Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a non-volatile memory, a temperature measurement circuit that measures a temperature of the non-volatile memory, and a controller. The controller also writes information about the temperature which is measured by the temperature measurement circuit in the non-volatile memory together when writing data in the non-volatile memory. Further, the controller performs write-back processing of writing data, which is written at a temperature in a rewriting temperature range, back when the temperature measured by the temperature measurement circuit is not in the rewriting temperature range.

Abstract: A first video preview corresponding to a first video program is played back. When it is time to transition from playing back the first video preview to playing back a second video preview corresponding to a second video program, the transition is made from playing back the first video preview to playing back the second video preview. The transition can be made by sliding the first video preview off a display while sliding the second video preview onto the display. Additionally, metadata associated with the first video program can be displayed for an amount of time before playback of the first video preview ceases, and metadata associated with the second video program can be displayed for an amount of time after playback of the second video preview begins.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a first head actuated over a first disk surface comprising servo information, a second head actuated over a second disk surface, and a voice coil motor (VCM) operable to actuate the first and second heads radially over the respective disk surfaces. The first disk surface and the second disk surface are rotated, and the servo information is read from the first disk surface using the first head to generate a read signal. The read signal is processed to generate a control signal applied to the VCM to move the second head radially over the second disk surface while applying an erase signal to the second head in order to erase at least part of the second disk surface.

Abstract: A data processing circuit includes a subtraction circuit operable to subtract an ideal version of a data pattern from a sampled version of a data pattern to yield a difference signal, an error calculation circuit operable to calculate an error between the ideal version of the data pattern and the sampled version of the data pattern based on the difference signal, and a comparator circuit operable to compare the error with a threshold value and operable to assert a track refresh signal if the error is greater than the threshold value. The track refresh signal is operable to trigger a magnetic storage device to refresh data on a data track.

Abstract: A storage device includes a storage medium having a plurality of tracks of data. Reading apparatus for reading a current track of data that has been subject to previous encroachment to an extent from at least one adjacent track of data includes a write head that writes interfering data to the adjacent track of data while intentionally encroaching at least to that extent onto the current track of data, and circuitry that recovers data on the current track of data using the interfering data. A method for reading a current track of data, that has been subject to previous encroachment to an extent from at least one adjacent track of data, includes writing interfering data to the adjacent track of data while intentionally encroaching at least to that extent onto the current track of data, and recovering data on the current track of data using the interfering data.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a storage medium on which data is stored in overlapping tracks, and a medium controller that directs storage of data on, and reading of data from, the storage medium, including encoding data being stored and decoding data being read. The decoding includes, when reading a first track, cancelling interference from a second track that overlaps the first track. The data storage device also includes a host controller in communication with the medium controller. The host controller includes memory that stores data decoded, and data to be written, by the medium controller. Communication between the medium controller and the host controller includes signals derived from data on said first and second tracks for facilitating the cancelling. A method of operating a data storage device includes, when reading a first track, facilitating the cancelling by communicating signals derived from the data on the first and second tracks.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to writing and reading data from a magnetic tape storage media and, more particularly, to a secure erasure system for the eradication of the data contained in the data tracks of a tape media such that substantially all of the data can be erased while leaving the servo bands substantially unaltered or within specification. A data tape cartridge erased with such a system can then be reused in a secure data storage environment with complete confidence that any data from a previous usage is not subject to discovery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bipolar writing of servo marks to perpendicular and non-oriented magnetic recording medium. The method includes applying a varying current to a servo write head to alternately AC-erase and write sets of servo marks to regions of a servo track of a magnetic recording medium proximate to first and second write gaps, each servo mark of the sets of servo marks comprising first and second abutting magnetic domains of opposite magnetization directions, the magnetic recording medium moving with respect to the first and second write gaps in a recording direction, the magnetic recording medium being either (i) a perpendicular magnetic storage medium having magnetic particles with their easy axes oriented perpendicular to a top surface of the perpendicular storage medium or (ii) a non-oriented magnetic storage medium having magnetic particles with their easy axes randomly oriented relative to a top surface of the non-orientated storage medium.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for managing a memory device having a plurality of storage areas including a storage area storing out-of-use information and a free area storing no information, the image processing apparatus comprises memory control unit adapted to determine whether or not there is a storage area storing the out-of-use information based on a request for storing information and determining the storage area storing the out-of-use information as an area for storing the information, in a case where the storage area exists; and information writing unit adapted to overwrite generated information to the storage area determined by the memory control unit.

