Magnetic tape cartridge, non-contact communication medium, method of operation thereof, and recording medium

Abstract

The present application provides a magnetic tape cartridge capable of realizing both stabilization of operation of a non-contact communication medium and improvement of processing speed, a non-contact communication medium, an operation method thereof, and a recording medium. The non-contact communication medium includes a coil and a processor mounted on the magnetic tape cartridge, which combines the coil and a communication object by electromagnetic induction via an external magnetic field applied from the communication object, thereby communicating with the communication object. A command from the communication object is included in the external magnetic field, and the processor performs processing for the command included in the external magnetic field. The processor changes a response time of the processor for the command according to characteristics of at least one of the magnetic tape cartridge, the non-contact communication medium, and the communication object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a contactless communication medium, a magnetic tape cassette, and a method and procedure for operating the contactless communication medium. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a contactless communication medium comprising a memory unit, a power generation unit, a power monitoring unit, and a capacity control unit. In the contactless communication medium described in Patent Document 1, the memory unit stores predetermined management information. The power generation unit includes: a resonant circuit having an antenna coil and a resonant capacity unit with a variable capacity value; and a rectifier circuit that rectifies the resonant output of the resonant circuit, wherein the power generation unit generates power to be supplied to the memory unit. The power monitoring unit includes: a current adjustment element connected in parallel with the rectifier circuit relative to the resonant circuit and configured with a variable resistance value; a reference voltage generation source that generates a reference voltage; and an operational amplifier that controls the current adjustment element in such a way that the output voltage of the rectifier circuit is made equal to the reference voltage. The capacity control unit is configured to control the resonant capacity unit according to the output of the operational amplifier.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a contactless communication medium for use with a recording medium cartridge, comprising a circuit assembly, a support substrate, and an antenna coil. In the contactless communication medium described in Patent Document 2, the circuit assembly includes a built-in memory unit capable of storing management information related to the recording medium cartridge. The support substrate supports the circuit assembly. The antenna coil has a coil portion electrically connected to the circuit assembly and formed on the support substrate, the inductance of which is 0.3 μH or more and 2.0 μH or less.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a contactless communication medium comprising a voltage generating unit, a memory unit, a clock signal generating unit, and a control unit. In the contactless communication medium described in Patent Document 3, the voltage generating unit has a transceiver antenna coil that receives signal magnetic fields from an external device to generate electricity. The memory unit stores one or more circuit parameters set in the voltage generating unit and prescribed management information. The clock signal generating unit is configured to selectively generate two or more clock signals of different frequencies. The control unit is configured to select the frequency of the clock signal supplied from the clock signal generating unit to the memory unit.

[0005] Patent Document 4 discloses a communication device comprising a communication unit and a control unit. In the communication device described in Patent Document 4, the communication unit is capable of communicating with a memory unit, which has at least a management information storage area provided in a storage medium for storing management information for managing the recording or regeneration of the storage medium. The control unit performs control to write procedure information describing the procedures that the required device should perform into the procedure information storage area of ​​the memory unit via the communication unit.

[0006] Patent Document 5 discloses a database identification device that identifies the storage location of data in a database, the database storing a box with a recording medium capable of storing data. The database identification device described in Patent Document 5 includes: a storage unit with a storage box; multiple receiving units, each corresponding to a storage location of the box, which transmits and wirelessly receives identification information for identifying the box or data; and an identification unit that identifies the storage location of the data based on the identification information received by the receiving units.

[0007] Patent Document 6 discloses a contactless IC card that receives driving power and executes commands. The contactless IC card described in Patent Document 6 includes: a determination unit that determines the power required for the execution of commands; a clock signal generation unit that generates a clock signal at a frequency corresponding to the determination result of the determination unit; and a command execution unit that executes commands at a processing speed based on the frequency of the clock signal generated by the clock signal generation unit.

[0008] Patent Document 7 discloses a magnetic tape drive device that stores data in a magnetic tape cartridge equipped with magnetic tape and non-volatile semiconductor memory. The magnetic tape drive device described in Patent Document 7 includes a comparison unit, a speed determination unit, and a data writing unit. The comparison unit compares the transmission speed of data transferred from the host to the magnetic tape drive device with a speed threshold. The speed determination unit determines a writing speed to the magnetic tape cartridge based on the speed threshold. The data writing unit writes data to the magnetic tape cartridge. If the determined writing speed is faster than the speed threshold, the data writing unit writes data to the magnetic tape in the magnetic tape cartridge; if the determined writing speed is slower than the speed threshold, it writes subsequent data after the data written to the magnetic tape into the non-volatile semiconductor memory in the magnetic tape cartridge.

[0009] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 198438

[0010] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2019 / 198527

[0011] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2019 / 176325

[0012] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-068052

[0013] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-039173

[0014] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-134150

[0015] Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-041646 Summary of the Invention

[0016] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method and procedure for operating a contactless communication medium, a magnetic tape cassette, and a contactless communication medium that can achieve both stable operation and reduced power consumption.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method and procedure for operating a contactless communication medium, a magnetic tape cassette, and a contactless communication medium that can achieve both stable operation and improved processing speed.

[0018] The first aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication medium comprising: a power generator having a coil, which generates electricity by acting on the coil with an externally applied external magnetic field; and a processor that operates using electricity and processes commands contained in the external magnetic field, wherein the processor sets a response time longer than a first predetermined time, the response time being the time required from the time the external end of sending a command to the contactless communication medium to the time the contactless communication medium begins to respond to the command.

[0019] The second method of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the first method, wherein the processor sets the response time to be longer than the first predetermined time by setting the processing time required from the start of processing to the end to be longer than the second predetermined time.

[0020] The third aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication medium of the second aspect, which further includes: a clock signal generator that uses electricity to generate a clock signal, a processor that processes the signal at a processing speed corresponding to the frequency of the clock signal, maintains the frequency regardless of the processing time, or, the longer the processing time, the lower the frequency.

[0021] The fourth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication medium involved in any of the first to third aspects, wherein the command is a single command.

[0022] The fifth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a non-contact communication medium involved in any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the coil transmits the processing result obtained by the processor via an external magnetic field.

[0023] The sixth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a non-contact communication medium involved in any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the processor changes the response time according to the strength of the external magnetic field.

[0024] The seventh aspect of the technology of the present invention is a non-contact communication medium involved in any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein when the response time is changed according to the strength of the external magnetic field, the processor extends the response time under the condition that the strength of the external magnetic field is lower than a threshold.

[0025] The eighth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication medium involved in any of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the processor changes the response time according to the type of command.

[0026] The ninth aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the eighth aspect, which further comprises: a first memory that stores information, wherein the command is a polling command, a read command, or a write command, the processor performs polling processing according to the polling command, performs information-related read processing on the first memory according to the read command, performs information-related write processing on the first memory according to the write command, and sets the time required for at least the read processing in the write processing and read processing to be longer than the time required for the polling processing.

[0027] The tenth aspect of the present invention is a magnetic tape cassette comprising: a non-contact communication medium as described in any of the first to ninth aspects; and a magnetic tape, wherein the non-contact communication medium has a second memory that stores information related to the magnetic tape.

[0028] The eleventh aspect of the present invention relates to a method of operating a contactless communication medium, the contactless communication medium comprising: a power generator having a coil, which generates electricity by acting on the coil through an externally applied external magnetic field; and a processor that operates using electricity and processes commands contained in the external magnetic field, wherein the method of operating the contactless communication medium includes a step of setting a response time longer than a first predetermined time, the response time being the time required from the time the external end of sending a command to the contactless communication medium to the time the contactless communication medium begins to respond to the command.

[0029] The 12th aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer suitable for a contactless communication medium to perform a process including setting a response time longer than a first predetermined time, the contactless communication medium comprising: a power generator having a coil that generates electricity by an externally applied external magnetic field acting on the coil; and a processor that operates using the electricity and processes commands contained in the external magnetic field, the response time being the time required from the time the external end of sending a command to the contactless communication medium to the time the contactless communication medium begins to respond to the command.

[0030] The 13th aspect of the present invention relates to a contactless communication medium comprising: a coil; and a processor mounted on a magnetic tape cartridge, wherein the coil and the communication object are combined by electromagnetic induction via an external magnetic field applied from the communication object, thereby communicating with the communication object. The processor processes the command contained in the external magnetic field according to the command contained in the external magnetic field, wherein the processor changes the response time of the processor to the command according to the characteristics of at least one of the magnetic tape cartridge, the contactless communication medium and the communication object.

[0031] The 14th aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the 13th aspect, which further includes: a first memory that stores first information and performs at least one of reading and writing the first information by a processor, wherein the processor changes the response time according to the available storage capacity set for the first memory.

[0032] The 15th method of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the 13th or 14th method, wherein the contactless communication medium supports multiple communication standards, the processor selectively uses multiple communication standards for communication, and changes the response time according to the communication standard used for communication among the multiple communication standards.

[0033] The 16th aspect of the present invention is a contactless communication medium involved in any of the 13th to 15th aspects, wherein the communication object can communicate according to each of a plurality of communication standards, and the processor changes the response time according to the communication standard corresponding to the contactless communication medium among the plurality of communication standards.

[0034] The 17th aspect of the present invention is a contactless communication medium involved in any of the 13th to 15th aspects, wherein the communication object is any one of a plurality of communication devices, the plurality of communication devices have any one of a plurality of communication standards, and the response time is changed according to the communication standard used by the communication object among the plurality of communication standards.

[0035] The 18th aspect of the present invention is a contactless communication medium involved in any of the 13th to 17th aspects, and further comprises: a power generator that generates electricity by acting on a coil through an external magnetic field, a processor that uses the electricity to operate, and a response time that is set to be longer than a first predetermined time according to characteristics.

[0036] The 19th method of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the 18th method, wherein the processor sets the response time to be longer than the first predetermined time by setting the processing time required from the start of processing to the end to be longer than the second predetermined time.

[0037] The 20th aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the 19th aspect, and further comprises: a clock signal generator that uses electricity to generate a clock signal, a processor that processes the clock signal at a processing speed corresponding to the frequency of the clock signal, maintains the frequency regardless of the processing time, or, the longer the processing time, the lower the frequency.

[0038] The 21st aspect of the technology of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in any of the 13th to 20th aspects, wherein the command is a command.

[0039] The 22nd aspect of the present invention is a non-contact communication medium involved in any of the 13th to 21st aspects, wherein the coil transmits the processing result obtained by the processor via an external magnetic field.

[0040] The 23rd aspect of the present invention is a non-contact communication medium involved in any of the 13th to 22nd aspects, wherein the processor further changes the response time according to the strength of the external magnetic field.

[0041] The 24th method of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the 23rd method, wherein when the response time is changed according to the strength of the external magnetic field, the processor extends the response time under the condition that the strength of the external magnetic field is lower than a threshold.

[0042] The 25th method of the present invention is a contactless communication medium involved in any of the 13th to 24th methods, wherein the processor changes the response time according to the type of command.

