Non-contact communication device, magnetic tape drive, non-contact communication system, method of operating a non-contact communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application relates to a non-contact communication device, a magnetic tape drive, a non-contact communication system, a method of operating a non-contact communication device, and a storage medium. The non-contact communication device includes a processor and a transceiver. The transceiver induces power in a non-contact storage medium by applying a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium mounted on a magnetic tape cassette, and performs transmission and reception of information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling. The non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power, and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device. The transceiver receives the power information, and the processor performs support processing for supporting the transmission and reception based on the power information received by the transceiver.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present technology relates to a non-contact communication device, a magnetic tape drive, a non-contact communication system, a method of operating a non-contact communication device, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-008714, a technology is disclosed in which a fixed machine and a transponder supply power to the transponder side through electromagnetic induction coupling, and thereby transmits and receives magnetic tape information between the fixed machine and the transponder.

[0003] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-199067, a video cassette tape processing device is disclosed. In the video cassette tape processing device, a device-side antenna is connected to a read / write module, and power supply and control of an IC attached to a cassette label of a video cassette tape are performed using the read / write module via the device-side antenna. Also, the read / write module is connected to a signal processing section of a VTR device, and is controlled from the VTR device side. SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment of the present technology relates to a non-contact communication device, a magnetic tape drive, a non-contact communication system, a method of operating a non-contact communication device, and a storage medium, which can contribute to stable transmission and reception of information with a non-contact storage medium.

[0005] Means for solving the technical problem

[0006] A first aspect of the present technology relates to a non-contact communication device including: a processor; and a transceiver that induces power in a non-contact storage medium by applying a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium mounted on a tape cassette, and transmits and receives information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling between the transceiver and the non-contact storage medium, wherein the non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power, and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device, the transceiver receives the power information, and the processor performs support processing for supporting the transmission and reception in accordance with the power information received by the transceiver.

[0007] A second aspect of the present technology relates to the non-contact communication device according to the first aspect, wherein the support processing is processing that includes condition setting processing that causes a condition for bringing a state of the power to a predetermined state to be satisfied in accordance with the power information received by the transceiver.

[0008] A third aspect of the present technology relates to the non-contact communication device according to the second aspect, wherein the predetermined state is a state in which the non-contact storage medium operates stably.

[0009] The fourth aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to the second aspect or the third aspect, in which the predetermined state reaching condition is a condition that the strength of the magnetic field is a strength at which the state of the electric power reaches the predetermined state.

[0010] The fifth aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, in which the support processing is processing including magnetic field strength control processing that controls the strength of the magnetic field in accordance with the electric power information received by the transceiver.

[0011] The sixth aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to the fifth aspect, in which the magnetic field strength control processing is processing that causes the magnetic field to be generated at a strength higher than a predetermined strength that is a strength of the magnetic field applicable to the noncontact storage medium.

[0012] The seventh aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to the sixth aspect, in which the magnetic field strength control processing is processing that changes the strength of the magnetic field to a specific strength in a state where communication between the noncontact communication device and the noncontact storage medium is established by causing the magnetic field to be generated at a strength higher than the predetermined strength.

[0013] The eighth aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to the seventh aspect, in which the processor changes the strength of the magnetic field to the specific strength by setting a parameter corresponding to the specific strength.

[0014] The ninth aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, in which the support processing is processing including prompting processing that causes the prompting device to prompt reference information based on the electric power information received by the transceiver.

[0015] The tenth aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to the ninth aspect, in which the reference information is information indicating a level of the electric power determined in accordance with the electric power information.

[0016] The eleventh aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, in which the electric power information is information indicating a tendency of variation of the electric power within a predetermined period.

[0017] The twelfth aspect of the technology according to the present application is the noncontact communication device according to any one of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect, in which the electric power information is information specified in terms of a relative value of the electric power or a degree of difference from a reference value.

[0018] The 13th aspect of the technology of the present application is the non-contact communication device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the non-contact storage medium intermittently transmits the power information to the non-contact communication device, and the processor executes the support processing each time the power information is received by the transceiver.

[0019] The 14th aspect of the technology of the present application is the non-contact communication device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the non-contact communication device is a reader / writer that reads and writes the non-contact storage medium.

[0020] The 15th aspect of the technology of the present application is the non-contact communication device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the support processing is processing that includes a storage processing that causes the storage device to store information based on the power information.

[0021] The 16th aspect of the technology of the present application is a magnetic tape drive that includes the non-contact communication device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, and a magnetic head, the non-contact storage medium is mounted on a tape cartridge, the tape cartridge houses a magnetic tape, and the magnetic head performs at least one of recording and reading data from the magnetic tape pulled out from the tape cartridge.

[0022] The 17th aspect of the technology of the present application is a non-contact communication system that includes the non-contact communication device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, and the non-contact storage medium.

[0023] The 18th aspect of the technology of the present application is a method of operating a non-contact communication device that induces power in a non-contact storage medium by applying a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium, and performs transmission and reception of information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling between the non-contact communication device and the non-contact storage medium, wherein the non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power, and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device, the method of operating the non-contact communication device including the steps of: receiving the power information; and executing support processing for supporting the transmission and reception in accordance with the received power information.

[0024] The 19th aspect of the technology according to the present application is a program for causing a computer applicable to a non-contact communication device to execute a specific process, the non-contact communication device inducing power in a non-contact storage medium by imparting a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium and performing transmission and reception of information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling between the non-contact communication device and the non-contact storage medium, wherein the non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power, and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device, and the specific process is a process including the steps of: receiving the power information; and executing support processing for supporting the transmission and reception, based on the received power information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the magnetic tape system.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the magnetic tape cartridge.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of the right rear end portion of the inner side of the lower housing of the magnetic tape cartridge.

[0028] Figure 4 is a side sectional view showing an example of the support member provided to the inner surface of the lower housing of the magnetic tape cartridge.

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic configuration view showing an example of the hardware structure of the magnetic tape drive.

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the method of releasing the magnetic field from the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge by the non-contact read / write device.

[0031] Figure 7 is a conceptual view showing an example of the method of imparting the magnetic field to the cartridge memory in the magnetic tape cartridge from the non-contact read / write device.

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the back surface structure of the substrate of the cartridge memory in the magnetic tape cartridge.

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the surface structure of the substrate of the cartridge memory in the magnetic tape cartridge.

[0034] Figure 10 is a schematic circuit diagram showing an example of the circuit structure of the cartridge memory in the magnetic tape cartridge.

[0035] Figure 11is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware structure of an electrical system of a computer of an IC chip mounted in a cartridge.

[0036] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage content of an NVM in a computer of an IC chip mounted in a cartridge.

[0037] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a manner in which a CM response processing program is executed by a CPU in a computer of an IC chip mounted in a cartridge.

[0038] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a processing content in a computer of an IC chip mounted in a cartridge.

[0039] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware structure of an electrical system in a non-contact type read / write device.

[0040] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware structure of an electrical system of a computer in a non-contact type read / write device.

[0041] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a storage content of an NVM included in a computer in a non-contact type read / write device.

[0042] Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a manner in which a support processing program is executed by a CPU in a computer in a non-contact type read / write device.

[0043] Figure 19 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a content of a condition setting processing included in the support processing.

[0044] Figure 20 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a content of a magnetic field intensity control processing included in the support processing.

[0045] Figure 21 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a content of a magnetic field intensity control processing included in the support processing.

[0046] Figure 22 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a content of a magnetic field intensity control processing included in the support processing.

[0047] Figure 23 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a content of a prompting processing included in the support processing.

[0048] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the support processing.

[0049] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the condition setting process included in the support processing.

[0050] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the magnetic field strength control process included in the support processing.

[0051] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the prompting process included in the support processing.

[0052] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the CM response process.

[0053] Figure 29 is a flowchart showing a modification example of the flow of the CM response process.

[0054] Figure 30 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which the non-contact type read / write device imparts a magnetic field to the package of the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges.

[0055] Figure 31 is a block diagram showing an example of a manner in which the support processing program is installed from a storage medium to a computer of the non-contact type read / write device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a non-contact type communication device, a magnetic tape drive, a non-contact type communication system, a method of operation of the non-contact type communication device, and a program to which the technology of the present application is directed will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] First, words used in the following description will be described.

[0058] 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".

[0059] As an example, such as Figure 1 As 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.

[0060] Next, referring to Figures 2-4 An example of the structure of the tape cartridge 10 will be described. In the following description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, in Figures 2-4 , the direction in which the tape cartridge 10 is loaded into the tape drive 30 (refer to Figure 5 ) is indicated by an arrow A, and the arrow A direction is set as the front direction of the tape cartridge 10, and the front direction side of the tape cartridge 10 is set as the front side of the tape cartridge 10. In the following description of the structure, "front" means the front side of the tape cartridge 10.

[0061] In the following description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, in Figures 2-4 , the direction orthogonal to the arrow A direction is set as the right direction, and the right direction side of the tape cartridge 10 is set as the right side of the tape cartridge 10. In the following description of the structure, "right" means the right side of the tape cartridge 10.

[0062] In the following description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, in Figures 2-4 , the direction opposite to the arrow B direction is set as the left direction, and the left direction side of the tape cartridge 10 is set as the left side of the tape cartridge 10. In the following description of the structure, "left" means the left side of the tape cartridge 10.

[0063] In the following description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, in Figures 2-4 , the direction orthogonal to the arrow A direction and the arrow B direction is indicated by an arrow C, and the arrow C direction is set as the upper direction of the tape cartridge 10, and the upper direction side of the tape cartridge 10 is set as the upper side of the tape cartridge 10. In the following description of the structure, "upper" means the upper side of the tape cartridge 10.

