JP3456530B2 - Magnetic tape processing device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention mainly relates to writing or reading of a block in a magnetic tape which is input based on a packet number as block identification information added to a writing or reading command transmitted from an external host device. The present invention relates to a magnetic tape processing device having a block identification information management function for performing the above operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a magnetic tape processing apparatus having this type of block identification information management function, there is one having a structure as shown in FIG. The magnetic tape processing device 20 receives a writing or reading command transmitted from an external higher-level device 10 to the inserted magnetic tape 12 and performs a control for operating and driving each part. A write circuit 18 for generating a block write signal for writing a block in accordance with a write control signal at the time of receiving a write sent from the main controller 30, and a block write signal for outputting to the magnetic tape 12. A write head 9 for writing blocks, a read head 7 for reading blocks from the magnetic tape 12 and outputting a block read signal, and a magnetic tape 12 according to a read control signal at the time of read reception transmitted from the main controller 30. A block read instruction signal for reading a block from the read head 7
A read circuit 16 for sending a block read signal from the read head 7 and a magnetic signal according to a write drive control signal or a read drive control signal at the time of write reception or read reception transmitted from the main control unit 30. A drive circuit 40 is provided for driving the reels 11a and 11b wound with the tape 12 on both sides to drive a write drive signal or a read drive signal for running the magnetic tape 12 by a predetermined amount.

In the case of the magnetic tape processing device 20, the main control unit determines whether or not the packet number as the block identification information added to the writing or reading command transmitted from the external host device 10 is within the maximum value. It has a block identification information management function for writing / reading a block in the inserted magnetic tape 12 based on the result determined in 30.

Specifically, when performing a write operation, the main control unit 3 which receives a write command from the host device 10
0 sends a write control signal to the write circuit 18 and a write drive control signal to the drive circuit 40. As a result, the drive circuit 40 causes the reel 11
The magnetic tape 12 runs a predetermined amount by sending a writing drive signal to a and 11b to drive the reels 11a and 11b. In this state, the writing head 9 generates the block writing generated by the writing circuit 18. A block is written by outputting an embedded signal to the magnetic tape 12. At this time, if the read control signal is sent from the main control unit 30 to the read circuit 16 at the same time, the read circuit 16 sends a block read instruction signal to the read head 7 so that the write head 9 is adjacent to the read head 9 in the tape running direction. The read head 7 has a write head 9
The block written in the magnetic tape 12 is read and is output to the reading circuit 16 as a block read signal, so that follow-up reading of the block is performed. As a result, the reading head 7
The block written by the write head 9 on the magnetic tape 12 can be read without stopping the running of the magnetic tape 12, and the validity of the block written by the write command can be determined. Further, thereafter, the main control unit 30 determines whether to continue the operation, and processes whether the operation is continued or ended according to the result.

On the other hand, when performing the read operation, the main control unit 30 which has received the read command from the higher-level device 10 sends a read control signal to the read circuit 16 and drives the drive circuit 40 for reading. Send a control signal. As a result, the drive circuit 40 sends a read drive signal to the reels 11a and 11b to send them to the reels 11a and 11b.
The magnetic tape 12 is driven by a predetermined amount by driving, and in this state, the reading head 7 which has received the block reading instruction signal from the reading circuit 16 reads the block from the magnetic tape 12 and outputs it to the reading circuit 16 as a block reading signal. This causes the block to be read.

Incidentally, such a magnetic tape processing device,
And as a well-known technique related to the block identification,
The block identification number management system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-60149 and the magnetic tape data read control system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-291617 can be cited.

[0007]

In the case of the above-described magnetic tape processing device, it is determined whether the packet number as the block identification information added to the write or read command transmitted from the host device is within the maximum value. Based on the result determined by the main control unit, since the operation of writing or reading the block in the inserted magnetic tape is performed, the remaining part of the magnetic tape with the maximum packet number is the unused part (remaining block ) And waste is generated, and even if writing or reading is performed to the remaining block that exceeds the maximum value of the packet number, an error occurs in the basic operation or the block identification Currently, there is a possibility that the magnetic tape may be destroyed by writing an illegal block to the magnetic tape due to an error in the information management function. To enable the writing and reading that exceeds the maximum value of the port number there is a problem that can not be safe to implement.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and its technical problem is that even if the packet number as the block identification information exceeds the maximum value, the remaining part of the magnetic tape is basically operated. In order to provide a magnetic tape processing device having a block identification information management function that can be used effectively and reasonably.

