JPH06111210A - Tape recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To record with the finely adjusted recording characteristic without performing a calibration adjustment each time in a tape recorder. CONSTITUTION:When a magnetic tape is loaded, a tape kind detecting part 18 detects the kind of the tape. An adjusting value calculated by a calibration operation is stored in a memory 16. If the set value is already recorded, the recording characteristic is adjusted with the set value. The memory 16 is able to store set values for each kind of tapes. The set value used for the adjustment of the recording characteristic is all or part of the set values for the adjustment of a bias, of the recording frequency characteristic and of the recording level. In the manner as above, when the set values obtained by the calibration are stored corresponding to the kind of tapes, a recording circuit system can be finely adjusted again corresponding to the kind of a tape when the tape is exchanged.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape recorder capable of automatically adjusting a recording characteristic (calibration adjustment).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a normal tape (type I), a chrome tape (type II), and a metal tape (type IV) are widely used as a tape cassette equipped with a magnetic tape for recording analog audio signals. In a recording device (tape recorder) for such a cassette tape, according to the above-mentioned tape types having different recording characteristics,
Appropriate recording is performed by adjusting the recording level, recording frequency characteristics, and bias.

In the tape recorder, these recording characteristics are determined by discriminating the type of the loaded tape cassette and automatically adjusting accordingly. For this reason, the tape recorder holds a general value for adjusting the recording characteristics according to the type, for example, in the ROM means, reads the general value from the ROM means in accordance with the tape cassette type, and the respective parts of the recording circuit system (for example, recording The input level adjuster, recording equalizer, bias adjuster, etc.) are adjusted.

However, in reality, even if the same type of magnetic tape is used, the optimum recording characteristics will be slightly different depending on the manufacturer and the type of manufacture. Therefore, when performing recording with higher sound quality, fine adjustment (calibration adjustment) can be performed according to the loaded magnetic tape.

The calibration adjustment is performed by once applying a signal of a predetermined frequency to the loaded magnetic tape, for example, 400 Hz.
And 10KHz constant frequency signal are recorded alternately for about 1 minute, then rewound and played back. Then, the optimum adjustment value is calculated from the signal output by the reproducing operation, and the read circuit is readjusted by this. (For the sake of explanation, the adjustment value calculated at the time of calibration adjustment will be referred to as the set value hereinafter).

[0006]

By thus performing the calibration adjustment, optimum recording can be performed for the tape cassette, but for example, the recording of the tape cassette is completed and the tape cassette is replaced. After that, there was a problem that we could not respond optimally.

For example, in the conventional tape recorder, the fine adjustment state according to the set value at the time of the calibration adjustment by the previous tape is retained as it is in the recording circuit system regardless of the type of the new magnetic tape even after the tape exchange. Whether or not the type of the previously loaded magnetic tape and the type of the newly loaded magnetic tape are the same or different, the fine adjustment state is discarded and the type of the newly loaded magnetic tape is discarded. Accordingly, it is only possible to return to the adjustment state by the general value that can obtain the average characteristic.

However, it goes without saying that in the case of a tape recorder which keeps the fine adjustment state according to the set value, proper recording characteristics cannot be obtained when the type of the newly loaded magnetic tape is different.

Further, in the case of a tape recorder which returns to a general value, it is necessary to perform calibration adjustment again on the newly loaded magnetic tape. If you need to change the tape when you are recording a long-running song or air check voice, etc., and you do not have time to make new calibration adjustments, use the first tape. Recording will be performed with different characteristics on the A and B sides of the second tape or tape cassette.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the set value in the calibration adjustment is stored according to the tape type, and a new magnetic tape can be added by replacing the tape. When loaded, the recording characteristics can be adjusted using the set values.

That is, in a tape recorder capable of performing a calibration adjustment operation on a loaded magnetic tape, a discriminating means for discriminating the type of the loaded magnetic tape and an adjustment value calculated by the calibration operation are displayed. If a setting value corresponding to the type of the magnetic tape discriminated by the discriminating means is stored in the storing means when the magnetic tape is loaded, the storing means is stored. It is configured so that the adjustment operation of the recording characteristics can be performed using the preset value.

Further, in particular, in this configuration, the storage means can also store the set value corresponding to each type of magnetic tape. The set value used for the adjustment operation of the recording characteristic is all or a part of the set value for bias adjustment, the set value for adjusting recording frequency characteristic, and the set value for adjusting recording level. Further, the storage means may be composed of a nonvolatile memory or a RAM having a backup power supply.

[0013]

[Operation] By storing the set value by the calibration adjustment according to the tape type, when the tape is exchanged, the type of the magnetic tape can be changed without recalculating the set value by the calibration operation again. It is possible to newly make fine adjustments to the recording circuit system in accordance with.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an essential part of an embodiment of a tape recorder using the compact cassette tape as a recording medium.