[0064] In the following description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, in Figures 2-4 , the direction opposite to the front direction of the tape cartridge 10 is set as the rear direction of the tape cartridge 10, and the rear direction side of the tape cartridge 10 is set as the rear side of the tape cartridge 10. In the following description of the structure, "rear" means the rear side of the tape cartridge 10.

[0065] In the following description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, in Figures 2-4 , the direction opposite to the upper direction of the tape cartridge 10 is set as the lower direction of the tape cartridge 10, and the lower direction side of the tape cartridge 10 is set as the lower side of the tape cartridge 10. In the following description of the structure, "lower" means the lower side of the tape cartridge 10.

[0066] In the following description, LTO is cited as an example of the format of the tape cartridge 10, but this is only an example, and the format of the tape cartridge can conform to that of IBM 3592.

[0067] As an example, as shown inFigure 2 As shown, the tape cartridge 10 is substantially rectangular in plan view, and has a case-shaped housing 12. The housing 12 is an example of the "housing" to which the technology of the present application is directed. The magnetic tape MT is housed in 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 in a state in which the lower peripheral edge surface of the upper housing 14 and the upper peripheral edge surface of the lower housing 16 are in contact, by welding (for example, ultrasonic welding) and screwing. The joining method is not limited to welding and screwing, and can be another joining method.

[0068] A cartridge reel 18 is rotatably housed in the inside of the housing 12. The cartridge reel 18 has a reel hub 18A, an upper flange 18B1, and a lower flange 18B2. The reel hub 18A is formed in a cylindrical shape. The reel hub 18A is a shaft center portion of the cartridge reel 18, and the shaft center direction is along the up-down direction of the housing 12, and is disposed at the central portion of the housing 12. The upper flange 18B1 and the lower flange 18B2 are each formed in a circular ring shape. The planar central portion of the upper flange 18B1 is fixed to the upper end portion of the reel hub 18A, and the planar central portion of the lower flange 18B2 is fixed to the lower end portion of the reel hub 18A. In addition, the reel hub 18A and the lower flange 18B2 can be formed in one body.

[0069] The magnetic tape MT is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the reel hub 18A, and the end portions in the width direction of the magnetic tape MT are held by the upper flange 18B1 and the lower flange 18B2.

[0070] An opening 12B is formed in the front side of the right wall 12A of the housing 12. The magnetic tape MT is pulled out from the opening 12B.

[0071] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, a cartridge memory 19 is mounted in the tape cartridge 10. The cartridge memory 19 is provided to the lower housing 16. More specifically, the cartridge memory 19 is housed in the right rear end portion of the lower housing 16. The cartridge memory 19 is an example of the "non-contact communication medium" to which the technology of the present application is directed. In the present embodiment, a so-called passive type RFID tag is employed as the cartridge memory 19. Figure 3

[0072] Information relating to the magnetic tape MT is stored in the cartridge memory 19. The information relating to the magnetic tape MT refers to, for example, management information 100 (refer to FIG. 2) that manages the tape cartridge 10. Figure 12 The management information includes, for example, information relating to the cartridge memory 19 (for example, a CM identifier 106A described later), information capable of determining the tape cartridge 10 (for example, a cartridge identifier 106B described later), and information indicating the recording capacity of the magnetic tape MT, the outline of data recorded in the magnetic tape MT, the items of data, and the recording format of data.

[0073] ​The cartridge memory 19 performs non-contact communication with the non-contact read / write device. As the non-contact read / write device, for example, a non-contact read / write device used in a manufacturing process of the tape cartridge 10 (for example, a non-contact read / write device shown in Figure 30 a tape drive (for example, a tape drive 30 shown in Figure 5 a tape drive (for example, a tape drive 30 shown in Figures 5-7 a tape drive (for example, a tape drive 30 shown in a tape drive (for example, a tape drive 30 shown in

[0074] The non-contact read / write device is a device also generally called a reader / writer, and performs various information read / write to the cartridge memory 19 in a non-contact manner. Details will be described later, but the cartridge memory 19 generates electric power by electromagnetically acting on a magnetic field MF (refer to Figure 6 ) imparted from the non-contact read / write device. Then, the cartridge memory 19 performs an action using the generated electric power, and performs communication with the non-contact read / write device via the magnetic field MF, whereby various information is given and received between the cartridge memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device. In addition, the communication method can be, for example, a method complying with a known standard such as ISO 14443 or ISO 18092, or a method complying with the LTO specification of ECMA 319, or the like.

[0075] As an example, as shown in Figure 3 a support member 20 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A of the right rear end portion of the lower case 16. The support member 20 is a pair of inclined stages that support the cartridge memory 19 in an inclined state from below. The pair of inclined stages is a first inclined stage 20A and a second inclined stage 20B. The first inclined stage 20A and the second inclined stage 20B are arranged apart in the left-right direction of the case 12, and are integrated with the inner surface of the rear wall 16B and the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A of the lower case 16. The first inclined stage 20A has an inclined surface 20A1 that is inclined downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A. Also, the second inclined stage 20B has an inclined surface 20B1 that is also inclined downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A.

[0076] On the front side of the support member 20, a pair of position limiting ribs 22 is arranged apart in the left-right direction. The pair of position limiting ribs 22 is provided upright on the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A, and limits the position of the lower end portion of the cartridge memory 19 arranged in the state of the support member 20.

[0077] As an example, as shown in Figure 4As 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 5 Clamping. Thus, the vertical position of the cassette memory 19 is restricted by the rib 24.

[0081] As an example, such as Figure 6 As 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.

[0082] The control device 38 controls the operation of the entire tape drive 30. In the present embodiment, the control device 38 is implemented by an ASIC, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the control device 38 can also be implemented by an FPGA. Also, the control device 38 can also be implemented by a computer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Also, it can be implemented by combining two or more of an ASIC, an FPGA, and a computer. That is, the control device 38 can also be implemented by a combination of a hardware structure and a software structure.

[0083] The transport device 34 is a device that selectively transports the magnetic tape MT in a forward direction and a reverse direction, and is provided with an outgoing motor 40, a take-up reel 42, a take-up motor 44, a plurality of guide rollers GR, and the control device 38. Note that the forward direction herein refers to the outgoing direction of the magnetic tape MT, and the reverse direction refers to the take-up direction of the magnetic tape MT.

[0084] The outgoing motor 40 rotates the cartridge reel 18 in the cartridge 10 under the control of the control device 38. The control device 38 controls the rotation direction, the rotational speed, the torque, and the like of the cartridge reel 18 by controlling the outgoing motor 40.

[0085] When the magnetic tape MT is taken up by the take-up reel 42 (at the time of loading), the control device 38 rotates the outgoing motor 40 in such a manner that the magnetic tape MT advances in the forward direction. The rotational speed, the torque, and the like of the outgoing motor 40 can be adjusted in accordance with the speed at which the magnetic tape MT is taken up by the take-up reel 42.

[0086] 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, the rotational speed, the torque, and the like of the take-up reel 42 by controlling the take-up motor 44.

[0087] When the magnetic tape MT is taken up by the take-up reel 42, the control device 38 rotates the take-up motor 44 in such a manner that the magnetic tape MT advances in the forward direction. When the magnetic tape MT is taken up by the cartridge reel 18 (at the time of unloading), the control device 38 rotates the outgoing motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 in such a manner that the magnetic tape MT advances in the reverse direction. The rotational speed, the torque, and the like of the take-up motor 44 can be adjusted in accordance with the speed at which the magnetic tape MT is taken up by the take-up reel 42. By thus adjusting the respective rotational speeds, the torques, and the like of the outgoing motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 using the control device 38, a tension is imparted to the magnetic tape MT.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the tension imparted to the magnetic tape MT is controlled by controlling the rotational speeds, the torques, and the like of the outgoing motor 40 and the take-up motor 44, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the tension imparted to the magnetic tape MT can also be controlled using a tension-adjusting roller, or can be controlled by pulling the magnetic tape MT into a vacuum chamber.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] As an example, such as Figure 7 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.

[0093] As an example, such as Figure 30 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.

[0094] 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 transfers command space to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of the control device 38. As will be described later, a command is a signal indicating an instruction to the cartridge memory 19.

[0095] Furthermore, this description exemplifies 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 8 Under the control of a control device different from the control device 38, the command space is transferred to the cassette memory 19.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] As an example, such as Figure 6 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 7 and Figure 7 The induced current is generated by the action of )

[0099] 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 9 and Figure 7 ) and capacitor 54 (reference) Figure 9 and Figure 9 Electrical connection.

[0100] As an example, such as Figure 9As shown, on the surface 26B of the cartridge memory 19, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are electrically connected to each other in a wire connection manner. Specifically, one of the positive and negative terminals of the IC chip 52 is connected to the first conduction portion 62A via a wire 64A, and the other is connected to the second conduction portion 62B via a wire 64B. Also, the capacitor 54 has a pair of electrodes. In the example shown, the pair of electrodes are electrodes 54A and 54B. The electrode 54A is connected to the first conduction portion 62A via a wire 64C, and the electrode 54B is connected to the second conduction portion 62B via a wire 64D. Thus, with respect to the antenna coil 60, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are connected in parallel. Figure 10 In the example shown, the pair of electrodes are electrodes 54A and 54B. The electrode 54A is connected to the first conduction portion 62A via a wire 64C, and the electrode 54B is connected to the second conduction portion 62B via a wire 64D. Thus, with respect to the antenna coil 60, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are connected in parallel.

