Magnetic tape cartridge, magnetic tape drive, magnetic tape system, and method of operating a magnetic tape drive

Abstract

To provide a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive, a magnetic tape system, and a magnetic tape drive operation method capable of obtaining information for performing appropriate control on a magnetic tape.SOLUTION: A magnetic tape cartridge includes: a case which stores a magnetic tape; and a NVM of a cartridge memory provided in the case. The NVM stores cartridge information including identification ID related to a permitted range of temperature and humidity upon use of a magnetic tape, the upper limit of magnetic tape storage time, and the upper limit of magnetic tape use count.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosed technology relates to magnetic tape cartridges, magnetic tape drives, magnetic tape systems, and methods of operating magnetic tape drives. [Background technology]

[0002] A cartridge memory for storing information is mounted on a magnetic tape cartridge that contains a magnetic tape. Patent Document 1 describes that information when a magnetic tape drive records data on a magnetic tape is stored in the cartridge memory, and when reading the data, the information is read from the cartridge memory and referred to. The information includes information on temperature and humidity when the data was recorded, information on the tension applied to the magnetic tape while it was running when the data was recorded, and the like.

[0003] Furthermore, although it is a magnetic tape cassette rather than a magnetic tape cartridge, Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe storing the number of times the magnetic tape has been used and / or the accumulated usage time of the magnetic tape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6669326 [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-285634 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-290445 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Many types of magnetic tapes are released by various manufacturers, and these multiple types of magnetic tapes have different characteristics. For example, the allowable temperature and humidity ranges when magnetic tapes are used are 15°C 20% to 35°C 80% for magnetic tape A, 10°C 10% to 40°C 90% for magnetic tape B, etc. Or, the upper limit of the storage period and the upper limit of the number of times a magnetic tape can be used are 100,000 hours and 10,000 times for magnetic tape C, 150,000 hours and 15,000 times for magnetic tape D, etc. If appropriate control according to the characteristics is not performed on magnetic tapes with such various characteristics, writing and / or reading of data may be hindered.

[0006] One embodiment of the technology disclosed herein provides a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive, a magnetic tape system, and a method of operating a magnetic tape drive that are capable of obtaining information for performing appropriate control on a magnetic tape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The magnetic tape cartridge of the present disclosure comprises a case in which the magnetic tape is housed, and a storage medium provided in the case, and the storage medium stores at least one of temperature and humidity acceptable range related information regarding the acceptable range of temperature and humidity when the magnetic tape is in use, storage period upper limit related information regarding the upper limit of the storage period of the magnetic tape, and usage count upper limit related information regarding the upper limit of the number of times the magnetic tape can be used.

[0008] The information relating to the acceptable range of temperature and humidity is preferably a numerical value itself indicating the acceptable range of temperature and humidity, or first identification information corresponding to the numerical value indicating the acceptable range of temperature and humidity.

[0009] The storage period upper limit related information is preferably a numerical value that indicates the upper limit of the storage period, or second identification information that corresponds to the numerical value that indicates the upper limit of the storage period.

[0010] The information relating to the upper limit of the number of uses is preferably a numerical value itself indicating the upper limit of the number of uses, or third identification information corresponding to the numerical value indicating the upper limit of the number of uses.

[0011] The storage medium preferably includes an embedded memory embedded in a contactless communication medium from which information is read and written by the contactless read / write device.

[0012] It is preferable that at least one of the information relating to the acceptable temperature and humidity range, the information relating to the upper limit of the storage period, and the information relating to the upper limit of the number of uses is stored in a storage block of the built-in memory in which the information cannot be rewritten.

[0013] The storage medium preferably comprises a region of magnetic tape.

[0014] The storage medium preferably also stores tension tolerance information relating to the tolerance of the tension applied to the magnetic tape. In this case, the tension tolerance information is preferably a numerical value representing the tension tolerance or fourth identification information corresponding to the numerical value representing the tension tolerance.

[0015] The magnetic tape drive of the present disclosure is a magnetic tape drive into which any of the magnetic tape cartridges described above is loaded, and includes a reading device that reads out at least one of temperature and humidity acceptable range related information, storage period upper limit related information, and usage count upper limit related information stored in a storage medium, at least one of a temperature and humidity acquisition unit that acquires the temperature and humidity detected by a temperature and humidity sensor, an elapsed time acquisition unit that acquires the time elapsed since the date of manufacture of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge or the time elapsed since data was recorded on the magnetic tape, and a usage count acquisition unit that acquires the number of times the magnetic tape contained in the loaded magnetic tape cartridge has been used up to that point, and a control unit that performs control based on at least one of the temperature and humidity and the acceptable range of temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit, the elapsed time and upper limit of the storage period acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit, and the number of uses and the upper limit of the use count acquired by the usage count acquisition unit.

[0016] It is preferable that the control unit performs control to permit use of the magnetic tape when at least one of the following cases occurs: the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit is within the allowable temperature and humidity range, the elapsed time acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit is below the upper limit of the storage period, and the number of uses acquired by the usage count acquisition unit is below the upper limit of the usage count, and performs at least one of control to prohibit use of the magnetic tape and control to issue a warning that the magnetic tape cannot be used when at least one of the following cases occurs: the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit is outside the allowable temperature and humidity range, the elapsed time acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, and the number of uses acquired by the usage count acquisition unit is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the usage count.

[0017] In a case where the tension tolerance range related information is also stored in the storage medium, it is preferable that the control unit controls the operation of the tension applying mechanism to apply tension to the magnetic tape within the tolerance range represented by the tension tolerance range related information.

[0018] The method of operating the magnetic tape drive disclosed herein includes reading at least one of information related to the acceptable temperature and humidity range, information related to the upper limit of the storage period, and information related to the upper limit of the number of uses stored in a storage medium included in any of the magnetic tape cartridges described above, and performing control based on at least one of the temperature and humidity and the acceptable range of temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor, the time elapsed since the date of manufacture of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge, or the time elapsed since data was recorded on the magnetic tape and the upper limit of the storage period, and the number of times the magnetic tape contained in the loaded magnetic tape cartridge has been used and the upper limit of the number of uses.

[0019] It is preferable that the control includes at least one of: control to permit use of the magnetic tape when the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor are within the allowable range of temperature and humidity, when the elapsed time is below the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses is below the upper limit of the number of uses; and control to prohibit use of the magnetic tape and control to issue a warning that the magnetic tape cannot be used when at least one of the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor are outside the allowable range of temperature and humidity, when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of uses.

[0020] If tension tolerance range related information is also stored in the storage medium, the control preferably includes controlling the operation of a tension applying mechanism to apply tension to the magnetic tape within the tolerance range represented by the tension tolerance range related information.

[0021] The magnetic tape system of the present disclosure comprises a magnetic tape cartridge as described above, a reading device that reads out at least one of the temperature and humidity acceptable range related information, storage period upper limit related information, and usage count upper limit related information stored in a storage medium, and a control device that performs control based on at least one of the temperature and humidity and the acceptable range of temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor, the time elapsed since the date of manufacture of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge, or the time elapsed since data was recorded on the magnetic tape and the upper limit of the storage period, and the number of times the magnetic tape contained in the loaded magnetic tape cartridge has been used and the upper limit of the number of times it has been used.

[0022] It is preferable that the control device performs control to allow use of the magnetic tape when at least one of the following cases occurs: the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor is within the acceptable range of temperature and humidity, the elapsed time is below the upper limit of the storage period, and the number of uses is below the upper limit of the number of uses; and performs at least one of control to prohibit use of the magnetic tape and control to issue a warning that the magnetic tape cannot be used when at least one of the following cases occurs: the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor is outside the acceptable range of temperature and humidity, the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, and the number of uses is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of uses.

