Abstract: The invention is directed to a magnetic storage medium recorded with an amplitude-based servo pattern in which one or more first servo windows positioned above a centerline of a servo track have a different width than one or more second servo windows positioned below the centerline. The first servo windows may be larger or smaller than the second servo windows. In either case, by detecting the widths of the servo windows and detecting signal amplitude as a servo head passes relative to the servo track, servo tracking can be achieved without the use or need for additional synchronization marks in the servo pattern.

Abstract: A method for forming a magnetic pattern in a magnetic recording medium, which includes irradiating energy beams to a magnetic recording medium having a magnetic layer on a substrate via a photomask having a transmitting portion and a nontransmitting portion to heat locally an irradiated portion of the magnetic layer. The method also includes applying an external magnetic field to the magnetic layer. The transmitting portion and the non-transmitting portion of the photomask each has a reflectivity of energy beam of 30% or less in at least one surface facing the magnetic recording medium. By using techniques of heating a local portion and applying an external magnetic field in combination, a fine magnetic pattern can be effectively and accurately formed while the production of an interference fringe is suppressed.

Abstract: In a data storage subsystem, drive-level processing treats data storage media as WORM by automatically advancing a write append limiter as data is written, and preventing changes to data occurring before the write append limiter. Despite this media's WORM nature, the drive-level processing permits limited overwriting of data at the end of tape since the write append limiter lags the current write location by the margin of a write allowance index. Thus, despite the drive's treatment of the media as WORM, the drive permits overwriting of trailing metadata in order to facilitate write append operations.

Abstract: An apparatus marks files within a content archive. The content archive contains a database that has a plurality of content files. The content archive also contains a plurality of entries or records. Each of the entries corresponds to a distinct one of the plurality of content files. Each of the entries also includes a played field that is automatically set when the corresponding content file has been played. The content archive also includes a writing module that is configured to record a new content file to the content archive and, if insufficient space is available, to overwrite a content file for which the played fields are set. According to one aspect, the plurality of entries also includes an entry corresponding to an overwritten content file previously contained within the database that is no longer contained within the database. The database may contain references to content no longer in the database.

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: In a recording and reproduction method for recording digital data on magnetic tape by a helical scanning method or for reproducing digital data recorded on magnetic tape by the helical scanning method, a plurality of sectors are generated in each track on the magnetic tape and various types of data, such as video data and audio data, and track-synchronization data are recorded. Pilot signals for tracking control are recorded on the various types of data in a superposition manner by the use of three different frequencies such that the frequency changes every track in a predetermined repetition manner. The pilot signal is recorded so as to have a higher level at least in two blocks in a sector where the track-synchronization data is recorded than in the other portion of each track.

Abstract: A transducing head for perpendicularly writing data to a magnetic medium having a recording layer and a soft magnetic underlayer comprises a perpendicular write transducer for writing data into the recording layer and a DC magnetic writer having legs in spaced relation to generate a magnetic field along tracks of the magnetic medium. The magnetic field writes a DC magnetic effect longitudinally into the soft magnetic underlayer, thereby reducing noise due to the operation of the perpendicular write transducer.

Abstract: A data eraser for erasing data recorded on a data recording medium, where data recorded on the recording medium can be erased in a short time period. Data produced in the CPU of the controller is stored in the memory as a random unit data; the unit data are repeatedly and continuously written in the memory to constitute record data for erasing purpose; the thus produced recording data for erasing are written on the hard disc to erase the data memorized in the hard disc. Since the time for producing random data, which normally takes time, is shortened, the time for proceeding as a whole can be shortened.

Abstract: In a first step, contents scheduled in the “past” of a virtual channel are extracted, in a second step one of the contents is selected, in the event that judgment is made in a third step that the contents are not in a playable state the flow proceeds to a seventh step but in the event that judgment is made that the contents are in a playable state judgement is made in a fourth step whether the corresponding contents have already been scheduled n times (n being a number for sufficient opportunity for viewing or listening) in the future. In the event that the number is less than n times, the contents are placed in the future at the time of the next scheduling in a fifth step, but in the event that the number is n times, in a sixth step the contents are set in a state to be deleted.

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: An information recording device which records information at a high recording density such that an error rate is reduced. In particular, an information recording device that includes a recording head, arranged near or to be close to the recording medium, for applying magnetic fields to the small regions when the recording head relatively moves with respect to the recording medium to pass on the small regions of the recording medium, and a recording head controller for controlling the recording head to cause the recording head to apply magnetic fields to the small regions in a free region of the recording medium in a standby state in which at least information is not recorded on the recording medium to uniform the directions of magnetization of the small regions so as to erase the information in the predetermined free region.

