Method of winding magnetic tape and magnetic tape apparatus

Abstract

Provided are a magnetic tape winding method and a magnetic tape device, and the technical field relates to storage technology. The method is applied to a magnetic tape device, and the magnetic tape device comprises a magnetic tape, a first winding drum and a second winding drum, and the first winding drum and the second winding drum are used for winding the magnetic tape. The method comprises the following steps: determining a creep state of the magnetic tape, the creep state comprising a first creep variable of the magnetic tape on the first winding drum side and a second creep variable of the magnetic tape on the second winding drum side; determining a standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state, the standby winding state being one of at least one winding state of the magnetic tape, and the same part of the magnetic tape being subjected to different stresses in different winding states; and driving the magnetic tape to be wound, so that the magnetic tape is in the standby winding state after being wound. In this way, the occurrence or severity of the magnetic tape winding creep can be inhibited, the stress borne by the whole magnetic tape is balanced, the track tracking error caused by the winding creep is inhibited, the recording density and the track tracking accuracy of the magnetic tape are improved, and thus the data read-write capability of the magnetic tape is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of storage technology, and in particular to a magnetic tape winding method and magnetic tape drive equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Tape creep refers to the phenomenon where the winding structure of a magnetic tape deforms or loosens during use due to external forces or temperature changes. Specifically, magnetic tape is a strip of material coated with a magnetic material onto a flexible substrate, typically wound into a roll. Creep occurs when the winding shape of the tape changes. It usually manifests as loosening of the winding structure due to material aging or changes in external conditions (such as temperature and humidity) during long-term storage or use, resulting in a looser winding. Alternatively, it can be caused by external forces (such as uneven pressure or temperature changes) during prolonged storage, leading to deformation of the winding shape.

[0003] Crawl can cause a mismatch between the strain of the magnetic tape and the strain of the magnetic head, resulting in the magnetic head array no longer corresponding one-to-one with the tracks in the magnetic tape. This causes the magnetic head to deviate from the target track, resulting in read / write abnormalities and affecting the data read / write capability of the magnetic tape. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a magnetic tape winding method and a magnetic tape drive device, which solves the problem of decreased magnetic tape data read / write capability caused by winding creep.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a magnetic tape winding method applied to a magnetic tape drive. The magnetic tape drive includes a magnetic tape, a first reel, and a second reel, the first and second reels being used for winding the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape winding method includes: determining the creep state of the magnetic tape, the creep state including a first creep variation of the magnetic tape on the first reel side and a second creep variation of the magnetic tape on the second reel side; determining a standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state, the standby winding state being one of at least one winding state of the magnetic tape, wherein the stress on the same part of the magnetic tape is different in different winding states; driving the magnetic tape to wind, the magnetic tape being in a standby winding state after winding.

[0006] Based on the aforementioned magnetic tape winding method, the magnetic tape is driven according to its creep state, placing it in a standby winding state corresponding to the creep state. In this standby winding state, the stress on the tape can alleviate or offset the tape winding creep, as well as the mismatch between the tape strain and the head strain caused by this creep state. This suppresses the occurrence or severity of tape winding creep, balances the stress on the entire tape roll, suppresses track tracking errors caused by winding creep, improves the tape's recording density and track tracking accuracy, and thus enhances the tape's data read / write capabilities.

[0007] In conjunction with the method provided in the first aspect, as a possible implementation, in the process of this magnetic tape winding method, determining the standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state includes: determining the creep state as a first creep state; the total creep value in the first creep state is less than a first preset threshold, and the total creep value is the average of the first creep value and the second creep value; determining the first winding state corresponding to the first creep state; and the absolute value of the difference between the length of the magnetic tape on the first reel side and the length of the magnetic tape on the second reel side in the first winding state is less than a second preset threshold.

[0008] Based on the above implementation, when the stress applied to the corresponding portions of the tape in the creep state of the first and second reel sides is relatively small, the standby winding state is determined to be a first winding state in which the lengths of the first and second reel sides are approximately equal. This avoids a large stress difference between the first and second reel sides, balances the stress on the entire tape reel, and thus suppresses tape winding creep.

[0009] In conjunction with the method provided in the first aspect, as a possible implementation, in the process of this magnetic tape winding method, determining the standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state includes: determining the creep state as a second creep state; the total creep value in the second creep state is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, and the total creep value is the average of the first creep value and the second creep value; determining the second winding state corresponding to the second creep state; and the absolute value of the difference between the length of the magnetic tape on the first reel side and the length of the magnetic tape on the second reel side in the second winding state is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold.

[0010] Based on the above implementation, when the magnetic tape is under significant stress as a whole, the creep state of the first and second reel sides typically results in a large stress difference applied to their respective portions. Therefore, the standby winding state is determined to be the second winding state where the length difference between the first and second reel sides is significant. In this way, by applying stress to the magnetic tape in the second winding state, the creep caused by the previous stress difference is offset or alleviated, balancing the stress on the entire reel and thus suppressing magnetic tape creep.

[0011] In combination with the above implementation, optionally, in the second creep state, the first creep variable is greater than the second creep variable, and in the second winding state, the tape length of the second reel-side tape is greater than the tape length of the first reel-side tape. Thus, when the creep variable of one side of the tape (first reel-side or second reel-side) is larger, most or all of the tape is wound to the other side to offset or alleviate the tape winding creep caused by the previous stress difference, balancing the stress on the entire tape reel, thereby suppressing tape winding creep.

[0012] In conjunction with the method provided in the first aspect, as a possible implementation, in the process of this magnetic tape winding method, determining the creep state of the magnetic tape includes: acquiring servo parameters; the servo parameters include the track pitch; and determining the creep state of the magnetic tape based on the track pitch.

[0013] Track spacing refers to the distance between two adjacent tracks on a disk, magnetic tape, or other magnetic storage medium.

[0014] In conjunction with the method provided in the first aspect, as one possible implementation, the magnetic tape is provided with at least one buffer region, and the at least one buffer region corresponds one-to-one with at least one winding state. In the process of this magnetic tape winding method, driving the magnetic tape to wind includes: driving the magnetic tape to wind, so that the magnetic head is located in the first buffer region corresponding to the winding state in the at least one buffer region.

[0015] Based on the above implementation, the magnetic head tracks the buffer area to drive the magnetic tape to the buffer area corresponding to the winding state, thereby quickly and accurately adjusting the winding state of the magnetic tape. Furthermore, different buffer areas correspond to different winding states, and the differences in winding states also lead to changes in the stress on the magnetic tape. This allows for stress relief or cancellation under different winding states, improving the applicability of the magnetic tape winding method.