[0023] In a case where the tension tolerance range related information is also stored in the storage medium, it is preferable that the control device controls the operation of the tension applying mechanism to apply tension to the magnetic tape within the tolerance range represented by the tension tolerance range related information. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive, a magnetic tape system, and a method of operating a magnetic tape drive that are capable of obtaining information for performing appropriate control over a magnetic tape. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a magnetic tape cartridge. [Diagram 2] 11 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of the right rear end portion inside the lower case of a magnetic tape cartridge. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a cross-sectional side view showing an example of a support member provided on the inner surface of a lower case of a magnetic tape cartridge. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a magnetic tape drive. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a magnetic field emitted by a non-contact read / write device from the bottom side of a magnetic tape cartridge. FIG. [Figure 6]1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which a magnetic field is applied from a non-contact read / write device to a cartridge memory in a magnetic tape cartridge. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the structure of the rear surface of a substrate of a cartridge memory in a magnetic tape cartridge. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the structure of the surface of a substrate of a cartridge memory in a magnetic tape cartridge. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic circuit diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a cartridge memory in a magnetic tape cartridge. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer of an IC chip mounted on a cartridge memory in a magnetic tape cartridge. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a storage block in which cartridge information is stored; FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage block in which usage count information is stored; FIG. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of how cartridge information is written to a memory block. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a manner in which a lock process is performed on a storage block in which cartridge information is stored. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a control device. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how cartridge information is read from a memory block, and the allowable ranges of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of the storage period, and the upper limit of the number of uses corresponding to the cartridge information are input to an ASIC. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of an ASIC. [Figure 18] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of control when the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor are within the allowable ranges of the temperature and humidity. [Figure 19] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of control when the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor are outside the allowable ranges of the temperature and humidity. [Figure 20]13 is a diagram showing an example of control when the time elapsed since the manufacturing date of the magnetic tape cartridge falls below the upper limit of the storage period. [Figure 21] 13 is a diagram showing an example of control when the time elapsed since the manufacturing date of the magnetic tape cartridge is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of control when the number of times the magnetic tape has been used falls below the upper limit of the number of times it has been used. [Figure 23] 13 is a diagram showing an example of control in a case where the number of times the magnetic tape has been used is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of times it has been used; FIG. [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of a CPU of the cartridge memory. [Diagram 25] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the magnetic tape drive. [Figure 26] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating other examples of the information relating to the acceptable temperature and humidity ranges, the information relating to the upper limit of the storage period, and the information relating to the upper limit of the number of times of use. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an embodiment in which an allowable range of tension is registered in an information table in addition to the allowable ranges of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of the storage period, and the upper limit of the number of uses. [Figure 28] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a mode in which information relating to the allowable tension range is read from a memory block and tension within the allowable range represented by the read information relating to the allowable tension range is applied to the magnetic tape. FIG. [Figure 29] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing other examples of the information relating to the acceptable temperature and humidity ranges, the information relating to the upper limit of the storage period, the information relating to the upper limit of the number of times of use, and the information relating to the acceptable tension ranges. [Diagram 30] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a manner in which information relating to the acceptable tension range is written in a BOT area of ​​a magnetic tape. FIG. [Diagram 31] 13 is a diagram showing another example of a manner in which tension tolerance related information is written in a BOT area of ​​a magnetic tape. FIG. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of acquiring the elapsed time since data was recorded on a magnetic tape. [Diagram 33]FIG. 13 illustrates an example of control when the elapsed time approaches the upper limit of the storage period. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of control when the number of times a magnetic tape has been used approaches an upper limit of the number of times it can be used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a magnetic tape cartridge, a magnetic tape drive, a magnetic tape system, and an operating method of a magnetic tape drive according to the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0028] CPU is an abbreviation for "Central Processing Unit". RAM is an abbreviation for "Random Access Memory". DRAM is an abbreviation for "Dynamic Random Access Memory". SRAM is an abbreviation for "Static Random Access Memory". NVM is an abbreviation for "Non-Volatile Memory". ROM is an abbreviation for "Read Only Memory". EEPROM is an abbreviation for "Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory". ASIC is an abbreviation for "Application Specific Integrated Circuit". PLD is an abbreviation for "Programmable Logic Device". FPGA is an abbreviation for "Field-Programmable Gate Array". SoC is an abbreviation for "System-on-a-Chip". IC is an abbreviation for "Integrated Circuit". RFID is an abbreviation for "Radio Frequency Identifier". LTO is an abbreviation for "Linear Tape-Open". IBM is an abbreviation for "International Business Machines Corporation." ID is an abbreviation for "Identification Data." BOT is an abbreviation for "Beginning Of Tape." EOT is an abbreviation for "End Of Tape." ISO is an abbreviation for "International Organization for Standardization." ECMA is an abbreviation for "European Computer Manufacturers Association."

[0029] [First embodiment] An example of the configuration of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the loading direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 into the magnetic tape drive 30 (see Figure 4) is indicated by arrow A in Figures 1 to 3, the direction of arrow A is the front direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, and the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10. In the following description of the structure, "front" refers to the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0030] 1 to 3, for convenience of explanation, the direction of arrow B perpendicular to the direction of arrow A is defined as the right direction, and the rightward side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is defined as the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10. In the explanation of the structure shown below, "right" refers to the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0031] 1 to 3, for convenience of explanation, the direction perpendicular to the directions of arrows A and B is indicated by arrow C, the direction of arrow C is the upward direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, and the upward side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is the upper side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10. In the explanation of the structure given below, "upper" refers to the upper side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0032] 1 to 3, for convenience of explanation, the direction opposite to the front direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is referred to as the rear direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, and the rear direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is referred to as the rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10. In the explanation of the structure given below, "rear" refers to the rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0033] 1 to 3, for convenience of explanation, the direction opposite to the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is referred to as the left side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, and the left side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is referred to as the left side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10. In the explanation of the structure shown below, "left" refers to the left side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0034] 1 to 3, for convenience of explanation, the direction opposite to the upper direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is referred to as the lower direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, and the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is referred to as the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10. In the explanation of the structure shown below, "lower" refers to the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0035] In the following description, the magnetic tape cartridge 10 will be described taking LTO as an example of its specifications, but this is merely an example and the magnetic tape cartridge 10 may conform to specifications such as IBM3592.

[0036] As an example, as shown in Fig. 1, a magnetic tape cartridge 10 has a box-shaped case 12 that is generally rectangular in plan view. A magnetic tape MT is housed in the case 12. The case 12 is made of resin such as polycarbonate, and has an upper case 14 and a lower case 16. The upper case 14 and the lower case 16 are joined by welding (for example, ultrasonic welding) and screw fastening, with the lower peripheral surface of the upper case 14 and the upper peripheral surface of the lower case 16 in contact with each other. The joining method is not limited to welding and screw fastening, and other joining methods may be used.

[0037] The cartridge reel 18 is rotatably accommodated inside the case 12. The cartridge reel 18 includes a reel hub 18A, an upper flange 18B1, and a lower flange 18B2. The reel hub 18A is formed in a cylindrical shape. The reel hub 18A is the axial center of the cartridge reel 18, and the axial direction of the reel hub 18A is aligned with the vertical direction of the case 12, and is disposed in the center of the case 12. The upper flange 18B1 and the lower flange 18B2 are each formed in an annular shape. The upper end of the reel hub 18A is fixed to the center of the upper flange 18B1 in a plan view, and the lower end of the reel hub 18A is fixed to the center of the lower flange 18B2 in a plan view. A magnetic tape MT is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the reel hub 18A, and the ends of the magnetic tape MT in the width direction are held by the upper flange 18B1 and the lower flange 18B2. The reel hub 18A and the upper flange 18B1 and / or the lower flange 18B2 may be integrally molded.

[0038] An opening 12B is formed in the front side of the right wall 12A of the case 12. The magnetic tape MT is pulled out from the opening 12B.

[0039] 2, a cartridge memory 19 is housed in the right rear end portion of the lower case 16. The cartridge memory 19 is an example of a "non-contact communication medium" according to the technology of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, a so-called passive RFID tag is used as the cartridge memory 19.

[0040] Information about the magnetic tape MT is stored in the cartridge memory 19. Information about the magnetic tape MT refers to, for example, management information for managing the magnetic tape cartridge 10. The management information includes, for example, information about the cartridge memory 19, information capable of identifying the magnetic tape cartridge 10, the recording capacity of the magnetic tape MT, an overview of the data recorded on the magnetic tape MT, data items, and information indicating the recording format of the data, etc.

[0041] The cartridge memory 19 performs non-contact communication with a non-contact read / write device. Examples of the non-contact read / write device include a non-contact read / write device used in the production process of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 (e.g., the non-contact read / write device 50B shown in FIG. 13) and a non-contact read / write device used in a magnetic tape drive (e.g., the magnetic tape drive 30 shown in FIG. 4) (e.g., the non-contact read / write device 50A shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and 16).

[0042] The non-contact read / write device reads and writes various information from and to the cartridge memory 19 in a non-contact manner. As will be described in detail later, the cartridge memory 19 generates power by acting electromagnetically on the magnetic field MF (see FIG. 5, etc.) applied by the non-contact read / write device. The cartridge memory 19 operates using the generated power and transmits and receives various information to and from the non-contact read / write device by communicating with the non-contact read / write device via the magnetic field MF. Note that the communication method between the non-contact read / write device and the cartridge memory 19 can be, for example, a method conforming to known standards such as ISO14443 or ISO18092. Alternatively, a method conforming to LTO specifications such as ECMA319 can be used.

