Multi-format read drive
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsRobert G. Biskeborn, Gary M. Decad, Jason Liang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method according to one embodiment includes receiving a tape cartridge at an apparatus having a plurality of modules configured to at least read data stored on a magnetic recording tape of the tape cartridge, each of the modules having an array of readers. One module is configured to read data on a magnetic recording tape which none of the other modules can read. The method further includes determining at least one of a format of the magnetic recording tape and a format of the tape cartridge, and activating at least one of the modules to read data stored on the magnetic recording tape in response to determining the at least one of the format of the magnetic recording tape and a format of the tape cartridge.
Claims20
A method, comprising:
- receiving a tape cartridge at an apparatus having a plurality of modules configured to at least read data stored on a magnetic recording tape of the tape cartridge, each of the modules having an array of readers, wherein one module is configured to read data which none of the other modules can read;
- determining at least one of a format of the magnetic recording tape and a format of the tape cartridge;
- and
- activating at least one of the modules to read data stored on the magnetic recording tape in response to determining the at least one of the format of the magnetic recording tape and a format of the tape cartridge.
A method, comprising:
- receiving a tape cartridge at an apparatus having a first module configured to at least read data stored on a magnetic recording tape in a first range of formats, and at least a second module configured to at least read data stored on a magnetic recording tape in at least a second range of formats, wherein the modules are arranged such that, in operation, the first and second modules engage a magnetic recording tape when passing over the first and second modules, wherein the first range of formats does not include a format that is in the second range of formats, wherein all of the modules are aligned along a tape travel direction;
- determining at least one of a format of the magnetic recording tape and a format of the tape cartridge;
- and
- activating at least one of the modules to read data stored on the magnetic recording tape in response to determining the at least one of the format of the magnetic recording tape and a format of the tape cartridge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.