[0043] The 26th method of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the 25th method, which further includes: a second memory that stores second information, wherein the command is a polling command, a read command, or a write command, the processor performs polling processing according to the polling command, performs read processing related to the second information on the second memory according to the read command, performs write processing related to the second information on the second memory according to the write command, and sets the time required for at least the read processing in the write processing and read processing to be longer than the time required for the polling processing.

[0044] The 27th aspect of the present invention is a magnetic tape cassette, which includes a non-contact communication medium and a magnetic tape as described in any of the 13th to 26th aspects, wherein the non-contact communication medium has a third memory that stores information related to the magnetic tape.

[0045] The 28th aspect of the present invention relates to a method of operating a contactless communication medium, the contactless communication medium comprising: a coil; and a processor mounted on a magnetic tape cartridge, wherein the coil and the communication object are combined by electromagnetic induction via an external magnetic field applied from the communication object, thereby communicating with the communication object, wherein the processor processes the command contained in the external magnetic field according to the command contained in the external magnetic field, wherein the processor changes the response time of the processor to the command according to the characteristics of at least one of the magnetic tape cartridge, the contactless communication medium and the communication object.

[0046] The 29th aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer suitable for a contactless communication medium to execute a program that includes changing the processor's response time to a command based on the characteristics of at least one of a magnetic tape cassette, a contactless communication medium, and a communication object, wherein the contactless communication medium includes: a coil; and a processor mounted on the magnetic tape cassette, which connects the coil and the communication object via electromagnetic induction through an external magnetic field applied from the communication object, thereby communicating with the communication object, wherein the processor processes the command contained in the external magnetic field according to the command of the communication object. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of the right rear end of the inner side of the lower housing of the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a support member provided on the inner surface of the lower housing of the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the magnetic tape drive according to the first embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of how a magnetic field is released from the underside of the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment via a contactless reader / writer.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a method of applying a magnetic field to a cartridge memory within a magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment from a contactless reader / writer.

[0053] Figure 7 This is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the structure of the back side of the substrate of the cartridge memory in the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view showing an example of the structure of the surface of the substrate of the cartridge memory in the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 9 This is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an example of the circuit structure of a cartridge memory within a magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer with an IC chip for a cartridge memory mounted in the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 11 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the operation mode setting process executed by the CPU of the cartridge memory within the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Figure 12A This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation mode setting process involved in the first embodiment.

[0059] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A Continuing from the flowchart shown.

[0060] Figure 12C yes Figure 12B Continuing from the flowchart shown.

[0061] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a first variation of the operation mode setting process according to the first embodiment.

[0062] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a second variation of the operation mode setting process involved in the first embodiment.

[0063] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a third variation of the motion mode setting process involved in the first embodiment.

[0064] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a fourth variation of the operation mode setting process involved in the first embodiment.

[0065] Figure 17 This is a schematic top view of the cartridge memory in the magnetic tape cassette according to the first embodiment, and a schematic top view showing a modified example of the connection method between the coil and the IC chip.

[0066] Figure 18 This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of communication distance.

[0067] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer with an IC chip for a cartridge memory mounted in the magnetic tape cassette according to the second embodiment.

[0068] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the communication distance derivation table according to the second embodiment.

[0069] Figure 21 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the operation mode setting process executed by the CPU of the cartridge memory within the tape cassette according to the second embodiment.

[0070] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation mode setting process involved in the second embodiment.

[0071] Figure 23 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the operation mode setting process executed by the CPU of the cartridge memory within the tape cassette according to the third embodiment.

[0072] Figure 24 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the operation mode setting process executed by the CPU of the cartridge memory within the tape cassette according to the third embodiment.

[0073] Figure 25 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer with an IC chip for a cartridge memory mounted in the magnetic tape cassette according to the fourth embodiment.

[0074] Figure 26 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the contactless read / write device and CPU processing content according to the fourth embodiment.

[0075] Figure 27This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the CPU according to the fourth embodiment.

[0076] Figure 28 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the operation mode setting process executed by the CPU of the cartridge memory within the tape cassette according to the fourth embodiment.

[0077] Figure 29 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the contactless read / write device and CPU processing content involved in a variation of the fourth embodiment.

[0078] Figure 30 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a modified example of the tilt angle of the cartridge memory within the magnetic tape cassette according to the embodiment.

[0079] Figure 31 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of how a magnetic field is imparted to the packaging of multiple magnetic tape cassettes involved in the implementation.

[0080] Figure 32 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how an action mode setting process is installed on a computer from a storage medium containing the action mode setting process according to the implementation method.

[0081] Symbol Explanation

[0082] 10-Cassette tape, 12-House, 12A-Right wall, 12B-Opening, 14-Upper house, 14A-Top plate, 14A1-Inner surface, 16-Lower house, 16A-Bottom plate, 16A1-Reference surface, 16B-Rear wall, 18-Cassette tape reel, 18A-Reel hub, 18B1-Upper flange, 18B2-Lower flange, 19-Cassette memory, 20-Supporting component, 20A-First tilting stage, 20A1, 20B1-Tilting surfaces, 20B-Second tilting stage, 22 - Position limiting rib, 24- Rib, 24A- Front face, 26- Substrate, 26A- Back face, 26B- Surface, 30- Tape drive, 34- Transport device, 36- Read head, 38- Control device, 40- Feed motor, 42- Take-up reel, 44- Take-up motor, 46- Reading element, 48- Holder, 50, 50-1, 50-2, 150- Non-contact read / write device, 52- IC chip, 54- Capacitor, 54A, 54B- Electrode, 56- Sealing material Materials: 60-coil, 62A-first conducting section, 62B-second conducting section, 64A, 64B, 64C, 64D-wiring, 70-power generator, 80-built-in capacitor, 82-power supply circuit, 84-computer, 86-clock signal generator, 88-signal processing circuit, 90-magnetic field strength measuring circuit, 92-resonant circuit, 94-CPU, 96-NVM, 98-RAM, 99-bus, 100-management information, 102-operation mode setting. Management program, 103-Communication distance export table, 105-Usable storage capacity information, 122-Settable parameter storage block, 124-Currently set parameter storage block, 126-Program storage block, 130-Communication standard parameters, 132-Currently set parameters, 134-Communication standard setting processing program, 200-Packaging, 300-Storage medium, A, B, C-Arrows, D-Communication distance, GR-Guide roller, MF, MF1-Magnetic field, MT-Magnetic tape, θ, θ1-Tilting angle. Detailed Implementation

[0083] First, let me explain the terms used in the following explanation.

[0084] CPU is short for "Central Processing Unit". RAM stands for Random Access Memory. NVM stands for Non-Volatile Memory. ROM stands for Read Only Memory. EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory. SSD stands for Solid State Drive. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. PLD stands for Programmable Logic Device. FPGA stands for Field-Programmable Gate Array. SoC stands for System-on-a-Chip. IC stands for Integrated Circuit. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identifier. LTO is short for "Radio Frequency Identification". LTO is short for "Linear Tape-Open".

[0085] In the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 In the diagram, arrow A indicates that the tape cassette 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30 (see reference). Figure 4 In the direction indicated by arrow A, the direction of arrow A is defined as the front direction of tape cassette 10, and the front side of tape cassette 10 is defined as the front side of tape cassette 10. In the following structural description, "front" refers to the front side of tape cassette 10.

[0086] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 In the following structural description, arrow B, which is orthogonal to arrow A, is defined as the right direction, and the right side of tape cassette 10 is defined as the right side of tape cassette 10. In the following structural description, "right" refers to the right side of tape cassette 10.

[0087] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figure 1In the diagram, arrow C represents a direction orthogonal to both arrow A and arrow B. Arrow C is defined as the upward direction of tape cassette 10, and the upward side of tape cassette 10 is defined as the upper side of tape cassette 10. In the following structural description, "upper" refers to the upper side of tape cassette 10.

[0088] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 In this design, the direction opposite to the front direction of the tape cassette 10 is defined as the rear direction of the tape cassette 10, and the rear side of the tape cassette 10 is defined as the rear side of the tape cassette 10. In the following structural description, "rear" refers to the rear side of the tape cassette 10.

[0089] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 In this context, the direction opposite to the upward direction of the tape cassette 10 is defined as the downward direction of the tape cassette 10, and the downward side of the tape cassette 10 is defined as the lower side of the tape cassette 10. In the following structural description, "lower" refers to the lower side of the tape cassette 10.

[0090] Furthermore, in the following description, the specifications of the tape cassette 10 will be illustrated using an LTO as an example. In the following description, the specifications shown in Table 1 below will be applied to the LTO to which the technology of this invention relates, but this is merely an example; the specifications of the IBM 3592 tape cassette may also be used.

[0091] [Table 1]

[0092]

[0093] In Table 1, "REQA~SELECT system" refers to the polling commands described later. The "REQA~SELECT system" includes at least the commands "Request A," "Request SN," and "Select." "Request A" is a command to query the cartridge memory for its type. In this embodiment, "Request A" is one type, but it is not limited to this and can be multiple types. "Request SN" is a command to query the cartridge memory for its serial number. "Select" is a command to announce that the cartridge memory is ready to be read or written. The READ system is equivalent to the read command described later. The WRITE system is equivalent to the write command described later.

[0094] [First Implementation]

[0095] As an example, such as Figure 1As shown, the cassette 10 is generally rectangular in top view and has a box-shaped housing 12. The housing 12 is made of resin such as polycarbonate and has an upper housing 14 and a lower housing 16. The upper housing 14 and the lower housing 16 are joined together by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding) and screw fixing, with the lower peripheral surface of the upper housing 14 in contact with the upper peripheral surface of the lower housing 16. The joining method is not limited to welding and screw fixing, and other joining methods may also be used. Furthermore, the cassette 10 is an example of a "cassette cassette" according to the technology of this invention.

[0096] A magnetic tape cassette reel 18 is rotatably housed inside the housing 12. The magnetic tape cassette reel 18 includes a reel hub 18A, an upper flange 18B1, and a lower flange 18B2. The reel hub 18A is cylindrical. The reel hub 18A is the central portion of the magnetic tape cassette reel 18, with its axis aligned vertically along the housing 12 and positioned at the center of the housing 12. The upper flange 18B1 and the lower flange 18B2 are each annular. The upper flange 18B1 is fixed to the upper end of the reel hub 18A at its central view, and the lower flange 18B2 is fixed to the lower end of the reel hub 18A at its central view. A magnetic tape MT is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the reel hub 18A, with the width end of the magnetic tape MT held by the upper flange 18B1 and the lower flange 18B2. Alternatively, the reel hub 18A and the lower flange 18B2 can be integrally formed. MT magnetic tape is an example of "magnetic tape" as described in this invention.

[0097] An opening 12B is formed on the front side of the right wall 12A of the housing 12. The magnetic tape MT is pulled out through the opening 12B.

