Magnetic tape cartridge, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This magnetic tape cartridge contains a magnetic tape. The magnetic tape cartridge includes a storage medium. The storage medium has a storage area capable of storing association information associating a use environment of the magnetic tape with the capability of the magnetic tape that can be used in the use environment.

Description

Magnetic tape cartridge, information processing device, information processing method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a magnetic tape cartridge, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-120687 discloses a magnetic tape cartridge that includes a case for accommodating a magnetic tape and a storage medium provided in the case. The storage medium described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-120687 stores at least one of information related to an allowable temperature and humidity range regarding the allowable range of temperature and humidity during use of the magnetic tape, information related to an upper limit of a storage period regarding an upper limit of a storage period for the magnetic tape, and information related to an upper limit of a usage count regarding an upper limit of the number of times the magnetic tape can be used.

[0003] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a magnetic tape cartridge, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can ensure the recording of data to a magnetic tape and / or the reproduction of data from a magnetic tape within the capabilities appropriate to the environment in which the magnetic tape is used.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a magnetic tape cartridge containing a magnetic tape, the magnetic tape cartridge including a storage medium, the storage medium having a storage area capable of storing association information that associates the usage environment of the magnetic tape with the capabilities of the magnetic tape that are usable in the usage environment.

[0005] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the first aspect, in which the level of performance varies depending on the usage environment.

[0006] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the first or second aspect, wherein the capability includes a capacity of the magnetic tape and / or a processing speed performed on the magnetic tape.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to third aspects, in which the association information is provided with first information indicating that the usage environment is more important than the capacity, or second information indicating that the capacity is more important than the usage environment.

[0008] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the capabilities include multiple types, and the association information is provided with third information that can identify which of the multiple types is important.

[0009] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to the fifth aspect, wherein the plurality of types includes a capacity of the magnetic tape and / or a processing speed performed on the magnetic tape.

[0010] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the usage environment is a temperature range and / or a humidity range.

[0011] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the storage medium is a magnetic tape and / or a non-contact communication medium.

[0012] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that includes a processor, and when association information is stored in a storage area of ​​a magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the processor acquires the association information from the storage area and performs specific processing using the association information.

[0013] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method that includes, when association information is stored in a storage area of ​​a magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, acquiring association information from the storage area and performing specific processing using the association information.

[0014] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute a process including, when association information is stored in a storage area of ​​a magnetic tape cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, acquiring association information from the storage area and performing a specific process using the association information.

[0015] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a magnetic tape system. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a magnetic tape cartridge. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a magnetic tape drive. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a mode in which a magnetic field is emitted from the underside of a magnetic tape cartridge by a non-contact read / write device. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of information stored in a cartridge memory. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of first association information. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of second association information. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the content of a display process included in a specific process performed by a processing device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a magnetic tape system control process. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which first information or second information is assigned to the first association information. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which first information or second information is assigned to the second association information. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display process performed by a processing device when first information is assigned to the first association information and the second association information. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a mode in which third information is assigned to the association information. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display process performed by a processing device when third information is assigned to the association information. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a second example of automatic control processing performed by a processing device. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which association information 50 is stored in a BOT section and / or an EOT section. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a manner in which a program stored in a computer-readable and non-transitory storage medium is installed on a computer.

[0016] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of a magnetic tape cartridge, an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0018] CPU is an abbreviation for "Central Processing Unit". RAM is an abbreviation for "Random Access Memory". NVM is an abbreviation for "Non-volatile memory". EEPROM is an abbreviation for "Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory". SSD is an abbreviation for "Solid State Drive". HDD is an abbreviation for "Hard Disk Drive". ASIC is an abbreviation for "Application Specific Integrated Circuit". FPGA is an abbreviation for "Field-Programmable Gate Array". PLC is an abbreviation for "Programmable Logic Controller". Soc is an abbreviation for "System on a chip". IC is an abbreviation for "Integrated Circuit". RFID is an abbreviation for "Radio Frequency Identifier". UI is an abbreviation for "User Interface". WAN is an abbreviation for "Wide Area Network." LAN is an abbreviation for "Local Area Network." EL is an abbreviation for "Electroluminescence." BOT is an abbreviation for "Beginning Of Tape." EOT is an abbreviation for "End Of Tape."

[0019] 1, as an example, a magnetic tape system 10 includes a magnetic tape cartridge 12 and a magnetic tape drive 14. The magnetic tape cartridge 12 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 14. The magnetic tape cartridge 12 contains a magnetic tape MT. The magnetic tape drive 14 pulls out the magnetic tape MT from the loaded magnetic tape cartridge 12 and, while running the pulled-out magnetic tape MT, records data on the magnetic tape MT and reads data from the magnetic tape MT.

[0020] In this embodiment, the magnetic tape MT is an example of a "magnetic tape" according to the present disclosure. Also, in this embodiment, the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is an example of a "magnetic tape cartridge" according to the present disclosure. Also, in this embodiment, the magnetic tape drive 14 is an example of an "information processing device" according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Next, an example of the configuration of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. For convenience of explanation, in the following description, the loading direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 into the magnetic tape drive 14 is indicated by arrow A in Figures 2 to 4, the direction of arrow A is the front direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 12, and the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12. In the following description of the structure, "front" refers to the front side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12.

[0022] 2 to 4, for convenience of explanation, the direction of arrow B1, which is orthogonal to the direction of arrow A, is defined as the right direction, and the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is defined as the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12. In the following description of the structure, "right" refers to the right side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12.

[0023] 2 to 4, for convenience of explanation, the direction opposite to the direction of arrow B is referred to as the left direction, and the left side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is referred to as the left side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12. In the following description of the structure, "left" refers to the left side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12.

[0024] 2 to 4, for convenience of explanation, the direction perpendicular to the directions of arrow A and arrow B1 is indicated by arrow C, the direction of arrow C is the upward direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 12, and the upward side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is the upper side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12. In the explanation of the structure shown below, "upper" refers to the upper side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12.