Abstract: Inter-track interference cancelation is disclosed, including: receiving an input sequence of samples associated with a track on magnetic storage; using a processor to generate inter-track interference (ITI) data associated with a first side track including by performing a correlation between the input sequence of samples and a sequence of data associated with the first side track.

Abstract: A storage device includes a storage medium having a plurality of tracks of data. Reading apparatus for reading a current track of data that has been subject to previous encroachment to an extent from at least one adjacent track of data includes a write head that writes interfering data to the adjacent track of data while intentionally encroaching at least to that extent onto the current track of data, and circuitry that recovers data on the current track of data using the interfering data. A method for reading a current track of data, that has been subject to previous encroachment to an extent from at least one adjacent track of data, includes writing interfering data to the adjacent track of data while intentionally encroaching at least to that extent onto the current track of data, and recovering data on the current track of data using the interfering data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a disk storage apparatus includes a write module and a controller. The write module is configured to move a write head over a disk, and to perform the shingled write method, recording data in the first track while erasing data from a part of the second, i.e., adjacent track. The controller is configured to acquire a first head positioning error with respect to the first track and a second head positioning error with respect to the second track. If the first head positioning error exceeds an off-track threshold value, indicating that the data may no longer be maintained in the first and second tracks, the controller inhibits the data writing.

Abstract: This invention provides an information processing method and apparatus, which can set all extent sizes of data divisionally recorded on a disk to be equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit, and can guarantee continuous reproduction of the divisionally recorded data. Of data divisionally recorded on a recording medium (5), data which corresponds to an end portion of that data and cannot be recorded as a recording area equal to or larger than a minimum recording unit specified in the recording medium (5) due to the presence of a recording area (6) of another data, that has already been recorded on the recording medium (5), is re-recorded on a recording area equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit. At this time, new data is generated by combining data less than the minimum recording unit, and data recorded in another recording area, and the new data is re-recorded on a new recording area.

Abstract: A data-overwriting technique that facilitates determining whether data is new or old. A tape recording apparatus includes: a receiving unit for receiving information on overwrite starting position and an overwrite request; a trying unit for trying to determine a beginning position of a data unit; an overwrite executing unit for executing overwriting from the determined overwrite starting position in response to a success of the determination by the trying unit; and a type judging unit for judging whether the data unit that is recorded at the overwrite starting position is a null data unit or not in response to a failure of the determination by the trying unit. The trying unit responds to judgment that the data unit is the null data unit by determining a beginning of a data unit following the data unit as the overwrite starting position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing errors on a magnetic tape having a plurality of partitions accessed by a tape drive having an associated tape drive processor in communication with a host computer having an associated host processor include receiving mapping information from the host computer that designates at least first and second logically adjacent partitions for reading/writing consecutive data, receiving a read/write request to transfer the consecutive data for the first and second partitions, detecting a data error when attempting to read/write the data for the second partition and communicating a corresponding data error message to the host computer, and receiving modified mapping information from the host computer that designates a third partition as logically adjacent to the first partition for reading/writing the consecutive data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bipolar writing of servo marks to perpendicular and non-oriented magnetic recording medium. The method includes applying a varying current to a servo write head to alternately AC-erase and write sets of servo marks to regions of a servo track of a magnetic recording medium proximate to first and second write gaps, each servo mark of the sets of servo marks comprising first and second abutting magnetic domains of opposite magnetization directions, the magnetic recording medium moving with respect to the first and second write gaps in a recording direction, the magnetic recording medium being either (i) a perpendicular magnetic storage medium having magnetic particles with their easy axes oriented perpendicular to a top surface of the perpendicular storage medium or (ii) a non-oriented magnetic storage medium having magnetic particles with their easy axes randomly oriented relative to a top surface of the non-orientated storage medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bipolar and self DC-erase write of servo marks. The method includes providing a servo write head having first and second write gaps; and applying a varying current to the servo write head to alternately DC-erase and write sets of servo marks to regions of a servo track of a magnetic storage medium proximate the first and second write gaps, the magnetic storage medium moving with respect to the first and second write gaps. The apparatus includes a bipolar servo erase/write driver configured to generate both negative and positive polarity currents and to generate a varying bipolar current signal and a servo write head having a first write gap and second write gap spaced apart and where the servo write head is an only means for writing servo marks to the magnetic storage medium and for DC-erasing the servo tracks.

