Tape driver, tape cartridge, and information management method

Abstract

A tape driver is used in a tape cartridge including a tape and a storage medium. Geometric characteristic information is stored in the storage medium. Geometric characteristic information is recorded in the tape. The processor of the tape driver retains the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the storage medium. The second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of specifying a recording position in which the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the tape. The first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to a tape drive, a tape box and an information management method. Background Art

[0002] A recording and playback device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2021-051821, which comprises: a reading unit, which reads production time information from a recording medium of a tape cassette, wherein the production time information is information related to the tape obtained in the production process of the tape cassette and recorded in the recording medium, and the tape cassette comprises a magnetic tape and a recording medium other than the magnetic tape; and a control unit, which, as an initialization process of the tape cassette, controls the recording of the production time information in the magnetic tape and invalidates the production time information on the recording medium. Summary of the invention

[0003] An embodiment of the technology according to the present invention provides a tape drive, a tape cartridge, and an information management method that can determine the position where information related to the geometric characteristics of a servo pattern is recorded on a magnetic tape and can contribute to increasing the empty capacity of a storage medium.

[0004] Means for solving technical problems

[0005] The first method involved in the technology of the present invention is a tape drive, which is used for a tape box, the tape box has a tape with a servo pattern recorded on it and a storage medium other than the tape, the storage medium can store and obtain information in a non-contact manner, the tape drive has a processor and a magnetic head controlled by the processor, the storage medium stores geometric characteristic information, the geometric characteristic information is information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, the processor controls the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium to be recorded in the magnetic tape through the magnetic head at a position determined according to the result of the magnetic head reading the servo pattern, and the second geometric characteristic information is retained in the storage medium by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, the second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information that can determine the recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, and the first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

[0006] The second method involved in the technology of the present invention is a tape drive, which is used for a tape box, the tape box has a tape with a servo pattern recorded on it and a storage medium other than the tape, the storage medium can store and obtain information in a non-contact manner, the tape drive has a processor and a magnetic head controlled by the processor, the storage medium stores geometric characteristic information, the geometric characteristic information is information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium is recorded in the tape, the processor retains the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, the second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information that can determine the recording position of the geometric characteristic information recorded in the tape in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, and the first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

[0007] A third aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the tape drive according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the geometric characteristic information is information on geometric characteristics of the servo pattern acquired in a production process of the magnetic tape cassette.

[0008] The fourth mode involved in the technology of the present invention is a tape drive involved in any one of the first to third modes, wherein, when the first geometric characteristic information is deleted from the storage medium and the second geometric characteristic information is retained in the storage medium, when the processor performs recording processing using a magnetic head and / or playback processing using a magnetic head on the magnetic tape, the processor determines the recording position according to the second geometric characteristic information retained in the storage medium and reads the geometric characteristic information from the determined recording position through the magnetic head, and performs recording processing and / or playback processing according to the geometric characteristic information and servo pattern read from the recording position through the magnetic head.

[0009] The fifth mode involved in the technology of the present invention is a tape drive involved in any one of the first to fourth modes, wherein the storage medium has multiple storage areas including a first storage area and a second storage area, geometric characteristic information is stored in the first storage area, and the processor transfers the second geometric characteristic information from the first storage area to the second storage area.

[0010] A sixth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the tape drive according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processor deletes the first geometric characteristic information from the first storage area.

[0011] A seventh aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the tape drive according to the sixth aspect, wherein the processor deletes the first geometric characteristic information from the first storage area by overwriting the first storage area.

[0012] An eighth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the tape drive according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the geometric characteristic information is information expressing linearity of the servo pattern.

[0013] The 9th mode involved in the technology of the present invention is a tape drive involved in any one of the 1st to 8th modes, wherein the geometric characteristic information includes information establishing a corresponding association between first specific information and second specific information, the first specific information can determine the position within the servo pattern in the width direction of the tape, and the second specific information can determine the geometric characteristics at the position determined from the first specific information.

[0014] A tenth aspect of the technology of the present invention is the tape drive of the ninth aspect, wherein the servo pattern is at least one linear magnetized region pair, the linear magnetized region pair is a first linear magnetized region magnetized linearly and a second linear magnetized region magnetized linearly, the first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region are inclined in opposite directions relative to an imaginary straight line along the width direction of the magnetic tape, and the second specific information is information indicating the interval between the first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region at a position determined from the first specific information.

[0015] An 11th mode involved in the technology of the present invention is the tape drive involved in the 9th mode, wherein the servo pattern is at least one linear magnetized region pair, the linear magnetized region pair is a first linear magnetized region magnetized linearly and a second linear magnetized region magnetized linearly, the first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region are inclined in opposite directions with respect to an imaginary straight line along the width direction of the magnetic tape, and the second specific information is information indicating a deviation amount from a reference interval between the first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region at a position determined based on the first specific information.

[0016] The 12th method involved in the technology of the present invention is a tape drive involved in any one of the 1st to 11th methods, wherein the first information capable of determining all situations in which geometric characteristic information is stored and the second information capable of determining a situation in which the first geometric characteristic information is deleted and the second geometric characteristic information is retained are selectively stored in the storage medium.

[0017] The 13th method involved in the technology of the present invention is a tape box, which has a magnetic tape with a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape, wherein the storage medium is capable of storing and acquiring information in a contactless manner, wherein in the tape box, information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, i.e., geometric characteristic information, is stored in the storage medium, and the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium is recorded in the magnetic tape by the magnetic head at a position determined based on the result of the magnetic head reading the servo pattern, and the second geometric characteristic information is retained in the storage medium by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, wherein the second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of determining the recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, and the first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

[0018] The 14th method involved in the technology of the present invention is a tape box, which has a tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the tape capable of storing and acquiring information in a contactless manner. In the tape box, information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, i.e., geometric characteristic information, is stored in the storage medium, and the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium is recorded in the tape. The second geometric characteristic information is retained in the storage medium by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. The second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of determining a recording position of the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium at which the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the tape, and the first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

[0019] The 15th mode involved in the technology of the present invention is an information management method, which is an information management method for a tape box having a magnetic tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape capable of storing and acquiring information in a non-contact manner, wherein information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, i.e., geometric characteristic information, is stored in the storage medium, and the information management method includes: a step of performing the following control, recording the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium in the magnetic tape through a magnetic head at a position determined based on the result of the magnetic head reading the servo pattern; and a step of retaining the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, wherein the second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of determining the recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, and the first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

[0020] The 16th method involved in the technology of the present invention is an information management method, which is an information management method for a tape cassette, wherein the tape cassette has a magnetic tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape capable of storing and acquiring information in a contactless manner, wherein the storage medium stores information related to geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, i.e., geometric characteristic information, and the magnetic tape records the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, wherein the information management method includes the steps of retaining second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium by deleting first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, wherein the second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of determining a recording position of the geometric characteristic information recorded in the magnetic tape in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, and the first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information in the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of a magnetic tape system.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a magnetic tape cassette.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a tape drive.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of how a magnetic field is released from the bottom side of a magnetic tape cassette by a non-contact type reader / writer.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the relationship between the processing device, the moving mechanism, and the magnetic head.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a state in which the magnetic head is located on the magnetic tape as viewed from the surface side of the magnetic tape.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of a data zone formed on the surface of a magnetic tape.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the correspondence between data read / write elements and data tracks.

[0029] Fig. 9 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of reading a servo pattern.

[0030] Fig.10 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of a magnetic element unit.

[0031] Fig.11This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manufacturing process of a magnetic tape.

[0032] Fig.12 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the difference between an ideal servo pattern and an actual servo pattern.

[0033] Fig.13 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of generating geometric characteristic information and storing it in a cassette memory.

[0034] Fig.14 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how geometric characteristic information stored in a cassette memory is recorded on a specific data track of a magnetic tape.

[0035] Fig.15 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of retaining the second geometric characteristic information in the cartridge memory by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the cartridge memory.

[0036] Fig.16 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of reading geometric characteristic information from a divided data track (ie, a specific data track) corresponding to a specific servo position determined by referring to the second geometric characteristic information stored in the cartridge memory.

[0037] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information management processing.

[0038] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of recording and playback execution processing.

[0039] Fig.19 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which the second geometric characteristic information is transferred from the third storage block of the cartridge memory to the second storage block and the first geometric characteristic information is deleted from the third storage block.

[0040] Fig. 20 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a modification of the geometric characteristic information.

[0041] Fig.21 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a method of selectively storing the first information and the second information in the cartridge memory. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a tape drive, a tape cartridge, and an information management method according to the technology of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] First, the words and phrases used in the following description are explained.

[0044] CPU is the abbreviation of "Central Processing Unit". RAM is the abbreviation of "Random Access Memory". NVM is the abbreviation of "Non-Volatile Memory". EEPROM is the abbreviation of "Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory". SSD is the abbreviation of "Solid State Drive". HDD is the abbreviation of "Hard Disk Drive". USB is the abbreviation of "Universal Serial Bus". ASIC is the abbreviation of "Application Specific Integrated Circuit". PLD is the abbreviation of "Programmable Logic Device". FPGA is the abbreviation of "Field-Programmable Gate Array". SoC is the abbreviation of "System-on-a-Chip". I / F is the abbreviation of "Interface". UI is the abbreviation of "User Interface". IC is the abbreviation of "Integrated Circuit". RFID is the abbreviation of "Radio Frequency Identifier". MFM is the abbreviation of "Magnetic Force Microscope". SEM is the abbreviation of "Scanning Electron Microscope".