[0016] In conjunction with the method provided in the first aspect, as a possible implementation, the tape winding method further includes, before driving the tape to wind, determining that no read / write instruction has been received within a first time period; the read / write instruction is used to instruct data reading and writing in the target recording area of ​​the tape.

[0017] The first duration can be preset by the machine or set manually, and the specific value can be flexibly adjusted.

[0018] Based on the above implementation method, the magnetic tape is restored to standby state when it has been reading and writing data for a long time, so that the magnetic tape is in standby winding state, avoiding the impact of the magnetic tape winding method on the normal data reading and writing of the magnetic tape, and reducing the data reading and writing delay of the magnetic tape.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a magnetic tape winding method applied to a magnetic tape drive. The magnetic tape drive includes a magnetic tape, a first reel, and a second reel, which are used for winding the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape winding method includes: determining that the duration of the magnetic tape in a first winding state is greater than or equal to a preset duration, wherein the first winding state is one of a variety of winding states of the magnetic tape included in the standby winding state, and the stress on the same part of the magnetic tape is different in different winding states; driving the magnetic tape to wind up, wherein the magnetic tape is in a second winding state after winding up, wherein the second winding state is one of a variety of winding states different from the first winding state.

[0020] Based on the above implementation method, the standby time of the magnetic tape when it is not reading or writing data is used as the benchmark. The standby winding state of the magnetic tape is switched between different winding states. Through timed adjustments, the stress of each part of the magnetic tape is balanced, the track tracking error caused by winding creep is suppressed, the recording density and track tracking accuracy of the magnetic tape are improved, and thus the data reading and writing capability of the magnetic tape is improved.

[0021] Thirdly, this application provides a magnetic tape drive device. The magnetic tape drive device includes: a magnetic head, a magnetic tape, a computing device, a first spool, and a second spool. The first spool and the second spool are used to wind the magnetic tape. A magnetic tape driver is used to drive the magnetic tape. The computing device is used to execute the method provided by any optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0022] As one possible implementation, the aforementioned magnetic tape drive device may also include other devices and / or modules that perform the operational steps of the magnetic tape winding method described in the first or second aspect.

[0023] As one possible implementation, the beneficial effects of the magnetic tape winding method provided in the second aspect and the magnetic tape drive equipment provided in the third aspect can be referred to the description in the magnetic tape winding method provided in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0024] Fourthly, this application provides a computing device including a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor and the communication interface are configured to collaboratively execute the method provided by any of the optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0025] Fifthly, this application provides a readable storage medium. This readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computing device, cause the computing device to perform the method provided by any of the optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0026] Sixthly, this application provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions, which, when executed on a computing device, allow the computing device to perform the method provided by any of the optional implementations of the first or second aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a data access system provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic tape drive device;

[0029] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a magnetic tape winding method provided in this application. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a buffer area provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a winding process in a first winding state provided in this application;

[0032] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a winding process in a second winding state provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a winding process in a second winding state provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a winding state switching step provided in this application;

[0035] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a magnetic tape winding method provided in this application. Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 10 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic tape winding device;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computing device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] This application provides a magnetic tape winding method and a magnetic tape drive device. The magnetic tape winding method is applied to a magnetic tape drive device. The magnetic tape drive device includes a magnetic tape, a first reel, and a second reel, which are used for winding the magnetic tape. The magnetic tape winding method includes: determining the creep state of the magnetic tape, and then determining a corresponding standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state, thereby driving the magnetic tape to wind up, so that the magnetic tape is in a standby winding state after winding. The creep state includes a first creep variation of the magnetic tape on the first reel side and a second creep variation of the magnetic tape on the second reel side. The standby winding state is one of at least one winding state of the magnetic tape, and the stress on the same part of the magnetic tape is different in different winding states.

[0039] Based on the aforementioned magnetic tape winding method, the magnetic tape is driven according to its creep state, placing it in a standby winding state corresponding to the creep state. In this standby winding state, the stress on the tape can alleviate or offset the tape winding creep, as well as the mismatch between the tape strain and the head strain caused by this creep state. This suppresses the occurrence or severity of tape winding creep, balances the stress on the entire tape roll, suppresses track tracking errors caused by winding creep, improves the tape's recording density and track tracking accuracy, and thus enhances the tape's data read / write capabilities.

[0040] The technical solutions involved in this application may be applied not only to current magnetic tape technology or storage devices, but also to future magnetic tape technology or storage devices, or to storage systems including magnetic tape media storage or storage devices. The terminology used in the embodiments section of this application is only for explaining specific embodiments of this application and is not intended to limit this application. A brief introduction to some concepts that may be involved in this application is given below.

[0041] Storage medium: A storage material used to record sound, images, digital signals, or other signals. This storage material may include, but is not limited to, magnetic tape, such as a tape-shaped material with a magnetic layer used to record sound, images, digital signals, or other signals. Magnetic tape contains a magnetic medium, such as magnetic powder, for storing data. For example, changes in the magnetic field in this magnetic medium are typically achieved by coating a plastic film substrate (support or backing) with a layer of granular magnetic material or by evaporating and depositing a layer of magnetic oxide or alloy film. The substrate of magnetic tape may include, but is not limited to, paper, celluloid, or polyester film.

[0042] Magnetic head: A component that reads and writes data on magnetic tape using magnetic principles. It is divided into write heads and read heads. Write heads record data by magnetizing the magnetic medium (such as magnetic powder), while read heads read data from the magnetic medium by sensing its magnetic field.

[0043] Stress refers to the internal forces that arise between different parts of an object when it deforms due to external factors (such as force, humidity, temperature field changes, etc.). The internal force per unit area is called stress. This internal force is designed to resist the action of external factors and attempt to restore the object from its deformed position to its original position.

[0044] Magnetic track: In magnetic tape (such as the magnetic tape used for computer data storage), a track refers to a continuous strip of tape on the tape used to store data. Data is sequentially read and written to the magnetic tape using a magnetic head.

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0047] Furthermore, in this application, directional terms such as "left" and "right" are defined relative to the indicated placement of the components in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the placement of the components in the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Due to various reasons, such as environmental factors like humidity and temperature, and long-term winding and compression, magnetic tapes may stretch and / or compress in length and width over time. This leads to a mismatch between the tape strain and the head strain, causing the head array to no longer correspond one-to-one with the track, resulting in the head deviating from the target track and causing read / write abnormalities.

[0049] To address the aforementioned issues, a servo system analyzes the tension of different parts of the magnetic tape and compensates for existing and uneven winding creep through servo control, tension control, and head tilt adjustment. However, this method cannot suppress the occurrence of winding creep itself; winding creep still leads to losses in the tape's signal-to-noise ratio and other aspects. Furthermore, the range of creep that can be compensated for is relatively limited, and the tape is still affected by winding creep, impacting its data read / write capabilities.

