Controller, tape drive device, and storage system

Abstract

Disclosed are a controller, a tape drive device, and a storage system, relating to the technical field of tapes, and aiming to alleviate the latency problem of tape drive devices. The specific solution comprises: the tape drive device comprises a head, a first tape, and a second tape. The head is used for accessing the first tape and the second tape. When the head accesses one of the tapes, a driving assembly drives the winding of the other tape. In other words, the head accessing one tape and the winding of the other tape can be performed simultaneously. Compared with the case in which the other tape is started to be wound only after the head completes accessing one of the tapes, the tape drive device provided in embodiments of the present application shortens the time of the head accessing tape bodies, reducing the tail latency. In addition, each tape body can store data, thereby improving the capacity of the tape drive device.

Description

Controller, tape drive device and storage system

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese patent application No. 202410868078.9 filed on June 28, 2024, and entitled "Controller, tape drive device and storage system", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of magnetic tape, and in particular to a controller, a tape drive device and a storage system. BACKGROUND

[0003] A tape drive is a single drive product, including a tape drive and a magnetic tape. The tape drive usually reads and writes data by sliding the magnetic tape on the header in the tape drive. The thickness of the tape drive is related to the header travel height and the thickness of the tape drive shell, and the header travel height is the sum of the height of the header body and the maximum moving distance of the header body in the data access process.

[0004] Compared with solid state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs), the tape drive has the advantages of low cost, high bandwidth and large capacity improvement space. However, the tape drive has the disadvantage of long addressing latency. At present, due to the minute-level tail latency, the application range of the tape storage device is only limited to cold / ice data storage, and is usually used in data archiving, offline backup and other scenarios. Therefore, how to reduce the latency is a problem to be solved at present. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a controller, a tape drive device and a storage system. The purpose is to improve the problem of latency of the tape drive device.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a tape drive device. The tape drive device comprises a base, a drive assembly, a first head, a first tape assembly, a second tape assembly, and a controller. The drive assembly is disposed on the base. The first head is in sliding connection with the base. The first tape assembly comprises a first tape and a first sensor module configured to obtain a first movement distance of the first tape, and the drive assembly is connected with the first tape. The second tape assembly comprises a second tape and a second sensor module configured to obtain a second movement distance of the second tape, and the drive assembly is connected with the second tape. The controller is configured to control the drive assembly and the first head according to a data access instruction. In a case where the drive assembly drives the first tape to move the first movement distance, the controller instructs the first head to access the first tape, and instructs the drive assembly to drive the second tape to perform tape winding according to the second movement distance. In a case where the drive assembly drives the second tape to move the second movement distance, the controller instructs the first head to access the second tape.

[0008] In this way, the first head accesses the first tape while the drive assembly drives the second tape to perform tape winding. Compared with driving the second tape to perform tape winding after the first head finishes accessing the first tape, the time for the tape drive device to access data is shortened, thereby reducing the tail latency. In addition, the first tape and the second tape can both store data. The data capacity of the tape drive device can be increased. Furthermore, the first tape and the second tape share the first head, and compared with configuring a head for each of the first tape and the second tape, the cost of the tape drive device can be saved.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the controller instructing the first head to access the second tape comprises: when the second movement distance is located outside a target distance interval, the first head has a gap with the second tape. When the second movement distance is located within the target distance interval, the first head contacts and accesses the second tape.

[0010] Therefore, when the second magnetic tape is not in the target distance interval, the gap between the first magnetic head and the second magnetic tape can avoid the magnetic head rubbing the tape body, which is conducive to reducing the wear of the second magnetic tape and prolonging the service life of the second magnetic tape. When the moving distance of the tape body reaches the target distance interval, the first magnetic head contacts the second magnetic tape and accesses the data in the tape body. Since the first magnetic head also has the function of accessing the address in the second magnetic tape, the first magnetic head can accurately read the address of the second magnetic tape and access the target data after contacting the second magnetic tape. Therefore, even if there is an error between the target distance interval and the address of the target data to be accessed, the magnetic head can still access the target data. In summary, the tape drive device provided by the present application can avoid the friction between the second magnetic tape and the magnetic head during the movement of the second magnetic tape without affecting the accuracy of the magnetic head accessing data in the tape drive device, which is conducive to reducing the wear of the second magnetic tape by the magnetic head and prolonging the service life of the tape body.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, when the second moving distance is outside the target distance interval, the maximum value of the moving speed of the second magnetic tape is a first value; and when the second moving distance is within the target distance interval, the maximum value of the moving speed of the second magnetic tape is a second value; the second value is less than the first value.

[0012] Therefore, when there is a gap between the first magnetic head and the second magnetic tape, the moving speed of the second magnetic tape is relatively large, and the second magnetic tape moves relatively fast, that is, the second magnetic tape is not worn and the time for moving the second magnetic tape is saved, which is conducive to reducing the time for accessing data. In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the tape drive device further includes a second magnetic head and a third magnetic tape, the second magnetic head is connected to the base, and the driving assembly is configured to drive the third magnetic tape to roll, and the second magnetic head is configured to access the third magnetic tape. The tape drive device can store more data and further expand the capacity of the tape drive device.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the second magnetic head is in sliding connection with the base, and the second magnetic head is further configured to access the first magnetic tape or the second magnetic tape. Therefore, the second magnetic head can access data in two or more magnetic tapes. The first magnetic head can also access data in two magnetic tapes, and the positions accessed by the first magnetic head and the second magnetic head can be distributed according to the distribution of data in the access data instruction, so as to reduce the tail latency.

[0014] With reference to the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the driving assembly comprises a rotating shaft, a first transmission and a second transmission. The rotating shaft is connected with the first magnetic tape through the first transmission. The rotating shaft is connected with the second magnetic tape through the second transmission. In this way, the rotating shaft is connected with the first magnetic tape and the second magnetic tape through different transmissions. When the rotating speed of the rotating shaft received is the same, the first magnetic tape and the second magnetic tape can be provided with different rotating speeds under the action of the first transmission and the second transmission.

[0015] With reference to the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the rotating shaft is provided with an inner cavity, and the first transmission comprises a driving piece, an elastic piece and a transmission pin. The driving piece and the elastic piece are both located in the inner cavity, one end of the elastic piece is elastically connected with the driving piece, and the other end of the elastic piece is elastically connected with the transmission pin. When the end of the transmission pin, which is away from the elastic piece, abuts against the first magnetic tape, the elastic piece is in a compressed state. In this way, the elastic piece abutting against the first magnetic tape can move synchronously with the first magnetic tape. When the rotating shaft rotates, the rotating shaft, the driving piece, the elastic piece and the transmission pin rotate synchronously. The first magnetic tape can be wound.

[0016] With reference to the first aspect, in some possible implementation manners, the magnetic tape machine device further comprises a driver, the driver is configured to drive the first magnetic head to slide relative to the base, and the controller is in signal connection with the driver. The controller is configured to instruct the driver to drive the first magnetic head to slide relative to the base according to the data access instruction.

[0017] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a storage system. The storage system comprises a magnetic tape controller and one or more magnetic tape machine devices provided in the first aspect. The magnetic tape controller is configured to manage the magnetic tape machine device according to a data access request. The storage system comprising the magnetic tape machine device has the advantages of large capacity and small tail latency.

[0018] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a controller. The controller is applied to a tape machine device. The tape machine device includes a base, a driving assembly, a first magnetic head, a first magnetic tape assembly and a second magnetic tape assembly. The driving assembly is arranged on the base. The first magnetic head is in sliding connection with the base. The first magnetic tape assembly includes a first magnetic tape and a first sensor module. The first sensor module is configured to obtain a first moving distance of the first magnetic tape. The driving assembly is connected with the first magnetic tape. The second magnetic tape assembly includes a second magnetic tape and a second sensor module. The second sensor module is configured to obtain a second moving distance of the second magnetic tape. The driving assembly is connected with the second magnetic tape. The controller includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface is configured to receive a data access instruction. The processor is configured to send a control instruction according to the data access instruction. The control instruction is configured to instruct the first magnetic head to slide relative to the base. In a case that the driving assembly drives the first magnetic tape to move the first moving distance, the control instruction instructs the first magnetic head to access the first magnetic tape. According to the second moving distance, the control instruction instructs the driving assembly to drive the second magnetic tape to perform tape winding.

[0019] In a case that the driving assembly drives the second magnetic tape to move the second moving distance, the control instruction instructs the first magnetic head to access the second magnetic tape.

[0020] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementable manners, the control instruction instructing the first magnetic head to access the second magnetic tape includes: when the second moving distance is located outside a target distance interval, the control instruction instructs that there is a gap between the first magnetic head and the second magnetic tape. When the second moving distance is located within the target distance interval, the control instruction instructs that the first magnetic head is in contact with the second magnetic tape and accesses the second magnetic tape.

[0021] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementable manners, when the second moving distance is located outside the target distance interval, the control instruction instructs that a maximum value of a moving speed of the second magnetic tape is a first value. When the second moving distance is located within the target distance interval, the control instruction instructs that the maximum value of the moving speed of the second magnetic tape is a second value. The second value is less than the first value.

[0022] The beneficial effects of any of the implementation manners of the second aspect or the third aspect can refer to the description of any of the optional implementation manners of the first aspect, which will not be described herein. On the basis of the implementation manners of the above aspects, the present application can be further combined to provide more implementation manners. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a data access system provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a first state of a tape machine device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a second state of a tape device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Fig. 4 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of a drive assembly, a first tape and a second tape according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Fig. 5a is a sectional view along A-A of Fig. 4.