[0101] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the IC chip 52 has a built-in capacitor 80, a power supply circuit 82, a computer 84, a clock signal generator 86, a signal processing circuit 88, and a power measurement circuit 90. The IC chip 52 is a general-purpose type IC chip that can also be used for purposes other than the tape cartridge 10. Figure 11

[0102] The cartridge memory 19 has a power generator 70. The power generator 70 generates power by the antenna coil 60 being acted on by the magnetic field MF imparted from the non-contact read / write device 50A. Specifically, the power generator 70 generates alternating-current power using a resonance circuit 92, and outputs the generated alternating-current power converted to direct-current power.

[0103] The power generator 70 has the power supply circuit 82 and the resonance circuit 92. The resonance circuit 92 has the capacitor 54, the antenna coil 60, and the built-in capacitor 80. The built-in capacitor 80 is a capacitor built into the IC chip 52, and the power supply circuit 82 is also a circuit built into the IC chip 52. The built-in capacitor 80 is connected in parallel with respect to the antenna coil 60.

[0104] ​The capacitor 54 is an external capacitor to the IC chip 52. The IC chip 52 is originally a general-purpose IC chip that can be used in a use different from the tape cartridge 10. Therefore, the capacity of the internal capacitor 80 is sometimes insufficient to achieve a resonance frequency required in the cartridge memory 19 used in the tape cartridge 10. Therefore, in the cartridge memory 19, as a capacitor having a capacity value required in terms of causing the resonance circuit 92 to resonate at a predetermined resonance frequency by acting on the magnetic field MF, the capacitor 54 is attached to the IC chip 52. In addition, the predetermined resonance frequency is a frequency (for example, 13.56 MHz) corresponding to the frequency of the magnetic field MF, and can be appropriately determined in accordance with the specifications of the cartridge memory 19 and / or the noncontact read / write device 50A, and the like. Also, the capacity of the capacitor 54 is determined in accordance with a measured value of the capacity of the internal capacitor 80. Also, the external capacitor 54 is exemplified here, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto, and the capacitor 54 can be assembled in the IC chip 52 in advance.

[0105] The resonance circuit 92 generates alternating-current power by causing a resonance phenomenon of the predetermined resonance frequency using an induced current of the magnetic field MF that is induced by the antenna coil 60 by the magnetic field MF passing through the antenna coil 60, and outputs the generated alternating-current power to the power supply circuit 82.

[0106] The power supply circuit 82 has a rectification circuit, a smoothing circuit, and the like. The rectification circuit is a full-wave rectification circuit having a plurality of diodes. The full-wave rectification circuit is only an example, and can be a half-wave rectification circuit. The smoothing circuit is configured including a capacitor and a resistor. The power supply circuit 82 converts the alternating-current power input from the resonance circuit 92 into direct-current power, and supplies the direct-current power (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "power") obtained by the conversion to various drive elements in 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.

[0107] As the various drive elements that are the supply destinations of the power, a computer 84, a clock signal generator 86, and a signal processing circuit 88 can be exemplified. By supplying the power to the various drive elements in the IC chip 52 using the power generator 70, the IC chip 52 operates using the power generated by the power generator 70.

[0108] The computer 84 controls the operation of the cartridge memory 19 as a whole. The clock signal generator 86 generates a clock signal and outputs to the signal processing circuit 88, and the like. The signal processing circuit 88 operates in accordance with the clock signal input from the clock signal generator 86. The clock signal generator 86 changes the frequency of the clock signal in accordance with the instruction of the computer 84.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The power measurement circuit 90 is an example of a "measurement circuit" according to the technology of the present invention. It measures the power generated by the power supply circuit 82 and outputs information related to the measured power, namely power information 110, to the computer 84. As a result, the computer 84 is able to perform processing corresponding to the power information 110 input from the power measurement circuit 90.

[0111] As an example, such as Figure 12 As shown, computer 84 includes CPU 94, NVM 96, and RAM 98. CPU 94, NVM 96, and RAM 98 are connected to bus 99.

[0112] CPU94 controls the operation of computer 84. As an example of NVM96, EEPROM can be cited. EEPROM is just one example; for instance, 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 on IC chip 52. NVM96 stores management information 100 (see reference). Figure 12 RAM98 temporarily stores various information and is used as working memory. Examples of RAM98 include DRAM or SRAM.

[0113] Furthermore, a clock signal generator 86, a signal processing circuit 88, and a power measurement circuit 90 are also connected to the bus 99. Therefore, the CPU 94 can obtain a clock signal from the clock signal generator 86, or perform signal transmission and reception with the signal processing circuit 88, or obtain power information 110 from the power measurement circuit 90.

[0114] CPU 94 executes processing corresponding to the commands input from signal processing circuit 88. Examples of commands include polling commands, read commands, and write commands. CPU 94 performs polling processing based on the polling commands input from signal processing circuit 88.

[0115] The polling process is a process of establishing communication with the noncontact read / write device 50A, and is performed, for example, as a preparation process for a read process and a write process. The CPU 94 executes a read process in accordance with a read command input from the signal processing circuit 88. The read process is a process of reading the management information 100 (refer to Figure 12 ) and the like from the NVM 96. The CPU 94 executes a write process in accordance with a write command input from the signal processing circuit 88. The write process is a process of writing the management information 100 (refer to Figure 12 ) and the like into the NVM 96.

[0116] Further, as the kinds of commands, in addition to the polling command, the read command, and the write command, for example, a power information transmission request command and an identifier transmission request command can be given. The CPU 94 executes a power information transmission process in accordance with a power information transmission request command input from the signal processing circuit 88. The power information transmission process is a process of acquiring the power information 110 from the power measurement circuit 90 and transmitting the acquired power information 110 as a response signal to the noncontact read / write device 50A via the signal processing circuit 88 and the like. The CPU 94 executes an identifier transmission process in accordance with an identifier transmission request command input from the signal processing circuit 88. The identifier transmission process is a process of acquiring the identifier 106 (refer to Figure 12 ) described later from the NVM 96 and transmitting the acquired identifier 106 as a response signal to the noncontact read / write device 50A via the signal processing circuit 88 and the like.

[0117] As an example, as shown in Figure 13 , the NVM 96 has a plurality of storage blocks including a management information storage block 102 and a program storage block 104. The management information 100 is stored in the management information storage block 102. The management information 100 is information including a CM identifier 106A and a cartridge identifier 106B. The CM identifier 106A refers to an identifier capable of specifying the cartridge memory 19 (for example, a manufacturing serial number of the cartridge memory 19). The cartridge identifier 106B refers to an identifier capable of specifying the tape cartridge 10 (for example, a manufacturing serial number of the tape cartridge 10). Further, hereinafter, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the CM identifier 106A and the cartridge identifier 106B, it is expressed as the identifier 106.

[0118] The CM response process program 108 is stored in the program storage block 104. As an example, as shown in Figure 28 , the CPU 94 reads out the CM response process program 108 from the program storage block 104 and executes the read-out CM response process program 108 on the RAM 98. The CPU 94 performs the CM response process (refer to Figure 14CM response processing is achieved by the CPU 94 operating as the acquisition unit 94A and the communication unit 94B according to the CM response processing program 108.

[0119] As described above, if communication is established between the contactless reader / writer 50A and the communication unit 94B by performing polling processing, then, for example... Figure 15 As shown, the communication unit 94B sends a response signal corresponding to the command given by the contactless reader / writer 50A to the contactless reader / writer 50A. If the contactless reader / writer 50A sends a power information transmission request command, the communication unit 94B receives the power information transmission request command via the antenna coil 60. Then, if the communication unit 94B receives the power information transmission request command, the acquisition unit 94A acquires the power information 110 from the power measurement circuit 90.

[0120] In this embodiment, as an example of power information 110, information representing the tendency of power fluctuation generated by the power supply circuit 82 within a predetermined period is used. Here, the predetermined period refers to a period divided into a certain time interval of a few milliseconds to several hundred milliseconds. The predetermined period can be a fixed value or a variable value that changes according to the operating status of the IC chip 52 and / or commands given from the outside (e.g., a contactless reader / writer 50A). Furthermore, the tendency of power fluctuation refers to the change of power over time. The change of power over time can be the change of the absolute value of power measured in real time over time, or it can be the change of the moving average value of power over time. Furthermore, the tendency of power fluctuation can be a tendency of power increase or decrease. The increase or decrease of power can be the increase or decrease of the absolute value of power measured in real time, or it can be the increase or decrease of the moving average value of power.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power information 110 is information defined as a relative value of power. Here, the relative value of power refers to the ratio of the current power (e.g., the absolute value of the current power) to the maximum power generated by the power supply circuit 82. Moreover, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this; the power information 110 may also be information defined as the degree of difference between the power and a reference value, or it may be information defined as a simple absolute value of power. Here, the reference value refers, for example, to a power predetermined as a reference power (e.g., a moving average of the absolute values ​​of power measured over a certain period). Therefore, the degree of difference between the power and the reference value may be the difference between the current power (e.g., the absolute value of the current power) and the reference value, or the ratio of one of the current power and the reference value to the other, etc.

[0122] The communication unit 94B sends the power information 110 acquired by the acquisition unit 94A as a response signal to the contactless reader / writer 50A in response to the power information transmission request command. The contactless reader / writer 50A receives the power information 110 sent by the communication unit 94B as a response signal. Specifically, the power information 110 sent by the communication unit 94B as a response signal is transmitted by the transceiver 112 (see reference 112) described later. Figure 15 )take over.

[0123] Furthermore, if the contactless reader / writer 50A sends an identifier transmission request command, the communication unit 94B receives the identifier transmission request command via the antenna coil 60. Then, if the communication unit 94B receives the identifier transmission request command, the acquisition unit 94A retrieves the identifier 106 from the management information storage block 102.

