Tape, driver, tape system, and electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a tape, a driver, a tape system, and an electronic device, aiming at preventing the whole tape system from failing due to the breakage of the tape in the tape system. The tape system provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises a tape, a read-write magnetic head, a page extractor, and a controller, wherein the tape comprises a plurality of storage pages which are arranged in a stacked manner. In the reading and writing process of the tape, the controller can determine at least one target storage page from the plurality of storage pages, and then the controller can control the page extractor to extract the target storage page and control the read-write magnetic head to read data in the target storage page or write data into the target storage page. Data is stored in the plurality of storage pages, in the working process, the page extractor comes into contact with the target storage page so as to extract the target storage page, and compared with winding of the tape on a reel, the storage pages are subjected to less stress, thereby preventing the whole tape system from failing due to the breakage of the tape in the tape system.

Description

Tapes, drives, tape systems, and electronics

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on January 17, 2024, with application number 202410076026.8 and application name “Tape, Drive, Tape System and Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of data backup technology, and in particular to a magnetic tape, a drive, a magnetic tape system, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0003] In related art, a magnetic tape system includes a first reel, a second reel, and a magnetic tape. One end of the magnetic tape is fixed to the first reel, and the other end of the magnetic tape is fixed to the second reel. A portion of the magnetic tape can be wound around the first reel. The magnetic tape is provided with a magnetized region, and data is stored in the magnetized region. During use, a tape drive generally drives the second reel to rotate, thereby driving the first reel to rotate, causing a portion of the magnetic tape to unwind from the first reel. The magnetic tape between the first and second reels moves toward the second reel and is wound around the second reel. During this process, the tape drive can read data from the magnetic tape between the first and second reels, or write data to the magnetic tape between the first and second reels.

[0004] However, when the tape drive drives the second reel to rotate and then drives the first reel to rotate, the tape between the first reel and the second reel will be subjected to tension. When the tension exceeds the threshold that the tape can withstand, the tape will break, causing the entire tape system to fail.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a magnetic tape, a drive, a magnetic tape system, and an electronic device, which are intended to prevent the magnetic tape in the magnetic tape system from breaking and causing the entire magnetic tape system to fail.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] On the one hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a magnetic tape system, including a magnetic tape, a read-write head, a page loader, and a controller. The magnetic tape includes multiple stacked storage pages, the storage pages are used to store data, the read-write head is used to read data on the storage pages, or write data to the storage pages, the controller is electrically connected to the read-write head and the page loader, the controller is used to determine at least one target storage page from the multiple storage pages, and control the page loader to retrieve the target storage page. The controller is also used to control the read-write head to read data in the target storage page, or write data to the target storage page.

[0009] The magnetic tape system provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a magnetic tape, a read / write head, a page extractor, and a controller, wherein the magnetic tape includes a plurality of stacked storage pages. During the process of reading and writing the magnetic tape, the controller can determine at least one target storage page from the plurality of storage pages. The controller can then control the page extractor to extract the target storage page and control the read / write head to read data from or write data to the target storage page. Data is stored in the plurality of storage pages. During operation, the page extractor contacts the target storage page to extract the target storage page. Compared with a magnetic tape wound on a reel, the force applied to the storage page is less, thereby preventing the magnetic tape from breaking in the magnetic tape system and causing the entire magnetic tape system to fail.

[0010] In some embodiments, a storage page includes a storage area and an identification area, the storage area is used to store data, and the identification area is used to identify identification information of the storage page; the tape system also includes an identification reader electrically connected to the controller; the controller determines at least one target storage page from multiple storage pages, including: the controller controls the identification reader to identify the identification information on each storage page, and determines at least one storage page based on the identification information.

[0011] Through the above-mentioned setting, in the process of reading and writing the tape by the tape system, the controller can be used to control the identification reader to find one or more target storage pages that need to be read and written, and then the target storage pages can be retrieved and read and written. The embodiment of the present application first uses the identification reader to identify the identification areas of multiple storage pages, which can reduce the addressing time of the part of the tape that needs to be read and written (i.e., the target storage page), thereby reducing the addressing time before reading and writing the tape, and improving the reading and writing efficiency of the tape system.

[0012] In some embodiments, the storage page further includes a scan code, the scan code records identification information, and the scan code is set in the identification area. The identification reader includes a barcode scanner or a camera.

[0013] Through the above settings, the scanner or camera can simplify the process of the identification reader identifying identification information by recognizing the scan code, and can simultaneously identify multiple identification areas, thereby improving the efficiency of the identification reader in identifying identification information and shortening the addressing time of the tape system.

[0014] In some embodiments, the identification area is disposed near the first end of the storage page, and the identification areas are arranged in a stepped manner.

[0015] Through the above-mentioned setting, the identification area of ​​each storage page is located at the first end of the storage page, and each identification area is arranged in a stepped manner. Therefore, in the arrangement direction of the storage area and the identification area on the storage page, the distance between each identification area can be reduced, which facilitates the identification reader to identify each identification area.

