cassette tape, tape drive, tape system, and method of operation of tape drive

Abstract

This invention relates to magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape drives, magnetic tape systems, and methods of operating the magnetic tape drive. The magnetic tape cassette includes: a housing for housing a magnetic tape; and a storage medium disposed within the housing. The magnetic tape pulled from the housing is used for at least one of reading and writing data via a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in a straight line. The arrangement direction of the plurality of magnetic elements is inclined along the entire length of the magnetic tape relative to its width direction. The storage medium stores tilt feature information representing the tilt of the arrangement direction relative to the width direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology of the present application relates to a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive, a magnetic tape system, and a method of operation of a magnetic tape drive. BACKGROUND

[0002] A magnetic tape cartridge that accommodates a magnetic tape is equipped with a cartridge memory that stores information. Japanese Patent No. 6669326 describes storing information in the cartridge memory at the time of recording data in the magnetic tape drive, and reading out the information from the cartridge memory at the time of reading data for reference. The information includes information of the tension applied to the magnetic tape in the tape run at the time of recording data.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 6669302 discloses a cartridge that is provided with a cartridge case that accommodates a magnetic tape, and a memory that is provided to the cartridge case and stores information for adjusting the width of the magnetic tape at the time of recording data on the magnetic tape or reproducing data on the magnetic tape, the information being information before recording data on the magnetic tape. SUMMARY

[0004] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0005] A magnetic tape cartridge is loaded into a magnetic tape drive to be used. The magnetic tape drive is provided with a magnetic head. The magnetic head performs reading and writing of data to and from the magnetic tape drawn out from the magnetic tape cartridge in the magnetic tape drive. In order to accurately perform reading and writing of data to and from a specified track in the magnetic tape, it is necessary to accurately align the positions of the magnetic elements in the magnetic head to the positions of the tracks in the width direction of the magnetic tape by tracking control.

[0006] Tracking control is achieved by using a plurality of servo patterns and a plurality of servo reading elements. The plurality of servo patterns are formed in the magnetic tape, and the plurality of servo reading elements are equipped to the magnetic head. In the magnetic tape, the positions at which the plurality of servo patterns are spaced apart in the width direction of the magnetic tape are formed along the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape, and in the magnetic head, the plurality of servo reading elements are arranged in a manner corresponding to the plurality of servo patterns. In order to enhance tracking control, as a prerequisite, it is necessary to accurately align the positions of the plurality of servo reading elements to the positions of the plurality of servo patterns.

[0007] However, the size in the width direction of the magnetic tape varies depending on the stress applied to the magnetic tape in the state of being wound on a reel in the magnetic tape cartridge, the environment in which the magnetic tape is stored, and / or the time for which the magnetic tape is stored in a state of not being used, and the like.

[0008] One embodiment of the technology of the present application provides a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive, a magnetic tape system, and a method of operation of a magnetic tape drive that can contribute to correcting the positional relationship between the magnetic tape and the plurality of magnetic elements even if the magnetic tape is deformed in the width direction.

[0009] Means for solving the technical problem

[0010] A first aspect of the technology of the present application is a magnetic tape cartridge including: a case that houses a magnetic tape; and a storage medium that is provided to the case, at least one of reading and writing of data being performed on the magnetic tape pulled out of the case by a plurality of magnetic elements arranged in a linear shape, the arrangement direction of the plurality of magnetic elements being inclined to a longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape with respect to a width direction of the magnetic tape, the storage medium storing inclination characteristic information that indicates a characteristic of the inclination with respect to the width direction.

[0011] A second aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the first aspect, wherein the characteristic includes a direction of the inclination.

[0012] A third aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the second aspect, wherein the magnetic tape has a plurality of tracks, each of the plurality of magnetic elements corresponds to each of the plurality of tracks, and as the direction, opposite directions are respectively assigned to adjacent ones of the plurality of tracks.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the characteristic includes an angle of the inclination.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the storage medium includes a built-in memory of a non-contact communication medium that performs reading and writing of information in a non-contact manner by a non-contact reading and writing device.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the storage medium includes a part of a region of the magnetic tape.

[0016] A seventh aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the storage medium further stores pitch information that enables determination of a pitch in the width direction of the plurality of servo bands.

[0017] An eighth aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the seventh aspect, wherein the pitch information includes a pitch at a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands.

[0018] A ninth aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the eighth aspect, wherein the storage medium further stores servo pattern distance information that establishes a correspondence between a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands and distances in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape at a plurality of positions between a pair of magnetization regions that constitute a servo pattern formed on each of the plurality of servo bands, the pitch corresponding to positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands of the plurality of magnetic elements detected using the servo pattern distance information.

[0019] The 10th aspect of the present technology is a magnetic tape cartridge according to the 8th or 9th aspect, wherein the interval is calculated based on a result of reading the plurality of servo bands by the plurality of servo reading elements and a distance between the plurality of servo reading elements at a stage before data is recorded on the magnetic tape by the magnetic tape drive.

[0020] The 11th aspect of the present technology is a magnetic tape drive for loading the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 10th aspects, including: a tilt mechanism that tilts a magnetic head on which a plurality of magnetic elements are mounted with respect to a width direction of the magnetic tape to a length direction side of the magnetic tape; and a control device that controls the tilt mechanism based on tilt characteristic information stored in a storage medium.

[0021] The 12th aspect of the present technology is the magnetic tape drive according to the 11th aspect, further including a tension application mechanism that applies tension to the magnetic tape.

[0022] The 13th aspect of the present technology is the magnetic tape drive according to the 11th or 12th aspect, wherein the storage medium stores interval information that enables determination of an interval in the width direction of the plurality of servo bands, and the control device adjusts the tension applied to the magnetic tape based on the interval information.

[0023] The 14th aspect of the present technology is the magnetic tape drive according to the 13th aspect, wherein the interval information includes intervals in the width direction at a plurality of positions within the plurality of servo bands.

[0024] The 15th aspect of the present technology is the magnetic tape drive according to the 14th aspect, wherein the storage medium further stores servo pattern distance information that establishes a correspondence between a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands and distances in the length direction of the magnetic tape at a plurality of positions between a pair of magnetization regions that constitute a servo pattern formed on each of the plurality of servo bands, and the control device adjusts the tension applied to the magnetic tape using an interval corresponding to a position in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands of the plurality of magnetic elements detected using the servo pattern distance information.

[0025] The 16th aspect of the present technology is the magnetic tape drive according to the 14th or 15th aspect, wherein the control device calculates the interval based on a result of reading the plurality of servo bands by the plurality of servo reading elements and a distance between the plurality of servo reading elements at a stage before data is recorded on the magnetic tape by the magnetic tape drive.

[0026] A 17th aspect of the technology of the present application is a magnetic tape system including: the tape cartridge according to any one of the first to tenth aspects; a tilting mechanism that tilts a magnetic head on which a plurality of magnetic elements are mounted with respect to a width direction of a magnetic tape to a longitudinal direction side of the magnetic tape; and a control device that controls the tilting mechanism based on tilt characteristic information stored in a storage medium.

[0027] An 18th aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape system according to the 17th aspect, further including a tension applying mechanism that applies tension to the magnetic tape.

[0028] A 19th aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape system according to the 17th aspect or the 18th aspect, in which the storage medium stores pitch information that can determine a pitch in the width direction of the plurality of servo bands, and the control device adjusts the tension applied to the magnetic tape based on the pitch information.

[0029] A 20th aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape system according to the 19th aspect, in which the pitch information includes a pitch at a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands.

[0030] A 21st aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape system according to the 20th aspect, in which the storage medium further stores servo pattern distance information that establishes a correspondence between a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands and distances in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic tape at a plurality of positions between a pair of magnetization regions that constitute a servo pattern formed on each of the plurality of servo bands, and the control device adjusts the tension applied to the magnetic tape using a pitch corresponding to a position in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands of the plurality of magnetic elements detected using the servo pattern distance information.

[0031] A 22nd aspect of the technology of the present application is the magnetic tape system according to the 20th aspect or the 21st aspect, in which the control device calculates the pitch based on a result of reading the plurality of servo bands by the plurality of servo reading elements and a distance between the plurality of servo reading elements at a stage before data is recorded on the magnetic tape by the tape drive.

[0032] A 23rd aspect of the technology of the present application is a method of operating a tape drive, including: acquiring tilt characteristic information stored in a storage medium included in a tape cartridge according to any one of the first to tenth aspects; and controlling a tilting mechanism that tilts a magnetic head on which a plurality of magnetic elements are mounted with respect to a width direction of a magnetic tape to a longitudinal direction side of the magnetic tape based on the acquired tilt characteristic information.

[0033] A 24th aspect of the technology of the present application is the method of operating a tape drive according to the 23rd aspect, further including a step of applying tension to the magnetic tape.

[0034] A twenty-fifth aspect of the present technology is a method of operating a magnetic tape drive according to the twenty-third or twenty-fourth aspect, wherein the storage medium further stores spacing information that enables determination of a spacing in a width direction of the plurality of servo bands, and the method further comprises a step of adjusting a tension applied to the magnetic tape based on the spacing information.

[0035] A twenty-sixth aspect of the present technology is a method of operating a magnetic tape drive according to the twenty-fifth aspect, wherein the spacing information includes a spacing in the width direction at a plurality of positions within the plurality of servo bands.

[0036] A twenty-seventh aspect of the present technology is a method of operating a magnetic tape drive according to the twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the storage medium further stores servo pattern distance information that establishes a correspondence between a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands and a distance in the length direction of the magnetic tape at a plurality of positions between a pair of magnetization regions that make up a servo pattern formed on each of the plurality of servo bands, and the method further comprises a step of adjusting a tension applied to the magnetic tape using a spacing corresponding to a position in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands of a plurality of magnetic elements detected using the servo pattern distance information.

[0037] A twenty-eighth aspect of the present technology is a method of operating a magnetic tape drive according to the twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh aspect, further comprising a step of calculating the spacing based on a result of reading the plurality of servo bands by the plurality of servo reading elements and a distance between the plurality of servo reading elements at a stage before data is recorded on the magnetic tape by the magnetic tape drive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a magnetic tape system.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a magnetic tape cartridge.

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of the right rear end portion of the inner side of the lower housing of a magnetic tape cartridge.

[0041] Figure 4 is a side sectional view showing an example of a support member provided to the inner surface of the lower housing of a magnetic tape cartridge.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of a magnetic tape drive.

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a method of emitting a magnetic field from the lower side of a magnetic tape cartridge by a non-contact type read / write device.

[0044] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which a magnetic field is applied to the cartridge memory in the tape cartridge from the non-contact read / write device.

[0045] Figure 8 is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the structure of the back surface of the substrate of the cartridge memory in the tape cartridge.

[0046] Figure 9 is a schematic top view showing an example of the structure of the surface of the substrate of the cartridge memory in the tape cartridge.

[0047] Figure 10 is a schematic circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit structure of the cartridge memory in the tape cartridge.

[0048] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the electrical system of the computer of the IC chip mounted on the cartridge memory in the tape cartridge.

[0049] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the electrical system of the magnetic tape drive.

[0050] Figure 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of the recording head, the reading head, and the magnetic tape.

[0051] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the data tape and the recording head-side magnetic element.

[0052] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the data tape and the recording head-side magnetic element.

[0053] Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the recording element and the data tracks included in the data track group.

[0054] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the data tape and the reading head-side magnetic element.

[0055] Figure 18 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the data tape and the reading head-side magnetic element.

[0056] Figure 19 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the reading element and the data tracks included in the data track group.

[0057] Figure 20 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which the width of the magnetic tape decreases over time.

[0058] Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a relationship between two servo reading elements in a recording head and the functions of an ASIC of a tape drive.

[0059] Figure 22 FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a servo pattern.

[0060] Figure 23 FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an ideal servo pattern and an actual servo pattern.

[0061] Figure 24 FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of servo pattern distance information.

[0062] Figure 25 FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a method of storing pitch information in an NVM of a cartridge memory.

[0063] Figure 26 FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of pitch information.

[0064] Figure 27 FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of an ASIC of a tape drive.

[0065] Figure 28 FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of correcting a motor control signal by a tape running control section.

[0066] Figure 29 FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of calculating tilt characteristic information by a tilt control section.

[0067] Figure 30 FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the processing contents when tilt characteristic information is stored in a cartridge memory.

[0068] Figure 31A FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a tape width control process performed by an ASIC of a tape drive.

[0069] Figure 31B is a subsequent figure to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11. Figure 31A

[0070] Figure 32 FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of writing tilt characteristic information into a BOT area.

[0071] Figure 33 FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of writing tilt characteristic information stored in a cartridge memory into a BOT area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] ​Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the magnetic tape cassette, magnetic tape drive, magnetic tape system, and method of operating the magnetic tape drive according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] First, let me explain the words and phrases used in the following description.

[0074] CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. SRAM stands for Static 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. HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive. 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. IBM stands for International Business Machines Corporation. ID stands for Identification Data. BOT stands for Beginning Of Tape. EOT stands for End Of Tape. MFM stands for Magnetic Force Microscope. SEM stands for Scanning Electron Microscope. QR stands for Quick Response.

[0075] As an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the magnetic tape system 2 includes a magnetic tape cassette 10 and a magnetic tape drive 30. The magnetic tape cassette 10 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30. The magnetic tape cassette 10 contains a magnetic tape MT. The magnetic tape drive 30 pulls the magnetic tape MT out of the loaded magnetic tape cassette 10, and while driving the pulled-out magnetic tape MT, records data on the magnetic tape MT or reads data from the magnetic tape MT.

[0076] Next, refer to Figures 2-4 An example of the structure of the magnetic tape cassette 10 will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, for ease of explanation, [the following text is omitted as it is not part of the original description]. Figures 2-4 In the diagram, arrow A indicates that tape cassette 10 is loaded into tape drive 30 (see reference). Figure 5 In the diagram, the direction of arrow A is the front direction of the tape cartridge 10, and the front side of the tape cartridge 10 is the front side of the tape cartridge 10. In the following description of the structure, "front" refers to the front side of the tape cartridge 10.

[0077] Furthermore, in the following description, for ease of explanation, Figures 2-4 In the following description of the structure, the direction of arrow B, which is orthogonal to the direction of 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.

[0078] Furthermore, in the following description, for ease of explanation, Figures 2-4 In the following description of the structure, the direction opposite to that of arrow B is defined as the left direction, and the left side of tape cassette 10 is defined as the left side of tape cassette 10. In the following description of the structure, "left" refers to the left side of tape cassette 10.