[0050] To address the aforementioned issues, the application scenarios of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a data access system provided in this application. The data access system includes: a data access device 100 and a storage device 120. Figure 1 In the application scenario shown, users access data through applications. The computer running these applications can be referred to as a "computing device".

[0052] Data access device 100 can be a physical machine, a virtual machine, or a container. The physical machine can include, but is not limited to, one or both a client and a smart NIC. For example, data access device 100 includes a client, such as a host, desktop computer, server, laptop, or mobile device. Another example is that data access device 100 includes a smart NIC. This smart NIC, also known as a smart network adapter, in addition to performing the network transmission functions of a standard NIC, provides a built-in programmable and configurable hardware acceleration engine to improve application performance and significantly reduce the CPU consumption of the central processing unit (CPU) in the host connected to the smart NIC during communication, thus providing more CPU resources for the application.

[0053] In one possible example, data access device 100 accesses storage device 120 via a network to access data; for example, the network may include switch 110.

[0054] In another possible example, data access device 100 may also communicate with storage device 120 via a wired connection, such as a universal serial bus (USB) or a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) bus.

[0055] Figure 1 The storage device 120 shown can be a centralized storage system. A key feature of a centralized storage system is a unified entry point through which all data from external devices passes; this entry point is the engine 121 of the centralized storage system. The engine 121 has management functions, and many advanced functions of the storage system are implemented within it.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, engine 121 may have one or more controllers. Figure 1 The following example illustrates the concept of engine 121 containing one controller. In one possible example, if engine 121 has multiple controllers, any two controllers can have a mirror channel, enabling any two controllers to serve as backups for each other, thereby preventing hardware failures from causing the entire storage device 120 to become unavailable. It should be understood that if engine 121 includes multiple controllers, then engine 121 can also be referred to as the array controller of storage device 120.

[0057] Engine 121 also includes a front-end interface 1211 and a back-end interface 1214. The front-end interface 1211 is used to communicate with the data access device 100 to provide data access services to the data access device 100. The back-end interface 1214 is used to communicate with the hard disk to expand the capacity of the storage device 120.

[0058] In terms of hardware, such as Figure 1 As shown, the controller includes at least a processor 1212 and memory 1213. The processor 1212 is a central processing unit, such as a CPU, used to process data access requests from outside the storage device 120 (servers or other storage systems), and also to process requests generated internally within the storage device 120. For example, when the processor 1212 receives write data requests from the data access system 100 through the front-end interface 1211, it temporarily stores the data in these write data requests in memory 1213. When the total amount of data in memory 1213 reaches a certain threshold, the processor 1212 sends the data stored in memory 1213 to at least one of the following hard drives for persistent storage: a mechanical hard drive 1221, a solid-state drive (SSD) 1222, a tape drive 200, or another hard drive 1224, through a back-end port.

[0059] It should be noted that, Figure 1 Only one engine 121 is shown in the figure. However, in actual applications, the storage system may contain two or more engines 121, and redundancy or load balancing may be performed between multiple engines 121.

[0060] The hard drive enclosure 122 includes a control unit 1225 and several hard drives. The control unit 1225 can have various forms. In one case, the hard drive enclosure 122 is a smart enclosure, such as... Figure 1As shown, the control unit 1225 includes a CPU and memory. The CPU is used to perform operations such as address translation and reading / writing data. The memory is used to temporarily store data to be written to the hard disk or to read data from the hard disk to be sent to the controller. Alternatively, the control unit 1225 can be a programmable electronic component, such as a data processing unit (DPU). A DPU has the versatility and programmability of a CPU, but is more specialized, capable of efficiently operating on network packets, storage requests, or analysis requests. Optionally, the DPU can be replaced by a graphics processing unit (GPU), an embedded neural network processing unit (NPU), or other processing chips. Typically, there can be one, two, or more control units 1225. The functions of the control unit 1225 can be offloaded to the network interface card 1226.

[0061] In this embodiment, the tape drive device 200 refers to a memory that includes a magnetic tape medium. In hardware implementation, this magnetic tape medium memory may include, but is not limited to, a magnetic head, a magnetic tape, a reel, and a tape drive. The tape drive is used to drive the magnetic tape for winding, and the magnetic head accesses the tape during winding, such as writing data to or reading data from the tape; the reel is used to wind the magnetic tape. Specific implementation details of the magnetic tape medium memory can be found below. Figures 3 to 9 The embodiments shown are not described in detail here.

[0062] In terms of hardware implementation, the hard disk enclosure 122 can be installed in the storage system, or the hard disk enclosure 122 can be encapsulated and set up independently. When the hard disk enclosure 122 exists independently, it can also be called a storage device or a storage system. This application does not limit this.

[0063] It is worth noting that the above examples are merely possible implementations of the data access system provided in this embodiment and should not be construed as limiting this application. For example, Figure 1 In the storage device 120 shown, data is stored in the form of files on each hard disk.

[0064] Regarding the aforementioned tape drive device 200, this application provides an optional example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a magnetic tape drive device provided in this application. The magnetic tape drive device 200 can be used to implement the functions of the aforementioned magnetic tape drive device 200. In this document, the magnetic tape drive device may also be referred to as a magnetic tape media storage device, magnetic tape drive, integrated magnetic tape machine, integrated magnetic tape disk, or magneto-electric disk, etc., and this application does not limit it to these terms.

[0065] The following is combined Figure 2 The tape drive device 200 is described by way of example and includes: tape 210, tape drive 220, magnetic head 230, controller 240, reel 201, roller 202, base 203 and reel 204.

[0066] The reel 201 and reel 204 are rotatably connected to the base 203, and the magnetic tape 210 is wound (wound) on the reel 201 and reel 204.

[0067] The magnetic tape drive device 200 includes a reel 201 and a reel 204. The first end of the magnetic tape 210 is wound on a reel 201, and the last end of the magnetic tape 210 is wound on another reel 204.

[0068] Combination Figure 2 As shown in the provided embodiments, the tape drive 220 is used to drive the tape 210 to rewind along the length of the tape 210. The magnetic head in the tape drive device 200 accesses the tape 210 during the rewinding process.

[0069] Please continue reading. Figure 2 As an optional implementation, the tape drive 220 includes a tape reel motor and a voice coil motor (VCM) motor. Optionally, the tape drive 220 may also include a stepper motor, a linear motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder, etc., which are not limited in this application.