[0016] In some embodiments, the magnetic tape includes a first storage group and a second storage group, each of the first storage group and the second storage group includes a plurality of storage pages, and a first end of each storage page in the first storage group is close to a first end of each storage page in the second storage group.

[0017] Through the above configuration, the distance between the identification area of ​​each storage page in the first storage group and the identification area of ​​each storage page in the second storage group can be reduced, making it easier for the identification reader to identify each identification area.

[0018] In some embodiments, the magnetic tape further includes a storage box, which is enclosed as a receiving cavity, an opening being provided at one end of the storage box, each storage page being provided in the receiving cavity, and a first end of each storage page extending from the opening to outside the receiving cavity to expose the identification area.

[0019] Through the above settings, the storage box can limit the positions of multiple storage pages and maintain the stacked form of multiple storage pages, avoiding the multiple storage pages from being scattered during the process of taking out or putting back the storage pages, thereby affecting the continuous reading and writing of multiple storage pages.

[0020] In some embodiments, the storage box includes a closed end and an open end arranged opposite to each other, and the opening is arranged on the open end; an adjustment surface is provided on the closed end, and the adjustment surface is inclined relative to the plane where the storage pages are located; the second end of each storage page facing away from the first end is pressed against the adjustment surface, so that each identification area is arranged in a stepped manner.

[0021] Through the above-mentioned setting, the opening is used to expose the identification area of ​​each storage page to facilitate the identification reader to identify each identification area. The adjustment surface is inclined relative to the plane where the storage page is located so that the identification area of ​​each storage page is arranged in a stepped manner. Then, in the arrangement direction of the storage area and the identification area on the storage page, the distance between the identification areas can be reduced, which further facilitates the identification reader to identify each identification area.

[0022] In some embodiments, the read-write heads include multiple heads, and the controller is used to determine at least one target storage page from multiple storage pages. The number of target storage pages includes multiple pages. The controller controls the page fetcher to fetch the determined multiple target storage pages. The controller is also used to control each read-write head to read data in the corresponding target storage page or write data to the corresponding target storage page.

[0023] Through the above configuration, multiple read / write heads can read data from multiple target storage pages simultaneously, or write different data to corresponding target storage pages simultaneously, thereby improving the reading and writing efficiency of the tape system.

[0024] In some embodiments, the page taker includes a roller and a motor connected to the roller, and the motor is electrically connected to the controller;

[0025] The page taker takes out the target storage page, including: making the roller contact with the target storage page, and the motor drives the roller to rotate to take out the storage page.

[0026] Through the above settings, when the controller confirms the target storage page, the controller can control the roller to contact the exposed part of the target storage page, and then control the motor to work, so that the motor drives the roller to rotate, and the roller takes out the target storage page through friction, which can reduce the tension on the target storage page, thereby avoiding damage or breakage of the target storage page, and thereby avoiding breakage of the tape in the tape system and causing failure of the entire tape system.

[0027] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application also provides a magnetic tape, which includes a plurality of stacked storage pages, the storage page including a storage area and an identification area, the identification area is arranged near the first end of the storage page, and each identification area is arranged in a stepped manner, the storage area is used to store data, and the identification area is used to identify identification information of the storage page.

[0028] In some embodiments, the magnetic tape further includes a first storage group and a second storage group, each of the first storage group and the second storage group includes a plurality of storage pages, and a first end of each storage page in the first storage group is close to a first end of each storage page in the second storage group.

[0029] Through the above arrangement, the length of the steps formed by the plurality of storage pages in the staggered direction can be shortened, making it easier for the identification reader to identify each identification area.

[0030] In some embodiments, the storage page further includes a scan code, the scan code records identification information, and the scan code is set in the identification area.

[0031] Through the above arrangement, the process of the identification reader identifying identification information can be simplified, the efficiency of the identification reader in identifying identification information can be improved, and the addressing time of the magnetic tape system can be shortened.

[0032] In some embodiments, the magnetic tape further includes a storage box, which is enclosed as a receiving cavity, an opening being provided at one end of the storage box, each storage page being provided in the receiving cavity, and a first end of each storage page extending from the opening to outside the receiving cavity to expose the identification area.

[0033] Through the above settings, the storage box can limit the positions of multiple storage pages and maintain the stacked form of multiple storage pages, avoiding the multiple storage pages from being scattered during the process of taking out or putting back the storage pages, thereby affecting the continuous reading and writing of multiple storage pages.

[0034] In some embodiments, the storage box includes a closed end and an open end arranged opposite to each other, and the opening is arranged on the open end; an adjustment surface is provided on the closed end, and the adjustment surface is inclined relative to the plane where the storage pages are located; the second end of each storage page facing away from the first end is pressed against the adjustment surface, so that each identification area is arranged in a stepped manner.

[0035] Through the above-mentioned setting, the opening is used to expose the identification area of ​​each storage page to facilitate the identification reader to identify each identification area. The adjustment surface is inclined relative to the plane where the storage page is located so that the identification area of ​​each storage page is arranged in a stepped manner. Then, in the arrangement direction of the storage area and the identification area on the storage page, the distance between the identification areas can be reduced, which further facilitates the identification reader to identify each identification area.

