US 12,106,772 B2 · Methods for increasing storage capacity and improving performance in dual-reel removable tape devices and fixed tape devices

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to increasing storage capacity for magnetic media dual-reel tape devices, and more specifically modifying the writing process to the magnetic media. Rather than having an unused acceleration zone, portions or even the entire acceleration zone on the tape can be used to store data. To achieve the acceleration to a predetermined speed, the tape is wound in the opposite direction from where the writing and/or reading will occur. The winding is of a sufficient distance to create sufficient distance along the tape for the acceleration to the predetermined speed to be completed by the time the writing and/or reading location is reached. Furthermore, when the acceleration zone is completely used for data, writing can occur from the beginning of the tape to the end of the tape rather than writing to/from the acceleration zone and then returning to a corresponding end of the tape.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A data storage device, comprising:

at least one head configured to access a magnetic tape;
one or more reels configured to wind and unwind the magnetic tape;
one or more motors configured to actuate the one or more reels;
and
control circuitry configured to:
receive a read or write request;
determine a first distance from a middle of the magnetic tape to a location on the magnetic tape for data corresponding to the read or write request;
position the magnetic tape to allow for an acceleration length to be traveled before reaching the location, wherein the acceleration length is greater than the first distance;
accelerate the magnetic tape over the acceleration length;
and
perform the read or write request.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

18/355,106Filed 19 Jul 2023 · us provisional application

Priority

19 Jan 2023

Published

US 2024/0249747 A125 Jul 2024

Granted

1 Oct 2024

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

G11B 15/56
Driving, starting or stopping record carriers of filamentary or web form; Driving both such record carriers and heads; Guiding such record…: the…
G11B 5/00813
Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic tapes, sheets, e.g. cards, or wires: magnetic tapes
G11B 15/005
Driving, starting or stopping record carriers of filamentary or web form; Driving both such record carriers and heads; Guiding such record…:…
G11B 15/32
Driving record carriers by members acting directly or indirectly thereon: through the reels or cores on to which the record carrier is wound

Methods for increasing storage capacity and improving performance in dual-reel removable tape devices and fixed tape devices

Life of this patent

Methods for increasing storage capacity and improving performance in dual-reel removable tape devices and fixed tape devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19