[0079] Furthermore, in the following description, for ease of explanation, Figures 2-4 In the diagram, arrow C represents a direction orthogonal to both arrow A and arrow B. Arrow C is considered the upward direction of tape cassette 10, and the side of tape cassette 10 facing upward 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.

[0080] Furthermore, in the following description, for ease of explanation, Figures 2-4 In this context, 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.

[0081] Furthermore, in the following description, for ease of explanation, Figures 2-4In 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 description of the structure, "lower" refers to the lower side of the tape cassette 10.

[0082] Furthermore, in the following description, the LTO is used as an example to illustrate the specifications of tape cartridge 10, but this is only one example and the specifications of IBM 3592 tape cartridges can also be followed.

[0083] Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "deep" (large) or "shallow" (small) angle refers to an angle that is deeper or shallower than the current angle. Also, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "wide" or "narrow" width of the magnetic tape MT refers to a width that is wider or narrower than the reference width. The reference width can be a fixed value or a variable value. Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, "strong" or "weak" tension applied to the magnetic tape MT during transport refers to a tension that is stronger or weaker than the reference tension. The reference tension can be a fixed value or a variable value. Here, the variable value is, for example, a value that varies according to instructions received from an external source and / or preset conditions.

[0084] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cassette 10 has a box-shaped housing 12 that is generally rectangular when viewed from above. The housing 12 is an example of a "housing" according to the technology of this invention. The magnetic tape MT is housed within the housing 12. The housing 12 is made of a 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 by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding) and screw fastening, 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 fastening; other joining methods may also be used.

[0085] A rotatable cassette reel 18 is housed inside the housing 12. The 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 cassette reel 18, with its axis aligned vertically with 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 end of the reel hub 18A is fixed to the central portion of the upper flange 18B1 as viewed from above, and the lower end of the reel hub 18A is fixed to the central portion of the lower flange 18B2 as viewed from above. Alternatively, the reel hub 18A and the lower flange 18B2 can be integrally formed.

[0086] A magnetic tape MT is wound on the outer peripheral surface of the reel hub 18A, and the end of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction is held by an upper flange 18B1 and a lower flange 18B2.

[0087] 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.

[0088] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a cartridge memory 19 is provided in the lower housing 16. Specifically, the cartridge memory 19 is housed at the right rear end of the lower housing 16. The cartridge memory 19 is an example of the "contactless communication medium" involved in the technology of this invention. In this embodiment, a so-called passive RFID tag is used as the cartridge memory 19.

[0089] The cartridge memory 19 stores information related to the magnetic tape MT. This information includes, for example, management information for managing the magnetic tape cassette 10. The management information includes, for example, information related to the cartridge memory 19, information that identifies the magnetic tape cassette 10, information indicating the recording capacity of the magnetic tape MT, a summary of the data recorded on the magnetic tape MT, data items, and data recording format.

[0090] The cartridge memory 19 communicates with a contactless reader / writer. Examples of contactless readers / writers include those used in the manufacturing process of the tape cartridge 10 and those used in tape drives (e.g., Figure 5 The non-contact read / write device (e.g., tape drive 30) used in the tape drive 30 shown is a magnetic tape drive. Figures 5-7 The non-contact reading and writing device 50 shown.

[0091] The contactless read / write device reads and writes various information to the cartridge memory 19 in a non-contact manner. The cartridge memory 19 is activated by an electromagnetic field MF applied from the contactless read / write device (reference). Figure 6 The device generates electricity using various methods, details of which will be described later. Furthermore, the cartridge memory 19 operates using the generated electricity and communicates with a contactless reader / writer via a magnetic field MF, thereby exchanging various types of information with the contactless reader / writer. Alternatively, the communication method may conform to known standards such as ISO 14443 or ISO 18092, or to the LTO specification of ECMA 319, etc.

[0092] As an example, such as Figure 3As 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 bases that support the cartridge storage 19 from below when the cartridge storage 19 is tilted. The pair of tilting bases are a first tilting base 20A and a second tilting base 20B. The first tilting base 20A and the second tilting base 20B are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction of the housing 12 and are integrated 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 base 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 base 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.

[0093] On the front side of the support member 20, a pair of limiting ribs 22 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The pair of limiting ribs 22 are erected on the inner surface of the base plate 16A and limit the position of the lower end of the cassette memory 19 disposed on the support member 20.

[0094] As an example, such as Figure 4 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 lower housing 16 is placed on a horizontal plane with the base plate 16A as the lower side. Here, "parallel" means not only completely parallel, but also includes the meaning of a degree of error that is generally permissible in the technical field to which this invention pertains and does not depart from the spirit of this invention. The tilt angle θ of the support member 20 (i.e., the tilt surface 20A1 and the tilt surface 20B1 (reference) Figure 3 The tilt angle of the plane is 45 degrees relative to the reference plane 16A1. In addition, 45 degrees is only one example, and it can also be "0 degrees < tilt angle θ < 45 degrees", or it can be more than 45 degrees.

[0095] The cartridge 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 aligned with the inclined surfaces of the support member 20 (i.e., inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1, referenced). Figure 3 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.

[0096] 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 end face 24A of each rib 24 has inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 (see reference). Figure 3The corresponding inclined surface. That is, the end surface 24A of each rib 24 is inclined at 45 degrees relative to the reference surface 16A1.

[0097] If the cassette memory 19 is disposed on the support member 20, and the upper housing 14 and the lower housing 16 are joined as described above, then the end face 24A of each rib 24 contacts the substrate 26 from the surface 26B side, and the substrate 26 is sandwiched between the end face 24A of each rib 24 and the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 of the support member 20 (see reference). Figure 3 The vertical position of the cartridge memory 19 is thus limited by the rib 24.

[0098] As an example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the magnetic tape drive 30 includes a transfer device 34, a recording head 36A, a reading head 36B, and a control device 38. The magnetic tape cassette 10 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30. The magnetic tape drive 30 is a device that pulls out a magnetic tape MT from the magnetic tape cassette 10 and uses multiple recording elements DW (see reference) of the recording head 36A. Figure 13 Data is recorded on the pulled-out magnetic tape MT, and multiple read elements DR (reference) of the read head 36B are used. Figure 13 Data is read from the pulled-out magnetic tape MT in a linear serpentine manner. Furthermore, both the recording head 36A and the reading head 36B are tilted heads that are angled on the magnetic tape MT; details will be described later. In this embodiment, data reading refers to data reproduction. Additionally, for ease of explanation, the recording head 36A and the reading head 36B will be referred to as head 36 unless otherwise specified.

[0099] The control device 38 controls the overall operation of the tape drive 30. In this embodiment, the control device 38 is composed of an ASIC 120 (see reference ASIC 120). Figure 12 However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 38 can also be implemented by an FPGA. Furthermore, the control device 38 can also be implemented by a computer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Moreover, it can also be implemented by combining two or more of the following: ASIC 120, FPGA, and computer. That is, the control device 38 can also be implemented by a combination of hardware and software structures.

[0100] The conveying device 34 is a device that selectively conveys magnetic tape MT in both the 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. Here, "forward" refers to the direction in which the magnetic tape MT is fed out, and "reverse" refers to the direction in which the magnetic tape MT is rewound.

[0101] The feed motor 40 rotates the cassette reel 18 inside the tape cassette 10 under the control of the control device 38. The control device 38 controls the rotation direction, rotation speed, and rotation torque of the cassette reel 18 by controlling the feed motor 40.

[0102] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 42 (during loading), the control device 38 rotates the feed motor 40 to cause the magnetic tape MT to travel in the forward direction. The rotational speed and torque of the feed motor 40 are adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT being wound by the take-up reel 42.

[0103] 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, rotation speed, and rotation torque of the take-up reel 42 by controlling the take-up motor 44.

[0104] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 42, the control device 38 rotates the take-up motor 44 to cause the magnetic tape MT to travel in the forward direction. The rotational speed and torque of the take-up motor 44 are adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT being wound by the take-up reel 42. In this way, tension is applied to the magnetic tape MT by adjusting the rotational speed and torque of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 by the control device 38. Furthermore, the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 are examples of the "tension application mechanism" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0105] Additionally, when the magnetic tape MT is rewound to the cassette reel 18 (during unloading), the control device 38 causes the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 to rotate in such a way that the magnetic tape MT travels in the reverse direction.

[0106] In this embodiment, the tension applied to 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 applied to 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.

[0107] Multiple guide rollers GR are rollers that guide the magnetic tape MT. The tape MT's travel path is defined by multiple guide rollers GR being separately arranged between the tape cassette 10 and the take-up reel 42 at a position across the magnetic head 36.

[0108] The recording head 36A includes a magnetic element unit 46A and a holder 48A. The magnetic element unit 46A is held by the holder 48A in contact with the magnetic tape MT in the conveyor belt. The magnetic element unit 46A includes servo read elements WSR1 and WSR2 (described later) and recording elements DW1, DW2, DW3, DW4, DW5, DW6, DW7, and DW8 (described later). The magnetic element unit 46A records data on the magnetic tape MT conveyed by the transport device 34, or reads servo patterns 51 (see reference) from the magnetic tape MT conveyed by the transport device 34. Figure 13 ).

[0109] The read head 36B includes a magnetic element unit 46B and a holder 48B. The magnetic element unit 46B is held by the holder 48B in contact with the magnetic tape MT in the conveyor belt. The magnetic element unit 46B has servo read elements RSR1 and RSR2 (described later) and read elements DR1, DR2, DR3, DR4, DR5, DR6, DR7, and DR8 (described later). The magnetic element unit 46B reads data from the magnetic tape MT conveyed by the transport device 34, or reads a servo pattern 51 (see reference) from the magnetic tape MT conveyed by the transport device 34. Figure 13 ).

[0110] The tape drive 30 includes a contactless read / write device 50. The contactless read / write device 50 is positioned below the tape cassette 10 when it is loaded, facing the back surface 26A of the cartridge memory 19. Furthermore, the state of the tape cassette 10 being loaded into the tape drive 30 refers, for example, to a position where the tape cassette 10 has reached a position predetermined as where the read / write head 36 will begin reading data from the tape MT.

[0111] As an example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the contactless read / write device 50 emits 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.

[0112] As an example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the contactless reader / writer 50 is connected to the control device 38. The control device 38 outputs a control signal to the contactless reader / writer 50. The control signal is a signal controlling the cartridge memory 19. The contactless reader / writer 50 emits a magnetic field MF toward the cartridge 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 cartridge memory 19 toward the surface side 26B side.

[0113] The contactless read / write device 50 provides command signals corresponding to control signals to the cartridge memory 19 through contactless communication. More specifically, the contactless read / write device 50 transmits command signals to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of the control device 38. The command signals are signals representing instructions for the cartridge memory 19, the details of which will be described later.

[0114] When a command signal is transmitted from the contactless reader / writer 50 to the memory cell 19, the command signal corresponding to the instruction from the control device 38 is incorporated into the magnetic field MF via the contactless reader / writer 50. In other words, the command signal is superimposed on the magnetic field MF via the contactless reader / writer 50. That is, the contactless reader / writer 50 sends a command signal to the memory cell 19 via the magnetic field MF under the control of the control device 38.

[0115] An IC chip 52 and a capacitor 54 are mounted on the surface 26B of the memory cell 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 memory cell 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. In addition, ultraviolet-curable resin is only one example; a 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 a thermosetting resin, or other adhesives.

[0116] As an example, such as Figure 8 As shown, a ring-shaped coil 60 is formed on the back surface 26A of the cartridge memory 19. Here, copper foil is used as the raw 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 subjected to a magnetic field MF (reference) applied from the contactless reader / writer 50. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Under the action of ), an induced current is generated.

[0117] A first conductive portion 62A and a second conductive portion 62B are provided on the back surface 26A of the memory cartridge 19. The first conductive portion 62A and the second conductive portion 62B are soldered to electrically connect the two ends of the coil 60 to the IC chip 52 on the surface 26B (see reference). Figure 7 and Figure 9 ) and capacitor 54 (reference) Figure 7 and Figure 9 ).

[0118] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the IC chip 52 and capacitor 54 are electrically connected to each other via wires on the surface 26B of the memory cell 19. Specifically, one terminal of the positive and negative terminals of the IC chip 52 is connected to the first conductive part 62A via wiring 64A, and the other terminal is connected to the second conductive part 62B via wiring 64B. Furthermore, the capacitor 54 has a pair of electrodes. Figure 9In 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 capacitor 54 are connected in parallel with the coil 60.

[0119] As an example, such as Figure 10 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 magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0120] The cartridge 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 and converts the generated alternating current into direct current for output.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Capacitor 54 is an external capacitor connected to IC chip 52. IC chip 52 is originally a general-purpose IC chip that can also be used for purposes different from tape cartridge 10. Therefore, the capacitance of the built-in capacitor 80 is sometimes insufficient to achieve the resonant frequency required by 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 having the capacitance value required to make resonant circuit 92 resonate at a preset resonant frequency under the action of magnetic field MF. In addition, the preset resonant frequency is a frequency equivalent to the frequency of magnetic field MF (e.g., 13.56MHz), which 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. Furthermore, the example of an externally connected capacitor 54 is given here, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and capacitor 54 can also be pre-assembled into IC chip 52.

[0123] The resonant circuit 92 generates alternating current by using the induced current to generate a resonance phenomenon at a preset resonant frequency, and outputs the generated alternating current to the power supply circuit 82. The induced current is generated by the coil 60 through the magnetic field MF passing through the coil 60.

[0124] 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 only one example; a half-wave rectifier circuit can also be used. The smoothing circuit includes a capacitor and a resistor. The power supply circuit 82 converts the alternating current input from the resonant circuit 92 into direct current and supplies the converted direct current (hereinafter, 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.

[0125] The computer 84 controls the overall operation of the memory 19. The clock signal generator 86 generates a clock signal and outputs it to the signal processing circuit 88, etc. The signal processing circuit 88, etc., operates according to the clock signal input from the clock signal generator 86. The clock signal generator 86 changes the frequency of the clock signal according to the instructions of the computer 84.

[0126] 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 signal processing circuit 88 in response to the command signal. That is, computer 84 performs processing corresponding to the command signal input from signal processing circuit 88 and outputs the processing result to signal processing circuit 88 as a response signal. 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 sends the response signal input from the encoding circuit of signal processing circuit 88 to contactless reader / writer 50 via magnetic field MF.

