Patent ID: 6222698
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method of recording and reading data to and from a multi-track magnetic tape to compensate for variations in tape width of said multi-track magnetic tape comprising steps of:recording said data into a plurality of tracks on said multi-track magnetic tape, including setting a write azimuth angle for positioning a magnetic head having an array of transducers used to record said data said write azimuth angle being relative to a widthwise direction of said multi-track magnetic tape and being greater than zero degrees;at times subsequent to said step of recording, determining a read azimuth angle relative to said widthwise direction of said multi-track magnetic tape for magnetic-head positioning during retrieval of said data from said plurality of tracks, said step of determining being responsive to a variation in said tape width since said step of recording said data, said read azimuth angle being adjustable relative to said write azimuth angle and having a measurement greater than zero degrees; andemploying said determined read azimuth angle during a read operation of said data in said plurality of tracks.