U.S. patent application number 09/801502 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-30 for apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data and method for the same.
Invention is credited to Hamai, Shinji, Iketani, Akira, Imai, Fumikazu, Matsumi, Chiyoko.
Application Number | 20010017743 09/801502 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27521835 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010017743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamai, Shinji ; et
al. |
August 30, 2001 |
Apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data and method for
the same
Abstract
An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to the present invention, includes: a group converter; a
controller; a recording converter; a recording unit; a reproducing
unit; a reproducing converter; and a group reverse converter,
wherein the group converter includes: a block management data
generator for receiving the management data from the controller and
generating block management data with respect to the corresponding
blocked data, the block management data having a variable-length
and containing information concerning each blocked data; a group
management data generator for receiving the management data and
generating group management data containing information concerning
the entire grouped data; and a grouped data generator for receiving
the blocked data, the block management data, and the group
management data, and generating grouped data by arranging the
blocked data, the block management data, and the group management
data in a predetermined order.
Inventors: |
Hamai, Shinji; (Osaka,
JP) ; Imai, Fumikazu; (Osaka, JP) ; Matsumi,
Chiyoko; (Osaka, JP) ; Iketani, Akira; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ratner & Prestia
P.O. Box 980
Valley Forge
PA
19482
US
|
Family ID: |
27521835 |
Appl. No.: |
09/801502 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09801502 |
Mar 8, 2001 |
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08890731 |
Jul 11, 1997 |
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08890731 |
Jul 11, 1997 |
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08280598 |
Jul 26, 1994 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
360/48 ;
G9B/20.022; G9B/27.02; G9B/27.021; G9B/27.033; G9B/27.049 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 27/328 20130101;
G11B 2220/90 20130101; G11B 27/11 20130101; G11B 2220/655 20130101;
G11B 27/3027 20130101; G11B 20/1209 20130101; G11B 27/107 20130101;
G11B 2220/913 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
360/48 |
International
Class: |
G11B 005/09 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 26, 1993 |
JP |
5-183714 |
Dec 22, 1993 |
JP |
5-325088 |
Dec 24, 1993 |
JP |
5-329119 |
Dec 27, 1993 |
JP |
5-333853 |
Mar 8, 1994 |
JP |
6-36960 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data,
comprising: group conversion means for receiving input blocked
data, arranging the blocked data in a predetermined order to
generate grouped data, and outputting the grouped data; control
means for receiving a command input together with the input blocked
data and generating a control signal and management data based on
the command; recording conversion means for receiving the grouped
data and converting the grouped data into a recording signal based
on the control signal; recording means for receiving the recording
signal and recording data represented by the recording signal on a
record medium; reproducing means for reproducing from the record
medium a signal representing the data recorded in the record
medium; reproducing conversion means for receiving the reproduced
signal and converting the reproduced signal into grouped data; and
group reverse conversion means for receiving the grouped data
output from the reproducing conversion means and reconfiguring
blocked data from the grouped data, wherein the group conversion
means includes: block management data generation means for
receiving the management data from the control means and generating
block management data with respect to the corresponding blocked
data, the block management data having a variable-length and
containing information concerning each blocked data; group
management data generation means for receiving the management data
and generating group management data containing information
concerning the entire grouped data; and grouped data generation
means for receiving the blocked data, the block management data,
and the group management data, and generating grouped data by
arranging the blocked data, the block management data, and the
group management data in a predetermined order.
2. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 1, wherein the group reverse conversion means
comprises: group management data extraction means for extracting
group management data from the grouped data; block management data
extraction means for extracting block management data from the
grouped data and the extracted group management data; block output
control means for receiving the extracted block management data and
group management data, determining the blocked data to be output
based on the block management data and the group management data
according to the control signal given by the control means, and
generating a block output control signal designating the blocked
data to be output; and blocked data separating means for receiving
the grouped data and the block output control signal and separating
blocked data designated by the block output control signal from the
grouped data, and outputting the separated blocked data.
3. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data,
comprising: group conversion means for receiving input blocked
data, arranging the blocked data in a predetermined order, and
generating and outputting grouped data; control means for receiving
a command input together with the input blocked data and generating
a control signal and management data based on the command;
recording conversion means for receiving the grouped data and
converting the grouped data into a recording signal based on the
control signal; recording means for receiving the recording signal
and recording data represented by the recording signal on a record
medium; reproducing means for reproducing from the record medium a
signal representing the data recorded on the record medium;
reproducing conversion means for receiving the reproduced signal
and converting the reproduced signal into grouped data; and group
reverse conversion means for receiving the grouped data output from
the reproducing conversion means and reconfiguring blocked data
from the grouped data, wherein the group conversion means includes:
data transformation means for receiving the blocked data,
data-transforming the blocked data, and generating recording
blocked data; block management data generation means for receiving
the recording blocked data and the management data and generating
block management data with respect to the corresponding recording
blocked data, the block management data having a variable-length
and containing information concerning the recording blocked data
and the blocked data; group management data generation means for
receiving the recording blocked data and the management data and
generating group management data containing information concerning
the entire grouped data; and grouped data generation means for
receiving the recording blocked data, the block management data,
and the group management data, and generating grouped data by
arranging the recording blocked data, the block management data,
and the group management data in a predetermined order.
4. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 3, wherein the group reverse conversion means
comprises: group management data extraction means for extracting
group management data from the grouped data; block management data
extraction means for extracting block management data from the
grouped data and the extracted group management data; block output
control means for determining blocked data to be output and
recording blocked data containing the blocked data to be output
based on the extracted block management data and group management
data in accordance with the control signal given by the control
means, and generating a block output control signal designating the
blocked data to be output, a block separating signal designating
the recording blocked data related to the blocked data to be
output, and an inverse transformation instructing signal
instructing inverse transformation from the recording blocked data
to the blocked data; blocked data separation means for receiving
the grouped data and the block separating signal, separating the
recording blocked data designated by the block separating signal
from the grouped data, and outputting the separated recording
blocked data; and data inverse transformation means for
inverse-transforming the recording blocked data output from the
blocked data separation means into the blocked data based on the
inverse transformation instructing signal, and outputting the
blocked data designated by the block output control signal.
5. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 1, wherein the group conversion means formats so
that each blocked data and the corresponding block management data
are arranged adjacent to each other in each grouped data to be
output.
6. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 3, wherein the group conversion means formats so
that each blocked data and the corresponding block management data
are arranged adjacent to each other in each grouped data to be
output.
7. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 1, wherein the group conversion means arranges
the group management data, the block management data, and the
blocked data contained in each grouped data so that: a leading edge
of the group management data is placed in a predetermined position
in the grouped data; the blocked data are successively arranged
from a leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where
the group management data has been placed; and the block management
data are successively arranged after all of the arranged blocked
data, except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
blocked data are arranged.
8. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 3, wherein the group conversion means arranges
the group management data, the block management data, and the
blocked data contained in each grouped data so that: a leading edge
of the group management data is placed in a predetermined position
in the grouped data; the blocked data are successively arranged
from a leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where
the group management data has been placed; and the block management
data are successively arranged after all of the arranged blocked
data, except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
blocked data are arranged.
9. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according claim 1, wherein the group conversion means arranges the
group management data, the block management data, and the blocked
data contained in each grouped data so that: a leading edge of the
group management data is placed in a predetermined position in the
grouped data; the block management data are successively arranged
from a leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where
the group management data has been placed; and the blocked data are
successively arranged from a trailing edge of the grouped data,
except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
block management data are arranged.
10. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according claim 3, wherein the group conversion means arranges the
group management data, the block management data, and the blocked
data contained in each grouped data so that: a leading edge of the
group management data is placed in a predetermined position in the
grouped data; the block management data are successively arranged
from a leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where
the group management data has been placed; and the blocked data are
successively arranged from a trailing edge of the grouped data,
except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
block management data are arranged.
11. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 1, wherein the group conversion means arranges
the group management data, the block management data, and the
blocked data contained in each grouped data so that: a leading edge
of the group management data is placed in a predetermined position
in the grouped data; the blocked data are successively arranged
from a leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where
the group management data has been placed; and the block management
data are successively arranged from a trailing edge of the grouped
data, except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
blocked data are arranged.
12. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 3, wherein the group conversion means arranges
the group management data, the block management data, and the
blocked data contained in each grouped data so that: a leading edge
of the group management data is placed in a predetermined position
in the grouped data; the blocked data are successively arranged
from a leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion
where-the group management data has been placed; and the block
management data are successively arranged from a trailing edge of
the grouped data, except for a portion where the group management
data has been placed, in accordance with an order in which the
corresponding blocked data are arranged.
13. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 1, wherein the recording conversion means
comprises: first error-correction encoding means for performing
error-correction encoding with respect to the grouped data;
searching data generation means for generating searching data based
on management data given by the control circuit; second
error-correction encoding means for performing error-correction
encoding with respect to the searching data; and modulation means
for modulating the error-corrected encoded grouped data and the
error-corrected encoded searching data to generate the recording
signal.
14. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 13, wherein the reproducing conversion means
comprises: demodulation means for demodulating the reproducing
signal to output the encoded grouped data and the encoded searching
data; first decoding means for receiving the encoded grouped data
and performing error-correction decoding with respect to the
encoded grouped data; second decoding means for receiving the
encoded searching data and performing error-correction decoding
with respect to the received searching data; and searching data
generation means for extracting searching data of a group from the
error-corrected decoded searching data.
15. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 13, wherein the block management data generation
means generates block management data corresponding to blocked data
contained in one grouped data under a condition that specific
different numbers are assigned to the respective block management
data.
16. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 13, wherein the block management data generation
means generates block management data corresponding to blocked data
contained in one grouped data under a condition that successive
numbers are assigned to the respective block management data in an
order in which the blocked data are input.
17. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 15, wherein in a case where the grouped data
contains the blocked data whose recording is started in the group,
the searching data generation means generates, as the searching
data, a number assigned to blocked data whose recording is first
started among the blocked data, in a case where the grouped data
contains no blocked data whose recording is started in the group,
the searching data generation means generates, as searching data,
information indicating the absence of blocked data whose recording
is started in the group.
18. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 16, wherein in a case where the grouped data
contains the blocked data whose recording is started in the group,
the searching data generation means generates, as searching data, a
number assigned to blocked data whose recording is first started
among the blocked data, in a case where the grouped data contains
no blocked data whose recording is started in the group, the
searching data generation means generates, as searching data,
information indicating the absence of blocked data whose recording
is started in the group.
19. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 15, wherein the searching data generation means
generates, as searching data, a number assigned to the blocked data
which is first recorded in the grouped data, and information
indicating whether or not the blocked data which is first recorded
in the grouped data is recorded continuing from a preceding grouped
data.
20. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 16, wherein the searching data generation means
generates, as searching data, a number assigned to the-blocked data
which is first recorded in the grouped data, and information
indicating whether or not the blocked data which is first recorded
in the grouped data is recorded continuing from a preceding grouped
data.
21. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 13, wherein marks used for searching are input
to the block management data generation means together with the
blocked data, and the block management data generation means
generates block management data for each mark, the block management
data for each mark having a number indicating an order in which the
marks are input.
22. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 19, wherein, in a case where the grouped data
contains the marks whose recording is started in the group, the
searching data generation means generates, as searching data, a
number assigned to a mark whose recording is first started among
the marks, wherein, in a case where the grouped data contains no
marks whose recording is started in the group, the searching data
generation means generates, as searching data, information
indicating the absence of marks whose recording is started in the
group.
23. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 20, wherein, in a case where the grouped data
contains the marks whose recording is started in the group, the
searching data generation means generates, as searching data, a
number assigned to a mark whose recording is first started among
the marks, wherein, in a case where the grouped data contains no
marks whose recording is started in the group, the searching data
generation means generates, as searching data, information
indicating the absence of marks whose recording is started in the
group.
24. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 21, wherein, in a case where the grouped data
contains the marks whose recording is started in the group, the
searching data generation means generates, as searching data, a
number assigned to a mark whose recording is first started among
the marks, and wherein, in a case where the grouped data contains
no marks whose recording is started in the group, the searching
data generation means generates, as searching data, information
indicating the absence of marks whose recording is started in the
group.
25. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 19, wherein the searching data generation means
generates, as searching data, a number assigned to the mark which
is first recorded in the grouped data, and information indicating
whether or not the mark which is first recorded in the grouped data
is recorded continuing from a preceding grouped data.
26. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 20, wherein the searching data generation means
generates, as searching data, a number assigned to the mark which
is first recorded in the grouped data, and information indicating
whether or not the mark which is first recorded in the grouped data
is recorded continuing from a preceding grouped data.
27. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 21, wherein the searching data generation means
generates, as searching data, a number assigned to the mark which
is first recorded in the grouped data, and information indicating
whether or not the mark which is first recorded in the grouped data
is recorded continuing from a preceding grouped data.
28. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data,
comprising: group conversion means for receiving input blocked
data, arranging the blocked data in a predetermined order to
generate grouped data, and outputting the grouped data; control
means for receiving a command input together with the input blocked
data and generating a control signal and management data based on
the command; recording conversion means for receiving the grouped
data and converting the grouped data into a recording signal,
including: data track generation means for arranging the grouped
data into data tracks; preamble track generation means for
generating preamble tracks arranged preceding the data tracks;
postamble track generation means for generating postamble tracks
arranged following the data tracks; and modulation means for
receiving data arranged in track groups of the preamble tracks, the
data tracks, and the postamble tracks, modulating the data arranged
in track groups into a recording signal, and outputting the
recording signal, recording means for receiving the recording
signal and recording data represented by the recording signal on a
record medium; reproducing means for reproducing from the record
medium a signal representing the data recorded on the record
medium; and postamble track detection means for detecting postamble
tracks previously recorded on the record medium based on the
reproduced signal and generating a detecting signal, wherein the
control means controls the recording conversion means based on the
detecting signal, and making the recording conversion means start
recording of the track groups in a position k tracks after a
leading edge of the detected postamble tracks.
29. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 28, wherein, in a case where at least one
successive grouped data is successively recorded, the postamble
track generation means generates postamble tracks only after data
tracks in a last group of the successive grouped data, and the
preamble track generation means generates preamble tracks only
before data tracks in a first group of the successive grouped data,
wherein, in a case where the successive grouped data is recorded
after being divided into subgroups, the postamble track generation
means generates postamble tracks after data tracks of each
subgroup, and the preamble track generation means generates
preamble tracks before data tracks of each subgroup.
30. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 28, wherein, in a case where at least one
successive grouped data is successively recorded, the postamble
track generation means generates end data tracks as postamble
tracks only after data tracks in a last group of the successive
grouped data, and the preamble track generation means generates
preamble tracks only before data tracks in a first group of the
successive grouped data, wherein, in a case where the successive
grouped data is recorded after being divided into subgroups, the
postamble track generation means generates end data tracks as
postamble tracks after data tracks in a last subgroup among the
subgroups, and generates postamble tracks different from the end
data tracks after data tracks of the subgroups other than the last
subgroup, and the preamble track generation means generates
preamble tracks before data tracks of each subgroup.
31. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data,
comprising: group conversion means for receiving input blocked
data, arranging the blocked data in a predetermined order to
generate grouped data, and outputting the grouped data; control
means for receiving a command input together with the input blocked
data and generating first management data and a control signal
based on the command; recording conversion means for receiving the
grouped data output from the group conversion means and converting
the grouped data into a recording signal based on the control
signal; recording means for receiving the recording signal and
recording data represented by the recording signal on a record
medium; reproducing means for reproducing from the record medium a
signal representing the data recorded on the record medium;
reproducing conversion means for converting the reproduced signal
into grouped data; and group reverse conversion means for receiving
the grouped data output from the reproducing conversion means and
reconfiguring blocked data from the grouped data, wherein the
control means generates a region control signal for setting at
least one data region and management information region on the
record medium, generates data region management information
concerning the data region, with respect to each of the data
region, generates record medium management information for managing
the entire record medium, and generates a recording control signal
for recording data in the data region and recording the record
medium management information and the data region management
information in the management information region.
32. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 31, wherein the group conversion means
comprises: block management data generation means for receiving the
management data from the control means and generating block
management data with respect to the corresponding blocked data, the
block management data having a variable-length and containing
information concerning each blocked data; group management data
generation means for receiving the management data and generating
group management data containing information concerning the entire
grouped data; and grouped data generation means for selectively
receiving the blocked data, the block management data, and the
group management data, and the record medium management information
and the data region management information given by the control
means, arranging the blocked data, the block management data, and
the group management data in a predetermined order to generate
first grouped data, arranging the record medium management
information and the data region management information in a
predetermined order to generate second grouped data, and outputting
the first and second grouped data based on the region control
signal.
33. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 32, wherein the recording conversion means
comprises: error-correction encoding means for performing
error-correction encoding with respect to the first and second
grouped data, respectively; and modulation means for modulating the
error-corrected encoded first and second grouped data to generate
the recording signal, and outputs the recording signal based on the
recording control signal.
34. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 33, wherein the reproducing conversion means
comprises: demodulation means for demodulating the reproduced
signal and outputting the encoded first and second grouped data;
and error-correction decoding means for receiving the encoded first
and second grouped data and performing error-correction decoding
with respect to the encoded first and second grouped data,
respectively.
35. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 32, wherein the group reverse conversion means
comprises: group management data extraction means for extracting
group management data from the first grouped data; block management
data extraction means for extracting block management data from the
first grouped data and the extracted group management data;
management information extraction means for extracting the record
medium management information and the data region management
information from the second grouped data; block output control
means for receiving the extracted block management data and group
management data, determining the blocked data to be output based on
the block management data and the group management data according
to the control signal given by the control means, and generating a
block control signal designating blocked data to be output; and
blocked data separation means for receiving the grouped data and
the block output control signal, separating blocked data designated
by the block output control signal from the grouped data, and
outputting the separated blocked data.
36. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 32, wherein the record medium is accommodated in
a housing having an auxiliary record medium, and the control means
controls the recording means to record the first grouped data on
the record medium and records the second grouped data on the
auxiliary record medium.
37. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 32, wherein the record medium is accommodated in
a housing having an auxiliary record medium, and the control means
controls the recording means to record the data region management
information among the first grouped data and the second grouped
data on the record medium and records the record medium management
information among the second grouped data on the auxiliary record
medium.
38. An apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to claim 32, wherein the record medium is accommodated in
a housing having an auxiliary record medium, and the control means
controls the recording means to record part of the data region
management information among the first grouped data and the second
grouped data on the record medium and records the remaining part of
the data region management information and the record medium
management information among the second grouped data on the
auxiliary record medium.
39. A method for recording and reproducing digital data, comprising
the steps of: (a) arranging input blocked data in a predetermined
order to generate grouped data; (b) generating a control signal and
management data based on a command input together with the input
blocked data; (c) converting the grouped data into a recording
signal based on the control signal; (d) recording data represented
by the recording signal on a record medium; (e) reproducing from
the record medium a signal representing the data recorded in the
record medium; (f) converting the reproduced signal into grouped
data; and (g) reconfiguring blocked data from the grouped data,
wherein step (a) includes the steps of: (a1) generating block
management data for the corresponding blocked data based on the
management data, the block management data having a variable-length
and containing information concerning each blocked data; (a2)
generating group management data containing information concerning
the entire grouped data based on the management data; and (a3)
generating grouped data by arranging the blocked data, the block
management data, and the group management data in a predetermined
order.
40. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 39, wherein step (g) comprises the steps of: (g1)
extracting group management data from the grouped data; (g2)
extracting block management data from the grouped data and the
extracted group management data; (g3) determining the blocked data
to be output based on the block management data and the group
management data according to the control signal, and generating a
block output control signal designating the blocked data to be
output; and (g4) separating blocked data designated by the block
output control signal from the grouped data, and generating the
separated blocked data to be output.
41. A method for recording and reproducing digital data, comprising
the steps of: (a) arranging input blocked data in a predetermined
order to generate grouped data; (b) generating a control signal and
management data based on a command input together with the input
blocked data; (c) converting the grouped data into a recording
signal based on the control signal; (d) recording data represented
by the recording signal on a record medium; (e) reproducing from
the record medium a signal representing the data recorded on the
record medium; (f) converting the reproduced signal into grouped
data; and (g) reconfiguring blocked data from the grouped data,
wherein the step (a) includes the steps of: (a1) transforming the
blocked data and generating recording blocked data; (a2) generating
block management data for recording blocked data, the block
management data having a variable-length and containing information
concerning the recording blocked data and the blocked data; (a3)
generating group management data containing information concerning
the entire grouped data based on the recording blocked data and the
management data; and (a4) generating grouped data by arranging the
recording blocked data, the block management data, and the group
management data in a predetermined order.
42. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 41, wherein step (g) comprises the steps of: (g1)
extracting group management data from the grouped data; (g2)
extracting block management data from the grouped data and the
extracted group management data; (g3) determining blocked data to
be output and recording blocked data containing the blocked data to
be output based on the extracted block management data and
group-management data in accordance with the control signal, and
generating block output control signal designating the blocked data
to be output, a block separating signal designating the recording
blocked data related to the blocked data to be output, and an
inverse transformation instructing signal instructing inverse
transformation from the recording blocked data to the blocked data;
(g4) separating the recording blocked data designated by the block
separating signal from the grouped data, and generating the
separated recording blocked data; and (g5) inverse-transforming the
recording blocked data into the blocked data based on the inverse
transformation instructing signal, and generating the blocked data
designated by the block output control signal.
43. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 39, wherein in step (a), each blocked data and the
corresponding block management data are arranged adjacent to each
other in each grouped data.
44. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 41, wherein in step (a), each blocked data and the
corresponding block management data are arranged adjacent to each
other in each grouped data.
45. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 39, wherein in step (a), the group management data, the
block management data, and the blocked data contained in each
grouped data are arranged so that: a leading edge of the group
management data is placed in a predetermined position in the
grouped data; the blocked data are successively arranged from a
leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed; and the block management
data are successively arranged after all of the arranged blocked
data, except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
blocked data are arranged.
46. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 41, wherein in step (a), group management data, the block
management data, and the blocked data contained in each grouped
data are arranged so that: a leading edge of the group management
data is placed in a predetermined position in the grouped data; the
blocked data are successively arranged from a leading edge of the
grouped data, except for a portion where the group management data
has been placed; and the block management data are successively
arranged after all of the arranged blocked data, except for a
portion where the group management data has been placed, in
accordance with an order in which the corresponding blocked data
are arranged.
47. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
claim 39, wherein in step (a), the group management data, the block
management data, and the blocked data contained in each grouped
data are arranged so that: a leading edge of the group management
data is placed in a predetermined position in the grouped data; the
block management data are successively arranged from a leading edge
of the grouped data, except for a portion where the group
management data has been placed; and the blocked data are
successively arranged from a trailing edge of the grouped data,
except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
block management data are arranged.
48. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
claim 41, wherein in step (a), the group management data, the block
management data, and the blocked data contained in each grouped
data are arranged so that: a leading edge of the group management
data is placed in a predetermined position in the grouped data; the
block management data are successively arranged from a leading edge
of the grouped data, except for a portion where the group
management data has been placed; and the blocked data are
successively arranged from a trailing edge of the grouped data,
except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
block management data are arranged.
49. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 39, wherein in step (a), the group management data, the
block management data, and the blocked data contained in each
grouped data are arranged so that: a leading edge of the group
management data is placed in a predetermined position in the
grouped data; the blocked data are successively arranged from a
leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed; and the block management
data are successively arranged from a trailing edge of the grouped
data, except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
blocked data are arranged.
50. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 41, wherein in step (a), the group management data, the
block management data, and the blocked data contained in each
grouped data are arranged so that: a leading edge of the group
management data is placed in a predetermined position in the
grouped data; the blocked data are successively arranged from a
leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed; and the block management
data are successively arranged from a trailing edge of the grouped
data, except for a portion where the group management data has been
placed, in accordance with an order in which the corresponding
blocked data are arranged.
51. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 39, wherein step (c) comprises the steps of: first
error-correction encoding means for performing error-correction
encoding with respect to the grouped data; searching data
generation means for generating searching data based on management
data given by the control circuit; second error-correction encoding
means for performing error-correction encoding with respect to the
searching data; and modulation means for modulating the
error-corrected encoded grouped data and the error-corrected
encoded searching data to generate the recording signal.
52. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 51, wherein step (f) comprises the steps of: (f1)
demodulating the reproducing signal to generate the encoded grouped
data and the encoded searching data; (f2) performing
error-correction decoding with respect to the encoded grouped data;
(f3) performing error-correction decoding with respect to the
encoded searching data; and (f4) extracting searching data of a
group from the error-corrected decoded searching data.
53. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 51, wherein in step (a1), specific different numbers are
assigned to the respective block management data.
54. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 51, wherein in step (a1), successive numbers are assigned
to the respective block management data in an order in which the
blocked data are input.
55. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 53, wherein in step (f1), in a case where the grouped data
contains the blocked data whose recording is started in the group,
the searching data is generated to be a number assigned to blocked
data whose recording is first started among the blocked data, in a
case where the grouped data contains no blocked data whose
recording is started in the group, the searching data is generated
to be information indicating the absence of blocked data whose
recording is started in the group.
56. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 54, wherein in step (f1), in a case where the grouped data
contains the blocked data whose recording is started in the group,
the searching data is generated to be a number assigned to blocked
data whose recording is first started among the blocked data, in a
case where the grouped data contains no blocked data whose
recording is started in the group, the searching data is generated
to be information indicating the absence of blocked data whose
recording is started in the group.
57. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 53, wherein in step (f4), the searching data is generated
to include a number assigned to the blocked data which is first
recorded in the grouped data, and information indicating whether or
not the blocked data which is first recorded in the grouped data is
recorded continuing from a preceding grouped data.
58. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 54, wherein in step (f4), the searching data is generated
to include a number assigned to the blocked data which is first
recorded in the grouped data, and information indicating whether or
not the blocked data which is first recorded in the grouped data is
recorded continuing from a preceding grouped data.
59. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 51, wherein step (a1) further comprises the step of
generating block management data for marks, the marks being input
together with the input blocked data, and the block management data
for each mark having a number indicating an order in which the
marks are input.
60. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 57, wherein in step (f4), in a case where the grouped data
contains the marks whose recording is started in the group, the
searching data is generated to be a number assigned to a mark whose
recording is first started among the marks, in a case where the
grouped data contains no marks whose recording is started in the
group, the searching data is generated to be information indicating
the absence of marks whose recording is started in the group.
61. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 58, wherein in step (f4), in a case where the grouped data
contains the marks whose recording is started in the group, the
searching data is generated to be a number assigned to a mark whose
recording is first started among the marks, in a case where the
grouped data contains no marks whose recording is started in the
group, the searching data is generated to be information indicating
the absence of marks whose recording is started in the group.
62. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 59, wherein in step (f4), in a case where the grouped data
contains the marks whose recording is started in the group, the
searching data is generated to be a number assigned to a mark whose
recording is first started among the marks, in a case where the
grouped data contains no marks whose recording is started in the
group, the searching data is generated to be information indicating
the absence of marks whose recording is started in the group.
63. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 57, wherein in step (f4), the searching data is generated
to include a number assigned to the mark which is first recorded in
the grouped data, and information indicating whether or not the
mark which is first recorded in the grouped data is recorded
continuing from a preceding grouped data.
64. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 58, wherein in step (f4), the searching data is generated
to include a number assigned to the mark which is first recorded in
the grouped data, and information indicating whether or not the
mark which is first recorded in the grouped data is recorded
continuing from a preceding grouped data.
65. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 59, wherein in step (f4), the searching data is generated
to include a number assigned to the mark which is first recorded in
the grouped data, and information indicating whether or not the
mark which is first recorded in the grouped data is recorded
continuing from a preceding grouped data.
66. A method for recording and reproducing digital data, comprising
the steps of: (a) arranging input blocked data in a predetermined
order to generate grouped data; (b) generating a control signal and
management data based on a command input together with the input
blocked data; (c) converting the grouped data into a recording
signal, step (c) including: (c1) arranging the grouped data into
data tracks; (c2) generating preamble tracks arranged preceding the
data tracks; (c3) generating postamble tracks arranged following
the data tracks; and (c4) modulating the data arranged in track
groups of the preamble tracks, the data tracks, and the postamble
tracks into a recording signal, (d) recording data represented by
the recording signal on a record medium; (e) reproducing from the
record medium a signal representing the data recorded on the record
medium; (f) detecting postamble tracks previously recorded on the
record medium based on the reproduced signal and generating a
detecting signal; and (g) controlling the steps (c1) to (c4) based
on the detecting signal, and making recording of the track groups
start in a position k tracks after a leading edge of the detected
postamble tracks.
67. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 66, wherein, in a case where at least one successive
grouped data is successively recorded, in step (c3), the postamble
tracks are generated only after data tracks in a last group of the
successive grouped data, and in step (c2), the preamble tracks are
generated only before data tracks in a first group of the
successive grouped data, wherein, in a case where the successive
grouped data is recorded after being divided into subgroups, in
step (c3), the postamble tracks are generated after data tracks of
each subgroup, and in step (c2), the preamble tracks are generated
before the data tracks of each subgroup.
68. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 66, wherein, in a case where at least one successive
grouped data is successively recorded, in step (c3), the end data
tracks are generated as the postamble tracks only after data tracks
in a last group of the successive grouped data, and in step (c2),
the preamble tracks are generated only before the data tracks in a
first group of the successive grouped data, wherein, in a case
where the successive grouped data is recorded after being divided
into subgroups, in step (c3), end data tracks are generated as the
postamble tracks after data tracks in a last subgroup among the
subgroups, and postamble tracks which are different from the end
data tracks are generated after the data tracks of the subgroups
other than the last subgroup, and in step (c2), the preamble tracks
are generated before the data tracks of each subgroup.
69. A method for recording and reproducing digital data, comprising
the steps of: (a) arranging input blocked data in a predetermined
order to generate grouped data, and outputting the grouped data;
(b) generating first management data and a control signal based on
a command input together with the input blocked data; (c)
converting the grouped data into a recording signal based on the
control signal; (d) recording data represented by the recording
signal on a record medium; (e) reproducing from the record medium a
signal representing the data recorded on the record medium; (f)
converting the reproduced signal into grouped data; and (g)
reconfiguring blocked data from the grouped data, wherein step (b)
includes the steps of; (b1) generating a region control signal for
setting at least one data region and management information region
on the record medium, (b2) generating data region management
information concerning the data region, with respect to each of the
data region, (b3) generating record medium management information
for managing the entire record medium, and (b4) generating a
recording control signal for recording data in the data region and
recording the record medium management information and the data
region management information in the management information
region.
70. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 69, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: (a1)
generating block management data with respect to the corresponding
blocked data, the block management data having a variable-length
and containing information concerning each blocked data; (a2)
generating group management data containing information concerning
the entire grouped data; and (a3) arranging the blocked data, the
block management data, and the group management data in a
predetermined order to generate first grouped data, (a4) arranging
the record medium management information and the data region
management information in a predetermined order to generate second
grouped data, and (a5) selectively outputting one of the first and
second grouped data based on the region control signal.
71. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 70, wherein step (c) comprises the steps of: (c1)
performing error-correction encoding with respect to the first and
second grouped data; and (c2) modulating the error-corrected
encoded first and second grouped data to generate the recording
signal based on the recording control signal.
72. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 71, wherein step (f) comprises the steps of: (f1)
demodulating the reproduced signal to generate the encoded first
and second grouped data; and (f2) performing error-correction
decoding with respect to the encoded first and second grouped
data.
73. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 70, wherein step (g) comprises the steps of: (g1)
extracting group management data from the first grouped data; (g2)
extracting block management data from the first grouped data and
the extracted group management data; (g3) extracting the record
medium management information and the data region management
information from the second grouped data; (g4) determining the
blocked data to be output based on the block management data and
the group management data according to the control signal, and
generating a block control signal designating blocked data to be
output; and (g5) separating blocked data designated by the block
output control signal from the grouped data, and generating the
separated blocked data.
74. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 70, wherein the record medium is accommodated in a housing
having an auxiliary record medium, step (e) comprises the step of
(e1) recording data on the auxiliary record medium, and step (b)
comprises step of controlling step (e1) to record the first grouped
data on the record medium and to record the second grouped data on
the auxiliary record medium.
75. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 70, wherein the record medium is accommodated in a housing
having an auxiliary record medium, step (e) comprises the step of
(e1) recording data on the auxiliary record medium, and step (b)
comprises the step of controlling step (e1) to record the data
region management information among the first grouped data and the
second grouped data on the record medium and to record the record
medium management information among the second grouped data on the
auxiliary record medium.
76. A method for recording and reproducing digital data according
to claim 70, wherein the record medium is accommodated in a housing
having an auxiliary record medium, step (e) comprises the step of
(e1) recording data on the auxiliary record medium, and step (b)
comprises the step of controlling the step (e1) to record part of
the data region management information among the first grouped data
and the second grouped data on the record medium and to record the
remaining part of the data region management information and the
record medium management information among the second grouped data
on the auxiliary record medium.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for recording
and reproducing digital data and a method for the same, and more
particularly to an apparatus for recording blocked digital data on
a magnetic tape and a method for the same.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In recent years, various kinds of apparatuses for recording
and reproducing digital data have been widely applied with the
advancement of the technology for recording and reproducing digital
data. As a record medium, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetic
tape, and the like are used. Among them, the magnetic tape is more
practical and superior in storage capacity, changeability, and
price (in a unit cost of capacity), compared with other record
media.
[0005] Data to be recorded on a magnetic tape is mainly classified
into two kinds of data: data transferred and recorded by a host
such as a computer and data automatically added (additional data)
by an apparatus for recording and reproducing. The additional data
includes information concerning a leading edge and a trailing edge
of a recording region on a magnetic tape, information concerning
the delimitation of blocks formed therein, an address indicating
the position therein, information for error detection or error
correction, etc. It is convenient for the host to utilize
information concerning a name, an attribute, a size, and the like
of data during recording, reading, or searching for the data. Such
information is referred to as management data in the present
specification.
[0006] The data transferred by the host is recorded after being
divided into blocks having a predetermined size. For example, in
the case of a usual computer, the data is divided so as to have 512
bytes per block. Each block is the minimum unit of the magnetic
tape in which data can be recorded. Data divided into a
predetermined size by the host is referred to as blocked data
(herein, blocked data means a "blocked data" unit or "data block").
Thus, the blocked data becomes the minimum unit for recording on
the magnetic tape. Furthermore, instructions (marks) for searching
data can be recorded on the magnetic tape. The blocked data and
marks can be recorded with respective numbers assigned thereto.
[0007] Some blocked data can be combined to be recorded as grouped
data (herein, grouped data means a "grouped data" unit or "data
group"). FIG. 34 shows an example of grouped data recorded by a
conventional apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data.
This example shows a DDS format using a digital audio tape-recorder
(DAT). One group of the grouped data include 126632 bytes. Each
blocked data is arranged from the leading edge of the grouped
data.
