IBM Assigned Twenty Patents

Tape library initiated media verification
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,294,575) developed by Freitag, Bernd, Partenheim, Germany, Krick, Frank, Ockenheim, Germany, Oswald, Tim, Gimbsheim, Germany, and Seipp, Harald, Mainz, Germany, for a “tape library initiated media verification.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A method for verification of content of tape cartridges in a tape library system using tape drives of the tape library, is provided. The method includes instructing the tape drive to perform tape cartridge verification on the tape cartridge. The method further includes after completion of the tape cartridge verification, unloading the tape cartridge to its original storage position. The method further includes transmitting verification data of the tape cartridge verification to a database of the tape library system for analysis.”

The patent application was filed on June 7, 2019 (16/434,214).

Copying storage tape
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,289,115) developed by Itagaki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, Mitsuma, Shinsuke, Tokyo, Japan, Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, Yamamoto, Noriko, Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, and Abe, Atsushi, Ebina, Japan, for “copying a storage tape.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Embodiments are disclosed for a method. The method includes generating a file list of an original source tape. The file list identifies files that are stored on the original source tape. The method further includes determining a number of possible parallel copies for a data storage system having multiple tape drives. The method additionally includes generating multiple tape file lists. Each of the tape file lists identify copies of the files stored on one of multiple source tapes. Further, the method includes generating multiple new copies of the files by copying, in parallel, a subset of the files, and a subset of the copies, based on the tape files lists, and using a first of the tape drives, and a second of the tape drives.”

The patent application was filed on June 15, 2021 (17/347,634).

Magnetic tape integration with distributed disk file
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,249,644) developed by Sarafijanovic, Slavisa, Adliswil, Switzerland, Petermann, Martin, Zurich, Switzerland, Zou, Bo, Yin, Jin, Shao, Feng, Lu, Jiong, and Wang, Ning, Shanghai, China, for a “magnetic tape integration with distributed disk file systems.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, is for integrating magnetic tape storage with a distributed disk file system. The computer-implemented method includes: registering for a subset of data operations that are recorded at a central location, where the central location is coupled to a plurality of distributed accessor nodes. A subset of available resources in one or more magnetic tape libraries that are coupled to the plurality of distributed accessor nodes are registered for and further managed. Moreover, a performance of the subset of data operations using the registered subset of available resources is scheduled. Supplemental data operations which correspond to the subset of data operations are also automatically received from the central location.”

The patent application was filed on September 18, 2019 (16/574,939).

Optimized re-inventory for tape library
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,244,707) developed by Abe, Atsushi, Ebina, Japan, and Tsuruta, Kazuhiro, Kanagawa, Japan, for an “optimized re-inventory for a tape library.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An apparatus for tape library management. The apparatus includes a storage slot that includes a plurality of mirrors integrated into the storage slot for reading a barcode affixed to each of a plurality of tape cartridges stored in a tiered orientation within the storage slot. The apparatus further includes wherein each of the plurality of mirrors are located directly below the barcode affixed to each of the plurality of tape cartridges stored in the storage slot. The apparatus further includes wherein each of the plurality of mirrors projects a reflection of the barcode affixed to each of the plurality of tape cartridges outward towards a front side of the storage slot.”

The patent application was filed on December 8, 2020 (17/114,552).

Magnetic recording tape having resilient substrate
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,244,704) developed by Bradshaw, Richard, Tucson, AZ, for a “magnetic recording tape having resilient substrate.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A magnetic recording tape, in accordance with one approach, includes a substrate comprising a poly ether ether ketone (PEEK). An underlayer is positioned above the substrate. A recording layer is positioned above the underlayer. A tape cartridge, in accordance with one approach, includes a housing and a magnetic recording tape at least partially stored in the housing. The magnetic recording tape includes a substrate comprising a poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), an underlayer above the substrate, and a recording layer above the underlayer.”

The patent application was filed on September 17, 2019 (16/573,902).