[0028] Fig. 5b is a structural schematic diagram of a first tape according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Fig. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of another tape device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Fig. 7a is a structural schematic diagram of a third state of a tape device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Fig. 7b is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth state of a tape device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Fig. 7c is a structural schematic diagram of another third state of a tape device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a control schematic diagram of a controller according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of a first sensor module and a tape body according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Fig. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another first sensor module and a tape body according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Fig. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of another first sensor module and a tape body according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Fig. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of another first sensor module and a tape body according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Fig. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of another first sensor module and a tape body according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Fig. 14 is a structural schematic diagram of a strip and a detection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Fig. 15a is a structural schematic diagram of another strip and a detection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Fig. 15b is a structural schematic diagram of another strip and a detection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Fig. 15c is a structural schematic diagram of another strip and detection assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Fig. 16 is a structural schematic diagram of a first sensor module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Fig. 17 is a structural schematic diagram of another first sensor module according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Fig. 100 - data access device; 110 - switch; 120 - storage device; 121 - engine; 1211 - front end interface; 1214 - back end interface; 1212 - processor; 1213 - memory; 122 - hard disk frame; 1225 - control unit; 1226 - network card; 1224 - hard disk; 1222 - solid state disk; 1221 - mechanical hard disk; 200 - tape device; 210 - base; 220 - first tape assembly; 230 - second tape assembly; 240 - first magnetic head; 260 - driving assembly; 211 - first tape; 212 - first sensor module; 301 - second tape; 302 - second sensor module; 271 - tape body; 221 - data area; 222 - connection area; 233 - encoding strip; 232 - detection assembly; 2321 - laser emitter; 2322 - laser receiver; 250 - controller; 260 - winding drum; 201 - first strip; 202 - second strip; 203 - third strip; 101 - first identification part; 102 - second identification part; 21 - first roller; 22 - second roller; 231 - strip; 235 - base film; 263 - winding shaft; 261 - first cover plate; 262 - second cover plate; 310 - driving assembly; 313 - rotating shaft; 311 - first transmission; 312 - second transmission; 314 - driver; 3111 - driving piece; 3112 - elastic piece; 3113 - transmission pin; 3131 - inner cavity; 280 - second magnetic head; 290 - third tape; 291 - third sensor module; 001 - mounting rack; 002 - support table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present application provides a controller, a tape device and a storage system. The tape device comprises a magnetic head and at least two tapes. The magnetic head is configured to access the at least two tapes. In the case that the magnetic head accesses one of the at least two tapes, a driving assembly drives the other tape to wind. In other words, the magnetic head accesses one of the at least two tapes and the other tape winds at the same time. Compared with the case that the other tape starts to wind after the magnetic head finishes accessing one of the at least two tapes, the tape device provided by the present application shortens the time of the magnetic head accessing the at least two tapes, which is beneficial to reduce the tail latency in the process of accessing the at least two tapes. In addition, each of the at least two tapes can store data, which can improve the capacity of the tape device.

[0047] The technical solutions involved in the present application can be applied not only to current magnetic tape technology or storage devices, but also to future magnetic tape technology or storage devices, or storage systems including tape drive devices or storage devices. The terms used in the embodiment part of the present application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application. Some concepts that can be involved in the present application will be briefly introduced below.

[0048] Storage medium: a storage material for recording sound, image, digital or other signals. The storage material can include but is not limited to magnetic tape, such as a tape refers to a tape-like material with a magnetic layer for recording sound, image, digital or other signals. The magnetic tape is attached with a magnetic medium, such as magnetic powder, etc. for storing data. For example, the magnetic field change in the magnetic medium is usually formed by coating a layer of granular magnetic material on a plastic film tape base (support) or evaporating and depositing a layer of magnetic oxide or alloy thin film. The tape base of the magnetic tape can include but is not limited to paper, cellophane or polyester film, etc.

[0049] Header: a component that reads and writes the magnetic medium on the magnetic tape by magnetic principle, which is divided into write head and read head. The write head records data by magnetizing to change the magnetic field of the magnetic medium (such as magnetic powder), and the read head reads the data on the magnetic medium by inducting the magnetic field of the magnetic medium.

[0050] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Hereinafter, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for description purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined with "first", "second", etc. can explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more.

[0052] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the orientation terms such as "upper", "lower", etc. are defined with respect to the orientation of the components shown in the drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, which are used for relative description and clarification, and can be changed accordingly according to the change of the orientation of the components placed in the drawings.

[0053] Fig. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a data access system provided by the present application. The data access system includes a data access device 100 and a storage device 120. In the application scenario shown in Fig. 1, the user accesses data through application programs. The computer running these application programs can be referred to as "computing device".

[0054] The data access device 100 can be a physical machine, a virtual machine, or a container. The physical machine can include one or both of a user end and a smart NIC. For example, the data access device 100 includes a user end. The user end can refer to a client, such as a host, a desktop computer, a server, a notebook computer, a mobile device, and the like. For another example, the data access device 100 includes a smart NIC. The smart NIC, also referred to as a smart network adapter, provides a built-in programmable and configurable hardware acceleration engine in addition to the network transmission function of a standard network card, improves the performance of an application, and greatly reduces the consumption of a CPU in communication in a host connected to the smart NIC, and provides more CPU resources for the application. For example, in a highly virtualized environment, a CPU in a host needs to run open virtual switch (OVS) related tasks, and the CPU in the host also needs to process storage, online or offline encryption and decryption of data packets, deep packet inspection, firewall, complex routing, and the like. These operations not only consume a large amount of CPU resources, but also cause the performance of services to be unable to be best due to the contention of CPU resources among different services. The smart NIC serves as a hub connecting various services, and accelerates the services on the smart NIC.

[0055] In one possible example, the data access device 100 accesses the storage device 120 through a network to access data. For example, the network can include the switch 110.

[0056] In another possible example, the data access device 100 can also communicate with the storage device 120 through a wired connection, such as a universal serial bus (USB) or a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) bus, and the like.

[0057] The storage device 120 shown in FIG. 1 can be a centralized storage system. The centralized storage system has the feature of having a unified entrance through which all data from external devices passes, and the entrance is an engine 121 of the centralized storage system. The engine 121 has a management function, and many advanced functions of the storage system are implemented therein.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the engine 121 can have one or more controllers, and FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the engine 121 includes one controller. In one possible example, if the engine 121 has multiple controllers, any two controllers can have a mirror channel therebetween to implement a function of backing up each other, so as to avoid a hardware failure leading to an unavailability of the entire storage device 120. It should be understood that if the engine 121 includes multiple controllers, the engine 121 can also be referred to as an array controller of the storage device 120.

[0059] The engine 121 also includes a front-end interface 1211 and a back-end interface 1214. The front-end interface 1211 is configured to communicate with the data access device 100, so as to provide a data access service for the data access device 100. The back-end interface 1214 is configured to communicate with the hard disks, so as to expand the capacity of the storage device 120. Through the back-end interface 1214, the engine 121 can connect more hard disks, so as to form a very large storage resource pool.

[0060] In hardware, as shown in FIG. 1, the controller includes at least a processor 1212 and a memory 1213. The processor 1212 is a central processing unit (CPU) configured to process a data access request from outside the storage device 120 (a server or other storage system), and also configured to process a request generated inside the storage device 120. For example, when the processor 1212 receives a write data request sent by the data access device 100 through the front-end interface 1211, the processor 1212 temporarily stores data in the write data request in the memory 1213. When the total amount of data in the memory 1213 reaches a certain threshold, the processor 1212 sends the data stored in the memory 1213 to at least one of the mechanical hard disk 1221, the solid state drive (SSD) 1222, the tape device 200, or other hard disks 1224 through the back-end interface, for persistent storage.

[0061] The memory 1213 refers to an internal memory that exchanges data directly with the processor. It can read and write data at any time and has a very fast speed, and is used as a temporary data storage for the operating system or other programs running at the moment. The memory includes at least two types of memories, for example, the memory can be a random access memory or a read only memory (ROM). For example, the random access memory is a DRAM or an SCM. The DRAM is a semiconductor memory, and like most random access memories (RAMs), it is a volatile memory device. However, the DRAM and the SCM are only exemplary in this embodiment, and the memory can also include other random access memories, such as static random access memories (SRAM) and the like. As for the read only memory, for example, it can be a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and the like. In addition, the memory 1213 can also be a dual in-line memory module (DIMM), that is, a module composed of dynamic random access memories (DRAM), and can also be an SSD. In practical applications, multiple memories 1213 can be configured in the controller, and different types of memories 1213 can be configured. This embodiment does not limit the number and type of the memory 1213. In addition, the memory 1213 can be configured to have a power retention function. The power retention function refers to that when the system is powered off and then powered on again, the data stored in the memory 1213 will not be lost. The memory with the power retention function is called a non-volatile memory. The memory 1213 stores software programs, and the processor 1212 runs the software programs in the memory 1213 to achieve the management of the hard disk. For example, the hard disk is abstracted as a storage resource pool, and the storage resource pool is provided to the server in the form of a logical unit number (LUN). The LUN is actually the hard disk seen on the server. Of course, some centralized storage systems themselves are file servers, which can provide shared file services for servers.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, in the system, the engine 121 can not have a hard disk slot, and the hard disk needs to be placed in the hard disk frame 122, and the back-end interface 1214 communicates with the hard disk frame 122. The back-end interface 1214 exists in the engine 121 in the form of an adapter card, and two or more back-end interfaces 1214 can be used simultaneously on one engine 121 to connect multiple hard disk frames. Alternatively, the adapter card can also be integrated on the mainboard, at which time the adapter card can communicate with the processor 1212 through the PCIe bus.

[0063] It should be noted that only one engine 121 is shown in FIG. 1, but in actual application, two or more engines 121 can be included in the storage system, and redundancy or load balancing is performed between the multiple engines 121.