[0127] As an example, such as Figure 11 As shown, computer 84 includes CPU 94, NVM 96, and RAM 98. CPU 94, NVM 96, and RAM 98 are connected to bus 100.

[0128] CPU94 controls the operation of computer 84. NVM96 is an example of the "storage medium" and "built-in memory" involved in the technology of this invention. EEPROM is an example of NVM96. EEPROM is just one example; for example, ferroelectric memory can also 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 stores management information, etc. RAM98 temporarily stores various information and is used as working memory. DRAM or SRAM are examples of RAM98.

[0129] The CPU 94 selectively performs polling, reading, and writing processes based on command signals input from the signal processing circuit 88. Polling is used to establish communication with the contactless read / write device 50, and is performed as a preparatory process before reading and writing processes. Reading is used to read management information from the NVM 96. Writing is used to write management information into the NVM 96.

[0130] As an example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the control device 38 includes an ASIC 120 and a storage unit 122. The ASIC 120 and storage unit 122 are connected to a bus 124. This connection method is only one example; various devices such as the storage unit 122 can also be directly connected to the ASIC 120 independently. Furthermore, a feed motor 40, a take-up motor 44, and a contactless read / write device 50 are also connected to the bus 124. The ASIC 120 controls the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44. Under the control of the ASIC 120, the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 selectively feed the magnetic tape MT in the forward and reverse directions. Furthermore, under the control of the ASIC 120, the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 apply tension within an allowable range to the magnetic tape MT, and adjust the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT within the allowable range.

[0131] Furthermore, here, the permissible range refers to the range obtained in advance through computer simulation and / or testing using actual equipment, which is the range of tension that enables data to be recorded and / or read without problems using the magnetic head 36. The permissible range may be specified in tabular form, for example, and may be updated each time a new product of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is launched, or it may be changed according to instructions received from the outside or preset conditions, or it may be fixed.

[0132] ASIC 120 controls the contactless read / write device 50. Under the control of ASIC 120, the contactless read / write device 50 sends command signals to the cartridge memory 19. Furthermore, the contactless read / write device 50 receives response signals sent from the cartridge memory 19 based on the command signals sent to the cartridge memory 19.

[0133] The bus 124 is also connected to a recording head 36A and a reading head 36B. The ASIC 120 controls the recording head 36A and the reading head 36B. Under the control of the ASIC 120, the recording head 36A performs data recording operations on the magnetic tape MT and reads the servo pattern 51 (reference) from the magnetic tape MT. Figure 14 The read head 36B performs data reading and servo reading operations from the magnetic tape MT under the control of the ASIC120.

[0134] The magnetic tape drive 30 includes a first moving mechanism 129A. The first moving mechanism 129A has a first moving actuator 129A1. Examples of the first moving actuator 129A1 include a voice coil motor and / or a piezoelectric actuator. The first moving actuator 129A1 is connected to a bus 124, and an ASIC 120 controls the first moving actuator 129A1. The first moving actuator 129A1 generates power under the control of the ASIC 120. The first moving mechanism 129A operates by receiving power generated by the first moving actuator 129A1. The ASIC 120 performs servo control using the first moving mechanism 129A. Here, servo control using the first moving mechanism 129A refers to control that moves the recording head 36A in the width direction of the magnetic tape MT by causing the first moving mechanism 129A to operate according to a servo pattern 51 read from the magnetic tape MT by a servo read operation performed by the recording head 36A.

[0135] The magnetic tape drive 30 includes a second movement mechanism 129B. The second movement mechanism 129B includes a second movement actuator 129B1. Examples of the second movement actuator 129B1 include a voice coil motor and / or a piezoelectric actuator. The second movement actuator 129B1 is connected to a bus 124, and the ASIC 120 controls the second movement actuator 129B1. The second movement actuator 129B1 generates power under the control of the ASIC 120. The second movement mechanism 129B operates by receiving power generated by the second movement actuator 129B1. The ASIC 120 performs servo control using the second movement mechanism 129B. Here, servo control using the second movement mechanism 129B refers to control that moves the read head 36B in the width direction of the magnetic tape MT by causing the second movement mechanism 129B to operate according to a servo pattern 51 read from the magnetic tape MT by a servo read action performed by the read head 36B.

[0136] The magnetic tape drive 30 includes a first tilt mechanism 131A. The first tilt mechanism 131A is an example of a "tilt mechanism" according to the technology of this invention. The first tilt mechanism 131A has a first tilt actuator 131A1. Examples of the first tilt actuator 131A1 include a voice coil motor and / or a piezoelectric actuator. The first tilt actuator 131A1 is connected to a bus 124, and an ASIC 120 controls the first tilt actuator 131A1. The first tilt actuator 131A1 generates power under the control of the ASIC 120. By receiving the power generated by the first tilt actuator 131A1, the first tilt mechanism 131A causes the recording head 36A to tilt relative to the width direction WD (refer to...) of the magnetic tape MT. Figure 13 It tilts to the side along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT.

[0137] The magnetic tape drive 30 includes a second tilt mechanism 131B. The second tilt mechanism 131B is an example of a "tilt mechanism" according to the technology of this invention. The second tilt mechanism 131B has a second tilt actuator 131B1. Examples of the second tilt actuator 131B1 include, for example, a voice coil motor and / or a piezoelectric actuator. The second tilt actuator 131B1 is connected to a bus 124, and an ASIC 120 controls the second tilt actuator 131B1. The second tilt actuator 131B1 generates power under the control of the ASIC 120. By receiving the power generated by the second tilt actuator 131B1, the second tilt mechanism 131B causes the read head 36B to tilt relative to the width direction WD (refer to) of the magnetic tape MT. Figure 13 It tilts along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the first tilting mechanism 131A and the second tilting mechanism 131B will be referred to as tilting mechanism 131 below.

[0138] As an example, such as Figure 13 As shown, servo tapes SB1, SB2, and SB3 and data tapes DB1 and DB2 are formed on the surface 139 of the magnetic tape MT. For ease of explanation, servo tapes SB1 to SB3 will be referred to as servo tapes SB, and data tapes DB1 and DB2 will be referred to as data tapes DB, unless otherwise specified.

[0139] Servo tapes SB1 to SB3 and data tapes DB1 and DB2 are formed along the entire length of magnetic tape MT. Here, the entire length of magnetic tape MT refers to the direction of its long side (both forward and reverse).

[0140] Servo tapes SB1 to SB3 are arranged at intervals along the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT. For example, servo tapes SB1 to SB3 are arranged at equal intervals along the width direction WD. In addition, in this embodiment, "equal interval" means not only completely equal intervals, but also equal intervals that include the degree of error that is generally permissible in the technical field to which this invention pertains and does not depart from the spirit of this invention.

[0141] Data tape DB1 is positioned between servo tapes SB1 and SB2, and data tape DB2 is positioned between servo tapes SB2 and SB3. That is, servo tapes SB and data tapes DB are arranged alternately along the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT.

[0142] Servo patterns 51 are formed on the servo tape SB at predetermined intervals along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. The servo patterns 51 have magnetized regions 51A and 51B. Magnetized regions 51A and 51B are a pair of linear magnetized regions that are inclined in a line-symmetrical manner with respect to an imaginary straight line along the width direction WD. Magnetized regions 51A and 51B are not parallel to each other and are formed to be inclined at predetermined angles in opposite directions to the entire length of the magnetic tape MT.

[0143] In addition, Figure 13 The example shown illustrates three servo bands SB and two data bands DB, but this is only one example. It can also have two servo bands SB and one data band DB. Even if there are four or more servo bands SB and three or more data bands DB, the technology of this invention is still valid.

[0144] The recording head 36A is positioned along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT, closer to the take-up reel 42 than the read head 36B. The recording head 36A comprises multiple magnetic elements. The recording head 36A includes multiple servo read elements (WSRs) and multiple record elements (DWs) as its multiple magnetic elements.

[0145] The recording head 36A is formed such that its length along the longitudinal direction is wider than the width of the magnetic tape MT. For example, the length of the recording head 36A in the longitudinal direction is such that when the recording head 36A is tilted at a preset maximum tilt angle, it covers at least the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT when writing (recording) data to a data band DB of the magnetic tape MT through the magnetic element unit 46A. Multiple servo read elements WSR and multiple recording elements DW are arranged in a linear configuration at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the recording head 36A, with the head viewed from above.

[0146] exist Figure 13In the example shown, servo read elements WSR1 and WSR2 are illustrated as multiple servo read elements WSR. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, servo read elements WSR1 and WSR2 will be referred to as servo read elements WSR unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, hereafter, for ease of explanation, servo read elements WSR and recording elements DW will be referred to as "recording head side magnetic elements" without specific symbols unless otherwise specified.

[0147] The servo readout element WSR is positioned corresponding to the servo band SB. Figure 13 In the example shown, servo readout element WSR1 is positioned corresponding to servo band SB1, and servo readout element WSR2 is positioned corresponding to servo band SB2. The first moving mechanism 129A is based on ASIC 120 (reference). Figure 12 Under the control of the servo read element WSR, the recording head 36A moves in the width direction WD according to the servo pattern 51 read by the servo read element WSR.

[0148] Furthermore, in the case where the data band DB is changed when the magnetic element unit 46A is the data being written (in Figure 13 In the example shown, when the data band DB, which is the object of data writing in magnetic element unit 46A, is changed from one of data bands DB1 and DB2 to the other, the first moving mechanism 129A in ASIC 120 (reference) Figure 12 Under the control of the first moving mechanism 129A, the recording head 36A is moved in the width direction WD, thereby changing the position of the servo read element WSR. Specifically, the first moving mechanism 129A moves the recording head 36A in the width direction WD, thereby moving the servo read element WSR1 from one position corresponding to servo tape SB1 and the position corresponding to servo tape SB2 to the other, and moving the servo read element WSR2 from one position corresponding to servo tape SB2 and the position corresponding to servo tape SB3 to the other. Then, through tracking control, at least one recording element DW writes data to a specified position within the data tape DB.

[0149] Multiple recording elements (DWs) are disposed between servo read elements WSR1 and WSR2. That is, multiple recording elements (DWs) are disposed between adjacent servo read elements WSR. The multiple recording elements (DWs) are spaced apart along the long side of the recording head 36A (e.g., equally spaced along the long side of the recording head 36A). The multiple recording elements (DWs) record data on the data band DB between adjacent servo bands SB. For example, as... Figure 13As shown, when the position of the servo read element WSR1 corresponds to the position of the servo tape SB1 and the position of the servo read element WSR2 corresponds to the position of the servo tape SB2, multiple recording elements DW record data onto the data tape DB1.

[0150] The read head 36B includes multiple magnetic elements. The read head 36B has multiple servo read elements RSR and multiple read elements DR as multiple magnetic elements. Similar to the recording head 36A, the read head 36B is formed such that its length along the longitudinal direction is wider than the width of the magnetic tape MT. For example, the length of the read head 36B in the longitudinal direction is such that when the read head 36B is tilted at a predetermined maximum tilt angle (e.g., the same angle as the recording head 36A), it covers at least the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT when reading data from a data band DB of the magnetic tape MT through the magnetic element unit 46B. The multiple servo read elements RSR and multiple read elements DR are disposed at the center of the read head 36B in a top view and are arranged in a straight line with intervals along the longitudinal direction of the read head 36B.

[0151] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, servo read elements RSR1 and RSR2 are illustrated as multiple servo read elements RSR. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, servo read elements RSR1 and RSR2 will be referred to as servo read elements RSR unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, servo read elements WSR and RSR will be referred to as servo read elements SR unless otherwise specified. And, for ease of explanation, servo read elements RSR and read element DR will be referred to as "read head side magnetic elements" without any special designation.

[0152] The servo readout element RSR is positioned corresponding to the servo band SB. Figure 13 In the example shown, servo readout element RSR1 is positioned corresponding to servo band SB1, and servo readout element RSR2 is positioned corresponding to servo band SB2. The second moving mechanism 129B is implemented in ASIC120 (reference). Figure 12 Under the control of the servo read element RSR, the read head 36B moves in the width direction WD according to the servo pattern 51 read by the servo read element RSR.

[0153] Furthermore, in the case where the data band DB of the magnetic element unit 46B, which is the data being read, changes (in... Figure 13 In the example shown, when the data band DB, which is the data read target of the magnetic element unit 46B, is changed from one of the data bands DB1 and DB2 to the other, the second moving mechanism 129B in ASIC120 (reference)Figure 12 Under the control of the second moving mechanism 129B, the read head 36B moves in the width direction WD, thereby changing the position of the servo read element RSR. Specifically, the second moving mechanism 129B moves the read head 36B in the width direction WD, thereby moving the servo read element RSR1 from one position corresponding to servo tape SB1 and the position corresponding to servo tape SB2 to the other, and moving the servo read element RSR2 from one position corresponding to servo tape SB2 and the position corresponding to servo tape SB3 to the other. Then, through tracking control, at least one read element DR reads data from a specified position within the data tape DB.

[0154] Multiple read elements (DRs) are positioned between servo read elements RSR1 and RSR2. That is, multiple read elements (DRs) are positioned between adjacent servo read elements RSR. The multiple read elements (DRs) are spaced apart along the long side of the read head 36B (e.g., equally spaced along the long side of the read head 36B). The multiple read elements (DRs) read data from the data band DB between adjacent servo bands SB. For example, as... Figure 13 As shown, when the position of servo read element RSR1 corresponds to the position of servo tape SB1 and the position of servo read element RSR2 corresponds to the position of servo tape SB2, multiple read elements DR read data from data tape DB1.

[0155] The recording head 36A has a rotation axis RA1. The rotation axis RA1 is located at the center of the recording head 36A when viewed from above. The recording head 36A is held rotatably by a first tilting mechanism 131A via the rotation axis RA1. The recording head 36A is held by the first tilting mechanism 131A in a state where the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording head-side magnetic elements is tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the entire length direction of the magnetic tape MT. Figure 13 In the example shown, the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements is tilted toward the take-up reel 42 side relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT.

[0156] The first tilting mechanism 131A receives the first tilting actuator 131A1 (reference) Figure 12 The power of the magnetic head 36A causes it to rotate about the rotation axis RA1 on the surface 139 of the magnetic tape MT. The first tilting mechanism 131A is in ASIC120 (reference). Figure 12 Under the control of ), the recording head 36A rotates on the surface 139 of the magnetic tape MT around the rotation axis RA1, thereby changing the orientation (orientation) and tilt angle of the arrangement of multiple recording head side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD.