Migrating data files to magnetic tape
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,238,107) developed by Kishi, Gregory, Oro Valley, AZ, and Dain, Joseph, Vail, AZ, for “migrating data files to magnetic tape according to a query having one or more predefined criterion and one or more query expansion profiles.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes performing a query for finding files that meet at least one predefined criterion. The at least one predefined criterion includes a file size that is less than a predefined fraction of a predetermined threshold file size. Performing the query includes sequentially performing additional querying in response to finding a first file that meets the at least one predefined criterion. As files are found in the additional querying, for each sequence of additional querying, the method includes determining whether a total storage size of files found during performance of the query exceeds the predetermined threshold file size. In response to a determination that the total storage size of the files found during performance of the query exceeds the predetermined threshold file size, the files are consolidated into a consolidation file. The method further includes writing the consolidation file to a magnetic recording tape.”

The patent application was filed on January 6, 2020 (16/735,263).

Multi-spool tape recording having removable mounts for supporting tape spool pairs
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,232,815) developed by Biskeborn, Robert, Hollister, CA, Hamidi, Hoodin, San Francisco, CA, Childers, Edwin Ralph, Tucson, AZ, and Acosta, Donald Charles, San Jose, CA, for “multi-spool tape recording apparatus having removable mounts for supporting tape spool pairs.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An apparatus, in accordance with one approach, includes a receiving area configured to receive a plurality of mounts, each mount being configured to support at least one tape spool pair thereon. A magnetic head is configured to perform data operations on magnetic recording tapes of the tape spool pairs. A positioning mechanism is configured to selectively align the magnetic head to a selected one of the tape spool pairs. A product apparatus, in accordance with another approach, includes a mount having a tape spool pair thereon. The mount is configured to be inserted in a receiving area of an apparatus configured to receive a plurality of mounts.”

The patent application was filed on October 29, 2019 (16/667,741).

Selecting tape library for recall in hierarchical storage
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,231,866) developed by Miyoshi, Hiroyuki, Kawasaki, Japan, Araki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, and Ishimoto, Takeshi, Kawasaki, Japan, for “selecting a tape library for recall in hierarchical storage.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Embodiments are disclosed for a method for a tape library in hierarchical storage. The method includes receiving a recall request for a recall file having two copies stored in two tape libraries that are performing two migrations of two sets of files. The method also includes determining two migration progress values corresponding to the two migrations. Additionally, the method includes assigning the recall request to one of the two tape libraries having a greater value of the two migration progress values.”

The patent application was filed on July 22, 2020 (16/935,389).

Tape image reclaim in hierarchical storage
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,221,989) developed by Mitsuma, Shinsuke, Tokyo, Japan, Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, Hasegawa, Tohru, Yamamoto, Noriko, and Matsui, Sosuke, Tokyo, Japan, for a “tape image reclaim in hierarchical storage systems.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A computer-implemented method for performing a storage reclaim on a storage device includes generating a second tape image on a first storage device. The computer-implemented method further includes copying metadata associated with a first data extent of a valid file from a first index partition of a first tape image to a second index partition of the second tape image. The computer-implemented method further includes copying file data associated with the first data extent from a first data partition of the first tape image to a second data partition of the second tape image. The computer-implemented method further includes adjusting metadata associated with the file data of the first data extent copied to the second data partition of the second tape image. The computer-implemented method further includes releasing a storage area corresponding to the first data extent of the valid file included in the first tape image.”

The patent application was filed on July 31, 2018 (16/050,225).

Data storage beyond threshold tape position
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,195,546) developed by Masuda, Setsuko, Tokyo, Japan, Abe, Atsushi, Ebina, Japan, and Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, for a “data storage beyond a threshold tape position.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A method can include obtaining write information corresponding to an index to be written to a tape. The write information can include a target write position on the tape for the index. The method can include making a first determination that the target write position is beyond a threshold position on the tape. The method can include obtaining index information comprising a size of a full index stored on the tape. The method can include making a second determination that the size of the full index exceeds a size of one dataset. The method can include writing, in response to making the first determination and the second determination, the index to the tape. The writing can be in a first position beyond the threshold position. The index can be an incremental index.”

The patent application was filed on May 26, 2021 (17/330,460).