[0008] Information concerning the grouped data (management data) G
is positioned in a group information table placed in 32 bytes of
the trailing region of the grouped data. Information concerning
each blocked data (management data) B.sub.1, B.sub.2, . . .
indicating the size and the like of each blocked data are arranged
in the direction from a portion right before the group information
table to the leading edge of the grouped data. The information
B.sub.1, B.sub.2, . . . concerning each blocked data respectively
have a fixed length.
[0009] In the DDS format, data is recorded and reproduced as
follows:
[0010] In a random access recording and reproducing apparatus, by
designating the number assigned to each block (i.e., absolute
addressing), data corresponding to the block with that number
assigned can be read or recorded. Likewise, by absolutely
addressing the number assigned to each mark, data can be reproduced
from the position of the mark with that number assigned.
[0011] In a sequential recording and reproducing apparatus which
does not perform random access, data is recorded in the order in
which the blocks are arranged or in a predetermined order.
Likewise, data is read in the order in which the blocks are
recorded. In the sequential recording and reproducing apparatus,
the position of the recorded blocks is relatively addressed (for
example, a block following four blocks after a certain block).
[0012] As described above, data is recorded or read by relatively
or absolutely addressing a block.
[0013] Hereinafter, a searching method in a conventional DDS format
will be described.
[0014] FIG. 35 schematically shows grouped data in the conventional
DDS format. As shown in this figure, the number of a block whose
recording is first started in a group and the number of blocks
whose recording is started in the group are recorded in a subcode
region on a group basis. The block No. is represented by g, and the
number of the blocks is represented by m. Hereinafter, simply
referred to as numbers g and m. The subcode region is a region of
the track where data can be reproduced even during searching.
[0015] When the numbers g and m are obtained for a group during
searching, it is found that the recording of the blocks with the
numbers g to g+m-1 is started in the group. By using this, the
group in which the recording of a desired group is started is
found, and a desired block is reproduced. Likewise, the number h
(h.sub.1 in the figure) of a mark whose recording is first started
in a group and the number k of marks whose recording is started in
the group are recorded in the subcode region of the group. In the
case where the numbers h and k are obtained for a certain group
during searching, it is found that the recording of the marks with
the numbers h to h+k-1 is started in the group. By using this, the
group in which the recording of a desired mark is started is found,
and a desired block in a position designated by the mark can be
reproduced. Alternatively, data searching can be conducted by
recording, in the subcode region, the number of a block whose
recording is first started in a group and the number of a block
whose recording is last started in the group.
[0016] FIGS. 36A to 36D show the patterns of track groups recorded
in the conventional DDS format. A magnetic tape runs in the
direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 36A. Grouped data to be
recorded is subjected to a predetermined signal processing to form
a data track group D1. As shown in FIG. 36B, the data track group
D1 is recorded on the magnetic tape together with amble track
groups A positioned before and behind the data track group D1
(i.e., a preamble track group and a postamble track group) and a
data end track group E.
[0017] Overwriting of data is conducted as follows:
[0018] First, the data end track group E is searched to detect the
last-recorded position. Then, recording of data is started from the
trailing edge of the post-amble track group A positioned before the
data end track group E. As a result, the data end track group E
which has been recorded is deleted and only a latest-recorded data
end track group E is left on the magnetic tape. FIG. 36D shows the
pattern of track groups in which data track groups D2 to D4 shown
in FIG. 36C are recorded in addition to the data track group
D1.
[0019] In order to prevent a data track group from being positioned
right before the track at which the additional recording is
started, the previously recorded postamble track group A is left on
the magnetic tape. The reason for this is that the track, right
before the track at which the additional recording is started, has
its width cut away by the additional recording, increasing the
frequency of error occurrence.
[0020] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 37A, in the conventional DDS
format, information concerning the entire magnetic tape (tape
management data) is recorded in a system area positioned in a
leading region of the magnetic tape. In the DDS format, one or two
data regions called a partition can be assigned on the magnetic
tape for convenience of data management.
[0021] The leading region of each partition is assigned as a system
area corresponding to the partition, and information concerning the
use record of the partition (i.e., system log) is recorded in a
subcode region of the system area (see FIG. 37B). Data is recorded
with a fixed-length in the subcode region. In the case where one
partition is assigned on the magnetic tape, the contents of the
system log of the partition becomes equal to that of the entire
magnetic tape. In the case where a first partition and a second
partition are assigned on the magnetic tape in the order of the
tape running direction, information concerning the use record of
the entire magnetic tape and information concerning the size of the
first partition are recorded in the system log of the first
partition; and information concerning the second partition is
recorded in the system log of the second partition.
[0022] Each partition is identified as follows:
[0023] In the case where one partition is assigned on the magnetic
tape, the partition number is set at 0. In the case where two
partitions are assigned on the magnetic tape, the first partition
number of the leading side partition of the magnetic tape is set at
1 and the second partition number of the trailing side partition of
the magnetic tape is set at 0. When a cassette is loaded, the first
partition number is checked to obtain the number of partitions.
[0024] However, in the above-mentioned DDS format, information
concerning blocked data (management data) is recorded in a
fixed-length form, so that the management data for blocked data
which requires less information (for example, without attribute
information has the same length as that of the other blocked data).
This results in decreased recording efficiency.
[0025] Moreover, in the conventional DDS format, two kinds of
informations (g and m, and/or k and h) are required to be recorded
per group for searching data. For accessing a desired block, it is
required to search, reproduce, and perform an operation on two
kinds of information, and to compare the result with the desired
block (or mark) number. Thus, a large subcode region for recording
two kinds of information for searching as well as an additional
circuit and time for the operation are required.
[0026] In addition, for overwriting data in the conventional DDS
format, the additional recording is started with the previously
recorded postamble track left on the magnetic tape; therefore, the
postamble track group and a preamble track group are present
between the previously recorded data track group and the
latest-recorded data track group. As the number of ample track
groups increases, the data capacity of one magnetic tape
decreases.
[0027] Furthermore, as described above, in the case where two
partitions are assigned as a recording region on the magnetic tape,
the system log of the second partition is required to be reproduced
for obtaining information concerning the second partition. In this
case, time is required for reproducing two different system logs,
making it impossible to search data between different partitions at
a high velocity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data of
the present invention, comprises:
[0029] group conversion means for receiving input blocked data,
arranging the blocked data in a predetermined order to generate
grouped data, and outputting the grouped data;
[0030] control means for receiving a command input together with
the input blocked data and generating a control signal and
management data based on the command;
[0031] recording conversion means for receiving the grouped data
and converting the grouped data into a recording signal based on
the control signal;
[0032] recording means for receiving the recording signal and
recording data represented by the recording signal on a record
medium;
[0033] reproducing means for reproducing from the record medium a
signal representing the data recorded in the record medium;
[0034] reproducing conversion means for receiving the reproduced
signal and converting the reproduced signal into grouped data;
and
[0035] group reverse conversion means for receiving the grouped
data output from the reproducing conversion means and reconfiguring
blocked data from the grouped data,
[0036] wherein the group conversion means includes:
[0037] block management data generation means for receiving the
management data from the control means and generating block
management data with respect to the corresponding blocked data, the
block management data having a variable-length and containing
information concerning each blocked data;
[0038] group management data generation means for receiving the
management data and generating group management data containing
information concerning the entire grouped data; and
[0039] grouped data generation means for receiving the blocked
data, the block management data, and the group management data, and
generating grouped data by arranging the blocked data, the block
management data, and the group management data in a predetermined
order.
[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the group
reverse conversion means comprises:
[0041] group management data extraction means for extracting group
management data from the grouped data;
[0042] block management data extraction means for extracting block
management data from the grouped data and the extracted group
management data;
[0043] block output control means for receiving the extracted block
management data and group management data, determining the blocked
data to be output based on the block management data and the group
management data according to the control signal given by the
control means, and generating a block output control signal
designating the blocked data to be output; and
[0044] blocked data separating means for receiving the grouped data
and the block output control signal and separating blocked data
designated by the block output control signal from the grouped
data, and outputting the separated blocked data.
[0045] Alternatively, the apparatus for recording and reproducing
digital data of the present invention, comprises:
[0046] group conversion means for receiving input blocked data,
arranging the blocked data in a predetermined order, and generating
and outputting grouped data;
[0047] control means for receiving a command input together with
the input blocked data and generating a control signal and
management data based on the command;
[0048] recording conversion means for receiving the grouped data
and converting the grouped data into a recording signal based on
the control signal;
[0049] recording means for receiving the recording signal and
recording data represented by the recording signal on a record
medium;
[0050] reproducing means for reproducing from the record medium a
signal representing the data recorded on the record medium;
[0051] reproducing conversion means for receiving the reproduced
signal and converting the reproduced signal into grouped data;
and
[0052] group reverse conversion means for receiving the grouped
data output from the reproducing conversion means and reconfiguring
blocked data from the grouped data,
[0053] wherein the group conversion means includes:
[0054] data transformation means for receiving the blocked data,
data-transforming the blocked data, and generating recording
blocked data;
[0055] block management data generation means for receiving the
recording blocked data and the management data and generating block
management data with respect to the corresponding recording blocked
data, the block management data having a variable-length and
containing information concerning the recording blocked data and
the blocked data;
[0056] group management data generation means for receiving the
recording blocked data and the management data and generating group
management data containing information concerning the entire
grouped data; and
[0057] grouped data generation means for receiving the recording
blocked data, the block management data, and the group management
data, and generating grouped data by arranging the recording
blocked data, the block management data, and the group management
data in a predetermined order.
[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the group
reverse conversion means comprises:
[0059] group management data extraction means for extracting group
management data from the grouped data;
[0060] block management data extraction means for extracting block
management data from the grouped data and the extracted group
management data;
[0061] block output control means for determining blocked data to
be output and recording blocked data containing the blocked data to
be output based on the extracted block management data and group
management data in accordance with the control signal given by the
control means, and generating a block output control signal
designating the blocked data to be output, a block separating
signal designating the recording blocked data related to the
blocked data to be output, and an inverse transformation
instructing signal instructing inverse transformation from the
recording blocked data to the blocked data;
[0062] blocked data separation means for receiving the grouped data
and the block separating signal, separating the recording blocked
data designated by the block separating signal from the grouped
data, and outputting the separated recording blocked data; and
[0063] data inverse transformation means for inverse-transforming
the recording blocked data output from the blocked data separation
means into the blocked data based on the inverse transformation
instructing signal, and outputting the blocked data designated by
the block output control signal.
[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, the group
conversion means formats so that each blocked data and the
corresponding block management data are arranged adjacent to each
other in each grouped data to be output.
[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, the group
conversion means arranges the group management data, the block
management data, and the blocked data contained in each grouped
data so that:
[0066] a leading edge of the group management data is placed in a
predetermined position in the grouped data;
[0067] the blocked data are successively arranged from a leading
edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the group
management data has been placed; and
[0068] the block management data are successively arranged after
all of the arranged blocked data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed, in accordance with an order
in which the corresponding blocked data are arranged.
[0069] In another embodiment of the present invention, the group
conversion means arranges the group management data, the block
management data, and the blocked data contained in each grouped
data so that:
[0070] a leading edge of the group management data is placed in a
predetermined position in the grouped data;
[0071] the block management data are successively arranged from a
leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed; and
[0072] the blocked data are successively arranged from a trailing
edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the group
management data has been placed, in accordance with an order in
which the corresponding block management data are arranged.
[0073] In another embodiment of the present invention, the group
conversion means arranges the group management data, the block
management data, and the blocked data contained in each grouped
data so that:
[0074] a leading edge of the group management data is placed in a
predetermined position in the grouped data;
[0075] the blocked data are successively arranged from a leading
edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the group
management data has been placed; and
[0076] the block management data are successively arranged from a
trailing edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed, in accordance with an order
in which the corresponding blocked data are arranged.
[0077] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
recording conversion means comprises:
[0078] first error-correction encoding means for performing
error-correction encoding with respect to the grouped data;
[0079] searching data generation means for generating searching
data based on management data given by the control circuit;
[0080] second error-correction encoding means for performing
error-correction encoding with respect to the searching data;
and
[0081] modulation means for modulating the error-corrected encoded
grouped data and the error-corrected encoded searching data to
generate the recording signal.
[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
reproducing conversion means comprises:
[0083] demodulation means for demodulating the reproducing signal
to output the encoded grouped data and the encoded searching
data;
[0084] first decoding means for receiving the encoded grouped data
and performing error-correction decoding with respect to the
encoded grouped data;
[0085] second decoding means for receiving the encoded searching
data and performing error-correction decoding with respect to the
received searching data; and
[0086] searching data generation means for extracting searching
data of a group from the error-corrected decoded searching
data.
[0087] In another embodiment of the present invention, the block
management data generation means generates block management data
corresponding to blocked data contained in one grouped data under a
condition that specific different numbers are assigned to the
respective block management data.
[0088] In another embodiment of the present invention, the block
management data generation means generates block management data
corresponding to blocked data contained in one grouped data under a
condition that successive numbers are assigned to the respective
block management data in an order in which the blocked data are
input.
[0089] In another embodiment of the present invention, in a case
where the grouped data contains the blocked data whose recording is
started in the group, the searching data generation means
generates, as the searching data, a number assigned to blocked data
whose recording is first started among the blocked data,
[0090] in a case where the grouped data contains no blocked data
whose recording is started in the group, the searching data
generation means generates, as searching data, information
indicating the absence of blocked data whose recording is started
in the group.
[0091] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
searching data generation means generates, as searching data, a
number assigned to the blocked data which is first recorded in the
grouped data, and information indicating whether or not the blocked
data which is first recorded in the grouped data is recorded
continuing from a preceding grouped data.
[0092] In another embodiment of the present invention, marks used
for searching are input to the block management data generation
means together with the blocked data, and the block management data
generation means generates block management data for each mark, the
block management data for each mark having a number indicating an
order in which the marks are input.
[0093] In another embodiment of the present invention, in a case
where the grouped data contains the marks whose recording is
started in the group, the searching data generation means
generates, as searching data, a number assigned to a mark whose
recording is first started among the marks,
[0094] in a case where the grouped data contains no marks whose
recording is started in the group, the searching data generation
means generates, as searching data, information indicating the
absence of marks whose recording is started in the group.
[0095] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
searching data generation means generates, as searching data, a
number assigned to the mark which is first recorded in the grouped
data, and information indicating whether or not the mark which is
first recorded in the grouped data is recorded continuing from a
preceding grouped data.
[0096] Alternatively, the apparatus for recording and reproducing
digital data of the present invention, comprises:
[0097] group conversion means for receiving input blocked data,
arranging the blocked data in a predetermined order to generate
grouped data, and outputting the grouped data;
[0098] control means for receiving a command input together with
the input blocked data and generating a control signal and
management data based on the command;
[0099] recording conversion means for receiving the grouped data
and converting the grouped data into a recording signal,
including:
[0100] data track generation means for arranging the grouped data
into data tracks;
[0101] preamble track generation means for generating preamble
tracks arranged preceding the data tracks;
[0102] postamble track generation means for generating postamble
tracks arranged following the data tracks; and
[0103] modulation means for receiving data arranged in track groups
of the preamble tracks, the data tracks, and the postamble tracks,
modulating the data arranged in track groups into a recording
signal, and outputting the recording signal,
[0104] recording means for receiving the recording signal and
recording data represented by the recording signal on a record
medium;
[0105] reproducing means for reproducing from the record medium a
signal representing the data recorded on the record medium; and
[0106] postamble track detection means for detecting postamble
tracks previously recorded on the record medium based on the
reproduced signal and generating a detecting signal,
[0107] wherein the control means controls the recording conversion
means based on the detecting signal, and making the recording
conversion means start recording of the track groups in a position
k tracks after a leading edge of the detected postamble tracks.
[0108] In one embodiment of the present invention, in a case where
at least one successive grouped data is successively recorded,
[0109] the postamble track generation means generates postamble
tracks only after data tracks in a last group of the successive
grouped data, and
[0110] the preamble track generation means generates preamble
tracks only before data tracks in a first group of the successive
grouped data,
[0111] in a case where the successive grouped data is recorded
after being divided into subgroups,
[0112] the postamble track generation means generates postamble
tracks after data tracks of each subgroup, and
[0113] the preamble track generation means generates preamble
tracks before data tracks of each subgroup.
[0114] In another embodiment of the present invention, in a case
where at least one successive grouped data is successively
recorded,
[0115] the postamble track generation means generates end data
tracks as postamble tracks only after data tracks in a last group
of the successive grouped data, and
[0116] the preamble track generation means generates preamble
tracks only before data tracks in a first group of the successive
grouped data,
[0117] in a case where the successive grouped data is recorded
after being divided into subgroups,
[0118] the postamble track generation means generates end data
tracks as postamble tracks after data tracks in a last subgroup
among the subgroups, and generates postamble tracks different from
the end data tracks after data tracks of the subgroups other than
the last subgroup, and
[0119] the preamble track generation means generates preamble
tracks before data tracks of each subgroup.
[0120] Alternatively, the apparatus for recording and reproducing
digital data of the present invention, comprises:
[0121] group conversion means for receiving input blocked data,
arranging the blocked data in a predetermined order to generate
grouped data, and outputting the grouped data;
[0122] control means for receiving a command input together with
the input blocked data and generating first management data and a
control signal based on the command;
[0123] recording conversion means for receiving the grouped data
output from the group conversion means and converting the grouped
data into a recording signal based on the control signal;
[0124] recording means for receiving the recording signal and
recording data represented by the recording signal on a record
medium;
[0125] reproducing means for reproducing from the record medium a
signal representing the data recorded on the record medium;
[0126] reproducing conversion means for converting the reproduced
signal into grouped data; and
[0127] group reverse conversion means for receiving the grouped
data output from the reproducing conversion means and reconfiguring
blocked data from the grouped data,
[0128] wherein the control means generates a region control signal
for setting at least one data region and management information
region on the record medium, generates data region management
information concerning the data region, with respect to each of the
data region, generates record medium management information for
managing the entire record medium, and generates a recording
control signal for recording data in the data region and recording
the record medium management information and the data region
management information in the management information region.