[0045] As an example, Figure 1 As shown, the tape system 10 includes a tape cartridge 12 and a tape drive 14. The tape cartridge 12 is loaded in the tape drive 14. The tape cartridge 12 contains a magnetic tape MT. The tape drive 14 pulls out the magnetic tape MT from the loaded tape cartridge 12, and while advancing the pulled out magnetic tape MT, records data on the magnetic tape MT, or reads data from the magnetic tape MT.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the magnetic tape MT is an example of the "magnetic tape" involved in the technology of the present invention. In addition, in the present embodiment, the magnetic tape drive 14 is an example of the "magnetic tape drive" involved in the technology of the present invention. In addition, in the present embodiment, the magnetic tape box 12 is an example of the "magnetic tape box" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 2 to Figure 4 An example of the structure of the tape cassette 12 will be described. Figure 2 to Figure 4 In the figure, arrow A is used to indicate the loading direction of the tape cassette 12 into the tape drive 14, the direction of arrow A is set as the front direction of the tape cassette 12, and the front direction side of the tape cassette 12 is set as the front side of the tape cassette 12. In the description of the structure shown below, "front" refers to the front side of the tape cassette 12.

[0048] Furthermore, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figure 2 to Figure 4 In the figure, the arrow B direction perpendicular to the arrow A direction is defined as the right direction, and the right side of the tape cassette 12 is defined as the right side of the tape cassette 12. In the description of the structure shown below, "right" refers to the right side of the tape cassette 12.

[0049] Furthermore, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figure 2 to Figure 4 In the figure, the direction opposite to the arrow B direction is defined as the left direction, and the left side of the tape cassette 12 is defined as the left side of the tape cassette 12. In the description of the structure shown below, "left" refers to the left side of the tape cassette 12.

[0050] Furthermore, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figure 2 to Figure 4 In the figure, arrow C is used to indicate a direction perpendicular to arrow A and arrow B, arrow C is used to indicate the upper direction of the tape cassette 12, and the upper direction side of the tape cassette 12 is used to indicate the upper side of the tape cassette 12. In the description of the structure shown below, "upper" refers to the upper side of the tape cassette 12.

[0051] Furthermore, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figure 2 to Figure 4 In the embodiment, the direction opposite to the front direction of the tape cassette 12 is defined as the rear direction of the tape cassette 12, and the rear direction side of the tape cassette 12 is defined as the rear side of the tape cassette 12. In the description of the structure shown below, "rear" refers to the rear side of the tape cassette 12.

[0052] Furthermore, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figure 2 to Figure 4 In the figure, the direction opposite to the upper direction of the tape cassette 12 is defined as the lower direction of the tape cassette 12, and the lower direction side of the tape cassette 12 is defined as the lower side of the tape cassette 12. In the description of the structure shown below, "lower" refers to the lower side of the tape cassette 12.

[0053] As an example, Figure 2 As shown, the tape cassette 12 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view and includes a box-shaped housing 16. The housing 16 accommodates the magnetic tape MT.

[0054] A delivery reel 22 is rotatably accommodated inside the housing 16. The magnetic tape MT is wound around the delivery reel 22. An opening 16A1 is formed on the front side of the right wall 16A of the housing 16. The magnetic tape MT is pulled out from the opening 16A1.

[0055] In the housing 16, a cartridge memory 24 is accommodated as a storage medium other than the magnetic tape MT. An IC chip having NVM is mounted in the cartridge memory 24. In the present embodiment, a so-called passive RFID tag is used as the cartridge memory 24, and various information is read and written (that is, various information is stored and retrieved) in a non-contact manner.

[0056] The cartridge memory 24 stores management information 15 for managing the tape cartridge 12. The management information 15 includes, for example, information related to the cartridge memory 24, information related to the magnetic tape MT, and information related to the tape drive 14. The cartridge memory 24 is an example of a "storage medium" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0057] As an example, Figure 3 As shown, the tape drive 14 includes a controller 25, a transmission device 26, a magnetic head 28, and a UI system device 29. The controller 25 includes a processing device 30 and a storage device 32. The processing device 30 is an example of a "processor" involved in the technology of the present invention. The magnetic head 28 is an example of a "magnetic head" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0058] The tape cassette 12 is loaded in the tape drive 14 in the direction of arrow A. The tape MT is pulled out from the tape cassette 12 and used in the tape drive 14. The tape drive 14 controls the tape cassette 12 and each unit in the tape drive 14 using management information 15 stored in the cassette memory 24.

[0059] The tape drive 14 performs magnetic processing on the surface 31 of the tape MT using the magnetic head 28 while the tape MT is being advanced. Here, the magnetic processing refers to a recording process of recording data on the surface 31 of the tape MT and a process of reading data from the surface 31 of the tape MT (i.e., a playback process of playing back data). In the present embodiment, the tape drive 14 selectively performs recording data on the surface 31 of the tape MT and reading data from the surface 31 of the tape MT using the magnetic head 28. That is, the tape drive 14 pulls out the tape MT from the tape cassette 12, and uses the magnetic head 28 to record data on the surface 31 of the pulled out tape MT, or uses the magnetic head 28 to read data from the surface 31 of the pulled out tape MT.

[0060] The processing device 30 controls the entirety of the tape drive 14. In the present embodiment, the processing device 30 is implemented by an ASIC, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processing device 30 may be implemented by an FPGA and / or a PLD. Furthermore, the processing device 30 may also be implemented by a computer including a CPU, a flash memory (for example, an EEPROM and / or an SSD, etc.) and a RAM. Furthermore, it may also be implemented by combining two or more of an ASIC, an FPGA, a PLD and a computer. That is, the processing device 30 may also be implemented by a combination of a hardware structure and a software structure.

[0061] The storage device 32 is connected to the processing device 30, and the processing device 30 writes various information to the storage device 32 and reads various information from the storage device 32. A flash memory and / or a HDD can be cited as an example of the storage device 32. The flash memory and the HDD are just examples, and any non-volatile memory that can be mounted on the tape drive 14 can be used.

[0062] The UI system device 29 is a device having a receiving function of receiving an instruction signal indicating an instruction from a user and a prompting function of prompting information to the user. The receiving function is implemented, for example, by a touch panel, a hard key (for example, a keyboard) and / or a mouse. The prompting function is implemented, for example, by a display, a printer and / or a speaker. The UI system device 29 is connected to the processing device 30. The processing device 30 obtains the instruction signal received by the UI system device 29. Under the control of the processing device 30, the UI system device 29 prompts various information to the user.

[0063] The transport device 26 is a device for selectively transporting the magnetic tape MT in the forward and reverse directions along a predetermined path, and includes a feed motor 36, a take-up reel 38, a take-up motor 40, and a plurality of guide rollers GR. In addition, here, the forward direction refers to the feed direction of the magnetic tape MT, and the reverse direction refers to the rewinding direction of the magnetic tape MT.

[0064] The feed motor 36 rotates the feed reel 22 in the tape cassette 12 under the control of the processing device 30. The processing device 30 controls the feed motor 36 to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, torque, etc. of the feed reel 22.

[0065] The winding motor 40 rotates the winding reel 38 under the control of the processing device 30. The processing device 30 controls the winding motor 40 to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, torque, etc. of the winding reel 38.

[0066] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the winding reel 38, the processing device 30 rotates the feed motor 36 and the winding motor 40 so that the magnetic tape MT moves forward along a predetermined path. The rotation speed and torque of the feed motor 36 and the winding motor 40 are adjusted according to the speed at which the magnetic tape MT is wound by the winding reel 38. The rotation speed and torque of each of the feed motor 36 and the winding motor 40 are adjusted by the processing device 30, thereby applying tension to the magnetic tape MT. The rotation speed and torque of each of the feed motor 36 and the winding motor 40 are adjusted by the processing device 30, thereby controlling the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT.

[0067] When the magnetic tape MT is rewound to the delivery reel 22, the processing device 30 rotates the delivery motor 36 and the take-up motor 40 so that the magnetic tape MT moves in the reverse direction along a predetermined path.

[0068] The plurality of guide rollers GR are rollers for guiding the magnetic tape MT. The predetermined path, that is, the travel path of the magnetic tape MT is determined by arranging the plurality of guide rollers GR at intervals between the tape cassette 12 and the take-up reel 38 at positions across the magnetic head 28 .

[0069] The magnetic head 28 includes a magnetic element unit 42 and a carriage 44. The magnetic element unit 42 is held by the carriage 44 so as to come into contact with the running magnetic tape MT. The magnetic element unit 42 includes a plurality of magnetic elements.

[0070] The magnetic element unit 42 records data on the magnetic tape MT transported by the transport device 26, or reads data from the magnetic tape MT transported by the transport device 26. Here, the data refers to, for example, the servo pattern 52 (see Figure 6 ) and data other than the servo pattern 52 are recorded in the data band DB (reference Figure 6 ) data.

[0071] The tape drive 14 includes a non-contact reader / writer 46. The non-contact reader / writer 46 is disposed on the lower side of the loaded tape cassette 12 facing the back side of the cassette memory 24, and reads and writes information to the cassette memory 24 in a non-contact manner.

[0072] As an example, Figure 4 As shown, the contactless read / write device 46 releases a magnetic field MF from the lower side of the tape cassette 12 toward the cartridge memory 24. The magnetic field MF penetrates the cartridge memory 24.

[0073] The contactless reader / writer 46 is connected to the processing device 30. The processing device 30 outputs a control signal to the contactless reader / writer 46. The control signal is a signal for controlling the cartridge memory 24. The contactless reader / writer 46 generates a magnetic field MF according to the control signal input from the processing device 30, and releases the generated magnetic field MF toward the cartridge memory 24.