[0098] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, a cassette memory 19 is housed at the right rear end of the lower housing 16. The cassette memory 19 is an example of a "contactless communication medium" involved in the technology of this invention. In this embodiment, a so-called passive RFID tag is used as the cassette memory 19.

[0099] Management information 100 (reference) is stored in the cassette memory 19. Figure 10 The management information 100 is information for managing the tape cartridge 10. Examples of management information 100 include, for instance, identification information that identifies the tape cartridge 10, information indicating the recording capacity of the tape MT, a summary of the information recorded in the tape MT (hereinafter also referred to as "recording information"), the items of the recorded information, and the recording format of the recorded information. Furthermore, the management information 100 is an example of "first information," "second information," and "data tape-related information" as understood in the present invention.

[0100] The cartridge memory 19 communicates with an external device (not shown) in a contactless manner. Examples of external devices include, for instance, a read / write device used in the manufacturing process of the tape cartridge 10 and a tape drive (e.g., Figure 4 The read / write device (e.g., tape drive 30) used in the tape drive 30 is shown. Figures 4-6 The non-contact reading and writing device 50 shown.

[0101] External devices read and write various information to the cassette memory 19 in a non-contact manner. Details will be described later. The cassette memory 19 generates electricity by acting electromagnetically on a magnetic field applied from an external device. The cassette memory 19 then uses the generated electricity to operate and communicates with the external device via the magnetic field, thereby exchanging various types of information with the external device. Furthermore, the communication method can be, for example, in accordance with known standards such as ISO 14443 or ISO 18092, or in accordance with the LTO specification of ECMA 319, etc.

[0102] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, a support member 20 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A at the right rear end of the lower housing 16. The support member 20 is a pair of tilting platforms that support the cassette memory 19 from below in an inclined state. The pair of tilting platforms are a first tilting platform 20A and a second tilting platform 20B. The first tilting platform 20A and the second tilting platform 20B are arranged spaced apart along the left and right direction of the housing 12, and are integral with the inner surface of the rear wall 16B of the lower housing 16 and the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A. The first tilting platform 20A has an inclined surface 20A1, which slopes downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A. Furthermore, the inclined surface 20B1 also slopes downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A.

[0103] On the front side of the support member 20, a pair of position limiting ribs 22 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The pair of position limiting ribs 22 are vertically provided on the inner surface of the base plate 16A, limiting the position of the lower end of the cassette memory 19 disposed in the support member 20.

[0104] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a reference surface 16A1 is formed on the outer surface of the base plate 16A. The reference surface 16A1 is a plane. Here, a plane refers to a plane that is parallel to the horizontal plane when the base plate 16A is used as the lower side and the lower housing 16 is placed on the horizontal plane. The tilt angle θ of the support member 20, that is, the tilt angle of the tilt surface 20A1 and the tilt surface 20B1, is 45 degrees relative to the reference surface 16A1. In addition, 45 degrees is only one example, and it can be "0 degrees < tilt angle θ < 45 degrees", or it can be 45 degrees or more.

[0105] The cassette memory 19 includes a substrate 26. The substrate 26 is placed on a support member 20 with its back surface 26A facing downwards, and the support member 20 supports the back surface 26A of the substrate 26 from below. A portion of the back surface 26A of the substrate 26 contacts the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 of the support member 20, and the surface 26B of the substrate 26 is exposed to the inner surface 14A1 side of the top plate 14A.

[0106] The upper shell 14 has a plurality of ribs 24. The plurality of ribs 24 are arranged at intervals along the left and right direction of the shell 12. The plurality of ribs 24 protrude downward from the inner surface 14A1 of the top plate 14A of the upper shell 14, and the front end face 24A of each rib 24 has an inclined surface corresponding to the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1. That is, the front end face 24A of each rib 24 is inclined at 45 degrees relative to the reference surface 16A1.

[0107] If the upper housing 14 is joined to the lower housing 16 as described above when the cassette memory 19 is disposed on the support member 20, the front end face 24A of each rib 24 contacts the substrate 26 from the surface 26B side, and the substrate 26 is held by the front end face 24A of each rib 24 and the inclined surface of the support member 20. Thus, the vertical position of the cassette memory 19 is restricted by the ribs 24.

[0108] As an example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the tape drive 30 includes a transport device 34, a read head 36, and a control device 38. A tape cassette 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30. The tape drive 30 is a device for pulling a magnetic tape MT from the tape cassette 10 and reading recorded information from the pulled-out tape MT in a linear, serpentine manner using the read head 36. Furthermore, in this embodiment, reading recorded information refers to, in other words, reproducing recorded information.

[0109] The control device 38 controls the entire tape drive 30. In this embodiment, the control device 38 is implemented using an ASIC, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 38 can also be implemented using an FPGA. Furthermore, the control device 38 can also be implemented using a computer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Moreover, it can also be implemented by combining two or more of ASICs, FPGAs, and computers. That is, the control device 38 can also be implemented using a combination of hardware and software structures.

[0110] The conveying device 34 is a device for selectively conveying magnetic tape MT in both forward and reverse directions, and includes a feed motor 40, a take-up reel 42, a take-up motor 44, multiple guide rollers GR, and a control device 38.

[0111] The delivery motor 40 rotates and drives the tape reel 18 inside the tape cassette 10 under the control of the control device 38. The control device 38 controls the rotation direction, speed, and torque of the tape reel 18 by controlling the delivery motor 40.

[0112] The take-up motor 44 rotates and drives the take-up reel 42 under the control of the control device 38. The control device 38 controls the rotation direction, speed, and torque of the take-up reel 42 by controlling the take-up motor 44.

[0113] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 42, the control device 38 rotates the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 in a forward-moving manner. The speed and torque of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 can be adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT wound by the take-up reel 42.

[0114] When the magnetic tape MT is rewound on the tape reel 18, the control device 38 rotates the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 to make the magnetic tape MT travel in the opposite direction. The speed and torque of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 are adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT wound by the take-up reel 42.

[0115] By adjusting the respective speeds and torques of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44, a tension within a predetermined range is applied to the magnetic tape MT. Here, the predetermined range refers, for example, to the range of tension that enables the read head 36 to read data from the magnetic tape MT, obtained through computer simulation and / or based on actual machine testing.

[0116] In this embodiment, the tension of the magnetic tape MT is controlled by controlling the rotational speed and torque of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the tension of the magnetic tape MT can be controlled by using a tension adjustment roller, or it can be controlled by pulling the magnetic tape MT into a vacuum chamber.

[0117] Multiple guide rollers GR are rollers that guide the magnetic tape MT. The travel path of the magnetic tape MT is defined by multiple guide rollers GR being separately arranged across the read head 36 between the tape cassette 10 and the take-up reel 42.

[0118] The read head 36 includes a read element 46 and a holder 48. The read element 46 is held by the holder 48 in contact with the traveling magnetic tape MT and reads recorded information from the magnetic tape MT conveyed by the transport device 34.

[0119] The tape drive 30 includes a contactless read / write device 50. The contactless read / write device 50 is an example of a "communication object" and "communication device" according to the technology of this invention. The contactless read / write device 50 is arranged on the underside of the tape cassette 10, which is filled with tape, in a manner directly facing the back surface 26A of the cartridge memory 19. Furthermore, the state in which the tape cassette 10 is filled in the tape drive 30 refers to, for example, a state in which the tape cassette 10 has reached a predetermined position as the position where the read head 36 begins reading recording information from the tape MT.

[0120] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the contactless read / write device 50 releases a magnetic field MF from the underside of the tape cassette 10 toward the cartridge memory 19. The magnetic field MF penetrates the cartridge memory 19. Furthermore, the magnetic field MF is an example of an "external magnetic field" as described in this invention.

[0121] As an example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the contactless read / write device 50 is connected to the control device 38. The control device 38 outputs a control signal to the contactless read / write device 50 to control the cassette memory 19. The contactless read / write device 50 releases a magnetic field MF toward the cassette memory 19 according to the control signal input from the control device 38. The magnetic field MF penetrates from the back side 26A side of the cassette memory 19 toward the surface side 26B side.

[0122] The contactless reader / writer 50 transmits a command signal space to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of the control device 38. Details will be described later; the command signal is a signal representing an instruction to the cartridge memory 19. When the command signal is transmitted from the contactless reader / writer 50 space to the cartridge memory 19, the command signal transmitted from the contactless reader / writer 50 space according to the instructions from the control device 38 is contained within the magnetic field MF. In other words, the command signal is superimposed on the magnetic field MF. That is, the contactless reader / writer 50 sends the command signal to the cartridge memory 19 via the magnetic field MF under the control of the control device 38. Furthermore, the command signal is an example of a "command" as understood in the technology of this invention.

[0123] An IC chip 52 and a capacitor 54 are mounted on the surface 26B of the cassette memory 19. The IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are bonded to the surface 26B. Furthermore, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are sealed to the surface 26B of the cassette memory 19 by a sealing material 56. Here, an ultraviolet-curable resin that cures upon reaction with ultraviolet light is used as the sealing material 56. However, ultraviolet-curable resin is only one example; light-curable resin that cures upon reaction with light in a wavelength region other than ultraviolet light may also be used as the sealing material 56, as may thermosetting resin, or as an adhesive.

[0124] As an example, such as Figure 7 As shown, a coil 60 is formed in a ring shape on the back surface 26A of the cassette memory 19. Here, copper foil is used as the material for the coil 60. Copper foil is just one example; other conductive materials such as aluminum foil can also be used. The coil 60 is connected by a magnetic field MF applied from the contactless read / write device 50 (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 6 This induces a current through its function. Furthermore, coil 60 is an example of a "coil" as described in this invention.

[0125] A first conductive portion 62A and a second conductive portion 62B are provided on the back surface 26A of the cassette memory 19. The first conductive portion 62A and the second conductive portion 62B have solder to connect the two ends of the coil 60 to the IC chip 52 (reference) on the surface 26B. Figure 6 and Figure 8 ) and capacitor 54 (reference) Figure 6 and Figure 8 Electrical connection.

[0126] As an example, such as Figure 8 As shown, on surface 26B of the cassette memory 19, IC chip 52 and capacitor 54 are electrically connected to each other via wires. Specifically, one terminal of the positive and negative terminals of IC chip 52 is connected to the first conductive section 62A via wiring 64A, and the other terminal is connected to the second conductive section 62B via wiring 64B. Furthermore, capacitor 54 has a pair of electrodes. Figure 8 In the example shown, the pair of electrodes are electrodes 54A and 54B. Electrode 54A is connected to the first conductive part 62A via wiring 64C, and electrode 54B is connected to the second conductive part 62B via wiring 64D. Thus, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are connected in parallel with respect to the coil 60.

[0127] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the IC chip 52 includes a built-in capacitor 80, a power supply circuit 82, a computer 84, a clock signal generator 86, a signal processing circuit 88, and a magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90. The IC chip 52 is a general-purpose IC chip that can be used in applications other than the cassette cartridge 10, and functions as a cassette cartridge processing unit by installing a cassette cartridge program. Furthermore, as an example of a cassette cartridge program, the operation mode setting processing program 102, described later, can be cited. Additionally, the clock signal generator 86 is an example of a "clock signal generator" according to the technology of this invention.