[0124] The communication unit 94B sends the identifier 106 acquired by the acquisition unit 94A as a response signal to send a request command for the identifier to the contactless reader / writer 50A. The contactless reader / writer 50A receives the identifier 106 sent by the communication unit 94B as a response signal. Furthermore, the example described here is sending both the CM identifier 106A and the box identifier 106B as response signals to the contactless reader / writer 50A; however, this is only one example, and it is also possible to send either the CM identifier 106A or the box identifier 106B as a response signal to the contactless reader / writer 50A.

[0125] As an example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the contactless read / write device 50A includes a transceiver 112, a computer 114, a receiver 116, and a display 118. The transceiver 112 applies a magnetic field MF (reference) to the cassette memory 19. Figure 7 and Figure 6 Power is induced within the cartridge memory 19, and information is transmitted and received between the cartridge memory 19 and the cartridge memory 19 via electromagnetic induction coupling. Here, the transmission and reception of information refers, for example, to the sending of commands to the cartridge memory 19 and the receiving of response signals from the cartridge memory 19.

[0126] The transceiver 112 includes an antenna coil 120 and a communication circuit 122. The communication circuit 122 is connected to a computer 114 and operates according to instructions from the computer 114. The antenna coil 120 is connected to the communication circuit 122, and the communication circuit 122 releases a magnetic field MF from the antenna coil 120 according to instructions from the computer 114. Details will be described later; the strength of the magnetic field MF is adjusted by the communication circuit 122 according to instructions from the computer 114.

[0127] Communication circuit 122 superimposes commands onto magnetic field MF (reference) according to instructions from computer 114. Figure 7 and Figure 16 The communication circuit 122 sends commands to the cassette memory 19. Furthermore, the communication circuit 122 receives the response signal superimposed on the magnetic field MF by the cassette memory 19 via the antenna coil 120, decodes the received response signal, and outputs it to the computer 114. The computer 114 operates according to the response signal input from the communication circuit 122.

[0128] A receiver 116 and a display 118 are connected to the computer 114. The receiver 116 is a hard key and / or a touch panel, etc., which receives instructions from the user (hereinafter also simply referred to as "user, etc.") of the contactless reader / writer 50A. The computer 114 operates according to the instructions received by the receiver 116. The display 118 is an example of a "prompting device" according to the technology of the present invention, which displays various information under the control of the computer 114. As an example of the display 118, an EL display or a liquid crystal display can be cited. In addition, as an example of a specific mechanism for prompting information, the display 118 is shown, but it is not limited to this. The display 118 can be used instead of the display 118, or a speaker, vibrator and / or printer, etc. can be used together with the display 118, as long as it is a prompting device that can prompt the user, etc. with the required information.

[0129] As an example, such as Figure 17 As shown, computer 114 includes CPU 124, NVM 126, and RAM 128. CPU 124, NVM 126, and RAM 128 are connected to bus 130.

[0130] CPU 124 is an example of a "processor" involved in the technology of this invention, which controls the operation of computer 114. An example of NVM 126 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 128 temporarily stores various information and is used as working memory. Examples of RAM 128 include DRAM or SRAM.

[0131] A receiver 116 and a display 118 are also connected to the bus 130. Therefore, the CPU 124 can grasp an instruction received by the receiver 116 or control the display 118. Further, a communication circuit 122 is also connected to the bus 130. Therefore, the CPU 124 can generate the magnetic field MF or adjust the strength of the magnetic field MF by controlling the communication circuit 122, and transmit to the cartridge memory 19 by superimposing the modulated command on the magnetic field MF or acquire a response signal decoded by the communication circuit 122.

[0132] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the NVM 126 has a plurality of storage blocks including a program storage block 132 and a table storage block 134. The support processing program 136 is stored in the program storage block 132. In addition, the support processing program 136 is an example of the "program" related to the technology of the present application. Figure 18

[0133] However, the distance from the non-contact read / write device 50A to the cartridge memory 19 and / or the positional relationship of the non-contact read / write device 50A and the cartridge memory 19, and the like can be expected to deviate depending on the specifications of the tape cartridge 10 and / or manufacturing errors and the like. It is expected that such a deviation also has an influence on the electric power generated in the cartridge memory 19 by the action of the magnetic field MF. In order to stabilize the electric power in the cartridge memory 19, it is preferable to previously specify the optimal strength of the magnetic field MF for each combination of the tape cartridge 10 and the cartridge memory 19.

[0134] Therefore, in the non-contact read / write device 50A related to the present embodiment, the magnetic field strength table 138 is stored in the table storage block 134. The magnetic field strength table 138 is a table in which the identifier 106 and the optimal magnetic field strength are associated. Specifically, in the magnetic field strength table 138, the optimal magnetic field strength is associated with each of a plurality of CM identifiers 106A for each cartridge identifier 106B. The CM identifier 106A associated with the cartridge identifier 106B is an identifier that determines the cartridge memory 19 mounted on the tape cartridge 10 determined by the cartridge identifier 106B. The optimal magnetic field strength associated with each CM identifier 106A for the cartridge identifier 106B is a strength previously specified as the optimal strength of the magnetic field MF to be given to the cartridge memory 19 mounted on the tape cartridge 10 determined by the cartridge identifier 106B. The strength previously specified as the optimal strength of the magnetic field MF is, for example, a strength previously derived by a test based on an actual machine and / or computer simulation or the like as a strength of the magnetic field MF required to stably operate the cartridge memory 19.

[0135] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, the NVM 126 has a plurality of storage blocks including a program storage block 132 and a table storage block 134. The support processing program 136 is stored in the program storage block 132. In addition, the support processing program 136 is an example of the "program" related to the technology of the present application. Figure 24 ​As shown, the CPU 124 reads out the support processing program 136 from the program storage block 132 and executes the read-out support processing program 136 on the RAM 128. The CPU 124 performs support processing in accordance with the support processing program 136 executed on the RAM 128 (see Figure 15 ). The support processing is processing for supporting the reception and transmission of information between the cartridge 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A in accordance with the power information 110 (see Figure 14 ) received by the transceiving device 112 (see Figure 15 ). In addition, the processing including the support processing performed by the CPU 124 is an example of "specific processing" to which the technology of the present application is directed.

[0136] The support processing is processing including the condition setting processing, the magnetic field strength control processing, and the prompting processing. The CPU 124 selectively executes the condition setting processing, the magnetic field strength control processing, and the prompting processing in accordance with a processing execution instruction received by the reception means 116. The processing execution instruction is any one of a condition setting processing execution instruction, a magnetic field strength control processing execution instruction, and a prompting processing execution instruction. If the condition setting processing execution instruction is received by the reception means 116, the condition setting processing is executed by the CPU 124. If the magnetic field strength control processing execution instruction is received by the reception means 116, the magnetic field strength control processing is executed by the CPU 124. If the prompting processing execution instruction is received by the reception means 116, the prompting processing is executed by the CPU 124.

[0137] The condition setting processing is processing for causing the state of the power within the cartridge 19, i.e., the power measured by the power measurement circuit 90, to satisfy a predetermined state attainment condition in accordance with the power information 110 (see Figure 14 ) received by the transceiving device 112 (see Figure 15 ). Here, the predetermined state attainment condition refers to a condition for causing the state of the power to attain a predetermined state. The condition for causing the state of the power to attain the predetermined state refers to a condition for the strength of the magnetic field MF to be a strength for causing the state of the power to attain the predetermined state. In addition, the predetermined state refers to a state in which the operation of the cartridge 19 is stable. Here, the "state in which the operation of the cartridge 19 is stable" refers to, for example, a state in which the cartridge 19 does not fall into a power shortage and the IC chip 52 is able to execute processing corresponding to a command imparted from the non-contact read / write device 50A without delay.

[0138] The magnetic field strength control processing is processing for controlling the strength of the magnetic field MF in accordance with the power information 110 (see Figure 14 ) received by the transceiving device 112 (see Figure 16 ). The prompting processing is processing for causing the display 118 (see Figure 23 and Figure 15 ) to display information based on the power information 110 (seeFigure 14 ) received power information 110 (refer to Figure 23 ) reference information 144 (refer to Figure 19 ) processing.

[0139] As an example, as shown in Figure 20 , the communication circuit 122 holds a magnetic field strength parameter 140. The magnetic field strength parameter 140 is an example of the "parameter" involved in the technology of the present application. The magnetic field strength parameter 140 is a parameter for adjusting the strength of the magnetic field MF, which is controlled by the CPU 124. The communication circuit 122 adjusts the strength of the magnetic field MF released from the antenna coil 120 in accordance with the magnetic field strength parameter 140 controlled by the CPU 124. In this case, for example, if the value of the magnetic field strength parameter 140 increases or decreases, the strength of the magnetic field MF also increases or decreases accordingly.

[0140] In the condition setting processing, the CPU 124 causes the communication circuit 122 to transmit a power information transmission request command to the cartridge 19. Thereby, the power information 110 is transmitted from the cartridge 19 to the transceiver 112. The transceiver 112 receives the power information 110 transmitted from the cartridge 19, and the CPU 124 acquires the power information 110 received by the transceiver 112.

[0141] In the condition setting processing, the CPU 124 adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter 140 in such a manner that the predetermined state reaching condition is satisfied with reference to the power information 110 acquired from the transceiver 112. The CPU 124 compares the power information 110 acquired from the transceiver 112 with a power (hereinafter, also referred to as a "comparison target power") that is predetermined as a power for stabilizing the operation of the cartridge 19, and adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter 140 with reference to the comparison result in such a manner that the strength of the magnetic field MF becomes a strength for reaching the state of the power to the predetermined state. That is, when the power information 110 acquired from the transceiver 112 is smaller than the comparison target power, the CPU 124 adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter 140 in such a manner that the strength of the magnetic field MF for achieving the power in the cartridge 19, that is, the power measured by the power measurement circuit 90, reaches at least a power equivalent to the comparison target power.

