Abstract: Input signals are electronically watermarked using an uneven or non-uniform sampling rate. The uneven or non-uniform sampling may be pseudo-random. The uneven or non-uniform sampling meets the Nyquist criterion so that aliasing and loss of content are avoided. The resulting sampling pattern in the sampled data is detectable by a comparison with the original source data.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and signal bearing medium for processing multimedia data which improve server performance in rendering multimedia data. In one aspect, a method is provided for processing multimedia data without requiring utilization of the hard disk drive's data recovery procedure when soft or hard errors are encountered in connection with reading of the multimedia data from the hard disk drive. The method for processing multimedia data comprises: indexing the multimedia data to an i by j matrix; storing the i by j matrix in a data storage device utilizing odd/even index sequencing of the i by j matrix; retrieving data from the data storage device; and reconstructing the i by j matrix utilizing odd/even index sequencing of retrieved data.

Abstract: Input signals are electronically watermarked using an uneven or non-uniform sampling rate. The uneven or non-uniform sampling may be pseudo-random. The uneven or non-uniform sampling meets the Nyquist criterion so that aliasing and loss of content are avoided. The resulting sampling pattern in the sampled data is detectable by a comparison with the original source data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for improving reliability in RAID/Server systems by monitoring the RAID/Server system at the system level for predictive failure analysis (PFA) triggering events. Examples of PFA triggering events include: rebuild operations, addition of new disk drives, a change in usage patterns, and suspected handling damage. Once a triggering event is detected, the RAID/Server system issues a command to the disk drives in the system to begin performing PFA. If a PFA error is detected on any of the drives, the error is reported to the RAID/Server system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method shares predictive failure information between computer system in a computer network. The shared predictive failure information allows dynamically rerouting a network request to avoid a computer system that may fail according to its predictive failure information. According to a first embodiment, if the requested resource on the network has predictive failure information that indicates the resource may soon fail, a message is returned to the requesting computer with information that includes possible alternative sites from which the information may be obtained. If there is an alternative site, the requesting computer system may access the alternative site, thereby avoiding the computer system that may soon fail. If there is no alternative site, the requesting computer system may return an error message, or may simply access the original resource on the chance that is has not yet failed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the flyheight of an airbearing slider in a storage device. The slider floats on an airbearing over a rotating storage disk. The storage disk includes a washboard-sequence having washboard-sections each comprising surface profile variations having a different pitch. The pitches are selected from within a range of values likely to excite an airbearing resonance of the slider as the storage disk rotates at a rated storage disk velocity. For each of the washboard-sections, a maximum amplitude of flyheight modulation of the slider resulting from the slider floating over that washboard-section is measured. A determination is made of which washboard-section caused the largest measured flyheight modulation. The washboard-section having a pitch that provides an excitation frequency (when the disk is rotated at the rated storage disk velocity) that is closest to the actual airbearing resonance frequency of the slider will produce the largest flyheight modulation.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information to an individual using an electronic sign in which the sign displays information in response to the identity of the tag or an account associated with the tag. The information is displayed when the tag, which may be carried by the individual or in a vehicle, approaches the sign. A user can preselect from among various information types he wishes to receive, such as news, weather, sports and personal messages. The user can also select a priority for each information type.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the availability of a restricted class of tickets is provided. In one embodiment, an initial number of restricted tickets are made available for purchase. Purchase orders are received and processed by an event server. The event server is configured to assess the volume of sales and determine whether sales meet expectations. If expectations are not met, the server takes steps to change the availability of restricted tickets. Further, embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining the optimal selling price and availability of restricted tickets based on revenue goals, supply/demand, event capacity, and other factors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method reduce the transfer of vibration to and/or from a data a data transfer mechanism in a data storage device by coupling an adaptive mount responsive to an electrical stimulus to the data transfer mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention, a controller reads a signal that relates to the position error of a read/write component in a data transfer mechanism, applies an algorithm, and varies the damping of an adaptive mount coupled to the data transfer mechanism. The controller may be further configured to report an error to a host system that identifies a substandard data transfer mechanism so that such data transfer mechanism can be repaired or replaced.

Abstract: Input signals are electronically watermarked using an uneven or non-uniform sampling rate. The uneven or non-uniform sampling may be pseudo-random. The uneven or non-uniform sampling meets the Nyquist criterion so that aliasing and loss of content are avoided. The resulting sampling pattern in the sampled data is detectable by a comparison with the original source data.

