Contactless communication medium, magnetic tape cassette, method of operating a contactless communication medium, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to a non-contact communication medium, a magnetic tape cartridge, a method of operating the non-contact communication medium, and a storage medium. The non-contact communication medium has a processor and a memory built in or connected to the processor, and performs non-contact communication with an external communication device. The memory has a storage block storing information defined according to the specifications of a magnetic tape cartridge on which the non-contact communication medium is mounted, and the storage block has an identifier storage field. The processor writes an identifier given to the non-contact communication medium from the external communication device into the identifier storage field, and performs lock processing of locking the identifier storage field in accordance with a specific command given to the non-contact communication medium from the external communication device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] International Publication No. 2019 / 193829 discloses a cartridge memory for a recording medium cartridge. The cartridge memory described in International Publication No. 2019 / 193829 includes a memory section and a capacity setting section. In the cartridge memory described in International Publication No. 2019 / 193829, the memory section has a storage capacity capable of storing management information related to a second information recording medium configured to record information with a second number of data tracks greater than the number of first data tracks. The capacity setting section is configured to set a data storage area limited to a first capacity in the memory section, which can store management information related to a first information recording medium configured to record information with a first number of data tracks. Furthermore, the capacity setting section is configured to expand the data storage area limited to the first capacity to a second capacity capable of storing management information related to the second information recording medium. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] Even though tape cartridges like LTO (Linear Tape Open) and IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) 3592 have different standards, because they are of the same specification, it is sometimes possible to put cartridge memory containing the same information into the LTO production process and the IBM 3592 production process.

[0005] However, even in the early stages of assembling the cartridge memory into the tape cassette, the cartridge memory can be shared between LTO and IBM3592. When manufacturing the cartridge memory, identifiers determined by the cartridge memory supplier (e.g., manufacturing serial numbers) are used to distinguish between LTO and IBM3592.

[0006] Typically, during the initial assembly stage of a tape cartridge, the identifier stored in the cartridge memory is fixed in an unwriteable state and therefore cannot be rewritten by the cartridge supplier. Furthermore, the identifier is a serial number with a limited number of bits; therefore, if the identifier is assigned separately to tape cartridges of different standards, there will be insufficient serial numbers to serve as the identifier.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a contactless communication medium, a tape cassette, a method of operating the contactless communication medium, and a storage medium capable of fixing an identifier determined by the tape cassette supplier at a time desired by the tape cassette supplier.

[0008] means for solving technical problems

[0009] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a contactless communication medium comprising: a processor; and a memory, either built into or connected to the processor, for contactless communication with an external communication device. The memory has a storage block storing information specified according to the specifications of a magnetic tape cassette carrying the contactless communication medium. The storage block has an identifier storage field storing an identifier that can identify the contactless communication medium. The processor performs the following processing: writing an identifier assigned to the contactless communication medium from an external communication device through contactless communication into the identifier storage field; and performing a locking process on the identifier storage field according to a specific command assigned to the contactless communication medium from an external communication device through contactless communication.

[0010] The second method involved in the technology of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the first method, wherein the locking process is the process of locking the identifier storage field by locking the storage block.

[0011] The third aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication medium involved in the second aspect, wherein the storage block becomes a dedicated read block by being locked by the processor.

[0012] 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 processor performs the following process: when an identifier is stored in the identifier storage field in the stage before performing the locking process, the identifier in the identifier storage field is changed according to the instruction given to the contactless communication medium by an external communication device through contactless communication.

[0013] The fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a contactless communication medium involved in any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the processor performs the following processing: storing an error detection code containing an identifier stored in a memory according to a specific command; and performing a locking process based on the condition that the error detection code has been stored in the memory.

[0014] The sixth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication medium involved in any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the storage block is a block having an identifier storage field, an error detection code storage field storing error detection codes containing information about the identifier, a storage capacity related information storage field storing information related to the storage capacity of the memory, and a type related information storage field storing information related to the type of the contactless communication medium.

[0015] The seventh aspect of the present invention is a contactless communication medium involved in any of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the processor switches the opening and closing of a flag indicating that lock processing is allowed according to an external instruction.

[0016] The eighth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a non-contact communication medium involved in any of the first to seventh aspects, wherein locking processing is performed at the stage of completion of tape cartridge manufacturing, the stage of completion of tape cartridge inspection, or the stage of tape cartridge leaving the factory.

[0017] The ninth aspect of the present invention is a magnetic tape cassette comprising: a contactless communication medium as described in any of the first to eighth aspects; and a magnetic tape, wherein a memory stores management information related to the magnetic tape.

[0018] The tenth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of operating a contactless communication medium, the contactless communication medium having a memory built into or connected to a processor, and performing contactless communication with an external communication device, wherein the memory has a storage block storing information specified according to the specifications of a magnetic tape cassette carrying the contactless communication medium, the storage block having an identifier storage field storing an identifier that can identify the contactless communication medium, and the method of operating the contactless communication medium includes the following steps: writing an identifier assigned to the contactless communication medium from an external communication device through contactless communication into the identifier storage field; and performing a locking process of locking the identifier storage field according to a specific command assigned to the contactless communication medium from an external communication device through contactless communication.

[0019] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer applicable to a contactless communication medium to perform processing, the contactless communication medium having a memory built into or connected to a processor, and performing contactless communication with an external communication device, wherein the memory has a storage block storing information specified according to the specifications of a magnetic tape cassette carrying the contactless communication medium, the storage block having an identifier storage field storing an identifier capable of identifying the contactless communication medium, and the processing includes the following steps: writing an identifier assigned to the contactless communication medium from an external communication device through contactless communication into the identifier storage field; and performing a locking process of locking the identifier storage field according to a specific command assigned to the contactless communication medium from an external communication device through contactless communication. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a cassette tape cassette.