[0070] As an optional implementation, the magnetic head 230 may include one or both of a write head and a read head. The write head records data by magnetizing and changing the magnetic field of the magnetic medium (such as magnetic powder), while the read head reads data from the magnetic medium by sensing its magnetic field.

[0071] In some alternative configurations, the magnetic head 230 may also include a servo head, which may be divided into a write servo head and a read servo head. Taking the read servo head as an example, the read servo head can determine the position information of the tape 210 based on the address in the IO request, and the tape driver 220 can rewind the tape 210 from its current position to the tape area indicated by the position information, thereby allowing the read data head to read the data stored in the tape area indicated by the position information.

[0072] The number of read / write heads 230 can be one or more (e.g., a head array). Each head corresponds to one track, and each head reads and writes data on its corresponding track.

[0073] Please continue to refer to the following. Figure 2The aforementioned IO request may be generated by the controller 240 from a data access request obtained from outside the tape drive device 200. The controller 240 is electrically connected to the magnetic head 230 and the tape drive 220, respectively.

[0074] For example, the controller 240 can be a chip, such as a logic chip or a memory chip, used to process data access requests (also called I / O requests) from outside the tape drive device 200 (such as a host, server, or other storage system), and also to process requests generated internally by the tape drive device 200. For example, when the chip receives a write data access request, it temporarily stores the data in these write I / O requests internally. When the total amount of data internal to the chip reaches a certain threshold, the chip writes the stored data to the tape 210 for persistent storage.

[0075] For example, controller 240 is used to obtain control instructions based on a data access request. The control instructions are used to instruct the magnetic head 230 to slide relative to the base 203, such as an I / O request, thereby instructing the magnetic head 230 to perform read / write operations on the data stored in the area of ​​the tape 210 corresponding to the address in the data access request. The type of read / write operation can be either a read operation or a write operation, wherein a write operation can include any operation involving the writing principle, such as writing, updating, or overwriting data. This control instruction can also be called an access instruction, read-write instruction, read instruction, or write instruction, etc., and this embodiment does not limit the specific terminology used.

[0076] For example, the controller 240 is used to determine the creep state of the magnetic tape 210 during the winding process, determine the standby winding state of the magnetic tape 210 based on the creep state, and drive the magnetic tape 210 to wind up, so that the magnetic tape 210 is in the standby winding state after winding. The creep state includes the first creep of the magnetic tape on the first reel (e.g., reel 201) side and the second creep of the magnetic tape on the second reel (e.g., reel 204) side. The standby winding state is one of at least one winding state of the magnetic tape 210. The stress on the same part of the magnetic tape 210 is different in different winding states.

[0077] This application does not limit the specific orientation of the first roll and the second roll. For example, in other possible embodiments, the first roll may also be roll 201, and correspondingly, the second roll may be roll 204.

[0078] The controller 240, as a computing device, can be a chip or device that integrates multiple computing capabilities, or it can be composed of multiple chips or devices that have one computing capability.

[0079] For example, controller 240 is a chip or device that integrates multiple computing capabilities. Alternatively, controller 240 may be composed of multiple chips or devices, each possessing a single computing capability.

[0080] In the above embodiments of this application, the structure of the tape drive device 200 is merely illustrative and does not limit the implementation of the tape drive device 200. For example, the controller 240 can be located inside the tape drive device 200 or in an external chip electrically connected to the tape drive device 200. Furthermore, the controller 240 can perform data processing using a separate chip or a microcontroller, etc.

[0081] The following example illustrates the magnetic tape winding method provided in this application embodiment, using controller 240 as an example.

[0082] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a magnetic tape winding method provided in this application. Figure 1 This magnetic tape winding method can be applied to the above. Figure 2 The tape drive device 200 shown can also be applied to tape winding methods including... Figure 2 The illustrated tape drive device 200 includes a database or storage system, etc.

[0083] S301, Controller 240 determines the creep state of the magnetic tape.

[0084] The creep state includes the first creep variation of the magnetic tape on the side of reel 201 and the second creep variation of the magnetic tape on the side of reel 204.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first creep variable is defined as the magnetic tape on the reel 201 side, and the second creep variable is defined as the magnetic tape on the reel 204 side. For example, in other possible embodiments, the first creep variable may refer to the creep variable of the magnetic tape on the reel 204 side, and the second creep variable may refer to the creep variable of the magnetic tape on the reel 201 side.

[0086] The creep state of magnetic tape 210 may include the following first creep state and second creep state.

[0087] First creep state: Total creep variable is less than a first preset threshold. The total creep variable is the average of the first creep variable and the second creep variable.

[0088] Second creep state: Total creep is greater than the first preset threshold.

[0089] The second creep state can be further divided into two sub-states. Sub-state one: the total creep variable is greater than the first preset threshold, and the first creep variable is equal to the second creep variable. Sub-state two: the total creep variable is greater than the first preset threshold, and the first creep variable is greater than the second creep variable.

[0090] The aforementioned first preset threshold can be flexibly adjusted according to specific needs. For example, the first preset threshold can be 51 parts per million (PPM), 100 PPM, 125 PPM, 200 PPM, 355 PPM, 1222 PPM, etc.

[0091] As one possible implementation, the controller 240 determines the creep state of the magnetic tape 210 by reading servo parameters from the servo signal. The servo signal includes servo parameters, which may include track pitch. Track pitch refers to the physical distance between adjacent tracks on a disk or magnetic tape; the greater the change in current track pitch from the initial track pitch, the more severe the tape creep.

[0092] Alternatively, the track spacing can be a parameter that indirectly indicates the track spacing.

[0093] For example, the controller 240 receives a servo signal from a servo channel, the servo signal including servo parameters. These servo parameters may be head position information transmitted by a position sensor received by the controller 240 through the servo channel, i.e., parameters indirectly indicating track spacing. The controller 240 calculates the head offset relative to the target track based on the head position information, thereby determining the track spacing that directly represents the track spacing value.

[0094] The servo channel is a channel in magnetic tape storage devices used to control tape movement, head positioning, and achieve high-precision data storage. Unlike the data channel, the servo channel primarily controls and adjusts the head position to ensure the tape drive can accurately read and write data.

[0095] Alternatively, the track spacing can be a parameter that directly indicates the track spacing.

[0096] For example, the controller 240 receives a servo signal from a servo channel, and the servo signal includes sensor parameters. These sensor parameters may be track spacing parameters transmitted by a tension sensor, laser sensor, etc., which are received by the controller 240 through the servo channel; that is, parameters that directly indicate the track spacing.

[0097] S302, Controller 240 determines the standby winding state of tape 210 based on the creep state.

[0098] After determining the creep state of the magnetic tape 210, the controller 240 determines the standby winding state corresponding to the creep state.