[0025] 2 to 4, for convenience of explanation, the direction opposite to the front direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is referred to as the rear direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 12, and the rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is referred to as the rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12. In the following description of the structure, "rear" refers to the rear side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12.

[0026] 2 to 4, for convenience of explanation, the direction opposite to the upper direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is referred to as the lower direction of the magnetic tape cartridge 12, and the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is referred to as the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12. In the following description of the structure, "lower" refers to the lower side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12.

[0027] 2, the magnetic tape cartridge 12 has a box-like case 16 that is generally rectangular in plan view. The case 16 houses the magnetic tape MT. The case 16 is made of resin such as polycarbonate and includes an upper case 18 and a lower case 20. The upper case 18 and the lower case 20 are joined by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding) and screw fastening, with the lower peripheral surface of the upper case 18 and the upper peripheral surface of the lower case 20 in contact with each other. The joining method is not limited to welding and screw fastening, and other joining methods may also be used.

[0028] The supply reel 22 is rotatably housed inside the case 16. The supply reel 22 includes a reel hub 22A, an upper flange 22B1, and a lower flange 22B2. The reel hub 22A is cylindrical. The reel hub 22A is the axial center of the supply reel 22, and its axial direction is aligned with the vertical direction of the case 16, and it is disposed in the center of the case 16. The upper flange 22B1 and the lower flange 22B2 are each formed in an annular shape. The center of the upper flange 22B1 in a plan view is fixed to the upper end of the reel hub 22A, and the center of the lower flange 22B2 in a plan view is fixed to the lower end of the reel hub 22A. The reel hub 22A and the lower flange 22B2 may be integrally molded.

[0029] The magnetic tape MT is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the reel hub 22A, and the widthwise ends of the magnetic tape MT are held by an upper flange 22B1 and a lower flange 22B2.

[0030] An opening 16B is formed in the front side of the right wall 16A of the case 16. The magnetic tape MT is pulled out through the opening 16B.

[0031] The lower case 20 is provided with a cartridge memory 24. Specifically, the cartridge memory 24 is housed in the right rear end portion of the lower case 20. An IC chip having an NVM is mounted on the cartridge memory 24. In this embodiment, a so-called passive RFID tag is used as the cartridge memory 24, and various information is read and written to the cartridge memory 24 in a contactless manner.

[0032] The cartridge memory 24 stores management information 15 for managing the magnetic tape cartridge 12. For example, the management information 15 is stored in the cartridge memory 24 over multiple stages. In this case, the management information 15 is stored in the cartridge memory 24 during the manufacturing stage of the magnetic tape cartridge 12, during a stage before the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is manufactured, and / or during a stage after the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is manufactured. Alternatively, the entire management information 15 may be stored in the cartridge memory 24 at one time.

[0033] The management information 15 includes, for example, information about the cartridge memory 24 (e.g., information that can identify the magnetic tape cartridge 12), information about the magnetic tape MT, and information about the magnetic tape drive 14. The information about the magnetic tape MT refers to, for example, information indicating the transfer rate for recording data to the magnetic tape MT and / or reproducing data from the magnetic tape MT, information indicating the data storage capacity (hereinafter also simply referred to as "capacity") of the magnetic tape MT, information indicating an overview of the data recorded on the magnetic tape MT, information indicating the items of data recorded on the magnetic tape MT, and information indicating the recording format of the data recorded on the magnetic tape MT. The information about the magnetic tape drive 14 refers, for example, to information indicating the specifications of the magnetic tape drive 14 and signals used in the magnetic tape drive 14. In this embodiment, the cartridge memory 24 is an example of a "storage medium" and a "contactless communication medium" according to the present disclosure.

[0034] 3, the magnetic tape drive 14 includes a transport device 26, a magnetic head 28, a processing device 30, storage 32, a UI device 34, and a communication interface 35. The magnetic tape cartridge 12 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 14 in the direction of arrow A. In the magnetic tape drive 14, the magnetic tape MT is pulled out from the magnetic tape cartridge 12 and used.

[0035] The magnetic tape MT includes a magnetic layer 29A, a base film 29B, and a backcoat layer 29C. The magnetic layer 29A is formed on one side of the base film 29B, and the backcoat layer 29C is formed on the other side of the base film 29B. Data is recorded in the magnetic layer 29A. The magnetic layer 29A contains ferromagnetic powder. Examples of the ferromagnetic powder include ferromagnetic powders commonly used in the magnetic layers of various magnetic recording media. A preferred example of the ferromagnetic powder is hexagonal ferrite powder. Examples of the hexagonal ferrite powder include hexagonal strontium ferrite powder and hexagonal barium ferrite powder. The backcoat layer 29C is a layer containing a non-magnetic powder such as carbon black. The base film 29B, also referred to as a support, is formed of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyamide. A non-magnetic layer may be formed between the base film 29B and the magnetic layer 29A. In the magnetic tape MT, the surface on which the magnetic layer 29A is formed is the front surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT, and the surface on which the backcoat layer 29C is formed is the back surface 33 of the magnetic tape MT.

[0036] The magnetic tape drive 14 performs magnetic processing on the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT using the magnetic head 28. Here, magnetic processing refers to recording data on the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT and reading data from the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT (i.e., reproducing data). In this embodiment, the magnetic tape drive 14 selectively records data on the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT and reads data from the surface 31 of the magnetic tape MT using the magnetic head 28. That is, the magnetic tape drive 14 pulls out the magnetic tape MT from the magnetic tape cartridge 12 and uses the magnetic head 28 to record data on the surface 31 of the pulled-out magnetic tape MT or reads data from the surface 31 of the pulled-out magnetic tape MT using the magnetic head 28.