[0128] Furthermore, the cassette memory 19 includes a power generator 70. The power generator 70 generates electricity by applying a magnetic field MF from the contactless read / write device 50 to the coil 60. Specifically, the power generator 70 uses a resonant circuit 92 to generate alternating current (AC) power and converts the generated AC power into direct current (DC) power for output. Moreover, the power generator 70 is an example of a "power generator" according to the technology of this invention.

[0129] The power generator 70 has a resonant circuit 92 and a power supply circuit 82. The resonant circuit 92 includes a capacitor 54, a coil 60, and a built-in capacitor 80. The built-in capacitor 80 is a capacitor built into the IC chip 52, and the power supply circuit 82 is also a circuit built into the IC chip 52. The built-in capacitor 80 is connected in parallel with the coil 60.

[0130] Capacitor 54 is an external capacitor mounted on IC chip 52. IC chip 52 is a general-purpose IC chip that can be used in applications different from tape cartridge 10. Therefore, the capacitance of the built-in capacitor 80 may be insufficient to achieve the resonant frequency required in the cartridge memory 19 used in tape cartridge 10. Therefore, in cartridge memory 19, capacitor 54 is mounted on IC chip 52 as a capacitor with the capacitance value required to cause resonant circuit 92 to resonate at a predetermined resonant frequency through the action of magnetic field MF. In addition, the frequency corresponding to the predetermined resonant frequency, for example, 13.56MHz, can be appropriately determined according to the specifications of cartridge memory 19 and / or contactless read / write device 50. Furthermore, the capacitance of capacitor 54 is specified based on the measured value of the capacitance of built-in capacitor 80.

[0131] The resonant circuit 92 generates AC power by using the magnetic field MF to pass through the coil 60 and the induced current generated by the coil 60 to produce a resonant phenomenon at a predetermined resonant frequency, and outputs the generated AC power to the power supply circuit 82.

[0132] The power supply circuit 82 includes a rectifier circuit and a smoothing circuit. The rectifier circuit is a full-wave rectifier circuit with multiple diodes. A full-wave rectifier circuit is just one example; a half-wave rectifier circuit could also be used. The smoothing circuit consists of capacitors and resistors. The power supply circuit 82 converts the AC power input from the resonant circuit 92 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power (hereinafter also simply referred to as "power") to various driving elements within the IC chip 52. Examples of various driving elements include the computer 84, the clock signal generator 86, the signal processing circuit 88, and the magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90. Thus, by supplying power to the various driving elements within the IC chip 52 using the power generator 70, the IC chip 52 operates using the power generated by the power generator 70.

[0133] Computer 84, an example of a "computer" according to the technology of this invention, controls the entire cassette memory 19. Computer 84 stores management information 100 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0134] Clock signal generator 86 generates clock signals and outputs them to various driving elements. The various driving elements operate according to the clock signals input from clock signal generator 86. Details will be described later. Clock signal generator 86 changes the frequency of the clock signal (hereinafter also referred to as "clock frequency") according to the instructions of computer 84. In clock signal generator 86, a clock frequency that is the same as the frequency of the magnetic field MF is used as a reference clock frequency (hereinafter referred to as "reference clock frequency"), and clock signals of different clock frequencies are generated based on the reference clock frequency. In this embodiment, clock signal generator 86 selectively generates clock signals of frequencies 1 to 3. The 1st frequency is the same as the reference clock frequency, the 2nd frequency is half the reference clock frequency, and the 3rd frequency is one-quarter of the reference clock frequency (see reference). Figure 11 That is, regarding clock frequencies, the second frequency is lower than the first frequency, and the third frequency is lower than the second frequency. Furthermore, the clock signal is an example of the "clock signal" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0135] Signal processing circuit 88 is connected to resonant circuit 92. Signal processing circuit 88 has a decoding circuit (not shown) and an encoding circuit (not shown). The decoding circuit of signal processing circuit 88 extracts the command signal from the magnetic field MF received by coil 60, decodes it, and outputs it to computer 84. Computer 84 outputs a response signal to the command signal to signal processing circuit 88. That is, computer 84 performs processing corresponding to the command signal input from signal processing circuit 88 and outputs the processing result as a response signal to signal processing circuit 88. In signal processing circuit 88, if a response signal is input from computer 84, the encoding circuit of signal processing circuit 88 modulates the response signal by encoding it and outputs it to resonant circuit 92. Coil 60 of resonant circuit 92 sends the response signal input from the encoding circuit of signal processing circuit 88 to contactless read / write device 50 via magnetic field MF. That is, when the response signal is sent from cassette memory 19 to contactless read / write device 50, the response signal is contained in magnetic field MF. In other words, the response signal is superimposed on magnetic field MF.

[0136] The magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90 measures the strength of the magnetic field MF based on the power generated by the power supply circuit 82. The greater the strength of the magnetic field MF applied to the resonant circuit 92, the greater the power generated by the power supply circuit 82 becomes within a certain limit. The magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90 outputs a signal with an output level corresponding to the power generated by the power supply circuit 82, based on the correlation between the power generated by the power supply circuit 82 and the strength of the magnetic field MF applied to the resonant circuit 92. That is, the magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90 measures the power generated by the power supply circuit 82, generates a magnetic field strength signal representing the strength of the magnetic field MF based on the measurement result, and outputs it to the computer 84. Thus, the computer 84 can perform processing corresponding to the magnetic field strength signal input from the magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90.

[0137] As an example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the computer 84 includes a CPU 94, an NVM 96, and a RAM 98. The CPU 94, NVM 96, and RAM 98 are connected to a bus 99. Furthermore, a clock signal generator 86, a signal processing circuit 88, and a magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90 are also connected to the bus 99. In addition, the CPU 94 is an example of a "processor" according to the technology of this invention.

[0138] NVM96 is an example of the "first memory," "second memory," and "third memory" involved in the technology of this invention. Here, NVM96 uses EEPROM. EEPROM is just one example; for example, ferroelectric memory can be used instead of EEPROM. Any memory can be used as long as it is a non-volatile memory that can be mounted on IC chip 52.

[0139] The NVM96 stores management information 100. The CPU94 selectively performs polling, reading, and writing processes based on command signals input from the signal processing circuit 88. Polling is a process for establishing communication with the contactless read / write device 50, for example, as a preparatory process before reading and writing. Reading is the process of reading management information 100 from the NVM96. Writing is the process of writing management information 100 into the NVM96. Polling, reading, and writing processes (hereinafter referred to as "various processes" unless otherwise specified) are all performed by the CPU94 according to a clock signal generated by the clock signal generator 86. That is, the CPU94 performs various processes at a processing speed corresponding to the clock frequency.

[0140] Therefore, the higher the clock frequency, the faster the processing speed. Faster processing speed means a greater load on the CPU94, resulting in higher power consumption. Furthermore, the more information such as management information 100 is processed, the longer the read and write processing time for the CPU94 will be, potentially leading to insufficient power supply from the power circuit 82 to the CPU94.

[0141] One reason for the increased load on the CPU94 is the shortening of the time required from the contactless reader / writer 50 sending a command signal to the cartridge memory 19 to the cartridge memory 19 beginning to send a response signal to the command signal (hereinafter also referred to as "response time"). A shorter response time requires higher-speed operation of the cartridge memory 19, and increasing the clock frequency for processing increases power consumption. Furthermore, it is generally known that there is a trade-off between response time and the maximum communication distance between the contactless reader / writer 50 and the cartridge memory 19. This response time is an example of the "response time" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0142] In the cassette memory 19, to suppress increased power consumption, the CPU 94 performs an operation mode setting process. This operation mode setting process sets the response time to a time longer than a predetermined time that serves as the standard response time. Here, the predetermined time as the standard response time is an example of the "first predetermined time" involved in the technology of this invention. The operation mode setting process will be described below.

[0143] The NVM96 stores the operation mode setting process 102. The CPU94 reads the operation mode setting process 102 from the NVM96 and executes the operation mode setting process 102 on RAM98. The operation mode setting process can be implemented by the CPU94 executing the operation mode setting process 102.

[0144] As an example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the CPU 94 sets the operating mode (hereinafter also simply referred to as "operating mode") of the cassette memory 19 to an operating mode corresponding to the command signal by performing an operating mode setting process, and sets a clock frequency corresponding to the operating mode. The CPU 94 sets the processing time (hereinafter also simply referred to as "processing time") required from the start of processing a command (e.g., a command) to its end to a time longer than a predetermined time by changing the operating mode according to the command signal. Thus, by setting the processing time longer than the predetermined time, the CPU 94 sets the response time to a time longer than a time predetermined as a standard response time. Here, the predetermined time is an example of the "second predetermined time" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0145] The CPU94 changes its clock frequency by setting a clock frequency corresponding to the operating mode. Specifically, the longer the processing time, the lower the CPU94's clock frequency.

[0146] The operating mode is set based on the command represented by the command signal input from the signal processing circuit 88 to the CPU 94. The command represented by the command signal can be a polling command, a read command, or a write command. When the command represented by the command signal is a polling command, the CPU 94 performs polling processing; when the command represented by the command signal is a read command, the CPU 94 performs read processing; and when the command represented by the command signal is a write command, the CPU 94 performs write processing. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, only one polling signal is shown here, but multiple polling signals can be used.

[0147] The CPU94 adjusts the processing time by setting one of three processing modes: long processing mode, medium processing mode, and short processing mode. The processing time can be any one of these three modes. Long processing mode refers to a time longer than medium processing mode, and short processing mode refers to a time shorter than medium processing mode. In long processing mode, the time required for the CPU94 to process the command is called long processing mode; in medium processing mode, the time required for the CPU94 to process the command is called medium processing mode; and in short processing mode, the time required for the CPU94 to process the command is called short processing mode.

[0148] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, when the command represented by the command signal is a polling command, the CPU94 sets a short-time processing mode as the operation mode; when the command represented by the command signal is a write command, the CPU94 sets a medium-time processing mode; and when the command represented by the command signal is a read command, the CPU94 sets a long-time processing mode.

[0149] When the short-time processing mode is set as the operating mode, the CPU94 sets the first frequency as the clock frequency. That is, when the short-time processing mode is set as the operating mode, the CPU94 controls the clock signal generator 86 to generate a clock signal of the first frequency.

[0150] When the medium-time processing mode is set as the operating mode, the CPU94 sets the second frequency as the clock frequency. That is, when the medium-time processing mode is set as the operating mode, the CPU94 controls the clock signal generator 86 to generate a clock signal of the second frequency.

[0151] When the long-running processing mode is set as the operating mode, the CPU94 sets the third frequency as the clock frequency. That is, when the long-running processing mode is set as the operating mode, the CPU94 controls the clock signal generator 86 to generate a clock signal of the third frequency.