[0074] The contactless reading / writing device 46 performs contactless communication with the cartridge memory 24 via the magnetic field MF, thereby performing processing corresponding to the control signal on the cartridge memory 24. For example, the contactless reading / writing device 46 selectively performs processing of reading information from the cartridge memory 24 and processing of causing the cartridge memory 24 to store information (i.e., processing of writing information to the cartridge memory 24) under the control of the processing device 30. In other words, the processing device 30 communicates with the cartridge memory 24 in a contactless manner via the contactless reading / writing device 46, thereby reading information from the cartridge memory 24 or causing the cartridge memory 24 to store information.

[0075] As an example, Figure 5 As shown, the tape drive 14 includes a moving mechanism 48. The moving mechanism 48 includes a moving actuator 48A. As the moving actuator 48A, for example, a voice coil motor and / or a piezoelectric actuator can be cited. The moving actuator 48A is connected to the processing device 30, and the processing device 30 controls the moving actuator 48A. The moving actuator 48A generates power under the control of the processing device 30. The moving mechanism 48 receives the power generated by the moving actuator 48A, thereby moving the magnetic head 28 along the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ).

[0076] As an example, Figure 6 As shown, servo bands SB1, SB2 and SB3 and data bands DB1 and DB2 are formed on the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT. In addition, for the convenience of explanation, when there is no need to distinguish them, the servo bands SB1 to SB3 are referred to as "servo bands SB", and the data bands DB1 and DB2 are referred to as "data bands DB".

[0077] The servo bands SB1 to SB3 and the data bands DB1 and DB2 are formed along the long side direction LD (i.e., the total length direction) of the magnetic tape MT. Here, in other words, the long side direction LD refers to the running direction of the magnetic tape MT. The running direction of the magnetic tape MT is defined by two directions: the forward direction (hereinafter, also referred to as the "forward direction") in which the magnetic tape MT runs from the side of the delivery reel 22 to the side of the take-up reel 38 and the reverse direction (hereinafter, also referred to as the "reverse direction") in which the magnetic tape MT runs from the side of the take-up reel 38 to the side of the delivery reel 22.

[0078] The servo bands SB1 to SB3 are arranged at separate positions in the width direction WD (hereinafter, also referred to as "width direction WD") of the magnetic tape MT. For example, the servo bands SB1 to SB3 are arranged at equal intervals along the width direction WD. In addition, in the present embodiment, "equal intervals" means not only completely equal intervals, but also equal intervals in the sense of including errors that are generally allowed in the technical field to which the technology of the present invention belongs and do not deviate from the technical purpose of the present invention.

[0079] The data band DB1 is arranged between the servo band SB1 and the servo band SB2, and the data band DB2 is arranged between the servo band SB2 and the servo band SB3. That is, the servo bands SB and the data bands DB are alternately arranged along the width direction WD.

[0080] In addition, Figure 6 In the example shown, for the sake of convenience, three servo bands SB and two data bands DB are shown, but this is just an example. It can also be two servo bands SB and one data band DB. Even if there are more than four servo bands SB and more than three data bands DB, the technology of the present invention will also be applicable.

[0081] In the servo band SB, a plurality of servo patterns 52 are recorded along the long side direction LD. The servo patterns 52 are classified into a servo pattern 52A and a servo pattern 52B. The plurality of servo patterns 52 are arranged at constant intervals along the long side direction LD. In addition, in the present embodiment, "constant" means not only completely constant, but also constant in the sense of including an error that is generally allowed in the technical field to which the technology of the present invention belongs and does not deviate from the technical purpose of the present invention.

[0082] The servo band SB is divided into a plurality of frames 50 along the long side direction LD. The frame 50 is defined by a set of servo patterns 52. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, servo patterns 52A and 52B are shown as an example of a set of servo patterns 52. The servo patterns 52A and 52B are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction LD. In the frame 50, the servo pattern 52A is located on the upstream side in the positive direction, and the servo pattern 52B is located on the downstream side in the positive direction.

[0083] The servo pattern 52 is composed of linear magnetized region pairs 54. The linear magnetized region pairs 54 are classified into linear magnetized region pairs 54A and linear magnetized region pairs 54B.

[0084] The servo pattern 52A is composed of a pair of linear magnetized regions 54A. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, a pair of linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 is shown as an example of the linear magnetized region pair 54A. The linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 are regions magnetized linearly.

[0085] The linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 are inclined in opposite directions with respect to an imaginary straight line C1 which is an imaginary straight line along the width direction WD. Figure 6 In the example shown, the linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 are inclined in line symmetry with respect to the imaginary straight line C1. More specifically, the linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 are not parallel to each other, but are formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees) in the opposite direction of the longitudinal direction LD with the imaginary straight line C1 as the symmetry axis.

[0086] The linear magnetized region 54A1 is a set of five magnetized straight lines, namely, magnetized straight lines 54A1a. The linear magnetized region 54A2 is a set of five magnetized straight lines, namely, magnetized straight lines 54A2a.

[0087] In this embodiment, the imaginary straight line C1 is an example of the "imaginary straight line" involved in the technology of the present invention. Furthermore, the linear magnetized region pair 54A1 is an example of the "first linear magnetized region" involved in the technology of the present invention. Furthermore, the linear magnetized region pair 54A2 is an example of the "second linear magnetized region" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0088] The servo pattern 52B is composed of a pair of linear magnetized regions 54B. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, a pair of linear magnetized regions 54B1 and 54B2 is illustrated as an example of the linear magnetized region pair 54B. The linear magnetized regions 54B1 and 54B2 are regions magnetized linearly.

[0089] The linear magnetized regions 54B1 and 54B2 are inclined in opposite directions with respect to an imaginary straight line C2 which is an imaginary straight line along the width direction WD. Figure 6 In the example shown, the linear magnetized regions 54B1 and 54B2 are inclined in line symmetry with respect to the imaginary straight line C2. More specifically, the linear magnetized regions 54B1 and 54B2 are not parallel to each other, and are formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 5 degrees) in the opposite direction of the long side direction LD with the imaginary straight line C2 as the symmetry axis.

[0090] The linear magnetized region 54B1 is a set of four magnetized straight lines, namely, magnetized straight lines 54B1a. The linear magnetized region 54B2 is a set of four magnetized straight lines, namely, magnetized straight lines 54B2a.

[0091] In this embodiment, the imaginary straight line C2 is an example of the "imaginary straight line" involved in the technology of the present invention. In addition, the linear magnetized region pair 54B1 is an example of the "first linear magnetized region" involved in the technology of the present invention. In addition, the linear magnetized region pair 54B2 is an example of the "second linear magnetized region" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0092] The magnetic head 28 is arranged on the surface 31 side of the magnetic tape MT thus constructed. The bracket 44 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is arranged to cross the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT along the width direction WD. The plurality of magnetic elements of the magnetic element unit 42 are arranged in a straight line along the long side direction of the bracket 44. The magnetic element unit 42 has a pair of servo read elements SR and a plurality of data read and write elements DRW as a plurality of magnetic elements.

[0093] The length of the bracket 44 in the longitudinal direction is sufficiently longer than the width of the magnetic tape MT. For example, the length of the bracket 44 in the longitudinal direction is set to a length that exceeds the width of the magnetic tape MT at any position of the magnetic element unit 42 disposed on the magnetic tape MT.

[0094] A pair of servo read elements SR are mounted in the magnetic head 28. In the magnetic head 28, the relative positional relationship between the bracket 44 and the pair of servo read elements SR is fixed. The pair of servo read elements SR is composed of servo read elements SR1 and SR2. The servo read element SR1 is arranged at one end of the magnetic element unit 42, and the servo read element SR2 is arranged at the other end of the magnetic element unit 42. Figure 6 In the example shown, the servo read element SR1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the servo band SB2 , and the servo read element SR2 is disposed at a position corresponding to the servo band SB3 .

[0095] The plurality of data read / write elements DRW are arranged in a straight line between the servo read element SR1 and the servo read element SR2. The plurality of data read / write elements DRW are arranged at intervals along the long side direction of the magnetic head 28 (for example, arranged at equal intervals along the long side direction of the magnetic head 28). Figure 6 In the example shown, a plurality of data read / write elements DRW are provided at positions corresponding to the data band DB2.

[0096] The processing device 30 obtains a servo pattern signal which is a result of reading the servo pattern 52 by the servo reading element SR, and performs servo control according to the obtained servo pattern signal. Here, servo control refers to control for moving the magnetic head 28 in the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT by operating the moving mechanism 48 according to the servo pattern 52 read by the servo reading element SR.

[0097] By performing servo control, the plurality of data read / write elements DRW are positioned on a designated area within the data band DB, and in this state, magnetic processing is performed on the designated area within the data band DB. Figure 6 In the example shown, a designated area within the data band DB2 is magnetically processed by a plurality of data read / write elements DRW.

[0098] Furthermore, when the data band DB to be read by the magnetic element unit 42 is changed (in Figure 6In the example shown, when the data band DB of the reading object to be read by the magnetic element unit 42 is changed from the data band DB2 to the DB1), the moving mechanism 48 moves the magnetic head 28 along the width direction WD under the control of the processing device 30, thereby changing the position of a pair of servo reading elements SR. That is, the moving mechanism 48 moves the servo reading element SR1 to a position corresponding to the servo band SB1 and moves the servo reading element SR2 to a position corresponding to the servo band SB2 by moving the magnetic head 28 along the width direction WD. As a result, the positions of the plurality of data read / write elements DRW are changed from the data band DB2 to the data band DB1, and the data band DB1 is magnetically processed by the plurality of data read / write elements DRW.

[0099] As an example, Figure 7 As shown, in the data band DB2, as a plurality of divided areas obtained by dividing the data band DB2 along the width direction WD, data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7 and DT8 are formed from the servo band SB2 side to the servo band SB3 side.