[0021] 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 casing of a magnetic tape cassette.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view showing an example of a support member provided on the inner surface of the lower housing of a magnetic tape cassette.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a magnetic tape drive.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of how a magnetic field is released from the underside of a magnetic tape cassette via a contactless reader / writer.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of how a magnetic field is applied to a cartridge memory inside a magnetic tape cassette from a contactless reader / writer.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the structure of the back side of the substrate of a cartridge memory inside a magnetic tape cassette.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view showing an example of the structure of the surface of the substrate of a cartridge memory inside a magnetic tape cassette.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an example of the circuit structure of a cartridge memory inside a magnetic tape cassette.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a computer with an IC chip for cartridge memory mounted in a magnetic tape cassette.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of a CM attribute information storage block.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the general structure of specification-dependent storage fields within a CM attribute information storage block.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the main functions of a CPU implemented by the CPU executing a write control program from the cassette memory.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a block diagram representing an example of the rough processing of content in the writing section.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how the writing unit writes an identifier into the identifier storage field.

[0035] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a method in which the writing unit writes error detection codes into the error detection code storage field, writes storage capacity-related information into the storage capacity-related information storage field, and writes type-related information into the type-related information storage field.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how the writing unit writes specification-independent information into a specification-independent storage field.

[0037] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how the CM attribute information storage block is locked by a locking mechanism.

[0038] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the write control processing flow.

[0039] Figure 20 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the processing content of the writing section, locking section, and switching section.

[0040] Figure 21 This is a flowchart representing the first variation of the write control processing flow.

[0041] Figure 22 This is a flowchart representing the second variation of the write control processing flow.

[0042] Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how a write control handler is installed in a computer from a storage medium containing the write control handler. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, an example of an implementation method of the non-contact communication medium, magnetic tape cassette, and working method and procedure of the non-contact communication medium involved in the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] First, let me explain the terms used in the following explanation.

[0045] CPU stands 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 stands for Linear Tape-Open. CM stands for Cartridge Memory. IBM stands for International Business Machines Corporation.

[0046] 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 4In the direction shown in the diagram, 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 description of the structure, "front" refers to the front side of tape cassette 10.

[0047] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 In the following description of the structure, 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 description of the structure, "right" refers to the right side of tape cassette 10.

[0048] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 In 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 description of the structure, "upper" refers to the upper side of tape cassette 10.

[0049] 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 description of the structure, "rear" refers to the rear side of the tape cassette 10.

[0050] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 In this design, 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 description of the structure, "lower" refers to the lower side of the tape cassette 10.

[0051] Furthermore, in the following description, LTO is used as an example of the standard for tape cartridge 10, but this is just one example and other standards such as IBM 3592 can also be used.

[0052] As an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the tape 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.

[0053] 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 both annular. The upper flange 18B1 is fixed to the center of the upper flange in plan view at the upper end of the reel hub 18A, and the lower flange 18B2 is fixed to the center of the lower flange in plan view at the lower end of the reel hub 18A. A magnetic tape MT is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the reel hub 18A, and the width end of the magnetic tape MT is held by the upper flange 18B1 and the lower flange 18B2.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] The cartridge memory 19 stores information related to the magnetic tape MT (illustration omitted). This information includes, for example, management information for managing the magnetic tape cartridge 10 (illustration omitted). The management information includes, for example, information related to the cartridge memory 19, information that identifies the magnetic tape cartridge 10, information indicating the recording capacity of the magnetic tape MT, a summary of the information recorded in the magnetic tape MT (hereinafter also referred to as "recording information"), the items of the recording information, and the recording format of the recording information.

[0057] The cartridge memory 19 performs contactless communication with an external communication device (not shown). Examples of such external communication devices include, for instance, the read / write device used in the manufacturing process of the tape cartridge 10 and the 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.

[0058] The external communication device reads and writes various information to the cassette memory 19 in a non-contact manner. Details will be described later. The cassette memory 19 uses a magnetic field MF (reference) applied from the external communication device. Figure 5 It generates electricity by acting electromagnetically. Then, the cassette memory 19 uses the generated electricity to operate and communicates with an external communication device via a magnetic field, thereby sending and receiving various information with the external communication device.

[0059] 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 in the left-right direction of the housing 12 and are integral with the inner surface of the rear wall 16B and the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A of the lower housing 16. The first tilting platform 20A has an inclined surface 20A1 that slopes downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A. The second tilting platform 20B has an inclined surface 20B1 that also slopes downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A.

[0060] On the front side of the support member 20, a pair of position limiting ribs 22 are arranged spaced apart 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.

[0061] 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 a horizontal plane. Here, "parallel" means not only perfectly parallel, but also parallel in the sense of a degree of error that is generally permissible in the technical field to which this invention pertains and does not violate the technical spirit of this invention. The tilt angle θ of the support member 20 is the tilt surface 20A1 and the tilt surface 20B1 (see reference). Figure 2 The tilt angle of the plane is 45 degrees relative to the reference plane 16A1. In addition, 45 degrees is just one example, and it can also be "0 degrees < tilt angle θ < 45 degrees".

[0062] 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 is connected to the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 of the support member 20 (see reference). Figure 2 The surface 26B of the substrate 26 is exposed to the inner surface 14A1 side of the top plate 14A of the upper housing 14.

[0063] The upper housing 14 has a plurality of ribs 24. The plurality of ribs 24 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction of the housing 12. The plurality of ribs 24 protrude downward from the inner surface 14A1 of the top plate 14A of the upper housing 14, and the front end face 24A of each rib 24 has inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 (see reference). Figure 2 The corresponding inclined surface. That is, the front end surface 24A of each rib 24 is inclined at 45 degrees relative to the reference surface 16A1.