[0037] The processing device 30 controls the entire magnetic tape drive 14. In this embodiment, the processing device 30 is realized by an ASIC, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the processing device 30 may be realized by an FPGA and / or a PLC. The processing device 30 may also be realized by a computer including a CPU, flash memory (e.g., EEPROM and / or SSD, etc.), and RAM. The processing device 30 may also be realized by a combination of two or more of an ASIC, an FPGA, a PLC, and a computer. In other words, the processing device 30 may be realized by a combination of a hardware configuration and a software configuration. In this embodiment, the processing device 30 is an example of a "processor" according to the present disclosure.

[0038] The storage 32 is connected to the processing device 30, and the processing device 30 writes various types of information to the storage 32 and reads various types of information from the storage 32. Examples of the storage 32 include a flash memory and / or a HDD. The flash memory and the HDD are merely examples, and any non-volatile memory that can be mounted in the magnetic tape drive 14 may be used.

[0039] The UI device 34 is a device having a reception function for receiving instruction signals indicating instructions from a user and a presentation function for presenting information to the user. The reception function is realized by, for example, a touch panel, hard keys (e.g., a keyboard), and / or a mouse. The presentation function is realized by, for example, a display, a printer, and / or a speaker. The UI device 34 is connected to the processing device 30. The processing device 30 acquires the instruction signals received by the UI device 34. The UI device 34 presents various information to the user under the control of the processing device 30.

[0040] The communication interface 35 is connected to the processing device 30. The communication interface 35 is also connected to an external device 37 via a communication network (not shown) such as a WAN and / or LAN. The communication interface 35 controls the exchange of various information (e.g., data to be recorded on the magnetic tape MT, data read from the magnetic tape MT, and / or instruction signals given to the processing device 30) between the processing device 30 and the external device 37. The external device 37 may be, for example, a personal computer or a server.

[0041] The transport device 26 is a device that selectively transports the magnetic tape MT in the forward direction or the reverse direction along a predetermined path, and includes a feed motor 36, a take-up reel 38, a take-up motor 40, and a plurality of guide rollers GR. 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.

[0042] The supply motor 36 rotates the supply reel 22 in the magnetic tape cartridge 12 under the control of the processing device 30. The processing device 30 controls the supply motor 36 to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation torque, etc. of the supply reel 22.

[0043] The take-up motor 40 rotates the take-up reel 38 under the control of the processing device 30. The processing device 30 controls the take-up motor 40 to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation torque, etc. of the take-up reel 38.

[0044] When the magnetic tape MT is wound by the take-up reel 38, the processing device 30 rotates the supply motor 36 and the take-up motor 40 so that the magnetic tape MT runs in the forward direction along a predetermined path. The rotational speed, rotational torque, etc. of the supply motor 36 and the take-up motor 40 are adjusted according to the speed at which the magnetic tape MT is wound around the take-up reel 38. Furthermore, tension is applied to the magnetic tape MT by adjusting the rotational speed, rotational torque, etc. of the supply motor 36 and the take-up motor 40 by the processing device 30. Furthermore, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is controlled by adjusting the rotational speed, rotational torque, etc. of the supply motor 36 and the take-up motor 40 by the processing device 30.

[0045] When the magnetic tape MT is rewound onto the supply reel 22, the processing device 30 rotates the supply motor 36 and the take-up motor 40 so that the magnetic tape MT travels in the reverse direction along the predetermined path.

[0046] In this embodiment, the tension applied to the magnetic tape MT is controlled by controlling the rotation speed and rotation torque of the supply motor 36 and the take-up motor 40, but 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.

[0047] Each of the plurality of guide rollers GR is a roller that guides the magnetic tape MT. The predetermined path, i.e., the running path of the magnetic tape MT, is determined by disposing the plurality of guide rollers GR at positions across the magnetic head 28 between the magnetic tape cartridge 12 and the take-up reel 38.

[0048] The magnetic head 28 includes a magnetic element unit 42 and a holder 44. The magnetic element unit 42 is held by the holder 44 so as to come into contact with the running magnetic tape MT. The magnetic element unit 42 has a plurality of magnetic elements.

[0049] The magnetic element unit 42 records data on the magnetic tape MT transported by the transport device 26 and reads data from the magnetic tape MT transported by the transport device 26 .

[0050] The magnetic tape drive 14 is equipped with a non-contact read / write device 46. The non-contact read / write device 46 is disposed below the magnetic tape cartridge 12 when the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is loaded so as to directly face the back surface 24A of the cartridge memory 24, and reads and writes information from and to the cartridge memory 24 in a non-contact manner.

[0051] 4, the non-contact read / write device 46 emits a magnetic field MF from the bottom side of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 toward the cartridge memory 24. The magnetic field MF penetrates the cartridge memory 24.

[0052] The non-contact read / write device 46 is connected to the processing device 30. The processing device 30 outputs a control signal to the non-contact read / write device 46. The control signal is a signal that controls the cartridge memory 24. The non-contact read / write device 46 generates a magnetic field MF in accordance with the control signal input from the processing device 30, and emits the generated magnetic field MF toward the cartridge memory 24.

[0053] The non-contact read / write device 46 performs contactless communication with the cartridge memory 24 via the magnetic field MF, and performs processing on the cartridge memory 24 in accordance with the control signal. For example, under the control of the processing device 30, the non-contact read / write device 46 selectively performs processing to read information from the cartridge memory 24 and processing to store information in the cartridge memory 24 (i.e., processing to write information to the cartridge memory 24).

[0054] Incidentally, the magnetic tape system 10 is designed so that the cartridge memory 24 and the magnetic tape MT store the capacity of the cartridge memory 24, information about the manufacturer, and various information about the magnetic tape (for example, JIS X 6175 or ECMA 319). In the 3592 system, the media reuse function allows the user to freely determine the capacity of the magnetic tape MT by combining the magnetic tape drive 14 and media.