[0064] The hard disk frame 122 includes a control unit 1225 and several hard disks. The control unit 1225 can have various forms. In one case, the hard disk frame 122 belongs to a smart disk frame as shown in FIG. 1, and the control unit 1225 includes a CPU and a memory. The CPU is used to perform address conversion and read and write data operations. The memory is used to temporarily store data to be written into the hard disk or data read from the hard disk to be sent to the controller. In another case, the control unit 1225 is a programmable electronic component, such as a data processing unit (DPU). The DPU has the versatility and programmability of the CPU, but is more specialized and can efficiently operate on network packets, storage requests, or analysis requests. The DPU is distinguished from the CPU by a greater degree of parallelism (a large number of requests need to be processed). Alternatively, the DPU here can also be replaced by a graphics processing unit (GPU), an embedded neural-network processing unit (NPU), etc. In general, the number of control units 1225 can be one, two or more. The functions of the control unit 1225 can be offloaded to the network card 1226. In other words, in this embodiment, the hard disk frame 122 does not have a control unit 1225 inside, but the data read and write, address conversion and other computing functions are completed by the network card 1226. At this time, the network card 1226 is a smart network card. It can contain a CPU and a memory. The CPU is used to perform address conversion and read and write data operations. The memory is used to temporarily store data to be written into the hard disk or data read from the hard disk to be sent to the controller. It can also be a programmable electronic component, such as a DPU. The network card 1226 in the hard disk frame 122 has no ownership relationship with the hard disks, and the network card 1226 can access any hard disk in the hard disk frame 122 (such as the mechanical hard disk 1221, the solid state disk 1222, the tape drive device 200 and other hard disks 1224 shown in FIG. 1), so it is more convenient to expand the hard disk when the storage space is insufficient.

[0065] In the embodiments of the present application, the tape drive device 200 refers to a storage device including a magnetic tape medium. In hardware implementation, the tape drive device can include but is not limited to a magnetic head, a magnetic tape and a tape drive. The tape drive is used to drive the magnetic tape to be wound, and the magnetic head can be used to access the magnetic tape, such as writing data into the magnetic tape or reading data from the magnetic tape. The specific implementation of the tape drive device 200 can refer to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 16 below, which will not be described here.

[0066] According to the type of the communication protocol between the engine 121 and the hard disk frame 122, the hard disk frame 122 can be a serial attached small computer system interface (SAS) hard disk frame connected in series, can be an NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory express) hard disk frame, and can be other types of hard disk frames. The SAS hard disk frame adopts the SAS3.0 protocol, and each frame supports 25 SAS hard disks. The engine 121 is connected with the hard disk frame 122 through a built-in SAS interface or a SAS interface module. The NVMe hard disk frame is more like a complete computer system, and the NVMe hard disk is inserted into the NVMe hard disk frame. The NVMe hard disk frame is connected with the engine 121 through an RDMA port. In some cases, the engine 121 can also be referred to as a hard disk management device.

[0067] In terms of hardware implementation, the hard disk frame 122 can be installed in a storage system, or the hard disk frame 122 can be packaged and independently arranged. When the hard disk frame 122 exists independently, the hard disk frame 122 can also be referred to as a storage device, which is not limited in the present application.

[0068] In an optional implementation, the storage device 120 is a centralized storage system with integrated disk control, and the storage device 120 does not have the hard disk frame 122 described above. The engine 121 is used to manage a plurality of hard disks connected through hard disk slots. The function of the hard disk slot can be implemented by the back-end interface 1214.

[0069] In other optional implementations, the storage device 120 is a distributed storage system. The distributed storage system includes a computing node cluster and a storage node cluster. The computing node cluster includes one or more computing nodes, and the computing nodes can communicate with each other. The computing node can be a server, a desktop computer, or a controller of a storage array, etc. In terms of hardware, the computing node can include a processor, a memory, and a network card, etc. The processor is a CPU, which is used to process data access requests from outside the computing node or requests generated inside the computing node. For example, when the processor receives a write data request sent by a user, the processor temporarily saves the data in the write data request in the memory. When the total amount of data in the memory reaches a certain threshold, the processor sends the data stored in the memory to the storage node for persistent storage. In addition, the processor is also used for data computing or processing, such as metadata management, data deduplication, data compression, virtualization of storage space, and address conversion, etc. In the embodiments provided in the present application, the storage node can be a magnetic disk or other types of hard disks, etc. It can be understood that the storage system described in the embodiments of the present application can be a distributed storage system with integrated storage and computing, or can be a distributed storage system with separated storage and computing, which is not limited in the present application.

[0070] For example, the distributed storage system can be implemented by network attached storage (NAS) technology. NAS refers to a network storage architecture that provides storage resources through file-level data access and sharing based on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. In a NAS scenario, the NAS is an external device for a server / host, and the NAS is used to provide file-level storage space for the server / host in the distributed storage system.

[0071] It should be noted that the above examples are only possible implementations of the data access system provided by the present embodiment, and should not be construed as a limitation of the present application.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a first state of a tape drive device 200 provided by an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 2, the tape drive device 200 includes a base 210, a first tape assembly 220, a second tape assembly 230, a first magnetic head 240, a controller 250, and a driving assembly 310.

[0073] The first tape assembly 220 and the second tape assembly 230 are both arranged on the base 210, and the driving assembly 310 is arranged on the base 210. The first tape assembly 220 and the second tape assembly 230 are both connected with the driving assembly 310. The first magnetic head 240 is slidingly connected with the base 210. The controller 250 is used to control the driving assembly 310 and the first magnetic head 240. For example, the controller 250 is used to control the driving assembly 310 to drive the first tape assembly 220 or the second tape assembly 230 to wind a tape. The controller 250 is also used to control the first magnetic head 240 to slide relative to the base 210.

[0074] The first tape assembly 220 includes a first tape 211 and a first sensor module 212. The first sensor module 212 is used to obtain a first movement distance of the first tape 211. The driving assembly 310 is connected with the first tape 211. The second tape assembly 230 includes a second tape 301 and a second sensor module 302. The second sensor module 302 is used to obtain a second movement distance of the second tape 301. The driving assembly 310 is connected with the second tape 301.

[0075] The controller 250 is configured to control the drive assembly 310 and the first magnetic head 240 according to the data access instruction. In the case that the drive assembly 310 drives the first magnetic tape 211 to move the first moving distance, the controller 250 instructs the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211. And the controller 250 instructs the drive assembly 310 to drive the second magnetic tape 301 to wind according to the second moving distance. In the case that the drive assembly 310 drives the second magnetic tape 301 to move the second moving distance, the controller 250 instructs the first magnetic head 240 to access the second magnetic tape 301.

[0076] In this way, the first magnetic head 240 accesses the first magnetic tape 211 while the drive assembly 310 drives the second magnetic tape 301 to wind. Compared with the case that the first magnetic head 240 accesses the first magnetic tape 211 and then the drive assembly 310 drives the second magnetic tape 301 to wind, the magnetic tape device 200 provided by the embodiment of the present application shortens the time of accessing data and reduces the tail latency.

[0077] The aforementioned "tail latency" refers to the longest latency in concurrent access, or the latency of the last access request in serial access.

[0078] In addition, the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 can both store data. Compared with the case that there is only one magnetic tape, the storage capacity of the magnetic tape device 200 is increased. In addition, the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 share the first magnetic head 240. Compared with the case that the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 are respectively provided with magnetic heads, the number of magnetic heads is reduced, and the cost of the magnetic tape device 200 is correspondingly reduced.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, the magnetic tape device 200 is defined to include at least a first state and a second state. When the magnetic tape device 200 is in the first state, the first magnetic head 240 accesses the first magnetic tape 211. When the magnetic tape device 200 is in the second state, the first magnetic head 240 accesses the second magnetic tape 301.

[0080] FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the magnetic tape device 200 in the second state according to the embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 3, in the second state, the controller 250 instructs the first magnetic head 240 to access the second magnetic tape 301.

[0081] It can be understood that the value of the first moving distance is related to the position of the data to be accessed in the first magnetic tape 211 in the data access instruction. Similarly, the value of the second moving distance is related to the position of the data to be accessed in the second magnetic tape 301 in the data access instruction. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the values of the first moving distance and the second moving distance.

[0082] During the process that the first magnetic head 240 accesses the first magnetic tape 211, the drive assembly 310 drives the second magnetic tape 301 to perform tape winding, and the second magnetic tape 301 stops winding after moving the second moving distance. In some embodiments, the second moving distance is small, and the time for the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211 is greater than the time for the second magnetic tape 301 to move the second moving distance. Then, during part of the time for the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211, the second magnetic tape 301 performs tape winding, and during the rest of the time for the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211, the second magnetic tape 301 does not perform tape winding. In some embodiments, the second moving distance is large, and the time for the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211 is less than or equal to the time for the second magnetic tape 301 to move the second moving distance. Then, during the entire time for the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211, the second magnetic tape 301 performs tape winding.

[0083] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the order in which the first magnetic head 240 accesses the first magnetic tape 211 and the first magnetic head 240 accesses the second magnetic tape 301. The order can be set according to the position of the data in the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 in the aforementioned data access instruction. For example, the first magnetic head 240 can first access the first magnetic tape 211 and then access the second magnetic tape 301. Alternatively, the first magnetic head 240 can first access the second magnetic tape 301 and then access the first magnetic tape 211.

[0084] When the tape drive device 200 is in the second state, the first magnetic tape 211 can perform tape winding or can not perform tape winding. In some embodiments, when the drive assembly 310 drives the second magnetic tape 301 to move the second moving distance, the controller 250 can also drive the first magnetic tape 211 to perform tape winding according to the first moving distance. For example, the data in the aforementioned data access instruction needs to be accessed from the second magnetic tape 301 first and then from the first magnetic tape 211.

[0085] In this way, when the controller 250 instructs the drive assembly 310 to drive the second magnetic tape 301 to move the second moving distance, the controller 250 instructs the first magnetic head 240 to access the second magnetic tape 301. The controller 250 also instructs the drive assembly 310 to drive the first magnetic tape 211 to perform tape winding according to the first moving distance. The second magnetic tape 301 performs tape winding while the first magnetic head 240 accesses the second magnetic tape 301, which shortens the time for accessing data and reduces the tail latency compared with the case that the second magnetic tape 301 performs tape winding after the first magnetic head 240 finishes accessing the second magnetic tape 301.