Reference numeral 1 is an input terminal for inputting an audio signal to be recorded, 2 is a recording input switching circuit which is normally connected to the R terminal, 3 is a recording level adjusting circuit, 4 is a recording equalizer amplifier, and 5 is recording / reproducing. A switching circuit, 6 is a recording / reproducing head for recording / reproducing signals on / from the magnetic tape T, 7 is an erasing head,
Reference numeral 8 indicates a bias oscillator, and 9 indicates a bias adjusting circuit composed of, for example, a trimmer capacitor.

At the time of recording, the audio signal supplied from the input terminal 1 is adjusted to a predetermined recording level by the recording level adjusting circuit 3 via the R terminal of the recording input switching circuit 2, and frequency compensation is performed by the recording equalizer amplifier 4. Processing such as amplification is performed. Then, the bias current supplied via the bias adjusting circuit 9 is superimposed, supplied to the recording / reproducing head 6 via the R terminal of the recording / reproducing switching circuit, and recorded on the magnetic tape T. The output of the bias oscillator 8 is also supplied to the erase head 7 as an erase current.

Reference numeral 10 is a reproduction equalizer amplifier, and 11
Is a reproduction level adjusting circuit (reproduction volume), 12 is an amplifier, 13 is a reproduction output switching circuit, and 14 is an output terminal.
During playback, the recording / playback switching circuit 5 is normally connected to the P terminal,
The reproduction output switching circuit 13 is also connected to the P terminal.
Therefore, the signal recorded on the magnetic tape T is transferred to the recording / reproducing head 6
When read by, the reproduction signal is subjected to frequency compensation, amplification, etc. in the reproduction equalizer amplifier 10.
It is output from the output terminal 14 as an output audio signal via the reproduction level adjusting circuit 11 and the amplifier 12.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a controller composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and 16 denotes a memory section provided inside the controller, which is composed of a ROM and a non-volatile RAM. The RAM is not limited to the nonvolatile RAM and may be a RAM including a power supply backup circuit. Further, in some cases, it may be a normal RAM means whose memory is lost when the power is turned off.

Reference numeral 17 denotes an operation unit having various operation keys used for user operation. The operation keys include a stop key, a reproduction key, a reverse reproduction key, a fast forward key, a rewind key, a recording key, a pause key, A calibration key and the like are provided. Operation information from the operation unit 17 is input to the controller 15. The controller 15 controls each unit required for executing the recording operation and the reproducing operation as described above according to the input operation information.

Reference numeral 18 is a tape type detection unit. In the case of a compact cassette tape, the above three types (normal,
Although chrome and metal) magnetic tapes are widely used, these types can be identified by the notch position on the back surface of the cassette housing. The tape type detection unit 18 detects a notch position on the back surface of the housing of the loaded tape cassette and supplies a tape type determination signal to the controller 15.

Reference numeral 19 is a frequency oscillator used for calibration adjustment, and is capable of outputting a constant frequency signal of 400 Hz and a constant frequency signal of 10 KHz, for example. This constant frequency signal is supplied to the C terminal of the recording input switching circuit 2. Reference numeral 20 denotes an A / D converter, which supplies the signal supplied from the C terminal of the reproduction output switching circuit 13 to the controller 15 as digital data.

The recording characteristic adjusting operation of the tape recorder of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of the controller 15 in FIG. 2 and the flowcharts in FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a part of the configuration of the controller 15 for recording characteristic adjustment control, in which 15a is an arithmetic / control unit and 16a is an RO.
M and 16b are RAM (nonvolatile).

The ROM 16a has a tape type (normal:
General values of recording characteristics are stored according to type I, chrome: type II, metal: type IV). That is, for each type, the bias adjustment value, the recording equalizer adjustment value, and the recording level adjustment value are stored as values at which standard characteristics are obtained.

The RAM 16b is provided with an area for storing the set value calculated when the calibration adjustment is performed and an area for storing the type of the tape cassette for which the calibration adjustment is performed.

First, the operation at the time of calibration adjustment will be described with reference to FIG. When the tape cassette is loaded and the tape type is determined, the ROM is stored according to the type.
The recording input level in the recording level adjusting circuit 3, the frequency characteristic in the recording equalizer amplifier 4, and the adjustment value in the bias adjusting circuit 9 are adjusted by the general value read from 16a.