Adaptive tape calibration criteria by number of stop writes
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,189,316) developed by Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, Tanaka, Keisuke, Tokyo, Japan, and Gale, Ernest Stewart, Tucson, AZ, for an “adaptive tape calibration criteria by number of stop writes.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “In an approach to adaptive tape calibration criteria based on the number of stop writes, the number of rewrite occurrences caused by a stop write is determined for each specific tape drive type. Responsive to detecting a stop write during a write operation, the total number of stop writes is stored on the tape drive. A rewrite calibration threshold is determined, where the rewrite calibration threshold includes the total number of stop writes on the tape drive and a calibration reference value for the specific tape drive type. Responsive to the number of rewrite occurrences caused by the stop write exceeding the rewrite calibration threshold while writing a data set on the tape drive, a calibration of the tape drive is performed.”

The patent application was filed on February 11, 2021 (17/173,590).

Reduced-stress tape head module
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,189,306) developed by Biskeborn, Robert, Hollister, CA, Lo, Calvin Shyhjong, Saratoga, CA, and Hamidi, Hoodin, San Francisco, CA, for “reduced-stress tape head module.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes at least one reading die coupled to a pedestal of an associated read beam, each reading die having an array of read transducers extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the reading die. At least one writing die is coupled to a pedestal of an associated write beam, each writing die having an array of write transducers extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the writing die. The read and write beams are coupled together thereby forming a head. At least one region of at least one of the dice is cantilevered over the associated beam. Widths of the reading and writing dice measured in a direction of tape travel thereover are substantially the same. Widths of the pedestals of the read and write beams measured in the direction of tape travel thereover are substantially the same.”

The patent application was filed on December 8, 2020 (17/115,627).

Media import and export in storage management
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,188,455) developed by Araki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, and Miyoshi, Hiroyuki, Kawasaki, Japan, for “media import and export in storage management systems.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A computer-implemented method can include obtaining tape data for one or more tapes. The tape data can include pointer data corresponding to a first file. The method can further include determining, based on the tape data, that the first file is stored on a first tape of the one or more tapes. The first tape can have an export status. The method can further include determining that the pointer data includes a pointer to the first tape and a pointer to a second tape. The second tape can have a non-export status. The method can further include storing at least a portion of the tape data. The method can further include initiating, based on the first tape having the export status, a deactivation of the pointer to the first tape.”

The patent application was filed on April 17, 2020 (16/851,143).

Buffered writing of datasets and end longitudinal positions (end LPOSs) on magnetic recording tape
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,176,968) developed by Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, and Masuda, Setsuko, Tokyo, Japan, for “buffered writing of datasets and end longitudinal positions, end LPOSs) on a magnetic recording tape and validating the end LPOSs during reading of a later dataset thereafter.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a controller configured to control writing operations to a magnetic recording tape, and logic integrated with and/or executable by the controller for causing the controller to receive a plurality of records, store datasets associated with the plurality of records in a buffer memory, and write the datasets stored in the buffer memory to the magnetic recording tape in response to a predetermined number of datasets being stored in the buffer memory. For each of the datasets being written, an end longitudinal position indicative of a physical position where the dataset is physically written to the magnetic recording tape is determined. Moreover, for each determined end longitudinal position, the end longitudinal position and an identifier of the associated dataset are stored to a table of a dataset that is to be subsequently written to the magnetic recording tape.”

The patent application was filed on October 22, 2019 (16/660,612).

Optimized tape unmount operation
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,176,964) developed by Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, Abe, Atsushi, Ebina, Japan, Mitsuma, Shinsuke, Machida, Japan, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, Yamamoto, Noriko, and Matsui, Sosuke, Tokyo, Japan, for an “optimized tape unmount operation.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A method for indexing a tape for unmounting from a tape drive is discussed. The method can determine that an update has been made to the tape since it was last mounted. The method can identify a tape head position with respect to the tape, the tape including a data partition and an index partition. The method can identify first position and a second position on the tape. The method can determine first distance, a length of tape between first position and tape head position. The method can determine second distance, a length of tape between first position and second position. The method can determine that first distance is less than second distance. The method can reposition the tape to a primary section and write the metadata index. The method can reposition tape to the second position write a data index beginning at the second position of the data partition.”

