Patent ID: 6739536
Filing Date: 2004-05-25
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An optical detector for detecting alignment of a tape leader pin in an opening of a tape cartridge, said tape leader pin having at least one exposed cylindrical surface, said optical detector comprising:at least one light source for scanning at least one portion of said opening of said tape cartridge as said cartridge is moved with respect to said at least one light source; at least one optical detector to detect reflections of said at least one light source from said opening of said tape cartridge and provide at least one detected reflection waveform signal of said detected reflections; and detection logic receiving said at least one detected reflection waveform signal, said detection logic: analyzes said at least one detected reflection waveform signal for deviation from a cylindrical surface reflection of said tape leader pin, if any; and determines, from said analyzed deviation of said at least one detected reflection waveform signal, if any, tilt angle misalignment of said at least one exposed cylindrical surface, if any.