[0064] If the upper housing 14 is joined to the lower housing 16 as described above, with the cassette memory 19 disposed on the support member 20, then the front end face 24A of each rib 24 contacts the substrate 26 from the surface 26B side. The substrate 26 is protected by the front end face 24A of each rib 24 and the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 of the support member 20 (see reference). Figure 2 Clamping. Thus, the vertical position of the cassette memory 19 is restricted by the rib 24.

[0065] As an example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the magnetic tape drive 30 includes a transport device 34, a read head 36, and a control device 38. A magnetic tape cassette 10 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30. The magnetic tape drive 30 is a device for pulling out a magnetic tape MT from the magnetic tape cassette 10 and reading recorded information from the pulled-out magnetic tape MT in a linear scan manner using the read head 36. Furthermore, in this embodiment, reading recorded information refers to the playback of recorded information. While the reading of recorded information based on the read head 36 is illustrated here, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this; data can also be written to the magnetic tape MT using a write head, or data can be written to or read from the magnetic tape MT using a magnetic head.

[0066] The control device 38 controls the overall operation of the 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 the following: ASIC, FPGA, and computer. That is, the control device 38 can also be implemented using a combination of hardware and software structures.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The delivery motor 40 rotates 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.

[0069] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 42, the control device 38 rotates the delivery motor 40 to make the magnetic tape MT travel in the forward direction. The speed and torque of the delivery motor 40 can be adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT wound by the take-up reel 42.

[0070] The take-up motor 44 rotates 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.

[0071] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 42, the control device 38 causes the take-up motor 44 to rotate in the reverse direction. The speed and torque of the take-up motor 44 can be adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT wound by the take-up reel 42.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Additionally, when the magnetic tape MT is wound back onto the tape reel 18, the control device 38 causes the tape MT to rotate the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 in the reverse direction.

[0074] 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 also be controlled by using a tension adjustment roller, or by pulling the magnetic tape MT into a vacuum chamber.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The tape drive 30 includes a contactless read / write device 50. The contactless read / write device 50 is positioned on the underside of the tape drive 30, which is loaded with tape cartridges 10, directly opposite the back surface 26A of the cartridge memory 19. Furthermore, the state in which the tape cartridges 10 are loaded into the tape drive 30 refers to, for example, a state where the tape cartridges 10 have reached a predetermined position as the position where the read head 36 begins reading recording information from the tape MT.

[0078] exist Figure 4The example shown illustrates a configuration where the contactless reader / writer 50 is mounted within the magnetic tape drive 30, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. The contactless reader / writer 50 can also be used during the manufacturing stage of the magnetic tape cassette 10, the inspection stage of the magnetic tape cassette 10, or the stage at which the magnetic tape cassette 10 is shipped. In this case, for example, a stationary or portable contactless reader / writer 50 can be used. Furthermore, the contactless reader / writer 50 is an example of an "external communication device" as described in the technology of the present invention.

[0079] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the non-contact 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The contactless read / write device 50 assigns a command signal corresponding to the control signal to the cartridge memory 19 through contactless communication. More specifically, the contactless read / write device 50 transmits the command signal spatially to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of the control device 38. As will be described in detail later, the command signal is a signal representing an instruction to the cartridge memory 19.

[0082] Furthermore, this description illustrates an example where the contactless read / write device 50 transmits command signals to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of the control device 38, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, during the manufacturing stage of the tape cartridge 10, the inspection stage of the tape cartridge 10, or the stage when the tape cartridge 10 is shipped from the factory, the contactless read / write device 50 transmits command signals to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of a control device different from the control device 38.

[0083] When a command signal is transmitted from the contactless reader / writer 50 to the cassette memory 19, the command signal corresponding to the instruction from the control device 38 is contained in the magnetic field MF through the contactless reader / writer 50. In other words, the command signal is superimposed on the magnetic field FM through the contactless reader / writer 50. That is, the contactless reader / writer 50 sends the command signal to the cassette memory 19 via the magnetic field MF under the control of the control device 38.

[0084] 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 resins that cure upon reaction with light in wavelengths other than ultraviolet light can also be used as the sealing material 56, as can thermosetting resins, or other adhesives.

[0085] 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 The induced current is generated by the action of ).

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, IC chip 52 includes a built-in capacitor 80, a power supply circuit 82, a computer 84, a clock signal generator 86, and a signal processing circuit 88. IC chip 52 is a general-purpose IC chip that can also be used for applications other than tape cassette 10.

[0089] 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 a 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 is 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 predetermined resonant frequency is the same frequency as the magnetic field MF, which is 13.56MHz in this case. Furthermore, the capacitance of capacitor 54 is specified based on the measured value of the capacitance of built-in capacitor 80.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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, and the signal processing circuit 88. Thus, by using the power generator 70 to supply power to the various driving elements within the IC chip 52, the IC chip 52 operates using the power generated by the power generator 70.

[0094] Computer 84 is an example of a "computer applicable to contactless communication media" according to the technology of the present invention, which controls the entire cassette memory 19.

[0095] Clock signal generator 86 generates a clock signal and outputs it to various driving components. The various driving components operate according to the clock signal input from clock signal generator 86. Clock signal generator 86 changes the frequency of the clock signal according to instructions from computer 84.

[0096] Signal processing circuit 88 is connected to resonant circuit 92. Signal processing circuit 88 includes 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. Resonant circuit 92 transmits the response signal input from the encoding circuit of signal processing circuit 88 to contactless reader / writer 50 via magnetic field MF.

[0097] As an example, such as Figure 10 As shown, computer 84 includes CPU 94, NVM 96, and RAM 98. CPU 94, NVM 96, and RAM 98 are connected to bus 99.