[0100] The magnetic head 28 has data read / write elements DRW1, DRW2, DRW3, DRW4, DRW5, DRW6, DRW7, and DRW8 as a plurality of data read / write elements DRW along the width direction WD between the servo read element SR1 and the servo read element SR2. The data read / write elements DRW1 to DRW8 correspond one-to-one to the data tracks DT1 to DT8, and can read (i.e., play) data from the data tracks DT1 to DT8 and record (i.e., write) data to the data tracks DT1 to DT8.

[0101] Although not shown in the figure, in the data band DB1 (refer to Figure 6 ) also forms a plurality of data tracks DT corresponding to data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7 and DT8.

[0102] In addition, hereinafter, when no special distinction is required, data tracks DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, DT5, DT6, DT7, and DT8 are referred to as “data tracks DT”. Also, hereinafter, when no special distinction is required, data read / write elements DRW1, DRW2, DRW3, DRW4, DRW5, DRW6, DRW7, and DRW8 are referred to as “data read / write elements DRW”.

[0103] As an example, Figure 8As shown, the data track DT includes a divided data track group DTG. The data tracks DT1 to DT8 correspond to the divided data track groups DTG1 to DTG8. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish them, the divided data track groups DTG1 to DTG8 are referred to as "divided data track groups DTG".

[0104] The divided data track group DTG1 is a set of a plurality of divided data tracks obtained by dividing the data track DT in the width direction WD. Figure 8 In the example shown, as an example of the split data track group DTG1, the split data tracks DT_1, DT_2, DT_3, DT_4, ..., DT_11 and DT_12 obtained by dividing the data track DT into 12 equal parts in the width direction WD are shown. The data read / write element DRW1 is responsible for magnetic processing of the split data track group DTG1. That is, the data read / write element DRW1 is responsible for recording data on the split data tracks DT_1, DT_2, DT_3, DT_4, ..., DT_11 and DT_12 and reading data from the split data tracks DT_1, DT_2, DT_3, DT_4, ..., DT_11 and DT_12. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish and explain the split data tracks DT_1, DT_2, DT_3, DT_4, ..., DT_11 and DT_12, they are referred to as "split data tracks" without being marked with symbols.

[0105] Similar to the data read / write element DRW1 , each of the data read / write elements DRW2 to DRW8 is responsible for magnetic processing of the divided data track group DTG of the data track DT corresponding to each data read / write element DRW.

[0106] The data reading and writing element DRW is accompanied by a moving mechanism 48 (reference Figure 6 ) moves the magnetic head 28 in the width direction WD to a position corresponding to a designated one of the plurality of data tracks DT. The data read / write element DRW is formed by using a servo pattern 52 (refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) servo control, and stays at the position corresponding to a specified data track DT.

[0107] As an example, Fig. 9 As shown, paths P1 to P12 are allocated at equal intervals along the width direction WD in the servo pattern 52. The paths P1 to P12 are connected to a plurality of divided data tracks (in Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the example shown, 12 divided data tracks correspond. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the paths P1 to P12, they are referred to as "path P".

[0108] When the data read / write element DRW performs magnetic processing on the split data track designated as the object of magnetic processing, i.e., the processing object split data track, the moving mechanism 48 moves the magnetic head 28 along the width direction WD so that the servo reading element SR passes through the path P corresponding to the processing object split data track. For example, when the data read / write element DRW performs magnetic processing on the split data track DT_1, the moving mechanism 48 moves the magnetic head 28 along the width direction WD so that the servo reading element SR passes through the path P1. And, for example, when the data read / write element DRW performs magnetic processing on the split data track DT_12, the moving mechanism 48 moves the magnetic head 28 along the width direction WD so that the servo reading element SR passes through the path P12. As a result, the data read / write element DRW1 is directly opposite to the processing object split data track, so that the processing object split data track can be magnetically processed.

[0109] As an example, Fig.10 As shown, the magnetic element unit 42 includes a first data recording element group DWG1, a second data recording element group DWG2 and a data reading element group DRG. The servo reading element SR1 is located at one end of the magnetic element unit 42, and the servo reading element SR2 is located at the other end of the magnetic element unit 42.

[0110] The data read / write element DRW includes a first data recording element DW1, a second data recording element DW2, and a data reading element DR. The first data recording element group DWG1 includes a plurality of first data recording elements DW1. The second data recording element group DWG2 includes a plurality of second data recording elements DW2. The data reading element group DRG includes a plurality of data reading elements DR.

[0111] The first data recording element DW1 and the second data recording element DW2 record data on the data track DT. The data reading element DR reads data from the data track DT. In addition, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between them, the first data recording element DW1 and the second data recording element DW2 are referred to as "data recording elements DW".

[0112] The first data recording element group DWG1, the second data recording element group DWG2, and the data reading element group DRG are arranged along the long side direction LD from the winding reel 38 side to the delivery reel 22 side in the order of the first data recording element group DWG1, the data reading element group DRG, and the second data recording element group DWG2 at a constant interval. Here, the constant interval refers to, for example, an interval predetermined by an actual machine-based test and / or computer simulation as an interval that does not generate crosstalk between the data reading element DR and the data recording element DW.

[0113] The servo read element SR includes a first servo read element SRa, a second servo read element SRb, and a third servo read element SRc. The first servo read element SRa, the second servo read element SRb, and the third servo read element SRc are arranged on a winding reel 38 (see FIG. 1 ) extending along the entire length of the magnetic tape MT. Figure 3 ) side to the delivery reel 22 (reference Figure 3 ) side is arranged in the order of the first servo read element SRa, the second servo read element SRb and the third servo read element SRc.

[0114] In addition, here, the first servo read element SRa, the second servo read element SRb, and the third servo read element SRc are exemplified, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it may be one or two of the first servo read element SRa, the second servo read element SRb, and the third servo read element SRc.

[0115] The first data recording element group DWG1 includes a first servo reading element SRa of a servo reading element SR1, a first servo reading element SRa of a servo reading element SR2, and a plurality of first data recording elements DW1. The plurality of first data recording elements DW1 are arranged in a straight line and at equal intervals from the first servo reading element SRa side of the servo reading element SR1 to the first servo reading element SRa side of the servo reading element SR2. The number of the plurality of first data recording elements DW1 included in the first data recording element group DWG1 is the same as the number of data tracks DT included in the data band DB. Fig.10 In the example shown, eight first data recording elements DW1 are shown as a plurality of first data recording elements DW1, and the positions of these first data recording elements DW1 are similar to those of data read / write elements DRW1, DRW2, DRW3, DRW4, DRW5, DRW6, DRW7, and DRW8 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) position.

[0116] The second data recording element group DWG2 includes the third servo reading element SRc of the servo reading element SR1, the third servo reading element SRc of the servo reading element SR2, and a plurality of second data recording elements DW2. The plurality of second data recording elements DW2 are arranged in a straight line and at equal intervals from the third servo reading element SRc side of the servo reading element SR1 to the third servo reading element SRc side of the servo reading element SR2. The number of the plurality of second data recording elements DW2 included in the second data recording element group DWG2 is the same as the number of data tracks DT included in the data band DB. Fig.10In the example shown, eight second data recording elements DW2 are shown as the plurality of second data recording elements DW2, and the positions of these second data recording elements DW2 are similar to those of the data read / write elements DRW1, DRW2, DRW3, DRW4, DRW5, DRW6, DRW7, and DRW8 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) position.

[0117] The first data recording element DW1 and the second data recording element DW2 record (ie, write) data on corresponding data tracks DT among all data tracks DT included in the data band DB.

[0118] The data reading element group DRG includes a second servo reading element SRb of the servo reading element SR1, a second servo reading element SRb of the servo reading element SR2, and a plurality of data reading elements DR. The plurality of data reading elements DR are arranged in a straight line and at equal intervals from the second servo reading element SRb side of the servo reading element SR1 to the second servo reading element SRb side of the servo reading element SR2. The number of the plurality of data reading elements DR included in the data reading element group DRG is the same as the number of data tracks DT included in the data band DB. Fig.10 In the example shown, eight data read elements DR are illustrated as a plurality of data read elements DR, and the positions of the data read elements DR are similar to those of the data read and write elements DRW1, DRW2, DRW3, DRW4, DRW5, DRW6, DRW7, and DRW8 (see FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) position.

[0119] The data reading element DR reads (ie, plays) data from a corresponding data track DT among all data tracks DT included in the data band DB.

[0120] In the magnetic element unit 42, the data reading element DR is set to be sandwiched between the first data recording element DW1 and the second data recording element DW2 in the long side direction LD because the data reading element DR is not only used to read data from the data track DT, but also to perform verification. For example, when the magnetic tape MT is drawn out from the tape box 12 (when the direction of travel of the magnetic tape MT is forward), after the second data recording element DW2 records data on the data track DT, the data reading element DR is used to read the data recorded on the data track DT by the second data recording element DW2 for error checking. And, when the magnetic tape MT is rewound to the tape box 12 (when the direction of travel of the magnetic tape MT is reverse), after the first data recording element DW1 records data on the data track DT, the data reading element DR is used to read the data recorded on the data track DT by the first data recording element DW1 for error checking.

[0121] As an example, Fig.11 As shown, the manufacturing process of the magnetic tape MT includes multiple processes such as a servo pattern recording process and a winding process. In the servo pattern recording process, a servo writer SW is used. The servo writer SW includes a feed reel SW1, a winding reel SW2, a drive device SW3, a pulse signal generator SW4, a control device SW5, multiple guides SW6, a conveying path SW7, a servo pattern head WH, and a verification head VH.

