U.S. patent number RE30,939 [Application Number 06/117,371] was granted by the patent office on 1982-05-18 for transfer of a flexible web member from supply reel to a take-up reel.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Staar S.A.. Invention is credited to Stephane M. d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc, John L. Hiley.
United States Patent |
RE30,939 |
d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc ,
et al. |
May 18, 1982 |
Transfer of a flexible web member from supply reel to a take-up
reel
Abstract
A method for controlling the transfer of a flexible web member
from a supply reel to a take-up reel, according to which the
rotational speeds of the supply reel and the take-up reel are
measured and whereby the ratio between these measurements is
established independently of the speed and direction of the
movement of the web member. The method comprises the steps of
storing reference information representing the characteristics of
different types of reel and web, releasing the reference
information corresponding to the reels and webs used, generating
intermediate signals which represent the said ratio combining these
intermediate signals with the released reference information and
generating output signals in dependence upon the momentary position
of the web in relation to one or other ends thereof, and using
these output signals for the purpose of visually displaying the
position of the web and/or of controlling certain operations of the
apparatus. Apparatus is also disclosed comprising angular speed
detectors for measuring the rotational speed of each of the reels,
and a micro-processor having two counters totalizing the pulse
signals generated by the speed detectors and a divider circuit for
generating, on receiving a control signal, intermediate signal
representing the ratio between the contents of the counters, a
memory containing reference information relating to different types
of reels and web, and a circuit for combining the intermediate
signals with the stored information corresponding to the reels and
web used and generating output signals in dependence upon the
instantaneous position of the web in relation to one or other of
its ends. The output signals are applied to a display device
serving to indicate the position of the web member.
Inventors: |
d'Alayer de Costemore d'Arc;
Stephane M. (Brussels, BE), Hiley; John L.
(Brussels, BE) |
Assignee: |
Staar S.A. (Brussels,
BE)
|
Family
ID: |
27250643 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/117,371 |
Filed: |
January 31, 1980 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
810276 |
Jun 27, 1977 |
04172231 |
Oct 23, 1979 |
|
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Jul 5, 1976 [FR] |
|
|
76 20499 |
May 31, 1977 [FR] |
|
|
77 16597 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
318/7; 242/334.4;
242/357; 360/137; 360/72.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B
15/43 (20130101); G11B 15/46 (20130101); G11B
15/48 (20130101); G11B 27/17 (20130101); G11B
27/34 (20130101); G11B 27/107 (20130101); G11B
2220/90 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G11B
27/11 (20060101); G11B 27/10 (20060101); G11B
27/34 (20060101); G11B 15/43 (20060101); G11B
27/17 (20060101); G11B 15/46 (20060101); G11B
15/48 (20060101); B65H 059/38 (); B65H 077/00 ();
H02P 005/46 (); H02P 007/68 () |
Field of
Search: |
;318/6,7
;242/75.51,75.52,186,191
;360/72.1,72.2,72.3,74.1,74.2,74.3,74.4,74.5,74.6,74.7,73 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008494 |
|
Sep 1971 |
|
DE |
|
2259497 |
|
Jun 1974 |
|
DE |
|
2425856 |
|
Dec 1975 |
|
DE |
|
50-92717 |
|
Jul 1975 |
|
JP |
|
Primary Examiner: Truhe; J. V.
Assistant Examiner: Indyk; Eugene S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Leydig, Voit, Osann, Mayer and
Holt
Claims
What we claim is:
1. A method of monitoring the transfer of a web from reel to reel
of a web/reel assembly, in apparatus having means generating
signals representing respectively the rotational speeds of the
reels, said method comprising the steps of:
storing in memory electrical signals representing constants
uniquely characterizing said reel/web assembly and derived from the
physical parameters thereof, which constants when used in web
position determination algorithms with the ratio of rotational
speeds of the reels measured anywhere along the length of the web
provides absolute values of web position,
periodically measuring the ratio between the rotational speeds of
said reels based on said rotational speed signals from said
generating means,
deriving from said memory signals representing the constants for
said reel/web assembly,
determining absolute values of successive web positions using said
web position position algorithms with said constants and said
periodic measurements of reel speed ration, and
monitoring the transfer of the web in said apparatus according to
said absolute values of successive web positions.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring
transfer of the web in said apparatus according to said absolute
values of successive web positions includes:
producing output signals representing said absolute values of
successive web positions, and
displaying said successive web positions represented by said output
signals to reflect the continuous changes in web position as the
web is transferred from reel to reel.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring
the transfer of the web in said apparatus according to said
absolute values of successive web positions, includes:
producing output signals representing said absolute values of
successive web positions, and
controlling said drive means according to said output signals.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said web position
determination algorithms include calculations carried out according
to the following formulae: ##EQU7## wherein: l.sub.1 and l.sub.2
are absolute values of lengths of web wound on the take-up reel and
supply reel respectively, represented by the output signals;
P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 are the rotational speeds of the take-up reel
and supply reel respectivey; and
A and B are constants represented by signals stored in memory.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said web position
determination algorithms include calculations carried out according
to the following formulae: ##EQU8## wherein: L is the total length
of the web member;
l.sub.1 /L and l.sub.2 /L are absolute values of the ratio of the
length of the web wound on the take-up reel and supply reel
respectively to its total length represented by the output
signals;
P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 are the rotational speeds of the take-up reel
and supply reel respectively; and
A' and B' are constants stored in memory.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said web position
determination algorithms include calculations carried out according
to the following formulae: ##EQU9## wherein: t.sub.1 and t.sub.2
are absolute values of the distance, in terms of time, from the
beginning of the web on the take-up reel, and remaining to the end
of the web on the supply reel, respectively, represented by the
output signals;
P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 are the rotational speeds of the take-up reel
and supply reel respectively; and
A" and B" are constants represented by signals stored in
memory.
7. A method of monitoring the transfer of a web from reel to reel
of a web/reel assembly, in apparatus operable with web/reel
assemblies of different types each characterized by known physical
parameters, said apparatus having reel speed detectors, said method
comprising the steps of:
storing in memory for each of a plurality of web/reel assemblies of
one known type or of another known type, signals representing a set
of corresponding constants uniquely characterizing the respective
web/reel assembly and derived from the physical parameters thereof,
which set of constants when used in web position determination
algorithms with the ratio of reel speeds measured anywhere along
the length of the web provides absolute values of web position
relative to one end of the web of an intermediate portion of the
web being transferred from one reel to the other,
measuring the ratio between the reel speeds provided by said
detectors,
designating that the web/reel assembly in the apparatus is of one
known type or of another known type,
deriving the set of constants corresponding to the designated
web/reel assembly from said signals stored in memory,
determining the position relative to one end of the web of an
intermediate portion of the web being transferred from one reel to
the other, using said web position determination algorithms with
the derived constants and the measured ratio of reel speeds,
and
monitoring the transfer of the web according to said determined
position.