[0009]

According to the present invention, a block in a magnetic tape inserted based on a packet number as block identification information added to a write or read command transmitted from an external higher-level device. In a magnetic tape processing device having a block identification information management function that performs a write or read operation, while performing write control for writing a block on a magnetic tape by a write head via a write circuit according to a write command, A main control unit that performs follow-up read control to read the written block by the read head via the read circuit, and the main control after reading and holding the packet number of the block read by the follow-up read control via the read circuit. Block identification information management section for sending to the control section, and the main control section for sending out from the block identification information management section. And a storage unit that stores a sector number corresponding to a remaining block indicating a block after the block whose packet number has reached the maximum value. Further, the main control unit continuously receives the write command from the host device. When the packet number reaches the maximum value, the sector number corresponding to the remaining block is stored in the storage unit, and then the packet number held in the block identification information management unit is reset to zero and then stored in the storage unit. There is obtained a magnetic tape treatment device which refers to the stored sector number and performs write control for the remaining block for writing the remaining block on the magnetic tape by the write head via the write circuit.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above magnetic tape processing apparatus, the main control unit performs read control of reading a block from the magnetic tape by the read head via the read circuit in accordance with a read instruction to identify the block. The information management unit reads and holds the packet number of the block read by the read control through the read circuit and then sends it to the main control unit.The storage unit is sent from the block identification information management unit and is sent by the main control unit. The sector number corresponding to the remaining block indicating the block after the discriminated packet number reaches the maximum value is stored, and further, the main control unit stores the packet number when the read command from the host device is continuously received. The packet number stored in the block identification information management unit after the sector number corresponding to the remaining block is stored in the storage unit when After resetting to zero, there is provided a magnetic tape treatment device which refers to the sector number stored in the storage unit, and performs block remaining control for reading the remaining block from the magnetic tape by a reading head through a reading circuit. can get.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, in any one of the above magnetic tape processing devices, the host device transmits a positioning command to be added to a write or read command for the remaining block, and the main control unit causes the positioning command. The sector number designated as the positioning process when the position information is received is compared with the sector number stored in the storage unit, and the designated sector number is stored in the storage unit. When the sector number is equal to or greater than the sector number, the sector number stored in the storage unit is positioned and then the designated packet
A packet number, and when the designated sector number is less than the sector number stored in the storage unit, the designated packet number is positioned, and then the positioning result is obtained. There is obtained a magnetic tape treatment device which performs drive control in which a drive circuit drives a reel having a magnetic tape wound on both sides in a writing operation or a reading operation based on the drive circuit to drive the magnetic tape by a predetermined amount.

In addition, according to the present invention, in any one of the above magnetic tape processing devices, the main control unit reads the sector number stored in the storage unit at the time of ejecting the magnetic tape, and reads it through the writing circuit. A magnetic tape treatment device for performing write control for sector number for writing at a predetermined position on the magnetic tape by the write head is obtained. In this magnetic tape processing apparatus, in the sector number write control, it is preferable to write the sector number to a region other than the block provided for writing or reading corresponding to the remaining block as a predetermined position.

Further, according to the present invention, in any one of the above magnetic tape processing devices, the main control unit uses the read circuit to read the sector number from the magnetic tape through the read circuit when the magnetic tape is re-input after being ejected. A magnetic tape treatment device that recognizes the presence or absence of the remaining block based on the read result is obtained.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The magnetic tape treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic construction of a magnetic tape processing apparatus 2 having a block identification information management function according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also in the case of this magnetic tape processing device 2, the same functional component as that of the conventional device shown in FIG. 8, that is, a writing or reading command transmitted from the external host device 1 to the inserted magnetic tape 12 is executed. A main control unit 3 that performs reception processing to control the operation and driving of each unit, and a writing unit that generates a block write signal for writing a block according to a write control signal sent from the main control unit 3 at the time of writing reception. An input circuit 8, a write head 9 for writing a block by outputting a block write signal to the magnetic tape 12, a read head 7 for reading a block from the magnetic tape 12 and outputting a block read signal, A block read instruction signal for reading a block from the magnetic tape 12 is sent to the read head 7 in accordance with a read control signal at the time of read reception sent from the control unit 3, and The read circuit 6 for obtaining the block read signal from the read head 7 and the magnetic tape 12 on both sides according to the write drive control signal at the time of writing reception or the read drive control signal at the time of reading reception transmitted from the main control unit 3. Wound reel 11
and a drive circuit 4 for transmitting a write drive signal or a read drive signal for driving the magnetic tape 12 by a predetermined amount by driving a and 11b.

However, in the case of this magnetic tape processing device 2,
In addition to the write or read command, a positioning command added to these is transmitted from the host device 1, and the main controller 3 winds the magnetic tape 12 on both sides when the positioning command is received. Drive control is performed to drive the reels 11a and 11b by the drive circuit 4 to run the magnetic tape 12 by a predetermined amount. In addition to this, the main control unit 3 performs write control for writing a block on the magnetic tape 12 by the write head 9 via the write circuit 8 in accordance with a write instruction from the host device 1, and The follow-up read control for reading the read block by the read head 7 via the read circuit 6 is performed, and the block is read from the magnetic tape 12 by the read head 7 via the read circuit 6 in accordance with the read instruction from the host device 1. Read control is performed.