[0157] The read head 36B has a rotation axis RA2. The rotation axis RA2 is located at the center of the read head 36B when viewed from above. The read head 36B is held rotatably by a second tilting mechanism 131B via the rotation axis RA2. The read head 36B is held by the second tilting mechanism 131B in a state where the arrangement direction of the plurality of read head-side magnetic elements is tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the entire length direction of the magnetic tape MT. Figure 13 In the example shown, the configuration direction of the multiple read head side magnetic elements is tilted toward the take-up reel 42 side relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT.

[0158] The second tilting mechanism 131B receives the second tilting actuator 131B1 (reference). Figure 12 The power of the magnetic head 36B causes it to rotate about the axis RA2 on the surface 139 of the magnetic tape MT. The second tilting mechanism 131B is based on ASIC120 (reference). Figure 12 Under the control of [unclear], the read head 36B rotates on the surface 139 of the magnetic tape MT about the rotation axis RA2, thereby changing the orientation and tilt angle of the arrangement of multiple read head side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, without distinguishing between rotation axis RA1 and RA2, it will be referred to as rotation axis RA.

[0159] In addition, Figure 13 In the example shown, three servo tapes SB are formed on the magnetic tape MT, but this is only one example. For example, only two servo tapes SB may be formed on the magnetic tape MT, or more than four servo tapes SB may be formed on the magnetic tape MT. Furthermore, servo read elements RSR, corresponding to the number of servo tapes SB, may be placed on the read head 36B at positions corresponding to the servo tapes SB, and servo read elements WSR, corresponding to the number of servo tapes SB, may be placed on the recording head 36A at positions corresponding to the servo tapes SB.

[0160] As an example, such as Figure 14 As shown, data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7, and DT8 are formed on the data tape DB1. Data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7, and DT8 are an example of the "multiple tracks" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0161] Along the width direction WD, the recording head 36A has recording elements DW1, DW2, DW3, DW4, DW5, DW6, DW7, and DW8 as multiple recording elements DW. Recording elements DW1 to DW8 correspond one-to-one with data tracks DT1 to DT8.

[0162] existFigure 14 In the example shown, the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements is tilted towards the take-up reel 42 relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT. The degree to which the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements is tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT is determined, for example, by the ASIC 120 based on the phase difference between the signal obtained by the servo reader element WSR2 reading the servo pattern 51 of the servo tape SB2 and the signal obtained by the servo reader element WSR1 reading the servo pattern 51 of the servo tape SB1. Alternatively, the ASIC 120 may determine this based on the time difference between the time when the servo reader element WSR2 reads the magnetized region 51A of the servo tape SB2 and the time when the servo reader element WSR1 reads the magnetized region 51A of the servo tape SB1, and / or the time difference between the time when the servo reader element WSR2 reads the magnetized region 51B of the servo tape SB2 and the time when the servo reader element WSR1 reads the magnetized region 51B of the servo tape SB1, etc.

[0163] As an example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the magnetic tape MT travels forward with the arrangement direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42. Furthermore, during the forward travel of the magnetic tape MT, data is recorded by the recording elements DW1 to DW8.

[0164] In addition, although the illustration is omitted, multiple data tracks DT are also formed on the data tape DB2, which are equivalent to data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7 and DT8.

[0165] Furthermore, without special distinction, data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7, and DT8 will be referred to as data tracks DT, and recording elements DW1, DW2, DW3, DW4, DW5, DW6, DW7, and DW8 will be referred to as recording elements DW. Furthermore, without special distinction, read elements DR1, DR2, DR3, DR4, DR5, DR6, DR7, and DR8 will be referred to as read elements DR.

[0166] As an example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the magnetic tape MT travels in reverse with the arrangement direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18. Furthermore, data is recorded by the recording elements DW1 to DW8 during the reverse travel of the magnetic tape MT.

[0167] Here, the state in which the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements is tilted towards the cassette reel 18 relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT refers to... Figure 14The recording head 36A shown is tilted so that it passes through the rotation axis RA1 along the width direction WD (reference). Figure 13 The imaginary straight line is in a position symmetrical about the axis. That is, along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT, Figure 15 The orientation of the multiple head-side magnetic elements within the recording head 36A shown is tilted relative to the width direction WD in the direction of inclination. Figure 14 The arrangement direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements within the recording head 36A shown is opposite to the direction of inclination relative to the width direction WD.

[0168] As an example, such as Figure 16 As shown, each data track DT has a data track group DTG. That is, data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7 and DT8 correspond to data track groups DTG1, DTG2, DTG3, DTG4, DTG5, DTG6, DTG7 and DTG8.

[0169] The data track group DTG1 includes data tracks DT1_1, DT1_2, DT1_3, DT1_4, ..., and DT1_12. The recording element DW1 is responsible for recording data into the data track group DTG1, that is, recording data into data tracks DT1_1, DT1_2, DT1_3, DT1_4, ..., and DT1_12.

[0170] Specifically, when recording data on data track DT1_1, the first moving mechanism 129A moves the recording head 36A in the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT, thereby moving the recording element DW1 to a position above data track DT1_1 (for example, directly opposite data track DT1_1 of the magnetic tape MT). Furthermore, when recording data on data track DT1_2, the first moving mechanism 129A moves the recording head 36A in the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT, thereby moving the recording element DW1 to a position above data track DT1_2. The same applies to data track groups DTG2 to DTG8 and recording elements DW2 to DW8.

[0171] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, unless otherwise specified, the end sign of data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7, and DT8 will be marked with "n". Also, for ease of explanation, unless otherwise specified, the end sign of data tracks DTn_1, DTn_2, DTn_3, DTn_4, ..., DTn_12 will be marked with "m", referred to as data track DTn_m. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, unless otherwise specified, the end sign of data tracks DTn_1, DTn_2, DTn_3, DTn_4, ..., DTn_12 that is an even number will be marked with "mE", referred to as even data track DTn_mE. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, without special distinction, the symbols ending with odd numbers in data tracks DTn_1, DTn_2, DTn_3, DTn_4, ..., DTn_12 will be labeled "mO" and referred to as odd data tracks DTn_mO.

[0172] Here, when the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the forward direction with the arrangement direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42, the recording elements DW1 to DW8 record data for the odd-numbered data tracks DTn_mO. Furthermore, when the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the reverse direction with the arrangement direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18, the recording elements DW1 to DW8 record data for the even-numbered data tracks DTn_mE.

[0173] In addition, this data recording method is only one example, and it can also be set as follows: when the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the forward direction with the configuration direction of the multiple recording head side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42, the recording elements DW1 to DW8 record data for the even-numbered data tracks DTn_mE; when the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the reverse direction with the configuration direction of the multiple recording head side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18, the odd-numbered data tracks DTn_mO record data.

[0174] Furthermore, when recording data on data tracks DTn_1 to DTn_6 of data tracks DTn_1, DTn_2, DTn_3, DTn_4, ..., DTn_12 while the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the forward direction, and when recording data on data tracks DTn_7 to DTn_12 of data tracks DTn_1, DTn_2, DTn_3, DTn_4, ..., DTn_12 while the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the reverse direction, the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements can be switched between tilting the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT toward the take-up reel 42 and tilting the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT toward the cassette reel 18 when recording data on even-numbered data tracks DTn_mE and when recording data on odd-numbered data tracks DTn_mO.

[0175] like Figures 14-16 As shown, when recording data on odd-numbered data tracks DTn_mO, the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements becomes tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42 (see reference). Figure 14 In contrast, when recording data for even-numbered data tracks DTn_mE, the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements becomes tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18 (see reference). Figure 15 This means that, as the direction in which the configuration direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements is tilted relative to the width direction WD, adjacent tracks in the multiple data tracks DT (i.e., odd data tracks DTn_mO and even data tracks DTn_mE) are assigned opposite directions respectively.

[0176] As an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the read head 36B has read elements DR1, DR2, DR3, DR4, DR5, DR6, DR7, and DR8 as multiple read elements DR along the width direction WD between servo read elements RSR1 and RSR2. Read elements DR1 to DR8 correspond one-to-one with data tracks DT1 to DT8.

[0177] exist Figure 17In the example shown, the configuration direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements is tilted towards the take-up reel 42 relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT. The degree to which the configuration direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements is tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT is determined, for example, by the ASIC 120 based on the phase difference between the signal obtained by the servo read element RSR2 reading the servo pattern 51 of the servo tape SB2 and the signal obtained by the servo read element RSR1 reading the servo pattern 51 of the servo tape SB1. Alternatively, the ASIC 120 may determine this based on the time difference between the time when the servo read element RSR2 reads the magnetized region 51A of the servo tape SB2 and the time when the servo read element RSR1 reads the magnetized region 51A of the servo tape SB1, and / or the time difference between the time when the servo read element RSR2 reads the magnetized region 51B of the servo tape SB2 and the time when the servo read element RSR1 reads the magnetized region 51B of the servo tape SB1, etc.

[0178] As an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, the magnetic tape MT travels forward with the arrangement direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42. Furthermore, during the forward travel of the magnetic tape MT, data is read by the read elements DR1 to DR8.

[0179] As an example, such as Figure 18 As shown, the magnetic tape MT travels in reverse with the arrangement direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18. Furthermore, data is read by read elements DR1 to DR8 during the reverse travel of the magnetic tape MT.

[0180] The read element DR1 is responsible for reading data from the data track group DTG1, that is, reading data from data tracks DT1_1, DT1_2, DT1_3, DT1_4, ..., DT1_11 and DT1_12. Specifically, when reading data from data track DT1_m, the second moving mechanism 129B moves the read head 36B in the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT, thereby moving the read element DR1 to a position above data track DT1_m (for example, a position directly opposite data track DT1_1 in the thickness direction of the magnetic tape MT). The same applies to data track groups DTG2 to DTG8 and read elements DR2 to DR8.

[0181] Here, when the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the forward direction with the arrangement direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42, data is read from the odd-numbered data track DTn_mO by the read elements DR1 to DR8. Furthermore, when the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the reverse direction with the arrangement direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18, data is read from the even-numbered data track DTn_mE by the read elements DR1 to DR8.

[0182] In addition, this data reading method is only one example, and it can also be set as follows: when the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the forward direction with the configuration direction of the multiple read head side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42, the read elements DR1 to DR8 read data from the even-numbered data track DTn_mE; when the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the reverse direction with the configuration direction of the multiple read head side magnetic elements tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18, the data reads from the odd-numbered data track DTn_mO.

[0183] Furthermore, when data is read from data tracks DTn_1 to DTn_6 in data tracks DTn_1, DTn_2, DTn_3, DTn_4, ..., DTn_12 while the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the forward direction, and when data is read from data tracks DTn_7 to DTn_12 in data tracks DTn_1, DTn_2, DTn_3, DTn_4, ..., DTn_12 while the magnetic tape MT is traveling in the reverse direction, the configuration direction of the multiple read head side magnetic elements can be switched between tilting the configuration direction of the multiple read head side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42 and tilting the configuration direction of the multiple read head side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18 when reading data from even-numbered data tracks DTn_mE and when reading data from odd-numbered data tracks DTn_mO.

[0184] like Figures 17-19 As shown, when reading data from odd-numbered data tracks DTn_mO, the configuration direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements becomes tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the take-up reel 42 (see reference). Figure 17 In contrast, when reading data from even-numbered data tracks DTn_mE, the configuration direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements becomes tilted relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the cassette reel 18 (see reference). Figure 18This means that, as the direction in which the configuration direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements is tilted relative to the width direction WD, adjacent tracks in the multiple data tracks DT (i.e., odd data track DTn_mO and even data track DTn_mE) are assigned opposite directions respectively.

[0185] As an example, such as Figure 20 As shown, the width of the magnetic tape MT, which has multiple servo tapes SB, decreases over time. Figure 20 The example shown illustrates how the width of the magnetic tape MT can be reduced in the width direction WD, but conversely, the width of the magnetic tape MT can also be increased in the width direction WD. The main factors in reducing or increasing the width of the magnetic tape MT can be considered, such as the storage environment of the magnetic tape MT and the stress applied to the magnetic tape MT inside the tape cartridge 10.

[0186] For example, if the width of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction WD shrinks over time, the position of the servo read element SR relative to the servo pattern 51 will deviate from the predetermined position set during design (e.g., the center position of magnetized regions 51A and 51B). If the position of the servo read element SR relative to the servo pattern 51 deviates from the predetermined position set during design, the accuracy of servo control will decrease, causing the positions of the recording element DW and the data track DT to deviate, and the positions of the read element DR and the data track DT will also deviate.

[0187] In view of this situation, in tape system 2, Figure 21 The following processing is shown. As an example, such as Figure 21 As shown, the ASIC 120 of the tape drive 30 has a first position detection unit 120A, a second position detection unit 120B, and a pitch calculation unit 120D.

[0188] Before data is recorded on the data tape DB, a first servo signal based on the servo pattern 51 of the servo tape SB1 read by the servo read element WSR1 is input to the first position detection unit 120A. The first servo signal is an intermittent pulse corresponding to the magnetized regions 51A and 51B of the servo tape SB1. The first position detection unit 120A detects the position of the servo read element WSR1 in the width direction WD of the servo tape SB1 at multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT according to the pulse interval of the first servo signal input from the servo read element WSR1 (for example, multiple positions spaced apart at constant intervals of several meters to tens of meters), and outputs the detection result to the spacing calculation unit 120D.

[0189] Before data is recorded on the data tape DB, a second servo signal based on the servo pattern 51 of the servo tape SB2 read by the servo read element WSR2 is input to the second position detection unit 120B. The second servo signal is an intermittent pulse corresponding to the magnetization regions 51A and 51B of the servo tape SB2. The second position detection unit 120B detects the position of the servo read element WSR2 in the width direction WD of the servo tape SB2 at multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT according to the pulse interval of the second servo signal input from the servo read element WSR2, and outputs the detection result to the spacing calculation unit 120D.

[0190] Here, we will explain the specific method for detecting the position of the servo readout element WSR on the width direction WD of the servo band SB.