8. A method of monitoring the transfer of a web according to claim
7 in which the steps of measuring the ratio between the reel speed,
and determining the position of an intermediate portion of the web,
using said web position determination algorithms, are carried out
periodically, to determine the positions of successive portions of
the web, and including the further step of displaying the
successive positions of the web on a display to mmonitor the
transfer of the web.
9. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of monitoring
transfer of the web includes controlling the voltage supplied to
drive motors for the reels in accordance with the output signals,
to vary the output torque of the motors so as to maintain
substantially constant tractive stress exerted on the web.
10. A method according to claim 1 in apparatus having drive means
for moving the web at normal speed, or at fast speed in both
forward and rewind directions, including the step of controlling
the rotational speed of the reels in accordance with the position
of the web during fast speed forward or rewind movement to slow the
speed of the web a predetermined distance from the end of the
web.
11. A method according to claim 1 including the step of actuating
an automatic stop device when the end of the web member is being
approached as indicated by the output signals representing web
positions.
12. A method according to claim 9, wherein the voltage supplied to
drive motors for the reels is controlled in accordance with the
following formula:
wherein:
V is the feed voltage applied to the input terminals of the driving
motor;
E is the maximum feed voltage to be applied;
(C.sub.1 /C.sub.2) is the ratio between rotational speeds of the
reels.
13. A method according to claim 7, wherein said web position
determination algorithms include calculations carried out according
to the following formulae: ##EQU10## wherein: l.sub.1 and l.sub.2
are absolute value of lengths of web wound on the take-up reel and
supply reel respectively, represented by the output signals;
P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 are the rotational speeds of the take-up reel
and supply reel respectively, and
A and B are constants represented by signals stored in memory.
14. A method according to claim 7, wherein said web position
determination algorithms include calculations carried out according
to the following formulae: ##EQU11## wherein: L is the total length
of the web member;
l.sub.1/L and l.sub.2/L are absolute values of the ratio of the
length of the web wound on the take-up reel and supply reel
respectively to its total length represented by the output signals;
P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 are the rotational speeds of the take-up reel
and A' and B' are constants stored in memory.
15. A method according to claim 7, wherein said web position
determination algorithms include calculations carried out according
to the following formulae: ##EQU12## wherein: t.sub.1 and t.sub.2
are absolute values of the distance, in terms of time, from the
beginning of the web on the take-up reel, and remaining to the end
of the web on the supply reel, respectively, represented by the
output signals;
P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 are the rotational speeds of the take-up reel
and supply reel respectively; and
A" and B" are constants represented by signals stored in
memory.
16. A method of controlling the transfer of tape from reel to reel
in tape/reel assemblies, said apparatus having drive means for the
tape controllable to vary the speed of tape movement, and reel
speed detectors, said method comprising the steps of:
measuring at successive intervals the ratio of speeds of the reels
provided by said detectors,
.Iadd.providing electrical signals representing constants uniquely
characterizing said tape/reel assemblies, .Iaddend.determining
successive tape positions as the tape is moved from reel to reel,
based on the ratio of reel speeds measured at said intervals,
.Iadd.and said signals representing said constants, .Iaddend.
manually entering a target tape position predetermined by the
operator,
controlling said drive means to carry out a search sequence of tape
movement, including engaging said drive means to move said tape
toward a target tape position at a first speed,
comparing successive determined tape positions with a predetermined
target position as the tape moves toward said target position,
controlling said drive means further in said search sequence to
shift from said first to a slower speed upon movement of the tape
to a determined tape position spaced a known distance ahead of said
predetermined target position, and
controlling said drive means to complete the search sequence and
stop the tape upon movement of the tape said known distance to the
predetermined target position.
17. A tape transport apparatus for cassettes of a known type having
two reels carrying tape, said apparatus comprising, drive means for
moving the tape from reel to reel, reel speed detectors, controller
means connected to said reel speed detectors and said drive means,
said controller means including means for periodically measuring
the ratio of speeds of the reels provided by said detectors and
determining absolute values of successive tape positions as tape is
moved from reel to reel using tape position determination
algorithms employing constants uniquely characterizing said type of
cassette and derived from the physical parameters thereof including
the length of tape in the cassette, and said measured ratios of
rotational speeds of the reels, and means for monitoring tape
movement according to tape positions determined by said controller
means.
18. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 17, including
display means operated by said controller means to display tape
positions determined by said controller means.
19. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said
drive means is operable to provide fast and normal tape speeds and
to stop the tape, and said drive means is controlled to change tape
speeds responsive to tape movement to predetermined positions.
20. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 17, including
manually operable means to enter predetermined positions, and
wherein said controller means includes means comparing determined
tape positions with predetermined positions and controlling said
drive means to stop the tape responsive to tape movement to
predetermined positions indicated by said comparing means.
21. A controller means in tape transport apparatus according to
claim 17, wherein said controller means includes a processor unit,
dedicated memory means for said constants, and program memory means
storing programs operating said processor unit under program
control to measure said ratios of rotational speeds of said reels,
to derive from said dedicated memory means said corresponding set
of constants, to determine said successive tape positions using
said tape position determination algorithms, and to control said
drive means to monitor the tape movement.
22. A tape transport apparatus for cassettes having two reels
carrying tape, said apparatus being operable with cassettes of
different known types, each having different known lengths of tape
and comprising drive means for moving the tape from reel to reel in
a cassette in the apparatus, reel speed detectors, controller means
connected to said reel speed detectors and said drive means, and
means designating for the controller means the type of cassette in
the apparatus, said controller means including
means for periodically measuring the ratio of speeds of the reels
provided by said detectors,
means determining absolute values of successive tape positions as
tape is moved from reel to reel using tape position determination
algorithms employing constants for the cassette in the apparatus
and said measured ratios of rotational speeds of the reels;
dedicated memory means storing for each of a plurality of known
types of cassettes, a set of corresponding constants used in said
position determination algorithms, and
means deriving the set of constants from said memory means
corresponding to the designated cassette, for said controller means
to employ in said algorithms for determining successive tape
positions.
23. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said
drive means is operable to provide fast and normal tape speeds and
to stop the tape, and said drive means is controlled to change tape
speeds responsive to tape movement to predetermined positions.
24. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 22, including
manaully operable means to enter predetermined positions, and
wherein said controller means includes means comparing determined
tape positions with predetermined positions and controlling said
drive means to stop the tape responsive to tape movement to
predetermined positions indicated by said comparing means.
25. A controller means in tape transport apparatus according to
claim 22, wherein said controller means includes a processor unit,
and program memory means storing programs operating said processor
unit under program control to measure said ratios of rotational
speeds of said reels, to derive from said dedicated memory means
said corresponding set of constants, to determine said successive
tape positions using said tape position determination algorithms,
and to controls said drive means to monitor the tape movement.
26. A tape transport apparatus according to claim 22, including
display means operated by said controller means to display tape
positions determined by said controller means.
27. In a tape transport apparatus for cassettes having two reels
carrying tape, said apparatus being operable with cassettes having
different known lengths of tape, and having drive means for moving
the tape from reel to reel, means for generating pulses
representing the rotational speeds of the reels upon tape movement,
and controller means receiving said reel pulses and providing for
each such cassette absolute determinations of successive tape
positions using tape position determination algorithms employing
constants for the cassette in the apparatus and the ratio of
rotational speeds of the reels measured from said reel pulses as
the tape is transferred from one reel to the other, the combination
in sad controller means comprising:
means including registers receiving and counting reel pulses, for
measuring at successive intervals the ratio of rotational speeds of
said reels based on the counts in said registers,
dedicated memory means storing for each of a plurality of cassettes
having tapes of one known length or of another known length, a set
of corresponding constants used in said position determination
algorithms,
means deriving from said memory means the set of constants
corresponding to the cassette loaded in the apparatus,
means determining successive tape positions using said tape
position determination algorithms with said set of constants
corresponding to the cassette loaded in the apparatus and speed
ratios of said reels measured at successive intervals, and
means controlling said drive means to monitor the tape movement
according to said successive determined tape positions.
28. Transport apparatus for web/reel assemblies which may be loaded
into and removed from the apparatus, said reel/web assemblies
having two reels carrying lengths of web, and determining for said
web/reel assemblies absolute values of the position of a web
portion relative to one end of the web, using web position
determination algorithms employing constants established by
physical parameters including length of web for the web/reel
assembly loaded in the apparatus and the ratio of rotational speeds
of the reels as the web portion is being transferred from one reel
to the other, said tape transport apparatus comprising:
means generating pulses representing the rotational speeds of the
reels,
means including registers for receiving and counting said pulses,
and measuring the continuously changing ratio of rotational speeds
of said reels as the web is transferred from reel to reel based on
the counts in said registers,
dedicated memory means storing for each of a plurality of web/reel
assemblies of the same type having webs of one known length or of
another known length, a set of corresponding constants used in said
web position determination algorithms,
means for designating that the web/reel assembly loaded in the
apparatus has a web of one known length or of another known length,
and deriving from said memory means the set of constants
corresponding to a designated assembly,
computer circuit means determining the successive positions
relative to one end of the web of succcessive portions of the web
as said portions are transferred from one reel to the other, using
said web position determination algorithms with the set of
constants from said memory means corresponding to the designated
web/reel assembly and the rotational speed ratio of said reels
measured as said portions are transferred, said computer circuit
means including means producing output signals representing the
position determined for each successive web portion, and
a display unit connected to said circuit means and displaying the
successive positions represented by said output signals to reflect
the continuous changes in position of the web as it is transferred
from reel to reel.
29. Transport apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said web/reel
assemblies comprise known types of cassettes having different known
lengths of tape.
30. Transport apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said
registers of said measuring means comprise shift registers for each
reel accumulating pulses from respective pulse generating means,
and the ratios of rotational speeds of said reels is determined by
comparing the accumulated counts in said shift registers.
31. In a tape transport apparatus for tape/reel .[.assemblies.].
.Iadd.cassettes .Iaddend.having two reels, said apparatus having
drive means for the tape controllable to vary the speed of tape
movement, and reel speed detectors, the combination comprising:
a controller connected to said reel speed detectors and said tape
drive means,
.Iadd.circuit means providing, for a known type of cassette,
signals representing a set of corresponding constants uniquely
characterizing said type of cassette, .Iaddend.
means provided by said controller for measuring at successive
intervals the ratio of speeds of the reels provided by said
detectors, and determining successive tape positions as the tape is
moved from reel to reel at various speeds, based on the ratio of
reel speeds measured at said intervals, .Iadd.and said signals
derived from said circuit means, .Iaddend.
manually operable numberic data input means for entering a target
tape position predetermined by the operator into said
controller,
manually operable means including a search switch activating said
controller to control said drive means to carry out a search
sequence of tape movement, including engaging said drive means to
move said tape toward a target tape position at a first speed,
and
means provided by said controller for comparing successive
determined tape positions with a predetermined target position as
the tape moves toward said target position, said controller being
operative in said search sequence to control said drive means
responsive to said comparing means and shift said drive means from
said first to a slower speed upon movement of the tape to a
determined tape position spaced a known distance ahead of said
predetermined target position, and to stop the tape upon movement
of the tape said known distance to the predetermined target
position.
Description
The present invention relates to a method for controlling the
transfer of a flexible web member from a supply reel to a take-up
reel, according to which the rotational speeds of the supply reel
and the takeup reel are measured and whereby the ratio between
these measurements is established independently of the speed and
direction of the movement of the web member. The invention also
relates to an apparatus for the performance of this method.
Although not confined thereto, the invention relates more
particularly to a position indicator for a magnetic tape in a
recording and playback apparatus, in conjunction with the automatic
control of certain operations of the apparatus, such as the control
of the winding or rewinding speed in accordance with the extent to
which one or other of the reels is filled, programmable friction
and braking of the reels, means for automatically stopping the
apparatus in a certain preselected position, etc.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,564,210 and 3,834,648 already propose position
indicator devices for a magnetic tape in a recording and playback
apparatus, the operating principle being based on the ratio between
two speeds, such as the constant linear speed at which the tape
moves and the variable angular speed of one of the reels.