Therefore, in this magnetic tape processing device 2,
The packet number of the block read by the follow-up read control of the main control unit 3 is read and held via the read circuit 6 and then sent to the main control unit 3, and the packet number of the block read by the read control is read by the read circuit. Block identification information (BI
D) The management unit 5 and the storage unit 13 for storing the sector numbers corresponding to the remaining blocks indicating the blocks after the packet number sent from the block identification information management unit 5 and determined by the main control unit 3 reaches the maximum value. And are provided.

Therefore, the main control unit 3 stores the sector number corresponding to the remaining block in the storage unit 13 at the time when the packet number reaches the maximum value when the write command from the higher-level device 1 is continuously received. After storing, the packet number held in the block identification information management unit 5 is reset to zero, and then the sector number stored in the storage unit 13 is referred to and the magnetic tape is written by the write head 9 via the write circuit 8. 12 write control for the remaining block for writing the remaining block is performed, and at the time when the packet number reaches the maximum value when the read command is continuously received from the host device 1, the sector corresponding to the remaining block. After the number is stored in the storage unit 13, the packet number held in the block identification information management unit 5 is reset to zero, and then the sector number stored in the storage unit 13 is set. Irradiation to perform balance block reading control for reading the block of residues from the magnetic tape 12 on the read head 7 via the read circuit 6.

The main control unit 3 reads the sector number stored in the storage unit 13 when the magnetic tape 12 is ejected, and the write head 9 via the write circuit 8 corresponds to the remaining block on the magnetic tape 12. Sector number write control for writing at a predetermined position, which is an area other than the block for writing or reading, is performed by the read head 7 via the read circuit 6 when the magnetic tape 12 is reloaded after being ejected. Whether or not there is a remaining block is recognized based on the result of reading the sector number from the magnetic tape 12.

Further, when a positioning command is added to such a write command or a read command for the remaining block, the main control unit 3 designates the sector number designated as the positioning process and the sector number stored in the storage unit 13. When the designated sector number is equal to or greater than the sector number stored in the storage unit 13, the sector number stored in the storage unit 13 is positioned and designated based on the result of the comparison of the sizes of perform positioning in a packet number, after the specified sector number was positioned to the specified packet number when less than the sector number stored in the storage unit 13, a write operation or read operation based on the results of the positioning At this time, the reels 11a and 11b wound with the magnetic tape 12 on both sides are driven by the drive circuit 4 to move the magnetic tape 12 by a predetermined amount. Performing drive control for the row.

That is, in the case of this magnetic tape processing device 2,
When the main control unit 3 receives a writing or reading command to which a positioning command is added from the higher-level device 1, the driving circuit 4 drives the magnetic tape 12 by a predetermined amount, and if it is a writing command, it follows it. Write control for writing a block on the magnetic tape 12 is performed by the write head 9 via the write circuit 8, and the written block is read from the magnetic tape 12 by the read head 7 via the read circuit 6. Follow-up read control for reading is performed, and if it is a read instruction, read control for reading a block from the magnetic tape 12 by the read head 7 via the read circuit 6 is performed according to the instruction, and the basic operation is shown in FIG. It operates as in the case of the device.

However, in the case of this magnetic tape processing device 2, the packet number of the block identification information read from the magnetic tape 12 inserted by the read head 7 when the write or read command continues is stored in the read circuit 6. Is sent to the block identification information management unit 5 and the main control unit 3 via the sector identification number, and when the main control unit 3 reaches the maximum value, the sector number corresponding to the remaining block after the block that has reached the maximum value. Is stored in the storage unit 13, the packet number held in the block identification information management unit 5 is reset to zero, and then the remaining block on the magnetic tape 12 is written with reference to the sector number stored in the storage unit 13. Write control for the remaining block to read in, or read control for the remaining block to read the remaining block from the magnetic tape 12 The function to perform and the sector number read from the storage unit 13 during the ejecting operation of the magnetic tape 12 are written via the writing circuit 8 to an area other than the block for writing or reading corresponding to the remaining block on the magnetic tape 12. The remaining block based on the function of performing the write control for the sector number for writing by the read head 9 and the result of reading the sector number from the magnetic tape 12 by the read head 7 through the read circuit 6 at the time of re-input after ejection. Since it has the function of recognizing the presence or absence of
2, write and read to the remaining block indicating the block after the packet number as the block identification information transmitted from the external higher-level device 1 in FIG.
Block identification by which the positioning command is processed normally and the sector number corresponding to the remaining block is recorded / reproduced on the magnetic tape 12 so that the presence / absence of the remaining block can be recognized even if the magnetic tape 12 is ejected again. The information management function will be built.

