Seagate Technology Incorporated

Ying Ee Yip

Beng Wee Quak

Wei Loon Ng

Yong Peng Chng

Aik Chuan Lim

Steven TianChye Cheok

Ng Wei Loon

The present invention provides a method of describing defects that requires less memory space than conventional methods. Entries of a first defect table are sorted according to the type of track layout, or zones. They are then grouped into clusters. Each cluster is characterized by a set of new parameters, including a starting sector, a scratch parameter, a span parameter, and an angle parameter. The new parameters are stored in a second table, replacing the corresponding entries in the first table. In this manner, a single entry in the second table replaces one or more entries in the first table with one entry in the first table.

Pattern-based defect description method

Audio or video information is stored as data files in clusters or blocks of sectors on a magnetic disc. The data files are transferred from the disc drive to one or more buffers for respective data streaming applications. Optimal buffer size is calculated using operational parameters such as transfer rates and rotational latencies. The sectors are grouped in blocks having a size equivalent to, or slightly larger than, the size of an associated host buffer for the respective application to avoid fragmentation of the data used in each buffer fill, and thereby minimize the time required to fill the buffer from the disc drive.

Optimizing allocation of sectors in disc drives

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Singapore, Singapore

Ying Ee Yip