] The cartridge memory 44 stores management information for managing the magnetic tape cartridge 20. The management information includes, for example, information about the cartridge memory 44 (e.g., information that can identify the magnetic tape cartridge 20), information about the magnetic tape MT (e.g., information indicating the recording capacity of the magnetic tape MT, information indicating an outline of the data recorded on the magnetic tape MT, information indicating the items of the data recorded on the magnetic tape MT, information indicating the recording format of the data recorded on the magnetic tape MT, etc.), and information about the magnetic tape drive 30 (e.g., information indicating the specifications of the magnetic tape drive 30 and signals used in the magnetic tape drive 30). Furthermore, the cartridge memory 44 stores reading condition information 68 (see FIG. 7), which will be described in detail later.

[0050] As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, an identifier 46 is displayed on the surface of the case 36 of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the identifier 46 is displayed on the surface of the rear wall 36C of the case 36. The identifier 46 also includes a barcode 46A. The barcode 46A is a one-dimensional image indicating information for identifying the magnetic tape cartridge 20 (for example, a serial number assigned by a user for managing the magnetic tape cartridge 20). The magnetic tape cartridge 20 is stored in the cartridge storage cell 24 with the identifier 46 readable. The identifier 46 is an example of an "identifier" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the barcode 46A is an example of a "one-dimensional image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0051] 3, the identifier 46 includes a character string 46B. The character string 46B is a character string (for example, a character string including a combination of alphanumeric characters) indicating information for identifying the magnetic tape cartridge 20. By displaying the character string 46B, the user can visually identify the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0052] The identifier 46 is displayed on the case 36, for example, by attaching a label 72 (see FIG. 14) on which a barcode 46A and a character string 46B are printed to the surface of the case 36, but this is merely one example. The identifier 46 may also be printed directly on the surface of the case 36.

[0053] 4, a magnetic tape drive 30 includes a tape transport device 48, a magnetic head 50, and a control device 52. A magnetic tape cartridge 20 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30 in the direction of arrow A. In the magnetic tape drive 30, the magnetic tape MT is pulled out from the magnetic tape cartridge 20 and used.

[0054] The magnetic tape drive 30 performs magnetic processing on the surface of the magnetic tape MT using a magnetic head 50. Here, magnetic processing refers to recording data on the surface of the magnetic tape MT and reading data from the surface of the magnetic tape MT (i.e., reproducing data). In this embodiment, the magnetic tape drive 30 selectively records data on the surface of the magnetic tape MT and reads data from the surface of the magnetic tape MT using the magnetic head 50. That is, the magnetic tape drive 30 pulls out the magnetic tape MT from the magnetic tape cartridge 20 and uses the magnetic head 50 to record data on the surface of the pulled-out magnetic tape MT or reads data from the surface of the pulled-out magnetic tape MT.

[0055] The control device 52 controls the entire magnetic tape drive 30. In this embodiment, the control device 52 is realized by an ASIC, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the control device 52 may be realized by an FPGA and / or a PLC. The control device 52 may also be realized by a computer including a CPU, flash memory (e.g., EEPROM and / or SSD, etc.), and RAM. The control device 52 may also be realized by a combination of two or more of the ASIC, FPGA, PLC, and computer. In other words, the control device 52 may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0056] The tape transport device 48 is a device that selectively transports the magnetic tape MT in the forward or reverse direction along a predetermined path, and is equipped with a feed motor 48A, a take-up reel 48B, a take-up motor 48C, and multiple guide rollers GR. Note that the forward direction here refers to the feed direction of the magnetic tape MT, and the reverse direction refers to the rewind direction of the magnetic tape MT.

[0057] The supply motor 48A rotates the supply reel 42 in the magnetic tape cartridge 20 under the control of the control device 52. The control device 52 controls the rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation torque, etc. of the supply reel 42 by controlling the supply motor 48A.

[0058] The winding motor 48C rotates the winding reel 48B under the control of the control device 52. The control device 52 controls the winding motor 48C to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation torque, etc. of the winding reel 48B.

[0059] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 48B, the control device 52 rotates the supply motor 48A and the take-up motor 48C so that the magnetic tape MT runs in the forward direction along a predetermined path. The rotational speed, rotational torque, etc. of the supply motor 48A and the take-up motor 48C are adjusted according to the speed at which the magnetic tape MT is wound around the take-up reel 48B. Furthermore, tension is applied to the magnetic tape MT by adjusting the rotational speed, rotational torque, etc. of each of the supply motor 48A and the take-up motor 48C by the control device 52. Furthermore, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is controlled by adjusting the rotational speed, rotational torque, etc. of each of the supply motor 48A and the take-up motor 48C by the control device 52.

[0060] When the magnetic tape MT is rewound onto the supply reel 42, the control device 52 rotates the supply motor 48A and the take-up motor 48C so that the magnetic tape MT runs in the reverse direction along the predetermined path.

[0061] In this embodiment, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is controlled by controlling the rotation speed and rotation torque of the supply motor 48A and the take-up motor 48C, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT may be controlled using a dancer roller, or may be controlled by drawing the magnetic tape MT into a vacuum chamber.

[0062] Each of the guide rollers GR guides the magnetic tape MT. The predetermined path, i.e., the travel path of the magnetic tape MT, is determined by disposing the guide rollers GR at separate positions across the magnetic head 50 between the magnetic tape cartridge 20 and the take-up reel 48B.

[0063] The magnetic head 50 includes a magnetic element unit 50A and a holder 50B. The magnetic element unit 50A is held by the holder 50B so as to come into contact with the running magnetic tape MT. The magnetic element unit 50A has a plurality of magnetic elements.