Abstract: An application specific device for erasing data from a long-term storage device includes a power supply, a control circuit, and an interface to the storage device. The control circuit controls the long-term storage device to irretrievably remove data from the storage device. The storage device may be, for example, a hard disk drive or compact flash memory. The application specific device is physically small, is operating system independent, and has simple interface that is useable by non-computer professionals.

Abstract: In a recording and reproducing apparatus having at least one program recorded to recording tracks on a recording medium, management database is recorded on the recording tracks with the program so as to form a management database recording field. The management data is reproduced on being loaded the recording medium to the recording and reproducing apparatus to manage each program recorded on the recording tracks. In the case of video tape recorder, the management data is recorded on video recording tracks, audio recording tracks and/or a control signal recording tracks. therefore, to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Abstract: A servo writer for writing servo code to a magnetic tape having a width, the servo writer comprising a tape head including a plurality of write elements and being configured to write servo code to a plurality of bands across substantially the entire width of the tape. A method comprising providing a tape having a width; and writing servo code on the tape using a servo writer configured to transport the tape in a length direction normal to the width, and configured to write servo code in linear bands along the length of the tape, the bands together occupying substantially the entire width of the tape.

Abstract: A transducing head for perpendicularly writing data to a magnetic medium having a recording layer and a soft magnetic underlayer comprises a perpendicular write transducer for writing data into the recording layer and a DC magnetic writer having legs in spaced relation to generate a magnetic field along tracks of the magnetic medium. The magnetic field writes a DC magnetic effect longitudinally into the soft magnetic underlayer, thereby reducing noise due to the operation of the perpendicular write transducer.

Abstract: A data eraser applies a strong magnetic field to a magnetic disk while suppressing the strength of a magnetic field applied to a spindle motor. The data eraser includes an upper magnet fixer, a lower magnet fixer, and a linkage. The upper magnet fixer fixes one set of permanent magnets and the lower magnet fixer fixes another set of permanent magnets. The plate members are provided at the tips of the upper and lower magnet fixers. The plate members are made of a soft magnetic material, for example, JIS SS400, respectively. Each of these plate members functions as a yoke.

Abstract: An information recording device which records information at a high recording density such that an error rate is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for AC erasing fields on tracks in a disk is provided. An AC three-pass write technique is used in a disk drive to erase old data from an older generation, wide track disk with a newer generation, narrower read/write head, and write new data to the wide track disk with the narrower head. A strong AC bias field (instead of a DC bias field) is applied to the read/write head during the erase passes in the multipass technique, thereby reducing the net signal-to-noise ratio when the written data is read back in an older drive with a wider head. Moreover, a request from a disk drive controller for a DC erase is detected and the DC erase signal is automatically replaced with an AC erase signal.

Abstract: A magneto-optical memory medium according to the present invention comprises a reproducing layer, which has in-plane magnetization at room temperature and perpendicular magnetization when heated to above a predetermined temperature by a reproducing light beam; a recording layer, which is magnetostatically coupled to the reproducing layer; and an in-plane magnetized layer, provided adjacent to the recording layer, which has a Curie temperature at the above-mentioned predetermined temperature. In this medium, at temperatures below the predetermined temperature, signals recorded at high density in the recording layer are masked, and the above-mentioned magnetostatic coupling is suppressed, by magnetic masking by the in-plane magnetized layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for selectively recording or recalling events, and a device therefor.

Abstract: A servo writer for writing servo code to a magnetic tape having a width, the servo writer comprising a tape head including a plurality of write elements and being configured to write servo code to a plurality of bands across substantially the entire width of the tape. A method comprising providing a tape having a width; and writing servo code on the tape using a servo writer configured to transport the tape in a length direction normal to the width, and configured to write servo code in linear bands along the length of the tape, the bands together occupying substantially the entire width of the tape.

Abstract: A disk drive with a disk having a servo pattern including a special "calibration track" wherein a plurality of calibration burst pairs are recorded on a spiral centerline to define null points that are radially shifted from a burst pair centerline by precise, predefined or subsequently measured, fractional track amounts to collectively provide accurate information about servo signal values generated as a function of real displacement. The calibration burst pairs beneficially allow for calibrating the PES signal after the drive is removed from the servowriter during a manufacturing phase called Intelligent Burn-In. The calibration bursts are recorded on a spiral to reduce the recording time and are preferably written in data regions so that they are disposable and may be selectively written over with data to maximize storage space. Some or all of the calibration burst pairs may be retained for a subsequent recalibration.

