Abstract: A system and method of operating a storage system is provided. The storage system includes a tape drive for reading and writing data to a magnetic tape medium of a tape storage media device, and an auxiliary memory emulator for receiving I/O commands to perform I/O operations on an auxiliary memory and for rerouting the commands to perform the I/O operations on the magnetic tape medium of the tape storage media device. The method includes receiving I/O commands to perform I/O operations on an auxiliary memory on a tape storage media device, wherein the tape storage media device includes a magnetic tape medium and does not include the auxiliary memory, and routing the I/O commands to the magnetic tape medium provided in the tape storage media device.

Abstract: Disk drives in a storage system are spun up in sequential stages. During each sequential stage a number of disk drives is spun up based on parameters related to the power requirements of the system. The parameters include the maximum current for the storage system, the number of disk drives currently in steady state, the steady state current required for a disk drive, and the spin up current required for a disk drive. High availability features are provided as further aspects of the spin up mechanism.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus is provided for ensuring safe execution of a navigation function even when a vehicle travels high altitude areas. The navigation apparatus has a function of searching for a route to a destination, and comprises the following structure: a memory device 30 for storing map data or the like, a data memory 70 for being capable of storing part of the map data or the like stored in the memory device 30, a position detector 500 for detecting positional information on a vehicle position, a controller 80 for causing the map data stored in the memory device 30 to be stored in a backup memory area 74 of the data memory 70 when the vehicle reaches a predetermined altitude based on the positional information, and a display controller 50 for displaying the map data read from the data memory 70 on a display device 51.

Abstract: A hard disk system for storing user data for an information device. The hard disk system includes a non-volatile, IC based memory such as e.g., a memory utilizing MRAM, to non volatilely store system data for the hard disk. Examples of system data include a master list, a list of unused sectors, and a list of defective sectors. In some examples, the master list includes the physical location on a hard disk where data of a file is stored. The non-volatile memory is operably coupled to a data storage system processor and may be implemented on a circuit board with the data storage system processor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques to substantially reduce or eliminate detachment of data storage tape from data storage cartridges. A data storage cartridge may include a housing enclosing a spool with data storage tape spooled on the spool. A region of the data storage tape extends from the spool to an opening in the housing. An end of the data storage tape is held at the opening to allow tape drives to grasp the data storage tape and retrieve data stored on the data storage tape. When dropped, the data storage cartridge experiences impact loads. The techniques described herein rotate the spool to generate slack such that the region of data storage tape comprises substantially no tension. In this way, the techniques prevent detachment of the data storage tape from the opening due to the impact loads.

Abstract: A disk drive system includes an adjustable output (linear or switching) voltage regulator including an output terminal that provides an output voltage. A plurality of loads each include a voltage supply terminal that receives the output voltage. A controller dynamically adjusts the output voltage based, e.g., based on which of the loads are active.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motorized data-storage device, including extracting energy from a spindle motor to drive a positioning motor of the data-storage device and other components, such as circuitry. In normal operation of one embodiment, a disk is rotated at a constant velocity by a spindle motor and a read/write head is moved over the disk surface by a voice-coil motor. In the event of a power failure, energy is extracted from the spindle motor to drive the voice-coil motor so the head can be safely moved away from the disk.

Abstract: A method and system for overriding a hard drive Active Protection System (APS). APS automatically parks a read/write head and locks the platters in a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) in a notebook computer in response to a physical shock, such as when the computer is dropped from the user's lap or during intense vibration caused by air turbulence during a passenger flight. Rather than permanently disabling the APS off, the present invention permits a convenient method and system for temporarily suspending the operations of the APS, thus allowing the user to still access the HDD in conditions in which motion occurs yet physical shock is not necessarily imminent.