[0122] The control device SW5 controls the entire servo writer SW. In the present embodiment, the control device SW5 is implemented by an ASIC, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control device SW5 can be implemented by an FPGA and / or a PLD. Furthermore, the control device SW5 can also be implemented by a computer including a CPU, a flash memory (for example, an EEPROM and / or an SSD, etc.) and a RAM. Furthermore, it can also be implemented by combining two or more of an ASIC, an FPGA, a PLD and a computer. That is, the control device SW5 can also be implemented by a combination of a hardware structure and a software structure.

[0123] A reel is provided on the delivery reel SW1. The reel is a large-diameter reel in which the magnetic tape MT cut to a product width from a wide reel is wound around a hub before the servo pattern 52 is written.

[0124] The drive device SW3 has a motor (not shown) and a gear (not shown), and is mechanically connected to the feed reel SW1 and the take-up reel SW2. When the magnetic tape MT is taken up by the take-up reel SW2, the drive device SW3 generates power according to the instruction from the control device SW5, and transmits the generated power to the feed reel SW1 and the take-up reel SW2, thereby rotating the feed reel SW1 and the take-up reel SW2. That is, the feed reel SW1 receives power from the drive device SW3 and rotates, thereby feeding the magnetic tape MT to a predetermined conveying path SW7. The take-up reel SW2 receives power from the drive device SW3 and rotates, thereby taking up the magnetic tape MT fed from the feed reel SW1. The rotation speed and torque of the feed reel SW1 and the take-up reel SW2 are adjusted according to the speed at which the magnetic tape MT is taken up on the take-up reel SW2.

[0125] A plurality of guides SW6 and a servo pattern head WH are arranged on the transmission path SW7. The servo pattern head WH is arranged between the plurality of guides SW6 on the surface 31 side of the magnetic tape MT. The magnetic tape MT fed from the feed reel SW1 to the transmission path SW7 is guided by the plurality of guides SW6, passes over the servo pattern head WH, and is wound by the winding reel SW2.

[0126] The pulse signal generator SW4 generates a pulse signal under the control of the control device SW5, and supplies the generated pulse signal to the servo pattern head WH. When the magnetic tape MT travels on the transport path SW at a constant speed, the servo pattern head WH records the servo pattern 52 on the servo band SB according to the pulse signal supplied from the pulse signal generator SW4.

[0127] The servo pattern recording process includes an inspection process. For example, the inspection process is a process of inspecting the servo band SB formed on the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT by the servo pattern head WH. The inspection of the servo band SB refers to, for example, a process of determining whether the servo pattern 52 recorded in the servo band SB is correct. The determination of whether the servo pattern 52 is correct refers to, for example, determining whether the servo patterns 52A and 52B have too many or insufficient magnetization straight lines 54A1a, 54A2a, 54B1a, and 54B2a with respect to a predetermined position in the surface 31 and whether they are recorded within an allowable error (i.e., verification of the servo pattern 52).

[0128] The inspection process is performed by using the control device SW5 and the verification head VH. The verification head VH is arranged at a position downstream of the servo pattern head WH in the conveying direction of the magnetic tape MT. Also, as with the magnetic head 28, a plurality of servo reading elements (not shown) are provided in the verification head VH, and a plurality of servo bands SB are read by the plurality of servo reading elements. Also, as with the magnetic head 28, the verification head VH is tilted on the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT.

[0129] The verification head VH is connected to the control device SW5. The verification head VH is arranged at a position facing the servo band SB as viewed from the surface 31 side of the magnetic tape MT (i.e., the back side of the verification head VH), reads the servo pattern 52 recorded in the servo band SB, and outputs the read result (hereinafter referred to as "servo pattern reading result") to the control device SW5. The control device SW5 checks the servo band SB (e.g., determines whether the servo pattern 52 is correct) based on the servo pattern reading result (e.g., servo signal) input from the verification head VH.

[0130] If the inspection process is completed, the winding process is performed next. The winding process is a process of winding the magnetic tape MT on the feed reels 22 (i.e., the feed reels 22 contained in the tape cassettes 12) used for each of the plurality of tape cassettes 12. A winding motor M is used in the winding process. The winding motor M is mechanically connected to the feed reel 22 via gears, etc. The winding motor M rotates the feed reel 22 by applying a rotational force to the feed reel 22 under the control of a control device (not shown in the figure). The magnetic tape MT wound on the winding reel SW2 is wound on the feed reel 22 by the rotation of the feed reel 22. A cutting device (not shown in the figure) is used in the winding process. If the required amount of magnetic tape MT is wound on each of the plurality of feed reels 22 by the feed reel 22, the magnetic tape MT fed from the winding reel SW2 to the feed reel 22 is cut by the cutting device.

[0131] If all the servo patterns 52 formed on the servo band SB of the magnetic tape MT manufactured as described above are of ideal shape and are formed in uniform size and orientation, high-precision tracking control (i.e., control of adjusting the position of the magnetic head 28 so as to be directly opposite the track) can be achieved according to the servo pattern signal obtained by reading the servo pattern 52 through the servo reading element SR.

[0132] However, as an example, Fig.12 As shown, the actual servo pattern 52 is deformed compared to the ideal servo pattern 52. The servo pattern 52 is preferably formed by a servo writer SW ( Fig.11 ) is recorded in a straight line, but in reality, due to manufacturing errors of the servo writer SW, misalignment of the installation position of the servo writer SW, deviations in the strength of the magnetic field released from the servo writer SW, contamination of the servo writer SW, vibrations applied to the magnetic tape MT when recording the servo pattern 52, expansion and contraction of the magnetic tape MT, and deviations in the characteristics of the magnetic layer included in the servo band SB before recording the servo pattern 52, the servo pattern 52 is not recorded in a straight line but is recorded in the servo band SB in a curved shape. In addition, for convenience of explanation, Fig.12 In the first and second examples of the servo pattern 52 shown, deformation of the linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 is schematically illustrated for clarity, and is emphasized compared with the actual deformation of the linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2.

[0133] like Fig.12As shown in the first and second examples of the servo pattern 52 shown in FIG. 1 , the deformation of the linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 is deviated due to the servo writer SW, the servo band SB and / or the magnetic tape MT, etc. This means that there is a deviation in the distance in the long-side direction LD between the linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 of each path P. If there is a deviation in the distance in the long-side direction LD between the linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 of each path P, the accuracy of tracking control is also reduced, so it is difficult for the magnetic head 28 to perform accurate magnetic processing on each processing object divided data track.

[0134] Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, Fig.13 As shown, unique geometric characteristic information 56 is used for each tape cartridge 12. The geometric characteristic information 56 is information used for each magnetic tape MT accommodated in the tape cartridge 12. In addition, here, although the form example of determining the geometric characteristic information 56 for each tape cartridge 12 is given, the concept of determining the geometric characteristic information 56 for each tape cartridge 12 also includes the concept of determining the geometric characteristic information 56 for each servo writer SW involved in the manufacture of the magnetic tape MT accommodated in the tape cartridge 12. This is because, as described above, the deformation of the linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 included in the magnetic tape MT is different for each servo writer SW, and the magnetic tape MT accommodated in the tape cartridge 12 is affected by the deviation of each servo writer SW.

[0135] The geometric characteristic information 56 is information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern 52 in the corresponding magnetic tape MT. The information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern 52 is, for example, information showing the linearity of the servo pattern 52. Fig.13 In the illustrated example, information in which a servo band number, a servo position number, and a distance D are associated with each other is illustrated as an example of the geometric characteristic information 56 .

[0136] The servo band number is a number that can identify the servo band SB in the magnetic tape MT. The servo position number is a number that can identify the servo position. The servo position refers to the position in the servo pattern 52 in the width direction WD (that is, the position of the path P in the servo pattern 52 in the width direction WD). The servo position is for a plurality of divided data tracks (in Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.12 In the example shown, it is determined for each of the 12 divided data tracks.

[0137] The distance D is information capable of determining the geometrical characteristics of the servo pattern 52 at the position determined according to the servo position number. Fig.13In the example shown, as an example of the distance D, the distance in the long side direction LD between the linear magnetized region 54A1 and the linear magnetized region 54A2 at the position determined by the servo position number is shown (that is, information indicating the interval in the long side direction LD between the linear magnetized region 54A1 and the linear magnetized region 54A2 at the position determined by the servo position number).

[0138] In this embodiment, the servo position number is an example of the "first specific information" involved in the technology of the present invention. The distance D is an example of the "second specific information" involved in the technology of the present invention and "information indicating the interval between the first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region at the position determined by the first specific information".

[0139] The distance D is measured by a measuring device 58 in the production process of the tape cassette 12 (for example, the manufacturing process of the magnetic tape MT). An example of the measuring device 58 is an MFM, a SEM, or a laser microscope. The measuring device 58 measures the distance D for each servo band SB and for each servo position, and outputs the measurement result to the writing device 60.

[0140] The writing device 60 includes a computer 60A and a non-contact writing unit 60B. The computer 60A is implemented by a processor (eg, CPU), NVM, RAM, etc. The computer 60A acquires the measurement results output from the measuring device 58 and generates the geometric characteristic information 56 based on the acquired measurement results.

[0141] The non-contact writing unit 60B is controlled by the computer 60A and communicates with the non-contact reading and writing device 46 (refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) Similarly, the processing of storing information in the cartridge memory 24 (i.e., the processing of writing information to the cartridge memory 24) is performed. In other words, the computer 60A communicates with the cartridge memory 24 in a non-contact manner via the non-contact writing unit 60B, thereby storing the management information 15 (refer to Figure 2 ).exist Fig.13 In the example shown, the geometric characteristic information 56 which is one piece of information included in the management information 15 is stored in the cartridge memory 24.