[0043] As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, a support member 20 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A at the right rear end of the lower case 16. The support member 20 is a pair of inclined platforms that support the cartridge memory 19 from below in an inclined state. The pair of inclined platforms is a first inclined platform 20A and a second inclined platform 20B. The first inclined platform 20A and the second inclined platform 20B are arranged at an interval in the left-right direction of the case 12, and are integrated with the inner surface of the rear wall 16B and the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A of the lower case 16. The first inclined platform 20A has an inclined surface 20A1, which is inclined downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A. The second inclined platform 20B has an inclined surface 20B1, which is also inclined downward from the inner surface of the rear wall 16B toward the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A.

[0044] A pair of position restriction ribs 22 are arranged at a distance in the left-right direction on the front side of the support member 20. The pair of position restriction ribs 22 are erected on the inner surface of the bottom plate 16A and restrict the position of the lower end of the cartridge memory 19 when placed on the support member 20.

[0045] As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, a reference surface 16A1 is formed on the outer surface of the bottom plate 16A. The reference surface 16A1 is a flat surface. Here, the flat surface refers to a surface that is parallel to a horizontal plane when the bottom case 16 is placed on the horizontal plane with the bottom plate 16A facing downward. Here, "parallel" refers to parallelism in the sense of including an error that is generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs, and does not go against the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure, in addition to completely parallelism. The inclination angle θ of the support member 20, that is, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 20A1 and the inclined surface 20B1 (see FIG. 2), is 45 degrees with respect to the reference surface 16A1. Note that 45 degrees is merely an example, and may be "0 degrees<inclination angle θ<45 degrees" or "45 degrees≦inclination angle θ".

[0046] The cartridge memory 19 includes a substrate 26. The substrate 26 is placed on the support member 20 with the back surface 26A of the substrate 26 facing downward, and the support member 20 supports the back surface 26A of the substrate 26 from below. A part of the back surface 26A of the substrate 26 is in contact with the inclined surfaces of the support member 20, i.e., the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 (see FIG. 2), and the front surface 26B of the substrate 26 is exposed on the inner surface 14A1 side of the top plate 14A of the upper case 14.

[0047] The upper case 14 includes a plurality of ribs 24. The plurality of ribs 24 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction of the case 12. The plurality of ribs 24 protrude downward from the inner surface 14A1 of the top plate 14A of the upper case 14, and the tip surface 24A of each rib 24 has an inclined surface corresponding to the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the tip surface 24A of each rib 24 is inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the reference surface 16A1.

[0048] When the upper case 14 is joined to the lower case 16 as described above with the cartridge memory 19 placed on the support member 20, the tip surface 24A of each rib 24 contacts the substrate 26 from the surface 26B side, and the substrate 26 is sandwiched between the tip surface 24A of each rib 24 and the inclined surfaces 20A1 and 20B1 (see FIG. 2) of the support member 20. As a result, the vertical position of the cartridge memory 19 is regulated by the ribs 24.

[0049] 4 as an example, a magnetic tape drive 30 includes a transport device 34, a magnetic head 36, and a control device 38. A magnetic tape cartridge 10 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30. The magnetic tape drive 30 is a device that pulls out the magnetic tape MT from the magnetic tape cartridge 10, records data on the pulled-out magnetic tape MT using the magnetic head 36, and reads data from the pulled-out magnetic tape MT using the magnetic head 36 in a linear serpentine manner. In this embodiment, reading data means, in other words, playing back data.

[0050] The control device 38 controls the overall operation of the magnetic tape drive 30. In this embodiment, the control device 38 is realized by the ASIC 120 (see FIG. 15), but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the control device 38 may be realized by an FPGA. The control device 38 may also be realized by a computer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The control device 38 may also be realized by combining two or more of the ASIC 120, the FPGA, and the computer. That is, the control device 38 may be realized by a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration.

[0051] The transport device 34 is a device that selectively transports the magnetic tape MT in a forward or reverse direction, and includes a feed motor 40, a take-up reel 42, a take-up motor 44, multiple guide rollers GR, and a control device 38. Note that the forward direction here refers to the feed direction of the magnetic tape MT, and the reverse direction refers to the rewind direction of the magnetic tape MT.

[0052] The feed motor 40 rotates the cartridge reel 18 in the magnetic tape cartridge 10 under the control of the control device 38. The control device 38 controls the feed motor 40 to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation torque, etc. of the cartridge reel 18.

[0053] When the magnetic tape MT is wound (loaded) by the take-up reel 42, the control device 38 rotates the delivery motor 40 so that the magnetic tape MT runs in the forward direction. The rotation speed and rotation torque of the delivery motor 40 are adjusted according to the speed at which the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 42.

[0054] The take-up motor 44 rotates the take-up reel 42 under the control of the control device 38. The control device 38 controls the take-up motor 44 to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation torque, and the like of the take-up reel 42.

[0055] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 42, the control device 38 rotates the take-up motor 44 so that the magnetic tape MT runs in the forward direction. The rotation speed, rotation torque, etc. of the take-up motor 44 are adjusted according to the speed of the magnetic tape MT being wound by the take-up reel 42. By adjusting the rotation speed, rotation torque, etc. of the supply motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 in this manner, tension is applied to the magnetic tape MT. In other words, the supply motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 are one example of a "tension applying mechanism" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0056] When the magnetic tape MT is rewound (unloaded) onto the cartridge reel 18, the control device 38 rotates the supply motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 so that the magnetic tape MT runs in the reverse direction.

[0057] In this embodiment, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is controlled by controlling the rotation speed and rotation torque of the delivery motor 40 and the take-up motor 44, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT may be controlled using a dancer roller, or may be controlled by drawing the magnetic tape MT into a vacuum chamber.

[0058] Each of the guide rollers GR guides the magnetic tape MT. The running path of the magnetic tape MT is determined by disposing the guide rollers GR at positions across the magnetic head 36 between the magnetic tape cartridge 10 and the take-up reel 42.

[0059] The magnetic head 36 includes a recording / reading element 46 and a holder 47. The recording / reading element 46 is held by the holder 47 so as to come into contact with the running magnetic tape MT, and records data on the magnetic tape MT transported by the transport device 34, and reads data from the magnetic tape MT.

[0060] The magnetic tape drive 30 includes a non-contact read / write device 50. The non-contact read / write device 50 is disposed below the magnetic tape cartridge 10 when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is loaded, facing the rear surface 26A of the cartridge memory 19. Note that the state in which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is loaded in the magnetic tape drive 30 refers to, for example, a state in which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 has reached a position that is determined in advance as a position where the magnetic head 36 starts reading data from the magnetic tape MT.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 4, an example of a mode in which the non-contact type read / write device 50 is mounted on the magnetic tape drive 30 is shown, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The non-contact type read / write device 50 is also used at the stage in which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is manufactured, the stage in which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is inspected, or the stage in which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is shipped. In this case, for example, a stationary or portable type non-contact read / write device 50 is used. In the following description, only when it is necessary to distinguish between them, the non-contact type read / write device 50 mounted on the magnetic tape drive 30 is referred to as a non-contact type read / write device 50A, and the stationary or portable type non-contact read / write device 50 used at the stage in which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is manufactured, the stage in which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is inspected, or the stage in which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is shipped is referred to as a non-contact type read / write device 50B.

[0062] A temperature and humidity sensor 48 and a display unit 49 are connected to the control unit 38. The temperature and humidity sensor 48 detects the temperature and humidity inside the magnetic tape drive 30. The temperature and humidity sensor 48 outputs the detected temperature and humidity to the control unit 38. The display unit 49 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays the operating status of the magnetic tape drive 30 under the control of the control unit 38.

[0063] 5, a non-contact type reading and writing device 50A emits a magnetic field MF from the bottom side of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 toward the cartridge memory 19. The magnetic field MF penetrates the cartridge memory 19.

[0064] 6 as an example, the non-contact read / write device 50A is connected to the control device 38. The control device 38 outputs a control signal for controlling the cartridge memory 19 to the non-contact read / write device 50A. The non-contact read / write device 50A emits a magnetic field MF toward the cartridge memory 19 in accordance with the control signal input from the control device 38. The magnetic field MF penetrates the cartridge memory 19 from the back surface 26A side to the front surface 26B side.

[0065] The non-contact read / write device 50A provides the cartridge memory 19 with a command signal corresponding to the control signal by performing non-contact communication with the cartridge memory 19. To explain in more detail, the non-contact read / write device 50A transmits the command signal via space to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of the control device 38. The command signal is a signal that indicates an instruction to the cartridge memory 19, which will be described in more detail later.

[0066] Note that, although an example is described here in which the non-contact read / write device 50A spatially transmits a command signal to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of the control device 38, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, at the stage at which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is manufactured, at the stage at which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is inspected, or at the stage at which the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is shipped, the non-contact read / write device 50B spatially transmits a command signal to the cartridge memory 19 under the control of a control device different from the control device 38.

