US 12,236,983 B1 · Digital tape storage optimization

Abstract

Various systems and methods are presented regarding interrupting a write operation to enable a read operation to be performed on a digital tape system. An initial write operation to the tape can be paused, a read operation performed on a previously written data file conducted, and upon completion of the read operation, the write operation can be recommenced. Interrupt points can be positioned within respective data blocks. Based upon knowledge of the amount of data written during the initial write operation, a position P can be determined (relative to the location of the nearest prior interrupt point) such that when the tape is advanced to place the tape head in a position to recommence the write operation after the read operation has been performed, the tape can be positioned such that the tape head is at position P. Accordingly, interruption of the write operation enables random access of the tape.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system, comprising:

a memory that stores computer executable components;
and
a processor that executes the computer executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer executable components comprise:
a tape control component configured to:
control a write operation, wherein the write operation comprises writing a first data file to a tape, wherein the tape is configured with a series of regularly spaced interrupt points positioned along a length of the tape, and a distance between a pair of adjacent interrupt points equates to a known volume of data stored on the tape for a given feed rate of the tape;
receive a read file instruction identifying a second data file to be read from the tape;
and
in response to the read file instruction being received during the write operation, pause the write operation to enable the second data file to be read, wherein the write operation is paused after a first portion of the first data file has been written to the tape, and a second portion of the first data file remains to be written to the tape.

5 more elements

A computer-implemented method performed by a device operatively coupled to a processor, the computer-implemented method comprising:

initiating backup of a first data file to a tape, wherein the tape is configured with a series of interrupt points regularly spaced along a length of the tape, and a distance between a pair of adjacent interrupt points equates to a known volume of data stored on the tape for a known tape write rate;
receiving a read data file instruction, wherein the read data file instruction is to read a second data file previously saved to the tape;
pausing the backup of the first data file to the tape;
and
initiating a read operation of the second data file, wherein a first portion of the first data file has been saved to the tape at a time of initiating the read operation of the second data file.

2 more elements

A computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and comprising machine-executable instructions, wherein, in response to being executed, the machine-executable instructions cause a machine to perform operations, comprising:

initiating backup of a first data file to a tape, wherein the tape is configured with a series of interrupt points regularly spaced along a length of the tape, and a distance between a pair of adjacent interrupt points equates to a known volume of data stored on the tape for a known tape write rate;
receiving a read data file instruction, wherein the read data file instruction is to read a second data file previously saved to the tape;
pausing the backup of the first data file to the tape;
and
initiating a read operation of the second data file, wherein a first portion of the first data file has been saved to the tape at a time of initiating the read operation of the second data file.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Digital tape storage optimization

Life of this patent

Digital tape storage optimization

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20