A position indicator, according to this invention, based on the
detection of the variable speeds of the two reels would be capable
of supplying information independent of the position of the tape,
and this would provide an advantage, for example, when use is made
of cassettes and one of these latter is introduced into the
apparatus after part of the magnetic tape has already been wound
onto the take-up reel. Having the ratio between the rotational
speeds of the reels furthermore makes it possible to provide an
absolute indication, i.e. one which is independent of the speed at
which the tape moves.
These two prior devices of the aforementioned patents, moreover,
both suffer from the drawback that they only indicate the external
diameters of the tape windings on the reels. Now the relationship
between the diameter of the winding on a reel and the effective
length of the tape on the reel is a function of a number of
parameters, such as the diameter of the hub of the reel and the
thickness of the tape. In other words, the information provided by
these prior devices on the length of tape wound onto the reels or
the amount of tape still available is only valid for a certain
particular type of reel and tape.
One object of the present invention is to provide a simple,
reliable, accurate and inexpensive method for monitoring web
movement in a transport apparatus, which will be suitable for use
with a plurality of different known types of reel/web assemblies,
and enable the operator to be supplied with exact information as to
the amount of web still available or already used as to a
particular one of the different types which is in the apparatus,
information being provided directly in usable units such as minutes
and seconds, and also enable a control output to be supplied, in
the form of electronic signals, for example, which can be used in a
suitable electronic device, for the purpose of controlling certain
operations of the apparatus concerned. A further object of the
present invention is to provide an apparatus for the performance of
the said process.
According to the present invention there is provided a method for
controlling the transfer of a flexible web member from a supply
reel to a take-up reel, according to which the rotational speeds of
the supply reel and the take-up reel are measured and whereby the
ratio between these measurements is established independently of
the speed and direction of the movement of the web member. The
method comprises the steps of storing in memory for each of a
plurality of web/reel assemblies of one known type or another known
type, electrical signals representing a set of corresponding
constants uniquely representing the physical characteristics of one
of the different known types of reel/web assemblies, releasing the
set of constants corresponding to the ree/web assembly in the
apparatus, generating intermediate signals which represent the
ratio between the speeds of the reels combining these intermediate
signals with the constant recalled from memory and generating
output signals representing the momentary position of the web in
relation to one or other ends thereof, and using these output
signals for the purpose of visually displaying the position of the
web and/or of controlling certain operations of the apparatus.
The combination of the intermediate signals with the released
reference informations is carried out in accordance with the
formula ##EQU1## wherein p.sub.1 /p.sub.2 represents the
aforementioned ratio and x and y are the constants represented by
the signals stored in memory.
The output signals supply indications of the quantity of web wound
onto the take-up reel and represent, according to the nature of the
constants x and y, either the length of web as an absolute value or
as a percentage, or the winding time of the web onto the take-up
reel, e.g. in minutes and seconds.
Corresponding indications relating to the supply reel are supplied
by the following formula: ##EQU2##
In a first application the output signals are supplied to a digital
or analog counter and converted into a visual display of the
position of the web member.
This counter is advantageously combined with a presetting button
and an automatic stopping system enabling a certain particular
position on the web to be rapidly retraced.
In a second application, the output signals are used for the
purpose of modifying the voltage of the reel driving motors in
accordance with the position of the web member, in such a way as to
ensure that the tractive stress exerted on the latter will remain
constant.
In a third application the output signals are used, during the
winding or re-winding operation, for the purpose of slowing the
driving motion when the end of the web is being approached and
possibly at the beginning likewise.
In addition to the method described hereinbefore, this invention
provides an apparatus for the performance of this method. The
apparatus comprises angular speed detectors for measuring the
rotational speed of each of the reels, a micro-processor having two
counters totalizing the pulse signals generated by the speed
detectors and a divider circuit for generating, on receiving a
control signal, intermediate signals representing the ratio between
the contents of the counters, a memory storing constants
corresponding respectively to different types of reel and web
assemblies, and a circuit for combining the intermediate signals
with the constants recalled from memory and corresponding to the
reel and web assembly used and generating output signals
representing the instantaneous position of the web in relation to
one or other of its ends.
The output signals are applied to a display device serving to
indicate the position of the web member.
In one advantageous embodiment the said control signal is supplied
by a third counter which stores the pulse signals of the two speed
detectors, the said signal being generated at the moment at which
the number of pulses totalized by this counter reaches a certain
preselected value.
The constants stored in memory of the micro-processor are
advantageously released by actuating corresponding keys on a
control keyboard in accordance with the particular type of web and
reel employed.
The system advantageously included the provision of a presetting
keyboard or button and a set of comparators connected between the
said keyboard and the display device in such a way as to emit a
stop signal when the position of the web corresponds to the value
selected on the said keyboard .
Further characteristics and special features will be apparent from
the following description of an advantageous embodiment of the
invention, given below by way of an example and without any
limitative effect and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram partly in perspective, of a tape
transport mechanism with microprocessor control mean;
FIG. 1a shows a conventional cassette.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of an
apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is of an equivalent electronic circuit diagram for a
position indicator.
FIG. 4 is an equivalent electronic circuit diagram for the control
of the reel driving motors.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show two examples of equivalent electronic circuit
diagrams for the control of the reels of the driving motors.
FIG. 7 is a voltage diagram of a speed reducing circuit.
FIG. 8 is an equivalent block diagram of a search system.
FIG. 1 shows a magnetic tape 10 which is transferred in the
direction shown by the arrow A from a supply reel 12 to a take-up
reel 14. The invention will be described by reference to a
transport for magnetic tape recording and play-back apparatus, but
it should be noted that the invention can be applied, generally
speaking, to apparatus effecting the transfer of any flexible
material in the form of a web or tape from a supply reel to a
take-up spool. For the remainder of the description it will be
assumed that the reels 12 and 14 are contained in a cassette, not
shown in the drawings, but it should be noted that the device is
likewise applicable to a tape deck with open reels.
Each of the two reels 12 and 14 is associated with an electric
motor 20 and 22 driving them via shafts 16 and 18 respectively.
With these shafts 16 and 18 are associated angular speed detectors
24 and 26 respectively, already known per se. In the example shown
in FIG. 1, the said angular speed detectors 24 and 26 comprise
perforated discs 28 and 32 and pulse generators 30 and 34
respectively.
