Scanning Probe Track Positioning via Cross-Track Data Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices with scanning probes face challenges in quickly and accurately positioning the probe on the correct track of a multi-track storage medium, which is crucial for reliable data storage and retrieval, as existing methods are inefficient and time-consuming during the initial track positioning phase.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves reading the track identifier from the current track, determining cross-track information by comparing it to a target track identifier, and repositioning the scanning probe based on this information, using a scanner to move the probe along the x and y axes, with the aid of synchronization and buffer patterns to maintain scanning velocity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scanning probe uses traditional positioning methods to locate the target track, then the positioning accuracy can be maintained, but the positioning time becomes excessively long, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the scanning probe close to the target track using coarse positioning information before executing the fine positioning sequence. This preliminary move reduces the distance the probe must travel during the precise positioning phase, thereby maintaining accuracy while significantly reducing overall positioning time and improving productivity
2Productivity
If the scanning probe performs rapid positioning to reduce positioning time, then productivity improves, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to potential overshooting or settling issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning process into distinct phases: a rapid coarse positioning phase that moves the probe close to the target track, followed by a slower fine positioning phase that achieves precise alignment. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently - speed in the first phase, accuracy in the second - thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by adjusting the scanning probe's velocity dynamically during the positioning sequence. The probe operates at higher velocity during coarse positioning and automatically reduces velocity during fine positioning and track following. This dynamic velocity control enables rapid overall positioning while ensuring accuracy is maintained during critical phases, thus improving productivity without sacrificing precision
3Reliability
If the positioning sequence includes multiple verification steps to ensure accuracy, then reliability improves, but the duration of the positioning phase increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by designing the positioning sequence so that verification and correction operations occur continuously during the positioning process rather than as separate interruptive steps. The probe continuously monitors its position and makes incremental adjustments while moving toward the target, ensuring reliability without adding significant time overhead to the positioning duration
Data Source
AI summary
A method for settling on a target track of a servo system in a storage device (110) comprising a scanning probe (e.g., a scanning probe array system (124)) is disclosed, as well as a corresponding storage device (110). A data format is employed for the data stored in servo fields (18), consisting mainly of a preamble for assisting the settle process.