[0064] The magnetic element unit 50A records data on the magnetic tape MT transported by the tape transport device 48, and reads data from the magnetic tape MT transported by the tape transport device 48.

[0065] The magnetic tape drive 30 is equipped with a first non-contact read / write device 54. The first non-contact read / write device 54 is disposed below the magnetic tape cartridge 20 when the magnetic tape cartridge 20 is loaded so as to directly face the rear surface of the cartridge memory 44, and reads and writes information from and to the cartridge memory 44 in a non-contact manner.

[0066] 5, the first non-contact read / write device 54 emits a magnetic field MF from the bottom side of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 toward the cartridge memory 44. The magnetic field MF penetrates the cartridge memory 44.

[0067] The first non-contact read / write device 54 is connected to the control device 52. The control device 52 outputs a control signal to the first non-contact read / write device 54. The control signal is a signal that controls the cartridge memory 44. The first non-contact read / write device 54 generates a magnetic field MF in accordance with the control signal input from the control device 52, and emits the generated magnetic field MF toward the cartridge memory 44.

[0068] The first non-contact type read / write device 54 performs contactless communication with the cartridge memory 44 via the magnetic field MF, thereby performing processing on the cartridge memory 44 in accordance with the control signal. For example, under the control of the control device 52, the first non-contact type read / write device 54 selectively performs processing to read information from the cartridge memory 44 and processing to store information in the cartridge memory 44 (i.e., processing to write information to the cartridge memory 44).

[0069] 6, the library controller 14 includes a computer 15. The computer 15 includes a processor 56, a storage 58, and a RAM 60. The processor 56, the storage 58, and the RAM 60 are connected to a bus 62. The computer 15 is an example of a "computer" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0070] The processor 56 controls the entire library controller 14. The processor 56 has, for example, a CPU and a GPU, and controls the entire library controller 14. The GPU operates under the control of the CPU and is responsible for screen display and / or image processing. The processor 56 may be one or more CPUs that have integrated GPU functionality, or one or more CPUs that do not have integrated GPU functionality. The processor 56 is an example of a "processor" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0071] The storage 58 is a non-volatile storage device that stores various programs, various parameters, etc. An example of the storage 58 is a flash memory (for example, an EEPROM and / or an SSD). Note that the flash memory is merely an example, and the storage 58 may be another non-volatile storage device such as an HDD, or may be a combination of two or more types of non-volatile storage devices. The RAM 60 is a volatile memory used as a work area when various programs are executed.

[0072] The processor 56 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal. The transport mechanism 28 selectively performs a loading operation and a storing operation in accordance with the transport mechanism drive signal input from the processor 56. The loading operation refers to the operation of removing the magnetic tape cartridge 20 from the cartridge storage cell 24 and then loading the magnetic tape cartridge 20 into the magnetic tape drive 30 by moving the horizontally movable robot 28C (see FIG. 1) and the vertically movable robot 28E (see FIG. 1). The storing operation refers to the operation of removing the magnetic tape cartridge 20 from the magnetic tape drive 30 and then storing it back in the original cartridge storage cell 24. When the driving of the transport mechanism 28 based on the transport mechanism drive signal is completed, the transport mechanism 28 returns to the reference position (e.g., cell A1).

[0073] The processor 56 outputs a tape drive drive signal. The control device 52 of the magnetic tape drive 30 selectively performs a read operation to read data from the magnetic tape MT (see FIG. 5) and a write operation to write data to the magnetic tape MT in accordance with the tape drive drive signal input from the processor 56.

[0074] The host computer 16 issues instructions to the library controller 14 in response to user requests. The host computer 16 includes a processor 16A, a storage 16B, and a RAM 16C. The processor 16A controls the entire host computer 16. An example of the processor 16A is a CPU. The storage 16B is a non-volatile memory. Various programs are stored in the storage 16B. An example of the storage 16B is a flash memory (for example, an EEPROM and / or an SSD). The RAM 16C is a volatile memory used as a work area when various programs are executed.

[0075] The processor 16A, storage 16B, and RAM 16C are connected to a bus 16D. The host computer 16 is connected to an accepting device 16E including, for example, a mouse, keyboard, and touch panel, and a monitor 16F such as an EL display or LCD. The accepting device 16E accepts instructions from a user for the host computer 16. The monitor 16F displays output from the host computer 16 on a screen. Note that, although the accepting device 16E and the monitor 16F are illustrated as independent devices here, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and an input / output device in which the accepting device 16E and the monitor 16F are integrated may also be applied. An example of the input / output device is a touch panel display in which the touch panel included in the accepting device 16E and the monitor 16F are integrated.

[0076] When the transport mechanism 28 performs a loading operation, it is necessary to identify the magnetic tape cartridge 20 that is to be loaded. The transport mechanism 28 is equipped with a barcode reader 64. As described above, a barcode 46A is displayed on the case 36 of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. By reading the barcode 46A via the barcode reader 64, the magnetic tape cartridge 20 that is to be loaded is identified.

[0077] However, when the barcode 46A is read, the barcode 46A may not be read correctly due to the quality of the label on which the barcode 46A is printed and / or the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 (e.g., reading angle, reflectivity, exposure time, etc.).