[0142] As an example, as shown in Figure 21 , in the magnetic field strength control processing, the CPU 124 causes the communication circuit 122 to transmit a power information transmission request command to the cartridge 19. Thereby, the power information 110 is transmitted from the cartridge 19 to the transceiver 112. The transceiver 112 receives the power information 110 transmitted from the cartridge 19, and the CPU 124 acquires the power information 110 received by the transceiver 112.

[0143] In the magnetic field strength control process, the CPU 124 causes the communication circuit 122 to transmit an identifier transmission request command to the cartridge 19. In response to this, the identifier 106 is transmitted from the cartridge 19 to the transceiver 112. The transceiver 112 receives the identifier 106 transmitted from the cartridge 19, and the CPU 124 acquires the identifier 106 received by the transceiver 112.

[0144] As an example, as shown in FIG. 12, in the magnetic field strength control process, the CPU 124 derives the optimum magnetic field strength corresponding to the identifier 106 acquired from the transceiver 112 from the magnetic field strength table 138. That is, the CPU 124 derives the optimum magnetic field strength corresponding to the cartridge identifier 106B and the CM identifier 106A acquired from the transceiver 112 from the magnetic field strength table 138. Figure 22

[0145] As an example, as shown in FIG. 13, in the magnetic field strength control process, the CPU 124 infers the strength of the current magnetic field MF from the power information 110 acquired from the transceiver 112. The inference of the strength of the magnetic field MF is performed using a magnetic field strength calculation formula 142. The magnetic field strength calculation formula 142 is a calculation formula that takes the power information 110 as an independent variable and takes the strength of the magnetic field MF as a dependent variable. Therefore, the CPU 124 calculates the strength of the current magnetic field MF by substituting the power information 110 into the magnetic field strength calculation formula 142. Here, the calculation result using the magnetic field strength calculation formula 142 can be directly used as the strength of the current magnetic field MF, but the CPU 124 can infer the strength of the current magnetic field MF using a plurality of past calculation results and the latest calculation result. In this case, as an example of a method of inferring the strength of the current magnetic field MF, a method of using an interpolation method (for example, extrapolation) can be given. Figure 23

[0146] In addition, the magnetic field strength calculation formula 142 is illustrated here, but this is only an example, and the strength of the magnetic field MF can be derived (inferred) from a table in which a one-to-one correspondence relationship is established between the power information 110 and the strength of the magnetic field MF. Also, the CPU 124 can infer the strength of the current magnetic field MF using a learned machine learning model.

[0147] ​​Here, CPU 124 causes a magnetic field MF to be generated at a higher intensity than a predetermined strength, which is the strength of the magnetic field MF applicable to the cassette memory 19. Specifically, when the current magnetic field MF strength inferred from power information 110 is lower than the magnetic field MF strength corresponding to identifier 106, i.e., the magnetic field MF strength derived from magnetic field strength table 138, CPU 124 adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter 140 to a magnetic field MF strength greater than that corresponding to identifier 106. As a result, a magnetic field MF with a strength greater than that corresponding to identifier 106 is released from antenna coil 120 to cassette memory 19.

[0148] Thus, when a magnetic field MF of greater strength than the magnetic field MF corresponding to identifier 106 is released from antenna coil 120 to cartridge memory 19, CPU 124 establishes communication between contactless reader / writer 50A and cartridge memory 19. While communication between contactless reader / writer 50A and cartridge memory 19 is established, CPU 124 changes the strength of magnetic field MF to a specific strength.

[0149] Here, a specific strength refers, for example, to the strength of the magnetic field MF corresponding to identifier 106, that is, the strength of the magnetic field MF derived from the magnetic field strength table 138. That is, the CPU 124 adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter 140 such that the strength of the magnetic field MF is the same as the strength of the magnetic field MF corresponding to identifier 106 when communication between the contactless read / write device 50A and the cassette memory 19 is established.

[0150] Thus, by setting the magnetic field MF strength corresponding to the identifier 106 by the CPU 124 and the magnetic field strength parameter 140 corresponding to the magnetic field MF strength derived from the magnetic field strength table 138, the magnetic field MF released from the antenna coil 120 to the cassette memory 19 is changed to a strength equivalent to the magnetic field MF strength corresponding to the identifier 106.

[0151] As an example, such as Figure 23 As shown, in the prompting process, CPU 124 causes communication circuit 122 to send a power information transmission request command to cartridge memory 19. Accordingly, power information 110 is sent from cartridge memory 19 to transceiver device 112. Transceiver device 112 receives the power information 110 sent from cartridge memory 19, and CPU 124 acquires the power information 110 received by transceiver device 112. CPU 124 generates reference information 144 based on the power information 110 acquired from transceiver device 112. Reference information 144 is, for example, power level information representing the power level (hereinafter also referred to as "power level") determined according to power information 110. Figure 23In the example shown, as an example of reference information 144, a graph is shown that compares the lower limit of a stable power level with the change in power level over time. A stable power level, for example, refers to a power level that can maintain the aforementioned predetermined state.

[0152] CPU 124 causes display 118 to display reference information 144. Figures 24-28 The example shown illustrates a way to display a graph on display 118 that compares the lower limit of a stable power level with the change in power level over time. However, this is just one example; display 118 can also display a numerical value representing the latest power level along with or in place of a graph, or display the power level numerically to compare the latest power level with the lower limit of the stable power level. Furthermore, when the power level is above the lower limit of the stable power level, information indicating that the power level is above the lower limit (e.g., images and / or messages) can be displayed on display 118; when the power level is below the lower limit of the stable power level, information indicating that the power level is below the lower limit (e.g., images and / or messages) can be displayed on display 118. Moreover, this is not limited to a visual display based on display 118; prompts regarding the use of speakers, vibrators, and / or printers can also be displayed in conjunction with or in addition to a visual display based on display 118.

[0153] Next, refer to Figure 24 The function of magnetic tape system 2 will be explained.

[0154] Figure 17 This indicates that the support procedure 136 (see reference) is being followed. Figure 18 and Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the support processing flow executed by the CPU 124 of the contactless reader / writer 50A. Additionally, Figure 24 The support processing flow shown is an example of the "operation method of a contactless communication device" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0155] exist Figure 25 In the support process shown, firstly, in step ST10, CPU 124 determines whether receiving device 116 has received a processing execution instruction. If receiving device 116 does not receive a processing execution instruction in step ST10, the determination is negative, and the support process proceeds to step ST22. If receiving device 116 receives a processing execution instruction in step ST10, the determination is positive, and the support process proceeds to step ST12.

[0156] In step ST12, CPU 124 determines whether the processing execution instruction received by receiving device 116 is a condition setting processing execution instruction. If the processing execution instruction received by receiving device 116 is not a condition setting processing execution instruction, the determination is negative, and the processing is transferred to step ST16. If the processing execution instruction received by receiving device 116 is a condition setting processing execution instruction, the determination is positive, and the processing is transferred to step ST14.

[0157] In step ST14, as an example, CPU124 executes... Figure 25 The conditions are set as shown, and then the support process is transferred to step ST22.

[0158] As an example, such as Figure 28 As shown, in the condition setting process, firstly, in step ST14A, CPU 124 causes transceiver 112 to send a power information transmission request command to cartridge memory 19. Then, the condition setting process transfers to step ST14B. If the power information transmission request command is sent to cartridge memory 19, cartridge memory 19 sends power information 110 (see reference). Figure 24 Step ST54).

[0159] In step ST14B, CPU 124 determines whether transceiver 112 has received power information 110. If transceiver 112 does not receive power information 110 in step ST14B, the determination is rejected, and step ST14B is repeated. If transceiver 112 receives power information 110 in step ST14B, the determination is affirmative, and the condition setting process proceeds to step ST14C.

[0160] In step ST14C, CPU 124 determines whether the predetermined state setting conditions are met. If the predetermined state setting conditions are met in step ST14C, the determination is affirmative, and the condition setting process proceeds to step ST14E. If the predetermined state setting conditions are not met in step ST14C, the determination is negated, and the condition setting process proceeds to step ST14D.

[0161] In step ST14D, CPU124 acquires power information 110 received by transceiver 112, adjusts magnetic field strength parameter 140 in a manner that satisfies the predetermined state conditions by referring to the acquired power information 110, and then the condition setting process is transferred to step ST14E.

[0162] In step ST14E, CPU 124 determines whether the conditions for ending the condition setting process (hereinafter also referred to as "condition setting process ending condition") are met. A first example of a condition setting process ending condition is that a first predetermined time (e.g., a pre-specified time within the range of tens to hundreds of seconds) has elapsed since the start of the condition setting process. A second example of a condition setting process ending condition is that the number of times the process in step ST14D has been executed reaches a first predetermined number (e.g., a pre-specified number within the range of several to hundreds of times). A third example of a condition setting process ending condition is that the receiving device 116 receives an instruction to end the condition setting process.

[0163] In step ST14E, if the condition setting process termination condition is not met, the determination is negated, and the condition setting process proceeds to step ST14A. In step ST14E, if the condition setting process termination condition is met, the determination is affirmed, and the condition setting process ends.

[0164] exist Figure 26 In the support process shown, in step ST16, CPU 124 determines whether the processing execution instruction received by receiving device 116 is a magnetic field strength control processing execution instruction. In step ST16, if the processing execution instruction received by receiving device 116 is not a magnetic field strength control processing execution instruction (when the processing execution instruction received by receiving device 116 is a prompt processing execution instruction), the determination is negative, and the support process proceeds to step ST20. In step ST16, if the processing execution instruction received by receiving device 116 is a magnetic field strength control processing execution instruction, the determination is positive, and the support process proceeds to step ST18.