[0129] In one embodiment of the present invention, the group
conversion means comprises:
[0130] block management data generation means for receiving the
management data from the control means and generating block
management data with respect to the corresponding blocked data, the
block management data having a variable-length and containing
information concerning each blocked data;
[0131] group management data generation means for receiving the
management data and generating group management data containing
information concerning the entire grouped data; and
[0132] grouped data generation means for selectively receiving the
blocked data, the block management data, and the group management
data, and the record medium management information and the data
region management information given by the control means, arranging
the blocked data, the block management data, and the group
management data in a predetermined order to generate first grouped
data, arranging the record medium management information and the
data region management information in a predetermined order to
generate second grouped data, and outputting the first and second
grouped data based on the region control signal.
[0133] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
recording conversion means comprises:
[0134] error-correction encoding means for performing
error-correction encoding with respect to the first and second
grouped data, respectively; and
[0135] modulation means for modulating the error-corrected encoded
first and second grouped data to generate the recording signal, and
outputs the recording signal based on the recording control
signal.
[0136] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
reproducing conversion means comprises:
[0137] demodulation means for demodulating the reproduced signal
and outputting the encoded first and second grouped data; and
[0138] error-correction decoding means for receiving the encoded
first and second grouped data and performing error-correction
decoding with respect to the encoded first and second grouped data,
respectively.
[0139] In another embodiment of the present invention, the group
reverse conversion means comprises:
[0140] group management data extraction means for extracting group
management data from the first grouped data;
[0141] block management data extraction means for extracting block
management data from the first grouped data and the extracted group
management data;
[0142] management information extraction means for extracting the
record medium management information and the data region management
information from the second grouped data;
[0143] block output control means for receiving the extracted block
management data and group management data, determining the blocked
data to be output based on the block management data and the group
management data according to the control signal given by the
control means, and generating a block control signal designating
blocked data to be output; and
[0144] blocked data separation means for receiving the grouped data
and the block output control signal, separating blocked data
designated by the block output control signal from the grouped
data, and outputting the separated blocked data.
[0145] In another embodiment of the present invention, the record
medium is accommodated in a housing having an auxiliary record
medium, and the control means controls the recording means to
record the first grouped data on the record medium and records the
second grouped data on the auxiliary record medium.
[0146] In another embodiment of the present invention, the record
medium is accommodated in a housing having an auxiliary record
medium, and the control means controls the recording means to
record the data region management information among the first
grouped data and the second grouped data on the record medium and
records the record medium management information among the second
grouped data on the auxiliary record medium.
[0147] In another embodiment of the present invention, the record
medium is accommodated in a housing having an auxiliary record
medium, and the control means controls the recording means to
record part of the data region management information among the
first grouped data and the second grouped data on the record medium
and records the remaining part of the data region management
information and the record medium management information among the
second grouped data on the auxiliary record medium.
[0148] According to another aspect of the present invention,
the-method for recording and reproducing digital data, comprises
the steps of:
[0149] (a) arranging input blocked data in a predetermined order to
generate grouped data;
[0150] (b) generating a control signal and management data based on
a command input together with the input blocked data;
[0151] (c) converting the grouped data into a recording signal
based on the control signal;
[0152] (d) recording data represented by the recording signal on a
record medium;
[0153] (e) reproducing from the record medium a signal representing
the data recorded in the record medium;
[0154] (f) converting the reproduced signal into grouped data;
and
[0155] (g) reconfiguring blocked data from the grouped data,
wherein step (a) includes the steps of:
[0156] (a1) generating block management data for the corresponding
blocked data based on the management data, the block management
data having a variable-length and containing information concerning
each blocked data;
[0157] (a2) generating group management data containing information
concerning the entire grouped data based on the management data;
and
[0158] (a3) generating grouped data by arranging the blocked data,
the block management data, and the group management data in a
predetermined order.
[0159] In one embodiment of the present invention, step (g)
comprises the steps of:
[0160] (g1) extracting group management data from the grouped
data;
[0161] (g2) extracting block management data from the grouped data
and the extracted group management data;
[0162] (g3) determining the blocked data to be output based on the
block management data and the group management data according to
the control signal, and generating a block output control signal
designating the blocked data to be output; and
[0163] (g4) separating blocked data designated by the block output
control signal from the grouped data, and generating the separated
blocked data to be output.
[0164] Alternatively, the method for recording and reproducing
digital data of the present invention, comprises the steps of:
[0165] (a) arranging input blocked data in a predetermined order to
generate grouped data;
[0166] (b) generating a control signal and management data based on
a command input together with the input blocked data;
[0167] (c) converting the grouped data into a recording signal
based on the control signal;
[0168] (d) recording data represented by the recording signal on a
record medium;
[0169] (e) reproducing from the record medium a signal representing
the data recorded on the record medium;
[0170] (f) converting the reproduced signal into grouped data;
and
[0171] (g) reconfiguring blocked data from the grouped data,
[0172] wherein the step (a) includes the steps of:
[0173] (a1) transforming the blocked data and generating recording
blocked data;
[0174] (a2) generating block management data for recording blocked
data, the block management data having a variable-length and
containing information concerning the recording blocked data and
the blocked data;
[0175] (a3) generating group management data containing information
concerning the entire grouped data based on the recording blocked
data and the management data; and
[0176] (a4) generating grouped data by arranging the recording
blocked data, the block management data, and the group management
data in a predetermined order.
[0177] In one embodiment of the present invention, step (g)
comprises the steps of:
[0178] (g1) extracting group management data from the grouped
data;
[0179] (g2) extracting block management data from the grouped data
and the extracted group management data;
[0180] (g3) determining blocked data to be output and recording
blocked data containing the blocked data to be output based on the
extracted block management data and group management data in
accordance with the control signal, and generating block output
control signal designating the blocked data to be output, a block
separating signal designating the recording blocked data related to
the blocked data to be output, and an inverse transformation
instructing signal instructing inverse transformation from the
recording blocked data to the blocked data;
[0181] (g4) separating the recording blocked data designated by the
block separating signal from the grouped data, and generating the
separated recording blocked data; and
[0182] (g5) inverse-transforming the recording blocked data into
the blocked data based on the inverse transformation instructing
signal, and generating the blocked data designated by the block
output control signal.
[0183] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step (a),
each blocked data and the corresponding block management data are
arranged adjacent to each other in each grouped data.
[0184] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step (a),
the group management data, the block management data, and the
blocked data contained in each grouped data are arranged so
that:
[0185] a leading edge of the group management data is placed in a
predetermined position in the grouped data;
[0186] the blocked data are successively arranged from a leading
edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the group
management data has been placed; and
[0187] the block management data are successively arranged after
all of the arranged blocked data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed, in accordance with an order
in which the corresponding blocked data are arranged.
[0188] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step (a),
the group management data, the block management data, and the
blocked data contained in each grouped data are arranged so
that:
[0189] a leading edge of the group management data is placed in a
predetermined position in the grouped data;
[0190] the block management data are successively arranged from a
leading edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed; and
[0191] the blocked data are successively arranged from a trailing
edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the group
management data has been placed, in accordance with an order in
which the corresponding block management data are arranged.
[0192] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step (a),
the group management data, the block management data, and the
blocked data contained in each grouped data are arranged so
that:
[0193] a leading edge of the group management data is placed in a
predetermined position in the grouped data;
[0194] the blocked data are successively arranged from a leading
edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the group
management data has been placed; and
[0195] the block management data are successively arranged from a
trailing edge of the grouped data, except for a portion where the
group management data has been placed, in accordance with an order
in which the corresponding blocked data are arranged.
[0196] In another embodiment of the present invention, step (c)
comprises the steps of:
[0197] first error-correction encoding means for performing
error-correction encoding with respect to the grouped data;
[0198] searching data generation means for generating searching
data based on management data given by the control circuit;
[0199] second error-correction encoding means for performing
error-correction encoding with respect to the searching data;
and
[0200] modulation means for modulating the error-corrected encoded
grouped data and the error-corrected encoded searching data to
generate the recording signal.
[0201] In another embodiment of the present invention, step (f)
comprises the steps of:
[0202] (f1) demodulating the reproducing signal to generate the
encoded grouped data and the encoded searching data;
[0203] (f2) performing error-correction decoding with respect to
the encoded grouped data;
[0204] (f3) performing error-correction decoding with respect to
the encoded searching data; and
[0205] (f4) extracting searching data of a group from the
error-corrected decoded searching data.
[0206] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step
(a1), specific different numbers are assigned to the respective
block management data.
[0207] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step
(a1), successive numbers are assigned to the respective block
management data in an order in which the blocked data are
input.
[0208] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step
(f1),
[0209] in a case where the grouped data contains the blocked data
whose recording is started in the group, the searching data is
generated to be a number assigned to blocked data whose recording
is first started among the blocked data,
[0210] in a case where the grouped data contains no blocked data
whose recording is started in the group, the searching data is
generated to be information indicating the absence of blocked data
whose recording is started in the group.
[0211] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step
(f4), the searching data is generated to include a number assigned
to the blocked data which is first recorded in the grouped data,
and information indicating whether or not the blocked data which is
first recorded in the grouped data is recorded continuing from a
preceding grouped data.
[0212] In another embodiment of the present invention, step (a1)
further comprises the step of generating block management data for
marks, the marks being input together with the input blocked data,
and the block management data for each mark having a number
indicating an order in which the marks are input.
[0213] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step
(f4),
[0214] in a case where the grouped data contains the marks whose
recording is started in the group, the searching data is generated
to be a number assigned to a mark whose recording is first started
among the marks,
[0215] in a case where the grouped data contains no marks whose
recording is started in the group, the searching data is generated
to be information indicating the absence of marks whose recording
is started in the group.
[0216] In another embodiment of the present invention, in step
(f4), the searching data is generated to include a number assigned
to the mark which is first recorded in the grouped data, and
information indicating whether or not the mark which is first
recorded in the grouped data is recorded continuing from a
preceding grouped data.
[0217] Alternatively, the method for recording and reproducing
digital data of the present invention, comprises the steps of:
[0218] (a) arranging input blocked data in a predetermined order to
generate grouped data;
[0219] (b) generating a control signal and management data based on
a command input together with the input blocked data;
[0220] (c) converting the grouped data into a recording signal,
step (c) including:
[0221] (c1) arranging the grouped data into data tracks;
[0222] (c2) generating preamble tracks arranged preceding the data
tracks;
[0223] (c3) generating postamble tracks arranged following the data
tracks; and
[0224] (c4) modulating the data arranged in track groups of the
preamble tracks, the data tracks, and the postamble tracks into a
recording signal,
[0225] (d) recording data represented by the recording signal on a
record medium;
[0226] (e) reproducing from the record medium a signal representing
the data recorded on the record medium;
[0227] (f) detecting postamble tracks previously recorded on the
record medium based on the reproduced signal and generating a
detecting signal; and
[0228] (g) controlling the steps (c1) to (c4) based on the
detecting signal, and making recording of the track groups start in
a position k tracks after a leading edge of the detected postamble
tracks.
[0229] In one embodiment of the present invention, in a case where
at least one successive grouped data is successively recorded,
[0230] in step (c3), the postamble tracks are generated only after
data tracks in a last group of the successive grouped data, and
[0231] in step (c2), the preamble tracks are generated only before
data tracks in a first group of the successive grouped data,
[0232] in a case where the successive grouped data is recorded
after being divided into subgroups,
[0233] in step (c3), the postamble tracks are generated after data
tracks of each subgroup, and
[0234] in step (c2), the preamble tracks are generated before
the-data tracks of each subgroup.
[0235] In another embodiment of the present invention, in a case
where at least one successive grouped data is successively
recorded,
[0236] in step (c3), the end data tracks are generated as the
postamble tracks only after data tracks in a last group of the
successive grouped data, and
[0237] in step (c2), the preamble tracks are generated only before
the data tracks in a first group of the successive grouped
data,
[0238] in a case where the successive grouped data is recorded
after being divided into subgroups,
[0239] in step (c3), end data tracks are generated as the postamble
tracks after data tracks in a last subgroup among the subgroups,
and postamble tracks which are different from the end data tracks
are generated after the data tracks of the subgroups other than the
last subgroup, and
[0240] in step (c2), the preamble tracks are generated before the
data tracks of each subgroup.
[0241] Alternatively, the method for recording and reproducing
digital data, comprises the steps of:
[0242] (a) arranging input blocked data in a predetermined order to
generate grouped data, and outputting the grouped data;
[0243] (b) generating first management data and a control signal
based on a command input together with the input blocked data;
[0244] (c) converting the grouped data into a recording signal
based on the control signal;
[0245] (d) recording data represented by the recording signal on a
record medium;
[0246] (e) reproducing from the record medium a signal representing
the data recorded on the record medium;
[0247] (f) converting the reproduced signal into grouped data;
and
[0248] (g) reconfiguring blocked data from the grouped data,
[0249] wherein step (b) includes the steps of;
[0250] (b1) generating a region control signal for setting at least
one data region and management information region on the record
medium,
[0251] (b2) generating data region management information
concerning the data region, with respect to each of the data
region,
[0252] (b3) generating record medium management information for
managing the entire record medium, and
[0253] (b4) generating a recording control signal for recording
data in the data region and recording the record medium management
information and the data region management information in the
management information region.
[0254] In one embodiment of the present invention, step (a)
comprises the steps of:
[0255] (a1) generating block management data with respect to the
corresponding blocked data, the block management data having a
variable-length and containing information concerning each blocked
data;
[0256] (a2) generating group management data containing information
concerning the entire grouped data; and
[0257] (a3) arranging the blocked data, the block management data,
and the group management data in a predetermined order to generate
first grouped data,
[0258] (a4) arranging the record medium management information and
the data region management information in a predetermined order to
generate second grouped data, and
[0259] (a5) selectively outputting one of the first and second
grouped data based on the region control signal.
[0260] In another embodiment of the present invention, step (c)
comprises the steps of:
[0261] (c1) performing error-correction encoding with respect to
the first and second grouped data; and
[0262] (c2) modulating the error-corrected encoded first and second
grouped data to generate the recording signal based on the
recording control signal.
[0263] In another embodiment of the present invention, step (f)
comprises the steps of:
[0264] (f1) demodulating the reproduced signal to generate the
encoded first and second grouped data; and
[0265] (f2) performing error-correction decoding with respect to
the encoded first and second grouped data.
[0266] In another embodiment of the present invention, step (g)
comprises the steps of:
[0267] (g1) extracting group management data from the first grouped
data;
[0268] (g2) extracting block management data from the first grouped
data and the extracted group management data;
[0269] (g3) extracting the record medium management information and
the data region management information from the second grouped
data;
[0270] (g4) determining the blocked data to be output based on the
block management data and the group management data according to
the control signal, and generating a block control signal
designating blocked data to be output; and
[0271] (g5) separating blocked data designated by the block output
control signal from the grouped data, and generating the separated
blocked data.
[0272] In another embodiment of the present invention, the record
medium is accommodated in a housing having an auxiliary record
medium, step (e) comprises the step of (e1) recording data on the
auxiliary record medium, and step (b) comprises step of controlling
step (e1) to record the first grouped data on the record medium and
to record the second grouped data on the auxiliary record
medium.
[0273] In another embodiment of the present invention, the record
medium is accommodated in a housing having an auxiliary record
medium, step (e) comprises the step of (e1) recording data on the
auxiliary record medium, and step (b) comprises the step of
controlling step (e1) to record the data region management
information among the first grouped data and the second grouped
data on the record medium and to record the record medium
management information among the second grouped data on the
auxiliary record medium.
[0274] In another embodiment of the present invention, the record
medium is accommodated in a housing having an auxiliary record
medium, step (e) comprises the step of (e1) recording data on the
auxiliary record medium, and step (b) comprises the step of
controlling the step (e1) to record part of the data region
management information among the first grouped data and the second
grouped data on the record medium and to record the remaining part
of the data region management information and the record medium
management information among the second grouped data on the
auxiliary record medium.
[0275] Thus, the invention described herein makes possible the
advantage of providing an apparatus for recording and reproducing a
digital signal, capable of recording data with efficiency and
searching for data at a high velocity, and a method for the
same.
[0276] This and other advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and
understanding the following detailed description with reference to
the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0277] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for recording
and reproducing digital data in Embodiment 1 according to the
present invention.
[0278] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the construction
of a formatter.
[0279] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the construction
of a deformatter in Embodiment 1 according to the present
invention.
[0280] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the construction
of a recording converter in Embodiment 1 according to the present
invention.
[0281] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the construction
of a reproducing converter in Embodiment 1 according to the present
invention.
[0282] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another apparatus for
recording and reproducing digital data in Embodiment 1 according to
the present invention.
[0283] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing data tracks on the magnetic
tape, recorded by an apparatus for recording and reproducing
digital data.
[0284] FIG. 8 shows a pattern of each data track.
[0285] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for
formatting one grouped data from n blocked data.
[0286] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method for
forming one word configuring block management data.
[0287] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a method for
formatting one grouped data from n blocked data.
[0288] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a method for
formatting one grouped data from n blocked data.