Abstract: A method of writing servo patterns to a floppy disk with use of a magnetic head having a head gap wider than the track pitch of the floppy disk, which method comprises writing a servo pattern to one track, thereafter moving the magnetic head by a predetermined distance in the width direction of the track to write a servo pattern, then at the time of writing servo patterns successively for a plurality of tracks in the same way as above, selecting appropriately a supply timing of write data and that of erase data to be fed to the magnetic head, and erasing in the next writing of a servo pattern a write portion of a servo pattern which deviated from the track width in the previous writing thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for writing servo bursts with compensation for erase bands in a direct access storage device (DASD). A first servo burst is written on the magnetic disk media using a transducer head in the DASD. The transducer head is moved in a first direction and the first written servo burst is trimmed. The transducer head is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction corresponding to the width of an erase band and then a next servo burst is written.

Abstract: An erasing device includes a first erasing mode for erasing the signal of an area of a recording medium, and a second erasing mode for erasing the signal of designated plural areas. The erasing operation in the first or second erasing mode is rendered possible as long as a necessary power supply is available, by selecting the limit power source voltage prohibiting the start of operation in the second erasing mode to be equal to or higher than the power source voltage prohibiting the start of operation of the first erasing mode, and also selecting the limit power source voltage prohibiting the continuation of operation in the second erasing mode, in the course of erasing operation in the second erasing mode, lower than the power source voltage prohibiting the start of operation of the first erasing mode. Also the operation can escape from the second erasing mode in suitable manner if the power supply becomes deficient in the course of operation in the second erasing mode.

Abstract: The invention provides an image signal processing apparatus for processing an image signal. When an image signal is supplied and the input image signal is stored onto a memory medium and the image signal stored on the memory medium is generated, only the image signal generated from the memory medium in the image signal stored on the memory medium can be erased, so that the image signal can be stored by a simple construction without erroneously erasing the image signal stored on the memory medium.

Abstract: A multi-track servo recording head assembly records a plurality of identical tracks of servo information longitudinally defined within a very high density servo section along a magnetic recording medium. The servo recording head assembly includes a write transducer for writing a servo signal, as well as an erase transducer that includes two outer erase elements and at least one inner erase element positioned between the two outer erase elements. Each erase element erases alternating portions of the servo signal to create at least one of the plurality of tracks of servo information in the servo section. The outer erase element and the inner erase element are positioned transversely across the servo section, with the inner erase elements having an erase head width that is less than an erase head width of the outer erase elements.

Abstract: A magnetic recording system for recording information on a magnetic recording medium magnetized with a perpedicular magnetization component by a magnetic recording head so as to be reproduced by a magnetic reproducing head, the magnetic recording head including a leading side and a trailing side opposite to the leading side, the leading side leading the trailing side in terms of motion relative to the magnetic recording medium, the magnetic recording head generating a first magnetic field with a field strength from the leading side to the magnetic recording medium, and generating a second magnetic field from the trailing side to the magnetic recording medium, a field strength of the second magnetic field being smaller than that of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An edit recording method and apparatus using erase head control is provided in which connection portions between programs are edited and recorded in a manner which prevents the erasure of a recorded end portion between a full erase head and a video head when a program having different contents is additionally edited on a recorded tape. An erase operation is stopped by relatively controlling full erase head according to an interval to enable a dubbing operation to be performed for a predetermined time.

Abstract: An erasing apparatus that includes a supplying device for supplying power to the apparatus, an erasing device for collectively erasing information recorded on a medium, and a control device for continuing the supply of power from the supplying device during the erasing by the erasing device.

Abstract: A magneto-optical disk provided with a record layer having a recording magnetic domain where data are recorded, an auxiliary reproduction layer for transferring the record data in the record layer to a reproduction layer by generating a floating magnetic field corresponding to the data in the record layer, and the reproduction layer from which the data are read out through irradiation of a light beam, which are sequentially layered while interposing non-magnetic intermediate layers therebetween. The stable magnetic domain width in the auxiliary reproduction layer is shorter than the recording magnetic domain width at room temperature and extends as the temperature rises and becomes longer at or above a first temperature. The stable magnetic domain width in the reproduction layer is longer than the recording magnetic domain width at room temperature and lessens as the temperature rises and becomes shorter at or above a second temperature which is lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: A magnetic video and audio signals recording apparatus for simultaneously recording video signals and two audio signals in first and second recording areas on a magnetic recording medium comprising a video signal recording structure for recording the video signals in the first recording area using magnetic heads A1 and B2, a first audio signal recording structure for recording an FM audio signal to be recorded obtained by at least frequency-modulating the audio signals in a deep portion of the second recording area using a magnetic head C1, and a second audio signal recording structure for subsequently recording a PCM audio signal to be recorded on a surface portion of the second recording area using a magnetic head D1.

