Data processing systems having means for selectively combining records into signal blocks for recording in a record medium

Patent 5274772 Issued on December 28, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date:

November 19, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Application

No. 978859 filed on 11/19/1992

US Classes:

710/11, Protocol selection360/48Data in specific format

Examiners

Primary: Richardson, Robert L.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Somermeyer; H. F.

International Class

G06F 013/00

Abstract

Information bearing signals are recorded in one of a plurality of record formats on one record medium, such as a magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, and the like. The format selected may be commanded or based upon record lengths, in bytes. When the record length equals or exceeds a predetermined number of bytes, then one record is recorded in each signal block of the record format. When the record length is less than the predetermined number, then a second format is used which inserts several of the records in one of the signal blocks. The signal block and its packets respectively contain indications of formats such that any one of several formats may be used on one record medium and in one signal block having a plurality of variable length packets. Logical indicators, such as format marks, tape marks, and the like, may separate formats used on the storage medium.