[0289] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a method for
formatting one grouped data from n blocked data.
[0290] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another example of a method for
formatting one grouped data from n blocked data.
[0291] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for
recording and reproducing digital data in Embodiment 2 according to
the present invention.
[0292] FIG. 16 schematically shows the construction of a formatter
in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention.
[0293] FIG. 17 schematically shows the construction of a
deformatter in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention.
[0294] FIG. 18 shows a state in which the grouped data shown in
FIG. 9 is recorded on the magnetic tape.
[0295] FIG. 19A shows an example of grouped data in the case where
a block larger than a group is input.
[0296] FIG. 19B shows the grouped data with a blocked data larger
than the group recorded on the magnetic tape.
[0297] FIGS. 20A to 20D illustrate methods for searching a desired
block.
[0298] FIG. 21 illustrates a method for searching in the case where
the block number and flag are recorded in the searching data
region.
[0299] FIG. 22 shows sync-blocks of the data region in the
track.
[0300] FIG. 23 illustrates the detailed construction of the
modulator.
[0301] FIGS. 24A to 24E show the patterns of track groups formed on
the magnetic tape.
[0302] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of recording
regions on the magnetic tape.
[0303] FIG. 26 shows the word structure of the record medium
management information and partition management information.
[0304] FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for
recording and reproducing digital data in Embodiment 6 according to
the present invention.
[0305] FIG. 28 schematically shows the construction of a formatter
in Embodiment 6 according to the present invention.
[0306] FIG. 29 schematically shows the construction of a
deformatter in Embodiment 6 according to the present invention.
[0307] FIG. 30 schematically shows the construction of a formatter
in Embodiment 6 according to the present invention, in the case
involving the data transformation.
[0308] FIG. 31 schematically shows the construction of a
deformatter in Embodiment 6 according to the present invention, in
the case involving the data transformation.
[0309] FIG. 32 shows an exemplary arrangement of recording regions
on the magnetic tape and the memory.
[0310] FIG. 33 shows another arrangement of recording regions on
the magnetic tape and the memory.
[0311] FIG. 34 shows an example of grouped data recorded by a
conventional apparatus for recording and reproducing digital
data.
[0312] FIG. 35 schematically shows grouped data recorded in a DDS
format.
[0313] FIGS. 36A to 36D show the patterns of track groups recorded
in the conventional DDS format
[0314] FIG. 37A shows the position of a system area in the case
where one partition is assigned in the conventional DDS format.
[0315] FIG. 37B shows the positions of system areas in the case
where two partitions are assigned in the conventional DDS
format.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0316] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way
of illustrative embodiments with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0317] Embodiment 1
[0318] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an apparatus 100 for
recording and reproducing digital data in Embodiment 1.
[0319] The apparatus 100 for recording and reproducing digital data
includes an interface 1, a controller 2, a formatter (group
conversion circuit) 3, a recording converter 4, a recording head 5,
a reproducing head 7, a reproducing converter 8, and a deformatter
(group reverse conversion circuit) 9. The interface 1 receives a
command and blocked data input from a host such as a computer. The
controller 2 generates various kinds of control signals and
management data based on the input command to control each portion
of the apparatus 100. The formatter 3 arranges the input blocked
data in a predetermined order to form grouped data. The recording
converter 4 converts the grouped data into a recording signal. The
recording head 5 records data representing the recording signal on
a magnetic tape 6. The reproducing head 7 reproduces a signal from
the magnetic tape 6. The reproducing converter 8 converts the
reproduced signal into grouped data. The deformatter 9 (group
reverse conversion circuit) reconfigures blocked data from the
grouped data output from the reproducing converter 8.
[0320] The command and blocked data are input to the interface 1
through a general bus of a small computer system interface (SCSI)
or the like. The interface 1 performs negotiation, control, and the
like of the bus. When data is input and recorded, the interface 1
outputs the command to the controller 2 and outputs blocked data
D110 to the formatter 3. When data is reproduced and output,
blocked data D160 input from the deformatter 9 and a status such as
the condition of equipment input from the controller 2 are supplied
to the interface 1 and output therefrom through the bus. The
controller 2 generates a control signal for performing various
controls required for recording or reproducing data. As described
later, the controller 2 also generates data for searching and data
and information for managing data and a record medium.
[0321] The data input from the host is recorded on a magnetic tape
(record medium) by the apparatus 100 for recording and reproducing
digital data as follows:
[0322] First, a Write Block command for instructing the recording
of data is input to the bus, and blocked data is input as data to
be recorded. The interface 1 outputs the Write Block command to the
controller 2 and outputs the blocked data to the formatter 3. The
controller 2 generates management data S210 for managing data based
on the input command and outputs the management data S210 to the
formatter 3.
[0323] As described below, the formatter 3 arranges the input
blocked data D110 and the management data S210 in a predetermined
order to generate grouped data D120. The grouped data D120 is then
output to the recording converter 4.
[0324] FIG. 2 schematically shows the construction of the formatter
3. The formatter 3 includes a block management data generator 21, a
group management data generator 22, and a grouped data generator
23. The grouped data generator 23 has a memory for storing data of
at least two groups and an address generator.
[0325] The management data S210 containing information indicating
the size of a block (and a mark described later) is given from the
controller 2 to the block management data generator 21. The block
management data generator 21 generates block management data D111
containing information concerning each blocked data, based on the
management data S210. The block management data D111 has a
variable-length and is generated for the respective blocked data.
The group management data generator 22 generates group management
data D112 containing information concerning the entire grouped data
(e.g., the number of blocks and marks, etc.), based on the
management data S210 given by the controller 2. In the present
embodiment, the group management data is fixed-length data;
however, the group management data can be variable-length data as
long as it contains information indicating the length of the group
management data itself.
[0326] The grouped data generator 23 receives the blocked data
D110, the block management data D111, and the group management data
D112 and arranges these data in a predetermined order to generate
grouped data D120. The block length is variable and the group
length is fixed. Thus, any number of blocked data can be assigned
in one grouped data. In some cases, one grouped data contains only
a part of the blocked data.
[0327] The recording converter 4 performs the error-correction
encoding and modulation with respect to the grouped data D120 input
from the formatter 3 to generate a recording signal D130. The
recording signal D130 is output to the recording head 5. The
recording head 5 records data represented by the recording signal
D130 on the magnetic tape 6.
[0328] The data recorded on the magnetic tape 6 is reproduced by
the apparatus 100 for recording and reproducing digital data as
follows:
[0329] First, a Read Block command for instructing the reproduction
of data is input to the bus. The interface 1 outputs the Read Block
command to the controller 2. In response to a control signal (not
shown) given by the controller 2, the reproducing head 7 reproduces
a signal D140 representing the recorded data from the magnetic tape
6. The reproduced signal D140 is given to the reproducing converter
8. The reproducing converter 8 demodulates the reproduced signal
D140 and performs the error-correction decoding to output grouped
data D150 to the deformatter 9.
[0330] The deformatter 9 rearranges the blocks using the block
management data and the group management data contained in the
grouped data D150 to generate blocked data D160.
[0331] FIG. 3 schematically shows the construction of the
deformatter 9. The deformatter 9 includes a group management data
extractor 25, a block management data extractor 26, a block output
controller 27, and a blocked data separator 28.
[0332] The group management data extractor 25 extracts group
management data D151 contained in the grouped data D150 and outputs
it to the block management data extractor 26 and the block output
controller 27. The block management data extractor 26 extracts
block management data D152 from the grouped data D150 and the
extracted group management data D151 and outputs it to the block
output controller 27. The block output controller 27 calculates the
addresses of blocks in the grouped data to judge each blocked data,
based on the received block management data D152 and the group
management data D151. Then, the block output controller 27
generates a block control signal D153 designating a block to be
output and outputs it to the blocked data separator 28, based on a
control signal (timing signal) S220 given by the controller 2. The
blocked data separator 28 separates the block designated by the
block output control signal D153 from the grouped data D150 and
outputs blocked data D160 to the interface 1.
[0333] In the case where grouped data is not present in the
deformatter 9, or in the case where subsequent grouped data is
further required, the subsequent grouped data is reproduced by the
reproducing head 7 from the magnetic tape 6.
[0334] The interface 1 outputs the blocked data D160 through the
bus.
[0335] As described above, in the case where the Read Block command
is input, the apparatus 100 successively reproduces data recorded
on the magnetic tape 6. When the reproducing order is changed or
jumped, a Space Block command is input through the bus. By
designating a position relative to the present block position by
the Space Block command, the position of the block to be reproduced
can be moved.
[0336] Hereinafter, the operation of block searching in the
apparatus 100 will be described.
[0337] When grouped data is recorded, the controller 2 outputs
information for blocks contained in a group to the recording
converter 4 as management data for searching S230. The recording
converter 4 generates the recording signal D130 for recording
searching data on the magnetic tape 6 together with the grouped
data D120 given by the formatter 3. The management data for
searching S230 contains block numbers, group numbers, etc.
[0338] FIG. 4 schematically shows the construction of the recording
converter 4. The recording converter 4 includes a searching data
generator 71, first and second error-correction encoders 72 and 73,
and a modulator 74. The first error-correction encoder 72 performs
the error-correction encoding with respect to the grouped data D120
input from the formatter 3 and outputs grouped data D121. The
searching data generator 71 generates searching data D122, based on
the management data for searching S230 given by the controller 2.
The second error-correction encoder 73 outputs a signal obtained by
performing the error-correction encoding with respect to the
searching data D122 to the modulator 74. The modulator 74 modulates
the received grouped data D121 and the searching data D123, based
on a control signal S360 given by the controller 2. Then, the
modulator 74 generates the recording signal D130 and outputs it to
the recording head 5. Elements of the recording converter 4, which
are shown in FIG. 4 but are not herein referred to, will be
described later.
[0339] Searching for blocks is conducted as follows:
[0340] Upon receiving the Space Block command through the bus, the
interface 1 outputs the Space Block command to the controller 2.
The controller 2 moves the magnetic tape 6 in accordance with the
Space Block command and simultaneously controls the reproducing
head 7 to reproduce the signal D140 representing recorded data from
the magnetic tape 6. The reproduced signal D140 is given to the
reproducing converter 8. The reproducing converter 8 demodulates
the reproduced signal D140 and performs the error-correction
decoding with respect thereto.
[0341] The reproducing converter 8 extracts searching data
contained in the grouped data D150 and outputs it to the controller
2 as follows:
[0342] FIG. 5 schematically shows the construction of the
reproducing converter 8. The reproducing converter 8 includes a
demodulator 81, first and second error-correction decoders 82 and
83, and a searching data extractor 84. A postamble track detector
85 will be described in Embodiment 5.
[0343] The demodulator 81 demodulates the reproducing signal D140
to generate encoded grouped data D141 and encoded searching data
D142 and outputs them to the first and second error-correction
decoders 82 and 83, respectively. The first error-correction
decoder 82 receives the grouped data D141, performs the
error-correction decoding with respect thereto, and outputs it to
the deformatter 9. The second error-correction decoder 83 receives
the encoded searching data D143, performs the error-correction
decoding with respect thereto, and outputs it to the searching data
extractor 84. The searching data extractor 84 extracts searching
data concerning blocks contained in a group from the
error-correction decoded searching data D143 and outputs the
searching data S340 to the controller 2.
[0344] The controller 2 compares information concerning the blocks
of the input searching data S340 with a command and moves the
magnetic tape 6 so that the position of a desired block is
input.
[0345] In the host, for indicating delimitation or an area of data
and the like, marks for searching can be recorded together with the
blocked data. A predetermined block can be found by searching for
these marks. Hereinafter, recording of marks and searching data
using the marks will be described.
[0346] Among a series of blocked data, a Write Mark command is
input in a position in which mark data is to be recorded. Upon
receiving the Write Mark command through the bus, the interface 1
outputs the Write Mark command to the controller 2. The controller
2 outputs management data (mark data) indicating marks to the
formatter 3 in accordance with the Write Mark command. The
formatter 3 arranges the mark data in block management data in the
order in which the mark data is input to generate the grouped data
D120.
[0347] The controller 2 generates information for the mark data
contained in the grouped data D120 as searching data and outputs it
to the recording converter 4. The recording converter 4 converts
the searching data containing information for the mark data into a
recording signal together with the grouped data D120. Accordingly,
marks are recorded on the magnetic tape 6.
[0348] The marks can be searched by inputting a Space Mark command
to the bus. Upon receiving the Space Mark command through the bus,
the interface 1 outputs the Space Mark command to the controller 2.
The controller 2 moves the magnetic tape 6 in accordance with the
Space Mark command and simultaneously controls the reproducing head
7 to reproduce the signal D140 representing data from the magnetic
tape 6. The reproduced signal D140 is given to the reproducing
converter 8. The reproducing converter 8 demodulates the reproduced
signal D140 and performs the error-correction decoding with respect
thereto.
[0349] In the same way as described above, the reproducing
converter 8 extracts searching data indicating marks contained in
the grouped data D150 and outputs it to the controller 2. The
controller 2 compares information for the marks of the input
searching data with a command and moves the magnetic tape 6 so that
the position of a desired mark is input.
[0350] In the above description, the recording head 5 and the
reproducing head 7 are separately provided. As in the apparatus 101
for recording and reproducing digital data shown in FIG. 6, a
switch 7' may be provided so as to enable one head 5' to record and
reproduce data.
[0351] Hereinafter, the pattern of data to be recorded on the
magnetic tape 6 by the apparatus 100 will be described.
[0352] As shown in FIG. 7, tracks 12 are formed on the magnetic
tape 6 by the recording head 5. FIG. 8 shows the pattern of each
data track. Each track 12 has a tracking information region 14, a
data region 15, and a searching data region 16. A gap 17 is
provided between the respective regions. In the tracking region 14,
information for the head to exactly trace the center of the track
12, i.e., information for recognizing the position of the head in
the track 12 is assigned. In the data region 15, data is assigned.
In the searching data region 16, searching data is assigned.
Information recorded in the searching data region 16 is
reproducible even during searching at a high velocity. The
searching data region is also called a subcode region. The gap 17
is a buffering area used for insert recording.
[0353] In the apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
in the present embodiment, data is processed per group, and one
grouped data is assigned to m tracks 12 (m is a positive
integer).
[0354] As has been described before, the formatter 3 arranges the
input block data, block management data, group management data, and
mark data in a predetermined order to generate grouped data. In the
present embodiment, the grouped data is fixed-length data, and the
blocked data is variable-length data.
[0355] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example for formatting one
grouped data from n blocked data.
[0356] Group management data 41 is assigned with information
indicating the position number (address) of the grouped data and
information concerning the grouped data such as the number of
blocked data contained in the grouped data. Here, the position
number of the grouped data is determined relative to the leading
edge of the magnetic tape 6 or from a specific position thereof.
The leading edge of the group management data 41 is placed in a
specific position in the grouped data. The length of the group
management data 41 may be variable as long as the group management
data 41 includes information for finding the length of the group
management data 41.
[0357] In the example of a format shown in FIG. 9, the group
management data 41 is placed in the leading region of the grouped
data 200. In the grouped data 200, the blocked data 43(i) and block
management data 42(i) corresponding to blocked data 43(i) are
arranged so as to be adjacent to each other. Herein, i represents
the i-th blocked data or i-th block management data corresponding
thereto (1.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.n) in the grouped data 200. The block
management data 42(i) is assigned with information indicating the
block length of the corresponding blocked data 43(i) and the
attribute thereof.
[0358] For recording marks, mark data 44 is recorded so as to be
inserted in the sequence of blocked data to be recorded, in
accordance with the positions where the marks are inserted among
the input blocked data. In the case of the grouped data 200 shown
in FIG. 9, the mark data 44 is recorded between the second blocked
data 43(2) and the third blocked data 43(3). No information is
assigned to dummy data 45. The dummy data 45 occurs when the
recording region assigned to the grouped data 200 is not made the
most use of.
[0359] In the above embodiment, each block management data 42(i)
has information of length x(i) of the blocked data 43(i). However,
the information may be the combined length of the blocked data
43(i) and the block management data 42(i). Alternatively, the
information may be the start position of the block management data
42(i+1) (in this case, the block management data 42(n) will have
information indicating the start position of the dummy data 45).
Furthermore, it can be considered that the first or last recorded
blocked data in one group is assigned across two adjacent grouped
data. Information indicating such a condition can be assigned to
the group management data 41, the block management data 42(1) and
42(n).
[0360] The block management data 42(i) are respectively composed of
k(i) (1.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.n) words. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an
example for forming one word for configuring block management
data.
[0361] As shown in FIG. 10, one word is composed of one symbol of
control code and four symbols of codes. One symbol corresponds to
one byte. The control code is a pattern prescribing the information
represented by the word, and code (1), code (2), code (3), and code
(4) are contents of the information represented by the control
code. An example of the correspondence between the control code and
the contents represented by the codes is shown in Table 1.
1 TABLE 1 Control code: Contents of codes 00h Length of blocked
data . . . 10h Mark flag . . . 80h Compression method 81h Blocked
data before compression 82h Length of blocked data before
compression . . . 90h Encoding method 91h Key to encoding . . . A0h
Type of tape A1h Length of tape . . . B0h Partition number B1h
Start position of partition B2h End position of partition B3h End
position of data . . . f0h Reserve ffh Delimiter
[0362] The word having a control code of 00h is information
required for the entire blocked data. Therefore, when the word
having a control code of 00h is used as the last word ki of each
block management data 42(i) (1.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.n), the block
management data 42(i) can be delimited by this word. The number of
blocked data can be shown by placing the word having a control code
of 00h and having blocked data length of 0 right after the blocked
data 43(n).