[0099] The magnetic tape 210 includes at least one winding state, and the stress on the same part of the magnetic tape 210 is different under different winding states. Therefore, the controller 240 can change the stress on different parts of the magnetic tape 210 by changing the winding state of the magnetic tape 210, so as to avoid a certain part of the magnetic tape 210 being under the same stress state for a long time, which would cause that part of the magnetic tape 210 to undergo winding creep.

[0100] As one possible implementation, the creep state determined by the controller 240 may include a first creep variable on the tape side of reel 201 and a second creep variable on the tape side of reel 204, and / or a total creep variable obtained by averaging the first creep variable and the second creep variable.

[0101] The following explains the correspondence between the creep state and the standby winding state.

[0102] In a first possible embodiment, the controller 240 determines that the total creep is less than a first preset threshold (e.g., 200 PPM), meaning the creep state of the magnetic tape 210 is the first creep state, and then determines the standby winding state as the first winding state corresponding to the first creep state. In the first winding state, the absolute value of the difference between the tape length on the reel 201 side and the tape length on the reel 204 side is less than a second preset threshold, meaning the tape lengths of the portions wound on the reel 201 side and the reel 204 side are approximately equal. The second preset threshold can be flexibly adjusted according to requirements, for example, 0.5%, 1%, 3.8%, 15% of the overall length of the magnetic tape 210, etc.

[0103] In a second possible embodiment, the controller 240 determines that the total creep is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, i.e., the creep state of the magnetic tape 210 is a second creep state, and then determines the standby winding state as the second winding state corresponding to the second creep state. In the second winding state, the absolute value of the difference between the tape length on the side of the reel 201 and the tape length on the side of the reel 204 is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold, i.e., the difference in tape length between the tape portion wound on the side of the reel 201 and the tape portion wound on the side of the reel 204 is relatively large.

[0104] Optionally, if the first creep variable is greater than the second creep variable in the second creep state, it indicates that the stress on the first reel-side tape is greater than the stress on the second reel-side tape. In the second winding state, the tape length of the second reel-side tape is greater than the tape length of the first reel-side tape, so that the stress on the second reel-side tape in the standby winding state is greater than the stress on the first reel-side tape, thereby offsetting or mitigating the winding creep that has occurred on the first reel-side tape.

[0105] The first and second reel sides described above can be combined in different ways in possible embodiments. For example, the first reel may be reel 201 and the second reel may be reel 204, or the first reel may be reel 204 and the second reel may be reel 201. Thus, the second possible embodiment described above includes the case where reel 201 winds most or all of the magnetic tape 210, and reel 204 winds most or all of the magnetic tape 210, as will be discussed later. Figures 5-7 The situation regarding the controller 240 determining different standby winding states will be explained, and will not be repeated here.

[0106] S303, controller 240 drives tape 210 to wind tape, tape 210 is in standby winding state after winding.

[0107] The controller 240 drives the tape driver 220 according to the standby winding state, so that the tape 210 is in the standby winding state after being rewound.

[0108] In the first winding state, the controller 240 drives the tape driver 220 to wind the tape 210 to the midpoint of the overall length of the tape 210 corresponding to the magnetic head 230, so that the tape length of the tape on the side of the reel 201 is approximately the same as the tape length of the tape on the side of the reel 204.

[0109] For the second winding state, the controller 240 drives the tape driver 220 to wind the tape 210 so that most or all of the tape 210 is wound onto the reel 201, or most or all of the tape 210 is wound onto the reel 204.

[0110] The positions of the aforementioned midpoints and both ends may contain some errors.

[0111] As one possible implementation, the controller 240 determines the current winding state of the tape 210 based on the overall length of the tape 210 and the length of the tape already wound, thereby winding the tape 210 to any winding state.

[0112] Optionally, the wound length of the magnetic tape can be determined by the controller 240 based on the counting pulse signal, the motor position feedback device, the optical sensor, or the electromagnetic encoder.

[0113] Optionally, the magnetic tape 210 is provided with at least one buffer area, and the at least one buffer area corresponds one-to-one with at least one winding state. A recording area for recording user data is provided between the buffer areas. When the controller 240 determines that the magnetic head 230 corresponds to a buffer area, it determines that the current winding state of the magnetic tape 210 is the winding state corresponding to that buffer area.

[0114] Among them, such as Figure 4As shown, the data recorded in the buffer area of ​​magnetic tape 210 has a fixed data waveform. For example, this data waveform is a low-frequency waveform, where "low frequency" means that the frequency of the data waveform in the buffer area is even lower than the frequency of the user data recorded on magnetic tape 210. Alternatively, this fixed data waveform can be any waveform that differs from the data waveform of the user data recorded on magnetic tape 210. When the magnetic head 230 reads the fixed data waveform in the buffer area, magnetic tape 210 determines the winding state of the tape 210 to the corresponding buffer area.

[0115] For example, a buffer area is provided at half the length of the magnetic tape 210 to correspond to the first winding state.

[0116] For example, the magnetic tape 210 has buffer areas at both ends to correspond to the second winding state.

[0117] In possible embodiments of this application, buffer areas can be provided at any position of the magnetic tape 210 to correspond to different winding states. The data waveforms of different buffer areas can be different, so that the controller 240 can identify which buffer area the magnetic head 230 is currently reading. In this way, the controller 240 can wind the tape according to different buffer areas, so that the magnetic tape 210 is in a variety of different winding states, thereby improving the winding flexibility of the magnetic tape 210.

[0118] As one possible implementation, during the second period after driving the tape 210 to rewind, the controller 240 may execute the above-mentioned S301-S303 to avoid the tape 210 being in the same stress state for a long time.

[0119] Based on the aforementioned magnetic tape winding method, the magnetic tape is driven according to its creep state, placing it in a standby winding state corresponding to the creep state. In this standby winding state, the stress on the tape can alleviate or offset the tape winding creep, as well as the mismatch between the tape strain and the head strain caused by this creep state. This suppresses the occurrence or severity of tape winding creep, balances the stress on the entire tape roll, suppresses track tracking errors caused by winding creep, improves the tape's recording density and track tracking accuracy, and thus enhances the tape's data read / write capabilities.

[0120] The above text combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 The magnetic tape winding method provided in this application will be described in general, and then in conjunction with the following descriptions... Figures 5-7 The winding state of the magnetic tape 210 is illustrated by way of example.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a winding process in a first winding state provided in this application.

[0122] S501, Controller 240 determines that no read / write command has been received within the first time period.

[0123] The read / write commands are used to instruct data reading and writing to the target recording area of ​​the magnetic tape 210. The initial duration can be flexibly set according to requirements, such as 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.