[0086] In the embodiment that the first magnetic head 240 accesses the second magnetic tape 301 (the aforementioned second state) and the first magnetic tape 211 is wound, the driving assembly 310 drives the first magnetic tape 211 to be wound until the first magnetic tape 211 moves the first moving distance, i.e., the first magnetic tape 211 is no longer wound.

[0087] Exemplarily, the first magnetic head 240 includes a write head, a read head and a write head. The read head is located between the two write heads. In the process of writing data, the magnetic tape slides from left to right, the write head on the left side magnetizes the storage position of the data to be written in the magnetic tape, thereby changing the magnetic field of the magnetic medium (such as magnetic powder) in the storage position, and then storing the data to be written in the storage position. In addition, the read head senses the magnetic field of the storage position, thereby reading back the data written in the magnetic tape by the write head to ensure the accuracy of writing data.

[0088] The driving assembly 310 is used to drive the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 to be wound. In the process that the first magnetic head 240 accesses the first magnetic tape 211 and the driving assembly 310 drives the second magnetic tape 301 to be wound, the angular velocities of the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 can be the same or different. The driving assembly 310 provides the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 with the same size or different size of torque.

[0089] FIG. 4 is an exploded structural schematic diagram of the driving assembly 310, the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 provided by the embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 4, the driving assembly 310 includes a rotating shaft 313, a first transmission 311 and a second transmission 312. The rotating shaft 313 is connected with the first magnetic tape 211 through the first transmission 311. The rotating shaft 313 is connected with the second magnetic tape 301 through the second transmission 312. In this way, the rotating shaft 313 is connected with the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 through different transmissions. When the rotating speed of the rotating shaft 313 received is the same, the first transmission 311 and the second transmission 312 can provide different rotating speeds for the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301.

[0090] In some embodiments, the driving assembly 310 can further include a driver 314 connected with the rotating shaft 313. The driver 314 is used to drive the rotating shaft 313. Exemplarily, the driver 314 can include a motor. In some embodiments, the driver 314 can further include a speed reducer.

[0091] In the embodiment of the present application, the first transmission 311 can have various implementation manners.

[0092] For example, FIG. 5a is a sectional view of the A-A section in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 5a, the rotating shaft 313 is provided with an inner cavity 3131. The first speed changer 311 includes a driving member 3111, an elastic member 3112, and a transmission pin 3113. The driving member 3111 and the elastic member 3112 are both located in the inner cavity 3131. One end of the elastic member 3112 is elastically connected to the driving member 3111, and the other end of the elastic member 3112 is elastically connected to the transmission pin 3113. When the transmission pin 3113 is in abutment with the first magnetic tape 211 away from the one end of the elastic member 3112, the elastic member 3112 is in a compressed state. The elastic member 3112 in abutment with the first magnetic tape 211 can move synchronously with the first magnetic tape 211. When the rotating shaft 313 rotates, the rotating shaft 313, the driving member 3111, the elastic member 3112, and the transmission pin 3113 rotate synchronously. The first magnetic tape 211 can be wound.

[0093] The aforementioned "one end of the elastic member 3112 is elastically connected to the driving member 3111" means that the elastic force in the elastic member 3112 can be transmitted to the driving member 3111. The other end of the elastic member 3112 is elastically connected to the transmission pin 3113 in the same way.

[0094] For example, the driving member 3111 can include a coil. The coil is connected to the elastic member 3112. When the transmission pin 3113 is in abutment with the first magnetic tape 211 away from the one end of the elastic member 3112, the elastic member 3112 is compressed by the coil and the first magnetic tape 211. When the transmission pin 3113 is separated from the first magnetic tape 211 away from the one end of the elastic member 3112, the coil attracts the elastic member 3112 to further compress the elastic member 3112. In other words, the elastic member 3112 is always in a compressed state. If the attraction of the coil to the elastic member 3112 is relatively large, the elastic member 3112 pulls the transmission pin 3113 away from the first magnetic tape 211, and the first magnetic tape 211 is not wound. If the attraction of the coil to the elastic member 3112 is relatively small, the elastic potential energy of the elastic member 3112 causes the transmission pin 3113 to be in abutment with the first magnetic tape 211, and the first magnetic tape 211 is wound.

[0095] For example, the elastic member 3112 can be a spring. The elastic member 3112 and the coil can be adhesively or clippably connected. The elastic member 3112 and the transmission pin 3113 can be adhesively, solderedly, or clippably connected.

[0096] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the structure and material of the transmission pin 3113. For example, the transmission pin 3113 can have a strip or rod structure. The material of the transmission pin 3113 can be, for example, iron and its alloys, copper and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys, plastics, or rubbers, etc.

[0097] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the connection mode of the inner cavity 3131 and the driving member 3111. For example, the inner cavity 3131 and the driving member 3111 can be connected by a glue layer or a buckle, etc.

[0098] In FIG. 5a, the first transmission 311 includes a driving member 3111, an elastic member 3112, and a transmission pin 3113. In some embodiments of the present application, the first transmission 311 can include a plurality of driving members 3111, a plurality of elastic members 3112, and a plurality of transmission pins 3113. One driving member 3111, one elastic member 3112, and one transmission pin 3113 correspondingly connect. In this way, the first transmission 311 and the winding drum 260 can have a plurality of contact points, which increases the stability of the first transmission 311 and the winding drum 260.

[0099] In other embodiments of the present application, the first transmission 311 can be other variable speed structures. For example, the first transmission 311 includes a driving gear and a driven gear. The driving gear and the rotating shaft are connected. The driven gear and the first magnetic tape 211 are connected.

[0100] FIG. 5b is a structural schematic view of a first magnetic tape 211 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 5b, the first magnetic tape 211 includes a tape body 271 and a winding drum 260. The winding drum 260 includes a winding shaft 263, a first cover plate 261, and a second cover plate 262. The winding shaft 263 and the first transmission 311 (as shown in FIG. 5a) are connected. The second magnetic tape 301 is located between the first cover plate 261 and the second cover plate 262. The first cover plate 261 and the second cover plate 262 can constrain the second magnetic tape 301 to avoid the second magnetic tape 301 from being separated from the winding shaft 263. In the process of rotating the winding shaft 263, the first cover plate 261 and the second cover plate 262 synchronously rotate.

[0101] For example, in the embodiment in which the first transmission 311 includes the transmission pin 3113, the abutment of the transmission pin 3113 and the first magnetic tape 211 includes the abutment of the transmission pin 3113 and the winding shaft 263.

[0102] In some embodiments, the winding shaft 263 is provided with a groove, and the transmission pin 3113 extends into the groove when the transmission pin 3113 abuts against the winding shaft 263. The groove can avoid the winding shaft 263 from being separated.

[0103] The first cover plate 261 can be a circular plate structure as shown in FIG. 5b, and the second cover plate 262 can be a circular plate structure as shown in FIG. 5b.

[0104] Embodiments of the present application do not limit the shapes of the first cover plate 261 and the second cover plate 262. For example, the first cover plate 261 can be a circular, square, elliptical, or irregular plate body. Similarly, the second cover plate 262 can be a circular, square, elliptical, or irregular plate body. The shape of the first cover plate 261 can be the same as or different from the shape of the second cover plate 262.

[0105] Exemplarily, the first cover plate 261 and the reel 263 can be connected by welding, clamping or bonding, etc. Similarly, the second cover plate 262 and the reel 263 can be connected by welding, clamping or bonding, etc.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present application, the first magnetic tape 211 includes two reels 260, one of which is connected to the rotating shaft 313 through a first transmission 311. The leading end of the tape body 271 is wound around one reel 260, and the trailing end of the tape body 271 is wound around the other reel 260.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present application, the structure of the second transmission 312 can refer to the description of the first transmission 311, and the structure of the second magnetic tape 301 can refer to the description of the first magnetic tape 211, which will not be repeated here.

[0108] In some embodiments of the present application, the tape drive device 200 can include three or more magnetic tape assemblies.

[0109] FIG. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of another tape drive device 200 provided by the embodiment of the present application. The difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 2 includes that the tape drive device 200 can further include a second magnetic head 280 and a third magnetic tape 290. The second magnetic head 280 is connected to the base 210, and the driving assembly 310 is used to drive the third magnetic tape 290 to wind the tape, and the second magnetic head 280 is used to access the third magnetic tape 290. The components in FIG. 2 will not be repeated here.

[0110] Since the time for the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 is reduced, the tail latency of the tape drive device 200 including the second magnetic head 280 and the third magnetic tape 290 is shortened. In addition, while the first magnetic head 240 accesses the first magnetic tape 211 or the second magnetic tape 301, the second magnetic head 280 can access the third magnetic tape 290. Further, the time for accessing data is shortened, and the tail latency is reduced.

[0111] In some embodiments of the present application, the second magnetic head 280 is slidingly connected to the base 210. The second magnetic head 280 is also used to access the first magnetic tape 211 or the second magnetic tape 301. In other words, the position of the second magnetic head 280 on the base 210 is adjustable, so that the second magnetic head 280 can access the third magnetic tape 290 and the first magnetic tape 211. Alternatively, the second magnetic head 280 can access the third magnetic tape 290 and the second magnetic tape 301.

[0112] As described above, the first magnetic head 240 can access the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301 in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the tape drive device 200 can further include a third sensor module 291. The third sensor module 291 is used to obtain a third moving distance of the third magnetic tape 290.

[0113] In the case that the drive assembly 310 drives the third magnetic tape 290 to move a third distance, the controller 250 instructs the second magnetic head 280 to access the third magnetic tape 290. And the controller 250 further instructs the drive assembly 310 to drive the second magnetic tape 301 to be wound according to the second moving distance. In the case that the drive assembly 310 drives the second magnetic tape 301 to move the second moving distance, the controller 250 instructs the second magnetic head 280 to access the second magnetic tape 301.