[0363] The words except for the word (1) can be assigned in an
arbitrary order in each block management data 42(i). Depending upon
the contents of the words, two or more words having the same
control code may appear in one block management data. In such a
case, if the order of these words is not given as a code, it is
required to prescribe the order of only these words.
[0364] FIGS. 11 to 14 are diagrams showing various examples of a
method for formatting one grouped data from n blocked data. In
these figures, the contents of the group management data 41, block
management data 42(i), blocked data 43(i), mark data 44, and dummy
data 45; and the word structure of the block management data 42(i)
are similar to those of the grouped data 200.
[0365] In the grouped data 210 shown in FIG. 11, the block
management data 42(i) are successively arranged right after the
group management data 41 in the order in which the block management
data 42(i) are input. The blocked data 43(i) are successively
arranged right after the block management data 42(n) in accordance
with the order in which the corresponding block management data
42(i) are arranged.
[0366] FIG. 11 shows the group management data 41 placed in the
leading region of the grouped data 210; however, the group
management data 41 may be placed in another region. In this case,
the block management data 42(i) are successively arranged in the
order in which they are input, except for a region where the group
management data 41 has been placed. The blocked data 43(i) are
successively arranged right after the block management data 42(n)
in accordance with order in which the corresponding block
management data 42(i) are arranged, except for a region, if any,
where the group management data 41 has been placed. In the case
where mark data 44 is present, the mark data 44 is arranged so as
to be inserted among the block management data 42(i), in accordance
with the order in which the mark data is input.
[0367] The above description can be applied to the other examples
of grouped data in the same way.
[0368] In the grouped data 220 shown in FIG. 12, the blocked data
43(i) are successively arranged right after the group management
data 41 placed in the leading region of the grouped data 220 in the
order in which the blocked data 43(i) are input. The block
management data 42(i) are successively arranged right after the
blocked data 43(n) in accordance with the order in which the
corresponding blocked data 43(i) are arranged.
[0369] According to the formats used in the grouped data 210 and
220, the recording of the grouped data is started after the blocked
data, block management data, and the like contained in one grouped
data to be recorded are all given to the memory of the grouped data
generator 23. The dummy data 45, if any, is placed in the trailing
region of the grouped data.
[0370] In grouped data 230 shown in FIG. 13, the block management
data 42(i) are successively arranged right after the group
management data 41 placed in the leading region of the grouped data
230 in the order in which the block management data 42(i) are
input. The blocked data 43(i) are successively arranged from the
trailing edge of the grouped data 230 in accordance with the order
in which the corresponding block management data 42(i) are
arranged.
[0371] In the grouped data 240 shown in FIG. 14, the blocked data
43(i) are successively arranged right after the group management
data 41 placed in the leading region of the blocked data 240 in the
order in which the blocked data 43(i) are input. The block
management data 42(i) are successively arranged from the trailing
edge of the grouped data 240 in accordance with the order in which
the corresponding blocked data 43(i) are arranged.
[0372] According to the formats used in the grouped data 230 and
240, recording is started from the leading edge and the trailing
edge of the grouped data. Thus, the blocked data, block management
data, and the like are sequentially recorded in the order in which
they are input to record the grouped data. The dummy data 45, if
any, is placed at some midpoint of the grouped data.
[0373] In these grouped data 210 to 240, by using the word having a
control code of 00h as the word (1) or the word (ki) in each block
management data 42(i) (1.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.n) in the same way as in
the grouped data 200 shown in FIG. 9, the block management data can
be delimited. However, in the case where the word having a control
code of 00h is used as the word (1), the word having a control code
of 00h needs to be placed after the block management data 42(n) to
indicate that the block management data 42(n) is ended.
[0374] As described above, the deformatter 9 reconfigures the
blocked data D160 from the reproduced grouped data D150. The
original blocked data can be reconfigured from the grouped data
formatted as described above in the following manner.
[0375] The block management data extractor 26 extracts the block
management data 42 from the grouped data D150. The k-th blocked
data can be reconfigured by obtaining the start position and size
of the k-th blocked data 43(k) from the information contained in
the block management data 42. For example, in the case where each
block management data 42(i) has length x(i) of the corresponding
blocked data 43(i) by calculating the sum of length y(i) of the
block management data 42(i) and the sum of length x(i) of the
blocked data 43(i) using the block management data 42(1) to
42(k-1), where i=1 to k-1, the position of the block management
data 42(k) (and the blocked data 43(i), depending upon the
arrangement) is obtained. The length x(k) and the start position of
the blocked data 43(k) are obtained from the block management data
(k).
[0376] In the case where the blocked data are arranged as shown in
FIG. 9, the start position of the first block management data 42(1)
needs to be found, so that the information indicating the start
position of the first block management data 42(1) is required to be
previously assigned to the group management data 41. Accordingly,
the blocked data can be efficiently arranged into grouped data by
configuring block management data in a variable-length form.
[0377] In the case of the grouped data 210 to 240 shown in FIGS. 11
to 14, the block management data 42(i) (1.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.n) are
arranged together (i.e., the block management data and blocked data
are not arranged in an alternate manner); therefore, the extraction
of group management data, and the position and length of blocked
data can be efficiently calculated.
[0378] In the present embodiment, one word is composed of one
symbol of control code and 4 symbols of codes, and one symbol is
assumed to be one byte. The respective symbol numbers and the size
of one symbol are arbitrary. Table 1 merely exemplifies the
contents of control codes. Other contents can be assigned to each
control code; for example, information containing a plurality kinds
of contents may be effectively filled in one control code.
[0379] A word having a control code of 00h is used for indicating
the delimitation of block management data. A word having a control
code of another value can be used, or other methods for
delimitation can be used. An example of other methods for
delimitation is as follows: The number indicating in which position
the blocked data is placed from the leading edge of the grouped
data may be assigned to all of the words. Alternatively, a word
dedicated for delimitation may be provided.
[0380] Any arrangement in the grouped data shown in FIGS. 9, and 11
to 14 can be used. It is not required to provide dummy data, or two
or more dummy data can be provided. The group management data may
be placed in the trailing region of the grouped data instead of the
leading region. As long as the position of the group management
data is found, it can be placed in any position. The group
management data may be placed in different positions depending upon
each grouped data.
[0381] Embodiment 2
[0382] Blocked data can be recorded on a magnetic tape after being
subjected to data conversion processing such as compression and
encoding. In this case, information concerning the processing
conducted with respect to the input blocked data (e.g., a
compression method, a state of compression, a method for encoding,
and a key to encoding) needs to be simultaneously recorded. In the
present embodiment, the recording and reproducing of data involving
data conversion will be described.
[0383] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for
recording and reproducing digital data 300 in Embodiment 2. In the
same way as in the apparatus 100, the apparatus 300 includes an
interface 1, a controller 2, a formatter (group conversion circuit)
30, a recording converter 4, a recording head 5, a reproducing head
7, a reproducing converter 8, and a deformatter (group reverse
conversion circuit) 90. The interface 1 receives a command and
blocked data input from a host such as a computer. The controller 2
generates various kinds of control signals and management data
based on the input command to control each portion of the apparatus
300. The formatter 30 arranges the input blocked data in a
predetermined order to form grouped data. The recording converter 4
converts the grouped data into a recording signal. The recording
head 5 records data representing the recording signal on a magnetic
tape 6. The reproducing head 7 detects a reproducing signal from
the magnetic tape 6. The reproducing converter 8 converts the
reproducing signal into grouped data. The deformatter 90 (group
reverse conversion circuit) reconfigures blocked data from the
grouped data output from the reproducing converter 8.
[0384] The apparatus 300 for recording and reproducing digital data
is different from the apparatus 100 (having the formatter 3 and the
deformatter 9) in structure of the formatter 30 and the deformatter
90. Since the construction and operation of the other portions are
the same as those of Embodiment 1, the detailed descriptions
thereof are omitted here. Only the formatter 30 and the deformatter
90 will be described below.
[0385] FIG. 16 schematically shows the construction of the
formatter 30 in Embodiment 2. The formatter 30 includes a data
transformer 51, a block management data generator 52, a group
management data generator 53, and a grouped data generator 54. In
the formatter 30, grouped data D120' is formed from blocked data
D110.
[0386] The data transformer 51 is provided with the blocked data
D110 through the interface 1, and is provided with a control signal
S211 for instructing compression, an ON/OFF of encryption, and a
method thereof from the controller 2. The data transformer 51
transforms the blocked data D110 into recording blocked data D113
based on the control signal S211.
[0387] The block management data generator 52 receives the
recording blocked data D113 and management data S212 given by the
controller 2 and generates variable-length block management data
D114 with respect to each block of the recording blocked data D113
based on the management data S212. The block management data D114
contains information for the recording blocked data D113 and the
blocked data D110 before conversion, and information for
transformation. The information for transformation is, for example,
information for a method for compressing and encoding data, a state
of compression, a key to encoding, and the like.
[0388] The group management data generator 53 receives the
recording blocked data D113 and the management data S212 and
generates group management data D115 containing information for the
entire grouped data (for example, the number of blocks and marks).
In the present embodiment, the group management data is also a
fixed-length data; however, the group management data can be made
variable-length data as long as it contains information indicating
the length of the group management data itself.
[0389] The grouped data generator 54 receives the recording blocked
data D113, the block management data D114, and the group management
data D115, and arranges them in a predetermined order to generate
the grouped data D120'. The grouped data generator 54 has a memory
for storing at least 2 groups of data and an address generator.
[0390] The formats regarding the blocked data, block management
data, and group management data shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 to 14 can
be applied to the arrangement of recording blocked data and block
management data in the grouped data D120'.
[0391] In the present embodiment, a block length is variable and a
group length is fixed. Thus, any number of blocked data can be
assigned in one grouped data. In some cases, one grouped data
contains only part of the blocked data.
[0392] FIG. 17 schematically shows the construction of the
deformatter 90. The deformatter 90 includes a group management data
extractor 56, a block management data extractor 57, a block output
controller 58, a blocked data separator 59, and a data inverse
transformer 60. In the deformatter 90, the blocked data D160 is
reconfigured from grouped data D150' as described below.
[0393] The group management data extractor 56 extracts group
management data D151' contained in the grouped data D150', and
outputs it to the block management data extractor 57 and the block
output controller 58.
[0394] The block management data extractor 57 extracts block
management data D152' from the grouped data D150' and the extracted
group management data D151', and outputs it to the block output
controller 58.
[0395] The block output controller 58 calculates addresses of
recording blocks in grouped data based on the received block
management data D152' and the group management data D151'.
Furthermore, the block output controller 58 determines blocked data
to be output and recording blocked data containing the blocked data
to be output based on a control signal S221 (a timing signal and a
signal for instructing a method for decompression or decoding of
encryption, etc.) given by the controller 2. Then, the block output
controller 58 outputs a block output control signal D154
designating the blocked data to be output, a block separating
signal D155 for designating recording blocked data related to the
blocked data to be output, and an inverse transformation
instructing signal D156 for instructing the inverse transformation
from the recording blocked data into the blocked data.
[0396] The blocked data separator 59 receives the grouped data
D150' and the block output control signal D154, separates recording
blocked data D157 designated by the block output control signal
D154 from the grouped data D150', and outputs the separated
recording blocked data D157 to the data inverse transformer 60.
[0397] The data inverse transformer 60 performs inverse
transformation such as decoding of encryption or decompression with
respect to the recording blocked data D157 based on the reverse
conversion instructing signal D156 to obtain the original blocked
data. Then, the data inverse transformer 60 outputs the designated
blocked data D160 to the interface 1 based on the block output
control signal D155.
[0398] In the case where data transformation such as compression or
encryption is performed, one block of the input blocked data is not
always recorded as one block of recording blocked data after
transformation. The reason for this is as follows: In the case of
compression, the compression efficiency is better when a great
amount of data is processed at a time. Thus, for the purpose of
enhancing the compression efficiently, a plurality of blocks of the
input blocked data are sometimes processed together and converted
into a less number of blocks for recording blocked data.
Furthermore, in the case of encryption, a unit amount of encryption
is sometimes limited to a specific fixed length.
[0399] Thus, the block management data generated with respect to
the recording blocked data after transformation needs to contain
information of the input blocked data before transformation. This
can be applied to the group management data. For example, the group
management data needs to contain information concerning the number
of recording blocked data after transformation contained in the
grouped data and the number of the corresponding input blocked
data. In the block management data generator 52 and the group
management data generator 53, the block management data D114 and
the group management data D115 are generated so as to satisfy the
above conditions.
[0400] By generating each management data as described above, the
original input blocked data can be reconfigured from the grouped
data D150' (configured based on the recording blocked data after
data conversion) by the deformatter 90. Since the block output
control signal D154 is given to the blocked data separator 59 based
on the input blocked data, the blocked data separator 59 separates
all of the recording blocked data related to the blocked data
designated by the block output control signal D154, and outputs all
of the separated recording blocked data. All of the related
recording blocked data are inversely transformed by the data
inverse transformer 60 and only the designated original blocked
data is separated from them.
[0401] Even in the case of recording and reproducing data involving
the data transformation, by configuring the recording blocked data,
block management data, group management data, and the like as
described above, management data with respect to the recording
blocked data can be recorded in a variable length form, resulting
in the efficient arrangement of the blocked data in the grouped
data. For example, in the case of recording and reproducing data
partially involving data compression, the block management data of
the recording block data related to the compressed blocked data
contain much information, so that the block management data needs
sufficient length. On the other hand, the block management data of
the blocked data which is not compressed may not have such long
length. Thus, more flexible and efficient grouped data can be
obtained, compared with the case where fixed-length block
management data is formed with respect to each blocked data.
[0402] Embodiment 3
[0403] In the present embodiment, searching of information recorded
by the apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data
according to the present invention will be described.
[0404] As described in Embodiment 1, when grouped data is recorded,
data for searching generated by the controller 2 is recorded
together with it. When a block and/or a mark are searched, the
searching data is extracted from a signal reproduced from the
magnetic tape 6, and a desired block or mark is obtained based on
the extracted searching data and the searching information input to
and the controller 2.
[0405] When the input blocked data is recorded on the magnetic tape
6 in a group unit, the blocked data are assigned with ascending
numbers in the order in which the blocked data are input. The
corresponding block management data are recoded with the
corresponding numbers assigned thereto by the block management data
generator (21 or 52). In the present embodiment, the numbers are
assigned in the order in which blocked data are input; however, any
numbering can be used as long as specific numbers identifying each
blocked data and the corresponding block management data are
used.
[0406] FIG. 18 shows the state in which the grouped data 200 shown
in FIG. 9 is recorded on the magnetic tape 6. FIG. 18 schematically
shows the data region 15 and the searching data region 16 in the
tracks 12 formed on the magnetic tape 6. One group includes q
tracks 12 on the magnetic tape 6. The grouped data 200 shown in
FIG. 18 is the N-th grouped data including one group management
data G.sub.N, n blocked data m to (m+n-1), n block management data
B.sub.m to B.sub.m+n-1 mark data M.sub.p, and dummy data D. Here, m
represents the m-th blocked data, and the corresponding block
management data is represented by B.sub.m. p of the mark data
M.sub.p represents the p-th mark data. The numbers of the blocks
and marks are determined based on the leading edge of the magnetic
tape 6 or a predetermined position thereof. As shown in FIG. 18,
these data are recorded in the data region 15 in the order in which
these data are input.
[0407] Searching data is recorded as follows:
[0408] The number m of blocked data m whose recording is first
started in the N-th group is recorded in the searching data region
16. Likewise, the number p of marked data Mp recorded in the N-th
group is recorded in the searching data region 16. Although FIG. 18
shows only one mark data, one grouped data may contain a plurality
of mark data. In this case, the mark number of the marked data
whose recording is first started in the group is recorded. In the
case where the group contains no marks, information indicating the
absence of marks is recorded.
[0409] The searching of the t-th block Bt in the case where the
searching data is recorded as described above will be
described.
[0410] Assuming that a block indicating the present position of the
reproducing head 7 is represented by Bc. When the relationship
t>c is satisfied, the magnetic tape 6 is searched from the
leading edge to the trailing edge, and the reproducing head 7 is
moved to a group k where searching data (block number) k reproduced
from the searching data region 16 satisfies the relationship
t.ltoreq.k. In the case where a desired block number t is obtained
as searching data, a desired block Bt is in the group k. In the
case where the relationship k=t is not obtained and the reproducing
head 7 passes through the block t (i.e., t<k), a desired block
Bt is present in either of the groups which the reproducing head 7
has passed through. In this case, the searching velocity of the
reproducing head 7 is inverted to slowly search the magnetic tape 6
in the opposite direction. A desired block Bt is contained in a
group where the relationship k<t is first satisfied during
searching of the magnetic tape 6 in the opposite direction. When
the group containing the desired block Bt is determined, the
desired block Bt can be reproduced by starting the reproduction of
data from that position at an ordinary velocity for
reproducing.
[0411] In the case of t<c, a group in which a desired block is
present is determined in the same way by searching the magnetic
tape 6 from the trailing edge to the leading edge, and the
reproduction of data is started from that position at an ordinary
velocity, whereby the desired block can be reproduced.
[0412] The grouped data 200 is exemplified above. A desired block
can be similarly searched in the grouped data 210 to 240 shown in
FIGS. 11 to 14.
[0413] Searching of data with the designated block number t has
been described, Searching of data can also be conducted in the same
way even when a mark number r is designated. Mark data are
successively assigned with mark numbers from the leading edge of
the magnetic tape 6 or a predetermined position thereof. A group in
which a desired mark is present can be determined in the same way
as the above, by comparing a desired mark number r with the mark
number p recorded in the searching data region 16 of the group. In
the case where the group contains no marks, information indicating
the absence of marks is recorded instead of the mark number p. Note
that a group in which the desired mark is present can be
successfully determined by ignoring such a group (containing no
marks) based on the information.