[0078] In view of these circumstances, in this embodiment, the reading control process is performed by the processor 56. A reading control process program 58A is stored in the storage 58. The processor 56 reads the reading control process program 58A from the storage 58 and executes the read reading control process program 58A on the RAM 60 to perform the reading control process. The reading control process is realized by the processor 56 operating as an acquisition unit 56A and a reading control unit 56B. The reading control process program 58A is an example of a "program" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0079] 7, the transport mechanism 28 includes a second non-contact reading device 66. The acquiring unit 56A activates the second non-contact reading device 66 provided in the transport mechanism 28. The second non-contact reading / writing device 66 performs a process on the cartridge memory 44 in accordance with the control of the acquiring unit 56A by performing non-contact communication with the cartridge memory 44 via a magnetic field. For example, the second non-contact reading / writing device 66 performs a process of reading reading condition information 68 from the cartridge memory 44 under the control of the acquiring unit 56A.

[0080] Reading condition information 68 is stored in advance in the cartridge memory 44. The reading condition information 68 may be stored in the cartridge memory 44 during the manufacturing stage of the magnetic tape cartridge 20, or may be stored during the use stage of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. The reading condition information 68 is an example of "reading condition information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0081] The reading condition information 68 is information relating to the conditions for reading the identifier 46. In the example shown in FIG. 7, optical condition information 68A is stored in the cartridge memory 44 as the reading condition information 68. The optical condition information 68A is information relating to the optical conditions for optically reading the identifier 46. For example, the optical condition information 68A is obtained by computer simulation and / or testing using an actual device. In the example shown in FIG. 7, reflectance information 68A1 is stored in the cartridge memory 44 as the optical condition information 68A. The reflectance information 68A1 is information relating to the reflectance R (see FIG. 8) of the identifier 46 when reading the identifier 46. The optical condition information 68A is defined as "optical condition information" according to the technology of the present disclosure. ", and the reflectance information 68A1 is an example of "reflectance information" according to the technique of the present disclosure.

[0082] The second non-contact type reading and writing device 66 outputs the reflectance information 68A1 read from the cartridge memory 44 to the acquiring unit 56A. The acquiring unit 56A acquires the reflectance information 68A1 from the second non-contact type reading and writing device 66. The acquiring unit 56A outputs the acquired reflectance information 68A1 to the reading control unit 56B.

[0083] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 based on reflectance information 68A1 acquired from the acquisition unit 56A (see FIG. 7). The reflectance information 68A1 includes information indicating the relationship between the reflectance R (e.g., maximum reflectance Rmax) and the reading angle θ. In the following description, the reading angle θ is the angle formed between a normal N1 to the plane 46A1 on which the identifier 46 is printed and a normal N2 to the light-receiving surface 64A1 of the light-receiving device 64A, and is the rotation angle around the virtual axis X of the barcode 46A (i.e., the axis along the direction in which the bars are arranged in the barcode 46A). The maximum reflectance Rmax refers to the maximum value of the reflectance R in the scanning reflectance waveform of the barcode 46A.

[0084] 8, a table 70 showing the relationship between the read angle θ and the maximum reflectance Rmax is shown as reflectance information 68A1. Note that instead of or in addition to the read angle θ, the table 70 may also include the relationship between the read angle ω, which is the angle of rotation about the virtual axis Y in the barcode 46A (i.e., the axis along the direction of the normal N1 to the plane 46A1 on which the identifier 46 is printed), and the maximum reflectance Rmax.

[0085] In addition, instead of the angles θ and ω, or together with the reading angles θ and ω, the table 70 may include the relationship between the reading angle φ, which is the rotation angle around the virtual axis Z in the barcode 46A (i.e., the axis perpendicular to the virtual axis X and the virtual axis Y), and the maximum reflectance Rmax.

[0086] Furthermore, although an example in which the reflectance information 68A1 is a table 70 has been shown, this is merely an example. The reflectance information 68A1 may be, for example, an arithmetic expression (not shown) in which the reading angle θ is an independent variable and the maximum reflectance Rmax is a dependent variable.

[0087] Furthermore, a minimum reflectance Rmin may be used instead of or in addition to the maximum reflectance Rmax, where the minimum reflectance Rmin refers to the minimum value of reflectance R in the scanned reflectance waveform of barcode 46A.

[0088] The reading control unit 56B uses the table 70 to control the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64. In other words, the reading control unit 56B changes the reading settings of the barcode reader 64. The barcode reader 64 is a device for reading the barcode 46A. The barcode reader 64 includes a light receiving device 64A and a light source 64B. For example, the light receiving device 64A is a CCD sensor. Furthermore, for example, the light source 64B is an LED light source capable of emitting infrared light. The barcode reader 64 is an example of a "reading device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0089] For example, the reading control unit 56B uses the table 70 to change the position (e.g., the reading angle θ) of the light receiving surface 64A1 of the light receiving device 64A so that the maximum reflectance Rmax is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 60%). More specifically, the reading control unit 56B outputs a control signal for operating the driving device 64C. The driving device 64C operates in accordance with the control signal to change the reading angle θ of the light receiving device 64A with respect to the barcode 46A. In this way, the reading settings of the barcode reader 64 are changed.

[0090] With the reading settings of the barcode reader 64 changed, the barcode reader 64 reads the barcode 46A on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. The scanning light Ls emitted from the light source 64B is reflected by the barcode 46A. A portion of the scanning light Ls is reflected by the barcode 46A, resulting in return light Lr. The return light Lr is detected by the light receiving device 64A. Based on the detection result of the return light Lr, the barcode reader 64 generates identification information 69, which is information for identifying the barcode 46A. The identification information 69 is output from the barcode reader 64 to the processor 56 of the library controller 14.