The component bearing the reference number 36 is a micro-processor
well known in the art conventionally including a CPU and program
memory. By way of example the inputs of the said micro-processor 36
have been shown on the right-hand side of the latter, the outputs
for the signals generated by the micro-processor being shown on the
left. This micro-processor 36 receives input signals emanating from
a control keyboard 37 enabling the operator to actuate the
apparatus and to start the various functions, i.e. fast forward,
movement at normal speed, stop, fast rewind, recording, pause,
these functions being indicated schematically, and in the said
order, by the subdivisions of the keyboard 37 in FIG. 1, proceeding
from left to right.
A second keyboard 38 enables the operator to designate the type of
cassette in the apparatus, such as Type C60, C-90 or C120, for each
of which sets of constants representing characteristics of the
respective type of cassette are stored in the memory of the
micro-processor 36 in a cassette constants store. An additional
control button can be provided, corresponding to a cassette of a
less widely known type, constants representing the characteristics
of this cassette likewise being stored in the memory of the
micro-processor 36. The latter also receives, on its input side,
the pulses from the pulse generators 30 and 34.
One of the outputs of the micro-processor 36 is connected to the
input of a position indicator or display 40, which is of the
digital type. Two other outputs of the micro-processor 36 transmit
control signals via control circuit to the motors 20 and 22 in a
manner described in greater detail hereinafter.
During the recording or playback of information on the magnetic
tape 10 the said tape is caused to run at the speed designated as
"normal" by means of a capstan associated with a pinch roller, not
shown, a constant speed of rotation being imparted to the capstan
by means of a motor, likewise not shown. In order to ensure that
the magnetic tape 10 will be wound upon the take up reel 14 as and
when it is delivered by the driving capstan, the reel 14 is driven
by its motor 22 in such a way that the magnetic tape is not
subjected to any abnormal tractive stress and cannot accumulate
between the capstan and the reel 14. During the fast forward or
fast reverse movement of the magnetic tape the latter is released
from the action of the capstan by the release of the associated
pinch roller, and the reel, becoming a take-up reel, is driven by
its motor 20 or 22 at a high speed.
The function of the micro-processor 36 and the operations effected
therein will now be described in greater detail. In summary, the
microprocessor is conventional and includes a processor and memory
units for storage of constants corresponding to different types of
cassettes and programs to operate the processor under program
control to monitor the movement of the web in the transport
apparatus by determining tape position and displaying the position
of the web on a display 40, and by controlling the drive motors 20,
22 in carrying out the various functions of the apparatus. For the
purposes of the description reference will be made to equivalent
analog circuits, the function of the micro-processor conventionally
being based on digital principles.
In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 the pulse
generators 30 and 34 are devices in which a light ray is chopped by
equally spaced apertures provided on the periphery of disc-shaped
wheels 28 and 32. In one experimental embodiment of the invention
the number of apertures per disc is 20, as shown. These pulse
generators 30 and 34 generate, in a manner known per se, pulse
trains which represent, either in their frequency or in their
amplitude, the angular speeds of each of the reels 12 and 14.
The different types of cassette used most frequently, i.e. Types C
60, C 90 and C 120, are essentially distinguished from one another
by the length of the magnetic tape, which at normal delivery speed
provides 30, 45 or 60 minutes respectively of play-back or
recording time for each direction or movement of the tape, or a
total of 60, 90 or 120 minutes, respectively. In carrying out the
invention, the apparatus disclosed herein is operable with
cassettes of these different types, and provides for each such
cassette a determination of absolute values of tape position. For
making that determination, position determination algorithms are
used including equations employing constants established by
physical parameters of the cassettes including tape length and
thickness and diameter of the reel hubs, and the ratio of
rotational speeds of the reels. The following description explains
the derivation of these equations. An elementary calculation
suffices to indicate with a satisfactory degree of accuracy the
length of magnetic tape wound on each of the reels as a function of
the ratio of the angular speeds of the two reels 12 and 14,
represented by the total number of pulses emitted by the generators
30 and 34 for a given period.
If the following symbols have the meanings given:
l.sub.1 =length of magnetic tape used,
l.sub.2 =length of magnetic tape not used,
L=total length of magnetic tape,
e=thickness of magnetic tape,
r=radius of hub of reels 12 and 14,
R.sub.1 =external radius of winding on reel 14,
R.sub.2 =external radius of winding on reel 12,
P.sub.1 =number of pulses emanating from detector 34 for a given
period,
P.sub.2 =number of pulses emanating from detector 30 for a given
period,
and taking as a basis the condition which is expressed with
sufficient accuracy by the equations
we obtain, by means of an elementary calculation and using the
equation (R.sub.1 /R.sub.2)=(P.sub.2 /P.sub.1), the equations shown
below: ##EQU3## wherein ##EQU4## T representing the ratio p.sub.1
/p.sub.2 when L=l.sub.2, i.e. at the beginning of the tape. T is
thus a constant which characterizes each type of cassette and which
can be determined either mathematically or by measurement.
If the two terms of the equation (I) and (I') are divided by L, we
obtain the following: ##EQU5##
It is also possible to multiply the two terms of Eq. (II) and (II')
by the duration 67 of the cassette, of which the usual types may
have the values defined above. We then obtain, with
and
the following: ##EQU6##
Among the above Equations, (I) and (I') represent the length of the
magnetic tape wound on the take-up reel and on the supply reel
respectively i.e. a position determination in terms of linear
dimension; Equations (II) and (II') represent the ratios of the
length of the magnetic tape wound on the take-up reel 14 and on the
supply reel 12 respectively to its total length; i.e. a position
determination in non-dimensional terms; while Equations (III) and
(III') represent the time taken by the magnetic tape 10 to reach
the radius R.sub.1 on the take-up reel 14, and the Radius R.sub.2
on the supply reel 12 respectively i.e. a position indication in
terms of time, representing the playback time or recording time
which has elapsed since the beginning of the magnetic tape or which
remains until the end of the magnetic tape respectively.
The sets of constants A,A',A", and B,B',B" for the different types
of cassette can be determined statistically, so that account can be
taken, with sufficient accuracy, of the very slight variations
which may exist between different cassettes of one and the same
type and which are caused, for example, by inaccuracies in assembly
or manufacture. These same constants can be determined in a similar
manner for cassettes which have been recorded in advance and not
referenced and of which the lengths vary from one individual
cassette to another.