[0165] In step ST18, as an example, CPU124 executes... Figure 26 The magnetic field strength control process is shown, and then the support process is transferred to step ST22.

[0166] As an example, such as Figure 28 As shown, in the magnetic field strength control process, firstly, in step ST18A, the CPU 124 causes the transceiver 112 to send a power information transmission request command to the cassette memory 19. Then, the magnetic field strength control process transfers to step ST18B. If the power information transmission request command is sent to the cassette memory 19, the cassette memory 19 sends power information 110 (see reference). Figure 28 Step ST54).

[0167] In step ST18B, the CPU 124 determines whether the transceiver 112 has received the power information 110. In step ST18B, when the transceiver 112 has not received the power information 110, the determination is negated, and the determination of step ST18B is performed again. In step ST18B, when the transceiver 112 has received the power information 110, the determination is affirmed, and the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18C.

[0168] In step ST18C, the CPU 124 causes the transceiver 112 to transmit an identifier transmission request command to the cartridge 19, and then the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18D. When the identifier transmission request command is transmitted to the cartridge 19, the cartridge 19 transmits the identifier 106 (refer to step ST60 of FIG. 6). Figure 24

[0169] In step ST18D, the CPU 124 determines whether the transceiver 112 has received the identifier 106. In step ST18D, when the transceiver 112 has not received the identifier 106, the determination is negated, and the determination of step ST18D is performed again. In step ST18D, when the transceiver 112 has received the identifier 106, the determination is affirmed, and the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18E.

[0170] In step ST18E, the CPU 124 derives the strength of the magnetic field MF (optimum magnetic field strength) corresponding to the identifier 106 received by the transceiver 112 (the identifier 106 received in step ST18D) from the magnetic field strength table 138, and then the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18F.

[0171] In step ST18F, the CPU 124 infers the strength of the current magnetic field MF using the magnetic field strength calculation formula 142 from the power information 110 received by the transceiver 112 (the power information 110 received in step ST18B), and then the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18G.

[0172] In step ST18G, the CPU 124 determines whether the strength of the current magnetic field MF inferred in step ST18F is lower than the strength of the magnetic field MF derived in step ST18E. In step ST18G, when the strength of the current magnetic field MF inferred in step ST18F is not lower than the strength of the magnetic field MF derived in step ST18E, the determination is negated, and the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18K. In step ST18G, when the strength of the current magnetic field MF inferred in step ST18F is lower than the strength of the magnetic field MF derived in step ST18E, the determination is affirmed, and the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18H.​

[0173] In step ST18H, the CPU 124 adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter 140 in such a manner that the strength of the magnetic field MF becomes greater than the strength of the magnetic field MF derived in step ST18E, and then the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18I.

[0174] In step ST18I, the CPU 124 causes the communication circuit 122 to transmit a polling command to the cartridge 19. Then, the CPU 124 determines whether or not communication between the non-contact read / write device 50A and the cartridge 19 is established. In step ST18I, when communication between the non-contact read / write device 50A and the cartridge 19 is not established, the determination is negated, and the determination of step ST18I is performed again. In step ST18I, when communication between the non-contact read / write device 50A and the cartridge 19 is established, the determination is affirmed, and the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18J.

[0175] In step ST18J, the CPU 124 adjusts the magnetic field strength parameter 140 in such a manner that the strength of the magnetic field MF becomes the strength of the magnetic field MF derived in step ST18E, and then the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18K.

[0176] In step ST18K, the CPU 124 determines whether or not a condition for ending the magnetic field strength control processing (hereinafter, also referred to as "magnetic field strength control processing ending condition") is satisfied. As a first example of the magnetic field strength control processing ending condition, there can be cited a condition that a second predetermined time (for example, the same time as the first predetermined time) has elapsed since the start of execution of the magnetic field strength control processing. As a second example of the magnetic field strength control processing ending condition, there can be cited a condition that the number of times of execution of the processing of step ST18G reaches a second predetermined number of times (for example, the same number of times as the first predetermined number of times). As a third example of the magnetic field strength control processing ending condition, there can be cited a condition that an instruction to end the magnetic field strength control processing is received by the reception means 116.

[0177] In step ST18K, when the magnetic field strength control processing ending condition is not satisfied, the determination is negated, and the magnetic field strength control processing is transferred to step ST18A. In step ST18K, when the magnetic field strength control processing ending condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmed, and the magnetic field strength control processing ends.

[0178] In Figure 27 In the support processing illustrated in Fig. 20, in step ST20, as an example, the CPU 124 executes the prompting processing illustrated in Fig. 18, and then the support processing is transferred to step ST22. Figure 27

[0179] As an example, as illustrated in Fig. 19, the CPU 124 causes the display circuit 120 to display a message indicating that the magnetic field strength control processing is being executed on the display 118, and then the support processing is transferred to step ST21. Figure 28 ​As shown, in the prompting process, first, in step ST20A, the CPU 124 causes the transceiver 112 to transmit the power information transmission request command to the cartridge 19, and then the prompting process shifts to step ST20B. If the power information transmission request command is transmitted to the cartridge 19, the cartridge 19 transmits the power information 110 (refer to step ST54 of FIG. 10) to the transceiver 112. Figure 24

[0180] In step ST20B, the CPU 124 determines whether the transceiver 112 receives the power information 110. In step ST20B, when the transceiver 112 does not receive the power information 110, the determination is negated, and the determination of step ST20B is performed again. In step ST20B, when the transceiver 112 receives the power information 110, the determination is affirmed, and the prompting process shifts to step ST20C.

[0181] In step ST20C, the CPU 124 generates the reference information 144 from the power information 110 received by the transceiver 112 (the power information 110 received in step ST20B), and then the prompting process shifts to step ST20D.

[0182] In step ST20D, the CPU 124 causes the display 118 to display the reference information 144 generated in step ST20C, and then the prompting process shifts to step ST20E.

[0183] In step ST20E, the CPU 124 determines whether a condition for ending the prompting process (hereinafter, also referred to as "prompting process ending condition") is satisfied. As a first example of the prompting process ending condition, a condition that a third predetermined time (for example, the same time as the first predetermined time) has passed since the prompting process is started can be given. As a second example of the prompting process ending condition, a condition that the number of times of execution of the process of step ST20D reaches a third predetermined number (for example, the same number as the first predetermined number) can be given. As a third example of the prompting process ending condition, a condition that the receiver 116 receives an instruction to end the prompting process can be given.

[0184] In step ST20E, when the prompting process ending condition is not satisfied, the determination is negated, and the prompting process shifts to step ST20A. In step ST20E, when the prompting process ending condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmed, and the prompting process ends.

[0185] In Figure 28 ​In the support processing illustrated, in step ST22, the CPU 124 determines whether a condition for ending the support processing (hereinafter, also referred to as "support processing end condition") is satisfied. As a first example of the support processing end condition, a condition that a fourth predetermined time (for example, a time longer than the first to third predetermined times and specified in advance) has passed since the support processing is started can be given. As a second example of the support processing end condition, a condition that the cumulative number of times of execution of step ST14, step ST18, and step ST20 reaches a fourth predetermined number of times (for example, the same number of times as the first to third predetermined numbers of times) can be given. As a third example of the support processing end condition, a condition that an instruction to end the support processing is received by the reception means 116 can be given.

[0186] In step ST22, when the support processing end condition is not satisfied, the determination is negated, and the processing shifts to step ST10. In step ST22, when the support processing end condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmed, and the support processing ends.

[0187] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of the CM response processing performed by the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A in accordance with the CM response processing program 108 (refer to Figure 13 and Figure 28 ).

[0188] In the CM response processing illustrated in Figure 23 , first, in step ST50, the communication section 94B determines whether the signal processing circuit 88 receives the power information transmission request command transmitted from the non-contact read / write device 50A. In step ST50, when the signal processing circuit 88 does not receive the power information transmission request command, the determination is negated, and the CM response processing shifts to step ST56. In step ST50, when the signal processing circuit 88 receives the power information transmission request command, the determination is affirmed, and the CM response processing shifts to step ST52.

[0189] In step ST52, the acquisition section 94A acquires the power information 110 from the power measurement circuit 90, and then the CM response processing shifts to step ST54.

[0190] In step ST54, the communication section 94B transmits the power information 110 acquired in step ST52 as a response signal to the non-contact read / write device 50A via the signal processing circuit 88, and then the CM response processing shifts to step ST62.

[0191] In step ST56, the communication section 94B determines whether or not the signal processing circuit 88 has received the identifier transmission request command transmitted from the non-contact read / write device 50A. In step ST56, when the signal processing circuit 88 has not received the identifier transmission request command, the determination is negated, and the CM response processing is transferred to step ST62. In step ST56, when the signal processing circuit 88 has received the identifier transmission request command, the determination is affirmed, and the CM response processing is transferred to step ST58.

[0192] In step ST58, the acquisition section 94A acquires the identifier 106 from the management information storage block 102, and then the CM response processing is transferred to step ST60.

[0193] In step ST60, the communication section 94B transmits the identifier 106 acquired in step ST58 as a response signal to the non-contact read / write device 50A via the signal processing circuit 88, and then the CM response processing is transferred to step ST62.

[0194] In step ST62, the communication section 94B determines whether or not a condition for ending the CM response processing (hereinafter, also referred to as "CM response processing end condition") is satisfied. As an example of the CM response processing end condition, a condition in which an instruction to end the CM response processing is received by the receiver device 116 can be given. In step ST62, when the CM response processing end condition is not satisfied, the determination is negated, and the CM response processing is transferred to step ST50. In step ST62, when the CM response processing end condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmed, and the CM response processing is ended.