Abstract: A data storage library for storing a storage media, wherein a plurality of accessors accesses the data storage media stored in an array of storage cells includes a first accessor transporting the storage media, the first accessor including a first carriage storing or retrieving the storage media on to the storage cell and a first guide guiding the first carriage moving vertically; a second accessor transporting the storage media, the second accessor including a second carriage storing or retrieving the storage media on to the storage cell and a second guide guiding the second carriage moving vertically; and a third guide guiding the first accessor and the second accessor moving horizontally. The first carriage opposes the second carriage and the first and second carriages are in a staggered configuration, when the first guide exists between the array and the second guide.

Abstract: Automatic recognition of the type of memory within a device package by using strap resistors within the device package. Such recognition enables a processor, such as a GPU, to automatically configure itself to work with the memory. A device package includes a strap contact and a bit input that are electrically connected. The device package beneficially contains a processor (such a GPU) that is operatively connected to the bit input, and a memory device that is operatively connected to the processor. By selectively inserting a strap resistor the voltage applied to the bit input changes state. That state can be read and used to set up the system.

Abstract: A storage apparatus comprises at least one housing A in which a storage device and a controller are provided, at least one housing B in which a storage device and a peripheral device are provided, and a transmission path for connecting the storage device and the controller of the housing A, and the storage device of the housing B to enable communication therebetween. The storage apparatus is capable of controlling operation of the storage device of the housing B according to an operating state of the storage device of the housing A through communication via the transmission path; and controlling operation of the peripheral device according to an operating state of the storage device of the housing B.

Abstract: A disk drive detects head touchdown based on a magnitude of a position error signal at a discrete frequency. The discrete frequency is one-half the disk rotation frequency or an integral multiple of the disk rotation frequency. The head is heated by turning on a heater at the discrete frequency, thereby injecting bias into a servo system that increases the PES magnitude. In addition, the servo system has a first transfer function for tracking the head during read and write operations and a second transfer function for tracking the head during head touchdown detection. The second transfer function has smaller vibration rejection than the first transfer function so that the disk drive is less sensitive to vibration during read and write operations than during head touchdown detection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a servo writer which forms servo bands on information recording media so as to enable a drive to track the servo bands with great accuracy by using a recording/reproducing head. The servo writer includes a driving mechanism for running a tape-shaped information recording medium, a servo pattern writing means for writing servo patterns on the running tape-shaped information recording medium, thereby forming servo bands thereon, and a tape edge forming mechanism for cutting evenly an edge of the running tape-shaped information recording medium, so that the edge becomes parallel to the servo bands.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus recording data of a CD on an HDD in a manner such that the content of record in the CD is faithfully accounted for and shortening an operation time for a synchronized ripping operation. When the data recording apparatus reads, from the CD, track data managed by track, according to TOC, and records the track data onto the HDD, the data recording apparatus recognizes data unrecorded on the HDD, from among the track data recorded on the CD. This recognition process is automatically performed based on the TOC read from the CD, and album information replayed using the TOC and held by the HDD. The recording apparatus reproduces and outputs only the unrecorded data from the CD based on the recognition result concerning the unrecorded data. In this way, the data already recorded on the HDD is not transferred from the CD to the HDD. The operation time for the synchronized ripping operation is reduced accordingly.

Abstract: In a tape drive for storing and retrieving information to and from a media, a system for optimizing write performance includes a tape head and a controller. The tape head may include a write element. The controller may be for optimizing write performance in response to at least one media information signal that is stored on a media cartridge.

Abstract: A method of operating a device having at least one solid-state memory and at least one spinning media memory for storing data includes from time-to-time, determining whether the device is in motion; and in response to determining that the device is not in motion, transferring frequently accessed data between the spinning media memory and the solid-state memory. An apparatus for use with a device includes at least one solid-state memory; at least one spinning media memory; and a controller configured to transfer frequently accessed data between the spinning media memory and the solid-state memory when the device is not in motion.

Abstract: A method and program product supporting adjusting a temperature of a hard disk drive (HDD) during testing. An HDD test program is performed within a pre-determined optimal test temperature range. The HDD is kept within this pre-determined test temperature range by switching HDD operation modes back and forth between a higher heat generating Rapid Seek Mode and a lower heat generating IDLE mode. The HDD is thus kept within the optimal test temperature range without the use of external heating and/or cooling devices.