[0091] As an example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the processor 56 determines whether the magnetic tape cartridge 20 identified by the content indicated by the identification information 69 is the magnetic tape cartridge 20 that is the target of the loading operation. If the magnetic tape cartridge 20 identified by the content indicated by the identification information 69 is the magnetic tape cartridge 20 that is the target of the loading operation, the processor 56 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to the transport mechanism 28. The transport mechanism 28 performs the loading operation in accordance with the transport mechanism drive signal. That is, the transport mechanism 28 pulls out the magnetic tape cartridge 20 identified by the identification information 69 and transports it to the magnetic tape drive 30. Furthermore, the transport mechanism 28 loads the magnetic tape cartridge 20 into the magnetic tape drive 30. The magnetic tape drive 30 selectively records data on and reads data from the surface of the magnetic tape MT (see FIG. 4 ) of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0092] Next, the operation of the cartridge management system 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows an example of the flow of a reading control process performed by the processor 56 of the library controller 14. The reading control process shown in Fig. 10 is an example of a "reading method" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0093] 10, first, in step ST10, the acquisition unit 56A determines whether or not the timing to read the identifier 46 has arrived. If the timing to read the identifier 46 has not arrived in step ST10, the determination is negative, and the determination in step ST10 is made again. If the timing to read the identifier 46 has arrived in step ST10, the determination is positive, and the procedure name identification process proceeds to step ST12.

[0094] In step ST12, the acquisition unit 56A outputs a control signal to the second non-contact reading / writing device 66 to read the reading condition information 68 stored in the cartridge memory 44. After the processing in step ST12 is executed, the reading control processing proceeds to step ST14.

[0095] In step ST14, the acquisition unit 56A acquires the reading condition information 68 output from the second non-contact reading / writing device 66. After the process in step ST14 is executed, the reading control process proceeds to step ST16.

[0096] In step ST16, the reading control unit 56B sets optical conditions for the barcode reader 64 based on the reading condition information 68 acquired by the acquisition unit 56A. After the process in step ST16 is executed, the reading control process proceeds to step ST18.

[0097] In step ST18, the reading control unit 56B acquires the identification information 69 output from the barcode reader 64. After the process in step ST18 is executed, the reading control process proceeds to step ST20.

[0098] In step ST20, the reading control unit 56B determines whether a condition for terminating the reading control process (hereinafter referred to as the "termination condition") has been satisfied. One example of the termination condition is that an instruction to terminate the reading control process has been accepted by the accepting device 16E of the host computer 16. If the termination condition has not been satisfied in step ST20, the determination is negative, and the reading control process proceeds to step ST10. If the termination condition has been satisfied in step ST20, the determination is positive, and the reading control process is terminated.

[0099] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the first embodiment, the identifier 46 is displayed on the case 36 of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. The magnetic tape cartridge 20 is also provided with a cartridge memory 44 that stores read condition information 68, which is information about read conditions for reading the identifier 46. The read condition information 68 stored in the cartridge memory 44 is acquired by the acquisition unit 56A via the second non-contact reading / writing device 66. The read control unit 56B causes the barcode reader 64 to read the identifier 46 based on the read condition information 68. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, this makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking the read condition information 68 into consideration.

[0100] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the first embodiment, the reading condition information 68 includes optical condition information 68A, which is information about the optical conditions for optically reading the identifier 46. In the barcode reader 64, conditions for reading the identifier 46 are set based on the optical conditions indicated by the optical condition information 68A. In the barcode reader 64, the scanning light Ls emitted from the light source 64B is reflected by the barcode 46A, and the returning light Lr is detected by the light receiving device 64A. Therefore, the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 (e.g., the reading angle θ, the reflectance R, the exposure time t, etc.) affect the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. Therefore, this configuration enables accurate reading of the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking the optical condition information 68A into consideration, the identifier 46 can be read more accurately.

[0101] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the first embodiment, the optical condition information 68A includes reflectance information 68A1, which is information relating to reflectance R. In the barcode reader 64, conditions for reading the identifier 46 are set based on the optical conditions indicated by the reflectance information 68A1. For this reason, the reflectance R (e.g., the maximum reflectance Rmax) of the barcode 46A affects the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking the reflectance information 68A1 into consideration, the identifier 46 can be accurately read.

[0102] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the first embodiment, the reflectance information 68A1 includes information indicating the relationship between the reflectance R and the reading angle θ. The reflectance R (for example, the maximum reflectance Rmax) is affected by the reading angle θ. Therefore, according to this configuration, the identifier 46 can be read more accurately than when the identifier 46 is read without taking into consideration the relationship between the reflectance R and the reading angle θ.

[0103] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the first embodiment, the reading condition information 68 is stored in the cartridge memory 44. Therefore, according to this configuration, the configuration of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 can be simplified compared to when a separate storage medium for storing the reading condition information 68 is provided in the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0104] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the first embodiment, the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20 includes a barcode 46A. Therefore, with this configuration, it is easier to identify the magnetic tape cartridge 20 compared to when the identifier 46 consists of only the character string 46B.

[0105] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the first embodiment, the reading control unit 56B changes the reading settings of the barcode reader 64 when reading the barcode 46A, based on the reading condition information 68. Therefore, according to this configuration, the identifier 46 can be read more accurately than when the reading settings of the barcode reader 64 are always the same.

[0106] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, an example in which the optical condition information 68A includes reflectance information 68A1 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this first modified example, the optical condition information 68A includes exposure time information 68A2, which is information related to the exposure time t.

[0107] 11 as an example, first, the acquisition unit 56A activates the second non-contact reading device 66 to acquire exposure time information 68A2 from the cartridge memory 44 of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. The exposure time information 68A2 is pre-stored in the cartridge memory 44. The exposure time information 68A2 is information relating to the exposure time t when reading the identifier 46. The exposure time information 68A2 is an example of "exposure time information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0108] The second non-contact type reading and writing device 66 outputs the exposure time information 68A2 read from the cartridge memory 44 to the acquisition section 56A. The acquisition section 56A outputs the acquired exposure time information 68A2 to the reading control section 56B.