[0124] S502, Controller 240 determines that tape 210 is in the first creep state.

[0125] For details on how controller 240 determines that tape 210 is in the first creep state, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The S301 shown here will not be described in detail here.

[0126] S503, the controller 240 determines the standby winding state of the magnetic tape 210 as the first winding state based on the first creep state.

[0127] For details on how controller 240 determines the standby winding state of tape 210 to be the first winding state, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The S302 shown here will not be described in detail here.

[0128] S504, controller 240 drives tape 210 to rewind, tape 210 is in the first winding state after rewinding.

[0129] As one possible implementation, the controller 240 drives the magnetic tape 210 to wind up, stopping the winding when the read head 230 reaches the buffer area at the midpoint of the magnetic tape 210, thus placing the magnetic tape 210 in a first winding state, where the lengths of the tape portions wound on the reel 201 side and the reel 204 side are approximately equal. This first winding state helps maintain the overall stress balance of the magnetic tape 210 without significant winding creep, thereby suppressing winding creep. Furthermore, compared to the maximum addressing delay of winding the entire magnetic tape 210 to reel 201 or reel 204, the first winding state results in only half the addressing delay, significantly improving system latency.

[0130] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a winding process in a second winding state provided in this application Figure 1 .

[0131] S601, Controller 240 determines that no read / write command has been received within the first time period.

[0132] The specific content of S601 above is the same as Figure 5 The S501 shown is the same, so it will not be described again here.

[0133] S602, Controller 240 determines that tape 210 is in the second creep state.

[0134] The second creep state refers to sub-state two of the second creep state in S301, where the tape length on the reel 201 side is greater than the tape length on the reel 204 side. For example, the tape 210 is mostly or entirely wound on the reel 201.

[0135] For details on how controller 240 determines that tape 210 is in the second creep state, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The S301 shown here will not be described in detail here.

[0136] S603, the controller 240 determines the standby winding state of the magnetic tape 210 as the second winding state based on the second creep state.

[0137] The second winding state refers to the magnetic tape length on the reel 204 side being greater than the magnetic tape length on the reel 201 side. For example, magnetic tape 210 is mostly or entirely wound on reel 204.

[0138] For details on how controller 240 determines the standby winding state of tape 210 to be the second winding state, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The S302 shown here will not be described in detail here.

[0139] S604, controller 240 drives tape 210 to rewind, tape 210 is in the second winding state after rewinding.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the controller 240 drives the magnetic tape 210 to wind up, and stops winding when the magnetic head 230 reads the buffer area on the drum 204 side of the magnetic tape 210, putting the magnetic tape 210 into a second winding state, that is, the magnetic tape 210 is mostly or completely wound on the drum 204. This second winding state helps to switch the stress state of the magnetic tape 210 when the magnetic tape 210 is mostly or completely wound on the drum 204 for a long time, thereby alleviating winding creep.

[0141] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a winding process in a second winding state provided in this application Figure 2 .

[0142] S701, Controller 240 determines that no read / write command has been received within the first time period.

[0143] The specific content of S701 above is the same as Figure 5 The S501 shown is the same, so it will not be described again here.

[0144] S702, Controller 240 determines that tape 210 is in the second creep state.

[0145] The second creep state refers to sub-state two of the second creep state in S301, where the tape length on the reel 204 side is greater than the tape length on the reel 201 side. For example, the tape 210 is mostly or entirely wound on the reel 204.

[0146] For details on how controller 240 determines that tape 210 is in the second creep state, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 The S301 shown here will not be described in detail here.

[0147] S703, the controller 240 determines the standby winding state of the magnetic tape 210 as the second winding state based on the second creep state.

[0148] The second winding state refers to the magnetic tape length on the reel 201 side being greater than the magnetic tape length on the reel 204 side. For example, magnetic tape 210 is mostly or entirely wound on reel 201.

[0149] For details on how controller 240 determines the standby winding state of tape 210 to be the second winding state, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 3 S302, as shown, will not be described in detail here.

[0150] S704, controller 240 drives tape 210 to rewind, tape 210 is in the second winding state after rewinding.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the controller 240 drives the magnetic tape 210 to wind up, and stops winding when the magnetic head 230 reads the buffer area on the drum 201 side of the magnetic tape 210, putting the magnetic tape 210 into a second winding state, i.e., the magnetic tape 210 is mostly or completely wound on the drum 201. This second winding state helps to switch the stress state of the magnetic tape 210 when the magnetic tape 210 is mostly or completely wound on the drum 204 for a long time, thereby alleviating winding creep.

[0152] Based on the above Figure 5 The first winding state is winding state A. Figure 6 The second winding state is winding state B. Figure 7 Taking the second winding state as winding state C as an example, the winding state switching steps of the magnetic tape winding method provided in this application will be described in detail.

[0153] Please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a winding state switching step provided in this application.

[0154] S801, Controller 240 waits to receive read / write commands.

[0155] S802, Controller 240 determines whether a read / write command has been received.

[0156] When the controller 240 receives a read / write command, it executes S803.

[0157] When the controller 240 does not receive a read / write command, it executes S804.

[0158] S803, controller 240 responds to read and write commands, performs read and write operations, and then executes S801.

[0159] S804, Controller 240 determines whether the standby time exceeds the threshold.

[0160] The threshold corresponding to this standby time can be the first duration in S501, which will not be elaborated here.

[0161] When the standby time exceeds the threshold, the controller 240 executes S805.

[0162] If the standby time does not exceed the threshold, the controller 240 executes S801.

[0163] S805, Controller 240 determines whether the total creep of tape 210 exceeds the threshold.

[0164] The threshold corresponding to the total creep variable can be the first preset threshold of S301, which will not be elaborated here.

[0165] When the total creep variable of tape 210 exceeds the threshold, controller 240 executes S806.

[0166] When the total creep variable of tape 210 does not exceed the threshold, controller 240 executes S807.

[0167] S806, Controller 240 determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the tape length of the tape on the side of reel 201 and the tape length of the tape on the side of reel 204 exceeds a threshold.

[0168] The specific method by which the controller 240 determines whether the tape length on the reel 201 side is greater than the tape length on the reel 204 side is the same as... Figure 3 The method for determining the winding state in S303 is similar and will not be repeated here.

[0169] When the absolute value exceeds the threshold and the tape length of the tape on the reel 201 side is greater than the tape length of the tape on the reel 204 side, the controller 240 executes S808.

[0170] When the absolute value exceeds the threshold and the tape length of the tape on the reel 204 side is greater than the tape length of the tape on the reel 201 side, the controller 240 executes S809.