Abstract: A disk drive controller establishes an active region on a disk that corresponds to a region of the disk wherein effects of mechanical shock to the disk drive during read and/or write operations are mitigated by a motion limiting element. The controller stores data in the active region based on frequency and/or recency of access of the data.

Abstract: Tilt between a head stack and its associated disk stack in a hard disk drive (HDD) is measured by determining the deviation of a target head from its expected position (based on the position of the current head) each time electrical contact is switched from the current head to a target head. A running average tilt value is stored and used to modify the logical seek distance used in a Rotational Position Optimization (RPO) algorithm to better order I/O requests in a queue. Also, the running average tilt value can be used by the servo to pre-position the target head before electrical contact is made with the target head, to improve speed of operation.

Abstract: An automated storage system includes a media storage facility, which may take the form of an automated storage library or shelf system. The media storage facility includes a plurality of individual medium slots and a plurality of superset slots. The facility further includes at least one mechanism for accessing individual media and at least one mechanism for accessing supersets of media. Individual media located in a superset remain accessible on an individual basis in addition to being accessible as part of the corresponding superset.

Abstract: In a substrate structure of a primary disk array apparatus of a disk array system, the primary disk array apparatus contains in one housing at least a plurality of disk drives and a controller substrate with a controller section for controlling the disk drives, and a resource management section that is mounted on the controller substrate of the primary disk array apparatus for managing resources within the housing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for duplicating data is provided. The system includes a first recorder having an operating clock speed. An output port of the first recorder is permanently electrically coupled to an input port of a second recorder. The first recorder and the second recorder are coupled to a time code regenerator. The time code regenerator is operable to maintain a same operating clock speed as an operating clock speed of the first recorder and to provide to the second recorder a replacement time code for any time code that may not be communicated from the first recorder to the second recorder.

Abstract: It has been discovered by the inventors that the efficiency and data integrity of a storage device can be improved by dynamically adjusting certain operating parameters to optimal values during the operation of the storage device. In one embodiment, the physical properties of a storage device such as a hard disk drive are measured during the manufacturing process to determine the dependency of the storage device upon the environmental conditions in which the storage device is operating. The physical properties of the storage device and the effect the operating environment of the storage device has upon the storage device performance are determined, and optimal values for the write current of the storage device are stored in a lookup table. The temperature in which the storage device is operating is used as a reference into the data that resides in the lookup table. Optimal values for the precompensation delay may also be stored in the lookup table.

Abstract: A tape media identification code for use with tape media enclosed in a tape cartridge having a form factor that is compatible with old generation tape drives. The present tape media identification code is recognized by new generation tape drives that take advantage of additional features of the enclosed tape media. Old generation tape drives are unable to recognize the present tape media identification code, thus treating the enclosed tape media as previous generation tape media. While old generation tape drives are unable to take advantage of the additional features of the enclosed tape media, the old generation tape drive is able to record and/or read data from the enclosed tape media. In an embodiment, the tape media identification code identifies a length of tape media having a length of cleaning media attached thereto.

Abstract: A cartridge carrying/housing device is provided which is capable of reducing an access distance to a targeted position or an access time required to reach the targeted position. The cartridge carrying/housing device has a cell in which two or more slots each housing a magnetic tape cartridge are arranged in one specified direction and a picker to move according to control based on the number of driving pulses of a stepping motor and to count the number of driving pulses produced before a notch of a targeted slot is detected by a hand-pass sensor and is so configured that part of a cartridge being housed in the cell protrudes through a slot and that the notch is formed in a flat-plate shaped protrusion formed in the slot and, in a state where a cartridge has been housed, a cartridge and a portion including the flat-shaped protrusion are closely positioned or partially overlap each other so that the hand-pass sensor can detect only the notch.

