Information storage medium and method of using same; tape library; method and system for aligning a head with a storage medium; data storage device and media drive; magnetic recording tape; tape drive

摘要

The optical servo system for a medium drive (600) can provide additional capabilities beyond the provision of read/write head positioning information. Auxiliary information formed on the second side (101) of tape (100) can include encryption/authentication data, tape identification data or even maintenance information and read only data; parameters can be recorded on tape to indicate its initial state as well as manufacturing data. The optical servo system for a tape drive (600) can then obtain a measure of the wear on tape. Furthermore, the system can view the image of head between loads of tape to verify head integrity and identify any optical feature defects.;The servo tracks (110) can be coded to provide data relating to longitudinal positioning of tape to enable high speed searching or be used for tape velocity determination. This auxiliary information is encoded into the servo tracks during the servo track writing process using modulation that can be separated out from the basic servo signals by the digital signal processor (609). The auxiliary information is then supplied to other drive or system processes in step (909).