Abstract: A magnetic recording system for recording information on a magnetic recording medium magnetized with a perpendicular magnetization component by a magnetic recording head so as to be reproduced by a magnetic reproducing head, the magnetic recording head including a leading side and a trailing side opposite to the leading side, the leading side leading the trailing side in terms of motion relative to the magnetic recording medium, the magnetic recording head generating a first magnetic field with a field strength from the leading side to the magnetic recording medium, and generating a second magnetic field from the trailing side to the magnetic recording medium, a field strength of the second magnetic field being smaller than that of the first magnetic field.

Abstract: Apparatus and method which records and reproduces title data with video and audio data on oblique tracks on a recording medium. The video and audio data are recorded in video and audio regions, respectively, of the oblique tracks while leaving vacant predetermined title regions in the respective oblique tracks. Title data having title and title control information is recorded in the title regions of the respective tracks. The title, video and audio data are reproduced from the respective tracks on the recording medium, and the title information is combined with the video data in accordance with the title control information to produce a video output signal.

Abstract: In a storage medium, data for controlling a recording and reproducing apparatus is stored in a management database recording region provided in recording tracks. Management data recorded in the management database recording region can include various types of management information, such as erase permission or inhibition, information indicating whether the program recorded in the recording tracks has been reproduced, external unit control data for controlling cooperating apparatus, subscriber data corresponding to a respective program, a recorded flag for redesignating recording reservation information corresponding to a recorded program as recorded program information and character display information for depicting a personified guide character for an interactive display.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus data is recorded in the trailing portion of an area erased by an erase magnetic head, thereby surely extracting a regenerative clock at the reproducing time so that the operation of a regenerative clock system can be stabilized.

Abstract: A video and audio signal recorder for recording signals on tracks records signals of each editorial unit (e.g.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing device for recording/reproducing information signals for one recording unit over a plurality of recording tracks by helically scanning a magnetic tape with rotary heads. The information signals for one recording unit are recorded on the plurality of recording tracks on the magnetic tape, and guard bands are formed simultaneously between the one recording units. The recording density is substantially improved. Erase heads overwrite the information signals on the magnetic tape and the plurality of recording tracks for one recording unit on the magnetic tape are erased en block, which prevents over-erasing unerased portions during editing.

Abstract: The time interval/amplitude level difference between sequential peaks in waveforms of first reproducing signals from a recording medium is detected and stored in a storage. The time interval/amplitude level difference between peaks in a waveform of a second reproducing signal from the recording medium is detected and compared with the time interval/amplitude level difference stored in the storage to thereby perform peak detection in the waveforms thereof. An original bit train of the first reproducing signal corresponding to a maximum-likelihood waveform selected among the waveforms of the first reproducing signals is given as a standardized signal. Data are provided to represent the time interval/amplitude level difference between the sequential peaks in the waveforms of the reproducing signals in a range of electromagnetic signal interference on the recording medium.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing device, which records and reproduces information on and from a rewritable recording medium having absolute addresses and including an information recording area wherein information entered from external devices is recorded and a Table of Contents area wherein additional address information with respect to the information recorded in the information recording area is recorded. The TOC area contains the absolute addresses of the recording positions of each information recorded in the information recording area. A display section graphically and independently displays the recorded and unrecorded ranges of the information recording area according to the absolute addresses recorded in the TOC area with respect to the recording positions of each piece of information.

Abstract: A demagnetizing circuit of a home use video tape recorder is controlled by using means such as a control by a microcomputer or the like so as to execute a demagnetizing operation in a desired tape position interval. Further, by properly controlling an onscreen-display on a monitor display screen or a display on a VTR display tube, the operating efficiency is further improved.

Abstract: A method of recording a servo signal on each track of a magnetic disk includes a first signal for demagnetizing the magnetic disk and a second signal for forming the servo signal. The recording width (core width) of the magnetic head is made greater than the width of the track. Parts for recording signals and not recording signals are set in each track. The first and second signals are selected and recorded in the signal recording part, thereby to form the servo signal. Current to be conducted to the magnetic head is cut in the part for not recording signals, and the track is skipped to the next part for recording signals. When the recording of the track has ended, the magnetic head is moved to the next track, and the above steps are repeated.