[0191] As an example, Figure 22 It shows Figure 13 One of the servo patterns 51 shown. The magnetized regions 51A and 51B of the servo pattern 51 are a pair of linear magnetized regions tilted in a line-symmetrical manner relative to an imaginary straight line along the width direction WD. If the servo read element WSR reads magnetized regions 51A and 51B, pulses corresponding to magnetized regions 51A and 51B are generated, respectively. Therefore, when the servo read element WSR reads the servo pattern 51 while the magnetic tape MT is moving in either the forward or reverse direction, a time difference will occur between the pulses generated by magnetized regions 51A and 51B depending on the position of the servo read element WSR along the width direction WD. Furthermore, the servo pattern 51 does not necessarily have to be a pair of linear regions tilted in a line-symmetrical manner relative to an imaginary straight line along the width direction WD. The servo pattern 51 can be any pair of non-parallel linear magnetized regions; for example, magnetized region 51A can be parallel to an imaginary straight line along the width direction WD, and magnetized region 51B can be tilted relative to an imaginary straight line along the width direction WD.

[0192] On the other hand, since the rotational speed and torque of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 are controlled by the ASIC 120, the ASIC 120 can calculate the speed of the magnetic tape MT. Therefore, based on the pulse interval corresponding to the magnetized regions 51A and 51B and the speed of the magnetic tape MT, the distance D from the magnetized region 51A to the magnetized region 51B at the position of the servo read element SR along the width direction WD can be obtained. Furthermore, the distance D is the distance from the magnetized region 51A to the magnetized region 51B along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT.

[0193] In this embodiment, a distance D is predetermined for each of the multiple servo positions. The multiple servo positions refer, for example, to multiple positions along the width direction WD within each servo tape SB. For example, the servo positions for each servo tape SB are indicated by ascending numbers starting from "1" to the other end in the width direction WD. The position of the servo read element WSR within each servo tape SB along the width direction WD is determined based on the distance D. In this embodiment, servo pattern distance information 148 is used as information including the predetermined distance D for each servo position. The servo pattern distance information 148 is stored in the NVM96 of the tape cartridge 10 during the manufacturing stage of the tape cartridge 10. Furthermore, distance D is an example of "the distance along the entire length of the magnetic tape at multiple positions between a pair of magnetized regions constituting a servo pattern formed on each of the multiple servo tapes" according to the technology of this invention. And, the servo position is an example of "multiple positions in the width direction within the multiple servo tapes" according to the technology of this invention.

[0194] Servo pattern 51 is recorded onto servo tape SB by a servo writer (not shown). The servo writer has a servo signal writing head (not shown), which forms magnetized regions 51A and 51B on the servo tape SB. As an example, Figure 23 As shown, ideally, the servo pattern 51 on the servo tape SB is recorded as a straight line. However, in practice, as an example, Figure 23 As shown, the magnetized regions 51A and 51B of the servo pattern 51 sometimes become curved instead of straight due to machining errors in the servo signal writing to the magnetic head. Additionally, Figure 23 In the example of the servo pattern 51 shown, for ease of explanation, the deformation of the magnetized regions 51A and 51B is schematically shown in a simple and easy-to-understand manner, which is shown in a way that emphasizes the deformation of the magnetized regions 51A and 51B more than the actual deformation.

[0195] The gap pattern of the servo signal writing head, which records the servo pattern 51 within the servo tape SB, is formed on the servo signal writing head. The gap pattern, like the servo pattern 51, is a pair of linear patterns. The pair of gap patterns, like the servo pattern 51, are not parallel to each other and are formed on the servo signal writing head at a predetermined angle in the opposite direction to the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. That is, by magnetizing each servo tape SB of the magnetic tape MT with leakage flux from the gap pattern, the servo pattern 51, with the same shape as the gap pattern, is recorded onto each servo tape SB. Therefore, if the gap pattern is bent due to a processing error of the servo signal writing head, the servo pattern 51 recorded on the magnetic tape MT will also be bent. The distance D of each of the plurality of servo positions along the width direction WD within each servo tape SB is determined by measuring the distance between the pair of patterns of the gap pattern of the servo signal writing head along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT.

[0196] As an example, Figure 24 The servo pattern distance information 148 is shown. Figure 24 In the example shown, as an example of servo pattern distance information 148, information is shown indicating that the servo position, distance D, and servo distance are set for each servo band SB. Figure 24 In the example of servo pattern distance information 148 shown, the servo position, distance D, and servo distance are associated with each identification number of the servo band SB. In other words, in servo pattern distance information 148, multiple servo positions are associated with each servo band SB, and distance D and servo distance are associated with each servo position. That is, servo pattern distance information 148 includes distance D for each combination of servo band SB and servo position, and servo distance corresponding to each servo position. The servo distance is the distance in the width direction WD corresponding to each servo position with the position of the midpoint 149 in the width direction WD of the servo band SB as a reference.

[0197] exist Figure 24 In the example of servo pattern distance information 148 shown, each servo band SB has 19 servo positions set. There is no limit to the number of servo positions set on the servo band SB; multiple servo positions are acceptable. Furthermore, in... Figure 24 In the example of servo pattern distance information 148 shown, for instance, the servo distance of the servo position corresponding to the midpoint 149 on the width direction WD of the servo band SB is set to 0 μm. Furthermore, the farther the servo position is from the midpoint 149 along the width direction WD, the longer the servo distance at each servo position becomes. Figure 24 In the example of servo pattern distance information 148 shown, the servo distance of the servo position whose distance D is shorter than the distance D of the servo position corresponding to the midpoint 149 is represented by a positive value (+), and the servo distance of the servo position whose distance D is longer than the distance D of the servo position corresponding to the midpoint is represented by a negative value (-).

[0198] Position Detection Unit 120A (Reference) Figure 21 The distance D is calculated based on the pulse interval of the first servo signal, and the servo position of the servo reading element WSR1 corresponding to the calculated distance D is detected by referring to the servo pattern distance information 148.

[0199] Second position detection unit 120B (reference) Figure 21 The distance D is calculated based on the pulse interval of the second servo signal, and the servo position of the servo reading element WSR2 corresponding to the calculated distance D is detected by referring to the servo pattern distance information 148.

[0200] The spacing calculation unit 120D calculates the spacing of the servo patterns 51 in the width direction WD at multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT based on the detection results input from the first position detection unit 120A and the second position detection unit 120B respectively. The spacing of the servo patterns 51 in the width direction WD refers to the spacing between the servo patterns 51 of servo tape SB1 and servo patterns 51 of servo tape SB2, and the spacing between the servo patterns 51 of servo tape SB2 and servo patterns 51 of servo tape SB3.

[0201] exist Figure 21 The example shown illustrates how the spacing calculation unit 120D calculates the spacing between the servo pattern 51 of servo tape SB1 and the servo pattern 51 of servo tape SB2, but this is only one example. For instance, if the servo read element WSR1 is positioned on servo tape SB2 and the servo read element WSR2 is positioned on servo tape SB3 by moving the read head 36 along the width direction WD, the spacing calculation unit 120D can calculate the spacing between the servo pattern 51 of servo tape SB2 and the servo pattern 51 of servo tape SB3 based on the first servo signal and the second servo signal.

[0202] Furthermore, in Figure 21 The example shown illustrates how the first and second servo signals, based on the results obtained from reading the servo pattern 51 by servo reading elements WSR1 and WSR2, are input to the first and second position detection units 120A and 120B, and how the first and second position detection units 120A and 120B detect the positions of servo reading elements WSR1 and WSR2 in the width direction WD of the servo band SB based on the first and second servo signals. However, when the servo pattern 51 is read by servo reading elements RSR1 and RSR2, the first and second position detection units 120A and 120B will also perform the same processing. That is, they will detect the positions of servo reading elements RSR1 and RSR2 in the width direction WD of the servo band SB.

[0203] In addition, unless otherwise specified, the first position detection unit 120A and the second position detection unit 120B will be referred to as position detection unit 121, and the first servo signal and the second servo signal will be referred to as servo signal.

[0204] As an example, such as Figure 25As shown, the spacing calculation unit 120D outputs spacing information 142 (for example, information indicating the spacing between servo tapes SB at multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT) to the contactless read / write device 50. This information determines the spacing between servo tapes SB in the width direction WD. Before recording data on the data tape DB, the contactless read / write device 50 transmits a write instruction for the spacing information 142 to the cartridge memory 19 as a command signal. The CPU 94 performs a write process to write the spacing information 142 into the NVM 96 based on the command signal from the contactless read / write device 50. Thus, the spacing information 142 at multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT is stored in the NVM 96.

[0205] Here, the stage before recording data on the data tape DB can be exemplified by, for example, the stage of manufacturing the tape cassette 10. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. The stage before recording data on the data tape DB can also be the stage shortly after the user first loads the tape cassette 10 into the tape drive 30 for initialization, or it can be the stage each time the tape cassette 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30. Furthermore, after loading the tape cassette 10 into the tape drive 30, before recording data, the tape MT can be circulated once to obtain the spacing information 142, and the obtained spacing information 142 can be stored in the NVM96.

[0206] Figure 26 This diagram illustrates an example of spacing information 142. Spacing information 142 specifies the servo position and spacing for each servo band SB. Figure 26 In the example shown, a correspondence is established between the servo position and the spacing and each identification number of the servo tape SB. In other words, in the spacing information 142, multiple servo positions are associated with each servo tape SB, and the spacing is associated with each servo position. That is, the spacing information 142 includes the spacing for each combination of servo tape SB and servo position. The spacing information 142 is measured for each of multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT and stored in the NVM96.

[0207] Furthermore, the pitch information 142 stored in the NVM96 is information obtained from a reference tape drive 30 (hereinafter also referred to as a "reference drive") among the multiple tape drives 30. Also, the term "reference drive" here does not refer to a standard tape drive 30 as commonly understood. Any tape drive 30 that is being used for the first time with the tape cartridge 10 can serve as a "reference drive" capable of measuring pitch.

[0208] Additionally, the tape drive 30 can generate spacing information 142 using the spacing calculated from the results obtained by reading multiple servo tapes SB from multiple servo read elements SR and the distance between the multiple servo read elements SR before the tape drive 30 records data.

[0209] Specifically, the first moving mechanism 129A and the second moving mechanism 129B move servo read elements WSR1 and WSR2, as well as servo read elements RSR1 and RSR2, to positions on the servo tape SB at multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. The position detection unit 121 calculates the distance D at each position of the servo read elements SR along the width direction WD within each servo tape SB at the multiple positions to detect the servo position corresponding to the distance D. The ASIC 120 uses the servo distance of the servo read elements SR at the servo position and the distance between the servo read elements to generate spacing information 142 for each servo position at the multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. The servo position corresponding to the distance D is an example of "the result obtained by multiple servo read elements reading multiple servo tapes" according to the technology of this invention.

[0210] For example, assuming the distance between servo readout elements is 2858.6 μm, the servo distances of servo readout elements WSR1 and WSR2 are 23.555 μm and 23.455 μm, respectively. In this case, the spacing between the servo readout elements WSR at the servo position is 2858.5 μm (2858.5 = 2858.6 - (23.555 - 23.455)).

[0211] Thus, ASIC 120 can generate the servo distance of the servo read element SR at each servo position specified in the servo pattern distance information 148 and the distance between servo read elements stored in the storage unit 122 of the tape drive 30. Figure 26 The spacing information shown is 142.

[0212] In the control device 38 of the tape drive 30 (reference) Figure 12 In ), as an example, such as Figure 27 As shown, the ASIC120 includes a position detection unit 121, a servo control unit 123, a recording control unit 125, a data acquisition unit 130, a reading control unit 132, a data output unit 134, a tilt control unit 136, and a belt transport control unit 140.

[0213] The tape transport control unit 140 selectively transports the magnetic tape MT in the forward and reverse directions by controlling the respective drives of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44. The drive of the feed motor 40 is controlled according to a feed motor control signal (not shown), and the drive of the take-up motor 44 is controlled according to a take-up motor control signal (not shown). Both the feed motor control signal and the take-up motor control signal are generated by the tape transport control unit 140. The feed motor control signal is supplied to the feed motor 40 by the tape transport control unit 140, and the take-up motor control signal is supplied to the take-up motor 44 by the tape transport control unit 140. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the feed motor control signal and the take-up motor control signal will be referred to as motor control signals.

[0214] The tape transport control unit 140 acquires the spacing information 142 from the cartridge memory 19 and stores the acquired spacing information 142 in the storage unit 122. Based on the spacing at the position of the magnetic head 36 in the width direction WD determined by the spacing information 142 in the storage unit 122, the tape transport control unit 140 adjusts the rotational speed and rotational torque of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44, thereby adjusting the tape transport speed and tension of the magnetic tape MT to appropriate values; details will be described later. The adjustment of the tape transport speed and tension of the magnetic tape MT is performed at multiple intervals along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. Thus, the width of the magnetic tape MT is adjusted by adjusting the tension of the magnetic tape MT. The adjustment of the rotational speed and rotational torque of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 is achieved by the tape transport control unit 140 correcting the feed motor control signal and the take-up motor control signal based on the spacing information 142.

[0215] The tape transport control unit 140 calculates the tension (hereinafter, also simply "tension") applied to the magnetic tape MT based on a motor control signal corrected according to the spacing at the position of the magnetic head 36 in the width direction WD determined by the spacing information 142. The tension calculation by the tape transport control unit 140 is performed, for example, at multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. In this case, for example, the tape transport control unit 140 calculates the tension using a formula with the motor control signal as the independent variable and the tension as the dependent variable. The formula used here is a formula obtained in advance through experiments and / or computer simulations using actual equipment.

[0216] The tape transport control unit 140 outputs tension information, which is calculated based on the motor control signal, to the tilt control unit 136 at multiple intervals along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT.

[0217] Two servo signals (hereinafter also referred to as "recording head-side servo signals") based on the servo pattern 51 read by servo read elements WSR1 and WSR2, and two servo signals (hereinafter also referred to as "reading head-side servo signals") based on the servo pattern 51 read by servo read elements RSR1 and RSR2 are input to the position detection unit 121. The position detection unit 121 detects the position of servo read element WSR1 within the servo tape SB and the position of servo read element WSR2 within the servo tape SB, and calculates the average value of the detected positions. Then, the position detection unit 121 detects the position of the recording head 36A in the width direction WD based on the calculated average value.

[0218] Alternatively, the servo pattern distance information 148 can be input from the cartridge memory 19 to the position detection unit 121. In this case, the position detection unit 121 uses the servo signal on the recording head side to calculate the distance D of the servo pattern 51 in each servo tape SB read by the servo read elements WSR1 and WSR2. Referring to the servo pattern distance information 148, the position detection unit 121 detects the servo position corresponding to each calculated distance D as the position of the servo read element WSR1 in the servo tape SB and the position of the servo read element WSR2 in the servo tape SB, and calculates the average value of the detected positions. Then, the position detection unit 121 can detect the position in the width direction WD of the recording head 36A based on the calculated average value.