[0114] Alternatively, in the case that the drive assembly 310 drives the third magnetic tape 290 to move a third distance, the controller 250 instructs the second magnetic head 280 to access the third magnetic tape 290. And the controller 250 further instructs the drive assembly 310 to drive the first magnetic tape 211 to be wound according to the first moving distance. In the case that the drive assembly 310 drives the first magnetic tape 211 to move the first moving distance, the controller 250 instructs the second magnetic head 280 to access the first magnetic tape 211.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments of the present application, the tape drive device 200 can further include a fourth magnetic tape, a fifth magnetic tape, or more magnetic tapes. The tape drive device 200 can further include a third magnetic head, a fourth magnetic head, or more magnetic heads.

[0116] It can be understood that, in some embodiments, the tape drive device 200 can include only one magnetic head (for example, the first magnetic head 240 mentioned above). For example, the first magnetic head 240 is in sliding connection with the base 210, so that the controller 250 controls the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211, the second magnetic tape 301, and the third magnetic tape 290. In this way, the number of magnetic heads in the tape drive device 200 is small, which is conducive to saving the cost of the tape drive device 200.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present application, the first magnetic head 240 is in sliding connection with the base 210, so that the first magnetic head 240 can access the first magnetic tape 211 and the second magnetic tape 301. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the way in which the first magnetic head 240 is in sliding connection with the base 210. For example, the first magnetic head 240 and the base 210 are in sliding connection through a sliding rail, a sliding block, or a sliding groove.

[0118] Please refer back to FIG. 2. In some embodiments of the present application, the base 210 includes a mounting frame 001 and a support table 002. The mounting frame 001 and the support table 002 are connected. A rotating shaft is connected with the support table 002. A drive assembly is connected with the support table 002. The mounting frame 001 is provided with a sliding rail, and the first magnetic head 240 is in sliding connection with the sliding rail. This makes the first magnetic head 240 access the first magnetic tape 211, or makes the first magnetic head 240 access the second magnetic tape 301.

[0119] Exemplarily, the tape drive apparatus 200 can further comprise a power member configured to drive the first magnetic head 240 to slide relative to the mount 001. The aforementioned controller 250 is configured to instruct the first magnetic head 240 to slide relative to the base 210 by instructing the power member to output a power, which causes the first magnetic head 240 to slide relative to the base 210. For example, the power member can be a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electric motor, etc.

[0120] In the embodiments where the tape drive apparatus 200 further comprises the aforementioned second magnetic head 280 described in FIG. 6, the second magnetic head 280 can slide relative to the base 210 in the same way as the first magnetic head 240 slides relative to the base 210. It can be appreciated that the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic head 280 can share the same mount 001, i.e., both the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic head 280 are connected to the same mount 001. Alternatively, the base 210 comprises two mounts 001, one mount 001 is connected to the first magnetic head 240 and the other mount 001 is connected to the second magnetic head 280.

[0121] In some embodiments of the present application, during the process that the first magnetic head 240 accesses the second magnetic tape 301, the first magnetic head 240 can move closer to or further away from the second magnetic tape 301 to reduce the wear of the first magnetic head 240 on the second magnetic tape 301.

[0122] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the controller 250 instructing the first magnetic head 240 to access the second magnetic tape 301 comprises:

[0123] When the second moving distance is outside the target distance interval, there is a gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301. When the second moving distance is within the target distance interval, the first magnetic head 240 contacts and accesses the second magnetic tape 301.

[0124] Therefore, when the moving distance of the second magnetic tape 301 does not reach the target distance interval during the addressing process, the gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301 can avoid the first magnetic head 240 rubbing the second magnetic tape 301. The abrasion of the second magnetic tape 301 is reduced. When the moving distance of the second magnetic tape 301 reaches the target distance interval, the first magnetic head 240 contacts the second magnetic tape 301 and accesses the data in the second magnetic tape 301. Since the first magnetic head 240 also has the function of accessing the address in the second magnetic tape 301, after the first magnetic head 240 contacts the second magnetic tape 301, the first magnetic head 240 can accurately read the address of the second magnetic tape 301 and access the target data. Therefore, even if there is an error between the aforementioned target distance interval and the address where the target data to be accessed is located, the first magnetic head 240 can still access the target data. In summary, the tape drive device 200 provided by the embodiments of the present application can reduce the abrasion of the second magnetic tape 301 by the first magnetic head 240, while not affecting the accuracy of the first magnetic head 240 accessing data, and can prolong the service life of the second magnetic tape 301.

[0125] In the embodiments of the present application, for the convenience of description, the state that the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301 have a gap is defined as the third state. The state that the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301 are in contact is defined as the fourth state. That is, the aforementioned second state can be regarded as including the third state and the fourth state.

[0126] In the embodiments of the present application, the aforementioned target distance interval has a maximum value and a minimum value. In some embodiments, when the moving distance is equal to the minimum value or the maximum value, the first magnetic head 240 and the tape body 271 have a gap. Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the moving distance is equal to the minimum value or the maximum value, the first magnetic head 240 and the tape body 271 are in contact. In other words, when the value of the moving distance is equal to the maximum value or the minimum value of the target distance interval, in some embodiments, the controller 250 instructs the tape drive device 200 to be in the third state. In other embodiments, the controller 250 instructs the tape drive device 200 to be in the fourth state.

[0127] The aforementioned "the moving distance is outside the target distance interval" means that the moving distance is less than or equal to the minimum value of the target distance interval, or the moving distance is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the target distance interval. The aforementioned "the moving distance is within the target distance interval" means that the moving distance is greater than or equal to the minimum value of the target distance interval, and less than or equal to the maximum value of the target distance interval.

[0128] It can be understood that the moving distance of the tape body 271 can be determined according to the current address of the first magnetic head 240 and the address of the target data. For example, the tape drive device 200 receives a request for accessing target data, and the target data is stored at a target address. The tape drive device 200 determines the moving distance of the tape body 271 according to the current address of the first magnetic head 240 and the target address. For example, the tape body 271 reaches the vicinity of the target address after moving a target distance, and the target distance is within a target distance range.

[0129] In the embodiments of the present application, the gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301 can be formed by various schemes.

[0130] FIG. 7a is a structural schematic diagram of a third state of the tape drive device 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 7a, the first magnetic head 240 is slidingly connected with the base 210 to form a gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301.

[0131] In the example of FIG. 7a, the first magnetic head 240 slides with the base 210 along the length direction of the mounting frame 001 to enable the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211 or access the second magnetic tape 301. The first magnetic head 240 slides with the base 210 along a direction perpendicular to the mounting frame 001 to form a gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301. In other words, in FIG. 7a, the first magnetic head 240 has at least two sliding directions relative to the base 210. Sliding along one sliding direction enables the first magnetic head 240 to access the first magnetic tape 211 or access the second magnetic tape 301. Sliding along the other sliding direction enables the first magnetic head 240 to form a gap or no gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301.

[0132] For example, the first magnetic tape 211 includes a tape body 271. In the embodiments of the present application, the gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the first magnetic tape 211 is a gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the tape body 271.

[0133] The width of the gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the tape body 271 in FIG. 7a is H. For example, the width H can be 1 mm to 50 mm. For example, the width H can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or 50 mm, etc.

[0134] In some embodiments of the present application, the tape drive device 200 can further include a first roller 21 and a second roller 22, and the first roller 21 and the second roller 22 are used to press against the tape body 271, and the first roller 21 and the second roller 22 together constrain the transmission path of the tape body 271.

[0135] In FIG. 7a, the gap is along the thickness direction of the tape body 271. As described in the foregoing FIG. 2, the first magnetic head 240 slides relative to the holder 001 so that the first magnetic head 240 accesses the first magnetic tape 211 or accesses the second magnetic tape 301. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present application, the gap can be along the length direction of the holder 001. For example, when the second moving distance is outside the target distance interval, there is a gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301. When the second moving distance is within the target distance interval, the first magnetic head 240 slides relative to the holder 001 to contact the first magnetic head 240 with the second magnetic tape 301 and access the second magnetic tape 301.

[0136] In other words, before the first magnetic head 240 slides relative to the holder 001 to contact the first magnetic head 240 with the second magnetic tape 301, it can be considered that there is a gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the second magnetic tape 301.

[0137] FIG. 7b is a structural schematic diagram of a fourth state of a tape device 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 7b, in the fourth state, the first magnetic head 240 contacts the second magnetic tape 301.

[0138] It can be understood that, when the first magnetic head 240 contacts the second magnetic tape 301, it can be considered that there is no gap or a small gap, for example, a gap with a width of 0 nm to 20 nm, between the first magnetic head 240 and the tape body 271, for example, a gap with a width of 0 nm, 0.1 nm, 0.4 nm, 0.8 nm, 1 nm, 2 nm, 3 nm, 4 nm, 6 nm, 8 nm, 10 nm, 15 nm, 18 nm or 20 nm.

[0139] In some embodiments of the present application, when the second moving distance is outside the target distance interval, the maximum value of the moving speed of the second magnetic tape 301 is a first value. When the moving distance is within the target distance interval, the maximum value of the moving speed of the second magnetic tape 301 is a second value; the second value is less than the first value. The moving speed of the second magnetic tape 301 can be considered as the moving speed of the tape body 271.

[0140] In other words, when the tape device 200 is in the third state, the maximum value of the moving speed of the tape body is the first value, and when the tape device 200 is in the fourth state, the maximum value of the moving speed of the tape body 271 is the second value, and the second value is less than the first value. In this way, when there is a gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the tape body 271, the moving speed of the tape body 271 is relatively large, which can shorten the moving time of the tape body 271 and avoid the tape body 271 being abraded by the magnetic head 240. When the magnetic head 240 accesses the tape body 271, the moving speed of the tape body 271 is relatively small, which does not affect the first magnetic head 240 accessing data.

