Patent ID: 6459541
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
Tape end sensing method of a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus comprising:applying light to a magnetic tape having a light transmittable area on an end of said tape, using a light emitter; sensing said light applied by said light emitter and passed through said light transmittable area using a light receiver when a current taken-up position of said magnetic tape is near an end of said tape; sensing a current taken-up position of said tape using a position sensor; and controlling operation of said light emitter using a controller; wherein if said position sensor determines that the current taken-up position of said tape is close to the tape end, said controller operates said light emitter constantly or at predetermined intervals, and if said position sensor determines that the current taken-up position of said tape is distant from the tape end, said controller serves to stop the operation of said light emitter; and wherein if said position sensor fails to determine the current taken up position of said tape, said controller enables said light emitter to be activated continuously or constantly at predetermined intervals.