The patent application was filed on October 29, 2020 (17/083,355).

Data storage with generation rollback control
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,175,843) developed by Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Yokohama, Japan, Yamamoto, Noriko, Tokyo, Japan, and Mitsuma, Shinsuke, Machida, Japan, for a “data storage system with generation rollback control.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A linear tape file system (LTFS) maintains a series of indexes, and an incremental change dataset, that records incremental changes that have taken place in each new index over the previous one, as each new index of the series is created. Upon receiving a command to roll back the file system from a current generation to a target previous generation, a generation control module applies information in the incremental change dataset to the current index. In this way, the current index is restored, at least functionally, to the state it was in when the target generation was created, thereby effectuating the rollback of the file system to the target generation.”

The patent application was filed on November 21, 2018 (16/197,475).

Determining in-plane bow of tape drive head module
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,170,810) developed by Liang, Jason, Campbell, CA, and Biskeborn, Robert, Hollister, CA, for “determining in-plane bow of a tape drive head module.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Embodiments are disclosed for a method. The method includes determining a reference plane for a tape drive read-write array. The tape drive read-write array includes a first array element, a predetermined array element, and a last array element. Further, determining the reference plane is based on a first array position of the first array element and a last array position of the last array element. The method also includes capturing a position of a predetermined array element using an imaging device. The method further includes determining a deviation of the captured position from the reference plane. Additionally, the method includes generating a plot of an in-plane bow based on the deviation.”

The patent application was filed on February 8, 2021 (17/169,957).

Multi-band multichannel magnetic recording head
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,170,801) developed by Biskeborn, Robert G., Hollister, CA, for a “multi-band multichannel magnetic recording head.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An apparatus, according to one approach, includes two arrays of data transducers on a module, the two arrays being aligned along a common axis extending between distal ends of the module. Outer servo readers are positioned toward outer ends of the two arrays. An inner servo reader is positioned between the two arrays. The servo readers are positioned to each reside above a unique servo track on a magnetic recording tape. A method according to one approach includes passing a magnetic recording tape having a plurality of data bands over a module as described above. Data is simultaneously transduced on the two data bands using the data transducers. Advantageously, the number of simultaneously-usable channels on the module is dramatically increased, thereby also dramatically increasing the data rate per unit of tape speed, while backward compatibility may be preserved.”

The patent application was filed on December 21, 2020 (17/129,530).

Caching files in directory
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,163,500) developed by Hasegawa, Tohru, Tokyo, Japan, Itagaki, Hiroshi, Miyamura, Tsuyoshi, Yokohama, Japan, Yamamoto, Noriko, Tokyo, Japan, and Mitsuma, Shinsuke, Machida, Japan, for “caching files in a directory.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Provided is a method for writing and deleting files on a tape medium and a cache storage device. The method includes receiving a command to write one or more files of a directory to a tape medium. The method further includes identifying a cache limit associated with the tape medium. The method further comprises determining whether the amount of data of the directory that is already on the cache storage device exceeds the cache limit. In response to the amount of data not exceeding the cache limit, the method includes writing data of the one or more files to the cache storage device and the tape medium in parallel.”

The patent application was filed on April 26, 2019 (16/395,991).

Tape cartridge having tape media having synergistic magnetic recording layer and underlayer
IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, has been assigned a patent (11,158,337) developed by Bradshaw, Richard, Tucson, AZ, for a “tape cartridge having tape media having synergistic magnetic recording layer and underlayer.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A tape cartridge, according to one approach, includes a housing, and a magnetic recording tape at least partially stored in the housing. The magnetic recording tape including a recording layer having encapsulated nanoparticles each comprising a magnetic nanoparticle encapsulated by an encapsulating layer, and a polymeric binder binding the encapsulated nanoparticles. A tape cartridge, according to another approach, includes a housing, and a magnetic recording tape at least partially stored in the housing. The magnetic recording tape include an underlayer having encapsulated nanoparticles each comprising a magnetic nanoparticle encapsulated by an aromatic polymer, and a polymeric binder binding the encapsulated nanoparticles.”

The patent application was filed on August 20, 2019 (16/545,923).