IBM Assigned Nineteen Patents

Tape head and system having asymmetrical construction
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,928,855) developed by Biskeborn, Robert G., Hollister, CA, for a “tape head and system having asymmetrical construction.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a module having a tape bearing surface, a first edge, and a second edge. A first tape tenting region extends from the first edge along the tape bearing surface toward the second edge. A transducer is located in a thin film region of the module. A distance from the first edge to the transducer is less than a distance from the second edge to the transducer. The transducer is positioned in the first tape tenting region.”

The patent application was filed on October 31, 2016 (15/339,829).

Write procedure using estimated best setting in first run
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,927,982) developed by Karp, James M., Tucson, AZ, Katagiri, Takashi, Yokohama, Japan, Mori, Yuhko, Kanagawa, Japan, and Oishi, Yutaka, Tokyo, Japan, for a “write procedure using estimated best setting in first run.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions executable by a tape drive to cause the tape drive to perform a method comprising: receiving, at the tape drive, a request for a write operation to be performed in the tape drive, determining, by the tape drive, an expected transaction size of a next write operation, comparing, by the tape drive, the expected transaction size of the next write operation to each of a first transaction size threshold and a second transaction size threshold in response to receiving the request, determining, by the tape drive, an optimum a write procedure based at least in part on the comparison, and invoking, by the tape drive, the optimum write procedure in response to determining the optimum write procedure.”

The patent application was filed on August 18, 2017 (15/681,160).

Support for worm cartridges realized by linear tape file system
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,916,323) developed by Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Nagura, Hironobu, Kawasaki, Japan, and Ozeki, Kazuhiro, Sagamihara, Japan, for a “support for worm cartridges realized by linear tape file system, (LTFS).“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “When a WORM cartridge is formatted for Tape File System, (LTFS) in advance, such as prior to shipment, Linear Tape File System Library Edition, (LTFS LE) is expanded by software to reduce consumption of the index partition and to support elimination of the appending of unnecessary data. More specifically, instead of recording metadata in the index partition during normal unmounting, the metadata is recorded in separate local storage such as on hard disk drive, HDD, and the index partition is updated only when the cartridge is ejected from the library. In this way, the present invention is able to significantly reduce the frequency of index partition updates. Because an update occurs only when the user intentionally ejects a cartridge, overflow of the index partition before overflow of the data partition can be prevented.”

The patent application was filed on January 23, 2017 (15/412,255).

Variable scoping capability for physical tape layout diagnostic
structure of tape storage device
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,911,463) developed by Nylander-Hill, Pamela R., Tucson, AZ, for a “variable scoping capability for physical tape layout diagnostic structure of tape storage device.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “According to one embodiment, a controller-implemented method collecting data relating to operation of a tape drive, storing the collected data in wrap sections of a tape map, where the wrap sections of the tape map correlate to physical lengths of tape. The method also includes and storing a subset of the collected data in a slice region upon at least one of experiencing a first trigger condition and reaching a predefined location on a tape. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.”

The patent application was filed on May 5, 2016 (15/147,825).

Support for WORM cartridges realized by LTFS
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,910,859) developed by Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Nagura, Hironobu, and Ozeki, Kazuhiro, Kanagawa, Japan, for a “support for WORM cartridges realized by linear tape file system, (LTFS).“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “When a WORM cartridge is formatted for Tape File System, (LTFS) in advance, such as prior to shipment, Linear Tape File System Library Edition, (LTFS LE) is expanded by software to reduce consumption of the index partition and to support elimination of the appending of unnecessary data. More specifically, instead of recording metadata in the index partition during normal unmounting, the metadata is recorded in separate local storage such as on hard disk drive, HDD, and the index partition is updated only when the cartridge is ejected from the library. In this way, the present invention is able to significantly reduce the frequency of index partition updates. Because an update occurs only when the user intentionally ejects a cartridge, overflow of the index partition before overflow of the data partition can be prevented.”

The patent application was filed on October 17, 2014 (14/517,173).

Data writing in file system
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,910,624) developed by Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, Mitsuma, Shinsuke, Yamamoto, Noriko, and Watanabe, Terue, Tokyo, Japan, for a “data writing in a file system.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “In an approach for writing data on a tape using a file system, a processor receives a first write request of a first file. A processor obtains data of the first file. A processor writes the data of the first file on a tape. A processor receives a second write request of a second file prior to completion of writing the data of the first file on the tape. A processor adds information about the second file to a first list, wherein the first list includes files waiting to write. Subsequent to writing the data of the first file on the tape, a processor obtains data of the second file based on the first list. A processor writes the data of the second file after the first file on the tape.”

The patent application was filed on January 25, 2017 (15/415,092).