[0036] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application also provides a drive for the above-mentioned magnetic tape, the drive including a read-write head, a page loader and a controller, the read-write head being used to read data on a storage page or write data to a storage page; the controller being electrically connected to the read-write head and the page loader, the controller being used to determine at least one target storage page from a plurality of storage pages, and controlling the page loader to retrieve the target storage page, the controller being further used to control the read-write head to read data in the target storage page or write data to the target storage page.

[0037] In some embodiments, the drive also includes an identification reader, which is electrically connected to the controller. The controller determines at least one target storage page from multiple storage pages, including: the controller controls the identification reader to identify identification information on each storage page, and determines at least one storage page based on the identification information.

[0038] Through the above setting, the identification area of ​​multiple storage pages is identified by the identification reader, which can reduce the addressing time of the part of the tape that needs to be read and written (i.e., the target storage page), thereby reducing the addressing time before reading and writing the tape, and improving the reading and writing efficiency of the tape system.

[0039] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application also provides an electronic device, which includes the above-mentioned tape system and server, and the server is electrically connected to the controller; or, the electronic device includes the above-mentioned tape, the above-mentioned drive and the server, and the server is electrically connected to the controller.

[0040] It can be understood that the beneficial effects achieved by the magnetic tape, drive, and electronic device provided in the above embodiments of the present application can be referred to the beneficial effects of the storage device described above, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in some embodiments of this application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings. Furthermore, the drawings described below are schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual dimensions of the products, actual processes of the methods, actual timing of signals, and the like involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] FIG1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the related technology in the embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of multiple memory pages stacked in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG4 is a first structural diagram of a storage page according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a structure for extracting a target storage page from multiple storage pages according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG6 is a second structural diagram of a storage page in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG7 is a third structural diagram of a storage page in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a page remover including rollers in a magnetic tape system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a page remover including a roller and a motor in a magnetic tape system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a page taker including a suction cup in a magnetic tape system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of an identification reader included in a magnetic tape system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG12 is a first structural diagram of a magnetic tape system including a read / write head and a read / write platform in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG13 is a second structural diagram of a magnetic tape system including a read / write head and a read / write platform in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG14 is a third structural diagram of a magnetic tape system including a read / write head and a read / write platform in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic tape system including multiple read / write heads in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a structure including multiple target storage pages in a tape system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG17 is a first structural diagram of a magnetic tape including a first storage group and a second storage group according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG18 is a second structural diagram of a magnetic tape including a first storage group and a second storage group according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 19 is a schematic structural diagram of a storage box included in a magnetic tape system in an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 1. electronic device; 3. tape storage; 4. server; 5. tape system; 6. controller; 7. tape; 8. drive; 9. read / write head; 10. first reel; 11. second reel; 12. storage page; 13. page taker; 14. target storage page; 15. storage area; 16. identification area; 17. identification reader; 18. blank area; 19. scanning code; 20. roller; 21. motor; 22. suction cup; 23. first robotic arm; 24. second robotic arm; 25. third robotic arm; 26. reading platform; 27. first storage group; 28. second storage group; 31. storage box; 32. adjustment surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0063] In the following, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the quantity of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature specified as "first," "second," etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0064] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, directional terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal" and "vertical" are defined relative to the orientation of the components in the drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts. They are used for relative description and clarification, and they can change accordingly according to changes in the orientation of the components in the drawings.

[0065] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0066] It should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection or an integral connection; it can also be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be a communication between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 1. An embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device 1. The electronic device 1 may include a data center. The data center may include multiple tape systems 5 and a server 4. The server 4 is connected to the tape system 5, and the server 4 can obtain data in the tape system 5.

[0068] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1 , in the above embodiment, the tape system 5 may include a tape 7 and a drive 8, wherein the drive 8 is a tool for reading and writing the tape 7. The tape 7 may be covered with a magnetic storage material to form a storage surface, on which a plurality of magnetized regions arranged in an array are provided. The magnetic material in each magnetized region has two different magnetization states to represent binary information "0" and "1". The drive 8 may include a read / write head 9 and a controller 6. The read / write head 9 is electrically connected to the controller 6. The controller 6 controls the read / write head 9 to read data from the storage surface of the tape 7 or to write data to the storage surface of the tape 7. It will be understood that in the implementation in which the tape system 5 is connected to the server 4, the server 4 may be connected to the controller 6 in the drive 8.