[0141] The magnetic tape device 200 provided by the embodiment of the present application can reduce the wear of the tape 271 and the access time.

[0142] The minimum value of the moving speed of the tape when the magnetic tape device 200 is in the third state is a third value, and obviously, the third value is less than the first value. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the size of the third value. For example, the third value can be greater than, less than or equal to the second value, or even the third value can be zero.

[0143] Similarly, when the magnetic tape device 200 is in the fourth state, the minimum value of the moving speed of the tape is a fourth value, and the fourth value is less than the second value.

[0144] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the size of the second value. For example, the second value can be 4m / s-5m / s. For example, the second value can be 4m / s, 4.2m / s, 4.5m / s, 4.8m / s, 5m / s, etc.

[0145] The embodiment of the present application also does not limit the size of the first value. For example, the first value can be 6m / s-10m / s. For example, the second value can be 6m / s, 7m / s, 8m / s, 9m / s, 10m / s, etc.

[0146] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the magnetic tape device 200 to only the third state and the fourth state. When the magnetic tape device 200 is in the standby state or the shutdown state, there is a gap between the first magnetic head 240 and the tape 271. In this way, the time of contact between the first magnetic head 240 and the tape 271 is reduced, and the first magnetic head 240 is prevented from pressing the same position of the tape 271 for a long time, which can cause the tape to creep, thereby prolonging the service life of the tape 271.

[0147] FIG. 7c is a structural schematic diagram of the third state of another magnetic tape device 200 provided by the embodiment of the present application. Please refer to FIG. 7c. There is a gap width F between the first magnetic head 240 and the second tape 301. The gap width F between the first magnetic head 240 and the second tape 301 can be adjusted by sliding the first magnetic head 240 relative to the mounting frame 001.

[0148] The first magnetic head 240 can have only one sliding direction relative to the base 210. Sliding along the sliding direction can make the first magnetic head 240 access the first tape 211 or access the second tape 301. And sliding along the sliding direction can make the first magnetic head 240 have a gap or no gap with the second tape 301. In this way, the number of sliding rails on the base 210 can be reduced, and the volume of the magnetic tape device 200 can be reduced.

[0149] FIG. 8 is a control diagram of the controller 250 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 250 includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface is configured to receive a data access instruction. The processor is configured to send a control instruction according to the data access instruction. The control instruction is configured to instruct the first magnetic head 240 to slide relative to the base 210.

[0150] In the case that the drive assembly drives the first magnetic tape to move a first movement distance, the control instruction instructs the first magnetic head to access the first magnetic tape; and according to the second movement distance, the drive assembly drives the second magnetic tape to be wound; in the case that the drive assembly drives the second magnetic tape to move the second movement distance, the control instruction instructs the first magnetic head to access the second magnetic tape.

[0151] It is worth noting that when the movement distance of the magnetic tape is within the target distance interval, the magnetic head accesses the data in the tape body of the magnetic tape, and thus the control instruction can also be referred to as an access instruction, a read-write instruction, a read instruction, or a write instruction, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0152] As described above, the first sensor module 212 is configured to obtain the first movement distance of the first magnetic tape 211. For example, the first sensor module 212 is configured to obtain the first movement distance of the tape body 271 of the first magnetic tape 211.

[0153] In the embodiments of the present application, the first sensor module 212 has multiple types, and correspondingly, the way of obtaining the movement distance of the tape body also has multiple types. The following is an exemplary description.

[0154] FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of a first sensor module 212 and a tape body 271 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the first sensor module 212 includes a Hall encoder or an optical encoder, and the Hall encoder or the optical encoder is sleeved on the winding drum 260. For example, the Hall encoder or the optical encoder can be arranged on the winding shaft 263 of the winding drum 260.

[0155] The optical encoder can convert the mechanical geometric displacement amount on the winding drum 260 into a pulse or a digital quantity through photoelectric conversion, and transmit the pulse or the digital quantity to the controller. The first sensor module 212 can obtain the movement distance of the tape body 271 wound on the winding drum 260. Similarly, the Hall encoder can measure the movement distance of the tape body 271 wound on the winding drum 260.

[0156] The tape machine device 200 includes two reels 260. A leading end of the tape body 271 is wound around one reel 260, and a trailing end of the tape body 271 is wound around the other reel 260. A Hall encoder or an optical encoder can be arranged on any one of the reels 260.

[0157] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic view of another first sensor module 212 and the tape body 271 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, the first sensor module 212 includes an angle sensor configured to determine the moving distance of the tape body 271 according to the angle of rotation of the reel 260.

[0158] Since the tape body 271 is wound around the reel 260, the radius of the reel 260 is a fixed value. When the reel 260 rotates by 360°, the radius of the tape body 271 wound around the reel 260 increases (or decreases) by one layer, and the radius of the tape body 271 wound around the reel 260 also increases (or decreases) accordingly. Thus, the angle sensor can determine the moving distance of the tape body 271 according to the angle of rotation of the reel 260 and the thickness of the single layer of the tape body 271. In addition, during the movement of the tape body 271, the reel 260 and the tape body 271 move synchronously, so that the angle of rotation of the reel 260 can be detected to obtain the angle of rotation of the tape body 271, and the moving distance of the tape body 271 can be determined according to the corresponding arc of the angle of rotation of the tape body 271 and the radius of the tape body 271.

[0159] In the example of FIG. 10, the angle sensor detects that the angle of rotation of the reel 260 is β, and the angle of rotation of the tape body 271 is also β. The moving distance of the tape body 271 can be determined by the product of the corresponding arc of the angle β and the radius of the tape body 271.

[0160] In the example of FIG. 10, the angle sensor detects that the angle of rotation of the reel 260 is β, and the angle of rotation of the tape body 271 is also β. The moving distance of the tape body 271 can be determined by the product of the corresponding arc of the angle β and the radius of the tape body 271.

[0161] FIG. 11 is a structural schematic view of another first sensor module 212 and the tape body 271 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 11, the first sensor module 212 includes a thickness sensor configured to determine the moving distance of the tape body 271 according to the thickness of the tape body 271 wound around the reel 260.

[0162] The thickness of the tape 271 wound on the reel 260 increases or decreases during the movement. The total thickness of the tape 271 wound on the reel 260 is equal to the thickness m of a single layer of the tape 271 multiplied by the number of turns of the tape 271. The movement distance of the tape 271 can be determined according to the difference between the thickness of the tape 271 wound on the reel 260, the radius of the tape 271 wound on the reel 260, and the thickness m of a single layer of the tape 271.

[0163] For example, in FIG. 11, the thickness sensor measures the thickness of the tape 271 wound on the reel 260 as d1 in the third state. The thickness sensor measures the thickness of the tape 271 wound on the reel 260 as d2 in the fourth state. d2 is greater than d1. When the tape 271 is adjusted from the third state to the fourth state, the thickness of the tape 271 wound on the reel 260 increases, and the movement distance of the tape 271 gradually increases. Conversely, when the tape 271 is adjusted from the fourth state to the third state, the thickness of the tape 271 wound on the reel 260 decreases, and the movement distance of the tape 271 gradually increases.

[0164] In this way, the movement distance of the tape 271 can also be obtained. The controller instructs the slider to move relative to the base according to the movement distance.

[0165] As in the example of FIG. 10, in an embodiment in which the tape drive device 200 includes two reels 260 (as shown in FIG. 4), the thickness sensor can detect the thickness information of the tape 271 wound on either of the two reels 260. The movement distance of the tape 271 can be determined according to the thickness information.

[0166] The foregoing FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 are examples in which the movement distance of the tape 271 is determined by obtaining information of the reel 260. In some embodiments of the present application, the sensor module can obtain information of the tape 271 to determine the movement distance of the tape 271. The following examples are described in conjunction with FIG. 12 to FIG. 17.

[0167] FIG. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of another first sensor module 212 and the tape 271 according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 12, the first sensor module 212 includes an encoding strip 233 and a detection assembly 232. The encoding strip 233 is connected to the tape 271. The encoding strip 233 includes a plurality of strips 231, and one strip is used to record one encoding. The encoding strip 233 records a plurality of encodings. The detection assembly 232 is used to determine the movement distance of the tape according to the encodings recorded by at least two strips of the plurality of strips.

[0168] In some embodiments of the present application, the encoding strip 233 is spliced with the band 271. For example, in FIG. 12, the encoding strip 233 is connected with one side of the band 271 in the width direction. Then the encoding strip 233 is distributed along the width direction of the band 271. Exemplarily, the encoding strip 233 and the band 271 in the width direction are connected by a glue layer.

[0169] In this way, the encoding strip 233 does not occupy the space in the thickness direction of the band 271, avoiding the setting of the encoding strip 233 to thicken the band 271. Moreover, the length of the encoding strip 233 can be the same as the length of the band 271, so that the space of the device strip 231 is larger.

[0170] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of another first sensor module 212 and the band 271 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The difference between FIG. 13 and FIG. 12 includes that the connection manner of the band 271 and the encoding strip 233 is different.

[0171] In the example of FIG. 13, the band 271 includes a plurality of data areas 221 and at least one connection area 222. The data area 221 is used to store data. The connection area does not store data. Two adjacent data areas 221 are connected by one connection area 222. In other words, along the length direction of the band 271, there is one connection area 222 between two adjacent data areas 221. Exemplarily, the data area 221 and the connection area 222 are connected by a glue layer.

[0172] The encoding strip 233 and the connection area 222 are stacked along the thickness direction of the band 271. In other words, the encoding strip 233 and the connection area 222 are arranged along the thickness direction of the band 271. For example, the encoding strip 233 and the connection area 222 are connected by a glue layer.

[0173] Since the connection area does not store data, the setting of the encoding strip 233 has little effect on the data stored in the band 271. Moreover, the setting of the encoding strip 233 can not occupy the space in the width direction of the band 271.