[0098] CPU94 is an example of a "processor" according to the technology of this invention. CPU94 controls the entire cassette memory 19. NVM96 is an example of a "memory" according to the technology of this invention. As an example of NVM96, EEPROM can be cited. 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. NVM96 has multiple memory blocks 104. Management information (not shown) and the like are stored in the multiple memory blocks 104.

[0099] CPU 94 selectively performs polling, read, write, and locking processes based on command signals input from 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 read and write processes. Reading is a process for reading management information, etc., from NVM 96. Write is a process for writing management information, etc., into NVM 96. Locking is a process for locking CM attribute information storage block 104A (see reference), which is one of multiple storage blocks 104. Figure 11 This refers to the processing of information stored in the CM attribute information storage block 104A, in other words, the processing of information that is not allowed to be rewritten. Here, "rewriting information" also includes the meaning of "deleting information".

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple storage blocks 104 of the NVM96 within the cartridge memory 19 provided to the supplier of the tape cartridge 10, i.e., the cartridge memory 19 used in the manufacturing process of the tape cartridge 10, do not store management information, etc. Therefore, the supplier of the tape cartridge 10 writes management information, etc., into the multiple storage blocks 104 by having the CPU94 perform a write process during the manufacturing process of the tape cartridge 10.

[0101] A write control program 106 is stored in one of a plurality of memory blocks 104. The CPU 94 reads the write control program 106 from one of the plurality of memory blocks 104 and executes the write control program 106 on RAM 98. The write control process described later (see reference) Figure 19 This is achieved by having the CPU94 execute the write control program 106.

[0102] As an example, such as Figure 11 As shown, one of the plurality of storage blocks 104 (e.g., the storage block 104 including the starting address among the plurality of storage blocks 104) is the CM attribute information storage block 104A. The CM attribute information storage block 104A is an example of a "storage block" according to the technology of the present invention. That is, the CM attribute information storage block 104A is a storage block that stores information representing the attributes of the cartridge memory 19 (hereinafter also referred to as "CM attribute information"). The CM attribute information storage block 104A has a specification-dependent storage field 104A1 and a specification-independent storage field 104A2. Specification-dependent information is stored in the specification-dependent storage field 104A1. Specification-dependent information refers to information that depends on the specifications of the tape cartridge 10 on which the cartridge memory 19 is mounted; in other words, it refers to information defined according to the specifications of the tape cartridge 10 on which the cartridge memory 19 is mounted.

[0103] Specification dependency information is provided from the contactless reader / writer 50 to the cartridge memory 19 via contactless communication between the contactless reader / writer 50 and the cartridge memory 19. The specification dependency information provided from the contactless reader / writer 50 to the cartridge memory 19 is written into the specification dependency storage field 104A1 by the CPU 94.

[0104] Specification-independent information is stored in specification-independent storage field 104A2. Specification-independent information refers to information that does not depend on the specifications of the tape cartridge 10 equipped with the cartridge memory 19; in other words, it refers to information other than the information specified according to the specifications of the tape cartridge 10 equipped with the cartridge memory 19.

[0105] Specification-independent information is transferred from the contactless reader / writer 50 to the cartridge memory 19 via contactless communication between the contactless reader / writer 50 and the cartridge memory 19. The specification-independent information transferred from the contactless reader / writer 50 to the cartridge memory 19 is written into the specification-independent storage field 104A2 by the CPU 94.

[0106] As an example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the specification-dependent storage field 104A1 has an identifier storage field 104A1a, an error detection code storage field 104A1b, a storage capacity-related information storage field 104A1c, and a type-related information storage field 104A1d.

[0107] An identifier 108 (e.g., a serial number) that identifies the cartridge memory 19 is stored in the identifier storage field 104A1a. The identifier 108 is assigned to the cartridge memory 19 by a contactless reader / writer 50 (e.g., a contactless reader / writer 50 used during the manufacturing of the magnetic tape cartridge 10) through contactless communication between the contactless reader / writer 50 and the cartridge memory 19. The identifier 108 assigned to the cartridge memory 19 from the contactless reader / writer 50 is written into the identifier storage field 104A1a by the CPU 94.

[0108] Error detection code 110 (hereinafter also referred to as "error detection code 110") for identifier 108 is stored in error detection code storage field 104A1b. As an example of error detection code 110, checksum can be given. CPU 94 calculates error detection code 110 and writes it into error detection code storage field 104A1b according to the instruction given to cartridge memory 19 by contactless reading and writing device 50 (e.g., contactless reading and writing device 50 used in the manufacturing stage of tape cartridge 10) through contactless communication between contactless reading and writing device 50 and cartridge memory 19.

[0109] Furthermore, while the example given here is the calculation of error detection code 110 for identifier 108 by CPU 94, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this; error detection code 110 for CM attribute information can also be calculated by CPU 94. Additionally, identifier 108 or CM attribute information is an example of "information containing an identifier" as covered by the technology of the present invention.

[0110] Furthermore, the CPU 94 can also calculate an error detection code 110 regarding a portion of the information contained in the CM attribute information. In this case, the portion of information contained in the CM attribute information is an example of "information containing an identifier" as described in the present invention. Examples of the portion of information contained in the CM attribute information include, for instance, the identifier 108, storage capacity-related information 112 (as information relating to the storage capacity of the NVM 96, e.g., the storage capacity of multiple blocks 104), and type-related information 114 (as information relating to the type of the cassette memory 19).

[0111] Furthermore, as an example of error detection code 110, a checksum is given here, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and other error detection codes such as parity check bits or Hamming codes can also be used.

[0112] Storage capacity related information 112 is stored in storage capacity related information storage field 104A1c. Storage capacity related information 112 is imparted from contactless reader / writer 50 to cartridge memory 19 via contactless communication between contactless reader / writer 50 (e.g., a contactless reader / writer 50 used during the manufacturing of tape cassette 10) and cartridge memory 19. The storage capacity related information 112 imparted from contactless reader / writer 50 to cartridge memory 19 is written into storage capacity related information storage field 104A1c by CPU 94.

