Non-contact communication devices, magnetic tape drives, non-contact communication systems, operating methods and storage media of non-contact communication devices.

Abstract

This invention provides a contactless communication device, a magnetic tape drive, a contactless communication system, a method for operating the contactless communication device, and a storage medium. The contactless communication device includes: an antenna; and a processor, enabling a contactless storage medium mounted on a magnetic tape cartridge to communicate with the antenna via electromagnetic induction coupling. The processor is capable of communicating using each of a plurality of communication standards, specifically the communication standard corresponding to the contactless storage medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a contactless communication device, a magnetic tape drive, a contactless communication system, a method of operating the contactless communication device, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-189994 discloses a communication device for transmitting and receiving data to a contactless semiconductor memory. The contactless semiconductor memory includes: a storage unit mounted together with a recording medium in a recording medium housing for storing information related to the recording medium; and a communication unit for performing contactless data transmission to the storage unit. The communication device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-189994 is a communication device for a contactless semiconductor memory, characterized by comprising: a communication processing mechanism having multiple communication processing units, each of which performs data transmission and data reception processing to the contactless semiconductor memory under different predetermined communication modes; a switching mechanism for switching the communication processing unit to be operated among the communication processing units of the communication processing mechanism; and multiple antenna mechanisms provided corresponding to each communication processing unit of the communication processing mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment of the present invention provides a contactless communication device, a magnetic tape drive, a contactless communication system, a method of operating the contactless communication device, and a storage medium that enable contactless communication devices to communicate with contactless storage media of various communication standards, compared to the case where contactless communication devices use only one communication standard and contactless storage media for contactless communication.

[0004] means for solving technical problems

[0005] The first aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication device comprising: an antenna; and a processor, wherein a contactless storage medium mounted on a magnetic tape cassette communicates with the contactless storage medium via electromagnetic induction coupling with the antenna, wherein the processor is capable of communicating with each of a plurality of communication standards, and communicating with the contactless storage medium via a communication standard corresponding to the contactless storage medium among the plurality of communication standards.

[0006] The second aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication device involved in the first aspect, wherein the processor performs the following processing: based on the response obtained from the contactless storage medium by sending a command requesting a response to the contactless storage medium via an antenna, the processor determines a communication standard set for the contactless storage medium among a plurality of communication standards; and communicates with the contactless storage medium using the determined communication standard.

[0007] The third aspect of the technology of the present invention is the contactless communication device involved in the second aspect, wherein the response includes information capable of determining the communication standard set for the contactless storage medium.

[0008] The fourth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication device involved in any of the first to third aspects, wherein when multiple communication standards are selectively set for the contactless storage medium according to an instruction given from the outside, the processor communicates with the contactless storage medium using the communication standard set for the contactless storage medium among the multiple communication standards.

[0009] The fifth aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication device involved in the first aspect, wherein the processor performs the following processing: acquiring features that are physically assigned to the magnetic tape cartridge and can determine the communication standard set for the contactless storage medium; determining the communication standard corresponding to the contactless storage medium among a plurality of communication standards based on the acquired features; and communicating with the contactless storage medium using the determined communication standard.

[0010] The sixth aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication device involved in the fifth aspect, wherein the features are detected by physical sensors.

[0011] The seventh aspect of the present invention is a contactless communication device as described in the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the feature is at least the shape of the magnetic tape cassette.

[0012] The eighth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication device as described in the fifth or sixth aspect, characterized in that it is capable of determining a mark for a communication standard set for a contactless storage medium.

[0013] The ninth aspect of the present invention is a contactless communication device involved in any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the contactless communication device is a reader / writer mounted on a driver that holds a magnetic tape cassette.

[0014] The tenth aspect of the technology of the present invention is a non-contact communication device involved in any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the non-contact communication device is a reader / writer for checking magnetic tape cassettes.

[0015] The eleventh aspect of the present invention is a contactless communication device involved in any of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the contactless communication device is a diagnostic reader / writer for a magnetic tape cassette.

[0016] The 12th aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication device involved in any of the 1st to 8th aspects, wherein the contactless communication device is a reader / writer for the production management of magnetic tape cassettes.

[0017] The 13th aspect of the present invention is the contactless communication device involved in the 12th aspect, wherein the production management reader is a reader for managing the history of a magnetic tape cassette through multiple manufacturing processes.

[0018] The 14th aspect of the technology of the present invention is a contactless communication device involved in any of the 1st to 13th aspects, wherein the processor fixes the communication standard used in communication among a plurality of communication standards according to instructions given from the outside.

[0019] The 15th aspect of the present invention is a magnetic tape drive comprising: a non-contact communication device as described in any of the 1st to 14th aspects; and a magnetic head, wherein a non-contact storage medium is mounted on a magnetic tape cassette, the cassette contains a magnetic tape, and the magnetic head performs at least one of recording and reading data from the magnetic tape pulled out of the cassette.

[0020] The 16th aspect of the present invention is a contactless communication system comprising: a contactless communication device as described in any of the 1st to 14th aspects; and a contactless storage medium.

[0021] The 17th aspect of the present invention relates to a method of operating a contactless communication device, the contactless communication device comprising: an antenna; and a processor, wherein a contactless storage medium mounted on a magnetic tape cassette communicates with the antenna via electromagnetic induction coupling, wherein the processor is capable of communicating with each of a plurality of communication standards, and the method of operating the contactless communication device includes the following steps: communicating with the contactless storage medium using a communication standard corresponding to the contactless storage medium among the plurality of communication standards.

[0022] The 18th aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer applicable to a contactless communication device to perform specific processing. The contactless communication device includes: an antenna; and a processor, which enables a contactless storage medium mounted on a magnetic tape cassette to communicate with the antenna via electromagnetic induction coupling. The processor is capable of communicating with each of a plurality of communication standards, and the specific processing includes the step of communicating with the contactless storage medium using a communication standard corresponding to the contactless storage medium among the plurality of communication standards. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a magnetic tape system.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a cassette tape cassette.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of the right rear end of the inner side of the lower casing of a magnetic tape cassette.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a side sectional view showing an example of a support member provided on the inner surface of the lower housing of a magnetic tape cassette.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a magnetic tape drive.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of how a magnetic field is released from the underside of a magnetic tape cassette via a contactless reader / writer.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of how a magnetic field is applied to a cartridge memory inside a magnetic tape cassette from a contactless reader / writer.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the structure of the back side of the substrate of a cartridge memory inside a magnetic tape cassette.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic top view showing an example of the structure of the surface of the substrate of a cartridge memory inside a magnetic tape cassette.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating an example of the circuit structure of a cartridge memory inside a magnetic tape cassette.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the electrical system of a computer with an IC chip for cartridge memory mounted in a magnetic tape cassette.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the storage contents of the NVM contained in a computer mounted on an IC chip for cassette memory.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how a CPU within a computer, mounted on an IC chip in a memory cartridge, executes a CM response handler.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of the content processed by a CM response.

[0037] Figure 15This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of the content processed by a CM response.

[0038] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how a communication standard setting program is executed by the CPU within a computer, which is mounted on an IC chip in a cassette memory.

[0039] Figure 17 This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of the content of communication standard setting and processing.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of the content of communication standard setting and processing.

[0041] Figure 19 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the electrical system within a contactless reader / writer.

[0042] Figure 20 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the electrical system of a computer within a contactless reader / writer.

[0043] Figure 21 This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of the storage content of the NVM contained in a computer within a contactless reader / writer.

[0044] Figure 22 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how a communication standard adaptation process is executed by the CPU within a computer in a contactless reader / writer.

[0045] Figure 23 This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of the content that a communication standard adapts to process.

[0046] Figure 24 This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of the content that a communication standard adapts to process.

[0047] Figure 25 This is a conceptual diagram representing an example of the content that a communication standard adapts to process.

[0048] Figure 26 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how a communication standard change instruction processing procedure is executed by the CPU within a computer in a contactless reader / writer.

[0049] Figure 27 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of how communication standard change instruction processing is handled.

[0050] Figure 28 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of how communication standard change instruction processing is handled.

[0051] Figure 29 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of how communication standard change instruction processing is handled.

[0052] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the CM response processing flow.

[0053] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the communication standard setting process.

[0054] Figure 32 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for adapting communication standards.

[0055] Figure 33 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for handling communication standard change instructions.

[0056] Figure 34 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for determining the communication standard set for a cartridge memory based on multiple notches formed on the outer wall of the tape cassette.

[0057] Figure 35 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of how the communication standard set for a cassette memory is determined based on markings affixed to the outer wall of the cassette.

[0058] Figure 36 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of how a non-contact reading and writing device can impart a magnetic field to the packaging of multiple magnetic tape cassettes.

[0059] Figure 37 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of fixing the current setting parameter 144 in the current setting parameter storage block 138 within a contactless reader / writer.

[0060] Figure 38 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of how a communication standard adaptation processing procedure and a communication standard change instruction processing procedure are installed from a storage medium onto a computer with a contactless reader / writer. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Hereinafter, an example of an implementation of the non-contact communication device, magnetic tape drive, non-contact communication system, and method and procedure of operation of the non-contact communication device involved in the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] First, let me explain the terms used in the following explanation.

[0063] 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. 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". CM stands for "Cartridge Memory". EL stands for "Electro-Luminescence". QR stands for "Quick Response".

[0064] As an example, such as Figure 1As shown, the magnetic tape system 2 is an example of a "contactless communication system" according to the technology of this invention, which 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 moving the pulled-out magnetic tape MT, records data on the magnetic tape MT or reads data from the magnetic tape MT.

[0065] 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 will be used...]. Figures 2-4 In the diagram, arrow A indicates that the tape cassette 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30 (see reference). Figure 5 In the direction shown in the diagram, arrow A is defined as the front direction of tape cassette 10, and the front side of tape cassette 10 is defined as the front side of tape cassette 10. In the following description of the structure, "front" refers to the front side of tape cassette 10.