Data updating in file system
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,910,617) developed by Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, Matsui, Sosuke, Mitsuma, Shinsuke, Tokyo, Japan, Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, and Yamamoto, Noriko, Tokyo, Japan, for a “data updating in a file system.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A mechanism is provided for updating data of a file on a tape in a file system using a tape drive. Data of a file which received a write request is read out from a tape drive and stored in a memory. At least a part of the data of the file is edited and the edited data part of the file is stored in the memory. Combination data with a non-edited data part and the edited data part of the file is written on the tape in the tape drive as a continuous data of the file to have an extent. The extent of the written continuous data of the file is then written on the tape.”

The patent application was filed on December 1, 2015 (14/955,593).

Skiving block for mitigating protruding defects from magnetic tape recording media
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,892,753) developed by Biskeborn, Robert G., Hollister, CA, and Lo, Calvin S., Saratoga, CA, for a “skiving block for mitigating protruding defects from magnetic tape recording media.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a first block, a second block, and a drive mechanism configured to cause a magnetic recording tape to move over the blocks. Each of the blocks has a skiving edge along a tape bearing surface thereof. The blocks are positioned or selectively positionable in the apparatus to establish a particular respective wrap angle of the magnetic recording tape approaching the respective skiving edge. None of the blocks have a transducer coupled directly thereto.”

The patent application was filed on September 1, 2017 (15/694,607).

Achieving fine motion between modules in magnetic head
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,892,751) developed by Harper, David H. F., Vail, AZ, for an “achieving fine motion between modules in a magnetic head.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a first module and a second module each having an array of transducers oriented orthogonal to an intended direction of tape travel thereacross, and an actuator configured to exert a force on one of the modules for causing a relative movement of the first module with respect to the second module for aligning the transducers of the first module with the transducers of the second module in a direction of tape travel thereacross. The first module is movable relative to the second module. Moreover, longitudinal axes of the arrays of the first and second modules are not pivotable from orthogonal to the intended direction of tape travel thereacross. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.”

The patent application was filed on October 27, 2016 (15/336,641).

Backing up data on tape
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,891,850) developed by Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, for a “method for backing up data on tape.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A method for backing up data on a tape in a file system is provided. This method includes the steps of: copying the data area in the first data area, excluding the third data area, as well as in the second data area to the tape as a single, contiguous fourth area, copying the second data area to a position corresponding to the replacement of the third data area, storing index information for identifying the fourth data area to the tape, copying the third data area to the tape as a fifth data area separate from the fourth data area, and storing on the tape the index information for identifying the data area in the fourth data area excluding the second data area, and the index information for identifying the fifth data area.”

The patent application was filed on August 25, 2014 (15/102,857).

Writing data spanning plurality of tape cartridges
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,891,834) developed by Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Iwanaga, Masayuki, Urayasu, Japan, and Oishi, Yutaka, Kawasaki, Japan, for a “writing data spanning plurality of tape cartridges.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A method includes, in a tape apparatus system, receiving a request to write a file from a host, and, in response to the request, dividing sequentially received data of the file into two or more segments. Each of the two or more segments have a predetermined size. The method further includes sequentially writing a series of the two or more segments onto one or more tapes, and determining the predetermined size based on a capacity use efficiency of a plurality of other tapes and a time to copy when a spanning file, written by spanning on the one or more tapes, is copied to the plurality of other tapes. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed.”

The patent application was filed on November 17, 2016 (15/353,871).

File system for rolling back data on tape
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,886,355) developed by Ashida, Takashi, Yamato, Japan, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Kanagawa, Japan, Masuda, Setsuko, Tokyo, Japan, Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, and Watanabe, Terue, Tokyo, Japan, for a “file system for rolling back data on tape.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Rolling back data on tape in a file system is provided. A management tape is prepared. The management tape has only index files recorded thereon. The index files contain information about start positions and lengths of corresponding data files recorded on normal tapes. The index files further contain identification information for the normal tapes. A first index file of the management tape is read. The first index file is related to a data file to be rolled back. The first index file is read out from the management tape mounted on a first tape drive. The data file to be rolled back is read out of a first normal tape. The first normal tape is identified based on information in the first index file. The first normal tape is mounted on a second tape drive.”

The patent application was filed on August 10, 2015 (14/822,144).

Tape backup and restore in disk storage environment with intelligent data placement
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,875,046) developed by Crawford, Joshua J., Jennas, II, Paul A., Tucson, AZ, Peipelman, Jason L., Austin, TX, and Ward, Matthew J., Vail, AZ, for a “tape backup and restore in a disk storage environment with intelligent data placement.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Data is relocated, based on an intelligent data placement algorithm, from a first storage location to a second storage location in a disk storage system. A data placement record is generated including a virtual disk location associated with the data, the second storage location, and a first sequence value. The first sequence value indicates relative sequence when compared to other sequence values. The data placement record is written to a first record location on a first tape cartridge loaded in a tape drive. The data placement records are used with data records to restore data to disk storage from tape backup.”