[0113] Type-related information 114 is stored in type-related information storage field 104A1d. Type-related information 114 is provided from contactless reader / writer 50 to cartridge memory 19 via contactless communication between contactless reader / writer 50 (e.g., contactless reader / writer 50 used during the manufacturing stage of tape cassette 10) and cartridge memory 19. Type-related information 114 provided from contactless reader / writer 50 to cartridge memory 19 is written into type-related information storage field 104A1d by CPU 94.

[0114] As an example, such as Figure 13As shown, CPU 94 reads the write control program 106 from NVM 96 and executes the read write control program 106 on RAM 98. CPU 94 performs the write control processing described later (see reference) by operating as a write unit 94A and a locking unit 94B according to the write control program 106 executed on RAM 98. Figure 19 ).

[0115] However, the CPU 94 operates according to the command signals input from the signal processing circuit 88. The commands represented by the command signals include polling commands, read commands, write commands, and lock processing commands, etc. 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. When the command represented by the command signal is a write command, the CPU 94 performs write processing. When the command represented by the command signal is a lock processing command, the CPU 94 performs lock processing. Furthermore, the lock processing command is an example of a "specific command" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0116] There are various types of write commands. The write unit 94A performs write processing corresponding to the type of write command represented by the command signal input from the signal processing circuit 88. As an example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the various types of write commands include specification dependency information write commands and specification non-dependency information write commands.

[0117] When the write command represented by the command signal is a specification-dependent information write command, the write unit 94A writes to the specification-dependent storage field 104A1 according to the specification-dependent information write command. When the write command represented by the command signal is a specification-independent information write command, the write unit 94A writes to the specification-independent storage field 104A2 according to the specification-independent information write command.

[0118] The specification dependency information writing commands include identifier writing commands, error detection code writing commands, storage capacity related information writing commands, and type related information writing commands.

[0119] As an example, such as Figure 15 As shown, when the specification dependency information write command represented by the command signal input to the write unit 94A is an identifier write command, the command signal contains the identifier 108. In this case, the write unit 94A extracts the identifier 108 from the command signal and writes the extracted identifier 108 into the identifier storage field 104A1a.

[0120] Furthermore, when an identifier 108 is stored in the identifier storage field 104A1a during the pre-locking process, the writing unit 94A changes the identifier 108 in the identifier storage field 104A1a according to the instruction given to the cartridge memory 19 by the contactless read / write device 50. To explain in more detail, if a new identifier 108 is given to the cartridge memory 19 from the contactless read / write device 50 via an identifier write command while the identifier 108 is stored in the identifier storage field 104A1a during the pre-locking process, the writing unit 94A changes the identifier 108 in the identifier storage field 104A1a to the new identifier 108 given by the contactless read / write device 50.

[0121] As an example, such as Figure 16 As shown, when the specification-dependent information write command represented by the command signal input to the write unit 94A is an error detection code write command, the write unit 94A calculates the error detection code 110 regarding the identifier 108 and writes the calculated error detection code 110 into the error detection code storage field 104A1b. When the specification-dependent information write command represented by the command signal input to the write unit 94A is a storage capacity-related information write command, the command signal includes storage capacity-related information 112. In this case, the write unit 94A extracts the storage capacity-related information 112 from the command signal and writes the extracted storage capacity-related information 112 into the storage capacity-related information storage field 104A1c. When the specification-dependent information write command represented by the command signal input to the write unit 94A is a type-related information write command, the command signal includes type-related information 114. In this case, the write unit 94A extracts the type-related information 114 from the command signal and writes the extracted type-related information 114 into the type-related information storage field 104A1d.

[0122] As an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, when the write command represented by the command signal input to the write unit 94A is a specification-independent information write command, the command signal contains specification-independent information. In this case, the write unit 94A extracts the specification-independent information from the command signal and writes the extracted specification-independent information into the specification-independent storage field 104A2.

[0123] As an example, such as Figure 18 As shown, when the command represented by the command signal input to the locking unit 94B is a locking processing command, the locking unit 94B performs locking processing on the CM attribute information storage block 104A. The CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked by the locking processing performed by the locking unit 94B. Figure 18In the example shown, the entire CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked by the locking unit 94B. As a result, the identifier storage field 104A1a within the CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked. Thus, the CM attribute information storage block 104A becomes a dedicated read block through the locking process performed by the locking unit 94B.

[0124] In addition, Figure 18 The example shown illustrates how the identifier storage field 104A1a is locked when the entire CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the specification-dependent storage field 104A1 may be locked by the locking unit 94B, and at least the identifier storage field 104A1a within the CM attribute information storage block 104A may be locked by the locking unit 94B.

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 19 The function of the cassette memory 19 will be explained.

[0126] exist Figure 19 The diagram shows an example of the write control process executed by the CPU 94 during the manufacturing process of the tape cartridge 10. Figure 19 The write control process shown is an example of the "operating method of non-contact communication medium" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0127] Additionally, in the following Figure 19 In the description of the write control processing involved, for ease of explanation, the case where the cartridge memory 19 is inserted into the tape cartridge 10 during the manufacturing process when no management information is stored in the multiple memory blocks 104 will be used. Furthermore, in the following... Figure 19 In the description of the write control processing involved, for ease of explanation, the description is based on the premise that a command signal indicating a write command or a command signal indicating a lock processing command is sent from the contactless read / write device 50 to the cartridge memory 19. Furthermore, in the following... Figure 19 In the description of the write control process involved, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the command signal indicating the lock processing command stores the identifier 108 in the identifier storage field 104A1a and is sent from the contactless read / write device 50 to the cartridge memory 19 at the stage when the manufacturing of the tape cartridge 10 is completed.