[0069] Referring to Figure 2 , in related art, a magnetic tape system includes a magnetic tape, a first reel 10, and a second reel 11. The magnetic tape is provided with a magnetized region in which data is stored. One end of the magnetic tape is fixed to the first reel 10, and the other end of the magnetic tape is fixed to the second reel 11. A portion of the magnetic tape is wound around the first reel 10, and another portion is wound around the second reel 11. The first reel 10 and the second reel 11 are spaced apart, and the magnetic tape cannot be fully wound around both reels 10, 11 at the same time. This results in low space utilization within the magnetic tape system. During the reading and writing process, when the tape drive drives the second reel 11 to rotate, the tape located between the first reel 10 and the second reel 11 can be gradually wound around the second reel 11 to drive the first reel 10 to rotate, so that part of the tape on the first reel 10 is unwound, and the part of the tape wound on the first reel 10 gradually moves between the first reel 10 and the second reel 11, and the tape at a specific position is located between the first reel 10 and the second reel 11 to cooperate with the tape drive to read the data on the tape, but it will extend the addressing time of the tape system, resulting in a large delay in reading and writing data. Furthermore, as the tape drive drives the second reel 11 to rotate, thereby driving the first reel 10 to rotate, the magnetic tape located between the first reel 10 and the second reel 11 is subjected to tension from the first reel 10 and the second reel 11. When the tension exceeds the threshold that the tape can withstand, the tape breaks, the first reel 10 will not continue to rotate with the rotation of the second reel 11, and the portion of the magnetic tape on the first reel 10 will not move between the first reel 10 and the second reel 11. The magnetic tape connecting the first reel 10 and the second reel 11 will fail (the tape loses its ability to be read or written), thereby causing the entire tape system to fail. Furthermore, in the related art, the thickness of the magnetic tape is relatively large to increase the threshold that the magnetic tape can withstand tension and prevent the magnetic tape from breaking. However, when a magnetic tape with a relatively large thickness is wound around the first reel 10 or the second reel 11, the capacity density of the magnetic tape system will be reduced.

[0070] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the magnetic tape system 5 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a magnetic tape 7. The magnetic tape 7 may include a plurality of stacked storage pages 12, each of which is covered with a magnetic storage material. The storage page 12 is used to store data, and the storage page 12 is provided with a plurality of magnetized regions arranged in an array along the X and Y directions; the plurality of storage pages 12 are stacked along the Z direction. A read / write head 9 may be used to read data from the storage page 12 or write data to the storage page 12. The drive 8 may also include a page fetcher 13, which is also electrically connected to the controller 6. The controller 6 may be used to determine at least one target storage page 14 from the plurality of storage pages 12 (as shown in Figure 5) and control the page fetcher 13 to fetch the target storage page 14. After the page fetcher 13 fetches the target storage page 14, the controller 6 is further used to control the read / write head 9 to read data from the target storage page 14 or write data to the target storage page 14. The target storage page 14 may be defined as a storage page 12 on which data read or write operations are required.

[0071] The magnetic tape system 5 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a magnetic tape 7, a read / write head 9, a page extractor 13, and a controller 6, wherein the magnetic tape 7 includes a plurality of stacked storage pages 12. During the reading and writing process of the magnetic tape 7, the controller 6 can determine at least one target storage page 14 from the plurality of storage pages 12. The controller 6 can then control the page extractor 13 to extract the target storage page 14 and control the read / write head 9 to read data from the target storage page 14 or write data into the target storage page 14. Data is stored in the plurality of storage pages 12. During operation, the page extractor 13 contacts the target storage page 14 to extract the target storage page 14. Compared with the related art in which the magnetic tape is wound on the first reel 10 (as shown in FIG. 2 ) and the second reel 11 (as shown in FIG. 2 ), the force applied to the storage page 12 is smaller, thereby preventing the magnetic tape 7 in the magnetic tape system 5 from breaking and causing the entire magnetic tape system 5 to fail.

[0072] Continuing with FIG. 3 , in the magnetic tape system 5 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the magnetic tape 7 includes multiple stacked storage pages 12. This improves space utilization within the magnetic tape system 5 compared to related art. Furthermore, during the reading and writing process of the magnetic tape 7, because the multiple storage pages 12 are relatively independent of each other, if a target storage page 14 (as shown in FIG. 5 ) is damaged or broken during retrieval or reading and writing, only the storage page 12 identified as the target storage page 14 will fail, while the other storage pages 12 in the magnetic tape 7 can still read or write data. This prevents damage or breakage of some storage pages 12, which could cause the entire magnetic tape system 5 to fail. And in the process of reading and writing the magnetic tape 7, the target storage page 14 is only in contact with the page extractor 13, that is, the target storage page 14 will only be subjected to the pulling force of the page extractor 13, which reduces the pulling force on the target storage page 14 during the retrieval process, and can appropriately lower the threshold value of the pulling force that the storage page 12 can withstand. In some embodiments, the threshold value of the pulling force that the storage page 12 can withstand can be lowered by reducing the thickness of a single storage page 12. Since the thickness of the storage page 12 is reduced, more storage pages 12 can be included in the same volume of magnetic tape 7, thereby improving the capacity density of the magnetic tape system 5.