Specifically, when performing a write operation,
Upon receiving the write command and the positioning command added thereto from the host device 1, the main control unit 3 sends a write control signal to the writing circuit 8 and follows the contents of the positioning command to the drive circuit 4. The write drive control signal is sent, and at the same time, the follow-up read control signal is sent to the read circuit 6. As a result, the drive circuit 4 causes the reels 11a,
11b to send a write drive signal to the reel 11
By driving a and 11b, the magnetic tape 12 runs by a predetermined amount, and in this state, the write head 9 outputs the block write signal generated by the write circuit 8 to the magnetic tape 12 so that the block The writing circuit 6 which has performed writing and simultaneously received the follow-up reading control signal is read by the reading head 7 which is adjacent to the writing head 9 in the tape running direction.
By reading the block written above and outputting it to the reading circuit 6 as a block read signal, follow-up reading of the block is performed. That is, here, it is shown that the follow-up read control at the time of the write operation in the main control unit 3 can read the block written by the write command without stopping the running of the magnetic tape 12 and determine its validity.

Subsequently, the block identification information management unit 5 reads and holds the packet number of the block as a block read signal via the read circuit 6 and sends it to the main control unit 3, and the main control unit to which the packet number is sent out. In 3, it is determined that the packet number has reached the maximum value, the sector number corresponding to the remaining block indicating the block after the maximum value is stored in the storage unit 13, and the main control unit 3 continues. After resetting the packet number held in the block identification information management unit 5 when the write command is received,
With reference to the sector number corresponding to the remaining block stored in the storage unit 13, the remaining write control is performed to write the remaining block on the magnetic tape 12 by the write head 9 via the writing circuit 8.

On the other hand, when the reading operation is performed, the host device 1
The main control unit 3, which has received the read command and the positioning command added thereto, sends the read control signal to the read circuit 6 and drives the drive circuit 4 for read drive control according to the content of the position command. Send a signal. As a result, the drive circuit 4 sends a read drive signal to the reels 11a and 11b to drive the reels 11a and 11b, so that the magnetic tape 12 runs a predetermined amount, and in this state, the block read from the read circuit 6 is performed. The reading head 7 receiving the instruction signal reads the block from the magnetic tape 12 and outputs the block as a block reading signal to the reading circuit 6 to read the block.

Subsequently, the block identification information management unit 5 reads and holds the packet number of the block as a block read signal via the read circuit 6 and sends it to the main control unit 3, and the main control unit to which the packet number is sent out. In 3, it is determined that the packet number has reached the maximum value, the sector number corresponding to the remaining block indicating the block after the maximum value is stored in the storage unit 13, and the main control unit 3 continues. After resetting the packet number held in the block identification information management unit 5 when the read command is received,
With reference to the sector number corresponding to the remaining block stored in the storage unit 13, the remaining head read control is performed to read the remaining block from the magnetic tape 12 by the reading head 7 via the reading circuit 6.

As described above, the main control unit 3 writes the magnetic tape 12 in the magnetic tape processing device 2 by the write head 9 via the write circuit 8 corresponding to the remaining block on the magnetic tape 12. Alternatively, the storage unit 13 may be provided at a predetermined position that is an area other than the block provided for reading.
Sector number write control for writing the sector number stored in the magnetic tape 1 is performed by the read head 7 through the read circuit 6 when the magnetic tape 12 is re-input after being ejected.
2 Whether or not there is a remaining block is recognized based on the result of reading the sector number from above.

As described above, the magnetic tape processing device 2 is provided with the block identification information management section 5 and the storage section 13,
When the block identification information management unit 5 identifies the packet number of the block identification information at the time of writing or reading and sends it to the main control unit 3, if the main control unit 3 determines that the packet number has reached the maximum value, the packet After the sector number corresponding to the remaining block having the number equal to or larger than the maximum value is detected and stored in the storage unit 13, the packet number held in the block identification information management unit 5 is reset to zero, and then the storage unit 1
The remaining block write control for writing the remaining block on the magnetic tape 12 or the remaining block read control for reading the remaining block from the magnetic tape 12 is performed by referring to the sector number stored in # 3. Therefore, it becomes possible to discriminate an area to be the remaining block on the magnetic tape 12, and to read or write to this area by the remaining block write control and the remaining block read control of the main control unit 3. Since the sector number in which the remaining block exists is written at a predetermined position on the magnetic tape 12 by the write control for the sector number of the main controller 3, the main controller 3 causes the magnetic tape 12 to be ejected or loaded. It is possible to recognize whether or not has a remaining block.

FIG. 2 is a format schematically showing the block identification information managed by the block identification information management section 5. The block identification information is "JIS X
6135 1/2 inch width 36 track information exchanging magnetic tape cartridge (hereinafter abbreviated as JIS standard) ".

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing blocks written or read on the magnetic tape 12 according to the JIS standard.

