Method for reduction of off-track errors in data storage tape systems

Abstract

Embodiments of a data storage tape control system are disclosed that works to prevent or reduce frequency of off-track errors. The invented method slows tape speed in response to the writing head or writing element moving transversely away from a track center a predetermined distance, called an “off-center limit,” wherein the off-center limit is part of the way to an off-track error limit. The off-center limit is close enough to the center of the track that the writing operation is still effective, but wherein further movement out from the center would result in an off-track error and possible overwriting or unreadable data. The tape speed reduction is preferably done in increments until the writing head/element is closer to the center of the track than the off-center limit. Speed reduction is preferably done concurrently with writing, so that writing is not interrupted. Although the tape speed is reduced, the overall efficiency of writing may be increased compared to an operation in which off-track errors and writing failures occur repeatedly, at least in part because of high tape speeds.