To obtain valid results, either of these equations may be used in
the micro-processor 36. For the apparatus proposed, use will be
made of the Equation (II) as long as the type of cassette has not
been designated by the operator; when it has been designated, on
the other hand, Equation (III) will be adopted. Thus, as soon as a
cassette has been introduced into the apparatus, the
micro-processor 36, after having received the required information
from the keyboard 38 designating the type of cassette in the
apparatus, transmits to the display 40 a signal representing the
position of the tape calculated using Equation (III) as the
magnetic tape runs off one reel and transfers to the other. The
information supplied by the display 40 is thus, in this case, a
time indication. The keys of the keyboard 38 are preferably
luminous, enabling the indication of the particular type of
cassette loaded in the apparatus to be displayed. These keys, when
actuated, automatically cause the reading from memory, in the
micro-processor 36, of stored signals corresponding to the sets of
constants for the type of cassette in the apparatus, these
constants being required for the calculation of tape position
utilizing Equation (III) in the manner described above.
FIG. 2 illustrates, by means of a block diagram, the various
operations performed by the micro-processor 36 under program
control, the operations being illustrated by functions performed by
analog computer circuits and control circuits. For the purposes of
determining the ratio of rotational speeds of the reels, the pulse
signals generated by the photo-electric pulse generators 30 and 34
are supplied to counters 42 and 44 of the microprocessor 36 by
which these pulses are counted. The two counters 42 and 44 are
identical to each other and preferably of the "shift register" type
well known in itself. They thus consist of a number of blocks, such
as described, for example, in "The TTL Data Book for Design
Engineers" (1st edition), Texas instrument, which blocks may
contain a given number of pulses or bits, the number in an
experimental prototype being 256. These blocks, which are four in
number, are loaded, for example, from left to right. When the four
blocks of a counter are full, the last block, as viewed in the
direction in which they are loaded, is emptied of its contents in
such a way that the information recorded in each of the blocks
preceding it in the said direction can be shifted to the subsequent
block. The preceding block is thus evacuated and can receive
further pulse signals. The ratio of reel rotational speeds which is
represented by the number of pulses in the two counters 42, 44 is
thus more accurate, as it is based upon a larger numer of items of
information, regularly "brought up to date."
The ratio of the number of pulse signals generated by the two pulse
generators, 33, 34, i.e. the ratio of the contents of the two shift
registers 42 and 44, is determined periodically, these contents
being shown hereinafter, for the purposes of the description, by
the symbols C.sub.1 and C.sub.2. The ratio (C.sub.1 /C.sub.2)
measured at any stage of transfer of the tape from reel to reel is,
for purposes of this description, considered equal to the ratio
(P.sub.1 /P.sub.2) of the pulses generated by the two pulse
generators 34 and 30 during a given period.
This determination of the reel speed ratio and the consequent
determination of tape position using the tape position
determination Equation employing the cassette constants and the
reel speed ratio as an input variable, is preferably periodically
repeated, or by means of a counter and control signal generator 46
which receives the pulse trains of the two pulse generators 30 and
34 and which initiates a determination of position by generating a
control signal gating the output from the D/A converters 48, 50 to
the speed ratio circuit 52 whenever its contents reach a
predetermined value which, in one experimental embodiment of the
invention, is fixed at 16, representing a predetermined period for
position determinations.
The signals C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 emanating from the shift registers
42 and 44 are thus applied to the inputs of the two digital-analog
converters 48 and 50 respectively. The voltages V.sub.1 and V.sub.2
at the output of each of these converters 48 and 50 thus represent
the number of pulses stored in by control signals from the control
signal generator, the shift registers 42 and 44, and the ratio
between the voltages V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 represents the ratio of
speeds of the reels.
The two voltages V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 are applied from the D/A
converters 48, 50 to the inputs of a speed ratios determination
circuit 52 which is implemented with operational amplifiers for
purposes of illustration of the operations performed, known per
se.
After the periodic control signal generated from the counter and
control signal generator 46, the speed ratios circuit 52 calculates
the ratio (C.sub.1 /C.sub.2), generating a voltage signal V.sub.3
=(V.sub.1 /V.sub.2). This signal V.sub.3 is applied in four data
processing circuits 54, 56, 58 and 60, each consisting of
operational amplifiers known per se and therefore not described in
detail.
The diagrams show, by way of illustration, the types of amplifier
suitable for use in the equivalent circuits proposed by the
invention. These amplifiers are described in "Semiconductor Data
Library," Vol. 6, Linear Integrated Circuits, Series A, of Motorola
Semiconductor Products Inc. For further information on the assembly
of these components and on the circuits used, reference may be made
to "L'amplificateur Operationnel--Principles et Applications" by R.
DAMAYE, 2nd edition, published by the Societe des Editions
Radio.
The circuit 54 effects the operations to determine tape position
using Equations (II) or (III), depending on which set of constants
are derived from the constants store and utilized in the
algorithmic operations performed by the circuit. Thus, the circuit
54 generates a signal proportional to (l.sub.1 /L) or to t.sub.1,
which is applied to the input of the display unit 40 indicating the
position of the magnetic tape in relation to its total length as a
percentage, or to the end of the tape on one of the reels as a time
indication.
As will be described in fuller detail below, the circuits 56 and 58
are operating control circuits the purpose of which is to determine
and apply variable voltages to the driving motors 20 and 22 and
thereby vary the output torque in accordance with the position of
the tape.
The circuit 60 serves to generate a signal the purpose of which is
to supply a circuit 62 designed to control the reduction of the
reel driving speeds.
The operations effected by the microprocessor 36 to determine and
supply tape position signals to the display 40, are represented in
the determine (l.sub.1 /L) or t.sub.1 circuit 54 which will now be
described in greater detail by reference to the equivalent circuit
diagram of FIG. 3. The signal V.sub.3 from the reel speed ratios
circuit 52 representing the ratio of the voltages, V.sub.1
/V.sub.2, is applied to the input of a squaring circuit 54a may be
implemented in any conventional way as by log and anti-log function
circuits as shown and generating a voltage signal V.sub.4
=V.sub.3.sup.2. This squaring circuit 54a comprises two resistors
Rf and Rs of which the ratio determines the exponent of the output
signal, in this case (Rf/Rs=2. The output signal V.sub.4 is applied
to one of the input terminals of an adder circuit 54b, another
input terminal (labelled "1") of this adder circuit being fed by a
voltage signal of unit magnitude. The said adder circuit 54b thus
supplies a voltage V.sub.5 =V.sub.4 +1, which is applied to one of
the input terminals of a divider circuit 54c. A second input
terminal of this divider circuit 54c receives a signal V.sub.5 '
representing the constant A' defined above, from the cassette
constants store (FIG. 2). This input terminal may be switched
automatically into circuit in such a way as to receive a signal
representing the constant A", by actuating the appropriate button
of the keyboard 38, which releases the stored information from the
cassette constants store corresponding to the type of cassette
selected.