[0109] The reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 based on the exposure time information 68A2 acquired from the acquisition unit 56A. Here, the exposure time information 68A2 includes information indicating a specified value of the exposure time t for the light receiving device 64A of the barcode reader 64. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the exposure time information 68A2 indicates the range of the exposure time t, but this is merely an example. The exposure time information 68A2 may be information indicating an upper limit of the exposure time t or information indicating a set value of the exposure time t. For example, the exposure time information 68A2 may be obtained by computer simulation and / or testing using an actual device.

[0110] Based on the exposure time information 68A2, the reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions in the barcode reader 64. Specifically, the reading control unit 56B sets the exposure time t in the light receiving device 64A within the range of the exposure time t indicated by the exposure time information 68A2.

[0111] With the reading settings of the barcode reader 64 changed, the barcode reader 64 reads the barcode 46A of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. Identification information 69 corresponding to the reading result of the barcode 46A is output from the barcode reader 64 to the processor 56 of the library controller 14.

[0112] The processor 56 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to the transport mechanism 28 in accordance with the identification information 69. The transport mechanism 28 performs a loading operation in accordance with the transport mechanism drive signal. The magnetic tape drive 30 (see FIG. 4) selectively reads and writes data from and to the surface of the magnetic tape MT (see FIG. 4) of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0113] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modified example, the optical condition information 68A includes exposure time information 68A2, which is information related to the exposure time t of the light receiving device 64A. In the barcode reader 64, the light receiving device 64A detects the return light Lr reflected by the barcode 46A, thereby reading the barcode 46A. Therefore, the exposure time t of the light receiving device 64A affects the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. For example, if the exposure time t exceeds a predetermined value, halation may occur. This makes it difficult to read the barcode 46A. In this configuration, the barcode reader 64 sets conditions for reading the identifier 46 based on the optical conditions indicated by the exposure time information 68A2. Therefore, this configuration enables accurate reading of the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, this configuration enables accurate reading of the identifier 46 compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking the exposure time information 68A2 into consideration.

[0114] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modification, the exposure time information 68A2 includes information indicating the specified value of the exposure time t. Therefore, according to this configuration, the identifier 46 can be read more accurately than when the identifier 46 is read without taking the specified value of the exposure time t into consideration.

[0115] For example, if the exposure time t exceeds a specified value, halation occurs, making it difficult to read the barcode 46A. In the cartridge management system 10 according to this modification, the conditions for reading the identifier 46 are set based on exposure time information 68A2, which is information indicating the specified value of the exposure time t, so halation is suppressed. This allows the identifier 46 to be read accurately.

[0116] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the optical condition information 68A includes reflectance information 68A1, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this second modified example, the optical condition information 68A includes light source output information 68A3, which is information related to the output of the light source 64B (hereinafter simply referred to as "light source output P").

[0117] 12, the acquisition unit 56A first acquires light source output information 68A3 from the cartridge memory 44 of the magnetic tape cartridge 20 by activating the second non-contact reading device 66. The light source output information 68A3 is pre-stored in the cartridge memory 44. The light source output information 68A3 is information relating to the light source output P when reading the identifier 46. The light source output information 68A3 is an example of "light source output information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0118] The second non-contact type reading and writing device 66 outputs the light source output information 68A3 read from the cartridge memory 44 to the acquisition unit 56A. The acquisition unit 56A outputs the acquired light source output information 68A3 to the reading control unit 56B.

[0119] The reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 based on the light source output information 68A3 acquired from the acquisition unit 56A. Here, the light source output information 68A3 includes information indicating the relationship between the maximum reflectance Rmax and the light source output P. In the example shown in FIG. 12, a table 71 indicating the relationship between the light source output P and the maximum reflectance Rmax is shown as the light source output information 68A3, but this is merely an example. The light source output information 68A3 may be an arithmetic expression (not shown) in which the maximum reflectance Rmax is a dependent variable and the light source output P is a dependent variable. For example, the light source output information 68A3 may be obtained by computer simulation and / or testing using an actual device.

[0120] Based on the light source output information 68A3, the reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions in the barcode reader 64. Specifically, the reading control unit 56B sets the light source output P so that the maximum reflectance Rmax is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 60%).

[0121] With the reading settings of the barcode reader 64 changed, the barcode reader 64 reads the barcode 46A of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. Identification information 69 corresponding to the reading result of the barcode 46A is output from the barcode reader 64 to the processor 56 of the library controller 14.

[0122] The processor 56 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to the transport mechanism 28 in accordance with the identification information 69. The transport mechanism 28 performs a loading operation in accordance with the transport mechanism drive signal. The magnetic tape drive 30 (see FIG. 4) selectively reads and writes data from and to the surface of the magnetic tape MT (see FIG. 4) of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0123] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modified example, the optical condition information 68A includes light source output information 68A3, which is information related to the light source output P. In the barcode reader 64, the light receiving device 64A detects the return light Lr reflected by the barcode 46A, thereby reading the barcode 46A. Therefore, the reflectance R affects the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. Furthermore, the reflectance R varies depending on the light source output P. In this configuration, the barcode reader 64 sets conditions for reading the identifier 46 based on the optical conditions indicated by the light source output information 68A3. Therefore, this configuration enables accurate reading of the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, this configuration enables accurate reading of the identifier 46 compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking the light source output information 68A3 into consideration.