The block identification information (BID) is information consisting of 4 bytes = 32 bits, all blocks (C1 to C7 shown in FIG. 3) have this information, and the wrap information of bit 32 (FIG. 2). B1), bit 2
Sector numbers 5 to 31 (B2 shown in FIG. 2), 0 bit 24 (B3 shown in FIG. 2), 1 bit 23 (B4 shown in FIG. 2), bit 1 to bit 22 packet number ( B5) shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the block identification information of FIG.
The information of B1, B3, and B4 shown in is omitted. The lap information is 0 for half wrap 1 and 1 for half lap 2. Regarding half lap,
Although it is defined by the JIS standard, it is not related to the present invention, and therefore its explanation is omitted. Sector number is JIS standard Annex F
The value is determined according to. Sector number is magnetic tape 12
Of the same sector number (C1 to C3 shown in FIG. 3, or FIG.
C4 to C7) shown in FIG. Since the packet number is represented by the number of bits 22, it starts from 0 and becomes 3FFFFF [H] when the maximum value is represented in hexadecimal (however, the hexadecimal notation is [H] as described below). .

Therefore, when there are more than 400000 [H] blocks on the same magnetic tape 12,
It cannot be represented by a different packet number. According to the JIS standard, the packet number must be a series of numbers starting from 0. Therefore, with respect to blocks exceeding 3FFFFF [H], read / write on the same magnetic tape 12.
It is not possible to write.

However, as shown in FIG. 3, by creating block identification information (C1, C6 and C2, C7 shown in FIG. 3) having the same packet number but different sector numbers, 400000 [H] is obtained. It is possible to write / read more than blocks.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the write operation process for the remaining block of the magnetic tape 12 by the magnetic tape processing device 2, and FIG.
Shows the whole operation process, and FIG. 18B shows the positioning process included in the whole operation process of FIG.

First, referring to FIG. 4A, here, by inserting the magnetic tape 12 into the magnetic tape processing device 2, the value (sector number) of a predetermined position of the magnetic tape 12 is notified to the storage unit 13. Although the process and the process of setting the packet number managed by the block identification information management unit 5 to 0 (step S1) are performed, no information is written at a predetermined position of the magnetic tape 12 in the initial state.

Next, the higher-level device 1 sends a command to the main controller 3 to send a command to the magnetic tape 12 (step S2).
Is issued, it is determined whether or not the instruction is a positioning instruction (step S3). Here, if it is a positioning command, the positioning process (step S4) is performed, but if it is not a positioning command, it is determined whether it is a write command (step S5). Here, if it is a write command, the main control unit 3 sends a write control signal to the write circuit 8 and a write drive control signal to the drive circuit 4, and at the same time to the read circuit 6. Then, the drive circuit 4 causes the magnetic tape 12 to travel a predetermined amount in the tape running direction, and the writing circuit 8 causes the writing head 9 to move the sector to a predetermined position on the magnetic tape 12 via the write head 9. The write head 9 writes the data on the tape by writing the block of the block identification information with the number 1 and the packet number 0 (step S6). After that, the read operation is performed in the same manner as when the write command is not issued. The circuit 6 reads the block written on the magnetic tape 12 via the read head 7 so that the read head 7 reads the block identification information (BID) of the tape (step S7). Incidentally, the packet number of the block identification information of the block read after writing is acquired by the block identification information management unit 5 via the reading circuit 6.

After this, the positioning process (step S4)
As in the case after, the write command is set to 400000 [H]
It is judged whether or not the packet (number) corresponding to the state (C5 shown in FIG. 3) that has been received once is 3FFFFF (step S8), and if the packet number is 3FFFFF, the block identification information management unit 5 stores it. For example, after the sector number 10 [H] is notified to the unit 13 (step S9) and the packet number is reset to zero (0) (step S10), it is determined whether or not to continue writing (step S12).
If the packet number is not 3FFFFF, the block identification information management unit 5 performs a process of increasing the packet number by 1 (step S11), and then similarly determines whether or not to continue writing (step S12). I do.

When the writing is continued, the magnetic tape 12 returns and waits before the command (step S2) is given. When the writing is continued by the above processing (steps S2 to S13), the writing is performed. The block becomes the state of C6 shown in FIG. 3 having the block identification information of the sector number 10 [H] and the packet number 0, and when the writing is further continued, the sector number becomes 10
[H], the state of C7 shown in FIG. 3 having the block identification information with the packet number of 1 is entered, and writing on the magnetic tape 12 is performed in these states.

On the other hand, if the writing is not continued, the main control unit 3 writes the sector number 10 [H] of the block identification information stored in the storage unit 13 at a predetermined position of the magnetic tape 12 so that the tape is predetermined. After writing the block identification information (BID) of the storage unit 13 at the position, the process of ejecting the magnetic tape 12 (step S13) is performed, and then all the processes are ended.