[0067] When a command signal is spatially transmitted from the non-contact read / write device 50A to the cartridge memory 19, the magnetic field MF contains a command signal in response to an instruction from the control device 38 by the non-contact read / write device 50A. In other words, the command signal is superimposed on the magnetic field MF by the non-contact read / write device 50A. That is, under the control of the control device 38, the non-contact read / write device 50A transmits the command signal to the cartridge memory 19 via the magnetic field MF.

[0068] An IC chip 52 and a capacitor 54 are mounted on the surface 26B of the cartridge memory 19. The IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are bonded to the surface 26B. The IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are sealed with a sealant 56 on the surface 26B of the cartridge memory 19. Here, an ultraviolet curing resin that hardens in response to ultraviolet light is used as the sealant 56. Note that the ultraviolet curing resin is merely an example, and a photocuring resin that hardens in response to light in a wavelength range other than ultraviolet light may be used as the sealant 56, a thermosetting resin may be used as the sealant 56, or another adhesive may be used as the sealant 56.

[0069] As an example, as shown in Fig. 7, a coil 60 is formed in a loop shape on the back surface 26A of the cartridge memory 19. Here, copper foil is used as the material of the coil 60. Copper foil is merely an example, and other types of conductive materials such as aluminum foil may be used. The coil 60 induces an induced current when a magnetic field MF (see Figs. 5 and 6) applied from the non-contact read / write device 50 acts on the coil 60.

[0070] A first conductive portion 62A and a second conductive portion 62B are provided on the back surface 26A of the cartridge memory 19. The first conductive portion 62A and the second conductive portion 62B have solder and electrically connect both ends of the coil 60 to the IC chip 52 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) and the capacitor 54 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) on the front surface 26B.

[0071] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, on the surface 26B of the cartridge memory 19, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are electrically connected to each other by a wire connection method. Specifically, one of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the IC chip 52 is connected to the first conductive part 62A via a wiring 64A, and the other terminal is connected to the second conductive part 62B via a wiring 64B. The capacitor 54 also has a pair of electrodes. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the pair of electrodes are electrodes 54A and 54B. The electrode 54A is connected to the first conductive part 62A via a wiring 64C, and the electrode 54B is connected to the second conductive part 62B via a wiring 64D. As a result, the IC chip 52 and the capacitor 54 are connected in parallel to the coil 60.

[0072] 9 as an example, IC chip 52 includes a built-in capacitor 80, a power supply circuit 82, a computer 84, a clock signal generator 86, and a signal processing circuit 88. IC chip 52 is a general-purpose IC chip that can be used for purposes other than magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0073] The cartridge memory 19 includes a power generator 70. The power generator 70 generates power by the action of the magnetic field MF applied from the non-contact read / write device 50 on the coil 60. Specifically, the power generator 70 generates AC power using a resonant circuit 92, converts the generated AC power into DC power, and outputs it.

[0074] The power generator 70 has a resonant circuit 92 and a power supply circuit 82. The resonant circuit 92 includes a capacitor 54, a coil 60, and a built-in capacitor 80. The built-in capacitor 80 is a capacitor built into the IC chip 52, and the power supply circuit 82 is also a circuit built into the IC chip 52. The built-in capacitor 80 is connected in parallel to the coil 60.

[0075] The capacitor 54 is a capacitor externally attached to the IC chip 52. The IC chip 52 is a general-purpose IC chip that can be used for purposes other than the magnetic tape cartridge 10. Therefore, the capacity of the built-in capacitor 80 may be insufficient to realize the resonance frequency required by the cartridge memory 19 used in the magnetic tape cartridge 10. Therefore, in the cartridge memory 19, the capacitor 54 is attached to the IC chip 52 as a capacitor having a capacitance value required for the magnetic field MF to act on the resonance circuit 92 to resonate at a predetermined resonance frequency. If the built-in capacitor 80 has a capacity sufficient to realize the resonance frequency required by the cartridge memory 19 used in the magnetic tape cartridge 10, the capacitor 54 is naturally not required. Note that the predetermined resonance frequency is a frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz) corresponding to the frequency of the magnetic field MF, and may be appropriately determined depending on the specifications of the cartridge memory 19 and / or the non-contact read / write device 50. The capacity of the capacitor 54 is determined based on the actual measured value of the capacity of the built-in capacitor 80. Further, although an example in which the capacitor 54 is externally attached has been given here, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the capacitor 54 may be built into the IC chip 52 in advance.

[0076] The resonant circuit 92 generates AC power by generating a resonance phenomenon at a predetermined resonant frequency using the induced current induced in the coil 60 when the magnetic field MF passes through the coil 60, and outputs the generated AC power to the power supply circuit 82.

[0077] The power supply circuit 82 has a rectifier circuit, a smoothing circuit, and the like. The rectifier circuit is a full-wave rectifier circuit having a plurality of diodes. The full-wave rectifier circuit is merely an example, and may be a half-wave rectifier circuit. The smoothing circuit is configured to include a capacitor and a resistor. The power supply circuit 82 converts the AC power input from the resonant circuit 92 into DC power, and supplies the DC power (hereinafter also simply referred to as "power") obtained by the conversion to various driving elements in the IC chip 52. The various driving elements include a computer 84, a clock signal generator 86, and a signal processing circuit 88. In this way, the power generator 70 supplies power to the various driving elements in the IC chip 52, and the IC chip 52 operates using the power generated by the power generator 70.

[0078] The computer 84 controls the overall operation of the cartridge memory 19. The clock signal generator 86 generates a clock signal and outputs it to the signal processing circuit 88 etc. The signal processing circuit 88 etc. operate according to the clock signal input from the clock signal generator 86. The clock signal generator 86 changes the frequency of the clock signal according to instructions from the computer 84.

[0079] The signal processing circuit 88 is connected to the resonant circuit 92. The signal processing circuit 88 has a decoding circuit (not shown) and an encoding circuit (not shown). The decoding circuit of the signal processing circuit 88 extracts and decodes the command signal from the magnetic field MF received by the coil 60, and outputs the command signal to the computer 84. The computer 84 outputs a response signal to the command signal to the signal processing circuit 88. That is, the computer 84 executes processing according to the command signal input from the signal processing circuit 88, and outputs the processing result to the signal processing circuit 88 as a response signal. When the response signal is input from the computer 84, the encoding circuit of the signal processing circuit 88 modulates the response signal by encoding it, and outputs it to the resonant circuit 92. The resonant circuit 92 transmits the response signal input from the encoding circuit of the signal processing circuit 88 to the non-contact read / write device 50 via the magnetic field MF.

[0080] 10, the computer 84 includes a CPU 94, an NVM 96, and a RAM 98. The CPU 94, the NVM 96, and the RAM 98 are connected to a bus 100.

[0081] The CPU 94 controls the operation of the computer 84. The NVM 96 is an example of the "storage medium" and "built-in memory" according to the technology of the present disclosure. An example of the NVM 96 is an EEPROM. The EEPROM is merely an example, and may be, for example, a ferroelectric memory instead of the EEPROM, or any other non-volatile memory that can be mounted on the IC chip 52. The NVM 96 has a plurality of memory blocks 104. The plurality of memory blocks 104 stores management information and the like. The RAM 98 temporarily stores various information and is used as a work memory. An example of the RAM 98 is a DRAM or an SRAM.

[0082] The CPU 94 selectively performs a polling process, a read process, a write process, a lock process, etc., in response to a command signal input from the signal processing circuit 88. The polling process is a process for establishing communication with the non-contact read / write device 50, and is performed, for example, as a preparatory process prior to the read process and the write process. The read process is a process for reading management information, etc., from the NVM 96. The write process is a process for writing management information, etc., to the NVM 96. The lock process is a process for locking the memory block 104, in other words, a process for disabling the rewriting of information stored in the memory block 104. Here, the meaning of "rewriting information" also includes the meaning of "erasing information."

[0083] 11, cartridge information 110 is stored in memory block 104A, which is one of the multiple memory blocks 104. The cartridge information 110 includes an identification ID for uniquely identifying the type of magnetic tape cartridge 10, and the manufacturing date of the magnetic tape MT. The identification ID is, for example, a combination of an alphabet representing the manufacturer of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, such as "FS," and a number representing the manufacturing number or model number of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, such as "1000."

[0084] 12, a memory block 104B different from the memory block 104A stores usage count information 112. The usage count information 112 includes the number of uses of the magnetic tape MT. The usage count is incremented by the non-contact reading / writing device 50A every time the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30 and the magnetic tape MT is used.

[0085] 13, the non-contact read / write device 50B spatially transmits a command to write cartridge information 110 to the cartridge memory 19 as a command signal at any one of the following times: when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is manufactured, when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is inspected, or when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is shipped. In response to the command signal from the non-contact read / write device 50B, the CPU 94 performs a write process to store the cartridge information 110 in the memory block 104A. As a result, the cartridge information 110 is stored in the memory block 104A.

