Systems and methods for providing beginning-of-tape and end-of-tape indicators

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for creating beginning-of-tape (BOT) and end-of-tape (EOT) indicators on a magnetic tape by altering a discrete area or areas of the recording area or the non-recording area of a magnetic tape, such that the area or areas are optically detectible. The invention provides a method for creating BOT and EOT indicators by removing a discrete area or areas of the ferromagnetic layer or the non-ferromagnetic layer of a magnetic tape, such that the mark reflects or transmits light differently than unmarked portions of the tape. The invention also provides a method for creating BOT and EOT indicators by placement of a fluorescent or optical dye on the ferromagnetic layer or non-ferromagnetic layer of a magnetic tape. Such fluorescent or optical dye is optically detectible, and further reduces any physical distortion in the magnetic tape.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.