[0128] exist Figure 19In the write control process shown, firstly, in step ST10, the write unit 94A determines whether the signal processing circuit 88 has received a command signal sent from the contactless read / write device 50. If, in step ST10, the signal processing circuit 88 does not receive a command signal, the determination is negative, and the write control process proceeds to step ST22. If, in step ST10, the signal processing circuit 88 receives a command signal, the determination is positive, and the write control process proceeds to step ST12.

[0129] In step ST12, the writing unit 94A determines whether the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST10 is an identifier write command. If, in step ST12, the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST10 is an identifier write command, the determination is affirmative, and the write control process proceeds to step ST14. If, in step ST12, the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST10 is a command other than an identifier write command, the determination is negative, and the write control process proceeds to step ST16.

[0130] In step ST14, the writing unit 94A writes the identifier 108 contained in the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST10 into the identifier storage field 104A1a, and then the write control process is transferred to step ST22.

[0131] Furthermore, if identifier 108 is stored in identifier storage field 104A1a before the locking process of step ST20 described later, and if the writing unit 94A performs the process of step ST14, then identifier 108 in identifier storage field 104A1a is changed to identifier 108 included in the latest command signal received in step ST10.

[0132] In step ST16, the write unit 94A determines whether the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST10 is a lock processing command. In step ST16, if the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST10 is a command other than a lock processing command, the determination is negative, and the write control process proceeds to step ST18. In step ST16, if the command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST10 is a lock processing command, the determination is positive, and the write control process proceeds to step ST20.

[0133] In step ST18, the writing unit 94A executes the write processing corresponding to the write command represented by the command signal received by the signal processing circuit 88 in step ST10, and then the write control processing is transferred to step ST22. Furthermore, here, the write processing corresponding to the write command refers to a write command other than the identifier write command (e.g., an error detection code write command, a storage capacity related information write command, a type related information write command, or a specification-independent information write command).

[0134] In step ST20, the locking unit 94B locks the CM attribute information storage block 104A by performing a locking process on the CM attribute information storage block 104A. Then, the write control process is transferred to step ST22. By executing the process in step ST20, the CM attribute information storage block 104A becomes a dedicated read block, and thereafter, it is impossible to rewrite information on the CM attribute information storage block 104A.

[0135] In step ST22, the writing unit 94A determines whether the conditions for ending the write control process (hereinafter referred to as the "write control process end condition") are met. Examples of write control process end conditions include the disappearance of the magnetic field MF or the transmission of a command signal indicating the end of the write control process from the contactless read / write device 50 to the cassette memory 19. Furthermore, the CPU 94 determines whether the magnetic field MF has disappeared based on the strength of the magnetic field MF, which is measured by a magnetic field strength measuring circuit (not shown) capable of measuring the strength of the magnetic field MF.

[0136] In step ST22, if the write control processing termination condition is not met, the determination is negated, and the write control processing proceeds to step ST10. In step ST22, if the write control processing termination condition is met, the determination is affirmed, and the write control processing ends.

[0137] As explained above, the cartridge memory 19 has a CM attribute information storage block 104A that stores specification-dependent information. Furthermore, the CM attribute information storage block 104A has an identifier storage field 104A1a. Here, the identifier 108 assigned to the cartridge memory 19 from the contactless reader / writer 50 is written into the identifier storage field 104A1a via the writing unit 94A. Then, according to the locking processing command assigned to the cartridge memory 19 from the contactless reader / writer 50, the identifier storage field 104A1a is locked by the locking unit 94B. Therefore, according to this structure, the identifier 108 determined by the supplier of the tape cartridge 10 can be fixed at the time desired by the supplier of the tape cartridge 10.

[0138] Therefore, for example, individual serial numbers can be assigned to the cartridge memory 19 assembled in the LTO and the cartridge memory 19 assembled in the IBM 3592. Thus, compared to the case where the supplier of the cartridge memory 19 assigns a limited number of serial numbers as identifiers (e.g., manufacturing serial numbers) to the cartridge memory 19 assembled in the LTO and the cartridge memory 19 assembled in the IBM 3592, it is possible to prevent the identifier assigned to the cartridge memory 19 from becoming insufficient due to the exhaustion of serial numbers.

[0139] Furthermore, in the cassette memory 19, the identifier storage field 104A1a is locked because the CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked. Therefore, according to this structure, not only the identifier 108, but also the CM attribute information stored in the CM attribute information storage block 104A can be made unwriteable. Moreover, compared to the case where only the identifier storage field 104A1a within the CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked, the identifier storage field 104A1a can be locked more easily.

[0140] Furthermore, in the cassette memory 19, the CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked, making it a dedicated read block. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to prevent the rewriting of CM attribute information after the CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked. In addition, preventing the rewriting of CM attribute information also means preventing the rewriting of identifier 108.

[0141] Furthermore, in the cartridge memory 19, if an identifier write command is given to the cartridge memory 19 from the contactless read / write device 50 while the identifier 108 is stored in the identifier storage field 104A1a before the locking process is executed, the identifier 108 in the identifier storage field 104A1a is changed by the write unit 94A. Therefore, according to this structure, if the identifier storage field 104A1a is locked, the identifier 108 stored in the identifier storage field 104A1a can be changed to the identifier 108 desired by the supplier of the tape cartridge 10.

[0142] Furthermore, in the cassette memory 19, the CM attribute information storage block 104A is a block having an identifier storage field 104A1a, an error detection code storage field 104A1b, a storage capacity related information storage field 104A1c, and a type related information storage field 104A1d. Moreover, the CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked by the locking unit 94B. Therefore, according to this structure, when the identifier storage field 104A1a is locked, the error detection code storage field 104A1b, the storage capacity related information storage field 104A1c, and the type related information storage field 104A1d can also be locked.