[0086] 14, as an example, the CPU 94 performs a lock process on the memory block 104A in which the cartridge information 110 is stored. By performing the lock process on the memory block 104A in this manner, the cartridge information 110 becomes unrewritable. In other words, the memory block 104A is an example of a "memory block in which information cannot be rewritten" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The lock process may be performed immediately after the cartridge information 110 is stored in the memory block 104A, or when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is first loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30 and the magnetic tape MT is initialized.

[0087] 15, the control device 38 includes an ASIC 120 and a storage 122. The ASIC 120 and the storage 122 are connected to a bus 124.

[0088] The storage 122 stores an information table 126. In the information table 126, the allowable range of temperature and humidity during use of the magnetic tape MT corresponding to the identification ID of the cartridge information 110, the upper limit of the storage period of the magnetic tape MT, and the upper limit of the number of times the magnetic tape MT can be used are registered. The allowable range of temperature and humidity is specifically the upper and lower limit values ​​of temperature (lower and upper limit of temperature) such as 16°C and 32°C, and the upper and lower limit values ​​of humidity (lower and upper limit of humidity) such as 20% and 80%. The upper limit of the storage period is a numerical value expressed in time such as 120000 hours. The upper limit of the number of times of use is a numerical value expressed in number such as 10000 times. The information table 126 is updated every time a new magnetic tape cartridge 10 is released. The humidity referred to here means relative humidity.

[0089] The identification ID corresponds to a numerical value representing the allowable range of temperature and humidity, a numerical value representing the upper limit of the storage period, and a numerical value representing the upper limit of the number of uses. In other words, the identification ID is an example of "information relating to the allowable range of temperature and humidity," "information relating to the upper limit of the storage period," and "information relating to the upper limit of the number of uses" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The identification ID is also an example of "first identification information," "second identification information," and "third identification information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0090] The allowable range of temperature and humidity is the range of temperature and humidity at which data can be recorded and / or read without problem by the magnetic head 36, obtained by computer simulation and / or testing with an actual device, etc. Similarly, the upper limit of the storage period and the upper limit of the number of uses are values ​​obtained by computer simulation and / or testing with an actual device, etc., as the upper limit of the storage period and the upper limit of the number of uses at which data can be recorded and / or read without problem by the magnetic head 36.

[0091] As an example, as shown in FIG. 16, the non-contact reading and writing device 50A spatially transmits a read command for the cartridge information 110 and the usage count information 112 to the cartridge memory 19 as a command signal when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30. The CPU 94 performs a read process to read the cartridge information 110 from the memory block 104A and a read process to read the usage count information 112 from the memory block 104B in response to the command signal from the non-contact reading and writing device 50A. Then, the CPU 94 spatially transmits the read cartridge information 110 and the usage count information 112 to the non-contact reading and writing device 50A as a response signal. The non-contact reading and writing device 50A is an example of a "reading device" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The non-contact reading and writing device 50A, the magnetic tape cartridge 10, the control device 38, and the like constitute a magnetic tape system 51 (see FIG. 4).

[0092] The non-contact read / write device 50A outputs the cartridge information 110 and the number of uses information 112 from the cartridge memory 19 to the control device 38. The ASIC 120 of the control device 38 reads out the allowable ranges of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of the storage period, and the upper limit of the number of uses corresponding to the identification ID of the cartridge information 110 from the information table 126. The cartridge information 110 and the number of uses information 112 from the cartridge memory 19 are also input to the ASIC 120.

[0093] 16 illustrates an example in which "FS-1000" is stored as the identification ID of the cartridge information 110. In this case, the ASIC 120 reads out from the information table 126 the allowable temperature and humidity ranges of 16° C., 32° C., 20%, and 80%, the upper limit of the storage period of 120,000 hours, and the upper limit of the number of uses of 10,000 times, which correspond to the identification ID "FS-1000." Note that the bus 124 is not shown in FIG. 16.

[0094] As an example, as shown in FIG. 17, the ASIC 120 functions as a temperature and humidity acquiring unit 130, an elapsed time calculating unit 132, an elapsed time acquiring unit 134, a usage count acquiring unit 136, and a control unit 138.

[0095] The temperature and humidity acquiring unit 130 acquires temperature and humidity information 140, which is information on the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 48. The temperature and humidity acquiring unit 130 outputs the acquired temperature and humidity information 140 to the control unit 138.

[0096] The elapsed time calculation unit 132 receives the cartridge information 110 and clock information 142. The clock information 142 includes the current date measured by a clock function built into the control device 38. The elapsed time calculation unit 132 calculates the elapsed time from the manufacturing date of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, based on the manufacturing date of the magnetic tape cartridge 10, included in the cartridge information 110, and the current date, included in the clock information 142. The elapsed time calculation unit 132 outputs elapsed time information 144, which is information on the calculated elapsed time, to the elapsed time acquisition unit 134. The elapsed time acquisition unit 134 acquires the elapsed time information 144 from the elapsed time calculation unit 132. The elapsed time acquisition unit 134 outputs the acquired elapsed time information 144 to the control unit 138. 17 illustrates an example in which the manufacturing date of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is 2015.11.11, the current date is 2020.11.11, and the elapsed time is 43800 hours (=5 years). Note that the identification ID of the cartridge information 110 is omitted in FIG.

[0097] The use count acquisition section 136 acquires the use count information 112. The use count acquisition section 136 outputs the acquired use count information 112 to the control section 138.

[0098] The control unit 138 controls the operation of the magnetic head 36, the feed motor 40, the winding motor 44, and the display unit 49 based on the temperature and humidity information 140 from the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 130, the elapsed time information 144 from the elapsed time acquisition unit 134, and the number of uses information 112 from the number of uses acquisition unit 136, as well as the allowable ranges of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of the storage period, and the upper limit of the number of uses read from the information table 126.

[0099] 18, when the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 48, i.e., the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 130 as the temperature and humidity information 140, is within the allowable range of temperature and humidity, the control unit 138 performs control to permit the use of the magnetic tape MT. Specifically, the control unit 138 controls the operation of the delivery motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 to transport the magnetic tape MT toward the magnetic head 36. The control unit 138 also controls the operation of the magnetic head 36 to record data on the magnetic tape MT and / or read data from the magnetic tape MT.

[0100] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19 as an example, when the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 48, that is, the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 130 as the temperature and humidity information 140, is outside the allowable range of temperature and humidity, the control unit 138 performs control to prohibit the use of the magnetic tape MT. Specifically, the control unit 138 does not operate the delivery motor 40, the winding motor 44, and the magnetic head 36. The control unit 138 also displays a warning on the display unit 49 that the magnetic tape MT cannot be used. Note that FIGS. 18 and 19 show an example in which the upper and lower limits of temperature are 16° C. and 32° C., and the upper and lower limits of humidity are 20% and 80%.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 20 as an example, when the elapsed time is below the upper limit of the storage period, the control unit 138 performs control to permit the use of the magnetic tape MT, similar to the case of Fig. 18. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 21 as an example, when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, the control unit 138 performs control to prohibit the use of the magnetic tape MT, similar to the case of Fig. 19. The control unit 138 also displays a warning on the display unit 49 that the magnetic tape MT cannot be used. Note that Figs. 20 and 21 show an example in which the upper limit of the storage period is 120,000 hours.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 22 as an example, when the number of times the magnetic tape MT has been used is less than the upper limit of the number of times it can be used, the control unit 138 performs control to permit the use of the magnetic tape MT, as in Fig. 18 and Fig. 20. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 23 as an example, when the number of times the magnetic tape MT has been used is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of times it can be used, the control unit 138 performs control to prohibit the use of the magnetic tape MT, as in Fig. 19 and Fig. 21. The control unit 138 also displays a warning on the display unit 49 that the magnetic tape MT cannot be used. Note that Figs. 22 and 23 show an example in which the upper limit of the number of times it can be used is 10,000 times.

[0103] As a method of displaying the warning, for example, a method of displaying a message such as "The magnetic tape cannot be used because the temperature and humidity are outside the allowable range," "The magnetic tape cannot be used because the storage period has expired," or "The magnetic tape cannot be used because the maximum number of uses has been exceeded" on the display unit 49 can be adopted. Also, a method of displaying the word "NG" or "ERROR" in flashing red on the display unit 49 can be adopted. Furthermore, the warning may be given by a sound such as a beep, or by a warning light, etc.

[0104] Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 24 and 25. First, as shown in Figure 24 as an example, at the stage when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is manufactured, the stage when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is inspected, or the stage when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is shipped, the CPU 94 writes the cartridge information 110 from the non-contact type reading and writing device 50B to the memory block 104A of the cartridge memory 19 as shown in Figure 13 (step ST100). Next, as shown in Figure 14, the CPU 94 performs a lock process on the memory block 104A in which the cartridge information 110 is stored (step ST110). This makes it impossible to rewrite the cartridge information 110.