By the way, the positioning process (step S4) performed when the command is the positioning command in the determination (step S3) is specifically the process shown in FIG. 4 (b). Is included. Here, the positioning command is to run the tape to the position of the target block by designating the packet number of the block identification information, but in the normal positioning processing, the magnetic tape 12 is moved to the packet number of the designated block identification information. Since the processing is performed, the problem arises that when two or more same packet numbers exist as shown in FIG. 3, it cannot be determined which block should be positioned. Therefore, in the positioning processing here, the problem is solved by comparing the size of the sector number of the block identification information designated as the positioning destination with the sector number held in the storage unit 13.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the block identification information designated as the positioning destination is the sector number 10.
[H], assuming that the packet number is 1, when the positioning process is started, the sector number stored in the storage unit 13 is 10 [H], and the sector number of the positioning destination block identification information is 10 [H]. Therefore, the main control unit 3 determines that the designated sector (number) is the sector (number) stored in the storage unit 13.
Whether or not it is above (step S41) is determined, and if the designated sector (number) is greater than or equal to the sector (number) stored in the storage unit 13, the sector number of the storage unit 13 is positioned (step S42). After that, the positioning process is ended after positioning to the designated packet number (step S43). If the designated sector (number) is smaller than the sector (number) stored in the storage unit 13, Positioning processing is ended after jumping to the sector number (step S42) and positioning to the designated packet number (step S43).

Incidentally, when positioning to the designated packet number here (step S43), the magnetic tape 12 is made to run by the drive circuit 4 and the sector number 10 of the storage unit 13 is set.
It is positioned at [H] and is in the state of C4 shown in FIG.
Here, there is a total of two states with one block having a packet number of 1 in the tape starting end direction, the state of C2 shown in FIG. 3, and one in the tape end direction, and the state of C7 shown in FIG. However, since the block identification information management unit 5 recognizes that there is a block in the end direction, the main control unit 3 causes the magnetic tape 12 to run in the tape end direction via the drive circuit 4 and then specifies. Figure 3 as a block
It can be located in the C7 state shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing another example of the write operation process for the remaining block of the magnetic tape 12 by the magnetic tape processing device 2, and FIG. 5 (a) relates to the entire operation process. (B) relates to the positioning processing included in all the operation processing in FIG.

In the case of this writing operation process, as compared with the case of the example shown in FIG. 4 above, in the determination of whether it is a positioning command (step S3), the positioning process when it is a positioning command (step S4). In addition to partially changing the contents of the above, if it is not a positioning instruction, it is determined whether it is a physical end (step S5), and the subsequent processing is almost the same, it is determined whether it is a write instruction ( Step S6), a process of writing data to the tape by the write head 9 in the case of a write command (step S7), and the subsequent read circuit 6 does not depend on the success or failure of the write command via the read head 7. The read head 7 reads the block identification information (BID) of the tape by reading the block written on the magnetic tape 12 (step S8), and the write command is 40,000. [H] times received status packet corresponding to (C5 shown in FIG. 3) (number) 3FFFFF
Is determined (step S9), and when the packet (number) is 3FFFFF [H], the sector number is 10 when writing / reading to the remaining block.
If it is [H], the block identification information managing unit 5 notifies the storage unit 13 of the sector number of the sector number 10 [H] (step S10), and then the packet number is not reset to zero (0). The physical end of the tape 12 is used as the main control unit 3.
After notifying (step S11), it is determined whether or not to continue writing (step S13).
If the packet (number) has not reached 3FFFFF [H], the process of incrementing the packet number by 1 (step S
12) is performed, and then it is determined whether or not to continue writing (step S13)], which is the physical end for subsequent write / read commands and positioning commands that exceed the applicable sector number. The difference is that notification is given.

That is, here, the block identification information management unit 5
After notifying the storage unit 13 of the sector number 10 [H] (step S10) and not resetting the packet number to zero (0), the physical end of the magnetic tape 12 is notified to the main control unit 3 (step S11). Even if there is a write command after that, it returns before the processing of determining the physical end (step S5) and determining the physical end and issuing an instruction to the magnetic tape 12 (step S2). As a result, the write operation is not performed as a result.

By the way, the positioning process (step S4) carried out when it is the positioning command in the determination (step S3) as described above is concretely shown in FIG. 5 (b). Processing is performed.

Referring to FIG. 5B, when there is a positioning command, the main control unit 3 determines whether the designated sector (number) is greater than or equal to the sector (number) stored in the storage unit 13. (Step S41), if the designated sector (number) is equal to or greater than the sector (number) stored in the storage unit 13, the block identification information management unit 5 causes the physical end of the magnetic tape 12 without running the magnetic tape 12. The positioning process is terminated after notifying the main control unit 3 (step S42), but if the designated sector (number) is smaller than the sector (number) stored in the storage unit 13, the positioning is performed to the designated packet number (step S43). ), And then the positioning process ends.