[0124] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modified example, the light source output information 68A3 includes information indicating the maximum reflectance Rmax according to the light source output P. The maximum reflectance Rmax affects the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. Furthermore, the maximum reflectance Rmax changes according to the light source output P. Therefore, according to this configuration, the identifier 46 can be read more accurately than when the identifier 46 is read without taking into account the information indicating the maximum reflectance Rmax according to the light source output P.

[0125] (Variation 3) In the first embodiment and each of the modified examples, the optical condition information 68A includes reflectance information 68A1, exposure time information 68A2, and light source output information 68A3, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the third modified example, the optical condition information 68A includes all of the reflectance information 68A1, exposure time information 68A2, and light source output information 68A3.

[0126] 13, the cartridge memory 44 stores reflectance information 68A1, exposure time information 68A2, and light source output information 68A3 as optical condition information 68A. The second non-contact reading / writing device 66 reads the optical condition information 68A from the cartridge memory 44 under the control of the acquisition unit 56A, and outputs the read optical condition information 68A to the acquisition unit 56A. The reading control unit 56B sets the optical conditions of the identifier 46 (see FIG. 3) in the barcode reader 64 based on the optical condition information 68A acquired by the acquisition unit 56A.

[0127] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this embodiment, the optical condition information 68A includes reflectance information 68A1, exposure time information 68A2, and light source output information 68A3. The reading control unit 56B causes the barcode reader 64 to read the identifier 46 based on the optical condition information 68A. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0128] Furthermore, in this modified example, the optical condition information 68A includes all of the reflectance information 68A1, the exposure time information 68A2, and the light source output information 68A3, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The optical condition information 68A may include any two of the reflectance information 68A1, the exposure time information 68A2, and the light source output information 68A3.

[0129] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, the reading condition information 68 includes optical condition information 68A, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the second embodiment, the reading condition information 68 includes label information 68B.

[0130] As an example, as shown in FIG. 14, label information 68B is stored in the cartridge memory 44 as reading condition information 68. The label information 68B is information relating to a label 72 on which an identifier 46 is printed. In the example shown in FIG. 14, material information 68B1 is stored in the cartridge memory 44 as the label information 68B. The material information 68B1 is information indicating the material of the label 72. The label information 68B is an example of "label information" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the material information 68B1 is an example of "material information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0131] The acquiring unit 56A acquires material information 68B1 from the cartridge memory 44 via the second non-contact read / write device 66. The reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 based on the material information 68B1 acquired from the acquiring unit 56A. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the material of the label 72 indicated by the material information 68B1 is PET, but this is merely an example. The material of the label 72 may be, for example, a resin other than PET, or paper.

[0132] The reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 based on the material information 68B1. Specifically, the reading control unit 56B obtains from the storage 58 (see FIG. 6) a material table (not shown) in which optical conditions (e.g., the output of the light source 64B) are defined according to the material of the label 72. The reading control unit 56B sets the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 using the material table.

[0133] With the reading settings of the barcode reader 64 changed, the barcode reader 64 reads the barcode 46A of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. Identification information 69 corresponding to the reading result of the barcode 46A is output from the barcode reader 64 to the processor 56 of the library controller 14.

[0134] The processor 56 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to the transport mechanism 28 in accordance with the identification information 69. The transport mechanism 28 performs a loading operation in accordance with the transport mechanism drive signal. The magnetic tape drive 30 (see FIG. 4) selectively reads and writes data from and to the surface of the magnetic tape MT (see FIG. 4) of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0135] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the second embodiment, the reading condition information 68 includes label information 68B, which is information related to the label 72 on which the identifier 46 is printed. In the barcode reader 64, the light receiving device 64A detects the return light Lr reflected by the barcode 46A. Therefore, the material (e.g., material, surface condition, etc.) of the barcode 46A affects the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. In this configuration, the barcode reader 64 sets conditions for reading the identifier 46 based on the label information 68B. Therefore, this configuration enables the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20 to be read accurately. For example, compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking the label information 68B into consideration, the identifier 46 can be read more accurately.

[0136] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to the second embodiment, the label information 68B includes material information 68B1, which is information indicating the material of the label 72. The material of the label 72 on which the barcode 46A is printed affects the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. In the barcode reader 64, conditions for reading the identifier 46 are set based on the material information 68B1. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, this makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking the material information 68B1 into consideration.

[0137] (Variation 4) In the second embodiment, the label information 68B includes material information 68B1. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the fourth modification, the label information 68B includes surface condition information 68B2, which is information indicating the surface condition of the label 72.

[0138] 15, surface condition information 68B2 is stored as label information 68B in the cartridge memory 44. The surface condition information 68B2 is information that indicates the surface condition of the label 72. The surface condition information 68B2 is an example of the "surface condition information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0139] The acquiring unit 56A acquires surface condition information 68B2 from the cartridge memory 44 via the second non-contact read / write device 66. The reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 based on the surface condition information 68B2 acquired from the acquiring unit 56A. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the surface condition of the label 72 indicated by the surface condition information 68B2 is the presence or absence of a laminate film 74, but this is merely one example. The surface condition indicated by the surface condition information 68B2 may be the surface roughness of the label 72 or the glossiness of the label 72. The laminate film 74 is a film-like member made of a material (e.g., PET resin) that transmits the scanning light Ls. The laminate film 74 is attached to the surface of the label 72 on which the barcode 46A is printed. The presence of the laminate film 74 suppresses reflection of the scanning light Ls emitted from the light source 64B. The laminate film 74 is an example of the "laminate film" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0140] The reading control unit 56B controls the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 based on the surface condition information 68B2. Specifically, the reading control unit 56B obtains from the storage 58 (see FIG. 6) a surface condition table (not shown) that defines optical conditions (e.g., light source output) according to the surface condition of the label 72. The reading control unit 56B sets the optical conditions of the barcode reader 64 using the surface condition table. For example, when there is a laminate film 74 on the surface of the label 72, the reading control unit 56B increases the light source output P compared to when there is no laminate film 74.