[0073] Referring to Figures 1, 4, and 5, in the embodiment of the present application, a storage page 12 includes a storage area 15 and an identification area 16. The storage area 15 is used to store data, and the identification area 16 is used to identify identification information of the storage page 12. The tape system 5 also includes an identification reader 17 electrically connected to a controller 6. The controller 6 can determine at least one target storage page 14 from multiple storage pages 12. The identification information in the identification area 16 of each storage page 12 corresponds to the data in the storage area 15 of that storage page 12. Based on the identification information, the corresponding storage page 12 can be uniquely identified. The controller 6 stores a mapping relationship between data and identification information. During the reading and writing process of the magnetic tape 7, the controller 6 first determines identification information (first identification information), then controls the identification reader 17 to identify multiple identification information (multiple second identification information, each of which includes at least one third representation information) on each storage page 12. The controller then compares the first identification information with the second identification information, finds third identification information that is identical to the first identification information in the second identification information, and determines the location of the target storage page 14 based on the third identification information. Then the controller 6 controls the page fetcher 13 to fetch the target storage page 14 , and controls the read / write head 9 to read the data in the target storage page 14 or write the data into the target storage page 14 .

[0074] Through the above-mentioned setting, in the process of the tape system 5 reading and writing the tape 7, the controller 6 can be used to control the identification reader 17 to find one or more target storage pages 14 that need to be read and written, and then the target storage page 14 can be taken out and read and write operations can be performed. Compared with the related art, in the reading and writing process of the tape 7, the tape 7 passes through the reading head between the first reel 10 and the second reel 11 in sequence from the end of the tape 7 close to the second reel 11 to the end of the tape 7 close to the first reel 10. The embodiment of the present application first identifies the identification area 16 of multiple storage pages 12 through the identification reader 17, which can reduce the addressing time of the part of the tape 7 that needs to be read and written (i.e., the target storage page 14), thereby reducing the addressing time before reading and writing the tape 7, and improving the reading and writing efficiency of the tape system 5.

[0075] In the above implementation, the storage area 15 of the storage page 12 is covered with magnetic storage material, the identification area 16 and the storage area 15 are located on the same side of the storage page 12, and the side of the stacked storage page 12 covered with the magnetic storage material faces the same direction; in the storage page 12, the identification area 16 is arranged close to the first end of the storage page 12, and each identification area 16 is arranged in a stepped manner, that is, in the multiple stacked storage pages 12, the upper storage page 12 only covers the storage area 15 of the storage page 12 located below and adjacent to it, and the exposed identification areas 16 are arranged in a stepped manner to expose the identification information on the identification area 16.

[0076] Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the identification area 16 of each storage page 12 is located at the first end of the storage page 12, and each identification area 16 is arranged in a stepped manner. Then, in the arrangement direction of the storage areas 15 and the identification areas 16 on the storage page 12, all the identification areas 16 can be exposed to facilitate the identification reader 17 to identify the identification areas 16; at the same time, the spacing between the identification areas 16 can be reduced, which facilitates the identification reader 17 to identify multiple identification areas at the same time, or shortens the moving distance of the identification reader 17 when identifying each identification area 16, thereby shortening the addressing time.

[0077] Please refer to Figure 6. In the above implementation, the storage page 12 may also include a blank area 18. The blank area 18 is located between the storage area 15 and the identification area 16. The blank area 18 serves as a buffer area between the storage area 15 and the identification area 16. It can avoid that when multiple storage pages 12 are stacked, the upper storage page 12 covers the lower and adjacent storage page 12, and the upper storage page 12 covers part of the identification area 16 of the lower storage page 12, or the lower storage page 12 not only exposes the identification area 16 but also exposes part of the storage area 15, so as to interfere with the process of the identification reader 17 identifying the identification area 16.

[0078] In some embodiments, the identification area 16 may also be covered with a magnetic storage material, and the identification information on the identification area 16 may also be represented by different magnetization states. Accordingly, the identification reader 17 may be a magnetic head for identifying the identification information on the identification area 16 .

[0079] Referring to FIG. 7 , in some other embodiments, the storage page 12 further includes a scan code 19 disposed within the identification area 16 . The scan code 19 records identification information and may include a barcode, a QR code, or the like. Accordingly, the identification reader 17 includes a barcode scanner or a camera to cooperate with the scan code 19 to identify each identification area 16 . The barcode scanner or camera identifying the scan code simplifies the identification information recognition process by the identification reader 17 and enables simultaneous identification of multiple identification areas 16 , thereby improving the identification information recognition efficiency of the identification reader 17 and shortening the seek time of the magnetic tape system 5 .

[0080] Referring to Figures 8 and 9 , in an embodiment where the marking areas 16 are arranged in a stepped manner, the page extractor 13 may include a roller 20 and a motor 21 in transmission connection with the roller 20. The motor 21 is electrically connected to the controller 6 (as shown in Figure 1 ). The controller 6 is configured to control the operation or deactivation of the motor 21. The motor 21 is configured to drive the roller 20 to rotate. It is understood that when the motor 21 is operating, the roller 20 rotates, and when the motor 21 is deactivated, the roller 20 stops rotating. The process of extracting the target storage page 14 by the page extractor 13 includes: contacting the roller 20 with the target storage page 14, and the motor 21 driving the roller 20 to rotate to extract the storage page 12.