Incidentally, in another example of the write operation processing here,
The operation of notifying that the physical end has been reached has been described, but this is only one specific example, and when a packet number reaches the maximum value, a write or read instruction to a sector number or higher is performed. Also, for example, it may be notified that an undecipherable error has been detected or that illegal processing has been performed.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing another example of the write operation processing for the remaining blocks of the magnetic tape 12 by the magnetic tape processing device 2. FIG. 6A shows the whole operation processing, (B) relates to the positioning processing included in all the operation processing in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram exemplifying blocks written on the magnetic tape 12 in this writing operation process.

In the case of this write operation process, the write command is 400000 as compared with the case of the example shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the packet (number) corresponding to the state of being received [H] times (C5 shown in FIG. 3) is 3FFFFF (step S8), and the packet (number) is 3FFF.
When it is FF [H], the block identification information management unit 5 causes the storage unit 13 to perform writing / reading to the remaining block.
Has a function of storing the sector numbers cumulatively (step S9), expanding the storage capacity of the storage unit 13 when the packet number reaches the maximum value more than once, and storing each sector number. The differences are different.

Specifically, the packet (number) is 3F
When it is determined whether or not it is FFFF (step S8), for example, when the write command is received 800,000 [H] times and the write processing is performed, the packet number reaches the maximum value twice (D5 shown in FIG. 7). If it is D9), in the process of cumulatively notifying the storage of sector numbers (step S9), each sector number (for example, 10) is stored in the storage unit 13.
[H] and 20 [H]) are retained.

Here, if it is assumed that the positioning command to the sector number 20 [H] and the packet number 1 is received from the host device 1 in the judgment of whether or not it is the positioning command (step S3), FIG. 6B. In the positioning process shown in,
The main control unit 3 determines whether the designated sector (number) is equal to or larger than the sector (number) stored in the storage unit 13 (step S41) and holds 10 [H], 20 in the storage unit 13.
Two sector numbers [H] are compared with the sector number 20 [H] of the designated block identification information, but the designated sector (number) is stored in the storage unit 13 (sector (number)).
In the above case, after the sector number of the storage unit 13 is positioned (step S42), the positioning process is ended after positioning the designated packet number (step S43), but the designated sector (number) is stored in the storage unit. If it is smaller than the sector (number) stored in 13, the positioning (step S42) is jumped to the sector number of the storage unit 13, the positioning is performed to the designated packet number (step S43), and then the positioning process is ended. Since 20 [H] match, the sector number of the storage unit 13 is set (step S4).
In 2), the sector number 20 [H] is positioned, and then the designated packet number is positioned (step S43), and the block of the designated packet number 1 (D11 shown in FIG. 7) is positioned.

That is, in the case of another example of the write operation process,
Since the storage capacity of the storage unit 13 is expanded and each sector has a function of storing the sector number, there are three or more identical packet numbers according to the procedure described above (shown in FIG. 7). Even in the case of D2, D7, D11), the positioning process can be performed accurately.

[0055]

As described above, according to the magnetic tape processing apparatus of the present invention, the block identification information is read from the magnetic tape by the read head when the write or read command is continued from the host device. The packet number is sent to the block identification information management unit and the main control unit via the reading circuit, and when the main control unit reaches the maximum value, the sector corresponding to the remaining block after the block that has reached the maximum value After the number is stored in the storage unit, the packet number held in the block identification information management unit is reset to zero, and then the remaining block on the magnetic tape is written by referring to the sector number stored in the storage unit. A function to perform write control for the remaining block or read control for the remaining block to read the remaining block from the magnetic tape; Sector for reading the sector number read from the storage unit during the write operation of the group in the area other than the block for writing or reading corresponding to the remaining block on the magnetic tape through the write circuit by the write head. Since it has the function of performing write control for numbers and the function of recognizing the presence or absence of the remaining block based on the result of reading the sector number from the magnetic tape by the read head via the read circuit at the time of recharging after ejection, In addition to being able to perform more accurate read / write operations on the remaining blocks of the tape, it will also be possible to perform accurate operation processing for positioning commands newly sent from the host device. It is possible to easily recognize that it is a magnetic tape with a remaining block and properly prevent it from becoming illegal if additional recording is performed. That. as a result,
In the case of this magnetic tape processing device, writing, reading, and positioning are performed on the remaining blocks after the block in which the packet number as the block identification information transmitted from the external higher-level device on the input magnetic tape reaches the maximum value. A block identification information management function that can process the command normally and record / reproduce the sector number corresponding to the remaining block on the magnetic tape to recognize the presence or absence of the remaining block even if the magnetic tape is ejected again after being ejected. Even if the packet number as the block identification information exceeds the maximum value, the remaining part of the magnetic tape can be effectively used without difficulty in basic operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a magnetic tape processing device having a block identification information management function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a format schematically showing block identification information managed by a block identification information management unit provided in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG.