[0055] Magnetic tape MT has many advantages over hard disks and semiconductor memories. For example, magnetic tape MT has a larger capacity than hard disks and semiconductor memories, allowing it to store a large amount of data (e.g., backup data). Furthermore, magnetic tape MT has a longer lifespan than hard disks and semiconductor memories, allowing for long-term data storage. Furthermore, magnetic tape MT is physically isolated from unauthorized access, providing higher security than hard disks and semiconductor memories. Considering these many advantages, it is expected that the need for magnetic tape MT will increase over hard disks and semiconductor memories, especially as a medium for storing backup data. In this case, for example, it is conceivable that a magnetic tape system 10 will be installed in place of HDDs in an existing data center for HDDs.

[0056] It is known that the guaranteed temperature and humidity range for HDDs (e.g., the temperature and humidity range within which normal functioning of an HDD is guaranteed) is generally wider than the guaranteed temperature and humidity range for magnetic tape MTs (e.g., the temperature and humidity range within which normal functioning of a magnetic tape MT is guaranteed). For example, the guaranteed temperature and humidity range for HDDs is a temperature range of approximately 5°C to 50°C and a humidity range of approximately 20% to 80%, while the guaranteed temperature and humidity range for magnetic tape MTs is a temperature range of approximately 10°C to 45°C and a humidity range of approximately 20% to 80%.

[0057] Because the guaranteed temperature and humidity ranges for HDDs and magnetic tape media are different, it may not be possible to install the magnetic tape system 10 in an existing data center that uses HDDs. Furthermore, the constraints on the guaranteed temperature and humidity range must be taken into consideration when constructing a new data center, and are considered to be one of the obstacles to expanding the use of magnetic tape media. Therefore, there is a growing demand for magnetic tape media not only for higher capacity but also for an expanded guaranteed temperature and humidity range. There is also a need for faster data transfer rates (hereinafter simply referred to as "transfer rates") for recording data to and reproducing data from magnetic tape media.

[0058] In consideration of these circumstances, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 as an example, the management information 15 stored in the cartridge memory 24 includes association information 50. The cartridge memory 24 has a storage area 24B in which the management information 15 can be stored. The management information 15 is stored in the storage area 24B. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the management information 15 is stored in the storage area 24B, but this is merely an example, and the storage area 24B may be any area capable of storing the association information 50 included in the management information 15. For example, the association information 50 may not be stored in the storage area 24B when the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is manufactured (or shipped), and the association information 50 may be written to the storage area 24B by the non-contact read / write device 46 or another non-contact read / write device (a so-called reader / writer) after delivery of the magnetic tape cartridge 12 (i.e., when the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is used by a user). Furthermore, the storage area 24B may be a storage area for storing only the association information 50 (i.e., a storage area dedicated to the association information 50). In this embodiment, the "storage area" is an example of the "storage area" according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the association information 50 is an example of the "association information" according to the present disclosure. An example of the configuration and use of the association information 50 will be described in detail below.

[0059] The association information 50 is information that associates a usage environment 52 of the magnetic tape MT with a capability 54 of the magnetic tape MT. The capability 54 is the capability of the magnetic tape MT that can be used in the usage environment 52 (in other words, the capability guaranteed under the usage environment 52). In this embodiment, the usage environment 52 is an example of a "usage environment" according to the present disclosure, and the capability 54 is an example of a "capability" according to the present disclosure.

[0060] The types of capabilities 54 are broadly divided into a capacity 54A of the magnetic tape MT and a transfer rate 50B, which is an example of a processing speed for the magnetic tape MT (for example, a data recording speed and / or a data reproducing speed). Therefore, the association information 50 is broadly divided into first association information 50A that associates the usage environment 52 with the capacity 54A, and second association information 50B that associates the usage environment 52 with the transfer rate 50B.

[0061] In this embodiment, capacity 54A and transfer rate 54B are examples of "multiple types" according to the present disclosure, capacity 54A is an example of "capacity" according to the present disclosure, and transfer rate 54B is an example of "processing speed" according to the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of first association information 50A. As shown in FIG. 6, the usage environment 52 includes a temperature range 52A and a humidity range 52B. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the capacity 54A is broadly divided into a first capacity 54A1, a second capacity 54A2, and a third capacity 54A3. The first capacity 54A1 is the capacity 54A with a performance level 54C1. The second capacity 54A2 is the capacity 54A with a performance level 54C2. The third capacity 54A3 is the capacity 54A with a performance level 54C3. In this embodiment, the performance levels 54C1, 54C2, and 54C3 are examples of "performance levels" according to the present disclosure.

[0063] The capacity heights 54C1, 54C2, and 54C3 vary depending on the usage environment 52. In the example shown in Fig. 6, an example of the capacity height 54C1 is 80% of the capacity 54A when the maximum capacity 54A is 100%. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 6, an example of the capacity height 54C2 is 90% of the capacity 54A when the maximum capacity 54A is 100%. Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 6, an example of the capacity height 54C3 is the maximum of the capacity 54A (i.e., 100% of the capacity 54A).

[0064] The first capacitor 54A1 is set to a temperature range T Ｗ１ and humidity range H Ｗ１ That is, the usage environment 52 that ensures the first capacitance 54A1 is within the temperature range T Ｗ１ and humidity range H Ｗ１ The second capacitor 54A2 is defined as follows: Ｗ２ and humidity range H Ｗ２ That is, the usage environment 52 that ensures the second capacitance 54A2 is within the temperature range T Ｗ２ and humidity range H Ｗ２ Furthermore, for the third capacitor 54A3, the temperature range T Ｗ３ and humidity range H Ｗ３ That is, the usage environment 52 that ensures the third capacitance 54A3 is within the temperature range T Ｗ３ and humidity range H Ｗ３ It is stipulated as follows.

[0065] 7 illustrates an example of the second association information 50B. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the transfer rates 54B are broadly divided into a first transfer rate 54B1, a second transfer rate 54B2, and a third transfer rate 54B3. The first transfer rate 54B1 is a transfer rate 54B with a capacity level 54D1. The second transfer rate 54B2 is a transfer rate 54B with a capacity level 54D2. The third transfer rate 54B3 is a transfer rate 54B with a capacity level 54D3. In this embodiment, the capacity levels 54D1, 54D2, and 54D3 are examples of the "capacity level" according to the present disclosure.