[0171] In a possible embodiment of this application, the controller 240 may also determine which winding state the drive tape 210 is wound to based on the creep of the tape on the reel 201 side and the creep of the tape on the reel 204 side.

[0172] S807, controller 240 drives tape 210 to winding state A.

[0173] S808, controller 240 drives tape 210 to the winding state C.

[0174] S809, controller 240 drives tape 210 to the winding state B.

[0175] For the method of controller 240 driving tape 210 to rewind in S807-S809 mentioned above, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 The S303 standard will not be discussed further here.

[0176] In this way, the magnetic tape 210 can switch between different winding states, flexibly changing the stress conditions of the magnetic tape 210 to counteract or alleviate the winding creep caused by the magnetic tape 210 being under a stress condition for a long time.

[0177] The embodiments provided in this application describe how the controller 240 determines how to switch the winding state of the magnetic tape 210 after determining the specific creep or length of the magnetic tape on the reel 201 side and the reel 204 side. The controller 240 can also continuously switch the winding state of the magnetic tape 210 during a longer standby time based on the standby duration, to avoid creep caused by the magnetic tape 210 being in the same winding state for a long period. The following will combine... Figure 9 The instructions provide a detailed explanation of how to switch the winding state of the magnetic tape 210 based on the standby time.

[0178] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a magnetic tape winding method provided in this application. Figure 2 .

[0179] S901, Controller 240 waits to receive read / write commands.

[0180] S902, Controller 240 determines whether a read / write command has been received.

[0181] When the controller 240 receives a read / write command, it executes S903.

[0182] When the controller 240 does not receive a read / write command, it executes S904.

[0183] S903, controller 240 responds to read / write commands, performs read / write operations, and then executes S901.

[0184] S904, Controller 240 determines whether the standby time exceeds the threshold.

[0185] If the standby time exceeds the threshold, it means that the duration of the tape 210 in the same winding state (e.g., the first winding state) is greater than or equal to the preset duration.

[0186] The threshold corresponding to the standby time can be a preset time, such as the first time in S501, which will not be elaborated here.

[0187] When the standby time exceeds the threshold, the controller 240 executes S905.

[0188] If the standby time does not exceed the threshold, the controller 240 executes S901.

[0189] S905, controller 240 drives tape 210 to switch from the current winding state to the next winding state.

[0190] As one possible implementation, the current winding state can be the first winding state, and the next winding state can be the second winding state. The first winding state and the second winding state are different. The first winding state and the second winding state can be any one of winding state A, winding state B, and winding state C, respectively.

[0191] Please refer to the above-mentioned method of controller 240 driving tape 210 for tape rewinding in S905. Figure 3 The S303 standard will not be discussed further here.

[0192] In this way, by using the standby time of the magnetic tape when it is not reading or writing data as a benchmark, the standby winding state of the magnetic tape is switched between different winding states. Through timed adjustments, the stress of each part of the magnetic tape is balanced, the track tracking error caused by winding creep is suppressed, the recording density and track tracking accuracy of the magnetic tape are improved, and thus the data reading and writing capability of the magnetic tape is improved.

[0193] To complement the magnetic tape winding method described above, this application also provides a magnetic tape winding apparatus 1000 for performing the aforementioned magnetic tape winding method. Figure 10 As shown, the magnetic tape winding device 1000 includes a transceiver module 1010 and a processing module 1020.

[0194] For example, the magnetic tape winding device 1000 can achieve Figures 3-8 The functions of the controller 240.

[0195] The transceiver module 1010 is used to determine the creep state of the magnetic tape; the creep state includes the first creep value of the first reel-side magnetic tape and the second creep value of the second reel-side magnetic tape.

[0196] The processing module 1020 is used to determine the standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state; the standby winding state is one of at least one winding state of the magnetic tape, and the stress on the same part of the magnetic tape is different in different winding states.

[0197] The processing module 1020 is used to drive the magnetic tape to be wound; the magnetic tape is in a standby winding state after being wound.

[0198] As one possible implementation, the processing module 1020 is specifically used to: determine the creep state as a first creep state; in the first creep state, the total creep value is less than a first preset threshold, and the total creep value is the average of the first creep value and the second creep value; determine the first winding state corresponding to the first creep state; in the first winding state, the absolute value of the difference between the tape length of the first reel-side tape and the tape length of the second reel-side tape is less than a second preset threshold.

[0199] As one possible implementation, the processing module 1020 is specifically used to: determine the creep state as a second creep state; in the second creep state, the total creep variable is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, and the total creep variable is the average of the first creep variable and the second creep variable; determine the second winding state corresponding to the second creep state; in the second winding state, the absolute value of the difference between the tape length of the first reel-side tape and the tape length of the second reel-side tape is greater than or equal to the second preset threshold.

[0200] As one possible implementation, in the second creep state, the first creep variable is greater than the second creep variable, and in the second winding state, the tape length of the second reel-side tape is greater than the tape length of the first reel-side tape.

[0201] As one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is specifically used to: acquire sensor signals; the sensor is a tension sensor or a laser sensor. The processing module 1020 is specifically used to: determine the creep state of the magnetic tape based on the sensor signals.

[0202] As one possible implementation, the transceiver module 1010 is specifically used to: acquire servo parameters; the servo parameters include the track pitch. The processing module 1020 is specifically used to: determine the creep state of the magnetic tape based on the tape pitch.

[0203] As one possible implementation, the magnetic tape has at least one buffer area, and the at least one buffer area corresponds one-to-one with at least one winding state. The processing module 1020 is specifically used to: drive the magnetic tape reel so that the magnetic head is located in the first buffer area of ​​the at least one buffer area corresponding to the winding state.

[0204] As one possible implementation, the processing module 1020 is also used to: determine that no read / write instruction has been received within a first time period; the read / write instruction is used to instruct data reading and writing to be performed in the target recording area of ​​the magnetic tape.

[0205] For example, the magnetic tape winding device 1000 can achieve Figure 9 The functions of the controller 240.

[0206] The processing module 1020 is used to determine that the duration of the magnetic tape in the first winding state is greater than or equal to a preset duration; the first winding state is one of the various winding states of the magnetic tape included in the standby winding state, and the stress on the same part of the magnetic tape is different in different winding states.

[0207] The processing module 1020 is used to drive the magnetic tape to be wound; after being wound, the magnetic tape is in a second winding state, which is one of a variety of winding states that is different from the first winding state.

[0208] It should be understood that the above Figure 10 The magnetic tape winding device 1000 provided is illustrated by the division of the above-mentioned functional modules when implementing its functions. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. In addition, the device and method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0209] This application also provides a computing device, which includes a processor and is communicatively connected to a memory and a cache. The processor is used to execute instructions stored in the memory so that the control device performs the above-described magnetic tape winding method.

