Abstract: A transducer positioning apparatus is provided that supports a read/write head on a data storage machine and biases the head against rotation. The transducer positioning apparatus may comprise a base that includes a linear drive motor and a support frame to which the read/write head is secured. The support frame is reciprocally driven by the linear drive motor relative to the base. A magnetic coupling is provided between the base and the support frame that resists movement of the frame other than the reciprocal movement of the support frame relative to the base. A method is also disclosed for magnetically biasing a movable head of a transducer against rotation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-program product for indicating progress status of a mid-tape or data recovery operation in a tape drive. The method includes visually indicating that a recovery operation has started, periodically determining the remaining recovery time based on the remaining tape spool, and displaying the determined remaining recovery time to show progress status of the operation. The determination of the remaining recovery time includes determining the length of the tape being processed based on an estimated radius of the remaining tape spool and system parameters. The remaining recovery time is displayed with a moving track to show progress toward completion.

Abstract: Information from an accelerometer integrated at a computation device is received. An orientation of a display of the computation device, or other attribute, can be determined based upon the received information based upon an assumed reference, such as a desktop surface that is perpendicular to a gravitational vector, or based upon information from another accelerometer, such as an accelerometer within a base portion of a laptop computer. An operation is performed based upon the information.

Abstract: An information storing device and an information processing device having a memory for registering a plurality of working modes at recording/reproduction and a switching circuit for selecting one of the plurality of working modes, which select the optimum working mode automatically or by an instruction of an operator according to power supply capacity of a device of higher rank to effect recording/reproduction.

Abstract: A tape drive apparatus is for a tape medium having a magnetic segment for magnetically transducing information and an identification segment carrying a medium identification pattern and a segment identification pattern. The tape drive apparatus has a data transfer apparatus configured to transfer data between the tape medium and the tape drive apparatus, a reader configured to read a signal representative of the identification segment, a detector configured to detect the segment identification pattern in the signal, and a decoder configured to decode the medium identification pattern in response to the detection of the segment identification pattern.

Abstract: Methods for certifying data retained by a tape cartridge in a tape library are shown. Error rates that are encountered when the tape cartridge is being read by a tape drive can be accounted for without actually reading data for data content retrieval. A record of the error rate can be stored in a medium auxiliary memory device associated with the tape cartridge. An older record containing a formerly accounted for error rate of read errors when the tape cartridge was formerly read can be accessed and compared with the record presently assessed. If there is a difference between the presently found error rate and the formerly found error rate an action can be executed if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: When a disk device corresponding to a logical volume is started, a disk system determines and starts a disk device and a fan to be started, while comprehensively considering heat quantity generated by the disk device to be started, the cooling capacity of the fan, and the electric power consumption of the fan or the electric power consumption of the disk device.

Abstract: There is provided an image recording/reproducing device that can discriminate a disk separation error that is specific to removable hard disks. A disk error detector (51) detects an occurrence of a disk error depending on whether a removable hard disk (15) can be recognized or not. A mount status detector (55) detects a presence or absence of the removable hard disk (15) as a disk mount status. The mount status detector (55) may detect the disk mount status based on a detection result of a write-protect switch (19) of the removable hard disk (15). An error type discriminator (57), based on the detected disk mount status, discriminates an error type of the disk error, and determines that the error type is disk separation if the removable hard disk (15) has become nonexistent. An error handler (59) performs error handling in accordance with the error type discriminated by the error type discriminator (57).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk drive includes a parameter management table, a parameter adjustment module and an interpolation module. The parameter management table stores a parameter used to write or read data to or from a disk in the parameter management table in association with each of a plurality of predetermined temperature divisions. The parameter adjustment module adjusts a first parameter stored in the parameter management table in association with a first temperature division to a second parameter adapted for the first temperature division if an ambient temperature detected by a temperature detector corresponds to the first temperature division and if the first parameter is unadjusted. The interpolation module updates an unadjusted third parameter corresponding to a third temperature division between the first temperature division and a second temperature division for which the parameter is adjusted based on a result of the adjustment of the first parameter.

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: A method and system are provided for controlling SAS/SATA disk spin up when a disk enters an inactive mode, such as standby mode, in a near line storage system. A routing table entry is modified for a selected hard disk drive in an expander routing table to redirect and reroute to a spinup control virtual target any access requests intended for the selected hard disk drive, in response to the selected hard disk drive being in standby mode. In response to the selected hard disk drive exiting standby mode, the routing table entry is modified to direct and route requests for access to the selected hard disk drive back to the drive itself. A SAS expander device can control spin up for standby disk drives in a disk array. Alternatively, spin up control can be performed for disks in other power modes, such as idle, in a disk array.