[0066] The capacity level 54D1, capacity level 54D2, and capacity level 54D3 vary depending on the usage environment 52. In the example shown in Fig. 7, an example of the capacity level 54D1 is 80% of the transfer rate 54B when the maximum transfer rate 54B is 100%. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 7, an example of the capacity level 54D2 is 90% of the transfer rate 54B when the maximum transfer rate 54B is 100%. Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 7, an example of the capacity level 54D3 is the maximum of the transfer rate 54B (i.e., 100% of the transfer rate 54B).

[0067] For the first transfer rate 54B1, the temperature range T Ｗ４ and humidity range H Ｗ４ That is, the usage environment 52 that guarantees the first transfer rate 54B1 is within the temperature range T Ｗ４ and humidity range H Ｗ４ Furthermore, for the second transfer rate 54B2, a temperature range T Ｗ５ and humidity range H Ｗ５ That is, the usage environment 52 that guarantees the second transfer rate 54B2 is within the temperature range T Ｗ５ and humidity range H Ｗ５ Furthermore, for the third transfer rate 54B3, the temperature range T Ｗ６ and humidity range H Ｗ６That is, the usage environment 52 that guarantees the third transfer rate 54B3 is in the temperature range T Ｗ６ and humidity range H Ｗ６ It is stipulated as follows.

[0068] 8 shows an example of the processing performed by the processing device 30 when a magnetic tape cartridge 12 is loaded into the magnetic tape drive 14 (in other words, an example of the use of the association information 50). The processing device 30 acquires the association information 50 contained in the management information 15 stored in the cartridge memory 24. The processing device 30 then performs a specification process 56 using the association information 50. The specification process 56 includes a display process 56A. The display process 56A is a process for performing a display based on the associated receiving information 50.

[0069] The UI device 34 includes a display 34A and a reception device 34B. Examples of the display 34A include a liquid crystal display or an EL display. Examples of the reception device 34B include a mouse, a keyboard, softkeys, and a DIP switch. The processing device 30 performs a display process 56A to display the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B as visible information on the display 34A. In other words, the display process 56A performed by the processing device 30 can be said to be a process of displaying the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B as visible information on the display 34A. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B are graphed and displayed on the display 34A. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B are graphed, with the horizontal axis representing temperature and the vertical axis representing humidity, respectively.

[0070] Although an example in which the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B are displayed in graph form has been given here, the first association information 50A and / or the second association information 50B may be displayed on the display 34A as a diagram, table, message, symbol, or the like, or the first association information 50A and / or the second association information 50B may be audibly displayed as sound, or the first association information 50A and / or the second association information 50B may be printed on a medium (e.g., paper) or the like.

[0071] The reception device 34B receives designation information 60 from a user (hereinafter simply referred to as "user") of the magnetic tape system 10. For example, the user determines the designation information 60 while referring to the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B displayed on the display 34A, and inputs the designation information 60 to the reception device 34B.

[0072] The specification information 60 is information indicating one capacity 54A specified by the user from the first capacity 54A1, second capacity 54A2, and third capacity 54A3 included in the first association information 50A, and information indicating one transfer rate 54B specified by the user from the first transfer rate 54B1, second transfer rate 54B2, and third transfer rate 54B3 included in the second association information 50B. The processing device 30 performs a control process 56B (see FIG. 9 ) in accordance with the specification information 60 accepted by the accepting device 34B.

[0073] 9 shows an example of the contents of control process 56B. Control process 56B is one of the processes included in specific process 56. By performing control process 56B, processing device 30 controls pay-out motor 36, take-up motor 40, and magnetic head 28 based on designation information 60.

[0074] By performing control process 56B, the processing device 30 controls the supply motor 36, the take-up motor 40, and the magnetic head 28 so as to realize the one capacity 54A specified by the user (i.e., the capacity 54A indicated by the specification information 60). That is, the processing device 30 controls the supply motor 36, the take-up motor 40, and the magnetic head 28 so as to record and / or reproduce data within the range of the capacity height 54C1, 54C2, or 54C3 of the one capacity 54A specified by the user. Thus, the control process 56B performed by the processing device 30 includes a process of controlling so as to limit the recording of data onto the magnetic tape MT and / or the reproduction of data from the magnetic tape MT to the capacity 54A indicated by the specification information 60 accepted by the accepting device 34B.

[0075] Furthermore, the processing device 30 performs a control process 56B to control the supply motor 36, the take-up motor 40, and the magnetic head 28 so as to realize one transfer rate 54B designated by the user (i.e., the transfer rate 54B indicated by the designation information 60). That is, the processing device 30 controls the supply motor 36, the take-up motor 40, and the magnetic head 28 so that data transfer related to data recording and / or reproduction is performed within the range of the capability levels 54D1, 54D2, or 54D3 of the one transfer rate 54B designated by the user. Thus, the control process 56B performed by the processing device 30 includes a process of controlling so as to limit the data transfer related to data recording onto the magnetic tape MT and / or data reproduction from the magnetic tape MT to the transfer rate 54B indicated by the designation information 60 accepted by the accepting device 34B.

[0076] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a magnetic tape system control process. The magnetic tape system control process is executed when the magnetic tape system 10 records data on the magnetic tape MT and / or plays back data from the magnetic tape MT. The flow of the magnetic tape system control process shown in FIG. 10 is an example of an "information processing method" according to the present disclosure. The magnetic tape system control process shown in FIG. 10 is also an example of a "process" according to the present disclosure.

[0077] 10, first, in step ST10, the processing device 30 acquires the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B from the cartridge memory 24. After the processing of step ST10 is executed, the magnetic tape system control processing proceeds to step ST12.