[0105] When the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 30 (YES in step ST120), the CPU 94 reads the cartridge information 110 from the memory block 104A and reads the usage count information 112 from the memory block 104B, as shown in Fig. 16. Then, the CPU 94 transmits the cartridge information 110 and the usage count information 112 via space to the non-contact reading and writing device 50A (step ST130).

[0106] As an example, as shown in Fig. 25, cartridge information 110 and usage count information 112 are output from the non-contact reading / writing device 50A to the control device 38 as shown in Fig. 16 (step ST200). Next, the ASIC 120 reads out the allowable range of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of the storage period, and the upper limit of the usage count corresponding to the identification ID of the cartridge information 110 from the information table 126 (step ST210).

[0107] 17, in the ASIC 120, temperature and humidity information 140 from the temperature and humidity sensor 48 is acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 130. Furthermore, based on the cartridge information 110 and clock information 142, the elapsed time is calculated by the elapsed time calculation unit 132, and the resulting elapsed time information 144 is output to the elapsed time acquisition unit 134. Furthermore, the number of uses information 112 is acquired by the number of uses acquisition unit 136. The temperature and humidity information 140, the elapsed time information 144, and the number of uses information 112 are output to the control unit 138.

[0108] If the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 48 are within the allowable range, the elapsed time is below the upper limit of the storage period, and the number of times the magnetic tape MT has been used is below the upper limit (YES in steps ST220, ST230, and ST240), the control unit 138 permits the use of the magnetic tape MT (step ST250). Specifically, the supply motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 are rotated under the control of the control unit 138, and the magnetic tape MT is transported forward or backward (step ST260). In addition, the magnetic head 36 is operated under the control of the control unit 138, and data is recorded on the running magnetic tape MT and / or data recorded on the running magnetic tape MT is read (step ST270).

[0109] If the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 48 is outside the allowable range (NO in step ST220), if the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period (NO in step ST230), or if the number of times the magnetic tape MT has been used is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of times it has been used (NO in step ST240), the control unit 138 prohibits the use of the magnetic tape MT (step ST280). Under the control of the control unit 138, a warning that the magnetic tape MT cannot be used is displayed on the display unit 49 (step ST290).

[0110] As described above, the magnetic tape cartridge 10 comprises the case 12 in which the magnetic tape MT is housed, and the NVM 96 of the cartridge memory 19 provided in the case 12. The NVM 96 stores cartridge information 110 including an identification ID relating to the allowable range of temperature and humidity when the magnetic tape MT is in use, the upper limit of the storage period of the magnetic tape MT, and the upper limit of the number of times the magnetic tape MT can be used. Therefore, it is possible to obtain information for performing appropriate control over the magnetic tape MT.

[0111] 15, the identification ID corresponds to a numerical value representing the allowable range of temperature and humidity, a numerical value representing the upper limit of the storage period, and a numerical value representing the upper limit of the number of uses. Therefore, compared to a case in which the numerical value representing the allowable range of temperature and humidity itself, the numerical value representing the upper limit of the storage period itself, and the numerical value representing the upper limit of the number of uses itself are stored in the NVM 96, the confidentiality of these numerical values ​​can be improved.

[0112] In this embodiment, the storage medium is an NVM 96. The NVM 96 is built into a cartridge memory 19 from which information is read and written by a non-contact read / write device 50. This makes it easy to read and write cartridge information 110, and therefore the identification ID.

[0113] The cartridge information 110, and therefore the identification ID, are stored in the memory block 104A, which does not allow the information to be rewritten, so that it is possible to prevent the identification ID from being rewritten inadvertently.

[0114] The magnetic tape drive 30 includes a non-contact type read / write device 50A that reads out the cartridge information 110 including the identification ID stored in the NVM 96 of the cartridge memory 19, a temperature and humidity acquisition unit 130 that acquires the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 48, an elapsed time acquisition unit 134 that acquires the elapsed time from the manufacturing date of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 10, and a usage count acquisition unit 136 that acquires the number of uses of the magnetic tape MT contained in the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 10. The magnetic tape drive 30 also includes a control unit 138 that performs control based on the temperature and humidity and the allowable range of temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 130, the elapsed time and the upper limit of the storage period acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit 134, and the number of uses and the upper limit of the number of uses acquired by the usage count acquisition unit 136. This allows appropriate control of the magnetic tape MT.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 18, Fig. 20, and Fig. 22, the control unit 138 performs control to permit the use of the magnetic tape MT when the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 130 is within the allowable temperature and humidity range, when the elapsed time acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit 134 is below the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses acquired by the number of uses acquisition unit 136 is below the upper limit of the number of uses. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 19, Fig. 21, and Fig. 23, the control unit 138 performs control to prohibit the use of the magnetic tape MT and to issue a warning that the magnetic tape MT is unusable when the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 130 is outside the allowable temperature and humidity range, when the elapsed time acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit 134 is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses acquired by the number of uses acquisition unit 136 is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of uses. This can reduce the risk of causing problems in recording data on the magnetic tape MT and / or reading data recorded on the magnetic tape MT.

[0116] The magnetic tape system 51 includes a magnetic tape cartridge 10, a non-contact read / write device 50A that reads out cartridge information 110 including an identification ID stored in NVM 96 of a cartridge memory 19, and a control device 38 that performs control based on the temperature and humidity and the allowable range of temperature and humidity detected by a temperature and humidity sensor 48, the time elapsed since the date of manufacture and the upper limit of the storage period of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 10, and the number of times the magnetic tape MT contained in the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 10 has been used up to that point and the upper limit of the number of times it has been used. This allows appropriate control of the magnetic tape MT.

[0117] As shown in Figures 18, 20, and 22, the control device 38 performs control to permit use of the magnetic tape MT when the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 48 is within the allowable range of temperature and humidity, when the elapsed time is below the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses is below the upper limit of the number of uses. In contrast, as shown in Figures 19, 21, and 23, the control device 38 performs control to prohibit use of the magnetic tape MT and to issue a warning that the magnetic tape cannot be used when the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 48 is outside the allowable range of temperature and humidity, when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of uses. This can reduce the risk of problems with recording data on the magnetic tape MT and / or reading data recorded on the magnetic tape MT.

[0118] The expression method of the allowable range of temperature and humidity is not limited to the upper and lower limit values ​​shown in the example. It may be a pair of the median value of the allowable range and the difference between the upper and lower limit values ​​of the allowable range and the median value. For example, if the allowable range of temperature is 16°C to 32°C, it is expressed as the median value of 24°C and the difference of ±8°C.

[0119] The temperature and humidity allowable range related information, the storage period upper limit related information, and the use count upper limit related information are not limited to the illustrated identification ID. As an example, as shown in temperature and humidity allowable range related information 150, storage period upper limit related information 152, and use count upper limit related information 154 in Fig. 26, the information may be a numerical value representing the allowable range of temperature and humidity, a numerical value representing the upper limit of the storage period, and a numerical value representing the upper limit of the use count. In this way, it is not necessary to prepare the information table 126 in the storage 122 of the control device 38.

[0120] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment shown in Figs. 27 to 29, information relating to the allowable range of tension that is related to the allowable range of tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is also stored.

[0121] As an example, as shown in FIG. 27, in the information table 160 of the second embodiment, in addition to the allowable range of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of the storage period, and the upper limit of the number of uses, the allowable range of tension is registered for each identification ID. Specifically, the allowable range of tension is the upper and lower limit values ​​of tension (lower and upper limits of tension) such as 0.6 N and 1.2 N. In this case, the identification ID corresponds to a numerical value representing the allowable range of temperature and humidity, a numerical value representing the upper limit of the storage period, and a numerical value representing the upper limit of the number of uses, as well as a numerical value representing the allowable range of tension. In other words, the identification ID is an example of "information relating to allowable tension range" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Also, the identification ID is an example of "fourth identification information" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0122] 28, the ASIC 120 of the control device 38 reads out the allowable range of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of storage period, the upper limit of number of uses, and the allowable range of tension, which correspond to the identification ID of the cartridge information 110, from the information table 160. The allowable range of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of storage period, the upper limit of number of uses, and the allowable range of tension are input to the control unit 138. The control unit 138 controls the operation of the delivery motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 to apply tension within the allowable range to the magnetic tape MT. The control unit 138 applies tension of, for example, the median value of the allowable range to the magnetic tape MT.