[0142] As an example, Fig.14 As shown, the processing device 30 included in the tape drive 14 executes the information management process. The processing device 30 includes a first acquisition unit 30A and a first control unit 30B. The information management process is realized by the operation of the first acquisition unit 30A and the first control unit 30B.

[0143] If the tape cartridge 12 is loaded into the tape drive 14 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 ), the first acquisition unit 30A acquires the geometric characteristic information 56 from the cassette memory 24 in the tape cassette 12 loaded in the tape drive 14. The first acquisition unit 30A acquires the geometric characteristic information 56 via the non-contact reading and writing device 46 (refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) obtains geometric characteristic information 56 from the cartridge memory 24.

[0144] The first control unit 30B pulls out the magnetic tape MT from the tape cassette 12 by controlling the conveying device 26 and the like, and moves the magnetic tape MT forward along a predetermined path. While the magnetic tape MT moves forward along a predetermined path, the first control unit 30B calculates a specific servo position SSP (for example, a position determined from the servo position number "2") determined based on the reading result of the servo reading element SR of the servo pattern 52 in the servo band SB adjacent to the specific data band DB in the width direction WD. As an example of a specific data band SB, a data band SB determined by default or a data band SB specified by the UI system device 29 can be cited. The specific servo position SSP is an example of "a position determined based on the reading result of the servo pattern by the magnetic head" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0145] In the tape drive 14, the distance D is calculated based on the reading result of the servo pattern 52 based on the servo reading element SR, and tracking control is performed based on the distance D. The distance D calculated by the tape drive 14 is an independent variable included in the calculation formula (for example, formula (1)) for calculating which servo position the position of the servo reading element SR corresponds to. The servo position to which the position of the servo reading element SR corresponds is calculated according to the following formula (1). Formula (1) is a calculation formula including the independent variables of the distance D, the "midpoint distance" and the "2×tan azimuth angle", and the dependent variable of the "servo position". The "midpoint distance" is the distance in the long side direction LD between the linear magnetized region 54A1 and the linear magnetized region 54A2 at the midpoint of the servo pattern 52. The midpoint position of the servo pattern 52 refers to the midpoint position of the servo pattern 52 in the width direction WD. The "azimuth angle" is the above-mentioned predetermined angle (i.e., Figure 6 The linear magnetized regions 54A1 and 54A2 are shown as being inclined in opposite directions to the longitudinal direction LD of the magnetic tape MT with the imaginary straight line C1 as the axis of symmetry. According to equation (1), the servo position is calculated using the distance in the width direction WD based on the position of the midpoint of the servo pattern 52 in the width direction WD.

[0146] [Formula 1]

[0147]

[0148] The specific servo position SSP is calculated by the first control unit 30B, for example, in the following manner. First, the first control unit 30B calculates the distance D based on the reading result of the servo reading element SR of the servo pattern 52 in the servo band SB adjacent to the specific data band SB in the width direction WD. The midpoint distance and the azimuth angle are both predetermined values ​​of the ideal servo pattern 52 and are determined in advance. For example, the midpoint distance and the azimuth angle are stored in the storage device 32, and the first control unit 30B obtains the midpoint distance and the azimuth angle from the storage device 32. Then, the first control unit 30B calculates the specific servo position SSP by applying the distance D, the midpoint distance, and the azimuth angle to the formula (1).

[0149] The first control unit 30B records the geometric characteristic information 56 acquired by the first acquisition unit 30A on a specific data track SDT corresponding to a specific servo position SSP by controlling the magnetic head 28. The specific data track SDT is an example of a "recording position" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0150] The specific data track SDT is a divided data track corresponding to the specific servo position SSP, and each data track DT (refer to Figure 7 ). The specific data track SDT is one of the multiple divided data tracks in the data track DT that is uniquely identified from the specific servo position SSP.

[0151] In addition, here, an example is given in which a specific data track SDT exists in each of a plurality of data tracks DT. However, this is merely an example, and a specific data track SDT may exist in one or more designated data tracks DT.

[0152] As an example, Fig.15 As shown, the geometric characteristic information 56 stored in the cartridge memory 24 is roughly divided into first geometric characteristic information 56A and second geometric characteristic information 56B. The first geometric characteristic information 56A is the geometric characteristic information 56 other than the second geometric characteristic information 56B among the geometric characteristic information 56 stored in the cartridge memory 24. The second geometric characteristic information 56B is the geometric characteristic information 56 that can identify a specific data track SDT among the geometric characteristic information 56 stored in the cartridge memory 24.

[0153] After the geometric characteristic information 56 (that is, the entirety of the geometric characteristic information 56) is recorded on the specific data track SDT by the magnetic head 28 (refer to Fig.14), the first control unit 30B retains the second geometric characteristic information 56B in the cassette memory 24 by deleting the first geometric characteristic information 56A from the geometric characteristic information 56 stored in the cassette memory 24. For example, when the servo position number corresponding to the specific servo position SSP is "2", as the first geometric characteristic information 56A, information related to the servo position numbers other than the servo position number "2" is deleted by the first control unit 30B.

[0154] When magnetic processing is performed on the processing target divided data track, high-precision tracking control is required. In order to achieve high-precision tracking control, it is effective to use the geometric characteristic information 56 determined for each magnetic tape MT. This is because the geometric characteristic information 56 is information that establishes a correspondence between the servo band number, the servo position number, and the distance D. By referring to the geometric characteristic information 56, it is possible to determine at which servo position the servo read element SR is located.

[0155] Therefore, in this embodiment, as an example, Fig.16 As shown in the figure, when the processing target divided data track is magnetically processed by deleting the first geometric characteristic information 56A from the cartridge memory 24 and retaining the second geometric characteristic information 56B in the cartridge memory 24, the processing device 30 performs the recording and playback execution processing. The processing device 30 includes a second acquisition unit 30C and a second control unit 30D. The recording and playback execution processing is realized by the second acquisition unit 30C and the second control unit 30D operating.

[0156] The second acquisition unit 30C acquires the second geometric characteristic information 56B from the cartridge memory 24 via the non-contact reader / writer 46. The second control unit 30D specifies the specific data track SDT according to the second geometric characteristic information 56B acquired by the second acquisition unit 30C. Then, the second control unit 30D reads the geometric characteristic information 56 from the specified specific data track SDT via the magnetic head 28.

[0157] The second control unit 30D uses the magnetic head 28 to perform magnetic processing on the processing target divided data track based on the geometric characteristic information 56 and the servo pattern 52. That is, the second control unit 30D determines the processing target divided data track based on the geometric characteristic information 56 read from the specific data track SDT and the distance D obtained from the reading result of the servo reading element SR of the servo pattern 52, and uses the magnetic head 28 to perform magnetic processing on the determined processing target divided data track.

[0158] For example, the second control unit 30D refers to the geometric characteristic information 56 read from the specific data track SDT, determines the servo position corresponding to the distance D obtained from the result of reading the servo pattern 52 by the servo read element SR, and determines whether the determined servo position is consistent with the servo position corresponding to the processing target divided data track. When it is determined that the servo position determined with reference to the geometric characteristic information 56 is consistent with the servo position corresponding to the processing target divided data track, the data read / write element DRW is aligned on the processing target divided data track. In this state, the second control unit 30D uses the data read / write element DRW to perform magnetic processing on the processing target divided data track.

[0159] Next, refer to Fig.17 and Fig.18 The operation of the tape drive 14 will be described.

[0160] exist Fig.17 An example of the flow of information management processing performed by the processing device 30 is shown in FIG. Fig.17 The flow of information management processing shown is an example of the "information management method" involved in the technology of the present invention. Here, for the sake of convenience, the processing device 30 performs the information management process while the magnetic tape MT is moving forward along a predetermined path. Fig.17 The information management processing shown is described below.

[0161] exist Fig.17 In the information management process shown, first, in step ST10, the first acquisition section 30A acquires the geometric characteristic information 56 from the cartridge memory 24 via the non-contact reader / writer 46. After the process of step ST10 is executed, the information management process proceeds to step ST12.

[0162] In step ST12, the first control unit 30B records the geometric characteristic information 56 acquired in step ST10 on the specific data track SDT by controlling the magnetic head 28. After the process of step ST12 is executed, the information management process proceeds to step ST14.

[0163] In step ST14, the first control unit 30B deletes the first geometric characteristic information 56A from the geometric characteristic information 56 stored in the cartridge memory 24, and retains the second geometric characteristic information 56B corresponding to the specific servo position SSP in the cartridge memory 24. After executing the process of step ST14, the information management process ends.

[0164] exist Fig.18 An example of the flow of recording and playback execution processing performed by the processing device 30 is shown in FIG. Fig.17The information management processing shown is performed by the processing device 30 while the magnetic tape MT is moving forward along a predetermined path. Fig.18 The following describes the case where the recording and playback execution processing is shown.

[0165] exist Fig.18 In the recording and playback execution process shown, first, in step ST20, the second acquisition unit 30C acquires the second geometric characteristic information 56B from the cartridge memory 24 via the non-contact reader / writer 46. After the process of step ST20 is executed, the recording and playback execution process proceeds to step ST22.

[0166] In step ST22, the second control unit 30D refers to the second geometric characteristic information 56B acquired in step ST20 to determine the specific data track SDT (ie, the divided data track corresponding to the specific servo position SSP). After executing the process of step ST22, the recording and playback execution process proceeds to step ST24.

[0167] In step ST24, the second control unit 30D reads the geometry information 56 from the specific data track SDT determined in step ST22 by controlling the magnetic head 28. After the process of step ST24 is executed, the recording and playback execution process proceeds to step ST26.