Abstract: A method of detecting skip track erasure for a head and disk of a disk drive is disclosed. N tracks are DC erased, and a periodic pattern is written to the disk at a target track within the DC erased tracks. The periodic pattern is substantially comprised of a high frequency component greater than 450 MHz. After writing the periodic pattern to the target track at least twice, at least two of the DC erased tracks other than the target track are read to generate respective read signals. The read signals are processed to detect a skip track erasure event.

Abstract: A method of performing information storage comprises the steps of providing a medium comprising a plurality of concentric rings for storage of information. The medium is written to by a process comprising simultaneously writing and erasing elements in at least two adjacent rings, respectively a first ring and a second ring. Subsequent to simultaneously writing and erasing elements in at least the first and second rings, simultaneously writing and erasing elements in a third concentric ring, wherein the third ring is adjacent the second ring.

Abstract: A combined bulk thermal-assister and bulk eraser. The bulk thermal-assister is configured to produce a temperature in a magnetic-recording disk in a hard-disk drive when the hard-disk drive is disposed in the bulk eraser. The temperature is about equal to a second temperature greater than a first temperature of the magnetic-recording disk. The bulk eraser is configured to erase recorded information from the magnetic-recording disk at the second temperature.

Abstract: A method of destroying data on a data platter comprises performing at least one of degaussing at least a portion of the data platter, removing at least a portion of a recording surface of the data platter, or deforming at least a portion of the data platter, and performing at least a different one of degaussing at least a portion of the data platter, removing at least a portion of a recording surface of the data platter, or deforming at least a portion of the data platter. A kit for destroying data on a data platter comprises a container comprising a degaussing component; an abrasive material; and at least one fastener removal device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for performing multi-pass erase. An erase command is received at a storage area network (SAN) switch in a storage area network. The erase command is associated with a block of data on a target device. A virtual initiator is determined for performing the erase command on the block of data. Multiple bit patterns are generated using a multi-pass erase algorithm. The multiple bit patterns are generated for writing over the block of data on the target device. Repeated writes are performed over the block of data using the bit patterns. The block of data is repeatedly overwritten to remove remanence of the block of data on the target device.

Abstract: A method of setting an AC erase frequency using a data frequency of a disk area and an AC erase method. The method of setting the AC erase frequency includes obtaining a data frequency for each disk area, and setting an AC erase frequency for each disk area based on the data frequency for each disk area.