[0066] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figures 2-4 In the following description of the structure, arrow B, which is orthogonal to arrow A, is defined as the right direction, and the right side of tape cassette 10 is defined as the right side of tape cassette 10. In the following description of the structure, "right" refers to the right side of tape cassette 10.

[0067] Furthermore, in the following explanation, 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.

[0068] Furthermore, in the following explanation, 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 defined as the upward direction of tape cassette 10, and the upward side of tape cassette 10 is defined as the upper side of tape cassette 10. In the following description of the structure, "upper" refers to the upper side of tape cassette 10.

[0069] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figures 2-4 In this design, the direction opposite to the front direction of the tape cassette 10 is defined as the rear direction of the tape cassette 10, and the rear side of the tape cassette 10 is defined as the rear side of the tape cassette 10. In the following description of the structure, "rear" refers to the rear side of the tape cassette 10.

[0070] Furthermore, in the following explanation, for ease of explanation, Figures 2-4In this design, the direction opposite to the upward direction of the tape cassette 10 is defined as the downward direction of the tape cassette 10, and the downward side of the tape cassette 10 is defined as the lower side of the tape cassette 10. In the following description of the structure, "lower" refers to the lower side of the tape cassette 10.

[0071] Furthermore, the following description uses LTO as an example of the specifications for tape cartridge 10, but this is just one example, and the specifications for IBM 3592 tape cartridges can also be followed.

[0072] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cassette 10 is generally rectangular in top view and has a box-shaped housing 12. 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 together 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.

[0073] A cassette reel 18 is rotatably 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 along the housing 12 and positioned at the center of the housing 12. The upper flange 18B1 and the lower flange 18B2 are each annular. The upper flange 18B1 is fixed to the center of its upper portion when viewed from above at the upper end of the reel hub 18A, and the lower flange 18B2 is fixed to the center of its lower portion when viewed from above at the lower end of the reel hub 18A. Furthermore, the reel hub 18A and the lower flange 18B2 can be integrally formed.

[0074] A magnetic tape MT is wound around the outer periphery 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a cartridge memory 19 is mounted in the magnetic tape cassette 10. The cartridge memory 19 is disposed in the lower housing 16. More 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 a "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.

[0077] The cartridge memory 19 stores information related to the magnetic tape MT. This information includes, for example, management information for managing the magnetic tape cartridge 10 (see reference). Figure 12 The management information includes, for example, information related to the cartridge memory 19, information that can identify the tape cartridge 10, information indicating the recording capacity of the tape MT, a summary of the data recorded in the tape MT, data items, and data recording format.

[0078] The cartridge memory 19 performs contactless communication with a contactless reader / writer. Examples of contactless readers / writers include those used in the manufacturing process of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 (e.g., Figure 36 The contactless read / write device 50B shown) and the magnetic tape drive (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 contactless reader / writer 50A shown in the figure. The contactless reader / writer operates using power supplied from a battery (not shown) or a commercial power source.

[0079] The contactless read / write device, also commonly referred to as a reader / writer, performs various information reading and writing operations on the cartridge memory 19 in a contactless manner. Details will be described later. The cartridge memory 19 operates by applying a magnetic field MF (reference) to the contactless read / write device. Figure 6 It generates electricity by acting electromagnetically. Then, the cassette memory 19 uses the generated electricity to operate and communicate with the contactless reader / writer via the magnetic field MF, thereby enabling the exchange of various information with the contactless reader / writer.

[0080] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a support member 20 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A at the right rear end of the lower housing 16. The support member 20 is a pair of tilting platforms that support the cassette memory 19 from below in an inclined state. The pair of tilting platforms are a first tilting platform 20A and a second tilting platform 20B. The first tilting platform 20A and the second tilting platform 20B are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction of the housing 12 and are integral with the inner surface of the rear wall 16B and the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A of the lower housing 16. The first tilting platform 20A has an inclined surface 20A1 that slopes downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A. The second tilting platform 20B has an inclined surface 20B1 that also slopes downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A.

[0081] 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 vertically provided on the inner surface of the base plate 16A, limiting the position of the lower end of the cassette memory 19 arranged in the support member 20.

[0082] 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 base plate 16A is used as the lower side and the lower housing 16 is placed on the horizontal plane. Here, "parallel" means not only perfectly parallel, but also parallel in the sense of a degree of error that is generally permissible in the technical field to which this invention pertains and does not violate the technical spirit of this invention. The tilt angle θ of the support member 20 is the tilt surface 20A1 and the tilt surface 20B1 (see reference). Figure 3 The tilt angle of the plane is 45 degrees relative to the reference plane 16A1. In addition, 45 degrees is just one example, and it can be "0 degrees < tilt angle θ < 45 degrees", or it can be more than 45 degrees.

[0083] The cassette memory 19 includes a substrate 26. The substrate 26 is placed on a support member 20 with its back surface 26A facing downwards, and the support member 20 supports the back surface 26A of the substrate 26 from below. A portion of the back surface 26A of the substrate 26 is connected to the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 of the support member 20 (see reference). Figure 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.

[0084] The upper housing 14 has a plurality of ribs 24. The plurality of ribs 24 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction of the housing 12. The plurality of ribs 24 protrude downward from the inner surface 14A1 of the top plate 14A of the upper housing 14, and the front end face 24A of each rib 24 has inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 (see reference). Figure 3 The corresponding inclined surface. That is, the front end surface 24A of each rib 24 is inclined at 45 degrees relative to the reference surface 16A1.

[0085] If the upper housing 14 is joined to the lower housing 16 as described above, with the cassette memory 19 disposed on the support member 20, then the front end face 24A of each rib 24 contacts the substrate 26 from the surface 26B side. The substrate 26 is protected by the front end face 24A of each rib 24 and the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 of the support member 20 (see reference). Figure 3 Clamping. Thus, the vertical position of the cassette memory 19 is restricted by the rib 24.

[0086] As an example, such as Figure 5As shown, the magnetic tape drive 30 includes a transport device 34, a magnetic head 36, and a control device 38. A magnetic tape cassette 10 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30. The magnetic tape drive 30 is a device for pulling out a magnetic tape MT from the magnetic tape cassette 10, recording data onto the pulled-out magnetic tape MT using the magnetic head 36, and reading data from the pulled-out magnetic tape MT in a linear serpentine manner using the magnetic head 36. Furthermore, in this embodiment, data reading, in other words, refers to data playback.

[0087] The control device 38 controls the overall operation of the tape drive 30. In this embodiment, the control device 38 is implemented using an ASIC, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 38 can also be implemented using an FPGA. Furthermore, the control device 38 can also be implemented using a computer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Moreover, it can also be implemented by combining two or more of the following: ASIC, FPGA, and computer. That is, the control device 38 can also be implemented using a combination of hardware and software structures.

[0088] The conveying device 34 is a device that selectively conveys magnetic tape MT in both forward and reverse directions, and includes a feed motor 40, a take-up reel 42, a take-up motor 44, multiple guide rollers GR, and a control device 38. 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 wound back in.

[0089] The feed motor 40 rotates the cassette reel 18 inside the cassette 10 under the control of the control device 38. The control device 38 controls the rotation direction, speed, and torque of the cassette reel 18 by controlling the feed motor 40.

[0090] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 42 (during loading), the control device 38 rotates the delivery motor 40 to make the magnetic tape MT travel in the forward direction. The speed and torque of the delivery motor 40 can be adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT wound by the take-up reel 42.

[0091] The take-up motor 44 rotates the take-up reel 42 under the control of the control device 38. The control device 38 controls the rotation direction, speed, and torque of the take-up reel 42 by controlling the take-up motor 44.

[0092] 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. When the magnetic tape MT is wound back onto the cassette reel 18 (during unloading), the control device 38 rotates the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 to cause the magnetic tape MT to travel in the reverse direction. The speed and torque of the take-up motor 44 can be adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT wound by the take-up reel 42. By adjusting the speed and torque of the feed motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 respectively using the control device 38, tension is applied to the magnetic tape MT.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Multiple guide rollers GR are rollers that guide the magnetic tape MT. The travel path of the magnetic tape MT is defined by multiple guide rollers GR being separately arranged across the magnetic head 36 between the tape cassette 10 and the take-up reel 42.

[0095] The magnetic head 36 includes a magnetic element unit 46 and a holder 48. The magnetic element unit 46 is held by the holder 48 in contact with the traveling magnetic tape MT. The magnetic element unit 46 records data into or reads data from the magnetic tape MT transported by the transport device 34.

[0096] The magnetic tape drive 30 includes a contactless read / write device 50A. The contactless read / write device 50A is an example of a "contactless communication device" according to the technology of this invention. The contactless read / write device 50A is arranged on the underside of the magnetic tape drive 30, which is loaded with the magnetic tape cassette 10, facing the back surface 26A of the cartridge memory 19. Furthermore, the state in which the magnetic tape drive 30 is loaded with the magnetic tape cassette 10 refers, for example, to a state in which the magnetic tape cassette 10 has reached a predetermined position as the position where the magnetic head 36 begins reading data from the magnetic tape MT.

[0097] As an example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the contactless read / write device 50A releases a magnetic field MF from the underside of the tape cassette 10 toward the cartridge memory 19. The magnetic field MF penetrates the cartridge memory 19.

[0098] As an example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the contactless reader / writer 50A is connected to the control device 38. The control device 38 outputs a control signal to the contactless reader / writer 50A. The control signal is a signal that controls the cartridge memory 19. The contactless reader / writer 50A releases 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.