The patent application was filed on October 20, 2016 (15/298,681).

Magnetic tape abrasivity measurement
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,865,300) developed by Biskeborn, Robert G., Hollister, CA, and Lo, Calvin S., Saratoga, CA, for a “magnetic tape abrasivity measurement.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A tape head writer yoke pole tip and a substrate ground plane are electrically coupled to the resistance measuring module. An electrically conductive wear layer is disposed over the pole tip and a ground plane at the tape bearing surface, forming a closed circuit. A magnetic tape is transported across the tape head and wears away the wear layer. The resistance measuring module identifies when the circuit becomes open, and an amount of tape travel until the open circuit occurred, and transmits this to a host computer for determination of a tape abrasivity measure as a function of the amount of tape travel. The write element can be used for write operations while the wear layer is present, and after the wear layer has been worn away.”

The patent application was filed on March 30, 2017 (15/473,811).

Magnetic tape media having servo patterns
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,865,289) developed by Biskeborn, Robert G., Hollister, CA, and Imaino, Wayne I., San Jose, CA, for a “magnetic tape media having servo patterns.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Magnetic tape media according to one embodiment includes a plurality of servo tracks having physical characteristics of being written by an apparatus that monitors a lateral position of the magnetic tape media passing over a servo writing head during a servo track writing operation and writes servo marks to the magnetic tape media. A timing of the writing of each servo mark is based on the monitored position of the magnetic tape media.”

The patent application was filed on September 20, 2016 (15/271,092).

File system for rolling back data on tape
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,858,158) developed by Ashida, Takashi, Yamato, Japan, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, Masuda, Setsuko, Tokyo, Japan, Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, and Watanabe, Terue, Tokyo, Japan, for a “file system for rolling back data on tape.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Rolling back data on tape in a file system is provided. A management tape is prepared. The management tape has only index files recorded thereon. The index files contain information about start positions and lengths of corresponding data files recorded on normal tapes. The index files further contain identification information for the normal tapes. A first index file of the management tape is read. The first index file is related to a data file to be rolled back. The first index file is read out from the management tape mounted on a first tape drive. The data file to be rolled back is read out of a first normal tape. The first normal tape is identified based on information in the first index file. The first normal tape is mounted on a second tape drive.”

The patent application was filed on January 27, 2017 (15/417,545).

Writing files to storage medium
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,858,010) developed by Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Iwanaga, Masayuki, Urayasu, Japan, and Oishi, Yutaka, Kanagawa, Japan, for “writing files to a storage medium.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A method for writing a plurality of files that reduces average seek time includes receiving data of the plutality of files requested to be written to a tape from an application of a host, dividing a group of the received plurality of files into segments with specified sizes, and writing a series of the plurality of respective segments of the group of the plurality of files in sequence in a specified order, the respective segments having the specified sizes, wherein when writing the segments in the specified order, a left end portion of the tape is postioned and respective top segments of the files are first collectively written thereto. A tape drive system in which the method for writing is implemented reduces an average time required for seek of a plurality of image files.”

The patent application was filed on November 9, 2015 (14/935,527).

Preventing condensation in tape library
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,852,758) developed by McIntosh, Michael P., Nave, Shawn M., Tucson, AZ, and Talty, Michael J., Fairport, NY, for a “preventing condensation in a tape library.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “In an approach for preventing damage to a tape library, a processor receives a first sensor reading, wherein the first sensor is located within a tape library. A processor receives a second sensor reading, wherein the second sensor is located external to the tape library. A processor determines that the second sensor reading is greater than or equal to the first sensor reading. A processor receives an indication that a door to the tape library is open. Responsive to receiving the indication that the door to the tape library is open, a processor disables a fan.”

The patent application was filed on December 2, 2016 (15/367,445).

Managing, writing, and reading file on tape
International Business Machines Corporation , Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (9,852,756) developed by Ashida, Takashi, Yamato, Japan, Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, Mitsuma, Shinsuke, and Watanabe, Terue, Tokyo, Japan, for a “method of managing, writing, and reading file on tape.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Managing a file on a tape. In response to a request to write a first file to a tape, whether a second file including data identical to the first file already exists on the tape is detected. If the second file exists, a first index of the second file is updated. After completing the write of the first file, metadata, including data starting position and size of the first file, is added to the first index. In response to a request to read the first or second files, the metadata of the first and second indexes are read. Based on the metadata, which of the first or second files can be accessed faster from a current head position is determined. The first file or the second file that can be accessed faster is then read from the tape.”

The patent application was filed on January 13, 2017 (15/405,667).