[0414] The case where one grouped data contains a plurality of
blocked data is described above. Since the grouped data is
fixed-length data, and the blocked data is variable-length data,
one block of the blocked data may be larger than one group of the
grouped data. Hereinafter, a method for searching, including the
case where a block length is larger than a group length, will be
described.
[0415] In the case where blocked data to be input contains a block
larger than one group, the grouped data generator (23 or 54)
formats as shown in FIG. 9. Since the block management data B.sub.m
and the blocked data m are always recorded adjacent to each other,
the m-th block management data and blocked data will be represented
by a block B(m) in the following description. The p-th mark will be
represented by M(p). Likewise, the N-th grouped data will be
represented by a group G(N). The group G(N) is composed of the
block B(m) contained in the N-th group, the mark data M(p), and the
group management data G.sub.N, and is formatted as shown in FIG. 9.
The group management data G.sub.N contains information indicating
the number of the leading block contained in the N-th group, a flag
indicating whether or not the block is recorded continuing from the
previous block, the mark number of the first mark contained in the
N-th group, and group numbers.
[0416] FIG. 19A shows an example of grouped data in the case where
a block larger than a group is input. FIG. 19A shows the case where
blocks a, b, and c are input and recorded as three grouped data.
The block b is divided into blocks b.sub.1, b.sub.2, and b.sub.3.
The group management data is placed in the leading region of each
grouped data, and contains a flag indicating that blocks recorded
after being divided are successively placed. Block management data
A, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.3, and C are placed before the
corresponding blocked data.
[0417] FIG. 19B shows the state where grouped data in which a block
larger than a group is present is recorded on the magnetic tape 6.
In this figure, the data region 15 and the searching data region 16
in the tracks 12 formed on the magnetic tape 6 are schematically
shown. As shown in this figure, the group G(N) are successively
recorded in the data region 15, whereby the block B(m) and the mark
M(p) are recorded in the order in which they are input.
[0418] Searching data is recorded as follows:
[0419] In the searching data region 16 of each group, the block
number of a block whose recording is first started in the group is
recorded as searching data. In the case where there are no blocks
whose recording is started in the group, information indicating the
absence of blocks whose recording is started is recorded as
searching data.
[0420] For example, as shown in FIG. 19B, since recording of the
block B(m) is first started in the group G(N), the block number m
is recorded in the searching data region 16 of the group G(N).
Likewise, since recording of a block B(m+2) is first started in a
group G(N+2), the block number m+2 is recorded in the corresponding
data searching region 16. Since there are no blocks whose recording
is started in a group G(N+2), information z indicating the absence
of blocks whose recording is started in the group is recorded
instead of the block number in the searching data region 16 in the
track 12.
[0421] The case where a desired block B(t) is searched by using the
thus recorded searching data (block number) will be described.
[0422] As shown in FIG. 20A, it is assumed that a block indicating
the present position of the reproducing head 7 is represented by
B(C). In the case of t>c, the magnetic tape 6 is searched from
the leading edge to the trailing edge, and the reproducing head 7
is moved to a group k where searching data (block number) k
reproduced from the searching data region 16 satisfies the
relationship t.ltoreq.k. As shown in FIG. 20A, in the case where a
desired block number t is obtained as searching data, a desired
block B(t) is in the group k. As shown in FIG. 20C, in the case
where the relationship k=t is not obtained and the reproducing head
7 passes through the block number t (i.e., k<c), the desired
block B(t) is present in either of the blocks which the reproducing
head 7 has passed through. In this case, a searching velocity of
the reproducing head 7 is inverted to slowly search the magnetic
tape 6 in the opposite direction. The desired block B(t) is
contained in the group where the relationship k<t is first
obtained during searching of the magnetic tape 6 in the opposite
direction. In the case where there are no blocks whose recording is
started in the group (group G(R)), information z indicating the
absence of the blocks whose recording is started in the group is
recorded in the searching data region 16 instead of the group
number. Thus, such a group G(R) is found in the course of
searching, the group G(R) is ignored based on the information z,
whereby a group in which a desired block is present can be
successfully determined. When the group containing the desired
block B(t) is determined, the desired block B(t) can be reproduced
by starting the reproducing of data from that position at an
ordinary reproducing velocity.
[0423] In the case of t<c, a group in which a desired block is
present is similarly determined by searching the magnetic tape 6
from the trailing edge to the leading edge. The desired block can
be reproduced by starting the reproduction of data from the
determined group position at an ordinary velocity (FIGS. 20B and
20C).
[0424] As described above, a desired block can be searched by using
the block numbers of each input block assigned in the order in
which the input blocks are recorded and searching data of the block
number which indicates a block whose recording is first started in
the group or information indicating the absence of the blocks whose
recording is started in the group in the searching data region of
each group. Since the information indicating the absence of the
blocks whose recording is started in the group is recorded in the
same place as that of the block number, it is not necessary to
enlarge or provide another searching data region. Since there is
only one kind of information to be recorded, the searching data
region is not required to be large. Searching is conducted using
one information, so that information to be read for searching is
less and extra operation such as addition is not required. This
results in high-velocity searching at lower cost compared with the
conventional example.
[0425] Searching of data by designating the block number t is
described above. Hereinafter, searching of data using marks will be
described. In the same way as in the blocks, mark data are
successively assigned with mark numbers from the leading edge of
the magnetic tape 6 or a predetermined position thereof.
[0426] In the case of using marks as searching data, mark numbers
are recorded as follows:
[0427] In the searching data region 16 of each group, the mark
number p of a mark M(p) which is first recorded in the group is
recorded. In the case where there are no marks in the group,
information indicating the absence of marks in the group is
recorded as searching data.
[0428] In the following procedure, a desired mark M(r) can be
searched by designating a mark number r of the desired mark M(r) in
the same way as in the blocks. Specifically, the desired mark
number r is compared with the mark number p recorded in the
searching data region 16 of the group, whereby a group in which the
desired mark M(r) is present is determined. In the case where there
are no marks in the group, information indicating the absence of
the marks is recorded instead of the mark number p, so that a group
in which the desired mark M(r) is present can be successfully
determined by ignoring such a group (having no marks). When the
group in which the desired mark M(r) is present is determined,
required data can be reproduced at an ordinary velocity from a
predetermined position indicated by the mark.
[0429] As described above, a desired mark can be searched by using
mark numbers for each input mark assigned in the order in which the
input marks are recorded and searching data of the mark number
which indicates a mark whose recording is first started in the
group or information indicating the absence of the marks whose
recording is started in the group in the searching data region of
each group. Since the information indicating the absence of the
marks whose recording is started in the group is recorded in the
same place as that of the mark number, it is not necessary to
enlarge or provide another searching data region. Since there is
only one kind of information to be recorded, the searching data
region is not required to be large. Searching is conducted using
one information, so that information to be read for searching is
less and additional operation such as addition is not required.
This results in high-velocity searching at lower cost compared with
the conventional example.
[0430] Alternatively, the block number and the mark number are
recorded in the searching data region and combined to be used as
one searching data. For example, in the case where a mark is used
for delimiting large data, coarse searching is first conducted
using mark numbers and detailed searching is then conducted using
block numbers. In this case, extra operation such as addition is
not required. This results in high-velocity searching at lower cost
compared with the conventional example.
[0431] Embodiment 4
[0432] In Embodiment 3, the case where searching is conducted using
one kind of searching data is described. The objective of the
present embodiment is to prevent the reproducing head from
returning after passing through a group containing a desired block
(or a desired mark) in Embodiment 3, thereby realizing efficient
searching. A method for recording the block B(m) and the mark M(p)
on the magnetic tape 6 in a unit of the group G(N) is the same as
that of Embodiment 3.
[0433] In the present embodiment, the block number m of the block
B(m) whose recording is first stated in the group G(N) and the
block number q of the block B(q) whose recording is last started in
the group G(N) are recorded in the searching data region 16 of the
group G(N). In the case where the magnetic tape 6 is searched from
the leading edge to the trailing edge, the reproducing head can
avoid returning after passing through a desired group by using the
block number q of a block whose recording is last started in the
group. Although two kinds of informations are recorded in the
searching data region, only the comparison between the designated
block number and the block number reproduced from the searching
data region is conducted during searching. Since the comparison is
made with respect to one kind of information during searching,
extra operation is not required. Thus, redundant movement of the
reproducing head of returning after passing through the desired
black can be avoided while maintaining the effects of high-velocity
searching with efficiency at low cost.
[0434] Likewise, the mark number p of the mark M(p) first recorded
in the group G(N) and the mark number r of the mark M(r) last
recorded in the group G(N) are recorded in the searching data
region 16 in the track of the group G(N), whereby the reproducing
head can be prevented from returning after passing through the
desired mark.
[0435] According to the above method, in the case where a large
block is present covering a plurality of groups, block numbers
cannot be read while searching these groups. (In these groups, only
information indicating the absence of the blocks whose recording is
started therein is obtained.) In this case, if a block number of
the searching data region 16 is misread in a group in which
recording of the block is started, the reproducing head passes
through a plurality of groups until it reads the subsequent block
number.
[0436] In the searching data region 16, the block number of a block
whose recording is first started in the group can be recorded. In
this case, a flag indicating whether the block is recorded
continuously from the previous group or the block is first recorded
in the group is recorded together with the block number of the
block which is first recorded.
[0437] Referring to FIG. 21, in the group G(N), the block number m
of the first block B(m) of the group G(N) and a flag value of 0 are
recorded in the searching data-region 16. The flag 0 indicates that
recording of the block B(m) is started in the group G(N). In the
group G(N+1), the block number m+1 of the first block B(m+1) in the
group G(N+1) and a flag value of 1 are recorded in the searching
data region 16. The flag 1 indicates that recording of the block
B(m+1) is started in a group preceding the group G(N+1) in which
the block number m+1 is recorded.
[0438] A method for searching in the case where the block number
and flag are thus recorded in the searching data region 16 will be
described. It is assumed that a desired block to be searched is
represented by B(t) and a block indicating the present position of
the reproducing head 7 is indicated by B(c).
[0439] In the case of t>c, the magnetic tape 6 is searched from
the leading edge to the trailing edge. The reproducing head 7 is
moved to a group where the block number k reproduced from the
searching data region 16 satisfies the relationship t.ltoreq.k.
When the relationship k>t is obtained, the searching direction
is inverted and continues searching slowly. A group where k is
equal to t and the flag is 0 is a block in which a desired block
B(t) is recorded. In the case where there are no groups which
satisfy the relationship k=t and have a flag value of 0, the block
B(t) is present in the first group where the relationship k<t is
obtained.
[0440] In the case of t<c, the magnetic tape 6 is searched in
the opposite direction, and the reproducing head 7 is moved until
the block number k reproduced from the searching data region 16
satisfies the relationship t>k. Then, the searching direction is
inverted to slowly continue searching. A group where t is equal to
k and the flag is 0 is a block in which the desired block B(t) is
recorded. In the case where there are no groups which satisfy the
relationship t=k and have a flag value of 0, the magnetic tape 16
is again searched in the opposite direction. The desired block B(t)
is present in the first group where the relationship t>k is
obtained.
[0441] In the case of using marks, mark numbers are recorded in the
searching data region 16 as follows:
[0442] When marks are present in a group, the mark number of the
first mark contained in the group is recorded. When marks are not
present in a group, the same mark number as that recorded in the
searching data region 16 of the previous group is recorded.
[0443] As described above, by recording block numbers and/or mark
numbers in the searching data region 16, even in the case where
searching data cannot be read because of some errors, the searching
data in the subsequent block can be read. Therefore, exact
searching can be conducted.
[0444] According to the searching method in Embodiments 3 and 4,
the block numbers and/or mark numbers are recorded in the searching
data region 16 and they are compared with the desired block number
or the desired mark number to search data. Compared with the
conventional example, searching can be conducted with less number
of -searching data, so that a record medium can be effectively
used. Furthermore, it is not required to calculate the resultant
searching data, which enables high-velocity searching at lower
cost.
[0445] The above embodiment illustrates that the ascending numbers
are assigned to blocks. It is noted that the descending numbers can
also be assigned. In the case of using the descending numbers, the
large and small relationship to be compared becomes different from
the case using the ascending numbers. However, the underlying
concept is the same, so that the description thereof will be
omitted here. Furthermore, the above embodiment illustrates one
kind of mark block. It is noted that a plurality of mark blocks can
be used.
[0446] Embodiment 5
[0447] In the present embodiment, a method for effectively
recording input blocked data on the magnetic tape 6 by the
apparatus for recording and reproducing digital data will be
described.
[0448] The input blocked data D110 is converted into the grouped
data D120 by the formatter 3, and converted into the recording
signal D130 by the recording converter 4. In the recording
converter 4, the grouped data D120 is formed in a plurality of
tracks and converted into a recording signal as follows:
[0449] As shown in FIG. 4, the recording converter 4 includes the
searching data generator 71, the first and second error-correction
encoders 72 and 73, the modulator 7-4, the preamble track generator
75, the postamble track generator 76, and the data end track
generator 77.
[0450] The grouped data is input in a unit of track to the
recording converter 4 from the formatter 3. Specifically, the
grouped data are arranged in data tracks with the synchronization
of the controller 2. The first error-correction encoder 72 performs
error-correction encoding with respect to the grouped data in a
unit of track and output them to the switch 78. The preamble track
generator 75 generates preamble tracks to be arranged preceding the
data tracks. The postamble track generator 76 generates postamble
tracks to be arranged following the data tracks. The data end track
generator 77 generates data end tracks indicating the end of data.
These tracks are respectively output to the switch 78. The switch
78 selects either of the preamble tracks, the data tracks, or the
postamble tracks in accordance with the control (not shown) of the
controller 2 and outputs them to the modulator 74.
[0451] The management data S230 containing information concerning
block numbers, mark numbers, group numbers, and the like is given
to the searching data generator 71 from the controller 2. The
searching data generator 71 generates or configures searching data
indicating information for searching the block numbers, mark
numbers, group numbers, and the like, and outputs it to the second
error-correction encoder 73. The second error-correction encoder 73
performs error-correction encoding with respect to the received
searching data and outputs it to the modulator 74. The modulator 74
forms the grouped data in a unit of track input through the switch
78 and the searching data into sync-blocks, respectively, modulates
them, and outputs the recording signal D130 to the recording head
5. The modulator 74 and the recording head 5 are controlled by the
controller 2, whereby the grouped data in a unit of track are
recorded in the tracks 12 and the searching data are recorded in
the searching data region 16 in the tracks 12 (see FIG. 8).
[0452] Each track is recorded after being divided into a plurality
of sync-blocks by the modulator 74. FIG. 22 shows sync-blocks 700
of the data region 15 in the track 12. Each sync-block 700 includes
a sync-pattern 701, an ID address 702, a data portion 703, and a
parity 704. The sync-pattern 701 is generated and added to each
sync-block 700 while the modulator 74 modulates the sync-blocks
700. The ID address 702 is given to the modulator 74 from the
controller 2 and is added to each sync-block 700 (see FIG. 23). The
parity 704 is added to each sync-block 700 by the first and second
error-correction encoders 72 and 73. The searching data region 16
is similarly composed of sync-blocks. The size of each sync-block
and the detailed structure of the sync-pattern, the ID address, the
data, and the parity of the searching data region 16 may be
different from those of the sync-blocks 700 of the data region
15.
[0453] As described above, by recording a track after dividing it
into predetermined units (sync-blocks), even in the case where
errors occur in the track or part of the track is damaged, the
tracks can be synchronized again by using the sync-pattern (ID
address) as a guide. In the case where the tracks are recorded
without being divided into the sync-blocks, if errors occur in the
track or part of the track is damaged (i.e., the reproduction of
data in the defective tracks becomes impossible), the tracks
following a portion of a track which becomes unreproducible cannot
be synchronized to be reproduced. In general, the error-correction
encoding is performed in a unit of sync-block.
[0454] In the track formed as described above, information for
identifying the preamble tracks, the data tracks, the postamble
tracks, and the data end tracks can be recorded by providing an
identifying bit in the data portion 703 or the ID address 702 of
the sync-block 700 in the data region 15. The identifying bit may
be provided in all of the sync-blocks 700 or only in part of the
sync-blocks 700. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide the
identifying bit in the sync-blocks of the searching data region
16.
[0455] Next, the operation of the reproducing converter 8 during
reproducing data or searching data will be described.
[0456] As shown in FIG. 5, the reproducing converter 8 includes the
demodulator 81, the first and second error-correction decoders 82
and 83, the searching data extractor 84, and the postamble track
detector 85.
[0457] The demodulator 81 demodulates the reproduced signal D140,
outputs the sync-blocks (encoded grouped data D141) in the data
region 15 to the first error-correction decoder 82 and the
postamble track detector 85, and outputs the sync-blocks (encoded
searching data D142) in the searching data region 16 to the second
error-correction decoder 83. The postamble track detector 85 judges
the identifying bit recorded in the received sync-blocks of the
data region 15, determines the type of the tracks, and outputs a
detecting signal indicating whether the tracks are postamble tracks
or not. The detecting signal is given to the controller 2.
[0458] The first error-correction decoder 82 performs
error-correction decoding with respect to the sync-blocks in the
data region 15 and outputs them to the deformatter 9. The second
error-correction decoder 83 performs error-correction decoding with
respect to the sync-blocks in the searching data region 16, and
outputs them to the searching data extractor 84. The searching data
extractor 84 extracts searching data such as block numbers and mark
numbers of the group from the error-corrected decoded sync-blocks
in the searching data region 16 and outputs it to the controller 2
as the searching data S340. The controller 2 determines the present
position of the reproducing head, based on the given searching
data.