[0099] The contactless read / write device 50A assigns commands corresponding to control signals to the cartridge memory 19 through contactless communication. More specifically, the contactless read / write device 50A, under the control of the control device 38, transmits command space to the cartridge memory 19. A command is a signal representing an instruction to the cartridge memory 19. In this embodiment, the command conforms to any one of multiple communication standards, and the command corresponding to any one of the multiple communication standards is transmitted spatially from the contactless read / write device 50A.

[0100] Here, various communication standards can be cited, such as ISO 144343A (Type A), ISO 14443B (Type B), ISO 15693, and ISO 18092. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for ease of explanation, these communication standards are generally referred to as the "Nth communication standard," or simply as "communication standard." Here, "N" represents a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0101] Furthermore, this description will exemplify how the contactless read / write device 50A transmits command space to the cassette memory 19 under the control of the control device 38, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, during the manufacturing stage of the cassette 10, the inspection stage of the cassette 10, or the stage of the cassette 10 leaving the factory, the contactless read / write device 50B (see reference) Figure 36 Under the control of a control device different from the control device 38, the command space is transferred to the cassette memory 19.

[0102] When a command is transmitted from the contactless read / write device 50A to the cartridge memory 19, the command corresponding to the instruction from the control device 38 is contained in the magnetic field MF via the contactless read / write device 50A. In other words, the command is superimposed on the magnetic field MF via the contactless read / write device 50A. That is, the contactless read / write device 50A sends the command to the cartridge memory 19 via the magnetic field MF under the control of the control device 38.

[0103] An IC chip 52 and a capacitor 54 are mounted on the surface 26B of the cassette memory 19. The IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are bonded to the surface 26B. Furthermore, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are sealed to the surface 26B of the cassette memory 19 by a sealing material 56. Here, an ultraviolet-curable resin that cures upon reaction with ultraviolet light is used as the sealing material 56. However, ultraviolet-curable resin is only one example; light-curable resins that cure upon reaction with light in wavelengths other than ultraviolet light can also be used as the sealing material 56, as can thermosetting resins, or other adhesives.

[0104] As an example, such as Figure 8 As shown, an antenna coil 60 is formed in a ring shape on the back surface 26A of the cassette memory 19. Here, copper foil is used as the material for the antenna coil 60. Copper foil is just one example; other conductive materials such as aluminum foil can also be used. The antenna coil 60 is connected by a magnetic field MF (reference) supplied from the contactless read / write device 50A. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The induced current is generated by the action of )

[0105] A first conductive section 62A and a second conductive section 62B are provided on the back surface 26A of the cassette memory 19. The first conductive section 62A and the second conductive section 62B have solder to connect the two ends of the antenna coil 60 to the IC chip 52 (reference) on the surface 26B. Figure 7 and Figure 9 ) and capacitor 54 (reference) Figure 7 and Figure 9 Electrical connection.

[0106] As an example, such as Figure 9 As shown, on surface 26B of the cassette memory 19, IC chip 52 and capacitor 54 are electrically connected to each other via wires. Specifically, one terminal of the positive and negative terminals of IC chip 52 is connected to the first conductive section 62A via wiring 64A, and the other terminal is connected to the second conductive section 62B via wiring 64B. Furthermore, capacitor 54 has a pair of electrodes. Figure 9 In the example shown, the pair of electrodes are electrodes 54A and 54B. Electrode 54A is connected to the first conductive section 62A via wiring 64C, and electrode 54B is connected to the second conductive section 62B via wiring 64D. Thus, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are connected in parallel with respect to the antenna coil 60.

[0107] 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 tape cassette 10.

[0108] The cassette memory 19 includes a power generator 70. The power generator 70 generates electricity by applying a magnetic field MF supplied from the contactless read / write device 50A to the antenna coil 60. Specifically, the power generator 70 uses a resonant circuit 92 to generate alternating current (AC) power and converts the generated AC power into direct current (DC) power for output.

[0109] The power generator 70 includes a power supply circuit 82 and a resonant circuit 92. The resonant circuit 92 includes a capacitor 54, an antenna coil 60, and a built-in capacitor 80. The built-in capacitor 80 is a capacitor integrated into the IC chip 52, and the power supply circuit 82 is also integrated into the IC chip 52. The built-in capacitor 80 is connected in parallel with respect to the antenna coil 60.

[0110] Capacitor 54 is an external capacitor mounted on IC chip 52. IC chip 52 is a general-purpose IC chip that can be used in applications different from tape cartridge 10. Therefore, the capacitance of the built-in capacitor 80 is sometimes insufficient to achieve the resonant frequency required in the cartridge memory 19 used in tape cartridge 10. Therefore, in cartridge memory 19, capacitor 54 is mounted on IC chip 52 as a capacitor with the capacitance value required to cause resonant circuit 92 to resonate at a predetermined resonant frequency by acting through magnetic field MF. In addition, the predetermined resonant frequency is a frequency corresponding to the frequency of electric 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 50A. Furthermore, the capacitance of capacitor 54 is determined based on the measured value of the capacitance of built-in capacitor 80. Furthermore, the example of externally mounted capacitor 54 is given here, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and capacitor 54 may also be pre-assembled into IC chip 52.

[0111] The resonant circuit 92 generates AC power by using the magnetic field MF to pass through the antenna coil 60 and induce a current in the antenna coil 60 to generate a resonant frequency at a predetermined frequency, and outputs the generated AC power to the power supply circuit 82.

[0112] The power supply circuit 82 includes a rectifier circuit and a smoothing circuit. The rectifier circuit is a full-wave rectifier circuit with multiple diodes. A full-wave rectifier circuit is just one example; a half-wave rectifier circuit could also be used. The smoothing circuit consists of capacitors and resistors. The power supply circuit 82 converts the AC power input from the resonant circuit 92 into DC power and supplies the converted DC power (hereinafter also simply referred to as "power") to various driving elements within the IC chip 52. The greater the strength of the magnetic field MF, the greater the power generated by the power supply circuit 82 becomes within a limited range.

[0113] Examples of various driving elements that serve as the destination for power supply include the computer 84, the clock signal generator 86, and the signal processing circuit 88. The IC chip 52 operates using the power generated by the power generator 70, which supplies power to the various driving elements within it.

[0114] Computer 84 controls the overall operation of cassette memory 19. Clock signal generator 86 generates a clock signal and outputs it to signal processing circuit 88, etc. Signal processing circuit 88 operates according to the clock signal input from clock signal generator 86. Clock signal generator 86 changes the frequency of the clock signal according to the instructions of computer 84.

[0115] 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 received from magnetic field MF by antenna coil 60, decodes it, and outputs it to computer 84. Computer 84 outputs a response signal to the command to signal processing circuit 88. That is, computer 84 performs processing corresponding to the command input from signal processing circuit 88 and outputs the processing result as a response signal to signal processing circuit 88. If a response signal is input from computer 84, the encoding circuit of signal processing circuit 88 modulates the response signal by encoding it and outputs it to resonant circuit 92. Resonant circuit 92 sends the response signal input from the encoding circuit of signal processing circuit 88 to contactless reader / writer 50A via magnetic field MF.

[0116] 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 99.

[0117] The CPU94 controls the operation of the computer 84. As an example of the NVM96, an EEPROM can be cited. EEPROM is just one example; for instance, ferroelectric memory could be used instead of EEPROM. Any non-volatile memory that can be mounted on the IC chip 52 can be used. The NVM96 stores management information (see reference). Figure 12 RAM98 temporarily stores various information and is used as working memory. Examples of RAM98 include DRAM or SRAM.

[0118] Furthermore, a clock signal generator 86 and a signal processing circuit 88 are also connected to the bus 99. Therefore, the CPU 94 can obtain a clock signal from the clock signal generator 86, or exchange signals with the signal processing circuit 88.

[0119] CPU94 executes processing corresponding to the commands input from signal processing circuit 88. Examples of commands include polling commands, read commands, and write commands. Here, the polling command is an example of a "command requesting a response to a contactless storage medium" as described in the present invention.

[0120] In addition, for ease of explanation, the polling command corresponding to the Nth communication standard will also be referred to as the "Nth communication standard polling command". When there is no need to specifically distinguish which communication standard the polling command corresponds to among multiple communication standards, it will also be referred to as the "communication standard polling command" or "polling command".

[0121] CPU 94 performs polling processing based on polling commands input from signal processing circuit 88. Polling processing is the process of establishing communication with the contactless read / write device 50A, for example, as a preparatory process before read and write processes. CPU 94 performs read processing based on read commands input from signal processing circuit 88. Read processing reads management information (see reference) from NVM 96. Figure 12 The CPU94 performs write processing based on the write command input from the signal processing circuit 88. The write processing involves transferring management information (see reference...) Figure 12 Processing such as writing into NVM96.

[0122] Furthermore, as for command types, in addition to polling commands, read commands, and write commands, examples include commands that modify currently set parameters (see [reference]). Figure 17 and Figure 27 CPU94 executes current setting parameter rewriting processing based on the current setting parameter rewriting command input from signal processing circuit 88. Details will be described later. The current setting parameter rewriting processing will set the current setting parameter 110 at the current time (see reference). Figure 17 Rewrite the command with the communication standard parameter 108 corresponding to the currently set parameter rewrite command (reference). Figure 17 ) processing.

[0123] As an example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the NVM96 has multiple storage blocks including a configurable parameter storage block 102, a current setting parameter storage block 104, and a program storage block 106.

[0124] The configurable parameter storage block 102 stores multiple communication standard parameters 108 that determine the communication standard that can be set in the IC chip 52. The current setting parameter storage block 104 stores a current setting parameter 110. The current setting parameter 110 is the communication standard parameter 108 that corresponds to the communication standard currently set in the IC chip 52 among the multiple communication standard parameters 108. In addition, for the sake of explanation, the following description assumes that some communication standard parameters 108 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 104 are used as the current setting parameter 110.