[0141] With the reading settings of the barcode reader 64 changed, the barcode reader 64 reads the barcode 46A of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. Identification information 69 corresponding to the reading result of the barcode 46A is output from the barcode reader 64 to the processor 56 of the library controller 14.

[0142] The processor 56 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to the transport mechanism 28 in accordance with the identification information 69. The transport mechanism 28 performs a loading operation in accordance with the transport mechanism drive signal. The magnetic tape drive 30 (see FIG. 4) selectively reads and writes data from and to the surface of the magnetic tape MT (see FIG. 4) of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0143] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modified example, the label information 68B includes surface condition information 68B2, which is information indicating the surface condition of the label 72. The surface condition of the label 72 on which the barcode 46A is printed affects the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. In this configuration, the barcode reader 64 sets conditions for reading the identifier 46 based on the surface condition information 68B2. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, this makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking the surface condition information 68B2 into consideration.

[0144] Furthermore, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modified example, the surface condition information 68B2 indicates whether or not a laminate film 74 is present on the surface of the label 72. The presence or absence of the laminate film 74 on the surface of the label 72 affects the accuracy of reading the barcode 46A. For example, the presence of a PET resin laminate film 74 reduces the reflectance R, making it difficult to read the barcode 46A. In this configuration, the barcode reader 64 sets conditions for reading the identifier 46 based on the information indicating the presence or absence of the laminate film 74. Therefore, this configuration enables accurate reading of the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, this enables accurate reading of the identifier 46 compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking into account the presence or absence of the laminate film 74.

[0145] (Variation 5) In the second embodiment and the modified example described above, the label information 68B includes material information 68B1 and surface condition information 68B2, respectively, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the fifth modified example, the label information 68B includes both material information 68B1 and surface condition information 68B2.

[0146] 16, as an example, material information 68B1 and surface condition information 68B2 are stored in the cartridge memory 44 as label information 68B. The second non-contact reading and writing device 66 reads the label information 68B from the cartridge memory 44 under the control of the acquiring unit 56A, and outputs the read label information 68B to the acquiring unit 56A. The reading control unit 56B sets the optical conditions of the identifier 46 (see FIG. 3) in the barcode reader 64 based on the label information 68B acquired by the acquiring unit 56A.

[0147] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modified example, the label information 68B includes material information 68B1 and surface condition information 68B2. The reading control unit 56B causes the barcode reader 64 to read the identifier 46 based on the label information 68B. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to accurately read the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking into account the material information 68B1 and the surface condition information 68B2 as the label information 68B, the identifier 46 can be accurately read.

[0148] (Variation 6) In the above-described embodiments, the reading condition information 68 includes either the optical condition information 68A or the label information 68B. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the sixth modified example, the reading condition information 68 includes both the optical condition information 68A and the label information 68B.

[0149] 17, the cartridge memory 44 stores optical condition information 68A and label information 68B as reading condition information 68. The optical condition information 68A includes reflectance information 68A1, exposure time information 68A2, and light source output information 68A3. The label information 68B includes material information 68B1 and surface condition information 68B2. The second non-contact reading / writing device 66 reads the label information 68B from the cartridge memory 44 under the control of the acquiring unit 56A and outputs the read label information 68B to the acquiring unit 56A. The reading control unit 56B sets the optical conditions of the identifier 46 (see FIG. 3) in the barcode reader 64 based on the label information 68B acquired by the acquiring unit 56A.

[0150] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modified example, the reading condition information 68 includes optical condition information 68A and label information 68B. The reading control unit 56B causes the barcode reader 64 to read the identifier 46 based on the reading condition information 68. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to accurately read the identifier 46 displayed on the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, it is possible to accurately read the identifier 46 compared to when the identifier 46 is read without taking into consideration the optical condition information 68A and the label information 68B as the reading condition information 68.

[0151] (Variation 7) In the above-described embodiments, a barcode 46A is displayed as the identifier 46, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the seventh modified example, a two-dimensional matrix image 46C is displayed as the identifier 46 instead of the barcode 46A.

[0152] As an example, as shown in Fig. 18, an identifier 46 is displayed on the surface of the case 36 of the magnetic tape cartridge 20. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the identifier 46 is displayed on the surface of the rear wall 36C of the case 36. The identifier 46 also includes a two-dimensional matrix image 46C. The two-dimensional matrix image 46C is a two-dimensional image that indicates information for identifying the magnetic tape cartridge 20 (for example, a serial number assigned by the user for managing the magnetic tape cartridge 20). The two-dimensional matrix image 46C is an example of a "two-dimensional matrix image" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0153] As described above, in the cartridge management system 10 according to this modified example, the identifier 46 includes the two-dimensional matrix image 46C. Therefore, this configuration makes it easier to identify the magnetic tape cartridge 20. For example, compared to when the identifier 46 consists of only a character string, it is easier to identify the magnetic tape cartridge 20.

[0154] In this modified example, the identifier 46 includes the two-dimensional matrix image 46C. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the identifier 46 may include a barcode 46A together with the two-dimensional matrix image 46C. Furthermore, the identifier 46 may include a dot code instead of the two-dimensional matrix image 46C and the barcode 46A, or in addition to the two-dimensional matrix image 46C and the barcode 46A.