Abstract: Copying, dubbing or reproducing copyrighted digital data can be inhibited or restricted to properly protect a copyright. AV data recorded on a pre-recorded tape is output from a reproducing unit of a first digital VCR with protective information indicating whether the copy of the AV data is inhibited or not. The protective information is input with the A/V data to a second digital VCR. Copy permission information of a blank tape loaded in the second digital VCR is discriminated and the second digital VCR records the AV data supplied from the first digital VCR based on the protective information and the copy permission information.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head for writing data to the disk, a first touchdown sensor, a second touchdown sensor, and control circuitry comprising a first current source coupled to the first touchdown sensor and a second current source coupled to the second touchdown sensor, the control circuitry operable to determine a common mode voltage between the first touchdown sensor and the second touchdown sensor, adjust the first current source and the second current source until the common mode voltage exceeds a first threshold, determine a differential voltage between the first touchdown sensor and the second touchdown sensor, adjust the first current source and the second current source until the differential voltage exceeds a second threshold, and detect a touchdown event based on the differential voltage exceeding a third threshold.

Abstract: A data storage system stores logical data object(s), each identified by a logical identifier. A control is configured to assign a unique WORM (Write Once Read Many) identifier to the logical data object, and stores the unique WORM identifier as associated with the logical identifier, in a database maintained by the control so as to be persistent. Data storage is configured to write the logical data object with a header with the unique WORM identifier. The control, in order to allow the logical data object to be accessed externally to the control, requires matching the unique WORM identifier in the header of a logical data object to the unique WORM identifier of the persistent database for the logical object. The unique WORM identifier is formed of a checksum hash value related to nonce fields comprising at least the logical identifier of the logical data object, an incrementing token, and a time stamp.

Abstract: A wire rope tester including a magnetic testing device; the wire rope tester includes a Remote Data Recorder mounted on a sensor head of the magnetic testing device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide patterned media in which the center and the direction of the disk can be detected. According to one embodiment, patterned media has a bit pattern including convex portions of a magnetic material on one surface or both surfaces of a nonmagnetic substrate having a central hole. A diffraction grating pattern is formed as an alignment pattern in the inner circumference (or outer circumference) of the patterned media. The diffraction grating pattern is a pattern having a repetitive configuration, and includes a pattern with a repetitive pitch different from that in other portions, or a portion having no pattern, at least one region on a circumference. The diffraction grating pattern is irradiated with detection light and diffracted light is detected, thereby a center and a direction of the disk can be detected.

Abstract: In order to calculate the power of logically-partitioned areas without using a power meter in a storage system logically partitioning a storage area, there is provided a power estimating method in a computer system including a management computer and a storage system connected to the management computer and a host computer. The storage system prepares logical storage-volumes in a real area of plural disk drives. The power estimating method includes the steps of: allowing a third processor to calculate operation rates of the disk drives for access to the logical storage-volumes from operating times of the disk drives for access to the logical storage-volumes; and allowing the third processor to calculate power consumption increments of the disk drives for access to the logical storage-volumes by access types from incremental power consumption information and the calculated operation rates of the disk drives.

Abstract: Described is a tape library which can generally include a tape drive, a tape cartridge that possesses a medium auxiliary memory device, a device for reading information retained on the medium auxiliary memory device and a program that runs on a processor capable of manipulating information received by the reading device. The tape cartridge's medium auxiliary memory device can contain at least one record of a previous access event, such as an approximate point in time when the tape cartridge is loaded in the tape drive. The program may be operable to determine how much time has elapsed from the access event. Knowledge of the elapsed time can, among other things, cause an action to be taken relative to the tape cartridge and/or the data thereon. A method of using the system is also described.

Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a magnetic head, at least one disk and a controller. A location signal is recorded on the at least one disk for determining a location of the magnetic head in relation to the at least one disk. The controller controls the location of the magnetic head based on the location signal decoded through the magnetic head. At least one of frequency and amplitude of the location signal is variable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for writing data to be played back onto a tape is provided. Included is an acquisition unit for acquiring data to be written onto the tape, a writing unit for writing the data to the tape, and a determination unit for determining a data amount of a leading part of the data to be stored in a place separate from a place where the data is stored so that a part following the leading part is made ready to be played back before playback of the leading part ends, to reduce the time taken to read the data from the tape. Also included is an extraction unit for extracting the data and a storage unit for storing the leading part of the data.