The divider circuit 54c generates a voltage signal V.sub.6
=(A'/V.sub.5) which is applied to one of the input terminals of a
subtraction circuit 54d, the other input terminal of this circuit
54d receiving a voltage signal V.sub.6 ' representing the constant
B', or the constant B" if the cassette loaded in the apparatus is
know to the operator and designated by operation of that control
button of the keyboard 38 which corresponds to the type of known
cassette. This subtraction circuit 54d supplies a voltage signal
V.sub.7 =V.sub.6 -B' representing the calculated value for l.sub.1
/L according to Equation (II) and thus representing that fraction
of the magnetic tape which is wound onto the take-up reel. It
should be evident that if the constants A" and B" are introduced
into the circuits 54c and 54d by connecting the input terminals A'
and B' to a memory unit storing said constants A" and B" and
operated to apply voltage levels representing said constants to the
input terminals in response to operation of the control button
designating the known type of cassette in the apparatus, this will
provide a voltage signal representing the value of t.sub.1
according to Equation (III), i.e. a magnetic tape position
indication as a unit of time. It also should be evident that it is
equally possible to introduce the constants A and B into the
circuits 54c and 54d, by supplying the input terminals from a
memory unit storing said constants A, B in order to obtain a signal
representing 1, according to Equation I, i.e. an indication of the
length of tape wound onto the takeup reel.
Similarly, the microprocessor 36 may be controlled to carry out
tape position determinations using Equations I', II' or III', in
place of Equations I, II and III. It will suffice to permute the
terminals of the divider circuit in such way as to operate on a
signal proportional to (P.sub.2 /P.sub.1) instead of (P.sub.1
/P.sub.2). In this case the information supplied will relate,
according to the particular algorithm adopted, to the absolute
length or length percentage of the tape still available on the
delivery reel or the time still required for its transfer to the
take-up reel.
The output signal of the circuit 54 is converted into a digital
value by means of a conventional analog-digital converter and
hereafter supplied to the input terminal of a display device 40 of
the luminescent diode or liquid crystal type.
As the only variable entering into the tape position determinations
using Equations (I), (II) and (III) is a ratio between two
magnitudes, in the present embodiment the number of pulse signals
representing the angular speeds of the reels, the foregoing
calculations and thus the displayed indication will always be
valid, regardless of the speed at which the magnetic tape
transferred.
As and when the magnetic tape is wound onto the take-up reel the
diameter of this latter increases, and as the different types of
motor by which these reels are driven in known apparatus have a
constant torque, set for a medium position of the tape, the
tractive stress exerted on this latter will decrease in proportion.
Now it has been found that if the magnetic tape is subjected to a
constant traction throughout its run-off at normal speed, such
properties as wow and flutter in the playback are greatly
improved.
To ensure constant traction on the magnetic tape throughout its
movement the driving motor has to be controlled in such a way as to
modify the torque in accordance with the diameter of the take-up
reel. Now as the ratio of the pulses p.sub.1 and p.sub.2, counted
in the counters 42 and 44, represents the variation in the winding
diameter of the reels, the rotational speed of the motor 22 is
controlled by modifying its feed voltage by means of the signal
V.sub.3 supplied by the circuit 52 and representing the ratio of
these pulse signals. These are various simple formulae by which the
voltage to be applied to the terminals of the motor can be
determined mathematically, e.g.:
These operations are carried out in the circuit 56 for the motor 22
and in the circuit 58 where the motor 20 is concerned. FIG. 4 shows
the details of the circuit 56. The signal V.sub.3 (see FIG. 2) is
applied to one of the input terminals of a multiplier circuit 56a,
a second input terminal of this circuit 56a receiving a signal
representing the constant F. This multiplier circuit 56a emits a
signal V.sub.10 =F.times.V.sub.3, which is applied to one of the
input terminals of a subtraction circuit 56b. A second input
terminal of this subtraction circuit 56b receives a signal E
representing approximately the maximum voltage to be applied to the
motor.
This circuit 56b generates a signal V.sub.11 =E-F.times.V.sub.3
corresponding to the above formula and representing the control
voltage for the motor 22. This voltage increases to the extent to
which the ratio (C.sub.1 /C.sub.2) decreases, i.e. in the degree in
which the take-up reel 14 fills up. This increase caused by the
increase in the diameter of the windings on the take-up reel,
thereby ensuring a perfectly constant traction on the magnetic tape
throughout its movement. It should be noted that the control
circuit 58 of the motor 20 is identical to the circuit 56 and will
not be described in detail.
A further advantageous application of the present invention is the
gradual reduction of the high winding and re-winding speeds when
one of the ends of the tape is nearly reached. This slowing-down
can be prolonged until the tape comes to a complet stop, thus
enabling the known automatic stopping devices to be replaced. FIGS.
5 and 6 illustrate two examples of circuits 60a and 60b which can
be used for the purpose of generating a control signal to be
applied to the circuit 62 in order to reduce the speeds in
accordance with the number of pulse signals emitted by the counters
30 and 34. The circuits 60a or 60b thus receive from the circuit 52
(see FIG. 2) the signal V.sub.3 representing the ratio between the
rotational speeds of the two reels. These two circuits,
furthermore, are connected to two reference voltages selected
arbitrarily and representing the rotational speed ratio between the
two reels at the beginning and at the end of the tape run-off
respectively. These reference voltages may also be associated with
the types of cassette and thus selected by means of the keyboard 38
when the type of cassette is being selected.
Referring to FIG. 5, when the input voltage V.sub.3 is inside the
window between the voltages V.sub.ref1 -V.sub.ref2, both diodes 50,
51 are conducting and the differential voltage between inputs to
the operational amplifier 52 equals zero. As the input voltage
V.sub.3 shifts outside said window, one of the two diodes 50 or 51
is cut off and the input voltage V.sub.3 is detected either on the
non-inverting or inverting input to the operational amplifer, thus
the operational amplifier 52 produces an output voltage V.sub.s of
a predetermined magnitude as indicated in FIG. 7. The diodes of 53,
54 insure anti-latch-up for the operational amplifier 52 and output
voltage limitation for increasing switching time.