[0152] Furthermore, when the operation mode shifts from a short-time processing mode to a medium-time processing mode, the short time is an example of the "second predetermined time" involved in the technology of this invention, which is equivalent to a response time of the short time being a time predetermined as the aforementioned standard response time, i.e., an example of the "first predetermined time" involved in the technology of this invention. And, when the operation mode shifts from a medium-time processing mode to a long-time processing mode, the medium time is an example of the "second predetermined time" involved in the technology of this invention, which is equivalent to a response time of the medium time being a time predetermined as the aforementioned standard response time, i.e., an example of the "first predetermined time" involved in the technology of this invention. Thus, by shifting the operation mode from a short-time processing mode to a medium-time processing mode, or from a medium-time processing mode to a long-time processing mode, the response time also becomes longer.

[0153] Next, refer to Figures 12A-12C The function of the cassette memory 19 will be explained.

[0154] exist Figures 12A-12C The diagram illustrates an example of the operation mode setting process executed by the CPU 94. In the following description of the operation mode setting process, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that power is supplied from the power supply circuit 82 to various drive elements. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the command represented by the command signal is any one of a polling command, a read command, or a write command. Moreover, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the operation mode is set to a long-time processing mode, a medium-time processing mode, or a short-time processing mode.

[0155] exist Figure 12A In the illustrated operation mode setting process, firstly, in step ST12, the CPU 94 determines whether a command signal has been received by the signal processing circuit 88. If a command signal is received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST12, the determination is affirmative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST14. If no command signal is received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST12, the determination is negated, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST26.

[0156] In step ST14, CPU 94 determines whether the command represented by the command signal received by signal processing circuit 88 in step ST12 is a polling command. In step ST14, if the command represented by the command signal received by signal processing circuit 88 is not a polling command, the determination is rejected, and the operation mode setting process is transferred to... Figure 12B The step ST28 is shown. In step ST14, when the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 is a polling command, the determination is affirmed, and the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST16.

[0157] In step ST16, CPU94 determines whether the action mode set at the current time is a long-time processing mode or a medium-time processing mode. In step ST16, if the action mode set at the current time is not a long-time processing mode or a medium-time processing mode (when the action mode set at the current time is a short-time processing mode), the determination is rejected, and the action mode setting process proceeds to step ST22. In step ST16, if the action mode set at the current time is a long-time processing mode or a medium-time processing mode, the determination is affirmative, and the action mode setting process proceeds to step ST18.

[0158] In step ST18, CPU94 switches the operation mode to short-time processing mode, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST20.

[0159] In step ST20, CPU94 sets the clock frequency to the first frequency, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST22.

[0160] On the other hand, Figure 12B In step ST28, the CPU 94 determines whether the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST12 is a write command. In step ST28, if the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 is not a write command (when the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 is a read command), the determination is rejected, and the operation mode setting process is transferred to the next step. Figure 12C The step ST36 is shown. In step ST28, when the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 is a read command, the determination is affirmed, and the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST30.

[0161] In step ST30, CPU94 determines whether the action mode set at the current time is a long-time processing mode or a short-time processing mode. In step ST30, if the action mode set at the current time is neither a long-time processing mode nor a short-time processing mode (when the action mode set at the current time is a medium-time processing mode), the determination is rejected, and the action mode setting process is transferred to CPU94. Figure 12A The step ST22 is shown. In step ST30, when the action mode set at the current time is a long-term processing mode or a short-term processing mode, the determination is affirmed, and the action mode setting process is transferred to step ST32.

[0162] In step ST32, CPU94 switches the operation mode to the medium time processing mode, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST34.

[0163] In step ST34, CPU94 sets the clock frequency to the second frequency, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to... Figure 12A Step ST22 is shown.

[0164] On the other hand, Figure 12C In step ST36, CPU94 determines whether the action mode set at the current time is a medium-time processing mode or a short-time processing mode. In step ST36, if the action mode set at the current time is not a medium-time processing mode or a short-time processing mode (when the action mode set at the current time is a long-time processing mode), the determination is rejected, and the action mode setting process is transferred to... Figure 12A The step ST22 is shown. In step ST36, when the action mode set at the current time is a medium-time processing mode or a short-time processing mode, the determination is affirmed, and the action mode setting process is transferred to step ST38.

[0165] In step ST38, CPU94 switches the operation mode to long-running processing mode, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST40.

[0166] In step ST40, CPU94 sets the clock frequency to the third frequency, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to... Figure 12A Step ST22 is shown.

[0167] exist Figure 12A In step ST22, as shown, CPU 94 performs processing corresponding to the command signal received by signal processing circuit 88 in step ST12, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST24.

[0168] In step ST24, the CPU 94 sends a response signal representing the processing result obtained by performing step ST22 on the signal processing circuit 88 and the resonant circuit 92 to the non-contact read / write device 50 via the magnetic field MF, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST26.

[0169] In step ST26, the CPU94 determines whether the conditions for ending the operation mode setting process (hereinafter referred to as the "operation mode setting process end condition") are met. An example of an operation mode setting process end condition is that the magnetic field MF has disappeared. Whether the magnetic field MF has disappeared is determined by the CPU94 based on the magnetic field strength signal input from the magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90. In step ST26, if the operation mode setting process end condition is not met, the determination is rejected, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST12. In step ST26, if the operation mode setting process end condition is met, the determination is affirmed, and the operation mode setting process ends.

[0170] As explained above, in the cassette memory 19, when the CPU 94 sets the processing time to be longer than a predetermined time, the response time also increases by an amount equivalent to the increase in processing time. The longer the processing time, i.e., the longer the response time, the lower the clock frequency is set. That is, if the process switches from a short-time processing mode to a medium-time processing mode, the processing time increases, and the response time also increases. The switch from a short-time processing mode to a medium-time processing mode means that the processing time changes from short to medium. Consequently, the clock frequency changes from the first frequency to the second frequency. Since the second frequency is not "0", the CPU 94 can perform processing corresponding to the command signals according to the second frequency.

[0171] Furthermore, if the processing mode is switched from a medium-time processing mode to a long-time processing mode, the processing time changes from medium to long, and the response time also increases by an amount equivalent to the increase in processing time. Consequently, the clock frequency changes from the second frequency to the third frequency. Since the third frequency is not "0", the CPU94 can execute processing corresponding to the command signals according to the third frequency. Moreover, the lower the clock frequency, the less power the CPU94 consumes.

[0172] Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to achieve both stable operation of the cassette memory 19 and reduced power consumption. Furthermore, an example is given here where the processing time changes in stages, and consequently the clock frequency changes in stages; however, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to make the processing time and clock frequency change without any stages.

[0173] Furthermore, in the cassette memory 19, the processing time for processing a command via the CPU 94 is set to be longer than a predetermined time; the longer the processing time, the lower the clock frequency is set. Therefore, according to this structure, even when processing a command via the CPU 94, it is possible to achieve both stable operation of the cassette memory 19 and reduced power consumption.

[0174] Furthermore, in the cassette memory 19, a response signal representing the processing result obtained by the CPU 94 in accordance with the command signal is sent to the contactless read / write device 50 via the magnetic field MF. Therefore, according to this structure, even if a magnetic field different from the magnetic field MF is not applied to the coil 60, the processing result can still be sent to the contactless read / write device 50.

[0175] Furthermore, in the cassette memory 19, the CPU 94 does not always process the command signal according to the first frequency clock signal; instead, the response time varies depending on the type of command represented by the command signal. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to the case where the processing time is always constant regardless of the type of command, excessive or insufficient power consumption and processing time can be suppressed.

[0176] Furthermore, in the cassette memory 19, the time required for read and write processing is set to be longer than the time required for polling processing. Therefore, according to this structure, read and write processing are performed at a clock frequency lower than that used in polling processing, thus reducing power consumption compared to the case where polling processing is performed. That is, compared to the case where the same clock frequency as polling processing is used in both read and write processing, the situation where read and write processing cannot be completed due to insufficient power can be suppressed.

[0177] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of executing step ST12 in the operation mode setting process regardless of the strength of the magnetic field MF has been described, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the processing of step ST10 can also be performed in the action mode setting process before step ST12.

[0178] Figure 13 The action mode settings and processing shown Figures 12A-12C The difference in the illustrated operation mode setting process is that, prior to executing the operation mode setting process, the first frequency clock signal is supplied to various driving elements via the clock signal generator 86. Furthermore, Figure 13 The action mode settings and processing shown Figures 12A-12C The difference in the action mode setting process shown is that it includes the process with step ST10.

[0179] exist Figure 13 In step ST10 shown, the CPU94 determines whether the strength of the magnetic field MF is less than a threshold based on the magnetic field strength signal. Here, the threshold is, for example, a value derived in advance through actual machine-based experiments and / or computer simulations, which is a lower limit value of the magnetic field strength that will not produce insufficient power even when a clock signal of the first frequency is supplied to various driving elements.

[0180] In step ST10, if the strength of the magnetic field MF is above the threshold, the determination is rejected, and the action mode setting process proceeds to step ST26. In step ST10, if the strength of the magnetic field MF is below the threshold, the determination is affirmed, and the action mode setting process proceeds to step ST12.

[0181] That is, when the strength of the magnetic field MF is above the threshold, the clock signal of the first frequency is maintained. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to avoid a situation where the processing time is prolonged even though there is no possibility of insufficient power.

[0182] Furthermore, when the strength of the magnetic field MF is less than a threshold, the operating mode is changed according to the type of command represented by the command signal, and the clock frequency is changed according to the operating mode. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to the case where the processing time is fixed regardless of the strength of the magnetic field MF, excessive or insufficient power consumption and processing time can be suppressed.

[0183] Furthermore, in Figure 13 In the example shown, the strength of the magnetic field MF is determined to be less than a threshold in the pre-step stage of ST12, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, step ST15 can also be inserted between step ST14 and step ST16.

[0184] exist Figure 14 In step ST15, the same decision is made as in step ST12. Then, in step ST15, if the strength of the magnetic field MF is above the threshold, the decision is denied, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST26. In step ST15, if the strength of the magnetic field MF is below the threshold, the decision is affirmed, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST16.

[0185] Furthermore, the operation mode setting process described in the first embodiment above is merely one example, and the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be executed by CPU94. Figure 15 The action mode settings shown are used to replace Figure 12B The action mode settings are shown. Figure 15 The action mode settings and processing shown Figure 12BThe difference in the action mode setting process shown is that it includes the process with step ST29.

[0186] exist Figure 15 In step ST29, CPU94 determines whether the strength of magnetic field MF is less than a threshold based on the magnetic field strength signal. In step ST29, if the strength of magnetic field MF is above the threshold, the determination is rejected, and the action mode setting process is transferred to... Figure 12A The step ST22 is shown. In step ST29, when the strength of the magnetic field MF is less than the threshold, the determination is affirmed, and the action mode setting process is transferred to step ST30.