[0078] In step ST12, the processing device 30 executes a display process 56A based on the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B acquired in step ST10. As a result, the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B are displayed as visible information on the display 34A. After the process of step ST12 is executed, the magnetic tape system control process proceeds to step ST14.

[0079] In step ST14, the processing device 30 determines whether the specifying information 60 has been accepted by the accepting device 34B. If the specifying information 60 has not been accepted by the accepting device 34B in step ST14, the determination is negative, and the processing of step ST14 is performed again. If the specifying information 60 has been accepted by the accepting device 34B in step ST14, the determination is positive, and the magnetic tape system control processing proceeds to step ST16.

[0080] In step ST16, the processing device 30 executes a control process 56B based on the specification information 60 received by the reception device 34B in step ST14. This allows data to be recorded on the magnetic tape MT and / or data to be reproduced from the magnetic tape MT within the range of the capacity 54A and the transfer rate 54B specified by the user. After the process of step ST16 is executed, the magnetic tape system control process ends.

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, the association information 50 is stored in the cartridge memory 24. The association information 50 is information that associates the usage environment 52 with the capabilities 54. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can refer to the association information 50 and provide the designation information 60 to the magnetic tape system 10, thereby ensuring that data is recorded on and / or reproduced from the magnetic tape MT within the capabilities of the magnetic tape MT that match the actual usage environment 52 in which the magnetic tape MT is used.

[0082] In this embodiment, the capability 54 includes a capacity 54A and a transfer rate 54B. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that data can be recorded to and / or reproduced from the magnetic tape MT within the range of the capacity 54A and transfer rate 54B of the magnetic tape MT that matches the actual usage environment 52 in which the magnetic tape MT is used.

[0083] In this embodiment, the operating environment 52 is a temperature range 52A and a humidity range 52B. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that data can be recorded to and / or reproduced from the magnetic tape MT within the ranges of the magnetic tape MT capacity 54A and transfer rate 54B that match the actual temperature and humidity at which the magnetic tape MT is used.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the capacity level of the capacity 54A is determined for each different usage environment 52 so as to accommodate even high-capacity data. For example, the capacity level 54C1 of the first capacity 54A1 (i.e., the size of the first capacity 54A1), the capacity level 54C2 of the second capacity 54A2 (i.e., the size of the second capacity 54A2), and the capacity level 54C3 of the third capacity 54A3 (i.e., the size of the third capacity 54A3) are varied depending on the usage environment 52 (e.g., the temperature range 52A and the humidity range 52B). Therefore, compared to a case where the capacity 54A is always constant regardless of the usage environment 52, data can be recorded to and / or reproduced from the magnetic tape MT within the range of the capacity 54A of the magnetic tape MT that matches the actual usage environment 52 in which the magnetic tape MT is used. As a result, compared to a case where the capacity 54A is always constant regardless of the usage environment 52, data can be recorded to and / or reproduced from the magnetic tape MT more reliably. This also makes it possible to accommodate even high-capacity data.

[0085] In this embodiment, the transfer rate 54B is determined for each different operating environment 52 to accommodate high transfer rates. For example, the first transfer rate 54B1 (i.e., the magnitude of the first transfer rate 54B1), the second transfer rate 54B2 (i.e., the magnitude of the second transfer rate 54B2), and the third transfer rate 54B3 (i.e., the magnitude of the third transfer rate 54B3) are varied depending on the operating environment 52 (e.g., the temperature range 52A and the humidity range 52B). Therefore, compared to a case where the transfer rate 54B is always constant regardless of the operating environment 52, data can be recorded on and / or reproduced from the magnetic tape MT within the range of the magnetic tape MT transfer rate 54B that matches the actual operating environment 52 in which the magnetic tape MT is used. As a result, data can be recorded on and / or reproduced from the magnetic tape MT more reliably than when the transfer rate 54B is always constant regardless of the operating environment 52. It will also be possible to support high transfer rates.

[0086] In this embodiment, the association information 50 is stored in the cartridge memory 24 mounted on the magnetic tape cartridge 12. Therefore, it is possible to easily ensure that data is recorded on the magnetic tape MT and / or data is reproduced from the magnetic tape MT within the range of the capabilities of the magnetic tape MT that matches the actual usage environment 52 in which the magnetic tape MT housed in the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is used.

[0087] [Other Modifications] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which it does not matter whether the usage environment 52 or the capability 54 is more important, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, first information 62 indicating that the usage environment 52 is more important than the capability 54, or second information 64 indicating that the capability 54 is more important than the usage environment 52, may be added to the association information 50. Here, the first information 62 is an example of the "first information" according to the present disclosure, and the second information 64 is an example of the "second information" according to the present disclosure.

[0088] For example, when the first information 62 is assigned to the first association information 50A, as shown in Fig. 13 for example, the processing device 30 performs a display process 56A to refer to the first information 62 and display on the display 34A visual information 66 (text in the example shown in Fig. 13 ) indicating that temperature and humidity, which are examples of the usage environment 52, are more important than the capacity 54A. Furthermore, when the first information 62 is assigned to the second association information 50B, as shown in Fig. 13 for example, the processing device 30 performs a display process 56A to refer to the second information 64 and display on the display 34A visual information 68 (text in the example shown in Fig. 13 ) indicating that temperature and humidity, which are examples of the usage environment 52, are more important than the transfer rate 54B.

[0089] In addition, when the display process 56A is performed in a state where the second information 64 is assigned to the first association information 50A and in a state where the second information 64 is assigned to the second association information 50B, visual information indicating that the temperature and humidity are more important than the capacity 54A is displayed on the display 34A, and visual information indicating that the temperature and humidity are more important than the transfer rate 54B is displayed on the display 34A.