[0125] The program storage block 106 stores a CM response processing program 112, a communication standard setting program 114, and multiple communication standard dedicated programs 116. Each of the multiple communication standard dedicated programs 116 corresponds one-to-one with a multiple communication standard parameter 108. The CPU 94 reads the communication standard dedicated program 116 corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 104 from the program storage block 106 and executes the read communication standard dedicated program 116 to achieve communication with the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 104.

[0126] The communication standard determined by the current setting parameter 110 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 104 is the communication standard currently set in the IC chip 52. That is, by executing the communication standard-specific program 116 corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 104 through the CPU 94, the IC chip 52 can communicate via the antenna coil 60 (reference) using the currently set communication standard. Figure 10 It communicates with the contactless reader / writer 50A.

[0127] As an example, such as Figure 13 As shown, if the contactless reader / writer 50A releases a magnetic field MF toward the antenna coil 60 and the contactless reader / writer 50A and the antenna coil 60 are coupled by electromagnetic induction, then the CPU 94 reads the CM response processing program 112 from the program storage block 106 and executes the read CM response processing program 112 on the RAM 98. The CPU 94 performs CM response processing according to the CM response processing program 112 executed on the RAM 98 (see reference). Figure 30 (Details will be described later.) The CM response processing is the processing of the cartridge memory 19 in response to the communication standard polling command from the contactless read / write device 50A.

[0128] As an example, such as Figure 14 As shown, if the contactless reader / writer 50A is electromagnetically coupled to the antenna coil 60, the contactless reader / writer 50A sends a communication standard polling command to the cassette memory 19. The contactless reader / writer 50A sequentially sends the Nth communication standard polling command with different communication standards.

[0129] In the CM response processing, the CPU 94 receives a communication standard polling command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A via the antenna coil 60. Furthermore, in the CM response processing, the CPU 94 retrieves the current setting parameter 110 from the current setting parameter storage block 104. Then, in the CM response processing, if the communication standard determined according to the communication standard polling command received via the antenna coil 60 is the same as the communication standard determined according to the current setting parameter 110, the CPU 94 generates a response signal containing communication standard determination information that can determine the same communication standard, i.e., the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19, and sends the generated response signal to the contactless reader / writer 50A via the antenna coil 60. Furthermore, if the communication standard determined according to the communication standard polling command received via the antenna coil 60 is different from the communication standard determined according to the current setting parameter 110, the CPU 94 remains in standby mode until a communication standard polling command is sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A. The response signal containing the communication standard determination information is an example of the "response" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0130] If a response signal containing communication standard determination information is transmitted from the CPU94 to the contactless reader / writer 50A via the antenna coil 60, then, as an example, Figure 15 As shown, in the CM response processing, the CPU 94 reads the communication standard-specific program 116 corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 obtained from the current setting parameter storage block 104 from the program storage block 106, and executes the read communication standard-specific program 116. Thus, the CPU 94 communicates with the contactless reader / writer 50A via the antenna coil 60 using the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 110. That is, the CPU 94 receives commands sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A via the antenna coil 60 according to the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 110, and sends a response signal corresponding to the received command to the contactless reader / writer 50A via the antenna coil 60.

[0131] As an example, such as Figure 16 As shown, when communication has been established between the CPU 94 and the contactless reader / writer 50A via the antenna coil 60 according to the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 110, the contactless reader / writer 50A sends a current setting parameter rewrite command, which is received by the CPU 94 via the antenna coil 60. If the current setting parameter rewrite command is received via the antenna coil 60, the CPU 94 reads the communication standard setting program 114 from the program storage block 106 and executes the read communication standard setting program 114 on the RAM 98. The CPU 94 performs communication standard setting processing according to the communication standard setting program 114 executed on the RAM 98 (see reference). Figure 31(Details will be described later.) The communication standard setting process involves setting one of multiple communication standards for the cassette memory 19 based on a request from the contactless reader / writer 50A.

[0132] The command to rewrite the current setting parameter is a signal indicating the new communication standard parameter 108 that is currently set as setting parameter 110. For example, as follows... Figure 17 As shown, in the communication standard setting process, CPU 94 retrieves the communication standard parameter 108 corresponding to the current setting parameter rewrite command from the configurable parameter storage block 102. Then, in the communication standard setting process, CPU 94 updates the current setting parameter 110 in the current setting parameter storage block 104 by overwriting the communication standard parameter 108 retrieved from the configurable parameter storage block 102 with the current setting parameter storage block 104. That is, the current setting parameter 110 in the current setting parameter storage block 104 is updated by CPU 94 rewriting the current setting parameter 110 in the current setting parameter storage block 104 with a new current setting parameter 110.

[0133] The communication standard determined by the current setting parameter 110 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 104 is the communication standard currently set in the IC chip 52. The communication standard setting of the IC chip 52 is changed by the CPU 94 rewriting the current setting parameter 110 in the current setting parameter storage block 104.

[0134] As an example, such as Figure 18 As shown, CPU 94 retrieves the current setting parameter 110 from the current setting parameter storage block 104. Then, CPU 94 reads the communication standard dedicated program 116 corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 retrieved from the current setting parameter storage block 104 from the program storage block 106, and executes the read communication standard dedicated program 116. CPU 94 communicates with the contactless read / write device 50A via the antenna coil 60 using the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 by executing the communication standard dedicated program 116 corresponding to the current setting parameter 110.

[0135] CPU 94 communicates with the contactless reader / writer 50A via antenna coil 60 using a communication standard corresponding to the currently set parameter 110, thereby sending a response signal corresponding to the command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A to the contactless reader / writer 50A. Specifically, first, CPU 94 uses antenna coil 60 to receive the command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A via magnetic field MF, and decodes the received command. Then, CPU 94 uses the currently set communication standard to send a response signal corresponding to the instruction obtained from decoding the command from antenna coil 60 to the contactless reader / writer 50A via magnetic field MF.

[0136] As an example, such as Figure 19 As shown, the contactless reader / writer 50A includes a transceiver 118, a computer 120, a receiver 122, and a display 124.

[0137] The transceiver 118 includes an antenna coil 126 and a communication circuit 128. The antenna coil 126 is an example of an "antenna" according to the technology of this invention. The communication circuit 128 is connected to the computer 120 and operates according to instructions from the computer 120. The antenna coil 126 is connected to the communication circuit 128, and the communication circuit 128 releases a magnetic field MF from the antenna coil 126 according to instructions from the computer 120. The strength of the magnetic field MF is adjusted by the communication circuit 128 according to instructions from the computer 120.

[0138] Communication circuit 128 superimposes commands onto magnetic field MF (also refer to...) according to instructions from computer 120. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The communication circuit 128 sends commands to the cassette memory 19. Furthermore, the communication circuit 128 receives the response signal superimposed on the magnetic field MF by the cassette memory 19 via the antenna coil 126, decodes the received response signal, and outputs it to the computer 120. The computer 120 operates according to the response signal input from the communication circuit 128.

[0139] A receiver 122 and a display 124 are connected to the computer 120. The receiver 122 is a hard key and / or a touch panel, etc., and receives instructions from the user (hereinafter also referred to as "the user") from the contactless reader / writer 50A. The computer 120 operates according to the instructions received by the receiver 122. The display 124 displays various information under the control of the computer 120. As an example of the display 120, an EL display or a liquid crystal display can be given. In addition, as an example of a specific mechanism for prompting information, the display 120 is shown here, but it is not limited to this. The display 120 can be used instead of the display 120, or a speaker, vibrator, and / or printer, etc., can be used together with the display 120, as long as it is a prompting device that can prompt the user with the required information.

[0140] As an example, such as Figure 20 As shown, computer 120 includes CPU 130, NVM 132, and RAM 134. CPU 130, NVM 132, and RAM 134 are connected to bus 135.

[0141] CPU 130 is an example of a "processor" involved in the technology of this invention, which controls the operation of computer 120. An example of NVM 132 is EEPROM. EEPROM is just one example; for example, ferroelectric memory could be used instead of EEPROM. Any memory can be used as long as it is a non-volatile memory that can be mounted in the contactless read / write device 50A. RAM 134 temporarily stores various information and is used as working memory. Examples of RAM 134 include DRAM or SRAM.

[0142] A receiver 122 and a display 124 are also connected to bus 135. Therefore, CPU 130 can receive instructions from receiver 122 or control display 124. Furthermore, a transceiver 118 is also connected to bus 135 via communication circuit 128. Transceiver 118 applies a magnetic field MF to cassette memory 19 according to instructions from CPU 130 (see also...). Figure 6 and Figure 7 Power is induced within the cartridge memory 19 and interacts with the antenna coil 60 of the cartridge memory 19 (reference). Figure 10 and Figures 13-18 This is achieved through electromagnetic induction coupling. Thus, the CPU 130 communicates with the cassette memory 19 via the transceiver 118. Here, the communication between the CPU 130 and the cassette memory 19 via the transceiver 118 refers, for example, to the transmission of commands to the cassette memory 19 and the reception of response signals from the cassette memory 19.

[0143] However, there are several communication standards used for wireless communication between cartridge memory mounted on commonly known magnetic tape cassettes and contactless reading / writing devices (also known as readers / writers), such as ISO18092, ISO14443A, ISO14443B, and ISO15693.

[0144] However, the existence of multiple communication standards may also stem from differences in communication standards based on product category (e.g., by the type of magnetic tape cassette). Therefore, it is necessary to integrate an IC chip corresponding to the communication standard into the cartridge memory. Regarding most components used in cartridge memory, excluding the IC chip (e.g., substrate, wires, and protective agents), although the same types of components can be used across different cartridges, changing the IC chip based on product category increases manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this also applies to conventionally known contactless read / write devices. That is, if different communication standards are set for the cartridge memory, a contactless read / write device conforming to the communication standard set for the cartridge memory must be manufactured or installed each time, further increasing manufacturing costs.