[0187] Furthermore, the operation mode setting process described in the first embodiment above is merely one example, and the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it can also be executed by CPU94. Figure 16 The action mode settings shown are used to replace Figure 12C The action mode settings are shown. Figure 16 The action mode settings and processing shown Figure 12C The difference in the action mode setting process shown is that it includes the process with step ST35.

[0188] exist Figure 16 In step ST35, CPU94 determines whether the strength of magnetic field MF is less than a threshold based on the magnetic field strength signal. In step ST35, if the strength of magnetic field MF is above the threshold, the determination is rejected, and the action mode setting process is transferred to... Figure 12A The step ST22 is shown. In step ST35, when the strength of the magnetic field MF is less than the threshold, the determination is affirmed, and the action mode setting process is transferred to step ST36.

[0189] In addition, Figure 12B and Figure 15 In the example shown, when the command represented by the command signal is a write command, a medium-time processing mode is set, and a second frequency is set as the clock frequency. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. When the command represented by the command signal is a write command, a long-time processing mode can also be set, and a third frequency can be set as the clock frequency.

[0190] Furthermore, in Figure 12C and Figure 16 In the example shown, when the command represented by the command signal is a read command, a long-time processing mode is set, and a third frequency is set as the clock frequency. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. When the command represented by the command signal is a read command, a medium-time processing mode can also be set, and a second frequency can be set as the clock frequency.

[0191] Thus, when the command represented by the command signal is a write command or a read command, as long as the processing time is a medium or long time longer than a short time, the clock frequency can be higher than the first frequency.

[0192] Furthermore, in Figures 13-16 The example shown illustrates how the response time can be changed according to the strength of the magnetic field MF, but the response time can also be fixed regardless of the strength of the magnetic field MF.

[0193] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, an example of connecting the IC chip 52 and the coil 60 via wires was given, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the IC chip 52 and the coil 60 can also be connected in a flip-chip configuration. In this case, for example, one terminal of the positive and negative terminals of the IC chip 52 is directly connected to the first conductive section 62A, and the other terminal is directly connected to the second conductive section 62B.

[0194] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the second frequency is set to half the first frequency, and the third frequency is set to a quarter of the first frequency. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this; it is acceptable as long as the second frequency is lower than the first frequency and the third frequency is lower than the second frequency. The level at which the second frequency is lower than the first frequency and / or the level at which the third frequency is lower than the second frequency can be changed based on the voltage remaining in the capacitor 54 and the built-in capacitor 80, i.e., the power remaining in the cassette memory 19. In this case, for example, the computer 84 controls the clock signal generator 86 to set the second frequency to a frequency less than one-third of the first frequency and the third frequency to the same frequency as the second frequency or to a frequency lower than the second frequency when the power remaining in the cassette memory 19 is lower than a threshold.

[0195] [Second Implementation]

[0196] In the first embodiment described above, an example of changing the operating mode based on a command signal was given. However, in this second embodiment, an example of changing the operating mode based on a communication distance D, which represents the distance between the contactless read / write device 50 and the cassette memory 19, will be described. Furthermore, in this second embodiment, components that are the same as those described in the first embodiment are marked with the same symbols as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0197] As an example, such as Figure 18As shown, the communication distance D is the distance between the magnetic field release surface of the contactless read / write device 50 and the center of the short side of the back surface 26A of the substrate 26 of the cassette memory 19. Furthermore, the communication distance D is an example of the "characteristics of the magnetic tape cassette" and the "characteristics of the communication object" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0198] The dimensions of the housing 12 of the tape cartridge 10 and the arrangement position of the cartridge memory 19 within the tape cartridge 10 are predetermined according to the type of housing 12. Similarly, the dimensions of the tape drive 30 and the loading position of the tape cartridge 10 within the tape drive 30 are predetermined according to the type of tape drive 30. Furthermore, the dimensions of the contactless reader / writer 50 are predetermined according to the type of contactless reader / writer 50, and the position of the contactless reader / writer 50 relative to the tape drive 30 is fixed. Therefore, when the tape cartridge 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30, the communication distance D is derived based on the type of tape cartridge 10, the type of tape drive 30, and the type of contactless reader / writer 50.

[0199] As an example, such as Figure 19 As shown, a communication distance derivation table 103 is stored in the NVM96. The manufacturer of the tape cartridge 10 prepares various communication distance derivation tables 103 depending on the type of tape cartridge 10, and the communication distance derivation table 103 corresponding to the type of tape cartridge 10 that houses the cartridge memory 19 with the NVM96 is stored in the NVM96. The CPU94 derives the communication distance D based on the communication distance derivation table 103 stored in the NVM96.

[0200] As an example, such as Figure 20 As shown, the communication distance D corresponding to the type of tape drive 30 and the type of contactless reader / writer 50 is shown in Communication Distance Derivation Table 103. The CPU 94 obtains the type of tape drive 30 and the type of contactless reader / writer 50 from the contactless reader / writer 50 via magnetic field MF. Specifically, for example, in the control signal output from the control device 38 of the tape drive 30 to the contactless reader / writer 50 (see...) Figure 6 The text includes a list of types representing tape drives (in...). Figure 20 The example shown contains information about the type of tape drive (model number of tape drive 30) and the type of contactless reader / writer 50 (in...). Figure 20 The example shown is of the type of contactless reader / writer 50. In addition to the command signal, the contactless reader / writer 50 releases a magnetic field MF, which includes information on the type of tape drive and the type of reader / writer, toward the cartridge memory 19 according to the control signal input from the control device 38.

[0201] CPU94 receives the command signal, tape drive type information, and read / write device type information extracted from the magnetic field MF by the signal processing circuit 88. Based on the communication distance, CPU94 derives Table 103 and uses the received tape drive type information and read / write device type information to derive the communication distance D.

[0202] As an example, such as Figure 21 As shown, the CPU94 compares the derived communication distance D with a first communication distance threshold and a second communication distance threshold. The first communication distance threshold, for example, is an upper limit value for the communication distance that, under the condition that the strength of the magnetic field MF released from the contactless reader / writer 50 remains constant, will not generate a magnetic field of insufficient strength even when performing read processing based on a clock signal of the first frequency in a short-time processing mode. This value is derived in advance through experiments conducted on a real machine and / or computer simulations. Similarly, the second communication distance threshold, for example, is an upper limit value for the communication distance that, under the condition that the strength of the magnetic field MF released from the contactless reader / writer 50 remains constant, will not generate a magnetic field of insufficient strength even when performing read processing based on a clock signal of the second frequency in a medium-time processing mode. This value is also derived in advance through experiments conducted on a real machine and / or computer simulations. The first communication distance threshold is less than the second communication distance threshold.

[0203] When the exported communication distance D is lower than the first communication distance threshold, the CPU94 sets the short-time processing mode as the operating mode. Furthermore, when the exported communication distance D is above the first communication distance threshold but below the second communication distance threshold, the CPU94 sets the medium-time processing mode as the operating mode. Additionally, when the exported communication distance D is above the second communication distance threshold, the CPU94 sets the long-time processing mode as the operating mode.

[0204] The CPU94 executes processing corresponding to command signals within a set operating mode. Specifically, the CPU94 performs polling, writing, and reading processing at a processing speed corresponding to the communication distance D. The CPU94 adjusts its response time to command signals by changing the processing speed according to the communication distance D.

[0205] Next, refer to Figure 22 The function of the cassette memory 19 in the second embodiment will be explained.

[0206] exist Figure 22In the illustrated operation mode setting process, firstly, in step ST100, the CPU94 determines whether a detection timing has arrived for the reception of signals including command signals, read / write device type information, and tape drive type information. The detection timing is set for each predetermined time interval (e.g., 0.5 seconds). In step ST100, if the detection timing has not arrived, the determination is rejected, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST113. In step ST100, if the detection timing arrives, the determination is affirmative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST101.

[0207] In step ST101, CPU94 determines whether signal processing circuit 88 has received a command signal, read / write device type information, and tape drive type information. If signal processing circuit 88 does not receive these information in step ST101, the determination is rejected, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST113. If signal processing circuit 88 receives these information in step ST101, the determination is affirmative, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST102.

[0208] In step ST102, CPU94 uses the received read / write device type information and tape drive type information to derive the communication distance D based on the communication distance derivation table 103. Then, the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST103.

[0209] In step ST103, CPU94 determines whether the communication distance D is lower than the first communication distance threshold. If the communication distance D is higher than the first communication distance threshold in step ST103, the determination is rejected, and the action mode setting process proceeds to step ST106. If the communication distance D is lower than the first communication distance threshold in step ST103, the determination is affirmed, and the action mode setting process proceeds to step ST104.

[0210] In step ST104, CPU94 sets a short-time processing mode as the operation mode. Then, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST105.

[0211] In step ST105, CPU94 sets the clock frequency to the first frequency corresponding to the short-time processing mode. Then, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST111.

[0212] In step ST106, CPU94 determines whether the communication distance D is lower than the second communication distance threshold. In step ST106, if the communication distance D is higher than the second communication distance threshold, the determination is rejected, and the action mode setting process proceeds to step ST109. In step ST109, if the communication distance D is lower than the second communication distance threshold (i.e., the first communication distance threshold ≤ communication distance D < the second communication distance threshold), the determination is affirmed, and the action mode setting process proceeds to step ST107.

[0213] In step ST107, CPU94 sets the medium-time processing mode as the operation mode. Then the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST108.

[0214] In step ST108, CPU94 sets the clock frequency to the second frequency corresponding to the medium-time processing mode. Then, the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST111.

[0215] In step ST109, CPU94 sets the long-term processing mode as the operating mode. Then the operating mode setting process is transferred to step ST110.

[0216] In step ST110, CPU94 sets the clock frequency to the third frequency corresponding to the long-term processing mode. Then, the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST111.

[0217] In step ST111, CPU94 performs processing corresponding to the command signal received by signal processing circuit 88 in step ST101, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST112.

[0218] In step ST112, the CPU 94 sends a response signal representing the processing result obtained by performing step ST111 on the signal processing circuit 88 and the resonant circuit 92 to the non-contact read / write device 50 via the magnetic field MF, and then the operation mode setting process is transferred to step ST113.

[0219] In step ST113, the CPU94 determines whether the conditions for ending the operation mode setting process (hereinafter referred to as the "operation mode setting process end condition") are met. For example, the condition that the magnetic field MF disappears can be considered as the end condition for the operation mode setting process. Whether the magnetic field MF disappears is determined by the CPU94 based on the magnetic field strength signal input to the CPU94 from the magnetic field strength measuring circuit 90. In step ST113, if the operation mode setting process end condition is not met, the determination is rejected, and the operation mode setting process proceeds to step ST100. In step ST113, if the operation mode setting process end condition is met, the determination is affirmed, and the operation mode setting process ends.

[0220] As described above, in this second embodiment, the CPU 94 adjusts the response time to the command signal based on the communication distance D derived from the characteristics of the tape cassette 10 and the contactless read / write device 50. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to the case where the response time is set regardless of the communication distance D, it is possible to achieve both stable operation of the cassette memory 19 and improved processing speed.