[0219] For example, if the servo position of the servo read element WSR1 in servo tape SB1 is "1" and the servo position of the servo read element WSR2 in servo tape SB2 is "3", then the servo position represented by "2" becomes the position on the width direction WD of the recording head 36A. Additionally, in Figure 24 In the example of servo pattern distance information 148, 19 servo positions are set. However, when detecting servo positions, the servo positions can also be calculated based on distance D and servo pattern distance information 148, and set as the median value of the servo positions set in servo pattern distance information 148.

[0220] Furthermore, the position detection unit 121 detects the position of the servo read element RSR1 within the servo band SB and the position of the servo read element RSR2 within the servo band SB, and calculates the average value of the detected positions. Then, the position detection unit 121 detects the position of the read head 36B in the width direction WD based on the calculated average value.

[0221] Alternatively, the position detection unit 121 can use the servo signal on the read head side to calculate the distance D of the servo pattern 51 in each servo band SB read by the servo read elements RSR1 and RSR2. In this case, the position detection unit 121 refers to the servo pattern distance information 148, detects the servo position corresponding to each calculated distance D as the position of the servo read element RSR1 in the servo band SB and the position of the servo read element RSR2 in the servo band SB, and calculates the average value of the detected positions. Then, the position detection unit 121 can detect the position in the width direction WD of the read head 36B based on the calculated average value.

[0222] For example, if the servo position of servo read element RSR1 in servo tape SB1 is "1" and the servo position of servo read element RSR2 in servo tape SB2 is "2", then the servo position represented by "1.5" becomes the position on the width direction WD of the read head 36B. Servo position = "1.5" is... Figure 24 The example shown in the servo pattern distance information 148 is an example of the intermediate value of the set servo position.

[0223] The position detection unit 121 outputs the detected position of the recording head 36A in the width direction WD and the detected position of the reading head 36B in the width direction WD to the servo control unit 123 and the conveyor control unit 140, respectively.

[0224] Hereinafter, the detection result of the position of the magnetic head 36 in the width direction WD will be referred to as the "position of the magnetic head 36 in the width direction".

[0225] The servo control unit 123 compares the detection result of the position of the recording head 36A in the width direction WD (hereinafter also referred to as "recording head side detection result") from the position detection unit 121 with the target position in the width direction WD of the recording head 36A (hereinafter also referred to as "recording head side target position"). Furthermore, the servo control unit 123 compares the detection result of the position of the read head 36B in the width direction WD (hereinafter also referred to as "read head side detection result") from the position detection unit 121 with the target position in the width direction WD of the read head 36B (hereinafter also referred to as "read head side target position"). Additionally, the recording head side target position and the read head side target position are specified by the ASIC 120 using servo positions, for example, each time data is recorded and / or read from the tape cassette 10 in the tape drive 30.

[0226] If the detection result at the recording head side matches the target position at the recording head side, the servo control unit 123 does not operate the first moving mechanism 129A. If the detection result at the recording head side deviates from the target position at the recording head side, the servo control unit 123 outputs a servo control signal to the first moving mechanism 129A. The first moving mechanism 129A operates according to the servo control signal input from the servo control unit 123, thereby aligning the position of the recording head 36A in the width direction WD to the target position at the recording head side.

[0227] If the detection result on the read head side matches the target position on the read head side, the servo control unit 123 does not operate the second moving mechanism 129B. If the detection result on the read head side deviates from the target position on the read head side, the servo control unit 123 outputs a servo control signal to the second moving mechanism 129B. The second moving mechanism 129B operates according to the servo control signal input from the servo control unit 123, thereby aligning the position of the read head 36B in the width direction WD to the target position on the read head side.

[0228] The data acquisition unit 130 acquires data recorded onto the data tape DB using the recording head 36A from an external device (not shown). Examples of external devices include a host computer that manages multiple tape drives 30 or a personal computer that is connected to the tape drives 30 and can communicate with them. The data acquisition unit 130 outputs the data acquired from the external device to the recording control unit 125.

[0229] The recording control unit 125 encodes the data input from the data acquisition unit 130 into a digital signal for recording. Then, the recording control unit 125 selectively supplies pulse currents corresponding to the digital signals to the plurality of recording elements DW included in the recording head 36A, thereby recording the data into a designated data track DT within the data tape DB.

[0230] The read control unit 132 controls the operation of the read element DR of the read head 36B, causing the read element DR to read data from the designated data track DT within the data tape DB. The data read by the read element DR from the data track DT is a pulse-shaped digital signal. The read control unit 132 outputs the pulse-shaped digital signal to the data output unit 134.

[0231] The data output unit 134 decodes the pulse-shaped digital signal input from the read control unit 132. The data output unit 134 outputs the decoded data to a predetermined output destination (e.g., a host computer, a personal computer, a display (not shown) and / or a storage device (e.g., storage unit 122, etc.)).

[0232] The tilt control unit 136 calculates tilt feature information 144 at multiple positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT based on the tension information input from the tape transport control unit 140, and stores the calculated tilt feature information 144 in the storage unit 122. Details will be described later.

[0233] The tilt feature information 144 represents the tilt feature of the long side direction of the magnetic head relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT. This tilt feature refers to the tilt feature of the long side direction of the recording head 36A relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT and the tilt feature of the long side direction of the reading head 36B relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT. The tilt feature of the long side direction of the recording head 36A represents the tilt feature of the arrangement direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the entire length direction of the magnetic tape MT. Similarly, the tilt feature of the reading head 36B represents the tilt feature of the arrangement direction of the multiple reading head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT towards the entire length direction of the magnetic tape MT. Here, the tilt feature refers to both the direction and angle of tilt.

[0234] The tilt feature information 144 includes first tilt feature information and second tilt feature information. The first tilt feature information is calculated by the tilt control unit 136 based on the control signal of the first tilt mechanism. The second tilt feature information is calculated by the tilt control unit 136 based on the control signal of the second tilt mechanism.

[0235] The first tilt feature information is information indicating the tilt of the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT. The first tilt feature information includes a first tilt direction information indicating the tilt direction of the recording head 36A (i.e., the tilt direction of the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT (e.g., whether it is the cassette reel 18 side or the take-up reel 42 side)). Furthermore, the first tilt feature information includes a first tilt angle information indicating the tilt angle of the recording head 36A (i.e., the tilt angle of the arrangement direction of the plurality of recording head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT).

[0236] The second tilt feature information is information indicating the tilt of the arrangement direction of the plurality of read head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT. The second tilt feature information includes a second tilt direction information indicating the tilt direction of the read head 36B (i.e., the tilt direction of the arrangement direction of the plurality of read head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT (e.g., whether it is the cassette reel 18 side or the take-up reel 42 side)). Furthermore, the second tilt feature information includes a second tilt angle information indicating the tilt angle of the read head 36B (i.e., the tilt angle of the arrangement direction of the plurality of read head-side magnetic elements relative to the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT).

[0237] The tilt control unit 136 generates a first tilt mechanism control signal based on the first tilt feature information, and generates a second tilt mechanism control signal based on the second tilt feature information. The tilt control unit 136 outputs the generated first tilt mechanism control signal to the first tilt mechanism 131A, and outputs the generated second tilt mechanism control signal to the second tilt mechanism 131B. The first tilt mechanism control signal controls the first tilt actuator 131A1 (reference). Figure 12 The drive signal for the second tilting mechanism is the control signal for the second tilting actuator 131B1 (reference). Figure 12 The signals that drive the tilting mechanism. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the first tilting mechanism control signal and the second tilting mechanism control signal will be referred to as tilting mechanism control signals.

[0238] The tilt control unit 136 operates the first tilt mechanism 131A at multiple spaced intervals along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT, based on the control signal from the first tilt mechanism, thereby adjusting the tilt direction and tilt angle of the recording head 36A. That is, the first tilt mechanism 131A causes the recording head 36A to rotate around axis RA1 (reference... Figure 13 Rotate around the center so that the tilt direction and tilt angle of the recording head 36A become the tilt direction and tilt angle represented by the first tilt feature information.

[0239] The tilt control unit 136 operates the second tilt mechanism 131B at multiple spaced intervals along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT, based on the control signal from the second tilt mechanism, thereby adjusting the tilt direction and tilt angle of the read head 36B. That is, the second tilt mechanism 131B causes the read head 36B to rotate around axis RA2 (reference). Figure 13 Rotate around the center so that the tilt direction and tilt angle of the reading head 36B become the tilt direction and tilt angle represented by the second tilt feature information.

[0240] As an example, such as Figure 28As shown, the conveyor control unit 140 uses an arithmetic formula 146, which takes the spacing in the width direction of the magnetic head 36 determined according to the spacing information 142 in the storage unit 122 as the independent variable and the correction value of the output motor control signal (hereinafter also referred to as "output motor control signal correction value") and the correction value of the take-up motor control signal (hereinafter also referred to as "take-up motor control signal correction value") as the dependent variables, to calculate the output motor control signal correction value and the take-up motor control signal correction value.

[0241] The output motor control signal correction value and the take-up motor control signal correction value are correction values ​​used for the output motor control signal and the take-up motor control signal to obtain the tension required to achieve the tension within the allowable range, which is applied to the magnetic tape MT so that the width of the magnetic tape MT becomes the target width.

[0242] Furthermore, here, the target width is the width of the magnetic tape MT when tension is applied to the magnetic tape MT so that the recording element DW or reading element DR of the magnetic head 36 is located on a designated data track DT within the data tape DB, which is the object of recording or reading data. The target width can be a fixed value obtained in advance through experiments and / or computer simulations using actual equipment, or it can be a variable value that changes according to instructions received from the outside and / or preset conditions.

[0243] Furthermore, the formula 146 used by the tape transport control unit 140 is a formula obtained in advance through experiments and / or computer simulations using actual equipment to calculate the following correction value, which is used for the feed motor control signal and the take-up motor control signal to obtain the tension required to achieve the tension within the allowable range. The tension is applied to the magnetic tape MT so that the width of the magnetic tape MT becomes the target width.

[0244] After the tape transport control unit 140 corrects the feed motor control signal using a calculated correction value, it supplies the corrected signal to the feed motor 40, thereby controlling the drive of the feed motor 40. Similarly, after correcting the take-up motor control signal using a calculated correction value, it supplies the corrected signal to the take-up motor 44, thereby controlling the drive of the take-up motor 44. As a result, tension within the allowable range is applied to the magnetic tape MT, and the width of the magnetic tape MT is adjusted to be consistent with or close to the target width.

[0245] For example, suppose data is recorded and / or read from the central data track DT of each data track group DTG located in data tape DB1. In this case, the width of the magnetic tape MT is adjusted by controlling the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT within an allowable range through the tape transport control unit 140, such that the servo read element WSR1 (RSR1) is located at the center of the servo tape SB1 of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction WD (e.g., the center of magnetized regions 51A and 51B), and the servo read element WSR2 (RSR2) is located at the center of the servo tape SB2 of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction WD.

[0246] Furthermore, an example is given here in which the servo read element WSR1 (RSR1) is located at the center of the servo tape SB1 of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction WD, and the servo read element WSR2 (RSR2) is located at the center of the servo tape SB2 of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction WD, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, suppose that data is recorded and / or read from the data track DT located at the center of each data track group DTG of the data tape DB2. In this case, the width of the magnetic tape MT can be adjusted by the tape transport control unit 140 to adjust the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT within the allowable range, so that the servo read element WSR1 (RSR1) is located at the center of the servo tape SB2 of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction WD, and the servo read element WSR2 (RSR2) is located at the center of the servo tape SB3 of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction WD.

[0247] As an example, such as Figure 29 As shown, the tilt control unit 136 determines the tension information input from the conveyor belt control unit 140 (see reference). Figure 27 This indicates whether the tension is within the allowable range. The upper limit of the allowable range is, for example, the maximum value of tension that is preset to prevent irreversible damage such as plastic deformation to the magnetic tape MT, and the lower limit of the allowable range is the minimum value of tension that is preset to prevent the magnetic tape MT from vibrating during transport.

[0248] When the tension indicated by the tension information is outside the allowable range, the tilt control unit 136 uses formula 148 to calculate tilt characteristic information 144. The situation where the tension indicated by the tension information is outside the allowable range refers to the situation where the tension indicated by the tension information exceeds the upper limit of the allowable range and the situation where the tension indicated by the tension information is below the lower limit of the allowable range.

[0249] If the tension indicated by the tension information exceeds the upper limit of the allowable range, the tilt control unit 136 calculates the difference between the tension indicated by the tension information and the upper limit of the allowable range (here, as an example, the value obtained by subtracting the upper limit of the allowable range from the tension indicated by the tension information).

[0250] On the other hand, when the tension indicated by the tension information is lower than the lower limit of the allowable range, the tilt control unit 136 calculates the difference between the tension indicated by the tension information and the lower limit of the allowable range (here, as an example, the value obtained by subtracting the lower limit of the allowable range from the tension indicated by the tension information). Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the difference between the tension indicated by the tension information and the upper limit of the allowable range and the difference between the tension indicated by the tension information and the lower limit of the allowable range will be referred to as "tension difference" below.

[0251] Formula 148 is a formula with tension difference as the independent variable and tilt feature information 144 as the dependent variable. The tilt control unit 136 calculates the tilt feature information 144 by substituting the tension difference into formula 148. In addition, formula 148 is, for example, a formula obtained in advance by using actual equipment and / or computer simulation to obtain the tilt feature information 144, which is the tilt feature information 144 required to position the servo read element WSR1 (RSR1) on the width direction WD of the specified servo tape SB1 of the magnetic tape MT and the servo read element WSR2 (RSR2) on the width direction WD of the specified servo tape SB2 of the magnetic tape MT by rotating the magnetic head around the rotation axis RA.

[0252] As an example, such as Figure 30 As shown, ASIC 120 acquires tilt feature information 144 from storage cell 122 and outputs the acquired tilt feature information 144 to contactless read / write device 50. Before recording data on the data tape DB (e.g., during the manufacturing of tape cassette 10), contactless read / write device 50 transmits a write instruction for tilt feature information 144 as a command signal to the cartridge memory 19 space. CPU 94 performs a write process to write tilt feature information 144 into NVM 96 based on the command signal from contactless read / write device 50. Thus, tilt feature information 144 at multiple spaced intervals along the entire length of tape MT is stored in NVM 96. Furthermore, the tilt feature information 144 stored in NVM 96 is the same information obtained from the reference driver as the spacing information 142.

