Same wrap backhitchless write method to encode data on a tape storage medium

Abstract

A method to write information to a tape storage medium by disposing a tape storage medium in a tape drive apparatus comprising a write head. The method moves the tape storage medium in a first direction, writes data from a buffer to the tape storage medium, and thereby empties the buffer while the tape storage medium is moving in the first direction. The method determines, while the tape storage medium is moving in the first direction, whether to enable a backhitchless write wherein the tape storage medium is not stopped and moved in a second and opposition direction, prior to writing new data to the tape storage medium. By not stopping the movement of the tape storage medium, and by not moving the tape storage medium in a reverse direction to reposition the write head, the method eliminates the time overhead required to stop the tape and reposition the tape head. Applicants' method achieves this time efficiency without adverse impact to the nominal storage capacity of the tape information medium.