[0174] In some embodiments, the encoding strip 233 can be connected with the connection area 222 on the side facing the magnetic head. In some embodiments, the encoding strip 233 can also be connected with the connection area 222 on the side away from the magnetic head; the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0175] In FIG. 13, during the movement of the band 271, the detection assembly 232 can identify the position of the connection area 222 according to the encoding recorded by the strip located in the connection area 222, and then determine the moving distance of the band 271 according to the position of the connection area 222.

[0176] The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of the connection areas 222 in the band 271. For example, the number of the connection areas 222 can be one, two, three or more.

[0177] According to the embodiments provided in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the strip 231 is used for recording the code, and the detection component 232 is used for acquiring the code and determining the moving distance of the band body according to the code. In the embodiments of the present application, the strip 231 has multiple types, and correspondingly, the detection component 232 also has multiple types.

[0178] For example, according to the different performances of the strip 231, the detection component 232 changes the detection mode of the strip accordingly. The following will be exemplarily described according to the different light properties, different metal properties and different images of the strip 231.

[0179] FIG. 14 is a structural schematic diagram of a strip 231 and a detection component 232 provided in the embodiments of the present application. Please refer to FIG. 14, the plurality of strips 231 include a first strip 201 and a second strip 202. The first strip 201 includes at least one first identification part 101 and at least one second identification part 102. The arrangement order of the identification parts in the first strip 201 indicates a first code. The second strip 202 includes at least one first identification part 101 and at least one second identification part 102. The arrangement order of the identification parts in the second strip 202 indicates a second code. The arrangement orders of the identification parts in the first strip 201 and the second strip 202 are different.

[0180] The aforementioned “arrangement order of the identification parts in the first strip 201” refers to the arrangement order of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 in the first strip 201 along a direction. For example, the first direction is along the width direction of the band body, and the arrangement order of “the first identification part 101, the second identification part 102, the first identification part 101” is different from the arrangement order of “the first identification part 101, the first identification part 101, the second identification part 102”. The arrangement order of the identification parts in the second strip 202 is the same.

[0181] In this way, the detection component 232 identifies the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102, and then determines the first code and the second code through the arrangement order of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102, so as to determine the moving distance of the band body.

[0182] In the embodiments of the present application, the number of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 in each strip is not limited. For example, the number of the first identification part 101 can be one, two, three, four or more. The number of the second identification part 102 can be one, two, three, four or more. It can be understood that the more the number of the first identification part 101 and the number of the second identification part 102, the more the arrangement order mode of the identification parts in the strip. The more the types of the codes in the plurality of strips.

[0183] Similarly, the plurality of strips 231 can further include a third strip 203, the arrangement order of the identification portions in the third strip 203, the arrangement order of the identification portions in the first strip 201, and the arrangement order of the identification portions in the second strip 202 are all different from each other, and the like, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] It can be understood that, in some embodiments of the present application, at least one strip of the plurality of strips 231 can not include the first identification portion 101, for example, all the identification portions in the at least one strip are the second identification portions, and the strip can also record the code. Similarly, at least one strip of the plurality of strips 231 can not include the second identification portion 102, for example, all the identification portions are the first identification portions.

[0185] Exemplarily, the code of the plurality of strips 231 can be absolute code or relative code, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0186] The first identification portion 101 and the second identification portion 102 have at least one different performance. The detection assembly 232 is used to detect the performance to identify the first identification portion 101 and the second identification portion 102. In some embodiments, the light properties of the first identification portion 101 and the second identification portion 102 are different.

[0187] FIG. 15a is a structural schematic view of another strip and detection assembly 232 provided by the embodiments of the present application. In FIG. 15a, the first identification portion 101 is a light-transmitting portion, and the second identification portion 102 is a light-absorbing portion or a light-reflecting portion. The detection assembly 232 includes a laser emitter 2321 and a laser receiver 2322. The laser emitter 2321 is used to emit a light signal, and the laser receiver 2322 is used to receive the light signal.

[0188] Exemplarily, the laser emitter 2321 and the laser receiver 2322 are respectively located on opposite sides of the strip. For example, the laser emitter 2321 is located on the upper side in FIG. 15a, and the laser receiver 2322 is located on the lower side in FIG. 15a.

[0189] The light signal emitted by the laser emitter 2321 can be transmitted through the first identification portion 101 (the light-transmitting portion) and received by the laser receiver 2322. The light signal emitted by the laser emitter 2321 is absorbed by the second identification portion 102 (the light-absorbing portion) or reflected by the second identification portion 102 (the light-reflecting portion), and is not received by the laser receiver 2322.

[0190] Exemplarily, the type of the code can adopt binary code, cyclic code, or binary complement, etc. For example, the laser receiver 2322 records the received light signal as a signal “0” output. For example, the laser receiver 2322 records the non-received light signal as a signal “1” output. The detection assembly 232 determines the code according to the arrangement order of 0 and 1.

[0191] When the arrangement order of the identification parts in the first strip 201 and the second strip 202 is different, the signal output by the laser receiver 2322 is different. Then the detection component 232 can identify the first code recorded by the first strip and the second code recorded by the second strip.

[0192] Exemplarily, the structure of the light-transmitting part can be a transparent adhesive layer. The structure of the light-absorbing part can be a black film layer. The structure of the light-reflecting part can be a reflective film. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0193] FIG. 15b is a structural schematic diagram of another strip and detection component 232 provided by an embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 15b, the first identification part 101 is a light-transmitting part, and the second identification part 102 is a light-reflecting part. The difference between FIG. 15b and FIG. 15a is that the laser transmitter 2321 and the laser receiver 2322 are located on the same side of the strip. For example, both are located on the upper side in FIG. 15b.

[0194] The light signal emitted by the laser transmitter 2321 is reflected by the second identification part 102 and then received by the laser receiver 2322. The light signal emitted by the laser transmitter 2321 transmits through the first identification part 101 (light-transmitting part) and is not received by the laser receiver 2322.

[0195] Similarly, the detection component 232 in FIG. 15b can identify the arrangement order of the identification parts in the first strip and the second strip. Thus, the first code recorded by the first strip and the second code recorded by the second strip are identified.

[0196] In some embodiments, the detection component 232 can include two laser receivers 2322, one of which is located on the same side of the strip as the laser transmitter 2321. The other laser receiver 2322 (the laser receiver 2322 shown in dashed lines in the figure) is located on the opposite side of the strip as the laser transmitter 2321. The other laser receiver 2322 is used to receive the light signal that transmits through the light-transmitting part. In this way, the arrangement order of the identification parts is obtained by the two laser receivers 2322 together, which can improve the accuracy.

[0197] It can be understood that, in other embodiments, the detection component 232 can include any one of the two laser receivers 2322.

[0198] FIG. 15c is a structural schematic diagram of still another strip and detection component 232 provided by an embodiment of the present application. In FIG. 15c, the first identification part 101 is a light-reflecting part, and the second identification part 102 is a light-absorbing part. The laser transmitter 2321 and the laser receiver 2322 are located on the same side of the strip.

[0199] The light signal emitted by the laser emitter 2321 is reflected by the first identification part 101 and received by the laser receiver 2322. The light signal emitted by the laser emitter 2321 is absorbed by the second identification part 102 and is not received by the laser receiver 2322.

[0200] Similarly, the detection assembly 232 in FIG. 15c can identify the arrangement order of the identification parts in the first strip and the second strip. Thus, the first code recorded by the first strip and the second code recorded by the second strip are identified.

[0201] In FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c, only some examples of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 with different optical properties are shown. In some embodiments, the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 can be other identification parts with different optical properties.

[0202] For example, the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 have different light transmittances. The detection assembly 232 identifies the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 by detecting the light transmittances. In embodiments in which the strip includes a third identification part, the light transmittances of the third identification part, the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 can all be different. Similarly, the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 have different light reflectances. The detection assembly 232 identifies the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 by detecting the light reflectances. Alternatively, the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 have different polarization properties. The detection assembly 232 identifies the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 by detecting the polarization properties of the light transmitted through the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 have different capacitance values. The detection assembly 232 identifies the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 by detecting the capacitance values of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102, and then obtains the codes according to the arrangement order of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102, and determines the moving distance of the strip body according to the codes.

[0204] FIG. 16 is a structural schematic diagram of a first sensor module 212 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The difference between FIG. 16 and FIG. 15a is that the structures of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 are different.

[0205] In FIG. 16, the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 are both metal layers, and the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 are arranged at intervals. The first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 have different capacitance values. For example, the capacitance value of the first identification part 101 is a first value, and the capacitance value of the second identification part 102 is a second value.

[0206] The material of the metal layer is not limited in the embodiments of the present application, and for example, can be at least one of titanium and alloys thereof, aluminum and alloys thereof, copper and alloys thereof, and iron and alloys thereof. The shape of the metal layer is not limited in the embodiments of the present application, and for example, can be square, circular, oval, or irregular, etc.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first sensor module 212 can further include a base film 235 connected with the band 271 (as shown in FIG. 13). The metal is disposed on the base film, and the base film 235 can support the metal layer to avoid the metal layer from falling off.

[0208] For example, the materials of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 can be different, so that the capacitance values of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 are different. Alternatively, the materials of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 are the same, and the areas of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 are different, so that the capacitance values of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 are different.

[0209] The detection assembly 232 includes a capacitance sensor for detecting the capacitance values of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102. Thus, the code indicated by the arrangement order of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 is obtained. The detection assembly 232 determines the movement distance of the band 271 according to the codes recorded by the at least two strips.

[0210] In other embodiments, in the embodiments in which the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 both include metal layers, the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102 can also be provided with different resistance values. The detection assembly 232 includes a resistance sensor for detecting the resistance values of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102, and the movement distance of the band 271 can also be determined according to the codes recorded by the at least two strips.

[0211] In some embodiments of the present application, the code can not be indicated by the order of the first identification part 101 and the second identification part 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the strip 231 can be provided with an image, and the detection assembly determines the movement distance of the band 271 according to the pattern to identify the code recorded by the strip.