[0253] Thus, when tilt feature information 144 is stored in NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19 but not in the storage unit 122, the tilt control unit 136 does not need to calculate the tilt feature information 144 using formula 148, but instead obtains the tilt feature information 144 from NVM96. Then, the tilt control unit 136 stores the tilt feature information 144 obtained from NVM96 in the storage unit 122. The tilt control unit 136 generates a tilt mechanism control signal based on the tilt feature information 144 in the storage unit 122, and causes the tilt mechanism 131 to operate according to the generated tilt mechanism control signal.

[0254] Next, refer to Figure 31A and Figure 31B The function of magnetic tape system 2 will be explained.

[0255] Figure 31A and Figure 31B This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the tape width control process performed by the ASIC120 of the tape drive 30.

[0256] exist Figure 31A In the tape width control process shown, firstly, in step ST10, the tape transport control unit 140 determines whether tilt feature information 144 is not stored in the NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19. If, in step ST10, tilt feature information 144 is stored in the NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19, the determination is rejected, and the process proceeds to the next step. Figure 31B The step ST36 is shown. In step ST10, if the tilt feature information 144 is not stored in the NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19, the determination is affirmative, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST12.

[0257] In step ST12, the conveyor control unit 140 retrieves at least one of the spacing information 142 and the servo pattern distance information 148 from the NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19 via the CPU 94 and the contactless read / write device 50. The conveyor control unit 140 stores the retrieved spacing information 142 and servo pattern distance information 148 in the storage unit 122. If the spacing information 142 is stored in the storage unit 122 in this way, the conveyor control unit 140 does not need to retrieve the spacing information 142 from the NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19 again. Furthermore, if the servo pattern distance information 148 is stored in the storage unit 122, the position detection unit 121 does not need to retrieve the servo pattern distance information 148 from the NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19 again.

[0258] In the next step ST14, the tape transport control unit 140 starts the tape transport of the magnetic tape MT by controlling the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44.

[0259] In the next step ST16, the tape transport control unit 140 determines whether the position of the magnetic head 36 relative to the magnetic tape MT has reached a predetermined position. The predetermined position refers to one of a plurality of positions spaced apart along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. Alternatively, whether the predetermined position has been reached can be determined, for example, by the servo signal input to the position detection unit 121 from the servo read element WSR, by the time elapsed since the start of tape transport on the MT, or by the drive amount of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44.

[0260] In step ST16, if the position of the magnetic head 36 relative to the magnetic tape MT has not reached the predetermined position, the determination is rejected, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST32. In step ST16, if the position of the magnetic head 36 relative to the magnetic tape MT has reached the predetermined position, the determination is affirmed, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST17.

[0261] In step ST17, the position detection unit 121 uses the recording head-side servo signal to calculate the distance D of the servo pattern 51 in each servo band SB read by the servo reading elements WSR1 and WSR2.

[0262] The position detection unit 121 obtains the servo position corresponding to the calculated distance D from the servo pattern distance information 148 acquired in step ST12. The acquired servo position becomes the servo position of the servo read element WSR in each servo band SB. The position detection unit 121 detects the average value of the servo positions of servo read element WSR1 and servo read element WSR2 as the width direction position of the recording head 36A.

[0263] Furthermore, if the servo position that matches the calculated distance D is not specified in the servo pattern distance information 148, the position detection unit 121 can detect the servo position corresponding to the calculated distance D by interpolating the servo position using the distance D between the calculated distance D and the servo position specified in the servo pattern distance information 148.

[0264] For example, if the calculated distance D is "22.001μm", then in Figure 24 In the servo pattern distance information 148 shown, the calculated distance D is included within the range of distances D corresponding to servo positions "1" and "2". Therefore, the position detection unit 121 only needs to interpolate between the distance D corresponding to servo position "1" and the distance D corresponding to servo position "2" to determine the servo position corresponding to the calculated distance D. The servo position interpolation can use known interpolation methods. Specifically, for example, in addition to linear interpolation, nonlinear interpolation such as Lagrange interpolation and spline interpolation can also be used.

[0265] In addition, if the servo position that matches the calculated distance D is not specified in the servo pattern distance information 148, the position detection unit 121 may also take the servo position corresponding to the distance D closest to the calculated distance D as the servo position corresponding to the calculated distance D.

[0266] Furthermore, the position detection unit 121 uses the servo signal on the read head side to calculate the distance D of the servo pattern 51 in each servo band SB read by the servo read elements RS R1 and RSR2. Next, the position detection unit 121 performs the same processing as that involved in detecting the width direction position of the recording head 36A to detect the width direction position of the read head 36B.

[0267] The servo control unit 123 controls the positioning of the recording head 36A by controlling the first moving mechanism 129A to bring the detected width direction position of the recording head 36A closer to the target position on the recording head side. As a result, the width direction position of the recording head 36A moves to the target position on the recording head side.

[0268] Furthermore, the servo control unit 123 controls the positioning of the read head 36B by controlling the second moving mechanism 129B to bring the detected width direction position of the read head 36B closer to the target position on the read head side. As a result, the width direction position of the read head 36B moves to the target position on the read head side.

[0269] In step ST18, the belt transport control unit 140 substitutes the spacing determined according to the spacing information 142 obtained in step ST12 into the calculation formula 146, thereby calculating the output motor control signal correction value and the take-up motor control signal correction value according to the calculation formula 146.

[0270] The spacing determined by the spacing information 142 is the spacing obtained using the spacing information 142 that corresponds to the servo position representing the width direction position of the magnetic head 36 detected in step ST17. That is, the tape transport control unit 140 obtains the spacing for each width direction position of the magnetic head 36 to accurately record and / or read data from a specified data track DT within the data tape DB.

[0271] Therefore, the output motor control signal correction value and the take-up motor control signal correction value for the width direction position of the magnetic head 36 moved in step ST17 can be calculated according to formula 146 for accurately recording and / or reading data on the specified data track DT in the data tape DB.

[0272] In the next step ST20, the tape transport control unit 140 corrects the feed motor control signal using the feed motor control signal correction value calculated in step ST18, and corrects the take-up motor control signal using the take-up motor control signal correction value calculated in step ST18. The tape transport control unit 140 calculates the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT based on the motor control signal corrected in step ST18, and outputs tension information representing the calculated tension to the tilt control unit 136.

[0273] Additionally, a calibrated feed motor control signal is supplied to the feed motor 40, and a calibrated take-up motor control signal is supplied to the take-up motor 44. Thus, the width of the magnetic tape MT is adjusted by controlling the drive of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44.

[0274] In the next step ST22, the tilt control unit 136 determines whether the tension indicated by the tension information input from the tape transport control unit 140 is outside the allowable range. If, in step ST22, the tension indicated by the tension information input from the tape transport control unit 140 is within the allowable range, the determination is negative, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST32. If, in step ST22, the tension indicated by the tension information input from the tape transport control unit 140 is outside the allowable range, the determination is positive, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST24.

[0275] In step ST24, the tilt control unit 136 calculates the tension difference. That is, if the tension represented by the tension information exceeds the upper limit of the allowable range, the difference between the tension represented by the tension information and the upper limit of the allowable range is calculated as the tension difference. Furthermore, if the tension represented by the tension information is lower than the lower limit of the allowable range, the difference between the tension represented by the tension information and the lower limit of the allowable range is calculated as the tension difference.

[0276] In the next step ST26, the tilt control unit 136 calculates tilt characteristic information 144 based on the tension difference. That is, the tilt characteristic information 144 is calculated by substituting the tension difference into the calculation formula 148.

[0277] In the next step ST28, the tilt control unit 136 uses the tilt feature information 144 calculated in step ST26 to control the tilt mechanism 131. That is, the tilt control unit 136 generates a tilt mechanism control signal corresponding to the tilt feature information 144 and supplies the generated tilt mechanism control signal to the tilt mechanism 131, thereby causing the tilt mechanism 131 to work, thereby tilting the magnetic head 36 (adjusting the tilt direction and tilt angle of the magnetic head 36).

[0278] In the next step ST30, the tilt control unit 136 stores the tilt feature information 144 calculated in step ST26 in the storage unit.

[0279] In the next step ST32, the tape transport control unit 140 determines whether the reference position of the magnetic head 36 (e.g., the servo read element RSR1 within the read head 36B) has reached the end of the magnetic tape MT. If, in step ST32, the reference position of the magnetic head 36 has not reached the end of the magnetic tape MT, the determination is denied, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST16. If, in step ST32, the reference position of the magnetic head 36 has reached the end of the magnetic tape MT, the determination is affirmative, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST34.

[0280] In step ST34, ASIC 120 acquires tilt feature information 144 from storage cell 122 and outputs the acquired tilt feature information 144 to contactless read / write device 50. Contactless read / write device 50 transmits a write instruction for tilt feature information 144 as a command signal to the cartridge memory 19. The CPU 94 of cartridge memory 19 performs a write process to write tilt feature information 144 into NVM 96 based on the command signal from contactless read / write device 50. Thus, tilt feature information 144 is stored in NVM 96. After executing step ST34, the tape width control process ends.

[0281] exist Figure 31B In step ST36 shown, ASIC120 obtains spacing information 142, tilt feature information 144 and servo pattern distance information 148 from NVM96 of cassette memory 19 via CPU94 and contactless read / write device 50.

[0282] In the next step ST38, the tape transport control unit 140 starts the tape transport of the magnetic tape MT by controlling the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44.

[0283] In the next step ST40, the tape transport control unit 140 determines whether the position of the magnetic head 36 relative to the magnetic tape MT has reached a predetermined position. If, in step ST40, the position of the magnetic head 36 relative to the magnetic tape MT has not reached the predetermined position, the determination is rejected, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST50. If, in step ST40, the position of the magnetic head 36 relative to the magnetic tape MT has reached the predetermined position, the determination is affirmative, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST41.

[0284] In step ST41, the conveyor control unit 140 uses the servo pattern distance information 148 and the servo signal obtained in step ST36 to detect the width direction position of the magnetic head 36. Then, the servo control unit 123 controls the positioning of the magnetic head 36 by controlling the first moving mechanism 129A and the second moving mechanism 129B to bring the width direction position of the magnetic head 36 closer to the target position.

[0285] In step ST42, the belt transport control unit 140 substitutes the spacing determined by the spacing information 142 obtained in step ST36 into the calculation formula 146, thereby calculating the output motor control signal correction value and the take-up motor control signal correction value according to the calculation formula 146.

[0286] In the next step ST44, the belt transport control unit 140 uses the output motor control signal correction value calculated in step ST18 to correct the output motor control signal, and uses the take-up motor control signal correction value calculated in step ST18 to correct the take-up motor control signal.

[0287] In the next step ST46, the tilt control unit 136 refers to the tilt feature information 144 obtained in step ST36 to determine whether it is necessary to tilt the magnetic head 36 (whether it is necessary to adjust the tilt direction and tilt angle of the magnetic head 36). In step ST46, if it is not necessary to tilt the magnetic head 36, the determination is denied, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST50. In step ST46, if it is necessary to tilt the magnetic head 36, the determination is affirmative, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST48.

[0288] In step ST48, the tilt control unit 136 uses the tilt feature information 144 obtained in step ST36 to control the tilt mechanism 131.

[0289] In the next step ST50, the tape transport control unit 140 determines whether the reference position of the magnetic head 36 has reached the end of the magnetic tape MT. If, in step ST50, the reference position of the magnetic head 36 has not reached the end of the magnetic tape MT, the determination is denied, and the tape width control process proceeds to step ST40. If, in step ST50, the reference position of the magnetic head 36 has reached the end of the magnetic tape MT, the determination is affirmative, and the tape width control process ends.

[0290] As described above, in this embodiment, the tilt feature information 144 is stored in the NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19. The tape cartridge 10 equipped with the cartridge memory 19 having the NVM96 storing the tilt feature information 144 can also be loaded into a tape drive 30 other than the reference drive for use.

[0291] When the tape cassette 10, configured as described, is loaded into the tape drive 30 and the tape MT is pulled out of the cassette 10 for recording or reading by the magnetic head 36, the tilt control unit 136 of the tape drive 30 obtains tilt feature information 144 from the NVM 96 of the cassette memory 19. Then, the tilt control unit 136 controls the tilt mechanism 131 to tilt the magnetic head 36 to a tilt corresponding to the tilt feature information 144. Therefore, according to this structure, even if the tape MT deforms in the width direction WD, it is possible to help correct the positional relationship between the tape MT and the multiple magnetic components.

[0292] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tilt feature information 144 includes information indicating the tilt direction of the magnetic head 36. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to the case where the tilt feature information 144 does not include information indicating the tilt direction of the magnetic head 36, even if the magnetic tape MT deforms in the width direction WD, it can help to accurately correct the positional relationship between the magnetic tape MT and the multiple magnetic components.

[0293] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tilt feature information 144 includes information indicating the tilt angle of the magnetic head 36. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to the case where the tilt feature information 144 does not include information indicating the tilt angle of the magnetic head 36, even if the magnetic tape MT deforms in the width direction WD, it can help to accurately correct the positional relationship between the magnetic tape MT and the multiple magnetic components.

[0294] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as the direction in which the arrangement direction of the multiple recording head-side magnetic elements is tilted relative to the width direction WD, opposite directions are assigned to adjacent tracks (i.e., odd-numbered data tracks DTn_mO and even-numbered data tracks DTn_mE) in the multiple data tracks DT. Therefore, reading and writing are performed simultaneously by changing the tilt direction (orientation) of the recording head 36A for each data track DT. Moreover, as the direction in which the arrangement direction of the multiple read head-side magnetic elements is tilted relative to the width direction WD, opposite directions are assigned to adjacent tracks (i.e., odd-numbered data tracks DTn_mO and even-numbered data tracks DTn_mE) in the multiple data tracks DT. Therefore, during reading (and playback), the read element DR is less likely to cause magnetic interference to data tracks DT adjacent to the data track DT that should be read (crosstalk is less likely to occur). In other words, when reading data track DT whose orientation matches that of the read element DR, the orientation loss is small (almost zero), while when reading data track DT whose orientation does not match that of the read element DR (e.g., adjacent data track DT), the orientation loss is large.