Abstract: A token value is maintained based on an allowable number of low power transitions of a hard disk drive without adversely affecting reliability, compared to an actual number of low power transitions of said hard disk drive. The allowable number of low power transitions increases over the hard disk drive's lifetime. Before the hard disk drive performs a low power transition, the token is evaluated to determine if the hard disk drive is allowed to perform a low power transition. Low power transitions discussed include parking the head and spinning-down the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A hard-disk drive (HDD) is described. During operation of the HDD, measured internal temperatures in the HDD may be stored in a first table, and state information specifying operational states of the HDD associated with ranges of internal temperatures may be stored in a second table. Note that a given operational state in the second table may be associated with a corresponding internal temperature in the first table. Furthermore, during operation of the HDD, the first table and/or the second table may be stored on: a rotatable medium in the HDD, a semiconductor memory in the HDD, or both. This stored table information may facilitate error detection and diagnosis.

Abstract: A CPP spin-valve magnetic head, according to one embodiment includes a ferromagnetic free layer having a bias-point magnetization nominally oriented in a first direction; a ferromagnetic reference layer film having a bias-point magnetization nominally oriented in a second direction that is not orthogonal to the said first direction; and a tunnel barrier layer between the free and reference layers.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes plural trays each incorporating plural HDDs and a controller that controls access to the HDDs in response to an access request from a host apparatus. The controller also includes a table, in which standard power and a start-up power supply status are associated with each other for each of the trays, a table that manages total power required by the trays and present power consumed by the trays, and a table that defines maximum available power relative to the total power. The controller, when receiving a power-on setting request for a certain tray, judges whether or not the tray can be turned on based on the standard power for the tray and the present power, and the controller, upon determining that the tray can be turned on, turns on the tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interfacing a host computer with a hard drive cartridge is disclosed in one embodiment. The virtual device interface is divided between a kernel component in a driver stack of the kernel space and a user component configured to run in user space. The kernel component passes data commands from the operating system to a cartridge dock while separating other commands that are passed to the user component. The user component authenticates the kernel component and/or the hard drive cartridge. Use of the removable hard drive cartridge is also authorized by the user component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing enhanced navigation of stored digital video content based upon an event index. Includes generation and storage of an event index, as well as navigation based on events in the event index. An example system is embodied in a digital video recorder that detects and stores black field and silent frame events for use in locating commercial groups. The commercial groups may be skipped or otherwise navigated based upon data pointers linking the stored events to corresponding locations in the video data file.

Abstract: A method of writing to a disk using a disk drive includes determining a first sensing value using a first output value output from a disturbance sensor during a writing operation for multiple servo sectors on the disk, and determining a second sensing value using a second output value output from the disturbance sensor during the writing operation for the multiple servo sectors. Discontinuance of the writing operation is determined based on the difference between the first sensing value and the second sensing value.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing an auxiliary radio frequency memory device. The library also includes, at least one tape drive capable of determining at least one functional status when loaded with one of the tape cartridges wherein the at least one tape drive possesses an auxiliary reader and writer device capable of transferring information associated with the at least one function status to and from the auxiliary radio frequency memory device. The tape drive is adapted to transmit the information from the auxiliary radio frequency memory device to a display device that can be viewed by an end user.

Abstract: A drive apparatus that handles and operates a recording medium attached with a memory tag, the drive apparatus include: a recording medium mounting part on which the recording medium is mounted; an information readout part configured to read information out of a memory tag attached to a recording medium before the recording medium is mounted on the recording medium mounting part; a determining part configured to determine whether the recording medium can be handled and operated based on the information read out by the information readout part; and an informing part configured to inform a determined result determined by the determining part.

Abstract: A hybrid hard disk drive includes a hard disk drive controller to receive a plurality of write commands from a host, a buffer to receive and store write data, which are input through the hard disk drive controller and correspond to each of the plurality of write commands, a command history tracker to receive the plurality of write commands and analyze a pattern of the plurality of write commands, and a CPU to control storage of the write data, which correspond to each of the plurality of write commands, on a disk or in a flash memory device based on the analysis result by the command history tracker. The drive may determine whether to store write data on the disk or in the flash memory device without operation system support.

Abstract: The power required by a voice coil motor (VCM) to maintain the head in the data region of a disk drive during an idle mode is further reduced. The current supplied to the VCM is switched on and off. This takes advantage of the inherent capacitance and inductance in the VCM, which maintains a current after the current supply is switched off. The current will slowly decay, with it being switched on again before it reaches a level where the average value won't offset the flex bias. In one embodiment, the current is maintained in a single direction, to offset the flex bias which pushes in one direction. Digital switches are used to reduce the power consumption of the control circuitry.