At that stage, when a signal of a calibration execution operation is input from the operation unit 17 to the controller 15 by the user's operation, the controller 15 starts the calibration operation process (F101 → F102). That is,
First, the system is set to the recording mode, the running of the magnetic tape T is started, and the bias output from the bias oscillator 8 is started. Then, the recording / reproducing switching circuit is connected to the R terminal.
At the same time, connect the recording input switching circuit 2 to the C terminal,
400Hz alternately to the frequency oscillator 19 every predetermined time
And control to output a constant frequency signal of 10 KHz. Therefore, the constant frequency signal output from the frequency oscillator 19 is recorded on the magnetic tape T.

After this is executed for about 1 minute, for example, the recording operation is stopped, the magnetic tape T is rewound, and the operation is started in the reproduction mode. That is, the recording / reproducing switching circuit 5 is connected to the P terminal to start the tape running. Further, the reproduction output switching circuit 13 is connected to the C terminal. Therefore, the constant frequency signals of 400Hz and 10KHz recorded on the magnetic tape T are reproduced,
The reproduced signal is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 20 and input to the controller 15. When the reproduction running for about 1 minute is completed, the magnetic tape T is rewound again and returned to the tape position before the start of the calibration adjustment.

Operation / control section 1 in controller 15
5a, when data is input from the A / D converter 20,
Based on this data, a recording input level, a recording frequency characteristic, and a set value for fine adjustment of bias adjustment are calculated (F103). The set value may be an absolute value used for the adjusting operation or a relative value to a general value, and is set according to the device.

The recording input level in the recording level adjusting circuit 3, the frequency characteristic in the recording equalizer amplifier 4, and the bias adjusting circuit 9 are calculated according to the calculated set values.
A control signal for finely adjusting the adjustment value in is output (F104). This provides optimum recording characteristics for the currently loaded tape cassette.

Thereafter, the arithmetic / control section 15a further stores the calculated set values (that is, the set values for the input level, the equalizer, and the bias) and the tape type data in the RAM.
It is stored in 16b (F105).

When the above processing is completed, the routine based on the calibration operation is completed. RA
The information of M16b is rewritten every time calibration adjustment is performed.

Next, the processing when the tape cassette is replaced will be described with reference to FIG. When the tape is replaced (that is, the loading of a new tape cassette is detected), the tape type is first discriminated from the signal from the tape type discriminating unit 18 (F201 → F202). Here, it is determined whether or not the tape type data stored in the RAM 16b matches the type of the tape cassette loaded this time (F203). If they match, the setting value in the calibration adjustment previously performed in the routine of FIG. 3 is held in the RAM 16b without the need to perform the calibration adjustment again, so that this setting value can be used again this time. Moreover,
Optimal recording characteristics can be obtained by adjusting the set value.

Therefore, the stored set value is read out from the RAM 16b, and based on the set value, the recording input level in the recording level adjusting circuit 3, the frequency characteristic in the recording equalizer amplifier 4, and the adjustment value in the bias adjusting circuit 9 are finely adjusted. Output the control signal to perform (F20
Four).

On the other hand, when the type of the loaded tape cassette is different from the tape type data of the RAM 16b, it is inappropriate to make an adjustment based on the set value in the calibration adjustment previously performed in the routine of FIG. . Therefore, in order to perform standard adjustment, the ROM16
From a, read the general value corresponding to the tape type,
Based on this, a control signal for adjusting the recording input level, frequency characteristic, and bias is output (F205).

Therefore, in this embodiment, if the tape cassettes of the same type are continuously used, the optimum fine adjustment of the recording characteristics can be maintained without executing the calibration adjustment for each tape cassette. When different types of tape cassettes are loaded, the standard adjustment state according to the type of the tape cassette is restored, so that the recording characteristics do not become unsuitable.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of the controller 15 shown in FIG. 5 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The structure of the main part of the tape recorder is the same as that shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
According to the first embodiment, b also has a storage area for storing set values of recording characteristics according to tape types (normal: type I, chrome: type II, metal: type IV). Is different. Further, there is no particular area for storing the type of the tape cassette as data when the calibration adjustment is performed.

The operation at the time of calibration adjustment will be described with reference to FIG. The fine adjustment of the recording characteristics by the calibration adjustment in steps F301 to F304 is the same as that in the above-described embodiment (steps F101 to F104 in FIG. 3), and thus the duplicated description will be omitted.

When the calibration adjustment for the recording circuit system is completed in step F304, the type of tape for which the calibration adjustment has been performed is determined (F305, F306).
If the tape type is type IV, the type IV flag is set (F307), and the set values (input level, equalizer, and bias set values) calculated by the calibration adjustment are stored in the type IV in the RAM 16b. (F308).

If the tape type is type II, type II
The flag is set (F309), and subsequently, the set value calculated by the calibration adjustment is stored in the type II storage area in the RAM 16b (F310). If the tape type is type I, the type I flag is set (F31
1) Then, the set value calculated by the calibration adjustment is stored in the type I storage area in the RAM 16b (F312). At the time of these processes, the flag information is also recorded in the nonvolatile RAM 16b.