[0145] In view of this situation, the contactless read / write device 50A according to this embodiment is configured to communicate using each of a plurality of communication standards, and to communicate with the cassette memory 19 using the communication standard corresponding to the cassette memory 19 among the plurality of communication standards. Hereinafter, the structure for implementing such communication will be described in detail.

[0146] As an example, such as Figure 21 As shown, the NVM132 has multiple storage blocks including a configurable parameter storage block 136, a current setting parameter storage block 138, and a program storage block 140.

[0147] The configurable parameter storage block 136 stores multiple communication standard parameters 142 that determine the communication standard that can be set in the contactless reader / writer 50A. The current setting parameter storage block 138 stores a current setting parameter 144. The current setting parameter 144 is the communication standard parameter 142 that corresponds to the communication standard currently set in the contactless reader / writer 50A. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the following description assumes that some communication standard parameters 142 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 138 are used as the current setting parameter 144.

[0148] The program storage block 140 stores a communication standard adaptation processing program 146, a communication standard change instruction processing program 148, and a plurality of communication standard-specific programs 150. The communication standard adaptation processing program 146 is an example of a "program" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0149] Multiple communication standard dedicated programs 150 correspond one-to-one with multiple communication standard parameters 142. The CPU 130 reads the communication standard dedicated program 150 corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 138 from the program storage block 140 and executes the read communication standard dedicated program 150 to realize communication with the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 138.

[0150] The communication standard determined by the current setting parameter 144 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 138 is the communication standard currently set in the contactless reader / writer 50A. That is, by executing the dedicated communication standard program 150 corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 138 via the CPU 130, the contactless reader / writer 50A can communicate via the coil 126 (reference) using the currently set communication standard. Figure 19 and Figure 20 It communicates with the cassette memory 19.

[0151] As an example, such as Figure 22As shown, if the receiving device 122 receives an instruction to begin performing communication standard adaptation processing (in... Figure 22 In the example shown (where "communication standard adaptation instruction" is used), the CPU 130 reads the communication standard adaptation processing program 146 from the program storage block 140 and executes the read communication standard adaptation processing program 146 on the RAM 134. The CPU 130 performs communication standard adaptation processing according to the communication standard adaptation processing program 146 executed on the RAM 134. The communication standard adaptation processing is the process of adapting the communication standard set for the contactless read / write device 50A to the communication standard set for the cassette memory 19. In addition, the communication standard adaptation processing is an example of the "specific processing" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0152] CPU130 can communicate with cassette memory 19 using each of multiple communication standards. By performing communication standard adaptation processing, it can communicate with cassette memory 19 using the communication standard corresponding to cassette memory 19 among the multiple communication standards.

[0153] Furthermore, based on the response signal received from the cartridge memory 19 after sending a communication standard polling command via the antenna coil 126, the CPU 130 determines the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 among multiple communication standards. Then, the CPU 130 communicates with the cartridge memory 19 using the determined communication standard. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0154] As an example, such as Figure 23 As shown, in the communication standard adaptation process, firstly, the CPU 130 causes the transceiver 118 to send a communication standard polling command to the cartridge memory 19. As described above, the polling commands are sent in the order of the first communication standard polling command, the second communication standard polling command, the third communication standard polling command, and so on. Then, if the transceiver 118 receives a response signal sent from the cartridge memory according to the communication standard polling command sent to the cartridge memory 19, the CPU 130 obtains the response signal received by the transceiver 118.

[0155] As an example, such as Figure 24As shown, in the communication standard adaptation process, the CPU 130 retrieves a communication standard parameter 142 from the configurable parameter storage block 136, representing the communication standard determined based on the communication standard determination information contained in the response signal obtained from the transceiver device 118. Then, in the communication standard adaptation process, the CPU 130 updates the current setting parameter 144 in the current setting parameter storage block 138 by overwriting the communication standard parameter 142 retrieved from the configurable parameter storage block 136 with the current setting parameter storage block 138. That is, the current setting parameter 144 in the current setting parameter storage block 138 is updated by the CPU 130 rewriting the current setting parameter 144 in the current setting parameter storage block 138 with a new current setting parameter 144.

[0156] The communication standard determined by the current setting parameter 144 stored in the current setting parameter storage block 138 is the communication standard currently set in the contactless reader / writer 50A. The setting of the communication standard of the contactless reader / writer 50A is changed by the CPU 130 through rewriting the current setting parameter 144 in the current setting parameter storage block 138.

[0157] As an example, such as Figure 25 As shown, in the communication standard adaptation process, the CPU 130 obtains the current setting parameter 144 from the current setting parameter storage block 138. Then, the CPU 130 reads the communication standard-specific program 150 corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 obtained from the current setting parameter storage block 138 from the program storage block 140, and executes the read communication standard-specific program 150. By executing the communication standard-specific program 150 corresponding to the current setting parameter 144, the CPU 130 communicates with the cassette memory 19 via the antenna coil 126 using the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 144.

[0158] CPU 130 communicates with cassette memory 19 via antenna coil 126 using a communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 to send commands to cassette memory 19. As described, cassette memory 19 receives commands sent from contactless read / write device 50A via magnetic field MF and decodes the received commands. Then, cassette memory 19 sends a response signal corresponding to the instruction obtained from decoding the command to contactless read / write device 50 via magnetic field MF using the currently set communication standard. CPU 130 receives the response signal sent from cassette memory 19 via magnetic field MF via antenna coil 126.

[0159] As an example, such as Figure 26 As shown, if the receiving device 122 receives an instruction to change the communication standard (in... Figure 26In the example shown (where "communication standard change instruction" is used), CPU 130 reads the communication standard change instruction processing program 148 from program storage block 140 and executes the read communication standard change instruction processing program 148 on RAM 134. CPU 130 performs communication standard change instruction processing according to the communication standard change instruction processing program 148 executed on RAM 134. Furthermore, the communication standard change instruction includes an instruction for the changed communication standard (e.g., an instruction for the communication standard requested by the user, etc.).

[0160] The communication standard change indication processing is the process of instructing the cartridge memory 19 to change the communication standard. If the communication standard adaptation processing is performed by the CPU 130, then, as an example, such as Figure 27 As shown, this is in accordance with the current setting parameter 144 (reference). Figure 25 The CPU 130 communicates with the cartridge memory 19 using the corresponding communication standard. Specifically, the CPU 130 performs a communication standard adaptation process, establishing communication between the CPU 130 and the cartridge memory 19 using the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 among multiple communication standards. Then, while communication between the CPU 130 and the cartridge memory 19 is established, during the communication standard change instruction process, the CPU 130 sends a previously described command to rewrite the current setting parameters to the cartridge memory 19 via the antenna coil 126.

[0161] As an example, such as Figure 28 As shown, in the communication standard change indication processing, the CPU 130 retrieves the communication standard parameter 142 corresponding to the communication standard received by the receiving device 122 from the configurable parameter storage block 136. Then, in the communication standard change indication processing, the CPU 130 updates the current setting parameter 144 in the current setting parameter storage block 138 by overwriting the communication standard parameter 142 retrieved from the configurable parameter storage block 136 with the parameter stored in the current setting parameter storage block 138.

[0162] In the cassette memory 19, multiple communication standards are selectively configured based on externally provided instructions, i.e., current setting parameter rewrite commands (see reference). Figure 17 In the magnetic tape system 2, when multiple communication standards are selectively set for the cartridge memory 19 according to instructions given from the outside, the CPU 130 communicates with the cartridge memory 19 using the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 among the multiple communication standards.

[0163] To achieve this kind of communication, for example, such as Figure 29As shown, in the communication standard change instruction processing, CPU 130 retrieves the current setting parameter 144 from the current setting parameter storage block 138. Then, CPU 130 reads the communication standard-specific program 150 corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 retrieved from the current setting parameter storage block 138 from the program storage block 140, and executes the read communication standard-specific program 150. By executing the communication standard-specific program 150 corresponding to the current setting parameter 144, CPU 130 communicates with the cassette memory 19 via the antenna coil 126 using the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 144.

[0164] CPU 130 communicates with cassette memory 19 via antenna coil 126 using a communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 to send commands to cassette memory 19. As described, cassette memory 19 receives commands sent from contactless read / write device 50A via magnetic field MF and decodes the received commands. Then, cassette memory 19 sends a response signal corresponding to the instruction obtained from decoding the command to contactless read / write device 50 via magnetic field MF using the currently set communication standard. CPU 130 receives the response signal sent from cassette memory 19 via magnetic field MF via antenna coil 126.

[0165] Next, refer to Figures 30-33 The function of magnetic tape system 2 will be explained.

[0166] exist Figure 30 The flowchart illustrates an example of the CM response processing flow executed by the CPU94 of the cartridge memory 19. Figure 31 The flowchart illustrates an example of the communication standard setting process executed by the CPU94 of the cartridge memory 19. Figure 32 The flowchart illustrates an example of the communication standard adaptation process executed by the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A. Figure 32 The communication standard adaptation process shown is an example of the "operating method of a contactless communication device" involved in the technology of this invention. Figure 33 The flowchart illustrates an example of the communication standard change instruction processing performed by the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A.

[0167] exist Figure 30 In the CM response processing shown, firstly, in step ST10, the CPU94 determines whether the antenna coil 60 has received a communication standard polling command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A (see reference). Figure 32(See step ST60). In step ST10, if the antenna coil 60 does not receive a communication standard polling command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A, the determination is negative, and step ST10 is performed again. In step ST10, if the antenna coil 60 receives a communication standard polling command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A, the determination is positive, and the CM response processing is transferred to step ST12.