[0212] FIG. 17 is a structural schematic view of another first sensor module 212 provided by the embodiments of the present application. The difference between FIG. 17 and FIG. 15a is that the structure of the strip 231 is different.

[0213] In FIG. 17, the strip 231 includes an image layer, and the detection assembly 232 includes an image sensor. The image sensor is used to obtain the image of the strip 231. The strip 231 including the image layer records the code. One strip 231 is provided with one image layer.

[0214] The detection component 232 includes an image sensor configured to acquire images of the strips 231. The detection component 232 determines the movement distance of the belt body according to the encoding recorded by the image layers in the at least two strips.

[0215] Embodiments of the present application do not limit the forming manner of the image layers. For example, the image layers can be formed by printing, coating or etching.

[0216] Embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of the image layers. FIG. 17 illustrates several types of the image layers. Accordingly, the image sensor can be selected according to the type of the image layers.

[0217] Example one, the image layers include two-dimensional codes. One strip 231 indicates one encoding. One two-dimensional code indicates one encoding. The encoding strips are provided with a plurality of two-dimensional codes.

[0218] In an embodiment where the encoding of the encoding strips is absolute encoding, the plurality of two-dimensional codes are different from each other. In an embodiment where the encoding of the encoding strips is relative encoding, the plurality of two-dimensional codes can be regarded as a plurality of two-dimensional code groups. Each two-dimensional code group includes a plurality of two-dimensional codes, and the two-dimensional codes in each two-dimensional code group are different.

[0219] Example two, the image layers include bar codes. One bar code indicates one encoding. The remaining description refers to the description of the aforementioned example one where the image layers include two-dimensional codes, which is not repeated here.

[0220] Example three, the image layers include radio frequency identification (RFID) codes. The remaining description refers to the description of the aforementioned example one where the image layers include two-dimensional codes, which is not repeated here. The image sensor can be a radio frequency identification reader.

[0221] Example four, the image layers include text labels. The text labels include a plurality of texts. One text indicates one encoding. Embodiments of the present application do not limit the texts in the text labels. The text labels can be, for example, Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, Chinese characters, English characters, Japanese characters, Korean characters, Greek letters, etc.

[0222] In example four of FIG. 17, the text labels are Arabic numerals. “1” indicates one encoding, “2” indicates another encoding, “3” indicates yet another encoding, and so on. The remaining text labels are similar, which is not repeated here.

[0223] Example five, the image layers include a plurality of patterns. Each pattern indicates one encoding. Embodiments of the present application do not limit the style of the patterns. For example, the patterns can be landscape patterns, animal patterns, human patterns, etc.

[0224] In some embodiments of the present application, the image layer can include a combination of two or more of the aforementioned example one, example two, example three, example four, and example five. For example, the image layer includes a combination of the two-dimensional code of example one and the bar code of example two.

[0225] Five types of image layers are illustrated in FIG. 17. It can be understood that the image layer can also include other types of images.

[0226] In the embodiments of the present application, the structure of the second magnetic tape assembly 230 and the third magnetic tape 290 can refer to the description of the aforementioned first magnetic tape assembly 220. Similarly, the connection manner of the second head and the base can refer to the connection manner of the aforementioned first head and the base. Herein, no further description is given.

[0227] It can be understood that in other embodiments of the present application, the sensor module is used to acquire the moving distance of the tape body, and is not limited to the above manner, and other manners can also be used for acquisition.

[0228] The embodiments of the present application also provide a storage system. The storage system includes a communication interface, a storage controller, and the tape drive device provided by any of the aforementioned embodiments. The tape drive device is used to store data, the communication interface is used to receive a data access request, and the storage controller is used to manage a target storage device in the storage system according to the data access request. The storage system is, for example, a tape drive device, or a computer / server containing the tape drive device as a persistent storage medium.

[0229] The storage controller includes one or more processors, which can be a very large scale integrated circuit. The processor is installed with an operating system and other software programs, so that the processor can realize access to the tape drive device and various PCIe devices. The processor includes one or more processor cores. The processor core in the processor is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or other ASIC. The processor can also be other general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. In actual applications, the storage system can also include multiple controllers.

[0230] Optionally, the storage system can further include, but not limited to, other storage media such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM) for caching data of the tape drive device for processing by the processor. In addition, the other storage media can also be read only memory (ROM). For the read only memory, it can be, for example, programmable read only memory (PROM) and erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM). The present embodiment does not limit the number and type of the other storage media. In addition, the other storage media can be configured to have power retention function. The power retention function means that when the system is powered off and then powered on again, the data stored in the storage media will not be lost. The storage media with the power retention function is referred to as non-volatile memory.

[0231] The other storage media described above can be used to store an index of the data stored on the tape. The index can be, for example, metadata of the data, logical address of the data, hash value calculated from the logical address of the data, or pointer of the data.

[0232] In the description of the present specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0233] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and not to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A tape drive apparatus, characterized by, The magnetic tape device comprises: a base; a driving assembly arranged on the base; a first magnetic head in sliding connection with the base; a first magnetic tape assembly comprising a first magnetic tape and a first sensor module configured to obtain a first movement distance of the first magnetic tape, the driving assembly being connected with the first magnetic tape; a second magnetic tape assembly comprising a second magnetic tape and a second sensor module configured to obtain a second movement distance of the second magnetic tape, the driving assembly being connected with the second magnetic tape; and a controller configured to control the driving assembly and the first magnetic head according to a data access instruction; wherein, in a case that the driving assembly drives the first magnetic tape to move the first movement distance, the controller instructs the first magnetic head to access the first magnetic tape; and according to the second movement distance, instructs the driving assembly to drive the second magnetic tape to wind. In a case that the driving assembly drives the second magnetic tape to move the second movement distance, the controller instructs the first magnetic head to access the second magnetic tape.

2. The tape drive apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The controller instructing the first magnetic head to access the second magnetic tape comprises: when the second movement distance is outside a target distance interval, there is a gap between the first magnetic head and the second magnetic tape; when the second movement distance is within the target distance interval, the first magnetic head is in contact with the second magnetic tape and accesses the second magnetic tape.

3. The magnetic tape device according to claim 2, wherein: when the second movement distance is outside the target distance interval, a maximum value of a movement speed of the second magnetic tape is a first value; when the second movement distance is within the target distance interval, the maximum value of the movement speed of the second magnetic tape is a second value, the second value being less than the first value.

4. The tape drive apparatus of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The magnetic tape device further comprises a second magnetic head and a third magnetic tape, the second magnetic head being connected with the base, the driving assembly being configured to drive the third magnetic tape to wind, and the second magnetic head being configured to access the third magnetic tape.

5. The tape drive apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The second magnetic head is in sliding connection with the base, and the second magnetic head is further configured to access the first magnetic tape or the second magnetic tape.

6. The tape drive apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The driving assembly comprises a rotating shaft, a first transmission and a second transmission. The rotating shaft is connected with the first magnetic tape through the first transmission. The rotating shaft is connected with the second magnetic tape through the second transmission.

7. The tape drive apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The rotating shaft is provided with an inner cavity, and the first transmission comprises a driving member, an elastic member and a transmission pin. The driving member and the elastic member are both located in the inner cavity, one end of the elastic member is in elastic connection with the driving member, and the other end of the elastic member is in elastic connection with the transmission pin. When the transmission pin is in abutment with the first magnetic tape at an end thereof away from the elastic member, the elastic member is in a compressed state.

8. The tape drive apparatus of any of claims 1-7, wherein, The magnetic tape device further comprises a driver configured to drive the first magnetic head to slide relative to the base, and the controller is in signal connection with the driver. The controller is configured to instruct the driver to drive the first magnetic head to slide relative to the base according to the data access instruction.

9. A storage system, characterized by The storage system comprises a tape controller and one or more tape drive devices according to any one of claims 1-8; the tape controller is configured to manage the tape drive devices according to data access requests.

10. A controller characterized by comprising: The application is applied to a tape drive device, which comprises a base, a driving assembly, a first magnetic head, a first magnetic tape assembly and a second magnetic tape assembly; the driving assembly is arranged on the base, the first magnetic head is in sliding connection with the base, the first magnetic tape assembly comprises a first magnetic tape and a first sensor module, the first sensor module is configured to obtain a first moving distance of the first magnetic tape, and the driving assembly is connected with the first magnetic tape; the second magnetic tape assembly comprises a second magnetic tape and a second sensor module, the second sensor module is configured to obtain a second moving distance of the second magnetic tape, and the driving assembly is connected with the second magnetic tape. The controller comprises: a communication interface configured to receive a data access instruction; a processor configured to send a control instruction according to the data access instruction; the control instruction is configured to instruct the first magnetic head to slide relative to the base; wherein, in the case that the driving assembly drives the first magnetic tape to move a first moving distance, the control instruction instructs the first magnetic head to access the first magnetic tape; and according to the second moving distance, the control instruction instructs the driving assembly to drive the second magnetic tape to perform tape winding; in the case that the driving assembly drives the second magnetic tape to move the second moving distance, the control instruction instructs the first magnetic head to access the second magnetic tape.

11. The controller of claim 10, wherein, the control instruction instructing the first magnetic head to access the second magnetic tape comprises: when the second moving distance is located outside a target distance interval, the control instruction instructs that there is a gap between the magnetic head and the second magnetic tape; when the second moving distance is located within the target distance interval, the control instruction instructs that the magnetic head contacts the second magnetic tape and accesses the second magnetic tape.

12. The controller according to claim 11, wherein: when the second moving distance is located outside the target distance interval, the control instruction instructs that a maximum value of a moving speed of the second magnetic tape is a first value; when the second moving distance is located within the target distance interval, the control instruction instructs that the maximum value of the moving speed of the second magnetic tape is a second value; wherein the second value is less than the first value.

Images