[0081] Through the above settings, when the controller 6 confirms the target storage page 14, the controller 6 can control the roller 20 to contact the exposed part of the target storage page 14, and then control the motor 21 to work, so that the motor 21 drives the roller 20 to rotate, and the roller 20 takes out the target storage page 14 through friction, which can reduce the tension on the target storage page 14, thereby avoiding damage or breakage of the target storage page 14, and thereby avoiding the breakage of the tape 7 in the tape system 5, resulting in failure of the entire tape system 5.

[0082] Referring to FIG10 , in the above implementation, the page remover 13 may further include a suction cup 22 and an air pump (not shown) connected to the suction cup 22. The air pump is used to extract air from the suction cup 22 or inject air into the suction cup 22. After the controller 6 identifies the target storage page 14, the controller 6 may control the suction cup 22 to contact the exposed portion of the target storage page 14, and control the air pump to extract air from the suction cup 22 so that the suction cup 22 and the target storage page 14 are adsorbed. The controller 6 then controls and moves the suction cup 22. The suction cup 22 removes the target storage page 14 through the adsorption force, and also reduces the tension on the target storage page 14, thereby preventing the target storage page 14 from being damaged or broken, thereby preventing the magnetic tape 7 in the magnetic tape system 5 from breaking and causing the entire magnetic tape system 5 to fail.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 11 , in an embodiment of the present application, the magnetic tape system 5 includes a first robotic arm 23 , which is electrically connected to the controller 6 (as shown in FIG. 2 ). The first robotic arm 23 is connected to the identification reader 17 , wherein the initial position of the identification reader 17 is spaced apart from the magnetic tape 7 . During the operation of the magnetic tape system 5 reading or writing the magnetic tape 7 , the controller 6 is configured to control the first robotic arm 23 to move the identification reader 17 above each identification area 16 (if the initial position of the identification reader 17 is already above each identification area 16 , there is no need to move the identification reader 17 ). In some embodiments, the identification reader 17 's recognition range can cover all identification areas 16 . The identification reader 17 determines the location of the target storage page 14 based on the identification information within the identification area 16 of the storage page 12 to be read or written (i.e., the target storage page 14 ) and transmits the information to the controller 6 . In other embodiments, the identification reader 17's recognition range only covers at least a portion of the identification area 16. The identification reader 17 identifies the identification information within the current identification area 16. During the identification process, the controller 6 synchronously controls the first robotic arm 23 to move the identification reader 17 sequentially between the identification areas 16 until the identification reader 17 has completed identification of the identification information within all identification areas 16. During the identification process, the identification reader 17 also determines the location of the target memory page 14 based on the identification information within the identification area 16 of the target memory page 14 and transmits the location to the controller 6.

[0084] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, in the above embodiment, the magnetic tape system 5 includes a second robotic arm 24, which is electrically connected to the controller 6 and connected to the page extractor 13. The initial position of the page extractor 13 is spaced apart from the magnetic tape 7. During the reading and writing operations of the magnetic tape 7 by the magnetic tape system 5, the controller 6 controls the second robotic arm 24 to move the page extractor 13 above the exposed portion of the target storage page 14 and bring the page extractor 13 into contact with the target storage page 14. In the embodiment in which the page extractor 13 is implemented as a roller 20, after the roller 20 contacts the target storage page 14, the controller 6 controls the motor 21 to drive the roller 20 to rotate to extract the target storage page 14. After the target storage page 14 is extracted, the controller 6 controls the second robotic arm 24 to return the roller 20 to its initial position. In an implementation where the page extractor 13 comprises a suction cup 22 and an air pump, after the suction cup 22 contacts the target memory page 14, the controller 6 controls the air pump to extract air from the suction cup 22 so that the suction cup 22 adheres to the target memory page 14, and controls the second robotic arm 24 to move the suction cup 22 away from the memory page 12 to remove the target memory page 14. After the target memory page 14 is removed, the controller 6 controls the air pump to inject air into the suction cup 22 to separate the suction cup 22 from the target memory page 14, thereby lowering the target memory page 14. The controller 6 then controls the second robotic arm 24 to return the suction cup 22 to its initial position. In this implementation, after the page extractor 13 removes the target memory page 14, and after the read / write head 9 reads or writes data from or to the target memory page 14, the controller 6 controls the second robotic arm 24 to drive the page extractor 13 to place the read / write target memory page 14 back on top of the stacked plurality of memory pages 12, and then returns the page extractor 13 to its initial position. In combination with the above embodiment, if the identification reader 17 and the first mechanical arm 23 are located on the path where the second mechanical arm 24 drives the page taker 13 to move, the controller 6 can control the first mechanical arm 23 to drive the identification reader 17 to move.

