Multiple tape thickness, multiple recording format tape drive systems
US5245485A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2220/90
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention is one or more tape systems which determine the length of tapes mounted therein to assess the thickness of such tapes. A format identifier is written at one of a plurality of locations on the tape depending upon the tape thickness. The format identifier for a relatively thin tape is written further from the leader block than that for a relatively thick tape, thereby avoiding the writing of user data in a region of the tape embossed with wrap deformations. The thickness determination is combined with a determination of the tape format to assess the compatibility of a desired operation on a tape mounted in a tape system therewith. If the operation is not compatible with the tape and the tape system, the tape system will not permit such operation to continue. A method for operating the tape systems is also disclosed, and accounts for various contingencies, such as blank tapes and marginal determinations of tape thickness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.