[0221] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, an example of changing the response time based on the communication distance D was given, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the CPU 94 may, for example, preset the operating mode to a short-time processing mode, and then change the operating mode to a medium-time processing mode or a long-time processing mode based on the communication distance D. That is, the CPU 94 may also set the response time to be longer than the preset standard response time based on the communication distance D. According to this structure, it is possible to achieve both stable operation of the cassette memory 19 and reduced power consumption.

[0222] [Third Implementation]

[0223] In the second embodiment described above, an example of changing the operating mode of the cassette memory 19 according to the communication distance D was described. However, in this third embodiment, an example of changing the operating mode according to the available storage capacity (hereinafter also referred to as "available storage capacity") set for the NVM 96 is described. Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the same constituent elements as those described in the first and second embodiments are represented by the same symbols as in the first and second embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0224] As an example, such as Figure 23 As shown, the NVM96 stores usable storage capacity information 105, which represents information related to the available storage capacity. The usable storage capacity of the NVM96 is, for example, set to a fraction of the total storage capacity of the NVM96. This is because, compared to the product lifespan of a magnetic tape MT, the storage units contained in the NVM96 are prone to degradation. The aim is to extend the product lifespan of the NVM96 by setting the usable storage capacity of the NVM96 to a fraction of the total storage capacity, for example, by replacing degraded and unusable storage units with unused storage units. Furthermore, the usable storage capacity is an example of the "characteristics of contactless communication media" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0225] As an example, such as Figure 24As shown, CPU94 reads usable storage capacity information 105 from NVM96 and compares the usable storage capacity represented by the read usable storage capacity information 105 with a first storage capacity threshold and a second storage capacity threshold. The first storage capacity threshold, for example, is an upper limit value of usable storage capacity that will not result in insufficient power even when performing read processing based on a clock signal of a first frequency in short-time processing mode; it is a value derived in advance through experiments and / or computer simulations conducted on a real machine. Similarly, the second storage capacity threshold, for example, is an upper limit value of usable storage capacity that will not result in insufficient power even when performing read processing based on a clock signal of a second frequency in medium-time processing mode; it is a value derived in advance through experiments and / or computer simulations conducted on a real machine. The first storage capacity threshold is less than the second storage capacity threshold.

[0226] When the available storage capacity indicated by the available storage capacity information 105 is lower than the first storage capacity threshold, the CPU 94 sets a short-time processing mode as the operating mode. Furthermore, when the available storage capacity indicated by the available storage capacity information 105 is above the first storage capacity threshold but below the second storage capacity threshold, the CPU 94 sets a medium-time processing mode as the operating mode. Additionally, when the available storage capacity indicated by the available storage capacity information 105 is above the second storage capacity threshold, the CPU 94 sets a long-time processing mode as the operating mode.

[0227] The CPU94 executes processing corresponding to command signals in a set operating mode. That is, the CPU94 performs polling, writing, and reading processing at a processing speed corresponding to the available storage capacity. The CPU94 changes its response time to command signals by adjusting the processing speed according to the available storage capacity.

[0228] As described above, in this third embodiment, the CPU 94 changes the response time according to the available storage capacity set for the NVM 96. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to the case where the response time is set regardless of the available storage capacity, it is possible to achieve both stable operation of the cassette memory 19 and improved processing speed.

[0229] [Fourth Implementation]

[0230] In the third embodiment described above, an example of changing the operating mode based on the available storage capacity was given. However, in this fourth embodiment, the cassette memory 19 can selectively use multiple communication standards for communication, and the method of changing the response time based on the communication standard used will be described. Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment, the same constituent elements as those described in the first to third embodiments are represented by the same symbols as in the first to third embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0231] In this fourth embodiment, the cartridge memory 19 supports multiple communication standards, and the CPU 94 selectively uses multiple communication standards to communicate with the contactless reader / writer 50. Examples of communication standards for wireless communication between the cartridge memory 19 and the contactless reader / writer 50 include, for example, ISO 18092, ISO 14443A, ISO 14443B, and ISO 15693.

[0232] As an example, such as Figure 25 As shown, the NVM96 has multiple storage blocks, including a configurable parameter storage block 122, a current setting parameter storage block 124, and a program storage block 126. Management information 100 (see reference) is stored in these multiple storage blocks. Figure 10 )wait.

[0233] The configurable parameter storage block 122 stores multiple communication standard parameters 130 that can be set in the IC chip 52 to determine the configurable communication standard. The current setting parameter storage block 124 stores the current setting parameter 132. The current setting parameter 132 is the communication standard parameter 130 that corresponds to the communication standard currently set in the IC chip 52 among the multiple communication standard parameters 130.

[0234] In addition to the action mode setting process 102, the communication standard setting process 134 is stored in the program storage block 126.

[0235] The communication standard determined by the current setting parameter 132 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 124 is the communication standard currently set in the IC chip 52. The CPU 94 changes the response time according to the current setting parameter 132 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 124.

[0236] As an example, such as Figure 26 As shown, the contactless reader / writer 50 supports multiple communication standards. The contactless reader / writer 50 communicates with the cartridge memory 19 using the communication standard that corresponds to the cartridge memory 19 among the multiple communication standards. Furthermore, the communication standard used for communication between the contactless reader / writer 50 and the cartridge memory 19 is an example of the "characteristics of the contactless communication medium" and "characteristics of the communication object" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0237] As an example, such as Figure 26 As shown, the non-contact reader / writer 50 applies a magnetic field MF to the coil 60 (see reference). Figure 5 and Figure 6The contactless reader / writer 50 and coil 60 are connected via electromagnetic induction. When the contactless reader / writer 50 and coil 60 are connected via electromagnetic induction, the contactless reader / writer 50 sends a polling command to the signal processing circuit 88. The signal processing circuit 88 receives the polling command from the contactless reader / writer 50 via coil 60. The signal processing circuit 88 then sends the received polling command to the CPU 94.

[0238] The CPU94 receives polling commands from the signal processing circuit 88 and determines the communication standard of the received polling commands. The CPU94 selects and sets the communication standard corresponding to the determination result from multiple communication standards.

[0239] As an example, such as Figure 27 As shown, the CPU 94 obtains the communication standard parameter 130 corresponding to the communication standard corresponding to the determination result from the configurable parameter storage block 122. Furthermore, the CPU 94 updates the current setting parameter 132 in the current setting parameter storage block 124 by overwriting the communication standard parameter 130 obtained from the configurable parameter storage block 122 with the current setting parameter storage block 124. That is, the CPU 94 updates the current setting parameter 132 in the current setting parameter storage block 124 by rewriting the current setting parameter 132 in the current setting parameter storage block 124.

[0240] The communication standard currently set in the IC chip 52 is determined based on the current setting parameter 132 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 124. The CPU 94 determines the currently set communication standard based on the current setting parameter 132 and changes the operation mode according to the determined communication standard.

[0241] As an example, such as Figure 28 As shown, when the current communication standard is set to high-speed, the CPU94 operates in short-time processing mode. Conversely, when the current communication standard is set to medium-speed, the CPU94 operates in medium-time processing mode. And when the current communication standard is set to low-speed, the CPU94 operates in long-time processing mode.

[0242] The CPU94 executes processing corresponding to command signals within a set operating mode. That is, the CPU94 performs polling, writing, and reading processing at a processing speed corresponding to the currently set communication standard. The CPU94 changes its response time to command signals by adjusting the processing speed according to the currently set communication standard.

[0243] As described above, in this fourth embodiment, the cassette memory 19 supports multiple communication standards. The CPU 94 selectively uses multiple communication standards for communication, and changes the response time according to the communication standard used for communication. Therefore, according to this structure, compared with the case where the response time is set regardless of the currently set communication standard, it is possible to achieve both stable operation of the cassette memory 19 and improved processing speed.

[0244] Furthermore, the contactless read / write device 50 can communicate using each of multiple communication standards. The CPU 94 adjusts its response time according to the communication standard corresponding to the cartridge memory 19 among the multiple communication standards. Therefore, according to this structure, the freedom to select the communication standard is increased compared to the case where only one communication standard can be used.

[0245] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment described above, an example of a contactless reader / writer 50 supporting multiple communication standards was given, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example, such as... Figure 29 As shown, for example, the technology of the present invention can also be applied when multiple contactless read / write devices 50-1 and 50-2 supporting different communication standards communicate with the same cartridge memory 19. That is, the CPU 94 can also change the response time according to the communication standard used by the contactless read / write devices 50-1 or 50-2 used in the multiple contactless read / write devices 50-1 and 50-2. According to this structure, compared with the case where only one communication standard can be supported, a cartridge memory 19 with high versatility that can support multiple communication standards can be provided for multiple contactless read / write devices 50-1 and 50-2.

[0246] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the tilt angle θ is exemplified as 45 degrees, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. As an example, such as Figure 30 As shown, the tilt angle of the cassette memory 19 relative to the reference plane 16A1 can also be a tilt angle θ1 that is smaller than the tilt angle θ. An example of a tilt angle θ1 is 30 degrees. Since the tilt angle θ1 is smaller than the tilt angle θ, more magnetic lines of force can pass through the coil 60 (reference) compared to the case of tilt angle θ. Figure 7 As a result, with the tape cartridge 10 loaded in the tape drive 30, the coil 60 is able to obtain a larger induced current compared to the case with a tilt angle θ.

[0247] As an example, such as Figure 31As shown, in the production process of the cassette 10, the management process of the cassette 10, and / or the distribution process of the cassette 10 (e.g., the distribution process in the market), the non-contact read / write device 150 reads and writes management information 100 and the like to the cartridge memory 19 of each cassette 10 within a package 200 made of plastic film and multiple cassette 10s stacked vertically. Reading and writing management information 100 and the like to the cartridge memory 19 by the non-contact read / write device 150 is performed by moving the non-contact read / write device 150 along the overlapping direction of the multiple cassette 10s at the rear side of the cassette 10. In this case, for example, the non-contact read / write device 150 releases the magnetic field MF1 sequentially to each cassette 10 while repeatedly switching the magnetic field MF1 on and off.

[0248] However, in the environment where the tape cassette 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30 (first environment), a magnetic field MF (first magnetic field) is applied from the bottom or top direction of the tape cassette 10 via the non-contact read / write device 50 from the side directly opposite the reference surface 16A1 toward the back surface 26A (coil forming surface) of the substrate 26 where the coil 60 is formed (see reference). Figure 30 Therefore, compared to the case where the tilt angle of the cassette memory 19 is tilt angle θ, more magnetic lines of force pass through the coil 60, resulting in a larger induced current.