The circuit disclosed in FIG. 6 operates on the same principal, but
the window between the voltages V.sub.ref1 -V.sub.ref2 is insured
by two operational amplifiers 60, 61 mounted in parallel. The
reference voltage is applied to the inverting terminal of the
operational amplifier 61 and to the non-inverting terminal of the
operational amplifier 60. Thus, when the input voltage V.sub.3 is
inside the window V.sub.ref1 -V.sub.ref2, the output of both
operational amplifers 60, 61 is low, but shifts high as soon as
either operational amplifier is biased to conduct and produce the
output voltage V.sub.s. The diode 61 is used as the output for
limiting the output voltage V.sub.s. Thus, as long as the magnitude
of the signal V.sub.3 is included in the window between these two
threshold voltage V.sub.ref1 and V.sub.ref2, the output signal
V.sub.s generated by the operational circuits of the assemblies 60a
or 60b remains at level 0 (see FIG. 7). As long as the signal
V.sub.s remains zero, the circuit 62 (see FIG. 2) is not influenced
by the operational circuits 60a or 60b and the take-up reel is
driven at high speed. When the amplitude of the signal V.sub.3
becomes lower than V.sub.ref1 or higher than V.sub.ref2 the signal
V.sub.s will occur at the output of the operational circuits 60a or
60b (see FIG. 7). This signal V.sub.s is applied to the circuit 62
and has the effect of braking the supply reel. Circuits of FIGS. 5
and 6 therefore come into operation when the rapid winding or
re-winding is started up, whether at the beginning or at the end of
the tape, immediately before the drive of the take-up reel is shut
off. This apparatus enables rapid winding or re-winding to be
started up far more quickly than in the case of the systems at
present in use, since it is now certain that thanks to this speed
reduction no abnormal tractive stress will be exerted on the ends
of the magnetic tape.
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an equivalent circuit
enabling the tape to be rapidly wound or re-wound back to a
predetermined position and the drive to be automatically stopped
once the tape is in the position corresponding to the passage
sought.
By means of a keyboard 80 consisting of 4 switches with numerical
indications it is possible to display that position of the tape to
which it is desired to return and by actuating a "search" button 85
the said position is thus traced. This operation is effected by the
microprocessor, but for the purpose of the description an
equivalent block diagram will likewise be referred to.
If the counter does not "know" the present position of the tape,
i.e. if the cassette has only just been inserted into the
apparatus, the start of the search operation will cause the tape to
move to a sufficient extent (at normal speed) to enable the counter
to "know" the said position.
If, on the other hand, the counter "knows" the position indication,
the search operation is effected by comparing this indication with
that of the keyboard 80. The search will be effected either at fast
forward speed or at fast reverse speed, according to the sign of
the difference between the aforementioned two indication values.
The computing is then effected by comparing the momentary value of
the position indication of the counter with that displayed by the
keyboard. When the two values are identical the tape drive is
stopped. FIG. 8 shows 4 digital display switches 81, 82, 83 and 84,
schematically illustrating the presetting keyboard 80. The
informations contained therein are directly coded in the switch
itself. The outputs of these switches 81,82,83 and 84 are connected
to the input terminals of camparators 91, 92,93 and 94 respectivey,
and these latter may be of the type 7486 (Texas Indstruments) which
receive in a second input terminal the coded pulse signals from the
counter 40 which displays the tape position indication.
When the "search button" 85 is actuated, the comparators 91,92,93
and 94 are set in operation and compare, all at the same time, the
information provided by the keyboard 80 (subdivided into 4 figures)
and that emanating from the numerical display counter 40. When all
the comparators obtain zero at their output terminal (i.e. when the
figures of the counter 40 are equal to those of the keyboard 80) a
"STOP" circuit 100 generates a pulse which serves to stop the
apparatus. That part of the tape which corresponds to the
preselection is thus in position in front of the magnetic
heads.
To increase the accuracy of the "search" operation, the system has
been designed in such a way as to enable the run-off speed of the
magnetic tape to be reduced when the difference between the value
of the position indication and that of the keyboard 80 is below a
certain constant (e.g., 30 sec). The final part of the search
operation being effected at a low speed, the counter displays a
very accurate position indication, the precision of the
preselection operation thus being improved.
The system is also designed in such a way that once the "search"
has been carried out the apparatus automatically causes the tape to
move at normal speed when the "search" and "normal speed" button
have been actuated at the same time.
Instead of a keyboard 80 with four switches the preselection can
also be advantageously effected by means of a keyboard with digital
keys numbered from 0 to 9. In this case the value selected by this
numerical keyboard is displayed on the counter 40 while the
information relating to the position of the tape is stored in the
apparatus.
The "search" key 85, shown in an isolated position in FIG. 8, can
naturally be incorporated in the keyboard 37 shown in FIG. 1.
Finally, it should be emphasized that an experimental apparatus in
which the present invention has been applied has enabled
unprecedented degrees of accuracy to be achieved, both as regards
the indication of the position of the magnetic tape and as regards
the operation of controlling the driving motors in accordance with
the said position.
This accuracy is mainly due to the fact that average values are
employed in the different operational phases, e.g. in the counters
42, 44, and for the storage of the constants.
As the description refer to the use of micro-processors, the
formulae employed have been deliberately simplified, to enable use
to be made of components of this type which are customarily used at
the present time and of which the cost is thus acceptable. Despite
these simplifications the ratio of the precision to the number of
components is an excellent one, as has been confirmed by an
experimental prototype. The technician in this field can naturally
use more advanced components and circuits if desired, thus enabling
more precise formulae to be adopted, without thereby departing from
the scope of the invention.
It should also be noted that the invention can be applied to other
purposes than that to which the above description relates.
Generally speaking, it is applicable to any apparatus or
installation involving the monitoring and/or control of the
transfer of a material in web or thread form from a supply or
delivery reel to a take-up reel, particularly in the sphere of
information storage or memorization. Within the scope of such
applications the invention makes it possible, in particular, for
certain types of recording tape, to dispense with a synchronization
track on which timing pulses are recorded.
* * * * *