[0085] Referring to Figures 12 to 14 , in the above-described embodiment, the tape system 5 includes a third robotic arm 25 and a read platform 26. The third robotic arm 25 is electrically connected to the controller 6. In some implementations, the third robotic arm 25 is connected to the read / write head 9. The read platform 26 is fixed and spaced apart from the magnetic tape 7, with the read / write head 9 positioned above the read platform 26. During a read / write operation of the tape system 5 on the magnetic tape 7, the page remover 13 removes the target storage page 14 onto the read platform 26. The controller 6 controls the third robotic arm 25 to sequentially move the read / write head 9 across the magnetized regions on the target storage page 14, thereby reading data from or writing data to the target storage page 14. In other implementations, the third robotic arm 25 is connected to the read platform 26. The initial position of the read platform 26 is spaced apart from the magnetic tape 7, with the read / write head 9 positioned above the read platform 26 and fixed. During the reading and writing operation of the tape system 5 on the tape 7, the pager 13 takes the target storage page 14 to the reading platform 26, and the controller 6 is used to control the third robotic arm 25 to drive the reading and writing platform to move, so that the read-write head 9 moves sequentially relative to the magnetized areas on the target storage page 14, thereby reading the data in the target storage page 14 or writing the data to the target storage page 14.

[0086] 15 and 16 , in the above embodiment, the controller 6 can also be used to determine at least one target storage page 14 from the plurality of storage pages 12. Exemplarily, the number of target storage pages 14 includes multiple targets, and the controller 6 controls the page fetcher 13 to fetch the multiple determined target storage pages 14. The multiple target storage pages 14 can all be placed on the above-mentioned reading platform 26. The read / write heads 9 can also include multiple targets, and the number of read / write heads 9 is greater than or equal to the number of target storage pages 14. Accordingly, the third robotic arm 25 can also include multiple targets. The controller 6 is further used to control each read / write head 9 to read data from or write data to the corresponding target storage page 14.

[0087] Through the above configuration, multiple read / write heads 9 can simultaneously read data from multiple target storage pages 14 or simultaneously write different data into corresponding target storage pages 14 , thereby improving the reading and writing efficiency of the tape system 5 on the tape 7 .

[0088] Please refer to Figures 17 and 18. In some embodiments, the magnetic tape 7 may include a first storage group 27 and a second storage group 28. The first storage group 27 and the second storage group 28 are overlapped in the thickness direction. The first storage group 27 and the second storage group 28 may both include multiple storage pages 12 as shown in Figure 5. The first end of each storage page 12 in the first storage group 27 is close to the first end of each storage page 12 in the second storage group 28. In some implementations, the first end of the first storage group 27 and the first end of the second storage group 28 are aligned in the thickness direction, which can shorten the length of the steps formed by the multiple storage pages 12 in the staggered direction, making it easier for the identification reader 17 to identify each identification area 16.

[0089] In the implementation mode in which the storage page 12 includes the identification area 16, the front section of the identification information in the identification area of ​​the multiple storage pages 12 belonging to the first storage group 27 is the same, and the front section of the identification information in the identification area of ​​the multiple storage pages 12 belonging to the first storage group 27 is different from the front section of the identification information in the identification area of ​​the multiple storage pages 12 belonging to the second storage group 28; in the process of reading and writing the magnetic tape 7, the controller 6 first determines an identification information (first identification information), and then controls the identification reader 17 to identify multiple identification information (multiple second identification information) on the multiple storage pages in the first storage group 27. Second identification information, multiple second identification information include at least one third representation information), if the front part of the identification information corresponding to the storage page 12 in the first storage group 27 is different from the front part of the first identification information, the controller 6 controls the identification reader 17 to transfer to the second storage group 28, and compares the front part of the identification information of the storage page 12 in the second storage group 28, and so on; if the front part of the identification information corresponding to the storage page 12 in the first storage group 27 is the same as the front part of the first identification information, the identification reader 17 identifies the complete identification information until the target storage page 14 is found.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 19. In the implementation mode in which the above-mentioned magnetic tape 7 includes multiple storage pages 12 (as shown in Figure 5) or the magnetic tape 7 includes a first storage group 27 and a second storage group 28 (as shown in Figure 17), the magnetic tape 7 also includes a storage box 31. The storage box 31 is enclosed to form a accommodating cavity. An opening is provided at one end of the storage box 31. Each storage page 12 is provided in the accommodating cavity, and the first end of each storage page 12 extends from the opening to the outside of the accommodating cavity to expose the identification area 16.

[0091] Through the above settings, the storage box 31 can limit the positions of multiple storage pages 12 and maintain the stacked form of multiple storage pages 12, avoiding the scattering of multiple storage pages 12 during the process of taking out the storage pages 12 or putting the storage pages 12 back, thereby affecting the continuous reading and writing of multiple storage pages 12.

[0092] Continuing to refer to Figure 19, in the above implementation, the storage box 31 includes a closed end and an open end arranged opposite to each other, and the opening is arranged on the open end; an adjustment surface 32 is provided on the closed end, and the adjustment surface 32 is inclined relative to the plane where the storage page 12 is located; the second end of each storage page 12 away from the first end is pressed against the adjustment surface 32, so that each identification area 16 is arranged in a stepped shape.

[0093] Through the above-mentioned setting, the opening is used to expose the identification area 16 of each storage page 12, so that the identification reader 17 (as shown in Figure 11) can identify each identification area 16. The adjustment surface 32 is inclined relative to the plane where the storage page 12 is located, so that the identification area 16 of each storage page 12 is arranged in a stepped manner. Then, in the arrangement direction of the storage area 15 and the identification area 16 on the storage page 12, the distance between each identification area 16 can be reduced, which further facilitates the identification reader 17 to identify each identification area 16.