Abstract: A method is provided for securely erasing residual data on a magnetic tape formatted with a plurality of servo patterns providing boundaries between a plurality of data bands containing data that is recorded thereon during normal write operations, the data being written on many adjacent data tracks that run parallel to an edge of the magnetic tape. The method includes identifying a first edge of each of the plurality of servo patterns and erasing a portion (for example, a first half) of each of the plurality of data bands during a first pass of a tape head as it moves in a first direction. The method further includes the step of indexing the tape head to identify an opposite second edge of each of the plurality of servo patterns and erasing a different portion (for example, an opposite second half) of each of the plurality of data bands during a second pass of the tape head as the tape head moves in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to writing and reading data from a magnetic tape storage media and, more particularly, to a secure erasure system for the eradication of the data contained in the data tracks of a tape media such that substantially all of the data can be erased while leaving the servo bands substantially unaltered or within specification. A data tape cartridge erased with such a system can then be reused in a secure data storage environment with complete confidence that any data from a previous usage is not subject to discovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to direct current (“DC”) pre-erasing servo channels of a magnetic tape prior to writing servo data in a servo channel. The present invention particularly relates to those servo recordings which were written with a uni-polar current waveform. The DC pre-erase is performed using a uni-polar direct current of a polarity that is opposite to the polarity of the direct current used to write the servo data. This pre-erase may be done with one or more heads. Also, as will be described, the pre-erase of a servo channel and writing to a servo channel may be done by making two passes over a single head or by using two or more heads to perform both steps. Also, it is within the scope of the present invention to have the heads mounted on a single mount or have the heads on separate mounts and on separate tape decks.

Abstract: A method of erasing a servo pattern of a hard disk drive includes reading a servo pattern recorded on a disk, generating an erase pattern to erase the servo pattern based on the servo pattern obtained in the reading of the servo pattern, and erasing the servo pattern by using the erase pattern while the disk is rotated. The servo pattern recorded on the hard disk drive may be uniformly erased. Also, a stabilization time to stabilize a read/write head after the position control of the read/write head that is needed when a servo writer is used may be avoided so that a time to erase a servo pattern may be reduced.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus including a reproduction unit configured to reproduce information data, which is error-correcting-coded for every N tracks, from a recording medium, wherein the information data includes moving image data which is variable-length-encoded, a recording unit configured to record moving image data on the recording medium, a detection unit configured to detect additional information from the information data reproduced by the reproduction unit, wherein the additional information indicates that the editing point, which can be set up for every frame of a predetermined number, is contained in the moving image data recorded in the N tracks, and a controller configured to control the reproduction unit to reproduce the information data by transporting the recording medium at a high-speed faster than a normal reproduction speed.

Abstract: A method of performing information storage comprises the steps of providing a medium comprising a plurality of concentric rings for storage of information. The medium is written to by a process comprising simultaneously writing and erasing elements in at least two adjacent rings, respectively a first ring and a second ring. Subsequent to simultaneously writing and erasing elements in at least the first and second rings, simultaneously writing and erasing elements in a third concentric ring, wherein the third ring is adjacent the second ring.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for performing multi-pass erase. An erase command is received at a storage area network (SAN) switch in a storage area network. The erase command is associated with a block of data on a target device. A virtual initiator is determined for performing the erase command on the block of data. Multiple bit patterns are generated using a multi-pass erase algorithm. The multiple bit patterns are generated for writing over the block of data on the target device. Repeated writes are performed over the block of data using the bit patterns. The block of data is repeatedly overwritten to remove remanence of the block of data on the target device.

Abstract: A servo pattern is positioned in a DC erased portion to which a DC erase process has been performed, and recording tracks and track groove portions (discrete portions) are positioned in an AC erased portion to which an AC erase process has been performed. The track groove portions extend in a circumferential direction. The AC erased portion and the DC erased portion are both made of a magnetic material. In the servo pattern, four lines of preamble portions extending almost in a radial direction are formed and a plurality of pit portions disposed in a dotted manner in two lines are arranged. The pit portions are positioned rearward of the preamble portions in respect of a scanning direction of a magnetic head.

Abstract: This invention provides an information processing method and apparatus, which can set all extent sizes of data divisionally recorded on a disk to be equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit, and can guarantee continuous reproduction of the divisionally recorded data. Of data divisionally recorded on a recording medium (5), data which corresponds to an end portion of that data and cannot be recorded as a recording area equal to or larger than a minimum recording unit specified in the recording medium (5) due to the presence of a recording area (6) of another data, that has already been recorded on the recording medium (5), is re-recorded on a recording area equal to or larger than the minimum recording unit. At this time, new data is generated by combining data less than the minimum recording unit, and data recorded in another recording area, and the new data is re-recorded on a new recording area.