[0168] In step ST26, the second control unit 30D performs magnetic processing (i.e., recording processing and / or playback processing) on ​​the processing target divided data track using the magnetic head 28 according to the geometric characteristic information 56 read from the specific data track SDT in step ST24 and the servo pattern 52 read by the servo reading element SR. After executing the processing of step ST26, the recording and playback execution processing ends.

[0169] As described above, in this embodiment, the geometric characteristic information 56 is stored in the cassette memory 24 provided in the tape cassette 12. The geometric characteristic information 56 is information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern 52 formed on the magnetic tape MT accommodated in the tape cassette 12 (for example, information expressing the linearity of the servo pattern 52). When the tape cassette 12 is loaded into the tape drive 14, the geometric characteristic information 56 is acquired from the cassette memory 24 by the first acquisition unit 30A, and the geometric characteristic information 56 is recorded in the specific data track SDT via the first control unit 30B and the magnetic head 28. When the geometric characteristic information 56 is recorded on the specific data track SDT, the first control unit 30B deletes the first geometric characteristic information 56A from the geometric characteristic information 56 stored in the cassette memory 24. As a result, the second geometric characteristic information 56B remains in the cassette memory 24. The second geometric characteristic information 56B is information that can identify the specific data track SDT in the magnetic tape MT where the geometric characteristic information 56 is recorded.

[0170] Therefore, by using the second geometric characteristic information 56 retained in the cartridge memory 24, it is possible to identify the position on the magnetic tape MT where the geometric characteristic information 56 is recorded, that is, the specific data track SDT. Furthermore, it is possible to contribute to increasing the empty capacity of the cartridge memory 24 by the amount of the first geometric characteristic information 56A deleted from the cartridge memory 24.

[0171] In this embodiment, information associating the servo band number, the servo position number, and the distance D is used as the geometric characteristic information 56. Therefore, the relationship between the position in the servo pattern 52 (i.e., the servo position) and the distance D in the width direction WD of the magnetic tape MT can be easily determined.

[0172] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the geometric characteristic information 56 acquired in the production process of the tape cassette 12 is stored in the cassette memory 24. Then, information related to the geometric characteristic of the servo pattern 52 in the production process of the tape cassette 12 is recorded in the magnetic tape MT as the geometric characteristic information 56. Therefore, the tape drive 14 can perform tracking control in consideration of the geometric characteristic of the servo pattern 52 in the production process of the tape cassette 12 by referring to the geometric characteristic information 56. As a result, the data read / write element DRW is aligned with the processing target divided data track with high accuracy.

[0173] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the magnetic processing of the magnetic tape MT is performed using the magnetic head 28 in a state where the second geometric characteristic information 56B is retained in the cartridge memory 24, the specific data track SDT is determined according to the second geometric characteristic information 56B retained in the cartridge memory 24. Then, the geometric characteristic information 56 is read from the specific data track SDT by the magnetic head 28. Therefore, the magnetic tape drive 14 can accurately align the magnetic head 28 with respect to the magnetic tape MT when performing the magnetic processing using the magnetic head 28 by using the geometric characteristic information 56. As a result, the magnetic processing using the magnetic head 28 is also accurately performed on the magnetic tape MT.

[0174] [Modifications]

[0175] In the above embodiment, the first control unit 30B determines the specific servo position SSP using the formula (1), and uses the magnetic head 28 to record the geometric characteristic information 56 on the specific data track SDT corresponding to the determined specific servo position SSP, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first control unit 30B may determine the specific servo position SSP by referring to the geometric characteristic information 56 acquired from the cassette memory 24 by the first acquisition unit 30A, and use the magnetic head 28 to record the geometric characteristic information 56 on the specific data track SDT corresponding to the determined specific servo position SSP.

[0176] More specifically, for example, first, the first control unit 30B acquires the distance D corresponding to the designated servo position number (i.e., the servo position number that can identify the specific data track SDT) from the geometric characteristic information 56. Next, the first control unit 30B compares the distance D acquired from the geometric characteristic information 56 with the result of the servo reading element SR reading the servo pattern 52, and identifies the specific data track SDT with reference to the comparison result. Then, the first control unit 30B controls the magnetic head 28 to record the geometric characteristic information 56 on the specific data track SDT.

[0177] In the above embodiment, an example in which the geometric characteristic information 56 is stored in the cartridge memory 24 is described, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and the geometric characteristic information 56 may be stored in any of the plurality of storage blocks in the cartridge memory 24.

[0178] In this case, as an example, Fig.19 As shown, the cartridge memory 24 has a first storage block 24A, a second storage block 24B, and a third storage block 24C. Here, the first storage block 24A, the second storage block 24B, and the third storage block 24C are examples of "multiple storage blocks" involved in the technology of the present invention. In addition, the third storage block 24C is an example of the "first storage area" involved in the technology of the present invention. In addition, the second storage block 24B is an example of the "second storage area" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0179] The first storage block 24A, the second storage block 24B, and the third storage block 24C are further divided into a plurality of storage blocks. For example, the first storage block 24A has a capacity of about 512 bytes, the second storage block 24B has a capacity of about 32 to 64 bytes, and the third storage block 24C has a capacity of about 1 kilobyte to 20 kilobytes.

[0180] For example, the first storage block 24A stores information other than the geometric characteristic information 56 in the management information 15 (for example, information indicating the specifications of the cartridge memory 24). No information is stored in the second storage block 24B. The geometric characteristic information 56 is stored in the third storage block 24C.

[0181] After the geometric characteristic information 56 is recorded on the specific data track SDT by the magnetic head 28 (refer to Fig.14), the first control unit 30B moves the second geometric characteristic information 56B to the second storage block 24B via the non-contact reader / writer 46. Then, the first control unit 30B deletes the first geometric characteristic information 56A from the third storage block 24C via the non-contact reader / writer 46. Thus, similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment, only the second geometric characteristic information 56B of the geometric characteristic information 56 is retained in the cassette memory 24. The first geometric characteristic information 56A is deleted from the third storage block 24C. After deleting the first geometric characteristic information 56A from the third storage block 24C, the first control unit 30B stores other information (i.e., information other than the geometric characteristic information 56) in the third storage block 24C.

[0182] In this way, by moving the second geometric characteristic information 56B from the third storage block 24C to the second storage block 56B, the disappearance of the second geometric characteristic information 56B can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the first geometric characteristic information 56A is deleted from the third storage block 24C, other information on the amount of deletion of the first geometric characteristic information 56A can be stored in the third storage block 24C.

[0183] In addition, the example of storing other information in the third storage block 24C after deleting the first geometric characteristic information 56A from the third storage block 24C is only an example, and the first geometric characteristic information 56A may be deleted from the third storage block 24C by overwriting other information in the third storage block 24C while the first geometric characteristic information 56A remains in the third storage block 24C. In this way, the step of storing information other than the geometric characteristic information 56A in the third storage block 24C and the step of deleting the first geometric characteristic information 56A from the third storage block 24C can be performed simultaneously.

[0184] In the above embodiment, the geometric characteristic information 56 acquired in the production process of the tape cassette 12 is stored in the cassette memory 24, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to measure the distance D of the servo pattern 52 in a certain process (for example, an inspection process, a shipping process, a storage process, or a maintenance process) after the production process of the tape cassette 12 is completed, and the geometric characteristic information 56 including the measured distance D is stored in the cassette memory 24. In addition, in the above embodiment, the measurement using MFM, SEM, or a laser microscope is exemplified, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a certain process after the production process of the tape cassette 12 is completed, the distance D can be calculated based on the reading result (for example, servo signal) of the servo pattern 52 by the servo reading element SR using the tape drive 14 that serves as a reference.

[0185] In the above embodiment, as the geometric characteristic information 56, the information in which the servo band number, the servo position number, and the distance D are associated with each other is exemplified, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 20 As shown, even if the geometric characteristic information 62 is used instead of the geometric characteristic information 56, the technology of the present invention is also established, and the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. The geometric characteristic information 62 is information that establishes a corresponding association between the servo band number, the servo position number and the deviation information 62A. The deviation information 62A is information indicating the deviation. The deviation refers to the value obtained by subtracting the reference interval from the distance D. As an example of the reference interval, the midpoint distance can be cited. However, the midpoint distance is just an example, and it can also be the distance in the long side direction LD between the linear magnetized area 54A1 and the linear magnetized area 54A2 at the servo position determined from a specific servo position number (for example, the servo position determined from the servo position number "0"). In addition, here, the deviation information 62A is an example of "information indicating the deviation" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0186] In the above embodiment, although the method of distinguishing the first state in which all the geometric characteristic information 56 is stored in the cassette memory 24 and the second state in which the first geometric characteristic information 56A is deleted from the cassette memory 24 and the second geometric characteristic information 56B is retained in the cassette memory 24 is not mentioned, for example, Fig.21 As shown, the first state and the second state may be distinguished based on the first information 64 and the second information 66 .

[0187] The first information 64 is information that can identify the first state. The second information 66 is information that can identify the second state. Here, the first information 64 is an example of "first information" involved in the technology of the present invention, and the second information 66 is an example of "second information" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0188] The processing device 30 selectively stores the first information 64 and the second information 66 in the cartridge memory 24. That is, when the cartridge memory 24 is in the first state, the processing device 30 stores the first information 64 of the first information 64 and the second information 66 in the cartridge memory 24, and when the cartridge memory 24 is in the second state, the processing device 30 stores the second information 66 of the first information 64 and the second information 66 in the cartridge memory 24. As an example of the first information 64 and the second information 66, a flag represented by "0" or "1" can be cited.