[0168] In step ST12, CPU94 determines whether the communication standard determined by the communication standard polling command received by antenna coil 60 is the same as the communication standard determined by the current setting parameter 110 stored in current setting parameter storage block 104. In step ST12, if the communication standard determined by the communication standard polling command received by antenna coil 60 is different from the communication standard determined by the current setting parameter 110 stored in current setting parameter storage block 104, the determination is rejected, and the CM response process proceeds to step ST10. In step ST12, if the communication standard determined by the communication standard polling command received by antenna coil 60 is the same as the communication standard determined by the current setting parameter 110 stored in current setting parameter storage block 104, the determination is affirmative, and the CM response process proceeds to step ST14.

[0169] In step ST14, CPU94 obtains the current setting parameter 110 from the current setting parameter storage block 104, and then the CM response processing is transferred to step ST16.

[0170] In step ST16, CPU94 generates a response signal containing communication standard determination information that can determine the communication standard based on the current setting parameter 110 obtained in step ST14. Then, the CM response processing is transferred to step ST18.

[0171] In step ST18, the CPU 94 sends the response signal generated in step ST16 to the contactless read / write device 50A via the antenna coil 60. Then, the CM response processing is transferred to step ST20.

[0172] In step ST20, CPU 94 reads the communication standard dedicated program 116 corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 obtained in step ST14 from program storage block 106, and executes the read communication standard dedicated program 116. CPU 94 communicates with the contactless reader / writer 50A using the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 by executing the communication standard dedicated program 116. After the processing in step ST20 is completed, the CM response processing ends.

[0173] exist Figure 31In the communication standard setting process shown, firstly, in step ST40, the CPU94 determines whether the antenna coil 60 has received a current setting parameter rewrite command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A (see reference). Figure 33 (See step ST80). In step ST40, if the antenna coil 60 does not receive a current setting parameter rewrite command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A, the determination is rejected, and the determination in step ST40 is executed again. In step ST40, if the antenna coil 60 receives a current setting parameter rewrite command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A, the determination is affirmed, and the communication standard setting process is transferred to step ST42.

[0174] In step ST42, CPU94 retrieves the communication standard parameter 108 corresponding to the current setting parameter rewrite command received by antenna coil 60 from the settable parameter storage block 102, and then the communication standard setting process is transferred to step ST44.

[0175] In step ST44, CPU94 sets the communication standard parameter 108 obtained in step ST42 as the new current setting parameter 110 by overwriting the communication standard parameter 108 obtained in step ST42 in the current setting parameter storage block 104. Then, the communication standard setting process is transferred to step ST48.

[0176] In step ST46, CPU94 retrieves the current setting parameter 110 from the current setting parameter storage block 104, and then the communication standard setting process is transferred to step ST48.

[0177] In step ST48, CPU 94 reads the communication standard dedicated program 116 corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 obtained in step ST46 from program storage block 106, and executes the read communication standard dedicated program 116. CPU 94 communicates with the contactless reader / writer 50A using the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 110 by executing the communication standard dedicated program 116. After the processing in step ST48 is completed, the communication standard setting process ends.

[0178] exist Figure 32 In the communication standard adaptation process shown, firstly, in step ST60, the CPU 130 sends the communication standard polling commands that have not been sent in the multiple communication standard polling commands corresponding to multiple communication standards to the cassette memory 19 via the transceiver device 118. Then, the communication standard adaptation process is transferred to step ST62.

[0179] In step ST62, CPU 130 determines whether transceiver 118 has received a response signal sent from cassette memory 19 (see reference). Figure 30(See step ST18). In step ST62, when the transceiver 118 does not receive a response signal from the memory cartridge 19, the determination is negative, and the communication standard adaptation process proceeds to step ST64. In step ST62, when the transceiver 118 receives a response signal from the memory cartridge 19, the determination is positive, and the communication standard adaptation process proceeds to step ST66.

[0180] In step ST64, CPU 130 determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., a pre-specified time within the range of a few seconds to tens of seconds) has elapsed since the processing in step ST60. If, in step ST64, no predetermined time has elapsed since the processing in step ST60, the determination is negative, and the communication standard adaptation process proceeds to step ST62. If, in step ST64, a predetermined time has elapsed since the processing in step ST60, the determination is positive, and the communication standard adaptation process proceeds to step ST60.

[0181] In step ST66, CPU 130 obtains communication standard determination information from the response signal received by transceiver 118 in step ST62, and then the communication standard adaptation process is transferred to step ST68.

[0182] In step ST68, CPU 130 obtains communication standard parameter 142, which represents the communication standard determined according to the communication standard determination information obtained in step ST66, from the settable parameter storage block 136. Then, the communication standard adaptation process is transferred to step ST70.

[0183] In step ST70, CPU130 sets the communication standard parameter 142 obtained in step ST68 as a new current setting parameter 144 by overwriting the communication standard parameter 142 obtained in step ST68 in the current setting parameter storage block 138. Then, the communication standard adaptation process is transferred to step ST72.

[0184] In step ST72, CPU 130 obtains current setting parameter 144 from current setting parameter storage block 138, and then the communication standard adaptation process is transferred to step ST74.

[0185] In step ST74, CPU 130 reads the communication standard dedicated program 150 corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 obtained in step ST72 from program storage block 140, and executes the read communication standard dedicated program 150. CPU 130 communicates with cassette memory 19 using the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 by executing the communication standard dedicated program 150. After the processing in step ST74 is completed, the communication standard adaptation process ends.

[0186] exist Figure 33 In the communication standard change indication processing shown, firstly, in step ST80, the CPU 130 sends a current setting parameter rewrite command to the cassette memory 19 according to the communication standard change indication received by the receiving device 122. Here, the current setting parameter rewrite command refers to a signal indicating that the current setting parameter 110 of the communication standard corresponding to the communication standard change indication received by the receiving device 122 is to be rewritten. After executing the processing of step ST80, the communication standard change indication processing proceeds to step ST82.

[0187] In step ST82, CPU 130 retrieves communication standard parameter 142 corresponding to the communication standard change indication received by receiver 122 from configurable parameter storage block 136, and then the communication standard change indication processing is transferred to step ST84.

[0188] In step ST84, CPU 130 sets the communication standard parameter 142 obtained in step ST68 as the new current setting parameter 144 by overwriting the communication standard parameter 142 obtained in step ST82 in the current setting parameter storage block 138. Then, the communication standard change indication processing is transferred to step ST86.

[0189] In step ST86, CPU 130 retrieves current setting parameter 144 from current setting parameter storage block 138, and then the communication standard change indication processing is transferred to step ST88.

[0190] In step ST88, CPU 130 reads the communication standard dedicated program 150 corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 obtained in step ST86 from program storage block 140, and executes the read communication standard dedicated program 150. CPU 130 communicates with cassette memory 19 using the communication standard corresponding to the current setting parameter 144 by executing the communication standard dedicated program 150. After the processing of step ST88 is completed, the communication standard change indication processing ends.

[0191] As explained above, in the magnetic tape system 2, the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A is configured to communicate using each of multiple communication standards, and communicates with the cartridge memory 19 using the communication standard corresponding to the cartridge memory 19 among the multiple communication standards. Therefore, according to this structure, compared to the case where the contactless reader / writer 50A uses only one communication standard to communicate contactlessly with the cartridge memory 19, the contactless reader / writer 50A can communicate contactlessly with cartridge memories 19 using various communication standards.

[0192] Furthermore, in the magnetic tape system 2, based on the response signal received from the cartridge memory 19 after the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A sends a communication standard polling command to the cartridge memory 19, the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 is determined, and communication with the cartridge memory 19 is performed using the determined communication standard. Therefore, according to this structure, even if the user does not know the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 in advance, the contactless reader / writer 50A can still perform contactless communication with the cartridge memory 19 using the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19.

[0193] Furthermore, in the magnetic tape system 2, the response signal contains communication standard determination information, which is obtained by the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A from the response signal sent from the cartridge memory 19. Then, the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A communicates with the cartridge memory 19 using the communication standard determined according to the communication standard determination information. Therefore, according to this structure, the contactless reader / writer 50A can use the response signal sent from the cartridge memory 19 to determine the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19.

[0194] Furthermore, in the magnetic tape system 2, multiple communication standards are selectively set for the cartridge memory 19 according to the current setting parameter rewrite command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A. In this case, the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A communicates with the cartridge memory 19 using the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 among the multiple communication standards. Therefore, according to this structure, even when multiple communication standards are selectively set for the cartridge memory 19 according to the current setting parameter rewrite command sent from the contactless reader / writer 50A, the contactless reader / writer 50A can still perform contactless communication with the cartridge memory 19 using the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19.

[0195] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was described in which the response signal includes communication standard determination information and communication is performed according to the communication standard determined based on the communication standard determination information obtained from the response signal. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the transceiver 118 receives a response signal for a communication standard polling command, communication between the cassette memory 19 and the contactless read / write device 50A may be performed according to the communication standard determined by the communication standard polling command corresponding to the received response signal.

[0196] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate an example of selectively setting multiple communication standards for the cartridge memory 19, the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 can also be fixed to one. Even in this case, by executing the communication standard adaptation process described in the above embodiments by the CPU 130 of the contactless read / write device 50, the contactless read / write device 50A can communicate with the cartridge memory 19 using the same communication standard as the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19.

[0197] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the contactless reader / writer 50A obtains communication standard determination information from the cartridge memory 19 by communicating with the cartridge memory 19, and determines the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 based on the obtained communication standard determination information. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A may also obtain features physically assigned to the tape cassette 10 and capable of determining the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19. In this case, the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A determines the communication standard corresponding to the cartridge memory 19 among a plurality of communication standards based on the obtained features, and communicates with the cartridge memory 19 using the determined communication standard. Furthermore, here, the features physically assigned to the tape cassette 10 refer to at least the shape among the shape and size of the tape cassette 10.