Abstract: A tape cassette has a housing which contains at least one magnetic tape wound on a tape hub, and a semiconductor memory which contains memory data. The tape cassette also includes at least an optical transmitter, and a circuit which has access to the memory contents and which can read out the memory contents from the memory and embody the memory contents in an optical signal, which is transmitted out of the housing by the optical transmitter. The memory data may characterize data stored on the magnetic tape. The cassette can include a further memory which contains data uniquely identifying the cassette, and this data can also be read out and embodied in optical signals which are transmitted out of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for exactly positioning a medium mounted on a spindle is provided, whereby the apparatus comprises a device for continuously changing the angular position of said medium with respect to a predefined reference position by rotating said spindle. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a friction element for braking said spindle at a predetermined position, not allowing a swing back.

Abstract: A method of screening a hard disk drive (HDD) including: measuring one or more parameters to display read/write head performances at least two times during an HDD process; and calculating variances of the measured one or more parameters and judging whether head degradation has occurred based on the calculated variances.

Abstract: A motion control system has an enclosed assembly that encloses moving parts. A controller controls a motion of the moving parts and has an inhibit input that inhibits the motion. A sensor provides sensor outputs that depend on an assembly temperature and an assembly humidity in the enclosed assembly. A circuit provides a condensing condition output as a function of the sensor outputs. The condensing condition output couples to the inhibit input to inhibit the motion as a function of the sensor outputs.

Abstract: A magnetic disk apparatus has: a magnetic disk having a magnetic film formed on a substrate; a spindle motor for rotating the magnetic disk; a magnetic head for writing/reading information on/from the magnetic disk; a supporting member for supporting the magnetic head; a driving mechanism for moving the magnetic head to a predetermined position on the magnetic disk; a magnetic writing/reading circuit for enabling the magnetic head to write/read information on/from the magnetic disk; an interface for sending/receiving signals for controlling the information to/from another information processing device, a device for detecting whether or not the magnetic disk apparatus is in operation; and mechanism for latching movable part of the magnetic disk apparatus on the basis of detection result of the detecting device.

Abstract: A method of controlling starting current of an adaptive spindle motor in consideration of maximum allowable consumption power and a disk drive using the method. The method includes measuring a supply voltage supplied to the disk drive, calculating a maximum current that can be supplied to the spindle motor in a range of maximum allowable power in correspondence to the supply voltage measured in the measuring of the supply voltage, and applying the calculated maximum current to the spindle motor to start the spindle motor.

Abstract: A method for determining a type of a head in a hard disc drive, the head being a normal head, a weak head, or an ATE (Adjacent Track Erasure) head, and a method for adjusting a write parameter using the head type determining method. The head type determining method includes writing data via the head under multiple tracks per inch (TPI) conditions, in which TPIs are equal to a reference TPI, and wider and narrower than the reference TPI by a respective first and second predetermined ratios, and reproducing the written data, to detect a bit error rate under each TPI condition, and comparing the bit error rate under each condition to the bit error rate of the reference TPI, to determine a type of a head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic tape which contributes to a high recording density, and which achieves an enhanced flexibility in a width of a data track and a data format. The magnetic tape includes servo tracks being recorded thereon. These servo tracks contain respective servo signals, and are arranged lengthwise and adjacent to one another over a whole of a width or a part of the magnetic tape. Further, each of the servo tracks includes address signals being recorded thereon at predetermined intervals in isolation from the corresponding servo signals. These address signals indicate their respective locations of corresponding one of the servo tracks and their respective lengthwise locations on the magnetic tape. In addition, the servo signals are read from the respective servo bands, and are used to adjust tracking of a magnetic head on the magnetic tape.