[0210] For example, the computing device is a controller 240, which can be called a storage controller. Figure 11 As shown, the computing device 1100 includes a chip 1110 and a communication interface 1120. The communication interface 1120 is used to receive data access requests or acquire I / O requests. The chip 1110 is used to process data access requests and issue control commands through the communication interface 1120.

[0211] The computing device 1100 may include one or more chips 1110, which may be an integrated circuit. An operating system and other software programs are installed on the chip 1110, enabling the chip 1110 to access magnetic tape media storage and various PCIe devices. The chip 1110 includes one or more cores.

[0212] Optionally, the computing device 1100 may also include, but is not limited to, other storage media: dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc., for caching data from the magnetic tape storage medium for processing by the chip 1110. Alternatively, other storage media may be read-only memory (ROM). For example, read-only memory may be programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), etc. This embodiment does not limit the number or type of other storage media. Furthermore, other storage media can be configured to have power-saving functionality. Power-saving functionality means that when the system experiences a power outage and is then powered on again, the data stored in the memory will not be lost. Storage media with power-saving functionality are called non-volatile memory.

[0213] For example, computing device 1100 can be used to implement, as Figures 3-9 The function of controller 240 in the magnetic tape winding method shown.

[0214] This application also provides a magnetic tape system. The magnetic tape system includes a communication interface, a storage controller, and a magnetic tape disk device 200 as provided in any of the foregoing embodiments. The magnetic tape disk device 200 is used for persistent storage of access data, and the communication interface is used to receive data access requests. The storage controller is used to manage the magnetic tape disk device 200 in the magnetic tape system according to data access requests (such as read requests or write requests). The magnetic tape system is, for example, a magnetic tape library, or a computer / server that includes a magnetic tape media storage device as a persistent storage medium.

[0215] The storage controller includes one or more processors, such as the computing device described above. The processor can be a very large-scale integrated circuit. An operating system and other software programs are installed in the processor, enabling it to access the magnetic tape media storage and various PCIe devices. The processor includes one or more processor cores. These processor cores can be, for example, CPUs or other ASICs. The processor can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processing (DSP) chips, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. In practical applications, the magnetic tape system may also include multiple controllers.

[0216] Optionally, the tape system may also include, but is not limited to, other storage media such as DRAM and SRAM, for caching data in the tape media memory for processor processing. Other storage media can also be ROM. For read-only memory, for example, it could be PROM or EPROM. This embodiment does not limit the number or type of other storage media. Furthermore, other storage media can be configured to have power-saving functionality. Power-saving functionality means that when the system experiences a power outage and is then powered on again, the data stored in the memory will not be lost. Storage media with power-saving functionality are called non-volatile memory.

[0217] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Various equivalent modifications or substitutions can be conceived within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for winding magnetic tape, characterized in that, An application to a magnetic tape drive, the magnetic tape drive comprising: a magnetic tape, a first spool, and a second spool, the first spool and the second spool being used for winding the magnetic tape, the method comprising: Determine the creep state of the magnetic tape; the creep state includes a first creep value of the first reel-side magnetic tape and a second creep value of the second reel-side magnetic tape; The standby winding state of the magnetic tape is determined based on the creep state; the standby winding state is one of at least one winding state of the magnetic tape, and the stress on the same part of the magnetic tape is different in different winding states; The magnetic tape is driven to be wound; after being wound, the magnetic tape is in the standby winding state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state includes: The creep state is determined to be a first creep state; in the first creep state, the total creep value is less than a first preset threshold, and the total creep value is the average of the first creep value and the second creep value; Determine the first winding state corresponding to the first creep state; in the first winding state, the absolute value of the difference between the tape length of the first reel-side tape and the tape length of the second reel-side tape is less than a second preset threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state includes: The creep state is determined to be a second creep state; in the second creep state, the total creep value is greater than or equal to a first preset threshold, and the total creep value is the average of the first creep value and the second creep value; Determine the second winding state corresponding to the second creep state; in the second winding state, the absolute value of the difference between the tape length of the first reel-side tape and the tape length of the second reel-side tape is greater than or equal to a second preset threshold.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the second creep state, the first creep variable is greater than the second creep variable, and in the second winding state, the tape length of the second reel-side tape is greater than the tape length of the first reel-side tape.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Determining the creep state of the magnetic tape includes: Acquire sensor signals; the sensor is a tension sensor or a laser sensor; The creep state of the magnetic tape is determined based on the sensor signals.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Determining the creep state of the magnetic tape includes: Obtain servo parameters; the servo parameters include track spacing. The creep state of the magnetic tape is determined based on the tape pitch.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The magnetic tape is provided with at least one buffer area, and the at least one buffer area corresponds one-to-one with the at least one winding state; The process of driving the magnetic tape to rewind includes: Drive the magnetic tape reel so that the magnetic head is located in the first buffer region corresponding to the winding state in the at least one buffer region.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Before driving the magnetic tape to reel in, the method further includes: It is determined that no read / write instruction is received within a first time period; the read / write instruction is used to instruct data to be read or written in the target recording area of ​​the magnetic tape.

9. A method for winding magnetic tape, characterized in that, Applied to a magnetic tape drive, the magnetic tape drive including a first spool and a second spool for winding magnetic tape, the method includes: The duration of the magnetic tape in the first winding state is determined to be greater than or equal to a preset duration; the first winding state is one of the various winding states of the magnetic tape included in the standby winding state, and the stress on the same part of the magnetic tape is different in different winding states; The magnetic tape is driven to be wound; after being wound, the magnetic tape is in a second winding state, which is one of the multiple winding states that is different from the first winding state.

10. A magnetic tape drive device, characterized in that, include: magnetic head; magnetic tape; First and second reels are used to wind the magnetic tape; A magnetic tape driver for driving the magnetic tape; A computing device is configured to determine the creep state of the magnetic tape, determine the standby winding state of the magnetic tape based on the creep state, and drive the magnetic tape to be wound; the creep state includes a first creep value of the first reel-side magnetic tape and a second creep value of the second reel-side magnetic tape, the standby winding state is one of at least one winding state of the magnetic tape, the same part of the magnetic tape is subjected to different stresses under different winding states, and the magnetic tape is in the standby winding state after being wound.

11. A computing device, characterized in that, The computing device includes a processor and a communication interface; The processor and the communication interface are used to collaboratively execute the method of any one of claims 1-9.

12. A computer program product containing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed by the computing device, the computing device performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It includes computer program instructions, which, when executed by a computing device, perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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