[0189] In this way, by selectively storing the first information 64 and the second information 66 in the cartridge memory 24, it is possible to easily determine whether the cartridge memory 24 is in the first state or the second state. Furthermore, by selectively storing the first information 64 and the second information 66 in the cartridge memory 24, it is also possible to easily determine whether the geometric characteristic information 56 is recorded on the magnetic tape MT.

[0190] In the above embodiment, the magnetic tape system 10 in which the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is freely insertable and removable relative to the magnetic tape drive 14 is exemplified, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, even in a magnetic tape system in which at least one magnetic tape cartridge 12 is pre-loaded in the magnetic tape drive 14 (i.e., a magnetic tape system in which at least one magnetic tape cartridge 12 is pre-integrated with the magnetic tape drive 14 or the magnetic tape MT (for example, before recording data in the data tape DB)), the technology of the present invention is also applicable.

[0191] In the above embodiment, a single magnetic head 28 is illustrated, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of magnetic heads 28 may be arranged on the magnetic tape MT. For example, a read magnetic head 28 and at least one write magnetic head 28 may be arranged on the magnetic tape MT. The read magnetic head 28 may be used to verify the data recorded in the data band DB by the write magnetic head 28. In addition, a magnetic head equipped with a read magnetic element unit 42 and at least one write magnetic element unit 42 may be arranged on the magnetic tape MT.

[0192] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the processing device 30 is implemented by ASIC (refer to Figure 3 ) is described in detail, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processing device 30 may be implemented by a processor other than an ASIC, such as a CPU, or may be implemented by multiple processors. For example, when the processing device 30 is implemented by a CPU, it is sufficient to store an information management processing program and / or a recording and playback execution processing program in advance in the storage device 32, and to execute the information management processing program by the CPU to operate as the first acquisition unit 30A and the first control unit 30B, and to execute the recording and playback execution processing program by the CPU to operate as the second acquisition unit 30C and the second control unit 30D.

[0193] The information management processing program and / or the recording and playback execution processing program may be stored in a non-temporary storage medium that is readable by a computer, i.e., a portable storage medium (e.g., an SSD or a USB memory, etc.). The information management processing program and / or the recording and playback execution processing program may be stored in a storage device such as a server via a communication network (not shown). In this case, for example, the information management processing program and / or the recording and playback execution processing program is downloaded in response to a request from the processing device 30 and installed in the processing device 30.

[0194] As hardware resources for executing information management processing and / or recording and playback execution processing, various processors shown below can be used. As a processor, for example, a general-purpose processor, i.e., a CPU, which functions as a hardware resource for executing processing by executing software, i.e., a program can be cited. Also, as a processor, for example, a processor, i.e., a dedicated circuit, such as an FPGA, a PLD, or the illustrated ASIC, which has a circuit structure specially designed for executing specific processing can be cited. Regardless of the type of processor, a memory is built in or connected, and regardless of the type of processor, information management processing and / or recording and playback execution processing is executed by using the memory.

[0195] The hardware resource for executing information management processing and / or recording and playback execution processing may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, the hardware resource for executing information management processing and / or recording and playback execution processing may also be one processor.

[0196] As an example of a system composed of one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the processor performs the function of a hardware resource that performs information management processing and / or recording and playback processing. Secondly, there is a form represented by SoC, etc., in which a processor that realizes the function of the entire system including multiple hardware resources that perform information management processing and / or recording and playback processing is used by one IC chip. In this way, information management processing and / or recording and playback processing are realized by using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[0197] Furthermore, more specifically, as the hardware configuration of these various processors, a circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used.

[0198] Furthermore, the information management process and the record and play execution process are merely examples. Therefore, it is self-evident that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing sequence may be changed without departing from the scope of the main purpose.

[0199] The recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above are detailed descriptions of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, which are only an example of the technology of the present invention. For example, the description related to the above-mentioned structure, function, action and effect is a description related to an example of the structure, function, action and effect of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention. Therefore, it is self-evident that unnecessary parts can be deleted, new elements can be added, or replacements can be made to the recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above without departing from the main purpose of the technology of the present invention. In addition, in order to avoid complexity and facilitate understanding of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, the descriptions related to the technical common sense that does not need to be specifically explained in terms of the technology that can implement the present invention are omitted in the recorded contents and illustrated contents shown above.

[0200] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" means that it can be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, when three or more items are expressed by connecting with "and / or", the same thinking as "A and / or B" is also applicable.

[0201] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A magnetic tape drive for a magnetic tape cassette, the magnetic tape cassette comprising a magnetic tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape, the storage medium being capable of storing and retrieving information in a non-contact manner, the magnetic tape drive comprising: processor; and The magnetic head, controlled by the processor, The storage medium stores geometric characteristic information, which is information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern. The processor performs the following control: The geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium is recorded in the magnetic tape by the magnetic head at a position determined according to the result of reading the servo pattern by the magnetic head, by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium and retaining the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium, The second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of identifying a recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape, among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. The first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

2. A magnetic tape drive for a magnetic tape cassette, the magnetic tape cassette comprising a magnetic tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape, the storage medium being capable of storing and retrieving information in a non-contact manner, the magnetic tape drive comprising: processor; and The magnetic head, controlled by the processor, The storage medium stores information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, namely, geometric characteristic information. The geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium is recorded in the magnetic tape, the processor retaining the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium, The second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of identifying a recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape, among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. The first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

3. The tape drive according to claim 1, wherein: The geometric characteristic information is information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern acquired in a production process of the magnetic tape cassette.

4. The tape drive according to claim 1, wherein: In a state where the first geometric characteristic information is deleted from the storage medium and the second geometric characteristic information is retained in the storage medium, when the processor performs a recording process using the magnetic head and / or a playback process using the magnetic head on the magnetic tape, The processor performs the following processing: determining the recording position according to the second geometric characteristic information retained in the storage medium; performing control to read the geometric characteristic information from the determined recording position through the magnetic head; and The recording process and / or the playback process is performed based on the geometric characteristic information and the servo pattern read from the recording position by the magnetic head.

5. The tape drive according to claim 1, wherein: The storage medium has a plurality of storage areas including a first storage area and a second storage area. The geometric characteristic information is stored in the first storage area. The processor transfers the second geometric characteristic information from the first storage area to the second storage area.

6. The tape drive according to claim 5, wherein: The processor deletes the first geometric characteristic information from the first storage area.

7. The tape drive according to claim 6, wherein: The processor deletes the first geometric characteristic information from the first storage area by overwriting the first storage area.

8. The tape drive according to claim 1, wherein: The geometric characteristic information is information representing the linearity of the servo pattern.

9. The tape drive according to claim 1, wherein: The geometric characteristic information includes information establishing a corresponding association between first specific information and second specific information, wherein the first specific information can determine the position within the servo pattern in the width direction of the tape, and the second specific information can determine the geometric characteristic at the position determined by the first specific information.

10. The magnetic tape drive of claim 9, wherein: The servo pattern is at least one linear magnetized region pair, The pair of linear magnetized regions is a first linear magnetized region magnetized in a linear shape and a second linear magnetized region magnetized in a linear shape. The first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region are inclined in opposite directions with respect to an imaginary straight line along the width direction of the magnetic tape. The second specific information is information indicating the distance between the first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region at a position identified by the first specific information.

11. The magnetic tape drive according to claim 9, wherein: The servo pattern is at least one linear magnetized region pair, The pair of linear magnetized regions is a first linear magnetized region magnetized in a linear shape and a second linear magnetized region magnetized in a linear shape. The first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region are inclined in opposite directions with respect to an imaginary straight line along the width direction of the magnetic tape. The second specific information is information indicating an amount of deviation from a reference interval between the first linear magnetized region and the second linear magnetized region at a position determined based on the first specific information.

12. The tape drive of claim 1, wherein: The storage medium selectively stores: first information capable of identifying all situations in which the geometric characteristic information is stored; and the second information, which can determine that the first geometric characteristic information is deleted and the second geometric characteristic information is retained in the geometric characteristic information.

13. A magnetic tape cassette comprising a magnetic tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape, wherein the storage medium is capable of storing and retrieving information in a non-contact manner, wherein: The storage medium stores information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, namely, geometric characteristic information. The geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium is recorded in the magnetic tape by the magnetic head at a position determined according to the result of reading the servo pattern by the magnetic head, by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium and retaining the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium, The second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of identifying a recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape, among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. The first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

14. A magnetic tape cassette comprising a magnetic tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape, wherein the storage medium can store and retrieve information in a non-contact manner, wherein: The storage medium stores information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, namely, geometric characteristic information. The geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium is recorded in the magnetic tape, by deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium and retaining the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium, The second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of identifying a recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape, among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. The first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

15. An information management method for a tape cassette having a magnetic tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape capable of storing and retrieving information in a non-contact manner, wherein: The storage medium stores information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, namely, geometric characteristic information. The information management method comprises: The following control steps are performed: recording the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium in the magnetic tape through the magnetic head at a position determined according to the result of reading the servo pattern by the magnetic head; and a step of deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium and retaining the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium, The second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of identifying a recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape, among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. The first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

16. An information management method for a tape cassette having a magnetic tape having a servo pattern recorded thereon and a storage medium other than the magnetic tape capable of storing and retrieving information in a non-contact manner, wherein: The storage medium stores information related to the geometric characteristics of the servo pattern, namely, geometric characteristic information. The magnetic tape records the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. The information management method includes the steps of deleting the first geometric characteristic information from the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium and retaining the second geometric characteristic information in the storage medium. The second geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information capable of identifying a recording position where the geometric characteristic information is recorded in the magnetic tape, among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium. The first geometric characteristic information is geometric characteristic information other than the second geometric characteristic information among the geometric characteristic information stored in the storage medium.

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