Abstract: A software method and utility for performing a user-controlled data shredding operation for overwriting an entire file structure inclusive of all black-shaded blocks of data associated with a particular file of interest, then removing all references to the data structure in the operating environment, then renaming the data structure, and finally deleting the data structure. This ensures utmost security of the scrubbed data, plus it gives a user a number of scrubbing options including a one-click scrubbing feature and scheduled scrubbing operations.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for managing a memory device having a plurality of storage areas including a storage area storing out-of-use information and a free area storing no information, the image processing apparatus comprises memory control unit adapted to determine whether or not there is a storage area storing the out-of-use information based on a request for storing information and determining the storage area storing the out-of-use information as an area for storing the information, in a case where the storage area exists; and information writing unit adapted to overwrite generated information to the storage area determined by the memory control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a PVR system (100) making choices to store or remove certain programs in or from a memory (102) in order to create space for new programs to be stored in the memory. The choices are arranged in a list (201) of programs to be stored and a list (211) of programs to be erased from the memory. After these lists have been generated by the system (100), they are presented to the user for the purpose of confirmation and possible modifications. In this way, the user is aware of the choices made by the system and the method according to the invention enables him to confirm multiple choices by the system in one action. An operating device (104) is provided with a key (301) which is specifically intended to confirm choices made by the system (100).

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive pattern can form a conductive pattern where the aspect ratio of the height to the width is high with favorable electrical connectivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information recording device that writes data onto a recording medium having a recording density based on the number of write/erase cycles reasonably guaranteed to not produce errors in adjacent tracks. The recording medium includes a first storage region where the number of data write/erase cycles are restricted; and a second storage region where the number of data write/erase cycles are not restricted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a disk drive capable of writing information on data tracks even more positively when a shingle write method is adopted. In one embodiment, the disk drive is characterized in that, when information is to be written on a plurality of adjacent data tracks on a recording medium through the shingle write method, writing of information is controlled by detecting an actual writing position based on servo information recorded on the recording medium and determining whether or not the detected actual writing position meets a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A servo writer is provided, which applies DC magnetization to a zone of a magnetic tape that is in advance subjected to AC erasing and writes a servo signal onto the DC magnetized zone. The servo writer has a DC erasing head and a servo signal writing head. The DC erasing head conducts DC erasing by applying DC magnetization to the magnetic tape which travels past the DC erasing head. The servo signal writing head writes the servo signal onto the magnetic tape downstream relative to the DC erasing head in a direction of traveling of the magnetic tape. In this servo writer, one of the DC erasing head and the servo signal writing head has an integrally formed flange which is able to restrict widthwise misalignment of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a rotatable data storage disk, a transducer, an actuator, and a controller. The transducer is configured to read and write data on the disk. The actuator is configured to position the transducer relative to defined portions of the disk. The controller is configured to write a predetermined magnetic polarity pattern on a buffer portion of the disk to erase data thereon. The controller also determines whether the disk drive has reached a threshold operating temperature, and to selectively direct data from a host device, which is addressed for an associated original block address on the disk, to be written to the buffer portion of the disk when the disk drive has not reached the threshold operating temperature. The controller later copies the data from the buffer portion of the disk to the original block address on the disk and then erases the data from the buffer portion of the disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for erasing jobs from a marking device's non-volatile memory includes a monitor and notification system to detect and make a user aware of failure of the erasure. The notification system can offer alternate methods of erasure as part of the notification.