[0123] FIG. 28 illustrates an example in which "FS-1000" is stored in the identification ID of the cartridge information 110. In this case, the ASIC 120 reads out the upper and lower limit values ​​of the tension tolerance range of 0.6N and 1.2N corresponding to the identification ID "FS-1000" from the information table 160. The control unit 138 controls the operation of the delivery motor 40 and the take-up motor 44 to apply a tension between 0.6N and 1.2N, for example, a tension of 0.9N, which is the median value between 0.6N and 1.2N, to the magnetic tape MT. Note that FIG. 28 omits the bus 124 as in FIG. 16. Also, FIG. 28 omits the manufacturing date of the cartridge information 110. Furthermore, the tolerance range of temperature and humidity, the upper limit of the storage period, and the upper limit of the number of uses in the information table 160 are omitted.

[0124] In this way, in the second embodiment, tension tolerance information related to the tolerance of the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is also stored, so that in addition to the tolerance of the temperature and humidity, the upper limit of the storage period, and the upper limit of the number of uses, it is also possible to obtain information related to the tolerance of the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT.

[0125] The control unit 138 applies tension to the magnetic tape MT within the allowable range represented by the tension allowable range related information by controlling the operation of the delivery motor 40 and the take-up motor 44. Therefore, there is no risk of tension exceeding the upper limit of the allowable range being applied to the magnetic tape MT, causing irreversible damage such as plastic deformation to the magnetic tape MT. There is also no risk of tension below the lower limit of the allowable range being applied to the magnetic tape MT, causing the magnetic tape MT to flutter while running. This makes it possible to stably record data on the magnetic tape MT and / or read data recorded on the magnetic tape MT.

[0126] The identification ID corresponds to a value that indicates the allowable range of tension in addition to a value that indicates the allowable range of temperature and humidity, a value that indicates the maximum storage period, and a value that indicates the maximum number of uses. Therefore, compared to storing the value that indicates the allowable range of tension itself in NVM96, the confidentiality of the value that indicates the allowable range of tension can be improved.

[0127] The method of expressing the allowable range of tension is not limited to the upper and lower limit values ​​shown in the example, as in the case of the allowable range of temperature and humidity. It may be a pair of the median value of the allowable range and the difference between the upper and lower limits of the allowable range and the median value. For example, if the allowable range of tension is 0.6N to 1.2N, it is expressed as the median value of 0.9N and the difference of ±0.3N.

[0128] The tension tolerance range related information is not limited to the illustrated identification ID, as in the case of the temperature and humidity tolerance range related information, the storage period upper limit related information, and the usage count upper limit related information. As an example, as shown in tension tolerance range related information 165 in Fig. 29, it may be a numerical value itself indicating the tension tolerance range. In this way, it is not necessary to prepare the information table 160 in the storage 122 of the control device 38.

[0129] [Third embodiment] In each of the above embodiments, the NVM 96 of the cartridge memory 19 is exemplified as the storage medium, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0130] As an example, as shown in Fig. 30, when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is first loaded or when the magnetic tape MT is initialized, the ASIC 120 (control unit 138) of the control device 38 controls the operation of the magnetic head 36 to write cartridge information 110 to a BOT area 170 provided at the beginning of the magnetic tape MT. Although not shown, the ASIC 120 reads the cartridge information 110 from the BOT area 170 by controlling the operation of the magnetic head 36. In this case, the cartridge information 110 is input by a user, for example, via an operation input unit not shown. The BOT area 170 is an example of "a part of an area of ​​a magnetic tape" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0131] In this way, in the second embodiment, the BOT area 170 of the magnetic tape MT is used as the storage medium. This makes it possible to save the trouble of preparing the cartridge memory 19 and storing the cartridge information 110 in the storage block 104A.

[0132] In addition, the cartridge information 110 may be stored in the BOT area 170 by a magnetic head of a magnetic tape drive installed in a factory at any one of the following times: when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is manufactured, when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is inspected, or when the magnetic tape cartridge 10 is shipped.

[0133] As an example, as shown in FIG. 31, the cartridge information 110 read from the cartridge memory 19 by the non-contact type read / write device 50A may be written to the BOT area 170 by the ASIC 120 (control unit 138). In this case, the cartridge information 110 is stored in both the memory block 104A and the BOT area 170. Therefore, the cartridge information 110 stored in the memory block 104A can be compared with the cartridge information 110 stored in the BOT area 170 to confirm the reliability of the cartridge information 110. Even if a problem occurs in either the memory block 104A or the BOT area 170, the cartridge information 110 can be obtained from the other. Instead of or in addition to the BOT area 170, the cartridge information 110 may be stored in an EOT area (not shown) provided at the end of the magnetic tape MT. Note that the manufacturing date of the cartridge information 110 is omitted in FIGS. 30 and 31.

[0134] In the above embodiments, the example of acquiring the elapsed time from the manufacturing date of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 has been described, but this is not limiting. As an example, as shown in Fig. 32, the elapsed time from recording data on the magnetic tape MT may be acquired.

[0135] 32, cartridge information 180 including the data recording date, which is the date when data was recorded on the magnetic tape MT, is used. As in the first embodiment, the elapsed time calculation unit 132 calculates the elapsed time from the data recording date, based on the data recording date included in the cartridge information 180 and the current date included in the clock information 142. The elapsed time calculation unit 132 outputs elapsed time information 144, which is information on the calculated elapsed time, to the elapsed time acquisition unit 134. The elapsed time acquisition unit 134 acquires the elapsed time information 144 from the elapsed time calculation unit 132. The elapsed time acquisition unit 134 outputs the acquired elapsed time information 144 to the control unit 138.

[0136] If the elapsed time is below the upper limit of the storage period, the control unit 138 performs control to permit use of the magnetic tape MT, as in the case of Fig. 20. On the other hand, if the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, the control unit 138 performs control to prohibit use of the magnetic tape MT, as in the case of Fig. 21. The control unit 138 also displays a warning on the display unit 49 to the effect that the magnetic tape MT cannot be used.

[0137] In this way, control may be performed based on the time elapsed since data was recorded on the magnetic tape MT and the upper limit of the storage period. Since the usability of the magnetic tape MT is determined based on whether the recorded data is safe, not on the lifespan of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 itself, more appropriate control of the magnetic tape can be performed compared to control based on the time elapsed since the manufacturing date of the magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0138] As an example, as shown in Fig. 33, when the elapsed time approaches the upper limit of the storage period, such as when the time until the upper limit of the storage period falls below 100 hours, the control unit 138 may permit the use of the magnetic tape MT and display a warning on the display unit 49 to the effect that the elapsed time is approaching the upper limit of the storage period. As an example, as shown in Fig. 34, when the number of times the magnetic tape MT has been used up to that point approaches the upper limit, such as when the number of times the magnetic tape MT has been used up to that point falls below 10, the control unit 138 may permit the use of the magnetic tape MT and display a warning on the display unit 49 to the effect that the number of times the magnetic tape MT has been used up to that point approaches the upper limit. In this way, the user can know that the life of the magnetic tape MT is approaching, and can take measures such as transferring data to the magnetic tape MT of a new magnetic tape cartridge 10.

[0139] The cartridge memory 19 is not limited to the exemplary embodiment in which it is built into the case 12. The cartridge memory 19 may be attached to the outer surface of the case 12.

[0140] The first to fourth identification information are not limited to the illustrated identification ID. The product name of the magnetic tape cartridge 10 itself may be used as the identification information. The storage medium is not limited to the illustrated NVM 96 of the cartridge memory 19 and the BOT area 170 of the magnetic tape MT. For example, a two-dimensional barcode or the like may be used as the storage medium.

[0141] In the above-described embodiments, the temperature and humidity tolerance range-related information, the storage period upper limit-related information, and the use count upper limit-related information are stored in a storage medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that at least one of the temperature and humidity tolerance range-related information, the storage period upper limit-related information, and the use count upper limit-related information is stored in a storage medium.

[0142] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, both the control for prohibiting the use of the magnetic tape MT and the control for issuing a warning that the magnetic tape MT is unusable are performed, but this is not limited to this. It is sufficient to perform at least one of the control for prohibiting the use of the magnetic tape MT and the control for issuing a warning that the magnetic tape MT is unusable.

[0143] The hardware resources that execute the processing of the control device 38 may include various processors as follows. An example of the processor is a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource that executes processing by executing software, i.e., a program. An example of the processor is a dedicated electrical circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration that is specially designed to execute a specific process, such as an FPGA, a PLD, or the example ASIC 120. Each processor has a built-in or connected memory, and executes processing by using the memory.

[0144] The hardware resource that executes the processing of the control device 38 may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with 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). Also, the hardware resource that executes the processing of the control device 38 may be a single processor.

