Co-existing dedicated system software and read/writeable data storage space on removable media
AssigneeSpectra Logic Corporation
InventorsMatthew Thomas Starr, Mark Lorin Lantry
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mobile media with both dedicated readable and writeable user data space and dedicated readable and writeable drive device space. The mobile data storage media adapted for operatively working with a drive device comprises a data space accessible by an end user and a drive software space accessible by the drive device and inaccessible by an end user. The drive software space is adapted to accommodate firmware for use by the drive device in addition to the reading and writing of software by the drive device. The media is adapted to receive and store software from the drive device or, alternatively, is adapted to transmit software to the drive device.
Claims19
A tape cartridge capable of being loaded in a cooperating relationship with a tape drive, said tape cartridge comprising:
- a first partition inaccessible by a user of data, said first partition containing compatibility software that when said tape cartridge is disposed in a tape drive,
- said compatibility software is capable to be exchanged with said tape drive, said compatibility software facilitates functional compatibility between said tape cartridge and said tape drive;
- and
- a second partition accessible by said user of data when disposed in said tape drive,
- said second partition capable for storing user data therein, said compatibility software is exchanged automatically,
- said tape drive possesses an interface that interfaces between a computing system and said tape cartridge when said tape cartridge is disposed in said tape drive.
A method comprising:
- providing a computing system possessing a tape drive;
- moving a tape cartridge to said tape drive;
- loading said tape cartridge in said tape drive;
- transferring compatibility software between said tape drive and a first partition of memory in said tape cartridge, wherein a user of data is restricted from accessing said first partition of memory, said compatibility software facilitates functional compatibility between said tape drive and computing system with said tape cartridge;
- and
- after said transferring step, exchanging user data between said tape drive and a second partition of memory in said tape cartridge for said user of data who has access to said second partition.
A method comprising:
- providing a computing system that possesses a tape drive;
- providing a tape cartridge that possesses a first partition that essentially restricts accessibility to a user of data and a second partition that is accessible by said user of data for storing user data therein;
- a) moving said tape cartridge to a tape drive;
- b) loading said tape cartridge in said tape drive;
- c) detecting lower order software being used by said tape cartridge compared with a higher order software which is retained in said first partition when said tape cartridge is in a cooperating relationship with said tape drive;
- d) downloading said higher order software from said first partition to said computing system;
- and
- e) using said higher order software when reading and writing user data to and from said second partition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.