Therefore, in this embodiment, after the calibration adjustment is performed once or more for each type of tape cassette, the latest set value of each type is stored in the RAM.
16b.

In this case, the processing when the tape cassette is replaced is as shown in FIG. When the loading of a new tape cassette is detected, the tape type is first determined by the signal from the tape type determination unit 18 (F401 → F402, F40).
3, F404).

Then, if the tape type is type I, it is first determined whether or not the type I flag is set (F405). The case where the type I flag is set by the processing of FIG. 6 is a case where the set value for the type I magnetic tape is stored in the RAM 16b. Therefore, if the type I flag is on, the RAM 16
The data (setting value) stored in the storage area for type I of b is read, and the recording input level, recording equalizer, and bias are finely adjusted by this (F406).

If the type I flag is not set, the calibration adjustment has not been performed on the type I magnetic tape in the past, and the set value is not stored in the RAM 16b. Therefore, the general value for type I is read from the ROM 16a. Readout is performed to adjust the recording input level, recording equalizer, and bias (F407).

If the tape type is type II, it is likewise determined whether the type II flag is set (F40
8) If the type II flag is turned on, the data (setting value) stored in the type II storage area of the RAM 16b is read, and the recording input level, recording equalizer, and bias are finely adjusted (F409). . If the type II flag is not set, type 16 is read from ROM 16a.
Read the general value for and adjust the recording input level, recording equalizer, and bias by this (F410).

Further, when the tape type is type IV, similarly, it is determined whether or not the type IV flag is set (F411), and if it is on, the type IV of the RAM 16b is set.
Read the data (setting value) stored in the memory area for recording, and fine-adjust the recording input level, recording equalizer, and bias (F412). If the type IV flag is not set, read from ROM 16a for type IV Read out the general value of the recording input level, recording equalizer,
Adjust the bias (F413).

Therefore, in this embodiment, in addition to the effects similar to those of the first embodiment, even if the tape cassettes of various types are alternately used, if they are the types for which the calibration adjustment has been once performed, , The fine adjustment state can be recovered, and high-precision recording can be performed very easily. Further, by using the RAM 16b as a non-volatile RAM or a RAM having a backup power source as described above, the data is retained even after the power is turned off, so that the calibration adjustment need not be performed to the minimum, which is more preferable. .

The present invention is not limited to the configuration and processing procedure of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a tape recorder using a cassette tape as a recording medium but also to a tape recorder using an open reel tape as a recording medium.

[0049]

As described above, the tape recorder of the present invention stores the set value in the calibration adjustment and uses the set value when a new magnetic tape is loaded by replacing the tape or the like. Since the recording characteristics can be adjusted, it is possible to perform recording with finely adjusted recording characteristics without performing calibration adjustment every time, and it is possible to easily perform advanced recording. In particular, it is possible to store the set values corresponding to the tape types, and the storage means is a non-volatile RAM,
Alternatively, by using a RAM having a backup power supply, it is possible to minimize the necessity of executing calibration adjustment, and further improve usability.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of a tape recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of the controller according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation at the time of calibration adjustment according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation when loading a tape according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a main part of a controller according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation during calibration adjustment according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation when loading a tape according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 recording level adjusting circuit 4 recording equalizer amplifier 6 recording / reproducing head 8 bias oscillator 9 bias adjusting circuit 15 controller 15a arithmetic / control unit 16 memory unit 16a ROM 16b RAM 17 operating unit 18 tape type discriminating unit 19 frequency oscillator

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A recording operation of a fixed frequency signal to a loaded magnetic tape and the reproduction thereof, a setting value is calculated based on the reproduced fixed frequency signal, and an adjusting operation of an appropriate recording characteristic for the magnetic tape. In a tape recorder capable of performing the above, a discriminating means for discriminating the type of the loaded magnetic tape, and storing the set value calculated based on the fixed frequency signal reproduced by the recording and reproducing operation of the fixed frequency signal. If a set value corresponding to the type of the magnetic tape discriminated by the discriminating means is stored in the storing means when the magnetic tape is loaded, it is stored in the storing means. A tape recorder characterized in that it is configured to be able to perform an operation of adjusting a recording characteristic by using a preset value. 2. The tape recorder according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is adapted to store a set value corresponding to each type of magnetic tape. 3. The set value used for the recording characteristic adjusting operation is a set value for bias adjustment, and / or a set value for adjusting recording frequency characteristic, and / or a set value for adjusting recording level. The tape recorder according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the tape recorder according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The tape recorder according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is composed of a nonvolatile memory or a RAM having a backup power supply.