3 is a schematic diagram showing blocks to be written or read on a magnetic tape provided in the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

4A and 4B are flowcharts showing an example of a write operation process for the remaining block of the magnetic tape by the magnetic tape processing device shown in FIG. 1, where FIG. 4A is for all operation processes, and FIG. ) Related to the positioning process included in the whole operation process.

5A and 5B are flowcharts showing another example of the write operation processing for the remaining blocks of the magnetic tape by the magnetic tape processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, where FIG. 5A is for all operation processing, and FIG. The present invention relates to the positioning process included in the whole operation process of a).

6A and 6B are flowcharts showing another example of the write operation processing for the remaining blocks of the magnetic tape by the magnetic tape processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, where FIG. 6A is for all operation processing, and FIG. The present invention relates to the positioning process included in the whole operation process of a).

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram exemplifying blocks written on the magnetic tape in the writing operation process described in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a conventional magnetic tape processing device having a block identification information management function.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,10 Host device 2,20 Magnetic tape processor 3,30 Main control unit 4,40 drive circuit 5 Block identification information (BID) management unit 6,16 Read circuit 7 reading head 8,18 Writing circuit 9 writing head 11a, 11b reel 12 magnetic tape 13 Storage

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Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. Block identification information for performing a writing or reading operation of a block in a magnetic tape which is input based on a packet number as a block identification information added to a writing or reading command transmitted from an external host device. In a magnetic tape processing device having a management function, write control is performed for writing a block on the magnetic tape by a write head via a write circuit according to the write command, and the written block is read by a read circuit. A main control unit for performing a follow-up read control for reading by a read head through a block, and a block for reading and holding the packet number of the block read by the follow-up read control via the read circuit and then sending the block to the main control unit. It is sent from the identification information management unit and the block identification information management unit and is discriminated by the main control unit. A storage unit that stores a sector number corresponding to a remaining block indicating a block after the packet number that has reached the maximum value, and the main control unit is further configured to continue the write command from the host device. When the packet number reaches the maximum value when it is received, the sector number corresponding to the remaining block is stored in the storage unit, and then the packet number held in the block identification information management unit is set to zero. Reset control to write the remaining block on the magnetic tape by the write head through the write circuit with reference to the sector number stored in the storage unit. A magnetic tape processing device characterized by performing. 2. The magnetic tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit performs read control for reading a block from the magnetic tape by the read head via the read circuit according to the read instruction. The block identification information management unit reads and holds the packet number of the block read by the read control via the reading circuit and then sends the packet number to the main control unit, and the storage unit stores the block identification information management. A sector number corresponding to a remaining block indicating a block after the packet number that has been sent out from the unit and determined by the main control unit has reached the maximum value, and the main control unit stores the sector number from the higher-level device. When the read command is continuously received, when the packet number reaches the maximum value, the sector number corresponding to the remaining block After the packet number held in the block identification information management unit after being stored in the storage unit is reset to zero, the read head is read through the read circuit with reference to the sector number stored in the storage unit. The magnetic tape processing apparatus is characterized in that the block reading control for the remaining portion for reading the remaining block from the magnetic tape is performed by the following. 3. The magnetic tape processing device according to claim 1, wherein the host device transmits a positioning command added to the write or read command for the remaining block, and the main control unit: Based on the result of comparing the size of the sector number designated as the positioning processing when the positioning command is received with the sector number stored in the storage unit, the designated sector number is stored in the storage unit. When the sector number stored in the storage unit is greater than or equal to the sector number stored in, then the designated packet number is positioned.
When the designated packet number is less than the sector number stored in the storage unit, the designated packet number is positioned, and then the writing operation or the reading operation is performed based on the positioning result. A magnetic tape processing apparatus, characterized in that a drive circuit drives a reel having the magnetic tape wound on both sides to drive the reel by a predetermined amount. 4. The magnetic tape processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main controller reads the sector number stored in the storage unit when the magnetic tape is ejected, and the main controller reads the sector number. A magnetic tape processing apparatus, wherein write control for a sector number for writing at a predetermined position on the magnetic tape is performed by the write head via a write circuit. 5. The magnetic tape processing device according to claim 4, wherein, in the sector number write control, an area other than a block provided for writing or reading corresponding to the remaining block as the predetermined position is targeted. A magnetic tape processing device characterized by writing a sector number. 6. The magnetic tape processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the main control unit causes the read head to read the magnetic tape from above the magnetic tape via the read circuit when the magnetic tape is reloaded after being ejected. A magnetic tape processing apparatus, wherein the presence or absence of the remaining block is recognized based on a result of reading a sector number.