[0459] FIGS. 24A to 24E show the patterns of track groups formed on
the magnetic tape 6. The recording converter 4 performs a
predetermined recording signal processing with respect to the input
blocked data, and generates a recording signal for forming a
predetermined number of data track groups 92. The recording
converter 4 also generates a recording signal for forming a
predetermined number of preamble track groups 91 and a
predetermined number of data end tracks 93 with respect to each
data track group 92. The number of these tracks is controlled by
the controller 2 via the switch 78.
[0460] In the case where the data track group 92(i) (i=1, 2, 3) is
recorded per group, a predetermined number of preamble tracks
(preamble track group 91(i)) and a predetermined number of data end
tracks (data end track group 93(i)) can be formed with respect to
each data track group 92 (see FIG. 24B).
[0461] In the case where a plurality of groups are successively
recorded, as shown in FIG. 24C, the preamble track group 91(4), a
plurality of data track groups 92(i) (i=4, 5, 6), and the data end
track group 93(4) can be recorded together. That is, no preamble
track group is formed among a plurality of data track groups, and
the preamble track group is formed only at the leading edge
position of a plurality of data track groups. The data end track
group is formed only at the trailing edge position of a plurality
of data end track groups.
[0462] In the case where the input data capacity is large, or in
the case where data to be recorded together cannot be successively
recorded since the rate of the input data is lower than that of
recording, the data input at a time is recorded after being divided
into some portions, as shown in FIG. 24D. In such a case, a
recording signal is generated in the recording converter 4 as
described below:
[0463] The input data is subjected to a predetermined recording
signal processing, and a plurality of data track groups 92(i) (i=7,
8, 9) are formed. The preamble track generator 75 generates the
preamble track group 91(i) (i=7, 8, 9) with respect to each data
track group 92(i) (i=7, 8, 9). The postamble track generator 76
generates a plurality of postamble tracks (postamble track group
94(i) (i=7, 8) with respect to the data track excluding the data
track group 92(9) which is to be last recorded. The data end track
generator 77 forms a predetermined number of data end tracks (data
end track group 93(9)) only with respect to the last recorded data
track group 92(9). The modulator 74 modulates these various kinds
of track groups and searching data to generate a recording signal.
The data end track indicates the last recorded position required
for reproducing data from the magnetic tape 6. Thus, excess
recording time can be reduced by forming the data end track group
only with respect to the last recorded data track group.
[0464] In the case where recording as shown in FIGS. 24B to 24D is
successively conducted on the magnetic tape 6 running as shown in
FIG. 24A, data is recorded on the magnetic tape 6 as shown in FIG.
24E. In FIG. 24E, for example, the preamble track group 91, the
data end track group 93, and the postamble track group 94 can
include 10 tracks, 20 tracks, and 2 tracks, respectively. In this
way, when data is overwritten, 2 data end tracks or 2 postamble
tracks which are previously recorded remain on the magnetic tape 6.
This is accomplished as follows: The postamble track (or data end
track) of a certain data track group is detected by the postamble
track detector 85, and a preamble track for the subsequent data
track group is overwritten with a predetermined number (two in the
present embodiment) of postamble tracks remaining from the end
position of the certain data track group.
[0465] When recording is conducted as described above, as shown by
the hatched portions in FIG. 24E, the last data end track group
93(9) includes 20 tracks, and the other data end track groups
respectively include only 2 tracks. Therefore, for reproducing
data, the end position of data can be determined by the difference
in the number of tracks forming the data end track groups.
[0466] The number of previously recorded data end tracks or
postamble tracks which are to be left for overwriting data is not
limited to two. As long as the following Formula (1) is satisfied,
the similar effects can be obtained:
(Number of data end tracks)>(Number of tracks to be left in
overwriting) (1)
[0467] The data end tracks and the postamble tracks can be recorded
without any distinction. In the case where successive data is
recorded after being divided into subgroups, a preamble track is
generated preceding the data track group of each subgroup, and a
postamble track is generated following the data track group of each
subgroup. Even in this case, as long as the following Formula (2)
is satisfied, the end position of data can be determined from the
number of postamble tracks included in the postamble track group
formed after the last data track group.
(Number of postamble tracks formed in recording)>(Number of
tracks to be left in overwriting) (2)
[0468] In the case of a pattern having no distinction among the
data end track, postamble track, and preamble track, as long as the
following Formula (3) is satisfied, the similar effects can be
obtained.
(Number of data end tracks)>(Number of tracks to be left in
overwriting+Number of preamble tracks), (3)
[0469] As described above, the data end track 93 and the postamble
track 94 are recorded and the last recorded data position is
determined, whereby excess recording time can be reduced and the
recording region of the magnetic tape can be effectively used.
[0470] Embodiment 6
[0471] The present embodiment illustrates that data is recorded
with partitions provided on the magnetic tape 6. As shown in FIG.
25, at least one partition region (data region) 104 and a
management information region 103 are provided on the magnetic tape
6. Data is recorded in-the partition region 104. The management
information region 103 is provided in the leading region of the
magnetic tape 6 so as to have a predetermined size. In the
management information region 103, record medium management
information 106 and a partition management information list 107 are
recorded. A region which is not used by the management information
region 103 is represented as an empty region 108. The empty region
on the magnetic tape 6 is represented by the reference numeral 105.
Here, the empty region 105 refers to a region which is not
currently used but has been used before or a region which is not
currently used and has not been used before.
[0472] The record medium management information 106 contains
information concerning the entire magnetic tape 6, including:
information concerning the type of the magnetic tape 6 such as the
length (the number of tracks) of the magnetic tape 6 and the
thickness thereof; information indicating the end position of the
management information region 103 and the length of a gap region
placed after the management information region 103; information
concerning the use record (the number of loading of a cassette) of
the magnetic tape 6 and reliability thereof (the number of
recording errors and reproducing errors); the name of the magnetic
tape 6; information for recording protection and reproducing
protection of the magnetic tape 6 and for data security (password
and the presence thereof) of the magnetic tape 6; the number of the
partition regions 104 provided on the magnetic tape 6.
[0473] The number of the partition regions 104 provided on the
magnetic tape 6 is n. The partition regions 104 are represented as
A(0), A(1), . . . A(n-1) (n is a positive integer) in the order in
which they are provided. The partition regions 104 are respectively
assigned with specific numbers. The partition regions 104 can be
arranged on the magnetic tape 6 in any order, and the virgin region
105 can be inserted among the partition regions 104. With respect
to each partition regions 104 (A(0), A(1), . . . , A(n-1)),
partition management information 109 (D(0), D(1), . . . , D(n-1))
is generated. D(0), D(1), . . . , D(n-1) are combined to form the
partition management information list 107.
[0474] The partition management information 109 contains
information concerning the partition regions 104, including: the
specific numbers assigned to the partition regions 104; addresses
indicating the start position and the end position of the partition
regions 104 on the magnetic tape 6; an address indicating the last
position of recorded data; information indicating recorded blocks
and marks, and the number of groups; the number of initiating the
partitions; names of the partition regions 104; information for
recording protection and reproducing protection of the partitions
and for data security (password and the presence thereof); and the
like.
[0475] The partition management information 109 can be arranged in
the partition management information list 107 in any order.
Furthermore, when a partition region 104 is newly added, and the
partition management information list 107 is updated, new partition
management information 109 can be added to any position in the
partition management information list 107.
[0476] The word structure of the record medium management
information 106 and each partition management information 109 are
shown in FIG. 26. The record medium management information 106 and
each partition management information 109 are formed in a
variable-length form using a fixed-length word.
[0477] Next, an apparatus 400 for recording and reproducing digital
data and recording and reproducing in the management information
region 103 in the present embodiment will be described.
[0478] FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the apparatus 400 for
recording and reproducing digital data in Embodiment 6. In the same
way as in the apparatuses 100 and 300 for recording and reproducing
digital data, the apparatus 400 for recording and reproducing
digital data includes an interface 1, a controller 2, a formatter
(group conversion circuit) 33, a recording converter 4, a recording
head 5, a reproducing head 7, a reproducing converter 8, and a
deformatter (group reverse conversion circuit) 99. The interface 1
receives a command and blocked data input from a host such as a
computer. The controller 2 generates various kinds of control
signals and management data to control each component of the
apparatus 400 based on the input command. The formatter 33 arranges
input blocked data in a predetermined order to generate grouped
data. The recording converter 4 converts the grouped data into a
recording signal. The recording head 5 records data represented by
the recording signal on the magnetic tape 6. The reproducing head 7
reproduces a signal from the magnetic tape 6. The reproducing
converter 8 converts the reproduced signal into grouped data. The
deformatter 99 reconfigures blocked data from the grouped data
output from the reproducing converter 8.
[0479] In the present embodiment, the controller 2 generates, as
tape management data, the record medium management information 106
and the partition management information list 107 as well as block
management data, group management data, and searching information.
When recording data in the management information region 103, the
controller 2 outputs the record medium management information 106
and/or the partition management information list 107 (or the
partition management information 109) to the formatter 33. The
formatter 33 outputs the record medium management information 106
and/or the partition management information list 107 to the
recording converter 4 as grouped data. When reproducing data from
the management information region 103, the deformatter 99 extracts
tape management data and outputs it to the controller 2.
[0480] The constructions of the formatter 33 and the deformatter 99
are different from those of the formatter and the deformatter in
the apparatuses 100 and 300 for recording and reproducing digital
data. The detailed description of the construction and operation of
the parts of the formatter 33 and the deformatter 99 which are the
same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments will be
omitted.
[0481] FIG. 28 schematically shows the construction of the
formatter 33 in Embodiment 6. In the same way as in the formatter
3, the formatter 33 includes a block management data generator 21,
a group management data generator 22, and a grouped data generator
24. The grouped data generator 24 receives blocked data, block
management data, and group management data, arranges them in a
predetermined order, generates grouped data to be recorded in the
data region (the partition regions 104), and outputs it to the
recording converter 4. Furthermore, upon receiving the tape
management data (the record medium management information 106 and
the partition management information list 107) from the controller
2, the grouped data generator 24 forms them into grouped data to be
recorded in the management information region 103, and outputs it
to the recording converter 4. The configuration of these grouped
data is controlled by a control signal given by the controller
2.
[0482] FIG. 29 schematically shows the construction of the
deformatter 99. The deformatter 99 includes a group management data
extractor 25, a block management data extractor 26, a block output
controller 27, a blocked data separator 28, and a tape management
data extractor 29. The tape management data extractor 29 receives
grouped data reproduced from the management information region 103,
extracts the-tape management data, and outputs it to the controller
2.
[0483] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a
plurality of partition regions 104 can be provided on the magnetic
tape 6. Furthermore, the management information region 103 and at
least one partition region 104 are provided on the magnetic tape 6,
and the record medium management information 106 and all of the
partition management informations 109 are recorded in the
management information region 103, whereby management information
concerning the entire magnetic tape 6 and management information of
data recorded in all of the partitions can be obtained by
reproducing only the management information region 103. Thus, the
reproducing head can be immediately moved to the position of
desired data in a desired partition region by reproducing only the
management information region 103; therefore, desired data can be
reproduced at high velocity.
[0484] Furthermore, information concerning the entire magnetic tape
6 and the contents of each partition region can be obtained by
reproducing the management information region 103 even without
reproducing all of the data recorded on the magnetic tape 6, so
that the magnetic tape 6 can be easily managed. For example, the
formation of the partition region A(1) can be realized by adding
the data management information D(1) to update the data management
information list 107 even without recording any data. Accordingly,
the partition regions can be provided without recording any data in
the partitions. In addition, the deletion of the partition region
A(1) can be realized by recording the data management information
list 107 containing no corresponding data management information
D(1) even without directly deleting the information recorded in the
partition region A(1).
[0485] Furthermore, by configuring the record medium management
information and the data management information in a
variable-length form, it is not required to allocate the largest
capacity region required for the record medium management
information and the data management information. Since recording of
information which is not immediately used can be omitted, the
management information region can be more effectively utilized.
[0486] The case involving no data transformation has been described
above. In the present embodiment, data transformation such as data
compression and encryption can be performed in the same way as in
Embodiment 2. The constructions of the formatter 330 and the
deformatter 990 in the case involving the data transformation are
shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, respectively. The operations of the
formatter 330 and the deformatter 990 are the same as those
described in the above embodiments.
[0487] Embodiment 7
[0488] A part or all of the informations recorded in the management
information region 103 described in Embodiment 6 can be recorded in
an auxiliary recording medium separated from the magnetic tape 6.
In the present embodiment, the case where such an auxiliary
recording medium is provided will be described.
[0489] The auxiliary record medium can be implemented by providing
a memory 10 such as a chip in or on a cassette 11 accommodating the
magnetic tape 6. In the memory 10, either one of the record medium
management information 106 and the partition management information
109, or both of them can be recorded.
[0490] In the present embodiment, the management information region
103 is provided in the memory 10 instead of the magnetic tape 6,
and the controller 2 records the record medium management
information 106 and the partition management information list 107
in the memory 10.
[0491] The recorded contents of the magnetic tape 6 and the memory
10 under the above-mentioned condition are shown in FIG. 32. The
partition regions 104 are provided on the magnetic tape 6 in the
same way as in Embodiment 6. The management information region 103
is not provided on the magnetic tape 6, and the partition region
104 is started from the leading edge of the magnetic tape 6. The
management information region 103 is provided in the memory 10. The
controller 2 generates the record medium management information 106
or the partition management information list 107 and record them in
the memory 10.
[0492] As described above, by providing the management information
region 103 in the memory 10, the data management information and
the record medium management information can be reproduced without
directly accessing the magnetic tape 6. Since it is not required to
return to the leading edge of the magnetic tape 6 in order to
obtain these management informations, the management information
can be reproduced quickly. Furthermore, in the case where the data
management information and the record medium management information
are updated during recording or reproducing data on the magnetic
tape 6, the updated information can be recorded in the memory 10
every time information is updated. In the conventional method in
which updated management information is recorded only right after
the completion of recording and reproducing processing (normally,
in the case of taking out the magnetic tape 6), when the
information of the partitions updated during the processing is lost
because of the loss of power or the like during the processing,
recorded data cannot be accessed any more. According to the present
embodiment, such a problem can be solved.
[0493] The recording region can be effectively utilized by
configuring the data management information and the record medium
management information in a variable-length form. Thus, the
capacity of the memory 10 is not required to be large, realizing
the above-mentioned function with the memory 10 at low cost.
Furthermore, by recording the management data with the priority
order assigned thereto, the recording region of the memory 10
attached to the cassette 11 accommodating the magnetic tape 6 can
be effectively utilized. The capacity of the memory 10 can be
further decreased, so that the above-mentioned function can be
realized at low cost.
[0494] The case where the entire management information region 103
is provided in the memory 10 has been described above. It is also
possible that only part of the management information region 103,
e.g., the record medium management information 106 is recorded in
the memory 10, and the partition management information list 107
are recorded on the magnetic tape 6 (see FIG. 33). In accordance
with the storage capacity of the memory 10 and a method for using
the magnetic tape 6, the place where the management information is
to be recorded can be set.
[0495] The record medium management information 106 may contain
information indicating the total number of symbols forming the
partition management information 109. In the present embodiment,
the number of words forming the record medium management
information 106 and the partition management information 109 are
used as information indicating the size of the record medium
management information 106 and the partition management information
109. Instead of the number of words, the number of symbols can be
used.
[0496] In configuring the record medium management information 106,
information indicating the size of the record medium management
information 106 is assigned to the leading word. The information
can be assigned to the trailing word. Alternatively, it is possible
that identifying information, indicating that the word is placed at
the leading edge of the record medium management information 106,
is contained in the leading word, and identifying information,
indicating the word is placed at the trailing edge of the record
medium management information 106, is contained in the trailing
word. Alternatively, identifying information indicating that the
word is the record medium management information 106 can be
contained in all of the constituent words.
[0497] Furthermore, in the case of configuring the partition
management information 109, the identifying information indicating
that the word is placed at the leading edge, the specific numbers
of the corresponding partition regions, and information indicating
the size of the data management information are contained in the
leading word. However, the identifying information indicating that
the word is placed at the trailing edge of the partition management
information and the specific numbers of the corresponding partition
regions can be contained in the trailing word. Alternatively, the
identifying information indicating that the word is placed at the
leading edge of the partition management information and the
specific numbers of the corresponding partition regions can be
contained in the leading word, and the identifying information
indicating that the word is placed at the trailing edge of the data
management information can be contained in the trailing word.
Alternatively, the specific numbers of the corresponding partition
regions can be contained in all of the constituent words.
[0498] In the present embodiment, the apparatus for recording and
reproducing digital data is described. It is noted that the present
embodiment can be applied to a recording apparatus, a reproducing
apparatus, and a recording and reproducing apparatus which cannot
simultaneously record and reproduce data because of the sharing of
a part of the circuits. In addition, in the present embodiment, the
blocked data and the block control signal are independently input
and output. However, the identical input and output can be used by
time division processing. Furthermore, the input and output
identical with the blocked data input can be used. According to the
present invention, data is recorded on the magnetic tape 6;
however, the present invention can be applied to a general
recording and reproducing apparatus instead of the magnetic
recording.
[0499] Various other modifications will be apparent to and can be
readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope and spirit of this invention. Accordingly, it is not intended
that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the
description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be
broadly construed.
* * * * *