Abstract: In a hard disk unit, a disassembling and assembling unit disassembles and assembles data in accordance with the size of data to be written from host equipment to the hard disk unit and a sector size and a cluster size as a unit to be read or written. An encoder performs predetermined arithmetic operation to generate a specific bit string as an encoding key based on at least the identification information on the host equipment or on a CPU of the host equipment, and encodes the write data by using the encoding key. The encoding process is performed by flipping bits having a predetermined correspondence with the contents of the encoding.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a microprocessor and a power driver for generating at least one actuator signal applied to the VCM actuator, wherein a serial communication circuit is used to communicate with the power driver. At least one control component periodically generates a control signal, wherein the control signal is transmitted at a substantially constant periodic interval using the serial communication circuit, and a timer times the periodic interval. A job queue controller queues and arbitrates serial communication requests to access the power driver using the serial communication circuit. The serial communication requests include a request to transmit the control signal and requests generated by the microprocessor. The job queue controller services a communication request generated by the microprocessor if the communication request can be serviced before the timer expires.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied in a disk drive for use in a mobile device. The mobile device may be a hand held computing device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or a mobile terminal such as a cellular telephone. The mobile device includes a host processor for accessing data on the disk drive. The disk drive has a rotating disk media and a moveable read/write head disposed over the disk media. The disk media is divided into a first data storage zone and a second data storage zone. The data storage zones are radially disposed in discrete areas of the disk media and each zone has a plurality of tracks for storing data. The mobile device may read data from the first data storage zone when the mobile device is in a mobile environment. The mobile device may read data from the second data storage zone only when the mobile device is in a non-mobile environment and may not read data from the second data storage zone when the mobile device is in a mobile environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling head loading in a disk drive including a displacement measuring unit measuring a vertical displacement of a disk, a rotational angle detecting unit detecting a rotational angle of a spindle motor, and a controller controlling the movement of an actuator to load a head on the disk while a vertical displacement of a portion of the disk on which the head is loaded is decreasing so that the disk separates farther from a position on which the head is parked. Therefore, the possibility of collision between the head and the disk during head loading is reduced, thereby preventing damage to the head and disk and improving the reliability of the disk drive.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining brush contact with a magnetic head. A digitally generated signal is provided in a system and a first gain constant is adjusted without the brush in contact with the magnetic head until the signal achieves unity gain. A second gain constant is adjusted with the brush in contact with the magnetic head until the signal once again achieves unity gain. The difference between the first and second gain constants is calculated. If the difference satisfies a predetermined threshold, a monitoring message is provided indicating insufficient contact between the brush and the magnetic head. The message may serve to warn the user that the brush arm assembly may be inoperative or a failure message indicating that the entire brush assembly needs to be replaced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a user selectable start-up current in a disk drive are provided. A user may select a relatively high start-up current to provide a relatively fast start-up time in a disk drive. Alternatively, the user may select a relatively low maximum current draw by the hard drive to enable a relatively low power, low cost power supply to be used in connection with the hard drive, for use with applications in which a relatively long start-up time is acceptable. In connection with applications in which a low cost power supply is to be used, the maximum current drawn by the disk drive may be limited to the amount of current required by the disk drive during seek operations.

Abstract: Briefly, descriptions of embodiments for, at least practically, reducing the power consumption of a mass storage device are provided. The present disclosure relates to at least partially reducing the power consumption of a mass storage device and, more particularly, to a method and device for at least partially reducing the power consumption of a mass storage device. One embodiment may include a power supply coupled with at least one mass storage device, and a control circuit. The control circuit may be capable of at least partially dynamically adjusting the amount of electrical power supplied to the mass storage device based, at least in part, upon at least one signal provided to the control circuit.

Abstract: A write precompensation amount setting method and apparatus comprise a function detecting the respective head characteristics with an electric current used at an ordinary temperature and a irregular electric current, and a function setting an optimum write precompensation amount at a low temperature according to the detected head characteristics. As a result, a write precompensation amount is corrected according to the characteristics of the normal current and the irregular current, and a write precompensation amount is determined, so that the write precompensation amount with higher accuracy than that with a conventional technique can be determined.

Abstract: A computer system that optimizes the power efficiency of a portable computer system is described. Specifically, the secondary memory of the system is partitioned. A standard hard disk drive is used to store lower utilization applications, while a micro storage unit is used to store high utilization applications.