Abstract: Embodiments of a computer system that includes a vibration-cancelling mode, and a related method and computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system, are described. During operation, a processor monitors operations in the computer system, and may select either the vibration-cancelling mode or an inactive mode based on the monitored operations. For example, the processor may select the vibration-cancelling mode when there are input/output-(I/O) intensive workloads to an array of one or more hard disk drives (HDDs) in the computer system. In this way, the processor may reduce the energy consumption associated with vibration-induced retries to the HDDs (and reduced I/O throughput) without increasing the energy consumption associated with active vibration damping at other times, such as when the computer system is idle or during processor-intensive workloads.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head for writing data to the disk, a first touchdown sensor, a second touchdown sensor, and control circuitry comprising a first current source coupled to the first touchdown sensor and a second current source coupled to the second touchdown sensor, the control circuitry operable to determine a common mode voltage between the first touchdown sensor and the second touchdown sensor, adjust the first current source and the second current source until the common mode voltage exceeds a first threshold, determine a differential voltage between the first touchdown sensor and the second touchdown sensor, adjust the first current source and the second current source until the differential voltage exceeds a second threshold, and detect a touchdown event based on the differential voltage exceeding a third threshold.

Abstract: Approaches for determining the likelihood that a hard-disk drive (HDD) will experience an imminent error in operation, and preventing the same, using an atmospheric pressure sensor are provided. The HDD comprises an atmospheric pressure sensor capable of determining the altitude at which the HDD is currently located. The HDD also comprises a risk assessment component capable of (a) determining an expression of how likely it is that the HDD will experience an imminent error in operation based, at least in part, upon the current altitude of the HDD, and (b) communicating the expression to a user of the HDD. The HDD may optionally comprise one or more of a particle counter, differential pressure sensor, and a chemical vapor sensor for use by the risk assessment component. If the HDD is above a particular altitude, the Thermal Fly-Height control settings of the heads may be adjusted to reduce risk of error.

Abstract: When a disk device corresponding to a logical volume is started, a disk system determines and starts a disk device and a fan to be started, while comprehensively considering heat quantity generated by the disk device to be started, the cooling capacity of the fan, and the electric power consumption of the fan or the electric power consumption of the disk device.

Abstract: A method and system for sensing the current applied to the motor of a data storage device and determining whether a shock event has occurred by processing the sensed current levels.

Abstract: For an apparatus determining whether or not an HDD is started by barometric pressure information or the like, there are provided a navigation apparatus, an operation control device, an operation control method, and an operation control program, that enable shortening of a time from a power-on to starting-up of the HDD. The present application is the operation control device which controls the operation of the HDD by giving an instruction to the HDD to control the operation of the HDD, the operation control device including: a recording means for recording a previous closing information indicative of whether or not the operation of the operation control device normally ends by a previous power-off and an operation control means for giving an instruction of starting the operation to the HDD in a case where the operation has been normally ended at a time of starting the operation control device by the power-on.

Abstract: A recording medium, method and apparatus for managing data are discussed. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reproducing main data and additional data. The method includes receiving the additional data associated with the main data, the additional data being divided into a plurality of segment units; and reproducing the additional data in a synchronous manner with the main data using time information if indication information indicates a presence of the time information. The time information indicates a presentation time of the additional data with respect to the main data. The main data and the additional data are reproduced according to management data, the management data including link information for linking the main data and the additional data.

Abstract: A write channel for a hard disk drive has a write current with a programmably adjustable rise time, and includes first and second analog write data signal paths having respective resistive nodes. First and second programmable capacitors are connected to the resistive nodes, whereby changes in capacitance of the first and second capacitors changes the rise time of the write current. A programmer selectively programs the first and second programmable capacitors. The rise time programmed is selected to provide a decreased bit error rate of an on-track write process and reduced adjacent-track interference.

Abstract: A storage system is disclosed and related methods of reading/writing data are disclosed. The storage system includes a main data storage medium, and first and second buffers storing data to be stored on the main data storage medium, as well as a controller defining a data I/O path. The data I/O path may be defined in relation to a detected operating state of the main data storage medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a filter for filtering airborne particles present within an enclosure containing equipment sensitive is provided. The filter may be used within the enclosure of a hard disk drive. The filter may comprise a magnetic plate enclosed by a protective layer, which in turn may be enclosed by a non-woven scrim. The magnetic plate has a magnetic property that generates a magnetic field attractive to paramagnetic particles within the enclosure. The protective layer forms a barrier that prevents particles of the magnetic plate from entering into the enclosure. The non-woven scrim may, but need not, have an adhesive property which traps non-paramagnetic particles coming in contact with the non-woven scrim. If the non-woven scrim lacks an adhesive property, then at least a portion of the non-woven scrim may be coated with an adhesive layer which traps non-paramagnetic particles coming in contact with the non-woven scrim.

