Tape transport system using variable tape speed to achieve constant data speed and advance detection and correction of tracking errors to reduce data loss errors

摘要

The tape transport system acquires telemetry information pertaining to the tape medium at a position in advance of the associated tape segment passing over the movable read head. The advance telemetry information includes tape motion and position information which is used to identify both physical defects in the tape medium and misalignment of the tape medium with respect to the movable read head. The advance telemetry information are used to adjust the tape speed and the position of the movable read head with respect to the tape medium as the tape moves ahead to encounter the read head. This compensation can significantly reduce the data loss errors induced by tape speed and tape tracking errors.