[0198] exist Figure 34 In the example shown, as a feature given to the tape cartridge 10, cuboid notches 12A1 and 12A2, opening on the right and bottom sides of the right wall 12A, are formed in the right wall 12A. Notches 12A1 and 12A2 are shown here, but at least one of the shape, size, and number of notches varies according to each communication standard.

[0199] Furthermore, the example given here is the formation of notches 12A1 and 12A2 on the right wall 12A, but notches 12A1 and 12A2 are merely examples; any irregularities can be formed at predetermined locations on the outer wall of the tape cartridge 10. Additionally, in this case, at least one of the shape, size, and number of irregularities varies depending on each communication standard.

[0200] As an example, such as Figure 34 As shown, tape drive 30 (reference) Figure 1 and Figure 5The device includes an optical sensor 152. The optical sensor 152 is an example of a "physical sensor" according to the technology of this invention. The optical sensor 152 is disposed below the right wall 12A. The optical sensor 152 optically detects the notches 12A1 and 12A2 during the loading of the tape cassette 10 into the tape drive 30 along the direction of arrow A. Furthermore, in order to accurately determine the geometric features of the notches 12A1 and 12A2, the speed at which the tape cassette 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30 along the direction of arrow A is preferably a constant speed.

[0201] The optical sensor 152 is, for example, a reflective light sensor that illuminates light toward the notches 12A1 and 12A2 and detects the amount of reflected light reflected from the surfaces constituting the notches 12A1 and 12A2. Here, a reflective light sensor is shown as an example, but it is not limited to this; it may also be a transmissive light sensor or other types of sensors.

[0202] Optical sensor 152 is connected to control device 38 and outputs a light quantity signal representing the detected light quantity to control device 38. Control device 38 outputs concavity / convexity feature information based on the input light quantity signal to contactless reader / writer 50A. The concavity / convexity feature information is, for example, the timing of the light quantity signal. The timing of the light quantity signal represents the features assigned to the magnetic tape cartridge 10, namely the size, shape, and spacing of notches 12A1 and 12A2.

[0203] The NVM132 stores a communication standard table 154. The communication standard table 154 establishes a correspondence between concave / convex feature information and communication standards. That is, in the communication standard table 154, different communication standards are associated with each of the multiple concave / convex feature information pieces.

[0204] The CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A derives the communication standard corresponding to the convex / concave feature information input from the control device 38 from the communication standard table 154. The CPU 130 uses the communication standard determination information that determines the communication standard derived from the communication standard table 154 to perform communication standard adaptation processing. As a result, it is not necessary for the cartridge memory 19 to send the communication standard determination information to the contactless reader / writer 50A.

[0205] Furthermore, in Figure 34 The example shown illustrates a manner in which the tape cartridge 10 is given the physical features of notches 12A1 and 12A2. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this; the features physically given to the tape cartridge 10 can also be markers that can determine the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19. For example, in Figure 35 In the example shown, a matrix-type QR code (e.g., a QR code (registered trademark)) 156 is affixed to the right wall 12A. The matrix-type QR code 156 contains communication standard identification information.

[0206] As an example, such as Figure 35 As shown, tape drive 30 (reference) Figure 1 and Figure 5 It includes a QR code reader 158. The QR code reader 158 is positioned opposite the attachment position of the matrix-type QR code 156. When the tape cassette 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30, the QR code reader 158 reads communication standard determination information from the matrix-type QR code 156.

[0207] The QR code reader 158 is connected to the control device 38. The CPU 130 of the contactless reading and writing device 50A obtains communication standard determination information from the QR code reader 158 via the control device 38, and performs communication standard adaptation processing using the obtained communication standard determination information.

[0208] Furthermore, the example described here is that the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A obtains communication standard determination information from the QR code reader 158 via the control device 38. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to have the QR code reader 158 directly connected to the contactless reader / writer 50A, and the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A directly obtains the communication standard determination information from the QR code reader 158 without going through the control device 38.

[0209] Thus, by using a matrix-type QR code 156 as a feature physically assigned to the tape cassette 10, there is no need for the cassette memory 19 to send communication standard determination information to the contactless reader / writer 50A.

[0210] In addition, Figure 35 The example shown illustrates a matrix-type QR code 156, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this; it can also be a two-dimensional barcode and / or certain images or symbols that can determine communication standards, etc.

[0211] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, various processing methods, including communication standard adaptation processing and communication standard change instruction processing, were described as examples of the CPU 130 performing such processing. However, processors of external devices capable of communicating with the contactless reader / writer 50A (e.g., control device 38 or processors other than control device 38) may also be used together with the CPU 130 as hardware resources of the contactless reader / writer 50A, or used in place of the CPU 130.

[0212] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the tape drive 30 pulls out the tape MT from the tape cartridge 10 and records data on the pulled-out tape MT using the magnetic head 36, and reads data from the pulled-out tape MT using the magnetic head 36. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a magnetic head that only records or reads data from the tape MT pulled out from the tape cartridge 10 may also be used (illustration omitted).

[0213] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates an example of a contactless read / write device 50A integrated into a magnetic tape drive 30, the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, during the manufacturing stage of the magnetic tape cassette 10, the inspection stage of the magnetic tape cassette 10, the diagnostic stage of the magnetic tape cassette 10, the production management stage of the magnetic tape cassette 10 (e.g., managing the history of the magnetic tape cassette 10 through multiple manufacturing processes), or the shipment stage of the magnetic tape cassette 10, such as... Figure 36 As shown, a contactless read / write device 50B is used. In this case, the same effects as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained during the manufacturing stage of the tape cartridge 10, the inspection stage of the tape cartridge 10, the diagnosis stage of the tape cartridge 10, the production management stage of the tape cartridge 10 (e.g., the management of the history of the tape cartridge 10 through multiple manufacturing processes), or the shipment stage of the tape cartridge 10.

[0214] Furthermore, the non-contact reader / writer 50B is an example of the "non-contact communication device", "reader / writer for inspecting magnetic tape cassettes", "reader / writer for diagnosing magnetic tape cassettes", "reader / writer for managing the production of magnetic tape cassettes" and "reader / writer for managing the history of magnetic tape cassettes through multiple manufacturing processes" involved in the technology of the present invention, such as a fixed or portable reader / writer.

[0215] exist Figure 36 In the example shown, information is transmitted and received between the cartridge memory 19 of each of the multiple overlapping magnetic tape cartridges 10 within a package 200 formed by a plastic film and the contactless reader / writer 50B. The contactless reader / writer 50B is moved along the overlapping direction of the multiple magnetic tape cartridges 10 at their rear sides while transmitting and receiving information between the cartridge memory 19 and the contactless reader / writer 50B. In this case, for example, the contactless reader / writer 50B transmits and receives information with the cartridge memory 19 by sequentially releasing the magnetic field MF to each of the magnetic tape cartridges 10 while repeatedly opening and closing the magnetic field MF.

[0216] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the contactless read / write device 50A, multiple communication standards are selectively set by updating the current setting parameter 144 of the current setting parameter storage block 138, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. The CPU 130 of the contactless read / write device 50A can also fix the communication standard used in communication with the cartridge memory 19 among the multiple communication standards according to instructions given from the outside.

[0217] In this case, for example, Figure 37 As shown, if the receiving device 122 receives an instruction to fix the current setting parameter 144 (in Figure 37 In the example shown (a "parameter fixing instruction"), the CPU 130 fixes the current setting parameter 144 to the current setting parameter storage block 138 according to the parameter fixing instruction (an example of an "externally assigned instruction" involved in the technology of this invention), thereby fixing the communication standard set at the current time to an unchangeable state. This prevents changes to a communication standard that is not desired by the user or others.

[0218] Furthermore, the CPU 130 of the contactless read / write device 50A can also assign an instruction (communication standard fixing instruction) to the cartridge memory 19 to fix the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19, and the CPU 94 of the cartridge memory 19 can fix the current setting parameter 110 of the cartridge memory 19 to the current setting parameter storage block 104. In this way, by fixing the current setting parameter 110 to the current setting parameter storage block 104, the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 is fixed to an unchangeable state.

[0219] Furthermore, at least one of the states in which the current setting parameter 144 of the contactless read / write device 50A is fixed and the current setting parameter 110 of the cassette memory 19 is fixed can be deactivated or maintained according to an external instruction or a pre-defined condition.

[0220] As a first example of a pre-defined condition, the strength of the magnetic field MF can be described as being below a threshold. In this case, for example, the power generated by the power supply circuit 82 can be measured by a power measuring circuit (not shown). If the measured power is below the threshold, the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A can be deactivated from the current setting parameter 144, and the CPU 94 of the cartridge memory 19 can be deactivated from the current setting parameter 110. Conversely, if the measured power is above the threshold, the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A can be fixed to the current setting parameter 144, and the CPU 94 of the cartridge memory 19 can be fixed to the current setting parameter 110. The threshold can be a fixed value or a variable value that changes according to an instruction given (e.g., an instruction received by the receiving device 122) or a pre-defined condition (e.g., the installation location and / or usage status of the contactless reader / writer 50A).

[0221] As a second example of a pre-defined condition, the condition that the tape cartridge 10 has entered a pre-defined stage can be cited. Examples of pre-defined stages include the stage of manufacturing the tape cartridge 10, the stage of inspecting the tape cartridge 10, the stage of diagnosing the tape cartridge 10, the stage of conducting production management of the tape cartridge 10 (e.g., managing the history of the tape cartridge 10 through multiple manufacturing processes), the stage of shipping the tape cartridge 10, or the stage of loading the tape cartridge 10 into the tape drive 30.