Abstract: A hard disk drive (HDD) including a first resistive temperature detector (RTD) configured to detect a temperature generated by proximity of a slider and a media. The first RTD is proximate an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider. The HDD also includes a second RTD configured to detect at least one temperature correlated to a fly-height of the slider. The second RTD is not required to be proximate the ABS of the slider. HDD also includes a read/write integrated circuit (IC) configured to determine the fly-height of the slider based on detection of temperatures by the first RTD and the second RTD.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the likelihood that a hard-disk drive (HDD) will experience an imminent error in operation is provided. The HDD comprises a differential pressure sensor capable of measuring the difference in the pressure between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure. The differential pressure sensor may reside in a breather filter covering an air passage within the enclosure. The HDD also comprises a risk assessment component capable of (a) determining an expression of how likely it is that the HDD will experience an imminent error in operation based, at least in part, upon the difference in pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and (b) communicating the expression to a user of the HDD. The HDD may optionally comprise one or more of an atmospheric pressure sensor, a particle counter, and a chemical vapor sensor which may be used by the risk assessment component.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head for writing data to the disk, and control circuitry coupled to the head, the control circuitry comprising a signal amplifier outputting a first signal comprising an offset voltage, the control circuitry operable to determine a state signal based on comparing the first signal to a reference signal, increase a M-bit digital count value in response to a first state of the state signal, decrease the M-bit digital count value in response to a second state of the state signal, and determine a first analog signal based on N bits of the digital count value, wherein the first analog signal adjusts the offset voltage and M>N.

Abstract: A data storage library is described including a tape cartridge possessing an auxiliary memory device adapted to maintain a load count that is incremented whenever the tape cartridge is loaded in a tape drive. The library also includes, a library tape drive adapted to increment the load count every time the tape cartridge is loaded in the library tape drive, an auxiliary storage device capable of maintaining knowledge of the incremented load count only from when the tape cartridge is loaded with the library tape drive, and an auxiliary memory device reader capable of reading the load count from the auxiliary memory device. The library further includes a processing device adapted to receive and compare the knowledge maintained in the auxiliary storage device with the load count from the auxiliary memory device that is read via the auxiliary memory device reader that if different, the processing device is capable of transmitting a notification to an end user.

Abstract: A storage media library device includes a media drive unit which writes and reads information on storage media, a media storage unit which stores the storage media, a robot which transports the storage media between the media drive unit and the media storage unit, a robot control unit which controls the storage media transport operation of the robot, and a vibration detection unit which detects occurrence of vibrations. The robot control unit is controlled by a library control unit, wherein if occurrence of vibrations is detected by the vibration detection unit during the robot transports the storage media, the robot control unit causes the robot to stop the storage media transport operation, and when subsidence of the vibrations is detected within a predefined time period preset in a storage media transport command and monitored by the library control unit, the robot control unit causes the robot to resume.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a solid-state data storage medium, a disc data storage medium, and a controller adapted to selectively adjust a spindle speed associated with the disc data storage medium and a buffer size associated with the solid-state data storage medium responsive to a trigger.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of diagnosing an error in a cartridge drive, comprises detecting an occurrence of a defined event in a cartridge drive, in response to the defined event, initiating an analysis routine of at least one event log from the cartridge drive, and invoking an intervention routine when the analysis indicates that the defined event represents a failure threat.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a servo processing circuit comprises a correlation filter and a Lagrange interpolator peak detector coupled to the correlation filter. The correlation filter is operable to receive a first signal as input; correlate the first signal with a reference signal; and produce a second signal as output, wherein the second signal indicates a correlation between the first signal and the reference signal. The Lagrange interpolator peak detector is operable to receive the second signal as input; detect one or more peaks in the second signal; and produce a third signal as output, wherein the third signal indicates one or more peak locations of the peaks in the second signal.

Abstract: A disk formatter (DF) for a rotating storage medium includes a target sector identification module that determines a block of target sectors of the rotating storage medium based on a read/write command signal. A current sector identification module determines a current sector of a read/write head. A DF control module begins a read/write operation at a command start sector that is different than a first sector of the block of target sectors. The command start sector is located within the block of target sectors.