Abstract: A slider having leading and trailing edges is configured to fly on an airbearing above a data storage disk rotating from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Read and write heads are mounted on the slider proximate the trailing edge. An auxiliary thermal sensor is mounted on the slider, but preferably nearer the leading edge. Forward placement of the sensor allows it to sense mechanical defects before they reach the heads, thereby permitting a write inhibit operation, for example. The sensor may also be used to detect airbearing modulation. Appropriate action may be taken when unacceptable airbearing modulation is detected, such as notifying the user and/or scrubbing the slider. The sensor is preferably wider than the heads. This allows, for example, an in-situ glide test to be performed faster using the sensor. An arm electronics module is preferably configured to permit concurrent operation of the sensor and heads.

Abstract: A slider for a disk drive has an air bearing surface that opposes a rotatable disk of recordable media. The air bearing surface includes one or more interior cavities to reduce van der Waals and electrostatic forces that attract the slider to the disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for testing the reliability of a disk drive. The head-to-disk clearance of a disk drive is measured at different slider airbearing conditions. The change in head-to-disk clearance between the slider airbearing conditions is calculated. If the calculated head-to-disk clearance change between airbearing conditions for each of the heads in the disk drive exceeds a predetermined threshold, the disk drive is verified as having passed the reliability test. Differences in slider airbearing conditions are generated by varying pressures and/or temperatures under which the drive is operated.

Abstract: A business method prompts users of electronic payment cards and automatically adjusts automobile fuel pricing based upon the number of passengers in a vehicle at a refueling station. When the driver stops to refuel the vehicle, the system prompts the driver to insert a payment card to pay for the fuel. If there are other passengers in the vehicle, they too are prompted to insert their cards to indicate that they are riding with the driver. The system is provided with numerous protocols for ensuring that the system is not inappropriately circumvented. For example, the system can verify that the additional cards are not from other patrons at the same service center, or that the additional cards are not from other family members of the purchasing card holder. After all cards have been read and verified, the reduced price of the fuel is displayed and the fuel is dispensed.

Abstract: A slider having leading and trailing edges is configured to fly on an airbearing adjacent a data storage disk rotating from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Read and write heads are mounted on the slider proximate the trailing edge. An auxiliary thermal sensor is mounted on the slider, but preferably nearer the leading edge. Forward placement of the sensor allows it to sense mechanical defects before they reach the heads, thereby permitting a write inhibit operation, for example. The sensor may also be used to detect airbearing modulation. Appropriate action may be taken when unacceptable airbearing modulation is detected, such as notifying the user and/or scrubbing the slider. The sensor is preferably wider than the heads. This allows, for example, an in-situ glide test to be performed faster using the sensor. An arm electronics module is preferably configured to permit concurrent operation of the sensor and heads.

Abstract: A method of predicting failures of data storage devices in a data storage network. In predicting failures, birth and/or health records of data storage devices in the data storage network are requested. The records are then scaled and thresholded and processed using a probabilistic neural network to classify the data storage devices. Based on the classification, an action is taken to improve the reliability and availability of the data storage network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling an actuator of a data storage device detect and/or correct narrowband mechanical excitations such as due to spindle bearing defects through sensing and/or rejecting disturbance frequencies associated with such narrowband mechanical excitations in an actuator control signal generated by a data storage device controller. A narrowband filter may be used to reject, from an actuator control signal generated by a data storage device controller, a disturbance frequency associated with a spindle bearing defect in a data storage device, and disposed in proximity to a zero crossover frequency associated with the data storage device controller. In addition, a peak filter disposed in a control loop of a data storage device controller may be configured to detect a spindle bearing defect in a data storage device by detecting an amplitude of a control signal in the control loop in proximity to a disturbance frequency associated with the spindle bearing defect.

Abstract: A position error signal amplitude indicative of the distance between an expected position of a magnetic head relative to the track centerline of a magnetic data storage and retrieval system and an actual position of the magnetic head relative to the track centerline is detected and filtered. The signal is filtered to generate a sway mode signal amplitude indicative of an oscillation of the actual position of the magnetic head relative to the track centerline in the frequency range of the filter. The absolute value of the sway mode signal amplitude is then determined. If the absolute value of the sway mode signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value that correlates to a high probability of impending a head-disk crash, a warning signal is propagated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing a compact portable computer system. The compact portable computer system includes a keyboard and a computer display disposed above and generally parallel to the keyboard. A pivot mechanism and a pair of supporting arms are coupled between the pivot mechanism and a respective one of the keyboard and computer display for adjustably positioning the computer display above the keyboard.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a disk drive includes a base and a disk assembly, including at least one data storage disk, rotatably mounted on the base. The disk drive further includes structure for defining an electrostatic discharge gap between the base and the disk assembly. For example, one or more point electrodes may be provided on the disk assembly, to define the electrostatic discharge gap relative to one or more stationary electrodes mounted on the base. Damaging electrostatic discharges through the read/write head, or at a surface of the data storage disk, may be prevented by the present invention.