Abstract: A system determines the data stored on a portion of magnetic media by obtaining an image that represents the magnetic state of the portion of magnetic media using a magneto-optic image sensor. In an example, the image sensor is connected to a mechanism that moves over the portion of magnetic media, and the system takes a plurality of images which are stitched together into a composite image of the state of the portion of magnetic media. The system analyzes the image to identify regions that contain data, extracts the encoded data from the regions. The encoded data is decoded in accordance with an encoding scheme used by the portion of magnetic media. In some examples, a file structure is applied to the data and data files are recovered from the image. In various examples, the portion of magnetic media can be hard disk media, floppy disk media, or magnetic tape.

Abstract: The processing of information is performed using a magneto-optic circuit that modifies the polarization of light using the Kerr effect. Magneto-optic circuits perform digital-to-analog conversion, comparison of values, and mathematical operations. Current carrying wires pass near a fiber-optic that carries polarized light. Each individual wire contributes a modification to the polarization of the light based on the current carried in each wire. The modified light is passed through a polarizer, and the intensity of the light may be measured with a photodiode to produce an electrical signal representing a result.

Abstract: A modular computer system includes a plurality of circuit modules, each of which includes one or more components that are subject to failure, such as a vacuum tube. A carrier assembly is added to each circuit module of the modular computer system. The carrier assembly hosts monitoring circuitry that indicates the proper functioning of one or more components on the attached module. In one implementation, each module includes a vacuum tube, and a coil located on the carrier assembly is connected in series with the heater of the vacuum tube. A Hall effect sensor is positioned near the coil. If the heater of the vacuum tube fails, the flow of current through the coil is interrupted and is detected by the Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor is connected to an LED that indicates failure of the vacuum tube.

Abstract: A system determines the data stored on a portion of magnetic media by obtaining an image that represents the magnetic state of the portion of magnetic media using a magneto-optic image sensor. In an example, the image sensor is connected to a mechanism that moves over the portion of magnetic media, and the system takes a plurality of images which are stitched together into a composite image of the state of the portion of magnetic media. The system analyzes the image to identify regions that contain data, extracts the encoded data from the regions. The encoded data is decoded in accordance with an encoding scheme used by the portion of magnetic media. In some examples, a file structure is applied to the data and data files are recovered from the image. In various examples, the portion of magnetic media can be hard disk media, floppy disk media, or magnetic tape.

Abstract: A system determines the data stored on a piece of magnetic media by obtaining an image that represents the magnetic state of the piece of magnetic media using a magneto-optic image sensor. In an example, the image sensor is connected to a mechanism that moves over the piece of magnetic media, and the system takes a plurality of images which are stitched together into a composite image of the state of the piece of magnetic media. The system analyzes the image to identify regions that contain data, extracts the encoded data from the regions. The encoded data is decoded in accordance with an encoding scheme used by the piece of magnetic media. In some examples, a file structure is applied to the data and data files are recovered from the image. In various examples, the piece of magnetic media can be hard disk media, floppy disk media, or magnetic tape.

Abstract: A system determines the data stored on a piece of magnetic media by obtaining an image that represents the magnetic state of the piece of magnetic media using a magneto-optic image sensor. In an example, the image sensor is connected to a mechanism that moves over the piece of magnetic media, and the system takes a plurality of images which are stitched together into a composite image of the state of the piece of magnetic media. The system analyzes the image to identify regions that contain data, extracts the encoded data from the regions. The encoded data is decoded in accordance with an encoding scheme used by the piece of magnetic media. In some examples, a file structure is applied to the data and data files are recovered from the image. In various examples, the piece of magnetic media can be hard disk media, floppy disk media, or magnetic tape.