[0155] In the above embodiments, the cartridge management system 10 has been described as including a magnetic tape library 12, a library controller 14, and a host computer 16, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The magnetic tape library 12 may be controlled by a single external control device that has functions equivalent to those of the host computer 16 and the library controller 14. Alternatively, the magnetic tape library 12 may be provided with a single control device that has functions equivalent to those of the host computer 16 and the library controller 14.

[0156] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, an example in which the read control processing program 58A is stored in the storage 58 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the read control processing program 58A may be stored in a portable storage medium such as an SSD or a USB memory. The storage medium is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The read control processing program 58A stored in the storage medium is installed in the computer 15 of the library controller 14. The processor 56 executes the read control processing in accordance with the read control processing program 58A.

[0157] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the computer 15 is exemplified, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a device including an ASIC, an FPGA, and / or a PLD may be applied instead of the computer 15. Furthermore, instead of the computer 15, a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration may be used.

[0158] Furthermore, the hardware resources for executing the read control process described in each of the above embodiments can be various processors, as listed below. Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource for executing the read control process by executing software, i.e., a program. Examples of processors include dedicated electronic circuits, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs, which are processors with circuit configurations designed specifically for executing specific processes. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and each processor uses the memory to execute the read control process.

[0159] The hardware resource that executes the read control process may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that executes the read control process may be a single processor.

[0160] As an example of configuring a system with one processor, first, one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes the read control process. Second, there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute the read control process, on a single IC chip, as typified by SoC. In this way, the read control process is realized using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[0161] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can be, more specifically, an electronic circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. The above estimation process is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0162] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0163] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed connected by "and / or."

[0164] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 10 Cartridge Management System 12 Magnetic Tape Libraries 14 Library Controller 15. Computer 16 Host Computer 16A processor 16B Storage 16C RAM 16D Bus 16E Reception Device 16F Monitor 18. Storage 20 Magnetic tape cartridge 22 Storage Shelf 24 cartridge storage cells 25, 27 Double arrow 26 Drive Storage Cell 28 Transport mechanism 28A Top bar 28B Lower Bar 28C Horizontally movable robot 28D Vertical Bar 28E Vertically movable robot 30 Magnetic Tape Drive 36 cases 36A Right Wall 36B opening 36C back wall 38 Upper case 40 Lower case 42 Delivery reel 42A reel hub 42B2 bottom flange 42B1 Upper flange 44 Cartridge Memory 46 Identifiers 46A barcode 46A1 plane 46B string 46C Two-dimensional matrix image 48 Tape transport device 48A output motor 48B take-up reel 48C Winding motor 50 Magnetic Head 50A magnetic element unit 50B holder 52 Control device 54 First non-contact reading and writing device 56 processors 56A Acquisition Department 56B Reading control unit 58 Storage 58A Reading control processing program 60 RAM Bus 62 64 Barcode reader 64A Photodetector 64A1 Photosensitive surface 64B light source 64C drive unit 66 Second non-contact reading and writing device 68 Reading condition information 68A Optical condition information 68A1 Reflectance information 68A2 Exposure time information 68A3 Light source output information 68B Label Information 68B1 Material information 68B2 Surface condition information 69 Identification Information Tables 70 and 71 72 Labels 74 Laminating Film θ, φ, ω reading angles GR guide roller Lr Return light Ls scanning light MF magnetic field MT magnetic tape N1, N2 normals P light source output R reflectance Rmax Maximum reflectance X, Y, Z virtual axes

Claims

1. The case where the identifier is displayed and a storage medium storing read condition information, which is information about conditions for reading the identifier; A magnetic tape cartridge comprising:

2. The reading condition information includes optical condition information, which is information about optical conditions for optically reading the identifier, and / or label information, which is information about a label on which the identifier is printed.

2. The magnetic tape cartridge of claim 1.

3. The optical condition information includes at least one of reflectance information, which is information about reflectance, light source output information, which is information about output of a light source, and exposure time information, which is information about exposure time.

3. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 2.

4. The reflectance information includes information indicating a relationship between the reflectance and a reading angle.

4. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 3.

5. The exposure time information includes information indicating a specified value of the exposure time.

5. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The light source output information includes information indicating the reflectance according to the output of the light source.

6. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 3.

7. The label information includes material information that indicates the material of the label.

3. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 2.

8. The label information includes surface condition information that is information about the surface condition of the label.

3. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 2.

9. The surface condition information includes information indicating whether or not a laminate film is present on the surface of the label.

9. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 8.

10. The storage medium is a cartridge memory.

10. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1.

11. The identifier comprises a one-dimensional image and / or a two-dimensional matrix image.

11. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1.

12. 12. A cartridge management system applied to the magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, a processor; a reader for reading the identifier; Equipped with The processor: acquiring the reading condition information stored in the storage medium; The reading device is caused to read the identifier based on the reading condition information. Cartridge management system.

13. The processor changes the read setting of the reader when reading the identifier based on the read condition information. The cartridge management system of claim 12.

14. Acquiring read condition information, which is information about conditions for reading an identifier stored in a storage medium of the magnetic tape cartridge and displayed on a case of the magnetic tape cartridge; and Reading the identifier based on the reading condition information. A reading method including:

15. On the computer, Acquiring read condition information, which is information about conditions for reading an identifier stored in a storage medium of the magnetic tape cartridge and displayed on a case of the magnetic tape cartridge; and Reading the identifier based on the reading condition information. A program for executing a process including:

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