[0222] Furthermore, the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 can be fixed only if the CPU 94 of the cartridge memory 19 sets a flag (cartridge memory side fixed flag) according to an external instruction, and the communication standard set for the contactless reader / writer 50A can be fixed only if the CPU 140 of the contactless reader / writer 50A sets a flag (contactless reader / writer side fixed flag) according to an external instruction.

[0223] Furthermore, the fixed state of the communication standard set for the cartridge memory 19 can be released only if the CPU 94 of the cartridge memory 19 sets a flag (cartridge memory side release flag) according to an external instruction, and the fixed state of the communication standard set for the contactless reader / writer 50A can be released only if the CPU 140 of the contactless reader / writer 50A sets a flag (contactless reader / writer side release flag) according to an external instruction.

[0224] Furthermore, the CPU 130 of the contactless reader / writer 50A can make the strength of the magnetic field MF different for each communication standard set, rather than setting the strength of the magnetic field MF to be constant regardless of the communication standard.

[0225] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was given in which a communication standard adaptation processing program 146 and a communication standard change instruction processing program 148 (hereinafter, when there is no need to specifically distinguish them, they will be referred to as "programs") are stored in the NVM 132; however, the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, such as Figure 38 As shown, the program can also be stored in storage medium 300. Storage medium 300 is a non-transitory storage medium. Examples of storage medium 300 include any portable storage medium such as an SSD or USB flash drive.

[0226] The program stored in storage medium 300 is installed in computer 120. CPU 130 executes communication standard adaptation processing and communication standard change instruction processing according to the program (hereinafter, when there is no need to specifically distinguish between them, it is referred to as "contactless reader / writer side processing"). Figure 38 In the example shown, CPU130 is a single CPU, but it can also be multiple CPUs.

[0227] Furthermore, the program can be pre-stored in the storage device of other computers or server devices connected to computer 120 via a communication network (not shown), and the program can be downloaded and installed in computer 120 upon request from cassette memory 19.

[0228] exist Figure 38 The example shown illustrates a computer 120, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. Devices including ASICs, FPGAs, and / or PLDs can also be used instead of computer 120. Furthermore, a combination of hardware and software structures can also be used instead of computer 120.

[0229] As hardware resources for performing contactless reader / writer side processing, various processors, as shown below, can be used. Examples of processors include general-purpose processors (CPUs) that function as hardware resources for performing contactless reader / writer side processing by executing software, i.e., programs. Furthermore, examples of processors include dedicated circuits (ASICs) with circuit structures specifically designed for performing particular processes, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs. All processors have built-in or connected memory, and all processors perform contactless reader / writer side processing using this memory.

[0230] The hardware resources for performing contactless read / write device side processing can consist of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, the hardware resources for performing contactless read / write device side processing can also be a single processor.

[0231] As examples of processors, firstly, there are processors that combine one or more CPUs with software, functioning as hardware resources for performing contactless reader / writer side processing. Secondly, there are processors, such as SoCs, that use a single IC chip to implement the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources performing contactless reader / writer side processing. Thus, contactless reader / writer side processing is implemented using one or more of the aforementioned processors as hardware resources.

[0232] Furthermore, the hardware architecture of these various processors, more specifically, can utilize circuits composed of semiconductor elements and other circuit components. Moreover, the aforementioned contactless read / write device-side processing is merely one example. Therefore, without departing from the intended purpose, unnecessary steps can certainly be removed, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged.

[0233] The descriptions and illustrations above constitute a detailed explanation of a portion of the technology involved in this invention, and are merely one example of the technology of this invention. For example, the descriptions relating to the structure, function, effect, and effect described above are examples of the structure, function, effect, and effect of the portion of the technology involved in this invention. Therefore, without departing from the technical spirit of this invention, unnecessary parts may be deleted from the descriptions and illustrations above, or new elements may be added or replaced. Furthermore, to avoid complications and to facilitate understanding of the portion of the technology involved in this invention, descriptions relating to common technical knowledge that are not particularly necessary to explain in terms of enabling the implementation of this invention have been omitted from the descriptions and illustrations above.

[0234] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" can mean only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same approach applies to situations where three or more cases are connected by "and / or".

[0235] All documents, patent applications and technical standards described in this specification, and the specific and separately described documents, patent applications and technical standards incorporated herein by reference, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent.

Claims

1. A non-contact communication apparatus comprising: an antenna; and a processor that causes a non-contact storage medium mounted on a tape cartridge to communicate with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling with the antenna, wherein the processor is capable of communicating in each of a plurality of communication standards, communicates with the non-contact storage medium in a communication standard corresponding to the non-contact storage medium among the plurality of communication standards, switches between a fixed state in which a communication standard used in the communication among the plurality of communication standards is fixed and a released state in which the fixed state is released, in accordance with an instruction given from the outside or a predetermined condition, the predetermined condition is a condition in which: a strength of a magnetic field released from the antenna in order to cause the electromagnetic induction and a size of a threshold value have a predetermined relationship, or a stage in which the tape cartridge is manufactured, a stage in which the tape cartridge is inspected, a stage in which the tape cartridge is diagnosed, a stage in which production management of the tape cartridge is performed, a stage in which the tape cartridge is shipped, or a stage in which the tape cartridge is loaded in a tape drive is entered.

2. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs processing in which: a communication standard set to the non-contact storage medium among the plurality of communication standards is determined from a response obtained from the non-contact storage medium in accordance with a command that requests a response from the non-contact storage medium being transmitted to the non-contact storage medium via the antenna, and the non-contact storage medium is communicated in the determined communication standard.

3. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the response includes information capable of determining the communication standard set to the non-contact storage medium.

4. The non-contact communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the plurality of communication standards are selectively set to the non-contact storage medium in accordance with an instruction given from the outside, the non-contact storage medium is communicated in the communication standard set to the non-contact storage medium among the plurality of communication standards.

5. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor performs processing in which: a feature that physically gives the tape cartridge and is capable of determining the communication standard set to the non-contact storage medium is acquired, a communication standard corresponding to the non-contact storage medium among the plurality of communication standards is determined in accordance with the acquired feature, and the non-contact storage medium is communicated in the determined communication standard.

6. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the feature is detected by a physical sensor.

7. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the feature is at least a shape among a shape and a size of the tape cartridge.

8. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the feature is a mark capable of determining the communication standard set to the non-contact storage medium.

9. The non-contact communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The non-contact communication device is a reader / writer mounted on a drive that loads the magnetic tape cartridge.

10. The non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The non-contact communication device is a reader / writer for inspection of the magnetic tape cartridge.

11. The non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The non-contact communication device is a reader / writer for diagnosis of the magnetic tape cartridge.

12. The non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The non-contact communication device is a reader / writer for production management of the magnetic tape cartridge.

13. The non-contact communication device according to claim 12, wherein The reader / writer for production management is a reader / writer for managing a history in which the magnetic tape cartridge passed a plurality of manufacturing processes.

14. The non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The switching from the release state to the fixation state is allowed only in a case where a fixation permission flag is set in accordance with a first instruction imparted from the outside.

15. The non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The switching from the fixation state to the release state is allowed only in a case where a release permission flag is set in accordance with a second instruction imparted from the outside.

16. The non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The processor causes the strength of the magnetic field to differ for each communication standard used in communication with the non-contact storage medium.

17. A magnetic tape drive, comprising: The non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 14 to 16; and A magnetic head, The non-contact storage medium is mounted on a magnetic tape cartridge, The magnetic tape cartridge houses a magnetic tape, The magnetic head performs at least one of recording and reading of data from the magnetic tape pulled out from the magnetic tape cartridge.

18. A non-contact communication system, comprising: The non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and The non-contact storage medium.

19. A method of operating a non-contact communication device, the non-contact communication device comprising: an antenna; and a processor that causes a non-contact storage medium mounted on a magnetic tape cartridge to communicate with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling with the antenna, wherein The processor is capable of communicating in each of a plurality of communication standards, The method of operating the non-contact communication device includes the steps of: communicating with the non-contact storage medium in a communication standard corresponding to the non-contact storage medium among the plurality of communication standards; and Switching between a fixation state in which a communication standard used in the communication among the plurality of communication standards is fixed, and a release state in which the fixation state is released, in accordance with a predetermined condition, The predetermined condition is a condition in which: The strength of a magnetic field released from the antenna in order to induce the electromagnetic induction and the size of a threshold value, or The strength of a magnetic field released from the antenna in order to induce the electromagnetic induction and the size of a threshold value, or a stage of manufacturing the magnetic tape cartridge, a stage of inspecting the magnetic tape cartridge, a stage of diagnosing the magnetic tape cartridge, a stage of performing production management of the magnetic tape cartridge, a stage of shipping the magnetic tape cartridge, or a stage of loading the magnetic tape cartridge in a tape drive.

20. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer applicable to a noncontact communication device to execute a specific process, the noncontact communication device including an antenna and a processor that causes a noncontact storage medium mounted on a magnetic tape cartridge to communicate with the noncontact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling with the antenna, wherein the processor is capable of communicating in each of a plurality of communication standards, the specific process is a process including the steps of communicating with the noncontact storage medium in a communication standard corresponding to the noncontact storage medium among the plurality of communication standards, and a fixed state in which a communication standard used in the communication among the plurality of communication standards is fixed and a release state in which the fixed state is released are switched in accordance with a predetermined condition, the predetermined condition is a condition in which an intensity of a magnetic field released from the antenna in order to cause the electromagnetic induction and a size of a threshold value have a predetermined relationship, or a stage of manufacturing the magnetic tape cartridge, a stage of inspecting the magnetic tape cartridge, a stage of diagnosing the magnetic tape cartridge, a stage of performing production management of the magnetic tape cartridge, a stage of shipping the magnetic tape cartridge, or a stage of loading the magnetic tape cartridge in a tape drive.

Images