Abstract: A storage apparatus comprises at least one housing A in which a storage device and a controller are provided, at least one housing B in which a storage device and a peripheral device are provided, and a transmission path for connecting the storage device and the controller of the housing A, and the storage device of the housing B to enable communication therebetween. The storage apparatus is capable of controlling operation of the storage device of the housing B according to an operating state of the storage device of the housing A through communication via the transmission path; and controlling operation of the peripheral device according to an operating state of the storage device of the housing B.

Abstract: A rotating media storage device (RMSD) to adaptively estimate a read access time to a second track based on the radial position of the second track is disclosed. The RMSD includes a disk having at least a first track and a second track and a microprocessor for controlling operations in the RMSD including seek operations. During a seek operation, the microprocessor bins a radial position of the second track and estimates a read access time to the second track based on the binned radial position of the second track.

Abstract: A media detection system includes a light source mounted within a cartridge receiving chamber defined by a cartridge engaging assembly. A cartridge referencing member has an arm portion mounted to the cartridge engaging assembly and a head portion located within the cartridge receiving chamber at a position adjacent the light source. The cartridge referencing member is deflected by a data cartridge within the cartridge receiving chamber so that when no data cartridge is located within the cartridge receiving member, the cartridge referencing member is not deflected and the cartridge referencing member blocks light from the light source. When a data cartridge is located within the cartridge receiving member, the cartridge referencing member blocks less light from the light source. A detector assembly mounted within the cartridge receiving chamber detects whether light from the light source is blocked or not blocked.

Abstract: A system for providing a single display for control of multiple data storage drives in an automated library incorporates a switching unit that allows the different drives to be displayed on the single display unit. The drives are mounted in a frame and connected to the display. A connection and switching mechanism and microcode are used to attach and control the drives with the display. The switching mechanism controls the drive that is currently displayed on the display unit. The operations panel and the switching mechanism fit into an existing frame without modification. When a user selects one of the drives through the operations panel, the operations panel controls the drive without having to switch physical connections.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a tape cartridge which has a cartridge memory. The cartridge memory can store therein a set of label data and a cartridge stamp. The set of label data is read by a reader device only when the reader device, in conjunction with a controller, determines that the cartridge stamp has been updated. Methods in accordance with the present invention comprise steps of reading the set of label data if the cartridge stamp is determined to have been updated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing power consumption of consumer electronic devices that run on a battery or an accumulator, particularly portable applications such as mobile phones, laptops or MPEG players or recorders. They consist essentially of a host and a storage medium like a disk or means for receiving a storage medium like a disk drive that are coupled with an interface. Power management is very important because long battery life enhances user convenience. The invention determines whether it is more efficient either to leave the disk drive in the idle mode or to switch the drive to standby until the next data request appears. The disk drive is entered into the most efficient power mode. The time until the next request is determined by the host.

Abstract: Methods and systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can provide for reduced power consumption in rotatable media data storage devices. A voice coil motor or spindle motor driver configured to operate as a linear driver can be operated in a quasi-switch mode, for example when idle, or linear mode, for example during read/write operations and seeks, thereby achieving power savings along with accurate current control. Alternatively, a voice coil motor or spindle motor driver configured to operate as a switched driver can be operated at a reduced limit cycle, for example when idle, or a higher limit cycle, for example during read/write operations and seeks, thereby achieving power savings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program enabling accurate calculation of a remaining amount of a tape. In a cassette shell 1, a memory 13 for storing information indicative of a total length of a magnetic tape 11 is incorporated. A remaining-tape-amount calculation apparatus 22 calculates a length of the tape as an amount of being wound around a reel 12-1 and a reel 12-2 on an assumption of a thickness of the tape being constant, and, for example, corrects a calculated tape length of the tape being retained wound around the reel 12-1 using a ratio of the total length of the magnetic tape 11, read out from the memory, to a sum of the calculated tape length of the tape being retained wound around the reel 12-1 and the tape length of the tape being put on wound around the reel 12-2 to calculate a remaining amount of the magnetic tape 11, which is recordable or reproducible. Incidentally, it is possible to apply the present invention to a VTR.