[0090] In this way, by assigning the first information 62 or the second information 64 to the association information 50, the user can understand whether the usage environment 52 is more important than the capacity 54, or whether the capacity 54 is more important than the usage environment 52, thereby contributing to improved usability. Note that it is not necessary to display to inform the user that the first information 62 or the second information 64 has been assigned to the association information 50; it is sufficient that the first information 62 or the second information 64 is stored in the cartridge memory 24 in an associated state with the association information 50, and that processing is performed using the first information 62 or the second information 64 stored in the cartridge memory 24.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which it does not matter whether the capacity 54A or the transfer rate 54B is more important, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, if the transfer rate 54B is more important than the capacity 54A, third information 70 indicating that the transfer rate 54B is more important than the capacity 54A is added to the second association information 50B, as shown in FIG. 14 as an example. Here, the third information 70 is an example of the "third information" according to the present disclosure.

[0092] In this way, when the third information 70 is assigned to the second association information 50B, as shown in Fig. 15 as an example, the processing device 30 performs a display process 56A to refer to the third information 70 and display on the display 34A visible information 72 (text in the example shown in Fig. 15) indicating that the transfer rate 54B is more important than the capacity 54A. While the visible information 72 is exemplified here, this is merely an example, and audible information (for example, sound output from a speaker) indicating that the transfer rate 54B is more important than the capacity 54A may also be displayed.

[0093] 14 and 15 show an example in which the third information 70 indicating that the transfer rate 54B is more important than the capacity 54A is added to the second association information 50B, and an example of the display on the display 34A in this case, but this is merely one example. Information indicating that the capacity 54A is more important than the transfer rate 54B may also be added to the first association information 50A. In this case, visible information indicating that the capacity 54A is more important than the transfer rate 54B is displayed on the display 34A.

[0094] In this way, by adding information to the association information 50 indicating whether the capacity 54A or the transfer rate 54B is more important, the user can understand whether the capacity 54A or the transfer rate 54B is more important, which contributes to improving usability.

[0095] Furthermore, although an example has been given here in which information indicating whether the capacity 54A or the transfer rate 54B is important is assigned to the first association information 50A or the second association information 50B, information indicating whether the capacity 54A or the transfer rate 54B is important may also be assigned to the association information 50, or to both the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B.

[0096] In the above embodiment, control process 56B is exemplified as one of the processes included in specific process 56, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and automatic control process 56C shown in Figures 16 and 17 may be performed by processing device 30 instead of control process 56B or in parallel with control process 56B.

[0097] 16 and 17 , the magnetic tape system 10 is equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor 74. The temperature and humidity sensor 74 is a sensor that measures the temperature and humidity of the location where the magnetic tape system 10 is installed. Examples of locations where the temperature and humidity are measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74 include locations where the magnetic tape MT is affected by temperature and humidity, such as inside the housing of the magnetic tape drive 14, inside the case 16 of the magnetic tape cartridge 12, or along the path along which the magnetic tape MT runs.

[0098] 16 , the processing device 30 executes the automatic control process 56C to execute the following first to third steps. In the first step, the processing device 30 acquires the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74 from the temperature and humidity sensor 74. Here, for example, the processing device 30 may acquire the temperature and humidity measured at one location (e.g., inside the housing of the magnetic tape drive 14, inside the case 16 of the magnetic tape cartridge 12, or along the path along which the magnetic tape MT runs, etc.), or the processing device 30 may acquire statistical values ​​(e.g., average, median, mode, maximum, etc.) of the temperature and humidity measured at multiple locations (e.g., inside the housing of the magnetic tape drive 14, inside the case 16 of the magnetic tape cartridge 12, and along the path along which the magnetic tape MT runs, etc.).

[0099] In a second step, the processing device 30 identifies the capacitance 54A corresponding to the temperature and humidity actually measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74. That is, the processing device 30 identifies the capacitance 54A associated with the temperature range 52A and humidity range 52B that include the temperature and humidity actually measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74.

[0100] Here, if the temperature and humidity actually measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74 are included in multiple temperature ranges 52A and multiple humidity ranges 52B, the processing device 30 identifies the capacity 54A associated with the narrowest temperature range 52A among the multiple temperature ranges 52A and the narrowest humidity range 52B among the multiple humidity ranges 52B.

[0101] In the third step, the processing device 30 records data to the magnetic tape MT and / or reproduces data from the magnetic tape MT (i.e., transfers data) within the range of the capacity 54A determined from the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74 (e.g., the maximum value of the capacity 54A determined from the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74).

[0102] 17 , the processing device 30 performs the automatic control process 56C, thereby executing the following fourth to sixth steps. In the fourth step, the processing device 30 acquires the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74 from the temperature and humidity sensor 74. In the fifth step, the processing device 30 identifies the transfer rate 54B corresponding to the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74. That is, the processing device 30 identifies the transfer rate 54B associated with the temperature range 52A and humidity range 52B that include the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74.

[0103] Here, if the temperature and humidity actually measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74 are included in multiple temperature ranges 52A and multiple humidity ranges 52B, the processing device 30 identifies a transfer rate 54B associated with the narrowest temperature range 52A among the multiple temperature ranges 52A and the narrowest humidity range 52B among the multiple humidity ranges 52B.

[0104] In the sixth step, the processing device 30 records data to the magnetic tape MT and / or reproduces data from the magnetic tape MT (i.e., transfers data) within the range of the transfer rate 54B determined from the temperature and humidity actually measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74 (for example, the maximum value of the transfer rate 54B determined from the temperature and humidity actually measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74).

[0105] Here, as an example of automatic control process 56C, an example has been given in which transfer rate 54B is controlled based on the measured temperature and humidity, but this is merely an example, and in a similar manner, automatic control process 56C may be configured to control capacity 54A based on the measured temperature and humidity.