[0295] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cartridge memory 19 has an NVM96 that reads and writes data in a non-contact manner using a non-contact read / write device 50. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to reading and writing data with a certain memory or the like in a contact manner, the spacing information 142 and the tilt feature information 144 can be stored in the cartridge memory 19 without causing physical damage to the cartridge memory 19.

[0296] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is adjusted according to the spacing information 142. Therefore, according to this structure, even if the magnetic tape MT deforms in the width direction WD, the positional relationship between the magnetic tape MT and the multiple magnetic components can be corrected. Moreover, the tilt of the magnetic head 36 is also adjusted according to the tilt feature information 144, thus enabling more precise correction of the positional relationship between the magnetic tape MT and the multiple magnetic components compared to adjusting only the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT.

[0297] In this embodiment, the spacing information 142 includes the spacing of each servo position within the plurality of servo tapes SB. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to the case where the spacing is set to a fixed value regardless of the width direction position of the magnetic head 36, the positional relationship between the magnetic tape MT and the plurality of magnetic components can be accurately corrected.

[0298] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the servo positions within the servo bands SB are determined using servo pattern distance information 148, which establishes a correspondence between multiple servo positions within each servo band SB and the distance D between each servo position of a pair of magnetized regions 51A and 51B constituting the servo pattern 51 formed on each servo band SB. Therefore, according to this structure, the distance D from magnetized region 51A to magnetized region 51B is measured using the change in pulses read by the servo read element SR, thereby enabling the determination of the servo position of the servo read element SR within each servo band SB.

[0299] Furthermore, in this embodiment, before data is recorded onto the magnetic tape MT by the magnetic tape drive 30, the spacing between the servo patterns 51 in the width direction WD is calculated based on the result obtained by reading the servo patterns 51 of adjacent servo tapes SB in the width direction WD by the multiple servo read elements SR and the distance between the multiple servo read elements. Therefore, according to this structure, as long as the distance between the servo read elements is determined in advance, the spacing information 142 can be generated using the distance D at the servo positions of the multiple servo read elements SR.

[0300] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19 is exemplified as the storage medium, but it is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 32As shown, at any time during the first loading of the tape cassette 10 or when the tape MT is initialized, the ASIC 120 of the control device 38 can write tilt feature information 144 into the BOT region 158 located at the beginning of the tape MT by controlling the operation of the magnetic head 36. When the tilt feature information 144 is written into the BOT region 158, the ASIC 120 reads the tilt feature information 144 from the BOT region 158 by controlling the operation of the magnetic head 36. Furthermore, the BOT region 158 is an example of a "partial region of the magnetic tape" according to the technology of this invention.

[0301] Thus, in Figure 32 In the example shown, the BOT region 158 of the magnetic tape MT is used as the storage medium. Therefore, according to this structure, the trouble of preparing the cartridge memory 19 or storing the tilt feature information 144 in the NVM96 of the cartridge memory 19 can be eliminated.

[0302] exist Figure 32 The example shown illustrates how tilt feature information 144 is written into BOT region 158, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, spacing information 142, servo pattern distance information 148, and / or tilt feature information 144 may also be written into BOT region 158.

[0303] Additionally, the spacing information 142, servo pattern distance information 148, and / or tilt feature information 144 can be stored in the BOT area 158 at any time during the manufacturing stage of the tape cartridge 10, the inspection stage of the tape cartridge 10, or the delivery stage of the tape cartridge 10. The magnetic head 36 of the tape drive 30 configured in the factory can be used.

[0304] Furthermore, as an example, such as Figure 33 As shown, the tilt feature information 144 read from the cartridge memory 19 by the contactless read / write device 50 can be written to the BOT region 158 via the ASIC 120. In this case, the tilt feature information 144 is stored in both the NVM 96 and the BOT region 158. Therefore, by verifying the tilt feature information 144 stored in the NVM 96 and the tilt feature information 144 stored in the BOT region 158, the reliability of the tilt feature information 144 can be confirmed. Furthermore, even if either the NVM 96 or the BOT region 158 malfunctions, the tilt feature information 144 can still be obtained from the other.

[0305] Furthermore, if the cassette memory 19 stores the spacing information 142, the servo pattern distance information 148, and / or the tilt feature information 144, the ASIC 120 can write the spacing information 142, the servo pattern distance information 148, and / or the tilt feature information 144 read from the cassette memory 19 by the contactless read / write device 50 into the BOT area 158.

[0306] Alternatively, the spacing information 142, servo pattern distance information 148, and / or tilt feature information 144 can be stored in the EOT area (not shown) located at the end of the magnetic tape MT, instead of the BOT area 158 or other areas. Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to the BOT area 158 and EOT area of ​​the magnetic tape MT; for example, two-dimensional barcodes or matrix-type QR codes (e.g., QR codes (registered trademarks)) can also be used.

[0307] In the above embodiments, examples of adjusting both the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT and the tilt of the magnetic head 36 have been described, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to substantially avoid tilting the magnetic head 36 (for example, refer to...). Figure 21 The tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is adjusted under the condition of the positional relationship between the recording head 36A and the magnetic tape MT, and the head 36 is tilted only when the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is lower than the lower limit of the allowable range.

[0308] Furthermore, for example, the magnetic head 36 can be tilted according to the position of the data track DT without substantially adjusting the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT. In this case, the tilt control unit 136 controls the tilt mechanism 131 by decreasing the tilt angle of the magnetic head 36 when the tape MT is wide and increasing the tilt angle of the magnetic head 36 when the tape MT is narrow, based on the width variation of the tape MT's entire length. However, if the degree to which the tilt angle of the magnetic head 36 is changed exceeds a preset upper limit, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is adjusted by the tape transport control unit 140. That is, if decreasing the tilt angle of the magnetic head 36 is insufficient even when the tape MT is wide (if the magnetic element cannot be positioned on the data track DT), the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is increased. Conversely, if increasing the tilt angle of the magnetic head 36 is insufficient even when the tape MT is narrow (if the magnetic element cannot be positioned on the data track DT), the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is decreased.

[0309] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the tilt control unit 136 acquires tilt feature information 144 in the stage before data is recorded on the magnetic tape MT, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the magnetic tape drive 30 may also start recording data for the magnetic tape MT while maintaining the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT at a predetermined value, and adjust the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT in real time (increasing the tension if the width of the magnetic tape MT is wide, and decreasing the tension if the width of the magnetic tape MT is narrow) while acquiring information to determine the width of the magnetic tape MT at any time via a servo read element, and adjust the tilt angle of the magnetic head 36 when the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT approaches the upper or lower limit of the allowable range. In this case, the magnetic tape drive 30 may write the tilt feature information 144 to the cartridge memory 19 and / or the BOT area 158, etc., after the data recording operation for the magnetic tape MT is completed.

[0310] In the above embodiments, a recording head 36A and a reading head 36B are illustrated, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto, and a magnetic head that integrates the recording head 36A and the reading head 36B can also be used. That is, the technology of the present invention is also valid even if the magnetic head has a magnetic element that integrates the recording element DW and the reading element DR (a pair of magnetic elements, the recording element DW and the reading element DR).

[0311] In the above embodiments, examples of two operations, namely reading data and writing data to the magnetic tape MT by the magnetic head 36, have been described. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and one of the operations of reading data and writing data to the magnetic tape MT can also be performed.

[0312] In the above embodiments, examples of the cassette memory 19 being housed within the housing 12 have been described, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cassette memory 19 may also be attached to the outer surface of the housing 12.

[0313] As the hardware resource for executing the processing of the control device 38, various processors as shown below can be used. For example, a CPU can be cited as a processor, which is a general-purpose processor that performs the function of executing processing by executing software (i.e., a program). Furthermore, as a processor, a dedicated circuit can be cited as an example, such as an FPGA, PLD, or, for instance, an ASIC120, which has a circuit structure specifically designed for executing a particular process. All processors have built-in or connected memory, and all processors execute processing using memory.

[0314] The hardware resources for executing the processing of the control device 38 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 executing the processing of the control device 38 can also be a single processor.

[0315] As an example of a single processor, firstly, there is a form where a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and that processor performs the functions of hardware resources for processing. Secondly, represented by SoCs (System-on-a-Chip), there is a form where a processor uses a single IC chip to implement the overall functions of a system including multiple hardware resources for processing. Thus, the processing of the control device 38 is achieved by using one or more of the aforementioned processors as hardware resources.

[0316] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors, more specifically, can be a circuit composed of combined semiconductor elements and other circuit components. Moreover, the processing of the control device 38 described above is only one example. Therefore, it is certainly possible to delete unnecessary steps, add new steps, or change the processing order without departing from the main point.

[0317] The technology of the present invention can also be appropriately combined with the various embodiments and / or variations described above. Furthermore, it is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, the technology of the present invention relates to programs, and also to storage media that do not temporarily store programs.

[0318] The above description and illustrations are detailed explanations of the parts related to the technology of this invention, and are merely one example of the technology of this invention. For example, the descriptions of the structure, function, effect, and effect described above are examples of the structure, function, effect, and effect of the parts related to the technology of this invention. Therefore, it is of course possible to delete unnecessary parts, add new elements, or replace the above description and illustrations without departing from the spirit of the technology of this invention. Furthermore, in order to avoid trouble and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of this invention, explanations of technical common sense that do not require special explanation when implementing the technology of this invention have been omitted in the above description and illustrations.

[0319] 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" means that it can be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, when three or more items are expressed by establishing a relationship using "and / or", the same meaning as "A and / or B" also applies.

[0320] All documents, patent applications and technical standards described in this specification may be referenced in this specification to the same extent as the specific and individually described instances of reference to each document, patent application and technical standard.

Claims

1. A magnetic tape system, comprising: a magnetic tape cartridge, the magnetic tape cartridge comprising: a housing that accommodates a magnetic tape; and a storage medium that is provided to the housing, the storage medium storing tilt characteristic information at a prescribed interval, that is, a prescribed length, on the entire length of the magnetic tape, the tilt characteristic information being information about a plurality of magnetic elements that perform at least one of reading data from the magnetic tape or writing data to the magnetic tape, the information being a characteristic that indicates a direction of arrangement of the plurality of magnetic elements with respect to a width direction of the magnetic tape, the magnetic tape system further comprising a tension controller, the tilt characteristic information being adjusted by a tension information of the magnetic tape at the prescribed interval that is set in advance, the tension information being determined by the tension controller, in a case where the tension information exceeds a prescribed upper limit value of an allowable range, the tilt characteristic information being adjusted using a difference between the tension information and the prescribed upper limit value, in a case where the tension information is lower than a prescribed lower limit value of the allowable range, the tilt characteristic information being adjusted using a difference between the tension information and the prescribed lower limit value.

2. The magnetic tape system according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic includes a direction of the tilt of the direction of arrangement.

3. The magnetic tape system according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic tape has a plurality of tracks, each of the plurality of magnetic elements corresponds to each of the plurality of tracks, each of adjacent tracks of the plurality of tracks is respectively assigned an opposite direction as the direction.

4. The magnetic tape system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the characteristic includes an angle of the tilt of the direction of arrangement.

5. The magnetic tape system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage medium includes a built-in memory of a non-contact communication medium that performs reading and writing of information in a non-contact manner by a non-contact reading and writing device.

6. The magnetic tape system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage medium includes a part of an area of the magnetic tape.

7. The magnetic tape system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage medium further stores pitch information that enables determination of a pitch in the width direction of a plurality of servo bands.

8. The magnetic tape system according to claim 7, wherein the pitch information includes a pitch at a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands.

9. The magnetic tape system according to claim 8, wherein the storage medium further stores servo pattern distance information that establishes a correspondence between a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands and a distance in an entire length direction of the magnetic tape at the plurality of positions between a pair of magnetization regions that constitute a servo pattern formed on each of the plurality of servo bands, the pitch corresponds to a position detected using the servo pattern distance information, that is, a position in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands of the plurality of magnetic elements.

10. The magnetic tape system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein The pitch is calculated based on results of reading the plurality of servo bands by a plurality of servo reading elements and distances between the plurality of servo reading elements at a stage before data recording to the magnetic tape by a magnetic tape drive.

11. The magnetic tape system according to claim 1, further comprising: a tilt mechanism that tilts a magnetic head on which the plurality of magnetic elements are mounted with respect to a width direction of the magnetic tape to a lengthwise direction side of the magnetic tape; and a control device that controls the tilt mechanism based on the tilt characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

12. The magnetic tape system according to claim 11, wherein the storage medium further stores pitch information that enables determination of a pitch in the width direction of the plurality of servo bands, the tension controller adjusts the tension applied to the magnetic tape based on the pitch information.

13. The magnetic tape system according to claim 12, wherein the pitch information includes the pitch at a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands.

14. The magnetic tape system according to claim 13, wherein the control device calculates the pitch based on results of reading the plurality of servo bands by a plurality of servo reading elements and distances between the plurality of servo reading elements at a stage before data recording to the magnetic tape by a magnetic tape drive.

15. A method of operating a magnetic tape drive, comprising the steps of: obtaining the tilt characteristic information stored in the storage medium included in the magnetic tape system according to claim 1; and controlling a tilt mechanism that tilts a magnetic head on which the plurality of magnetic elements are mounted with respect to a width direction of the magnetic tape to a lengthwise direction side of the magnetic tape based on the obtained tilt characteristic information.

16. The method of operating a magnetic tape drive according to claim 15, further comprising a step of applying a tension to the magnetic tape.

17. The method of operating a magnetic tape drive according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the storage medium further stores pitch information that enables determination of a pitch in the width direction of the plurality of servo bands, the method of operating a magnetic tape drive further includes a step of adjusting the tension applied to the magnetic tape based on the pitch information.

18. The method of operating a magnetic tape drive according to claim 17, wherein the pitch information includes the pitch at a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands.

19. The method of operating a magnetic tape drive according to claim 18, wherein the storage medium further stores servo pattern distance information that establishes a corresponding relationship between a plurality of positions in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands and distances in the lengthwise direction of the magnetic tape at the plurality of positions between a pair of magnetization regions that constitute a servo pattern formed on each of the plurality of servo bands, the method of operating a magnetic tape drive further includes a step of adjusting the tension applied to the magnetic tape using a pitch corresponding to a position in the width direction within the plurality of servo bands of the plurality of magnetic elements detected using the servo pattern distance information.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further comprising the step of calculating the pitch from the results of reading the plurality of servo bands by the plurality of servo reading elements and the distance between the plurality of servo reading elements at a stage prior to recording data on the magnetic tape by the magnetic tape drive.

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