[0195] As explained above, in the tape system 2, the electric power induced in the cartridge memory 19 by applying the magnetic field MF to the cartridge memory 19 is measured by the electric power measuring circuit 90, and the electric power information 110 relating to the measured electric power is received by the transceiver 112 of the non-contact read / write device 50A. Then, the support processing is executed by the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A in accordance with the electric power information 110 received by the transceiver 112. The support processing is processing for supporting the transmission and reception of information between the cartridge memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A. Therefore, according to the present structure, compared with the case where the support processing based on the electric power information 110 is not performed, the stability of the transmission and reception of information between the cartridge memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A can be contributed.

[0196] Also, in the tape system 2, the condition setting processing is executed by the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A as the processing included in the support processing. The condition setting processing is processing for causing the condition for causing the state of the electric power in the cassette memory 19 to reach a predetermined state, that is, a predetermined state reaching condition, based on the electric power information 110 received by the transceiver 112 of the non-contact read / write device 50A. Therefore, according to the present structure, compared with a case where the state of the electric power in the cassette memory 19 is not caused to reach the predetermined state, it is possible to contribute to the stability of the information transmission and reception between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A.

[0197] Also, in the tape system 2, the state of the electric power in the cassette memory 19 is caused to reach a state in which the operation of the cassette memory 19 is stable by the condition setting processing executed by the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A. Therefore, according to the present structure, compared with a case where the state of the electric power in the cassette memory 19 is not caused to reach a state in which the operation of the cassette memory 19 is stable, it is possible to contribute to the stability of the information transmission and reception between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A.

[0198] Also, in the tape system 2, the strength of the magnetic field MF is set to a strength at which the state of the electric power in the cassette memory 19 reaches a predetermined state by the condition setting processing executed by the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A. Therefore, according to the present structure, compared with a case where the strength of the magnetic field MF is not set to a strength at which the state of the electric power in the cassette memory 19 reaches a predetermined state, it is possible to contribute to the stability of the information transmission and reception between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A.

[0199] Also, in the tape system 2, the magnetic field strength control processing is executed by the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A as the processing included in the support processing. The magnetic field strength control processing is processing for controlling the strength of the magnetic field MF based on the electric power information 110 received by the transceiver 112 of the non-contact read / write device 50A. Therefore, according to the present structure, compared with a case where the strength of the magnetic field MF is not controlled at all based on the electric power information 110, it is possible to contribute to the stability of the information transmission and reception between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A.

[0200] Also, in the tape system 2, the magnetic field MF is caused to be generated at a strength higher than a strength (optimal magnetic field strength corresponding to the identifier 106) that is prescribed as the strength of the magnetic field MF that is appropriate for the cassette memory 19 by the magnetic field strength control processing executed by the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A. Therefore, according to the present structure, compared with a case where the magnetic field MF is caused to be generated at a strength that is lower than or equal to the strength that is prescribed as the strength of the magnetic field MF that is appropriate for the cassette memory 19, it is possible to cause the operation of the cassette memory 19 to be stable.

[0201] Also, in the tape system 2, the communication between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A is established by causing the magnetic field MF to be generated at a strength higher than a strength that is prescribed as a strength of the magnetic field MF that is applicable to the cassette memory 19, by the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A executing the magnetic field strength control processing. Then, in a state where the communication between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A is established, the strength of the magnetic field MF is changed to a certain strength (for example, an optimum magnetic field strength that corresponds to the identifier 106). Therefore, according to the present structure, as compared to a case where the magnetic field MF is caused to be generated at a strength that is always higher than a strength that is prescribed as a strength of the magnetic field MF that is applicable to the cassette memory 19, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0202] Also, in the tape system 2, the strength of the magnetic field MF is changed to a certain strength (for example, an optimum magnetic field strength that corresponds to the identifier 106) by the CPU 124 setting the magnetic field strength parameter 140 of the communication circuit 122. Therefore, according to the present structure, as compared to a case where the strength of the magnetic field MF that is imparted to the cassette memory 19 is strengthened or weakened by adjusting the distance of the cassette memory 19 from the non-contact read / write device 50A, it is possible to impart an optimum strength magnetic field MF to the cassette memory 19.

[0203] Also, in the tape system 2, the reference information 144 that is based on the power information 110 is displayed on the display 118 by the CPU 124. Therefore, according to the present structure, it is possible to allow a user or the like to recognize the reference information 144 that is based on the power information 110.

[0204] Also, in the tape system 2, the reference information 144 that is displayed on the display 118 is power level information that indicates a power level that is determined in accordance with the power information 110. Therefore, according to the present structure, it is possible to allow a user or the like to recognize the power level that is determined in accordance with the power information 110.

[0205] Also, in the tape system 2, as the power information 110, information that indicates a variation tendency of the power over a certain period of time is used. Therefore, according to the present structure, as compared to a case where the variation tendency of the power over a certain period of time is not used, it is possible to stabilize the transmission and reception of information between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A, taking into account the variation tendency of the power over a certain period of time.

[0206] Also, in the tape system 2, the power information 110 is set as information that is defined in terms of a relative value of power or a degree of difference from a reference of power. Therefore, according to the present structure, compared to a case where the power information 110 is not information that is defined in terms of a relative value of power or a degree of difference from a reference of power, the transmission and reception of information between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A can be stabilized in consideration of the relative value of power or the degree of difference from the reference of power.

[0207] Also, in the above-described embodiment, as the processing included in the support processing, the condition setting processing, the magnetic field strength control processing, and the prompting processing are exemplified, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto, and the storage processing can also be included in the support processing. Here, the storage processing refers to processing of storing information based on the power information 110 in a storage device. As an example of the information based on the power information 110, the reference information 144 (reference Figure 29 ) can be given. Also, here, as an example of the storage device, the NVM 126 and / or a memory (for example, a non-transitory storage medium) of an external device (a server, a personal computer, or a smart device, etc.) communicably connected to the non-contact read / write device 50A can be given. Also, the storage device can also be the NVM 96 of the cassette memory 19. In this case, for example, the non-contact read / write device 50A transmits a write command to write the reference information 144 in the NVM 96 to the cassette memory 19, and the IC chip 52 of the cassette memory 19 writes the reference information 144 in the NVM 96 in accordance with the write command.

[0208] Thus, if the storage processing is executed by the CPU 124 as the processing included in the support processing, compared to a case where no information based on the power information 110 is stored in the storage device, the stability of the transmission and reception of information between the cassette memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50A can be facilitated.

[0209] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the manner example in which the cassette memory 19 transmits the power information 110 to the non-contact read / write device 50A in accordance with the power information transmission request command transmitted from the non-contact read / write device 50A is given, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the cassette memory 19 can also intermittently transmit the power information 110 to the non-contact read / write device 50A regardless of the request from the non-contact read / write device 50A. In this case, the CPU 124 of the non-contact read / write device 50A can execute the support processing each time the power information 110 transmitted from the cassette memory 19 is received by the transceiver 112.

[0210] Thus, when the cassette memory 19 intermittently transmits the power information 110 to the non-contact read / write device 50A, for example, the support processing is executed by the CPU 94 each time the power information 110 is received by the transceiver 112. Figure 29The CM response processing shown.

[0211] In Figure 29 In the CM response processing shown, in step ST50A, the communication section 94B determines whether or not the signal processing circuit 88 has received the identifier transmission request command transmitted from the noncontact type read / write device 50A. In step ST50A, when the signal processing circuit 88 has not received the identifier transmission request command, the determination is negated, and the CM response processing is transferred to step ST56A. In step ST50A, when the signal processing circuit 88 has received the identifier transmission request command, the determination is affirmed, and the CM response processing is transferred to step ST52A.

[0212] In step ST52A, the acquisition section 94A acquires the identifier 106 from the management information storage block 102, and then the CM response processing is transferred to step ST54A.

[0213] In step ST54A, the communication section 94B transmits the identifier 106 acquired in step ST52A as a response signal to the noncontact type read / write device 50A via the signal processing circuit 88, and then the CM response processing is transferred to step ST62A.

[0214] In step ST56A, the acquisition section 94A determines whether or not the timing at which the power information 110 is to be transmitted to the noncontact type read / write device 50A, i.e., the power information transmission timing, has arrived. As a first example of the power information transmission timing, there can be mentioned a timing that arrives every fifth predetermined time (e.g., a time specified in the range of several milliseconds to several hundred milliseconds). Also, as a second example of the power information transmission timing, there can be mentioned a timing at which the absolute value of the amount of change in the power (e.g., the amount of change per unit time) measured by the power measurement circuit 90 exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value can be a fixed value, or a variable value that is changed in accordance with the conditions assigned and / or the instructions assigned. That is, the power information transmission timing can be a timing that arrives every certain period, or a timing that arrives at irregular intervals.

[0215] In step ST56A, when the power information transmission timing has not arrived, the determination is negated, and the CM response processing is transferred to step ST62A. In step ST56A, when the power information transmission timing has arrived, the determination is affirmed, and the CM response processing is transferred to step ST58A.

[0216] In step ST58A, the acquisition section 94A acquires the power information 110 from the power measurement circuit 90, and then the CM response processing is transferred to step ST60A.

[0217] In step ST60A, the communication section 94B transmits the power information 110 acquired in step ST58A as a response signal to the non-contact read / write device 50A via the signal processing circuit 88, and then the CM response processing shifts to step ST62A.

[0218] In step ST62A, the communication section 94B determines whether or not the CM response processing end condition is satisfied. In step ST62A, when the CM response processing end condition is not satisfied, the determination is negated, and the CM response processing shifts to step ST50A. In step ST62A, when the CM response processing end condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmed, and the CM response processing ends.