[0106] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the association information 50 is stored in the cartridge memory 24, but this is merely one example. For example, the association information 50 may be stored on the magnetic tape MT. One example of a location in which the association information 50 is stored is the BOT section 76, which is a section at the beginning of the magnetic tape MT, and / or the EOT section 78, which is a section at the end of the magnetic tape MT. In this way, even when the association information 50 is stored in the cartridge memory 24, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be expected.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the first capacitance 54A1, the second capacitance 54A2, and the third capacitance 54A3 are illustrated, and the first transfer rate 54B1, the second transfer rate 54B2, and the third transfer rate 54B3 are illustrated, but this is merely an example. For example, the present disclosure can be implemented with one or two of the first capacitance 54A1, the second capacitance 54A2, and the third capacitance 54A3 (e.g., the third capacitance 54A3) and one or two of the first transfer rate 54B1, the second transfer rate 54B2, and the third transfer rate 54B3 (e.g., the third transfer rate 54B3). Furthermore, the number of capacitances 54A may be four or more, and the number of transfer rates 54B may also be four or more.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the temperature range 52A and the humidity range 52B are given as examples of the usage environment 52, but this is merely an example. The usage environment 52 may be the temperature range 52A or the humidity range 52B. The usage environment 52 may also include various environmental factors that can identify the environment in which the magnetic tape MT is used, such as wind volume, weather, and / or altitude.

[0109] In the above embodiment, an example has been given in which the designation information 60 is received by the reception device 34B, but this is merely one example. For example, the user may provide the designation information 60 to the magnetic tape drive 14 via the external device 37. Alternatively, the user may monitor the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 74 via the external device 37, and provide the designation information 60 to the magnetic tape drive 14 in accordance with the monitored temperature and humidity. Alternatively, the user may monitor the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensors 74 installed in multiple magnetic tape drives 14 via the external device 37, and provide the designation information 60 to each of the multiple magnetic tape drives 14 in accordance with the monitored temperature and humidity.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the first association information 50A and the second association information 50B are exemplified, but the present disclosure is valid even if either the first association information 50A or the second association information 50B is used.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the magnetic tape system 10 is exemplified as one in which the magnetic tape cartridge 12 is freely insertable into and removable from the magnetic tape drive 14. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the present disclosure can also be applied to a magnetic tape system in which at least one magnetic tape cartridge 12 is pre-loaded into the magnetic tape drive 14 (i.e., a magnetic tape system in which at least one magnetic tape cartridge 12 and the magnetic tape drive 14 are pre-integrated).

[0112] In the above embodiment, the processing device 30 is implemented by an ASIC, but this is merely one example. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, instead of the processing device 30, a computer 80 including a processor 80A (e.g., a CPU), an NVM 80B, a RAM 80C, etc. may be used to execute the magnetic tape system control process shown in Fig. 19.

[0113] In this case, for example, the program 82 may be stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium 84. Examples of the storage medium 84 include an SSD or a USB memory. The storage medium 84 may be a stationary storage medium or a portable storage medium.

[0114] The program 82 stored in the storage medium 84 is installed in the computer 80. The processor 80A executes magnetic tape system control processing in accordance with the program 82. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 21, the program 82 is an example of a "program" according to the present disclosure, the computer 80 is an example of a "computer" according to the present disclosure, and the processor 80A is an example of a "processor" according to the present disclosure.

[0115] Alternatively, the program 82 may be stored in a storage device such as another computer or server connected to the computer 80 via a network, and the program 82 may be downloaded and installed on the computer 80 upon request from the computer 80.

[0116] It is not necessary to store all of the program 82 in a storage device such as another computer or server device connected to the computer 80, or to store all of the program 82 in the storage 70B; only a portion of the program 82 may be stored.

[0117] The hardware resources that execute the magnetic tape system control process can be various processors, as listed below. Examples of processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource that executes the magnetic tape system control process by executing software, i.e., a program. Examples of processors include dedicated electrical circuits, such as FPGAs, PLDs, or ASICs, which are processors with a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute specific processes. Each processor has built-in or connected memory, and each processor executes the magnetic tape system control process by using the memory.

[0118] The hardware resource that executes the magnetic tape system control process may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same 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 magnetic tape system control process may be a single processor.

[0119] As an example of a configuration using a single processor, first, one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that executes magnetic tape system control processing. Second, there is a configuration in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that execute magnetic tape system control processing, on a single IC chip, as typified by SoCs. In this way, magnetic tape system control processing is realized using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as hardware resources.

[0120] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can be, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. The above magnetic tape system control process is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the process.

[0121] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the present disclosure and are merely an example of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or elements may be replaced with other parts from the above-described description and illustrations, as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common general technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0122] 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. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0123] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A magnetic tape cartridge containing a magnetic tape, comprising a storage medium, said storage medium having a storage area capable of storing association information that associates the usage environment of said magnetic tape with the capabilities of said magnetic tape that are usable in said usage environment.

2. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the level of performance varies depending on the usage environment.

3. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the capabilities include the capacity of the magnetic tape and / or the processing speed performed on the magnetic tape.

4. A magnetic tape cartridge as described in claim 1, wherein the association information is provided with first information indicating that the usage environment is more important than the performance, or second information indicating that the performance is more important than the usage environment.

5. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the capabilities include a plurality of types, and the association information is provided with third information that can identify which of the plurality of types is important.

6. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of types include the capacity of the magnetic tape and / or the processing speed performed on the magnetic tape.

7. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the usage environment is a temperature range and / or a humidity range.

8. The magnetic tape cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is the magnetic tape and / or a non-contact communication medium.

9. An information processing device comprising a processor, wherein when the association information is stored in the storage area of ​​a magnetic tape cartridge described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the processor acquires the association information from the storage area and performs specific processing using the association information.

10. An information processing method comprising, when the association information is stored in the storage area of ​​the magnetic tape cartridge described in any one of claims 1 to 8, acquiring the association information from the storage area, and performing specific processing using the association information.

11. A program for causing a computer to execute a process including, when the association information is stored in the storage area of ​​a magnetic tape cartridge described in any one of claims 1 to 8, acquiring the association information from the storage area, and performing a specific process using the association information.

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