[0249] In contrast, in the context of production processes, management processes, and / or distribution processes (Environment 2), as an example, such as Figure 31 As shown, multiple magnetic tape cassettes 10 are processed as a package 200. In this case, a magnetic field MF1 (second magnetic field) is applied towards the back surface 26A from the side that intersects the normal direction relative to the reference plane 16A1 and faces the back surface 26A. As a result, compared to the case where the tilt angle of the cassette memory 19 is tilt angle θ, it is possible to suppress the reading and writing of management information 100 and the like (which would otherwise be generated by crosstalk) of the magnetic tape cassettes 10 not intended for use within the package 200.

[0250] In addition, Figure 31 The example shown illustrates how the contactless reader / writer 150 moves vertically relative to the package 200 when communicating with each cassette memory 19 within the package 200 via the magnetic field MF1. However, this is just one example; the position of the contactless reader / writer 150 can also be fixed while the package 200 moves vertically. Furthermore, the contactless reader / writer 150 and the package 200 can move in opposite vertical directions. Thus, when the contactless reader / writer 150 communicates with each cassette memory 19 within the package 200 via the magnetic field MF1, it is sufficient for the contactless reader / writer 150 to move vertically relative to the package 200.

[0251] When reading or writing management information 100 to the cartridge memory 19, the contactless read / write device 150 releases a magnetic field MF1 from the rear of the tape cassette 10 toward the cartridge memory 19. The power generator 70 of the cartridge memory 19 generates electricity by acting on the coil 60 of the cartridge memory 19 through the magnetic field MF1. Then, the contactless read / write device 150 sends a command signal to the cartridge memory 19 via the magnetic field MF1. The cartridge memory 19 uses the electricity generated by the power generator 70 to perform processing corresponding to the command signal and sends the processing result as a response signal to the contactless read / write device 150. In other words, various information is exchanged between the contactless read / write device 150 and the cartridge memory 19 via the magnetic field MF1.

[0252] For the cartridge memory 19 (hereinafter referred to as "read / write target cartridge memory") of a single tape cassette 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "single cassette") included in the package 200, a magnetic field MF1 is applied from the rear of the single cassette toward the read / write target cartridge memory from the non-contact read / write device 150. However, when tilted at an angle θ, depending on the directionality of the magnetic field MF1, the magnetic field MF1 is also applied to the cartridge memory 19 of the tape cassette 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "adjacent cassette") adjacent to the single cassette within the package 200, making it possible to read and write management information 100, etc., to the cartridge memory 19 of the adjacent cassette. Reading and writing management information 100, etc., to the cartridge memory 19 of the adjacent cassette, in other words, generates crosstalk.

[0253] Here, when the tilt angle is set to θ1, compared to the tilt angle θ, the number of magnetic lines of force passing through the coil 60 of the cartridge memory 19 can be reduced, and compared to the tilt angle θ, it is less difficult to impart a magnetic field MF1 to the cartridge memory 19 of adjacent cartridges. As a result, when the tilt angle is set to θ1, compared to the tilt angle θ, it is possible to suppress erroneous reading and writing of management information 100 to the tape cartridge 10, that is, to suppress crosstalk. As a result, for example, in the production process of the tape cartridge 10, the productivity of the tape cartridge 10 can be improved without increasing equipment costs. Furthermore, in the management process of the tape cartridge 10, the management efficiency of the tape cartridge 10 can be improved without increasing equipment costs.

[0254] Furthermore, in Figure 10 The example shown illustrates a method where the action mode setting handler 102 is stored in the NVM96, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as Figure 32 As shown, the action mode setting process 102 can also be stored in the storage medium 300. The storage medium 300 is a non-transitory storage medium. As an example of the storage medium 300, any portable storage medium such as an SSD or USB memory can be cited.

[0255] The operation mode setting processing program 102, stored in storage medium 300, is installed in computer 84. CPU 94 executes operation mode setting processing according to operation mode setting processing program 102. Figure 32 In the example shown, CPU94 is a single CPU, but it can also be multiple CPUs.

[0256] Furthermore, the operation mode setting process 102 can be pre-stored in the storage unit of other computers or server devices connected to the computer 84 via a communication network (not shown), and the operation mode setting process 102 can be downloaded and installed in the computer 84 upon request from the cassette memory 19.

[0257] exist Figure 32 The example shown illustrates a computer 84, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. Devices including ASICs, FPGAs, and / or PLDs can also be used instead of computer 84. Furthermore, a combination of hardware and software structures can also be used instead of computer 84.

[0258] As the hardware resource for performing action mode setting processing, various processors, as shown below, can be used. For example, a general-purpose processor, i.e., a CPU, can function as the hardware resource for performing action mode setting processing by executing software, i.e., a programmable logic device (PLD), can also be used as a processor, i.e., a processor with a circuit structure specifically designed for performing specific processes, such as an FPGA, PLD, or ASIC. All processors have built-in or connected memory, and all processors perform action mode setting processing using this memory.

[0259] The hardware resources for performing the action mode setting process can consist of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, the hardware resources for performing the action mode setting process can also be a single processor.

[0260] As examples of processors, firstly, there are processors that combine one or more CPUs with software, functioning as hardware resources for performing action mode setting processes. Secondly, there are processors, such as SoCs (System-on-a-Chip), that use a single IC chip to implement the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources for performing action mode setting processes. Thus, one or more of the aforementioned processors are used as hardware resources to implement action mode setting processes.

[0261] Furthermore, the hardware architecture of these various processors, more specifically, can utilize circuits composed of semiconductor components and other circuit elements. Moreover, the aforementioned operation mode setting process is merely one example. Therefore, without departing from the core principles, unnecessary steps can certainly be removed, new steps added, or the processing order changed.

[0262] The descriptions and illustrations above constitute a detailed explanation of a portion of the technology involved in this invention, and are merely one example of the technology of this invention. For example, the descriptions relating to the above-described structure, function, effect, and effect are examples of the structure, function, effect, and effect of the portion involved in the technology of this invention. Therefore, without departing from the spirit of this invention, unnecessary parts may be deleted from the descriptions and illustrations above, or new elements may be added or replaced. Furthermore, to avoid complications and to facilitate understanding of the portion involved in the technology of this invention, descriptions relating to common technical knowledge that are not particularly necessary to explain in terms of enabling the implementation of this invention have been omitted from the descriptions and illustrations above.

[0263] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" can mean only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same approach applies to situations where three or more cases are connected by "and / or".

[0264] All documents, patent applications and technical standards described in this specification, and the specific and separately described documents, patent applications and technical standards incorporated herein by reference, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent.

[0265] The following notes further disclose the above implementation methods.

[0266] (Postscript 1)

[0267] A contactless management method is disclosed, wherein, for a non-contact communication medium contained in a magnetic tape cassette and having a reference plane formed thereon, an external magnetic field is applied from an external device to the non-contact communication medium, and communication is conducted with the non-contact communication medium via the applied external magnetic field, thereby managing the magnetic tape cassette. The non-contact communication medium comprises: a substrate having a coil formed thereon; a power generator that generates electricity by acting on the coil through the external magnetic field applied from the external device; and a processor that processes commands contained in the external magnetic field using the electricity generated by the power generator. The contactless management method includes the following steps:

[0268] The substrate is arranged at an angle of less than 45 degrees relative to the aforementioned reference plane;

[0269] In the first environment where the aforementioned magnetic tape cassette is loaded into the magnetic tape drive, a first magnetic field is applied from the side directly opposite the aforementioned reference plane toward the coil forming surface of the aforementioned substrate where the aforementioned coil is formed, serving as the aforementioned external magnetic field; and

[0270] In a second environment where the tape cassette exists outside the tape drive, a second magnetic field is applied as the external magnetic field from the side that intersects the normal direction relative to the reference plane and faces the coil forming surface toward the coil forming surface.

[0271] (Postscript 2)

[0272] According to the non-contact management method described in Appendix 1, the second environment refers to the production process of the tape cassette, the management process of the tape cassette, and / or the circulation process of the tape cassette.

[0273] (Note 3)

[0274] According to the non-contact management method described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, the above-mentioned production process, management process and distribution process respectively include the process of applying the second magnetic field to the non-contact communication medium inside the package in which a plurality of the above-mentioned magnetic tape cassettes are overlapped along the above-mentioned normal direction.

[0275] (Postscript 4)

[0276] According to the contactless management method described in Appendix 3, it includes the following steps: while moving along the normal direction, the external device applies the external magnetic field to the coil forming surface of the contactless communication medium of each of the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges.

Claims

1. A contactless communication medium, comprising: coil; and The processor, mounted on the magnetic tape cartridge, communicates with the communication object by electromagnetic induction, which connects the coil to the communication object via an external magnetic field applied from the communication object. The processor processes the commands contained in the external magnetic field based on the commands of the communication object, wherein... It also has: A first memory stores first information, and the processor performs at least one of reading out and writing the first information. The processor adjusts its response time to the command according to the characteristics of the contactless communication medium. The aforementioned characteristic refers to the usable storage capacity set for the first memory.

2. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, wherein, The contactless communication medium supports multiple communication standards. The processor selectively uses the plurality of communication standards for the communication. The response time is changed according to the communication standard used for the communication among the plurality of communication standards.

3. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, wherein, The communication object can communicate according to each of a plurality of communication standards. The processor changes the response time according to the communication standard corresponding to the contactless communication medium among the plurality of communication standards.

4. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, wherein, The communication target can be any one of a plurality of communication devices. The plurality of communication devices have any one of a plurality of communication standards. The response time is changed according to the communication standard used by the communication object among the plurality of communication standards.

5. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, further comprising: A power generator that generates electricity by applying the external magnetic field to the coil. The processor uses the power to operate. Furthermore, based on the aforementioned characteristics, the response time is set to be longer than the first predetermined time.

6. The contactless communication medium according to claim 5, wherein, The processor sets the response time to be longer than the first predetermined time by setting the processing time required from the start to the end of the processing to be longer than the second predetermined time.

7. The contactless communication medium according to claim 6, further comprising: A clock signal generator that uses the power to generate a clock signal. The processor performs the processing at a processing speed corresponding to the frequency of the clock signal. The longer the processing time is, the lower the frequency will be.

8. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, wherein, The command is a single command.

9. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, wherein, The coil transmits the processing result obtained by the processor via the external magnetic field.

10. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, wherein, The processor also adjusts the response time according to the strength of the external magnetic field.

11. The contactless communication medium according to claim 10, wherein, When the processor changes the response time according to the strength of the external magnetic field, the response time is extended as a condition that the strength of the external magnetic field is lower than a threshold.

12. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, wherein, The processor adjusts the response time according to the type of command.

13. The contactless communication medium according to claim 12, comprising: The second memory stores the second information. The command can be a polling command, a read command, or a write command. The processor performs polling processing according to the polling command. According to the read command, the second memory is processed to read out information related to the second information. The write operation related to the second information is performed on the second memory according to the write command. The time required for at least the read process in the write process and the read process is set to be longer than the time required for the polling process.

14. A magnetic tape cassette, comprising: The contactless communication medium as described in claim 1; and magnetic tape, among which, The contactless communication medium has a third memory that stores information related to the magnetic tape.

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