[0143] Furthermore, in the cartridge memory 19, during the final stage of manufacturing of the tape cartridge 10, the CPU 94 performs write control processing. This write control processing includes locking procedures (see reference). Figure 19 (Step ST20 shown). That is, the locking process is performed by the locking unit 94B at the stage where the manufacturing of the tape cartridge 10 is completed. Therefore, according to this structure, the identifier storage field 104A1a can be locked when there are no problems with the supplier lock identifier storage field 104A1a of the tape cartridge 10. Furthermore, the locking process can also be performed by the locking unit 94B at the stage where the inspection of the tape cartridge 10 is completed or at the stage where the tape cartridge 10 is shipped. In this case, the identifier storage field 104A1a can also be locked when there are no problems with the supplier lock identifier storage field 104A1a of the tape cartridge 10.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of locking processing by the locking unit 94B is shown, provided that a locking processing command is given to the cassette memory 19; however, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. Locking processing may also be performed when a locking processing command is given to the cassette memory 19, provided that a flag indicating that locking processing is permitted (hereinafter also simply referred to as "flag") is turned on.

[0145] In this case, as an example, such as Figure 20 As shown, in addition to the write unit 94A and the locking unit 94B, the CPU 94 also functions as a switching unit 94C. The NVM 96 has a flag setting area 104B. The flag setting area 104B is a storage area for setting flags. Here, the NVM 96's storage area is shown as the flag setting area 104B, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage area of ​​RAM 98 can also be used as the flag setting area 104B, or the internal memory of the CPU 94 can also be used as the flag setting area 104B.

[0146] The switching unit 94C switches the flag on and off according to instructions given externally. To explain in more detail, for example, if a command signal indicating an open flag (hereinafter also referred to as a "flag open command") is sent from the contactless reader / writer 50 to the cartridge memory 19, the switching unit 94C opens the flag in the flag setting area 104B. And, for example, if a command signal indicating a close flag (hereinafter also referred to as a "flag close command") is sent from the contactless reader / writer 50 to the cartridge memory 19, the switching unit 94C closes the flag in the flag setting area 104B.

[0147] When the flag in the flag setting area 104B is activated and a locking processing command is issued to the cartridge memory 19 from a contactless read / write device 50, which is an example of an "external" device involved in the technology of this invention, the locking unit 94B locks the CM attribute information storage block 104A. Furthermore, this example illustrates how the CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked by the locking unit 94B, but the technology of this invention is not limited to this; it is acceptable as long as at least the identifier storage field 104A1a within the CM attribute information storage block 104A is locked by the locking unit 94B.

[0148] Thus, when the switch unit 94 has turned the flag on or off according to the lock processing command given to the cartridge memory 19 by the contactless read / write device 50, for example, the CPU 94 executes... Figure 19 The write control process is shown. Figure 21 The flowchart shown is Figure 19 The flowchart shown differs in that it includes a step ST17. Step ST17 is positioned between steps ST16 and ST20.

[0149] exist Figure 19 In the write control process shown, in step ST17, the locking unit 94B determines whether the flag in the flag setting area 104B is turned on. In step ST17, if the flag in the flag setting area 104B is turned off, the determination is negative, and the write control process proceeds to step ST22. In step ST17, if the flag in the flag setting area 104B is turned on, the determination is positive, and the write control process proceeds to step ST20. That is, when the command represented by the command signal received in step ST10 is a locking processing command (step ST16: "Yes") and the flag in the flag setting area 104B is turned on (step ST17: "Yes"), in step ST20, the locking unit 94B and... Figure 19 The example shown also performs locking.

[0150] Therefore, compared to the case where the identifier storage field 104A1a is necessarily locked when the lock processing command is given from the contactless read / write device 50 to the cartridge memory 19, it is possible to prevent the identifier storage field 104A1a from being locked at a time that is not desired by the supplier of the tape cartridge 10.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the locking unit 94B performs locking processing on the condition that a locking processing command is given to the cartridge memory 19 from the contactless read / write device 50. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the locking unit 94B may also perform locking processing on the condition that an error detection code 110 is stored in the error detection code storage field 104A1b, based on an error detection code write command given to the cartridge memory 19 from the contactless read / write device 50. In this case, the error detection code write command given to the cartridge memory 19 from the contactless read / write device 50 is an example of a "specific command" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0152] Thus, when the locking unit 94B performs locking processing on the condition that error detection code 110 is stored in error detection code storage field 104A1b, for example, when the CPU 94 performs the locking process... Figure 22 The write control process is shown below. The following describes the write control process. Figure 22 The write control process shown is explained below.

[0153] in addition, Figure 22 The flowchart shown is Figure 21 The flowchart shown differs in that it includes steps ST16A, ST16B, and ST16C, replacing step ST16. Furthermore, in the following... Figure 22 In the description of the write control process involved, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that when the identifier 108 is stored in at least the identifier storage field 104A1a among the multiple storage fields in the CM attribute information storage block 104A, the command signal indicating the error detection code write command is sent from the contactless read / write device 50 to the cassette memory 19.

[0154] exist Figure 22 In the write control process shown, in step ST16A, the write unit 94A determines whether the command represented by the command signal received in step ST10 is an error detection code write command. In step ST16A, if the command represented by the command signal received in step ST10 is a write command other than an error detection code write command, the determination is negative, and the write control process proceeds to step ST18. In step ST16A, if the command represented by the command signal received in step ST10 is an error detection code write command, the determination is positive, and the write control process proceeds to step ST16B.

[0155] In step ST16B, the writing unit 94A calculates the error detection code 110 for the identifier 108 stored in the identifier storage field 104A1a, and then the write control process is transferred to step ST16C.

