Recognizing and compensating for disk shift in computer disk drives

摘要

A method and apparatus for data disks adapted to compensate for effects of shock loads imparted to a disk drive which are of sufficient magnitude to cause disk shifts. A series of topographical features are formed on the disk surface or edge to cause signal fluctuation in a sensor during read-back mode operation. An initial signal profile is stored as a map indicative of track or disk alignment with respect to the actuator assembly. Selectively, such as after a known shock event, the topographical features are re-profiled. A comparison of the profiles provides a measure of any track distortion which must be compensated for in future read-write operations by adjustments to data track servo follower algorithms.