Patent ID: 6668131
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A tape end detector for detecting a tape end based upon difference between an optical transmissivity of a tape leader and an optical transmissivity of a magnetic substance applied part, comprising:a first resistor one terminal of which is connected to a positive power source; a second resistor one terminal of which is connected to the other terminal of said first resistor and the other terminal of which is grounded; a microcomputer to the analog input terminal of which the other terminal of said first resistor is connected; a first phototransistor the collector of which is connected to the output terminal of said microcomputer and the emitter of which is connected to the other terminal of said first resistor for detecting one tape end on the side of a take-up reel or on the side of a supply reel; and a second phototransistor the collector of which is connected to one terminal of said second resistor and the emitter of which is connected to the output terminal of said microcomputer for detecting the other tape end on the side of the take-up reel or on the side of the supply reel, wherein said microcomputer determines whether said first phototransistor is turned on or off based upon voltage applied to the analog input terminal when the output terminal is at a high level, and determines whether said second phototransistor is turned on or off based upon voltage applied to the analog input terminal when the output terminal is at a low level.