[0145] As an example of a configuration using one processor, first, one or more CPUs and software are combined to configure one processor, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes processing. Second, as typified by SoC, a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple hardware resources that execute processing in a single IC chip. In this way, the processing of the control device 38 is realized using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[0146] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors may be an electric circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. The above processing of the control device 38 is merely an example. It goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0147] Similarly, for cartridge memory 19, in place of or in addition to the illustrated CPU 94, a dedicated electrical circuit may be used which is a processor having a circuit configuration specially designed to execute a specific process, such as an FPGA, PLD, or ASIC.

[0148] The technology of the present disclosure can be appropriately combined with the above-mentioned various embodiments and / or various modified examples. In addition, it is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends to a storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program, in addition to a program.

[0149] The above description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, function, action, and effect is an example of the configuration, function, action, and effect of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replaced with respect to the description and illustrations shown above, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustrations shown above omit explanations of technical common sense that do not require explanation in order to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0150] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. In addition, in this specification, the same idea as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0151] All publications, patent applications, and standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, and standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 10 Magnetic Tape Cartridge 12 cases 12A Right wall 12B opening 14 Upper case 14A Tabletop 14A1 Inner surface 16 Lower case 16A bottom plate 16A1 Reference plane 16B Back wall 18 Cartridge reel 18A reel hub 18B1 Top flange 18B2 Bottom flange 19 Cartridge Memory 20 Support member 20A 1st slope 20A1, 20B1 Slope 20B 2nd slope 22 Position control rib 24 Ribs 24A Tip surface 26 Substrate 26A back side 26B surface 30 Magnetic Tape Drive 34 Transport equipment 36 Magnetic Head 38 Control device 40 Sending motor 42 Take-up reel 44 Winding motor 46 Recording and reading element 47 Holder 48 Temperature and Humidity Sensor 49 Display section 50, 50A, 50B Contactless Read / Write Device 51 Magnetic Tape System 52 IC chip 54 Capacitor 54A, 54B electrode 56 Encapsulating materials 60 Coil 62A First Conductive Part 62B Second conductive part 64A, 64B, 64C, 64D Wiring 70 Power generator 80 Built-in capacitor 82 Power supply circuit 84 Computer 86 Clock Signal Generator 88 Signal Processing Circuit 92 Resonant circuit 94 CPU 96 NVM 98 RAM 100, 124 Bus 104, 104A, 104B memory blocks 110, 180 Cartridge Information 112 Usage information 120 ASIC 122 Storage 126, 160 Information Table 130 Temperature and humidity acquisition unit 132 Elapsed time calculation unit 134 Elapsed time acquisition unit 136 Usage count acquisition unit 138 Control Unit 140 Temperature and humidity information 142 Clock Information 144 Elapsed Time Information 150 Temperature and Humidity Permitted Range Related Information 152 Information related to storage period limit 154 Usage Limit Information 165 Tension Tolerance Related Information 170 BOT area GR guide roller MF magnetic field MT magnetic tape ST100, ST110, ST120, ST130, ST200, ST210, ST220, ST230, ST240, ST250, ST260, ST270, ST280, ST290 Step θ Tilt angle

Claims

1. a case for housing a magnetic tape; A storage medium provided in the case; Equipped with the storage medium stores at least one of information on acceptable temperature and humidity ranges relating to acceptable ranges of temperature and humidity during use of the magnetic tape, information on upper limit of storage period relating to an upper limit of storage period of the magnetic tape, and information on upper limit of usage number relating to an upper limit of usage number of times of the magnetic tape in a storage block that is locked and cannot be rewritten; Magnetic tape cartridge.

2. 2. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the acceptable range of temperature and humidity is a numerical value itself indicating the acceptable range of temperature and humidity, or first identification information corresponding to the numerical value indicating the acceptable range of temperature and humidity.

3. 3. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the upper limit of the storage period is a numerical value itself indicating the upper limit of the storage period, or second identification information corresponding to the numerical value indicating the upper limit of the storage period.

4. 4. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the upper limit of the number of uses is a numerical value itself indicating the upper limit of the number of uses, or third identification information corresponding to the numerical value indicating the upper limit of the number of uses.

5. 5. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium includes an internal memory incorporated in a non-contact communication medium from which information is read and written by a non-contact reading and writing device.

6. 6. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium comprises a partial area of ​​the magnetic tape.

7. 7. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium also stores tension tolerance related information regarding a tolerance range of tension applied to the magnetic tape.

8. 8. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the information relating to the allowable tension range is a numerical value itself indicating the allowable tension range, or fourth identification information corresponding to the numerical value indicating the allowable tension range.

9. A magnetic tape drive into which the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is loaded, a reading device that reads at least one of the temperature and humidity tolerance range related information, the storage period upper limit related information, and the usage count upper limit related information stored in the storage medium; at least one of a temperature and humidity acquiring unit that acquires the temperature and humidity detected by a temperature and humidity sensor, an elapsed time acquiring unit that acquires the time elapsed since the date of manufacture of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge or the time elapsed since data was recorded on the magnetic tape, and a usage count acquiring unit that acquires the number of times the magnetic tape contained in the loaded magnetic tape cartridge has been used; a control unit that performs control based on at least one of the temperature and humidity and the allowable range of the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit, the elapsed time and the upper limit of the storage period acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit, and the number of uses and the upper limit of the number of uses acquired by the number of uses acquisition unit; A magnetic tape drive comprising:

10. The control unit is When the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit is within the allowable range of the temperature and humidity, If the elapsed time acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit is below the upper limit of the storage period, and performing control to permit use of the magnetic tape in at least one of the cases where the number of uses acquired by the number of uses acquisition unit is less than the upper limit of the number of uses. When the temperature and humidity acquired by the temperature and humidity acquisition unit is outside the allowable range of the temperature and humidity, If the elapsed time acquired by the elapsed time acquisition unit is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses acquired by the number of uses acquisition unit is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of uses, the magnetic tape drive performs at least one of control to prohibit use of the magnetic tape and control to issue a warning that the magnetic tape cannot be used.

11. the storage medium also stores tension tolerance related information regarding a tolerance range of tension applied to the magnetic tape; The control unit is 11. The magnetic tape drive according to claim 9, wherein the operation of a tension applying mechanism is controlled to apply tension to the magnetic tape within the allowable range represented by the information relating to the allowable tension range.

12. reading at least one of the temperature and humidity tolerance range related information, the storage period upper limit related information, and the usage count upper limit related information stored in the storage medium included in the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and performing control based on at least one of the temperature and humidity detected by a temperature and humidity sensor and an allowable range of said temperature and humidity, the time elapsed since the date of manufacture of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge, or the time elapsed since data was recorded on said magnetic tape and an upper limit of said storage period, and the number of times the magnetic tape contained in the loaded magnetic tape cartridge has been used up to that point and the upper limit of said number of times of use; A method for operating a magnetic tape drive comprising:

13. The control includes: When the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor are within the allowable range of the temperature and humidity, If the elapsed time is less than the upper limit of the retention period, and controlling the magnetic tape to permit use in at least one of the cases where the number of uses is less than the upper limit of the number of uses. When the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor is outside the allowable range of the temperature and humidity, If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of uses, at least one of control to prohibit use of the magnetic tape and control to issue a warning that the magnetic tape is unusable.

14. the storage medium also stores tension tolerance related information regarding a tolerance range of tension applied to the magnetic tape; The control includes:

14. A method for operating a magnetic tape drive according to claim 12, further comprising controlling an operation of a tension applying mechanism to apply tension to the magnetic tape within the allowable range represented by the tension allowable range related information.

15. A magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a reading device that reads at least one of the temperature and humidity tolerance range related information, the storage period upper limit related information, and the usage count upper limit related information stored in the storage medium; a control device which performs control based on at least one of the temperature and humidity detected by a temperature and humidity sensor and an allowable range of said temperature and humidity, the time elapsed since the date of manufacture of the loaded magnetic tape cartridge, or the time elapsed since data was recorded on said magnetic tape and an upper limit of said storage period, and the number of times that the magnetic tape contained in the loaded magnetic tape cartridge has been used up to that point and said upper limit of said number of times of use; A magnetic tape system comprising:

16. The control device includes: When the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor are within the allowable range of the temperature and humidity, If the elapsed time is less than the upper limit of the retention period, and performing control to permit use of the magnetic tape in at least one of the cases where the number of uses is less than the upper limit of the number of uses. When the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor is outside the allowable range of the temperature and humidity, If the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the storage period, and when the number of uses is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the number of uses, at least one of control to prohibit use of the magnetic tape and control to issue a warning that the magnetic tape cannot be used is performed.

17. the storage medium also stores tension tolerance related information regarding a tolerance range of tension applied to the magnetic tape; The control device includes:

17. The magnetic tape system according to claim 15, wherein the operation of a tension applying mechanism is controlled to apply tension to the magnetic tape within the allowable range represented by the tension allowable range related information.

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