Abstract: A signal erasing apparatus continuously erases recorded signals from a plurality of selected recording tracks formed on a rotating type record bearing medium which has signals recorded in a plurality of circular recording tracks. The apparatus comprises signal erasing apparatus including one erasing head; shifting apparatus for shifting the erasing head to oppose it to each of the recording tracks of the record bearing medium; rotating apparatus for rotating the record bearing medium relative to the erasing head; designating apparatus for designating beforehand a plurality of specific recording tracks having the signal to be erased from the medium; and control apparatus which, in response to the designating apparatus, controls the signal erasing apparatus and the head shifting apparatus to cause them to continuously erase from the medium the signals recorded in the designated recording tracks.

Abstract: A method of writing servo patterns to the surface of a disc of a hard disc drive without magnetizing the transducer head by means of which the patterns are written. The surface is initially magnetized in one direction through the transducer head while the disc is rotating to move the disc surface by the transducer head. Each servo pattern is subsequently written by passing a current through the transducer in the opposite direction for selected time interval. Following writing of each pattern, a current is passed through the transducer head in the direction used to initially magnetize the disc for a time interval equal to the time interval during which the pattern was written.

Abstract: A video tape recorder having provisions for erasing a desired fraction of each frame of a composite picture signal on a magnetic tape and for recording substitute picture information on the erased fractions, thereby making it possible to split the screen into two windows for the simultaneous display of different images. Included is a window size input device to be operated upon by the user for specifying a desired fraction of each frame of the composite picture signal recorded on the tape. A frame fraction signal generator circuit responds to the output from the window size input device, as well as to horizontal and vertical sync pulses derived from the composite picture signal being reconstructed from the tape, for generating a frame fraction signal indicative in real time of the specified fraction of each frame of the composite picture signal to be erased from the tape.

Abstract: An apparatus of the invention is capable of shifting a transducer, such as a head for erasing reproducing and recording information on a track formed on a recording medium, with fine positioning accuracy and high access speed. Further, the apparatus is capable of entirely erasing information to be erased on the medium by shifting the transducer with a desired degree while the transducer is excited for erasing operation. In the apparatus, a motion converting means, such as a disc cam or a helically grooved cylindrical cam, is employed for converting a primary rotating motion to a secondary stepwise motion so as to shift the transducer, presenting substantial dead band characteristics for the shifting motion. Further, a control means is employed for shifting the transducer over an area covering an information recorded track and the portions adjacent thereto to execute the erasing operation for an extended area along the track to be erased.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting a series of discrete units of incoming digital data into a set of integer values and representing said values holographically, by dimensionalizing multiple aspects of reference laser signal, and multiplexing said aspects at the same storage location. The integer set is represented logarithmically by manipulating the dimensionalized aspects in a hierarchical order, resulting in a 16-fold increase in data density at the same physical storage location, as compared with a conventional binary storage system.

Abstract: An apparatus of the invention is capable of shifting a transducer, such as a head for erasing, reproducing and recording information on a track formed on a recording medium, with fine positioning accuracy and high access speed. Further, the apparatus is capable of entirely erasing information to be erased on the medium by shifting the transducer with a desired degree while the transducer is excited for erasing operation. In the apparatus, a motion converting means, such as a disc cam or a helically grooved cylindrical cam, is employed for converting a primary rotating motion to a secondary stepwise motion so as to shift the transducer, presenting substantial dead band characteristics for the shifting motion. Further, a control means is employed for shifting the transducer over an area covering an information recorded track and the portions adjacent thereto to execute the erasing operation for an extended area along the track to be erased.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method is described for recording a pattern of track positioning servo signals at select locations of a magnetic tape for use in aligning a single track read head with each of the tracks defined by the signal pattern. The pattern is provided by recording two different signals with two write heads so that the signals are recorded as alternating strips. The differences between the two signals are then used to define the each track center.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording an information signal on a track scanned by a rotary head on a record medium in which the track is divided into a plurality of areas. A pilot signal for tracking is recorded in a predetermined area on the track. A circuit is provided for reproducing the pilot signal for tracking from the predetermined area. Also, a circuit for recording the information signal on the track and a circuit for controlling the tracking of the rotary head by the predetermined pilot signal are provided.