[0219] Thus, by executing the CM response processing shown in FIG. 8, the non-contact read / write device 50A is able to acquire the power information 110 even if the power information transmission request command is not transmitted to the cartridge memory 19. Figure 30

[0220] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a case where the tape drive 30 pulls out the tape MT from the tape cartridge 10 and records data in the pulled-out tape MT using the magnetic head 36 and reads data from the pulled-out tape MT using the magnetic head 36 is described as an example, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, a magnetic head (omitted from illustration) that performs only recording or reading of data on the tape MT pulled out from the tape cartridge 10 can be used.

[0221] Also, in the above-described embodiment, a case where the non-contact read / write device 50A is mounted in the tape drive 30 is exemplified, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto. At a stage of manufacturing the tape cartridge 10, a stage of inspecting the tape cartridge 10, or a stage of shipping the tape cartridge 10, as an example, a non-contact read / write device 50B shown in FIG. 9 is used. The non-contact read / write device 50B is an example of the "non-contact communication device" to which the technology of the present application is directed, and is, for example, a fixed or portable reader / writer. Figure 30

[0222] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the cartridge memory 19 of each of the plurality of tape cartridges 10 overlaid in the up-and-down direction inside the shrink-wrapped package 200 by the plastic film performs transmission and reception of information with the non-contact read / write device 50B. The transmission and reception of information between the cartridge memory 19 and the non-contact read / write device 50B is performed while moving the non-contact read / write device 50B along the direction of overlap of the plurality of tape cartridges 10 at the rear side of the tape cartridge 10. In this case, for example, the non-contact read / write device 50B performs transmission and reception of information with the cartridge memory 19 by releasing the magnetic field MF to the tape cartridges 10 in turn while repeating the turning-on and turning-off of the magnetic field MF. Figure 31

[0223] ​​​Also, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the support processing program 136 is stored in the NVM 126 is presented, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the support processing program 136 can also be stored in the storage medium 300. The storage medium 300 is a non-transitory storage medium. As an example of the storage medium 300, any portable storage medium such as an SSD or a USB memory can be presented. Figure 31

[0224] The support processing program 136 stored in the storage medium 300 is installed in the computer 114. The CPU 124 performs the support processing in accordance with the support processing program 136. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 124 is a single CPU, but can also be a plurality of CPUs. Figure 31

[0225] Also, the support processing program 136 can be stored in advance in a storage device of another computer or a server device, etc. connected to the computer 114 via a communication network (omitted from the drawing), downloaded in accordance with a request from the cartridge memory 19, and installed in the computer 114.

[0226] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the computer 114 is exemplified, but the technology of the present application is not limited thereto, and a device including an ASIC, an FPGA, and / or a PLD can be used instead of the computer 114. Also, a combination of a hardware structure and a software structure can be used instead of the computer 114. ​

[0227] As the hardware resource that performs the support processing, various processors shown below can be used. As the processor, for example, a general-purpose processor, i.e., a CPU, which functions as the hardware resource that performs the support processing by executing a software, i.e., a program, can be presented. Also, as the processor, for example, a processor, i.e., a dedicated circuit, having a circuit structure designed specifically for performing a specific processing, such as an FPGA, a PLD, or an ASIC, can be presented. In any processor, a memory is built-in or connected, and any processor performs the support processing by using the memory.

[0228] The hardware resource that performs the support processing can be constituted by one of these various processors, or can be constituted by a combination of two or more processors of the same kind or different kinds (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, the hardware resource that performs the support processing can be one processor.

[0229] ​​​As an example of a configuration of one processor, first, there is a configuration in which one or more CPUs and software are combined to function as a processor that functions as a hardware resource that performs support processing. Second, there is a configuration in which a processor that functions as a hardware resource that performs support processing is used in a system that includes a plurality of hardware resources, such as an SoC. In this way, one or more of the above-described various processors are used as a hardware resource to implement support processing.

[0230] In addition, as the hardware structure of these various processors, more specifically, a circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined can be used. Furthermore, the above-described support processing is merely an example. Therefore, within a range that does not depart from the gist, it is of course possible to delete unnecessary steps, or add new steps, or change the processing order.

[0231] The above-described description and drawings are a detailed explanation of a part of the technology related to the present application, and are merely an example of the technology of the present application. For example, the explanation of the structure, function, action, and effect related to the above-described structure, function, action, and effect is an explanation related to an example of the structure, function, action, and effect of the part of the technology related to the present application. Therefore, within a range that does not depart from the gist of the technology of the present application, it is of course possible to delete unnecessary parts from the above-described description and drawings, or add or replace new elements. Furthermore, in order to avoid a complicated situation, and to easily understand the part of the technology related to the present application, the explanation related to technical common sense and the like that is not particularly required in aspects of enabling the technology of the present application to be implemented is omitted from the above-described description and drawings.

[0232] In the present specification, the meaning of "A and / or B" is the same as "at least one of A and B". That is, the meaning of "A and / or B" is that only A can be present, only B can be present, or a combination of A and B can be present. Furthermore, in the present specification, the case in which three or more cases are connected with "and / or" is also applied to the same idea as "A and / or B".

[0233] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards cited in the present specification are incorporated by reference to the extent the same are specifically and individually incorporated by reference in the entirety of the document.

[0234] With regard to the above-described embodiments, the following notes are also disclosed.

[0235] [Notes]

[0236] A non-contact communication device includes:

[0237] a processor; and

[0238] A transceiving device induces power in a non-contact storage medium mounted on a tape cartridge by applying a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium, and transmits and receives information with the non-contact storage medium by electromagnetic induction coupling between the transceiving device and the non-contact storage medium, wherein

[0239] The non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power, and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device,

[0240] The transceiving device receives the power information,

[0241] The processor performs support processing for supporting the transceiving based on the power information received by the transceiving device.

Claims

1. A non-contact communication apparatus comprising: a processor; and a transceiver that induces power in a non-contact storage medium by imparting a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium, and performs transmission and reception of information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling between the non-contact communication apparatus and the non-contact storage medium, wherein the non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power, transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication apparatus, the transceiver receives the power information, the processor performs support processing for supporting the transmission and reception in accordance with the power information received by the transceiver, and the power information is information indicating a tendency of variation of the power over a predetermined period.

2. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support processing is processing including condition setting processing that causes a predetermined state attainment condition to be satisfied such that a state of the power reaches a predetermined state in accordance with the power information received by the transceiver.

3. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined state is a state in which the non-contact storage medium is operating stably.

4. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the predetermined state attainment condition is a condition in which an intensity of the magnetic field is an intensity that causes the state of the power to reach the predetermined state.

5. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support processing is processing including magnetic field intensity control processing that controls the intensity of the magnetic field in accordance with the power information received by the transceiver.

6. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic field intensity control processing is processing that causes the magnetic field to be generated at an intensity higher than a predetermined intensity that is an intensity of the magnetic field applicable to the non-contact storage medium.

7. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic field intensity control processing is processing that changes the intensity of the magnetic field to a specific intensity in a state in which communication between the non-contact communication apparatus and the non-contact storage medium is established by causing the magnetic field to be generated at an intensity higher than the predetermined intensity, and the specific intensity is an optimal intensity of the magnetic field that is predetermined.

8. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the processor changes the intensity of the magnetic field to the specific intensity by setting a parameter corresponding to the specific intensity.

9. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support processing is processing including prompting processing that causes a prompting apparatus to prompt reference information based on the power information received by the transceiver.

10. The non-contact communication apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the reference information is information indicating a level of the power determined in accordance with the power information. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 11. The non-contact communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power information is information defined by a relative value of the power or a degree of difference from a reference value.

12. The non-contact communication device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-contact communication device is a reader / writer that performs reading and writing to the non-contact storage medium.

13. A non-contact communication device, comprising: a processor; and a transceiver that induces power in a non-contact storage medium by applying a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium, and performs transmission and reception of information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling between the non-contact communication device and the non-contact storage medium, wherein the non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power, and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device, the transceiver receives the power information, the processor performs support processing for supporting the transmission and reception in accordance with the power information received by the transceiver, the non-contact storage medium intermittently transmits the power information to the non-contact communication device, the processor performs the support processing each time the power information is received by the transceiver.

14. The non-contact communication device according to claim 13, wherein the non-contact communication device is a reader / writer that performs reading and writing to the non-contact storage medium.

15. A non-contact communication device, comprising: a processor; and a transceiver that induces power in a non-contact storage medium by applying a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium, and performs transmission and reception of information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling between the non-contact communication device and the non-contact storage medium, wherein the non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power, and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device, the transceiver receives the power information, the processor performs support processing for supporting the transmission and reception in accordance with the power information received by the transceiver, the support processing is processing that includes storage processing that causes a storage device to store information based on the power information.

16. A magnetic tape drive, comprising: the non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; 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 to and from the magnetic tape pulled out from the magnetic tape cartridge.

17. A non-contact communication system, comprising: the non-contact communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and the non-contact storage medium.

18. A method of operating a non-contact communication device that induces power in a non-contact storage medium by applying a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium and transmits and receives information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling, wherein the non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device, the method of operating the non-contact communication device comprising the steps of: receiving the power information; and performing support processing that supports the transmitting and receiving based on the received power information, the power information being information that indicates a variation tendency of the power over a predetermined period.

19. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer applicable to a non-contact communication device that induces power in a non-contact storage medium by applying a magnetic field to the non-contact storage medium and transmits and receives information with the non-contact storage medium through electromagnetic induction coupling to perform specific processing, wherein the non-contact storage medium has a measurement circuit that measures the power and transmits power information related to the power measured by the measurement circuit to the non-contact communication device, the specific processing being processing including the steps of: receiving the power information; and performing support processing that supports the transmitting and receiving based on the received power information, the power information being information that indicates a variation tendency of the power over a predetermined period. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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