Abstract: A servo writer according to the present invention is a servo writer which writes a servo signal on a servo band of a magnetic tape. It comprises a magnetic tape driving system in which a magnetic tape supplied from a supply reel is taken up by a take-up reel to drive the magnetic tape; a DC erasing head which is slidably in contact with said driving tape and which DC-magnetizes said servo band with imparting an azimuth relative to said servo band; and a servo signal writing head provided on a downstream of said DC erasing head in the driving direction of the magnetic tape, which is slidably in contact with said driving tape and which magnetizes the servo band by a magnetizing force having a component with a reverse magnetizing force relative to the magnetizing force of the DC erasing head in the lengthwise direction of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A servo write head assembly comprises an AC demagnetizing head that slides in contact with a magnetic tape all of which surface is magnetized in one direction of longitudinal directions thereof, and demagnetizes a data band of the magnetic tape; a servo write head that slides in contact with the magnetic tape, magnetizes a servo band of the magnetic tape in a reverse direction, and writes a servo signal; and a guide for regulating a movement in lateral directions of the magnetic tape that is running, wherein the AC demagnetizing head and the servo write head are integrally configured and the guide is provided between the AC demagnetizing head and the servo write head.

Abstract: A servo write head assembly comprises an AC demagnetizing head that slides in contact with a magnetic tape all of which surface is magnetized in one direction of longitudinal directions thereof, and demagnetizes a data band of the magnetic tape; a servo write head that slides in contact with the magnetic tape, magnetizes a servo band of the magnetic tape in a reverse direction, and writes a servo signal; and a guide for regulating a movement in lateral directions of the magnetic tape that is running, wherein the AC demagnetizing head and the servo write head are integrally configured and the guide is provided between the AC demagnetizing head and the servo write head.

Abstract: An image processing device gives an alarm if deletion of image is directed in a state that the image has not yet been transferred from an image recording medium into a storage medium having a larger capacity. Also, when a deletion operation is performed for image, the image processing device compresses and stores the corresponding image file in accordance with an evaluation rank based on history data for the image. Therefore, the image processing device allows effective use of the storage medium having a limited capacity by contriving compression processing of the image file.

Abstract: A disk erase apparatus for erasing information on one or more disks in a disk drive uses a high strength magnetic field to erase the disks while the disks are in the HDD assembly. The design of the head disk enclosure provides a reduced thickness in a localized region over the disks. This allows a narrower working magnetic gap of the HDD level disk erase apparatus. The localized region of the HDD may be a formed indentation on the top cover, elimination of flange, and reduced floor thickness of the HDD base.

Abstract: There is disclosed a servo writing method in which servo data is recorded by a perpendicular magnetic recording system. In the servo writing method, at the time of perpendicular magnetic recording of the servo data on a disk, a servo writing operation is executed including an offset process set based on the hard-easy transition shift (HETS) phenomenon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reading and writing data from and to a data storage device is provided. One method of practicing the present invention comprises placing, or leaving an unused track, row or column adjacent to a medium track containing apparatus information. Another method of practicing the present invention comprises placing, or leaving an unused track, row or column adjacent to both sides of the medium track containing the apparatus information.

Abstract: A helical scan tape recorder (30) comprises a rotatable scanner (85) upon which is mounted a first set of plural transducing heads (W1, W3) and a second set of transducing heads (W2, W4). A transport system transports magnetic tape (31) proximate the rotatable scanner in a manner so that information is transduced by at least one of the transducing heads during a revolution of the scanner. The sets of transducing heads are so mounted on the scanner with respect to azimuthal orientation of the transducing heads that all tracks transduced by the transducing heads have a desired width regardless of an error in physical distance separating the sets of transducing heads. In one aspect, the first set of plural transducing heads comprises a first head (W1) and a third head (W3), and the second set of plural transducing heads comprises a second head (W2) and a fourth head (W4).

Abstract: A data storage apparatus includes a magnetic medium having a top recording layer of hard magnetic material for perpendicularly storing magnetic data and a bottom underlayer of soft magnetic material, a read head for reading magnetic data from a recorded portion of the recording layer, a stabilizer for magnetically stabilizing a portion of the underlayer directly below the recorded portion simultaneously while the read head is reading magnetic data from the recorded portion and the read head and the stabilizer being separate structures.