[0156] In step ST16C, the writing unit 94A writes the error detection code 110 calculated in step ST16B into the error detection code storage field 104A1b. Then, the write control process is transferred to step ST17. In steps ST17 and ST20, the following steps are executed: Figure 21 The same process is shown, thereby locking the CM attribute information storage block 104A.

[0157] Therefore, according to this structure, compared to performing the setting and locking operations of the error detection code 110 separately, the labor and time associated with these operations can be reduced. Furthermore, in most cases, the error detection code 110 is set at the end of the tape cartridge 10's manufacturing process, the end of the tape cartridge 10's inspection process, or the time when the tape cartridge 10 is shipped. Therefore, compared to the situation where the identifier storage field 104A1a is necessarily locked when the locking command is given from the contactless read / write device 50 to the cartridge memory 19, it is possible to prevent the identifier storage field 104A1a from being locked at a time that is not desired by the tape cartridge 10 supplier.

[0158] Furthermore, the above embodiments illustrate an example of storing the write control program 106 in the NVM96, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, such as Figure 23 As shown, the write control program 106 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 flash drive can be cited.

[0159] A write control program 106, stored in storage medium 300, is installed in computer 84. CPU 94 executes write control processing according to write control program 106. Figure 23 In the example shown, CPU94 is a single CPU, but it can also be multiple CPUs.

[0160] Furthermore, the write control program 106 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 write control program 106 can be downloaded and installed in the computer 84 upon request from the cassette memory 19.

[0161] exist Figure 23 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.

[0162] As the hardware resource for performing write control processing, various processors, as shown below, can be used. For example, a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, functions as the hardware resource for performing write control processing by executing software, i.e., a program. Furthermore, processors with dedicated circuitry, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs, which have circuit structures specifically designed for performing particular processes, can also be used. All processors have built-in or connected memory, and all processors perform write control processing using memory.

[0163] The hardware resources for performing write control processing 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 write control processing can also be a single processor.

[0164] As examples of processors, firstly, there are processors that combine one or more CPUs with software, functioning as hardware resources for performing write control processing. Secondly, there are processors, such as SoCs, that use a single IC chip to implement the functionality of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources for performing write control processing. Thus, write control processing is implemented using one or more of the aforementioned processors as hardware resources.

[0165] Furthermore, the hardware architecture of these various processors, more specifically, can utilize circuits composed of semiconductor elements and other circuit components. Moreover, the write control process described above is merely one example. Therefore, without departing from the intended purpose, unnecessary steps can certainly be removed, new steps can be added, or the processing order can be changed.

[0166] 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 related 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 technical 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 related 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.

[0167] 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".

[0168] 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.

Claims

1. A contactless communication medium, comprising: Processor; and Memory, either built into or connected to the processor, Furthermore, it enables contactless communication with external communication devices used in the tape cassette production process, wherein... The memory has storage blocks that store information specified according to the specifications of the magnetic tape cassette carrying the contactless communication medium. The storage block has an identifier storage field that stores an identifier capable of identifying the contactless communication medium. The processor writes the identifier, which is assigned to the contactless communication medium from the external communication device through the contactless communication, into the identifier storage field. The processor performs a locking process to lock the identifier storage field according to a specific command given to the contactless communication medium from the external communication device by performing the contactless communication.

2. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1, wherein, The locking process is a process of locking the identifier storage field by locking the storage block.

3. The contactless communication medium according to claim 2, wherein, The storage block becomes a dedicated read block through the locking process performed by the processor.

4. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: when the identifier is stored in the identifier storage field in the stage prior to performing the locking process, the identifier in the identifier storage field is changed according to the instruction given to the contactless communication medium by the external communication device through the contactless communication.

5. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor performs the following processing: According to the specific command, an error detection code containing the identifier stored in the memory is stored in the memory; The locking process is performed on the condition that the error detection code has been stored in the memory.

6. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The storage block is a block having the identifier storage field, an error detection code storage field storing error detection codes containing the identifier, a storage capacity-related information storage field storing information related to the storage capacity of the memory, and a type-related information storage field storing information related to the type of the contactless communication medium.

7. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor toggles the opening and closing of a flag indicating permission to perform the locking process according to externally provided instructions.

8. The contactless communication medium according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The locking process is performed at the stage when the tape cassette is manufactured, at the stage when the tape cassette is inspected, or at the stage when the tape cassette is shipped from the factory.

9. A magnetic tape cassette, comprising: The contactless communication medium according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and magnetic tape, The memory stores management information related to the magnetic tape.

10. A method for operating a contactless communication medium, said contactless communication medium having a memory built into or connected to a processor, and performing contactless communication with an external communication device used in the production process of a magnetic tape cassette, wherein... The memory has storage blocks that store information specified according to the specifications of the magnetic tape cassette carrying the contactless communication medium. The storage block has an identifier storage field that stores an identifier capable of identifying the contactless communication medium. The working method of the contactless communication medium includes the following steps: The identifier assigned to the contactless communication medium from the external communication device through the contactless communication is written into the identifier storage field; and The locking process for locking the identifier storage field is performed according to a specific command given to the contactless communication medium from the external communication device by performing the contactless communication.

11. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer suitable for a contactless communication medium to perform processing, the contactless communication medium having a memory built into or connected to a processor, and for conducting contactless communication with an external communication device used in the production process of a magnetic tape cassette, wherein... The memory has storage blocks that store information specified according to the specifications of the magnetic tape cassette carrying the contactless communication medium. The storage block has an identifier storage field that stores an identifier capable of identifying the contactless communication medium. The process includes the following steps: The identifier assigned to the contactless communication medium from the external communication device through the contactless communication is written into the identifier storage field; and The locking process for locking the identifier storage field is performed according to a specific command given to the contactless communication medium from the external communication device by performing the contactless communication.

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