[0094] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A magnetic tape system, characterized in that, include: A magnetic tape, the magnetic tape comprising a plurality of storage pages arranged in a stacked manner, the storage pages being used to store data; A read / write head, the read / write head is used to read data on the storage page or write data into the storage page; A page fetcher and a controller, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the read / write head and the page fetcher, the controller is used to determine at least one target storage page from the multiple storage pages, and control the page fetcher to fetch the target storage page, and the controller is also used to control the read / write head to read data from the target storage page or write data to the target storage page.

2. The tape system according to claim 1, wherein The storage page includes a storage area and an identification area, the storage area is used to store data, and the identification area is used to identify identification information of the storage page; The magnetic tape system also includes an identification reader electrically connected to the controller; The controller determines at least one target storage page from the plurality of storage pages, including: the controller controls the identification reader to identify the identification information on each of the storage pages, and determines at least one of the storage pages according to the identification information.

3. The tape system according to claim 2, wherein, The storage page also includes a scan code, the scan code records the identification information, and the scan code is set in the identification area.

4. The tape system according to claim 3, wherein, The identification reader includes a barcode scanner or a camera.

5. The tape system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The identification area is arranged close to the first end of the storage page, and each identification area is arranged in a stepped shape.

6. The tape system according to claim 5, wherein The magnetic tape includes a first storage group and a second storage group, each of the first storage group and the second storage group includes a plurality of storage pages, and the first end of each storage page in the first storage group is close to the first end of each storage page in the second storage group.

7. The tape system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The magnetic tape also includes a storage box, which is surrounded by a receiving cavity. An opening is provided at one end of the storage box, and each storage page is arranged in the receiving cavity. The first end of each storage page extends out of the receiving cavity from the opening to expose the identification area.

8. The tape system according to claim 7, wherein The storage box includes a closed end and an open end that are arranged opposite to each other, and the opening is arranged on the open end; an adjustment surface is arranged on the closed end, and the adjustment surface is inclined relative to the plane where the storage pages are located; the second end of each storage page away from the first end abuts against the adjustment surface, so that each identification area is arranged in a stepped shape.

9. The tape system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The read-write heads include multiple ones, and the controller is used to determine at least one target storage page from the multiple storage pages. The number of the target storage pages includes multiple ones. The controller controls the page fetcher to fetch the determined multiple target storage pages. The controller is also used to control each of the read-write heads to read data from the corresponding target storage page or write data to the corresponding target storage page.

10. The tape system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The page taker comprises a roller and a motor drivingly connected to the roller, and the motor is electrically connected to the controller; The page extractor extracts the target storage page, including: making the roller contact with the target storage page, and the motor drives the roller to rotate, so as to extract the storage page.

11. A magnetic tape, characterized in that, The magnetic tape comprises a plurality of stacked storage pages, each storage page comprising a storage area and an identification area, the identification area being arranged close to a first end of the storage page, each identification area being arranged in a stepped manner, the storage area being used to store data, and the identification area being used to identify identification information of the storage page.

12. The magnetic tape according to claim 11, wherein The magnetic tape includes a first storage group and a second storage group, each of the first storage group and the second storage group includes a plurality of storage pages, and the first end of each storage page in the first storage group is close to the first end of each storage page in the second storage group.

13. The magnetic tape according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The storage page also includes a scan code, the scan code records the identification information, and the scan code is set in the identification area.

14. The magnetic tape according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The magnetic tape also includes a storage box, which is surrounded by a receiving cavity. An opening is provided at one end of the storage box, and each storage page is arranged in the receiving cavity. The first end of each storage page extends out of the receiving cavity from the opening to expose the identification area.

15. The magnetic tape according to claim 14, wherein The storage box includes a closed end and an open end that are arranged opposite to each other, and the opening is arranged on the open end; an adjustment surface is arranged on the closed end, and the adjustment surface is inclined relative to the plane where the storage pages are located; the second end of each storage page away from the first end abuts against the adjustment surface, so that each identification area is arranged in a stepped shape.

16. A driver for the magnetic tape according to any one of claims 11-15, characterized in that, The driver comprises: A read / write head, the read / write head is used to read data on the storage page or write data into the storage page; the controller is electrically connected to the read / write head and the page fetcher; A page fetcher and a controller, wherein the controller is used to determine at least one target storage page from the multiple storage pages and control the page fetcher to fetch the target storage page. The controller is also used to control the read / write head to read data from the target storage page or write data to the target storage page.

17. The driver according to claim 16, characterized in that, The drive also includes an identification reader, which is electrically connected to the controller. The controller determines at least one target storage page from the multiple storage pages, including: the controller controls the identification reader to identify the identification information on each storage page, and determines at least one storage page based on the identification information.

18. An electronic device, characterized in that, comprising a magnetic tape system and a server as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the server is electrically connected to the controller; Alternatively, the method comprises the magnetic tape according to any one of claims 11 to 15, the drive according to claim 16 or 17, and a server, wherein the server is electrically connected to the controller.

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