Patent ID: 6369976
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: G11B,H03M

Abstract:
A magnetic tape recording/reproducing apparatus adapted for loading a magnetic tape cassette, comprising:a magnetic head; a magnetic tape loading mechanism loading and unloading a magnetic tape cassette and loading and unloading a magnetic tape within the magnetic tape cassette to the magnetic head, the magnetic tape loading mechanism assuming a plurality of operating states; an optical detector for optically detecting a shifting of the magnetic tape loading mechanism from one operating state to another operating state; and a switch detecting a loading of the magnetic tape cassette, wherein the magnetic tape loading mechanism comprises a rotating member that rotates according to the plurality of operating states and the optical detector detects an angle of rotation of the rotating member, wherein the rotating member has an annular rib and the optical detector detects a presence or absence of the annular rib, the optical detector and the switch outputting a unique combination of digital signals corresponding to a presence or absence of the annular rib, the combination of digital signals output when the rotating member moves in a loading direction and the combination of signals output when the rotating member moves in an unloading direction being different from each other so as to indicate different operating states.