Static information storage and retrieval – Systems using particular element – Molecular or atomic
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-09
2001-08-14
Nelms, David (Department: 2818)
Static information storage and retrieval
Systems using particular element
Molecular or atomic
C365S118000, C365S128000, C369S101000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06275410
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to data storage and, more specifically, to systems and methods employing atomic resolution storage (ARS) techniques that facilitate data recovery during failure of one or more data storage system emitters.
2. Background of the Invention
The apparent insatiability of consumers for higher capacity, higher speed memory storage devices has led to the development of memory storage techniques such as atomic resolution storage (ARS). As is known, a storage device employing ARS technology includes a number of electron field emitters that are adapted to write data to and read data from various storage areas of a storage medium. The field emitters, commonly are referred to as “point-emitters”, are configured with sharp tips, e.g., each tip including a radius of curvature of approximately one nanometer to hundreds of nanometers.
During operation, a predetermined potential difference is applied between a field emitter and a corresponding gate. Due to the sharp tip of the emitter, an electron beam current is extracted from the emitter towards the storage area. Writing of data from an emitter to a storage area is accomplished by temporarily increasing the power density of the electron beam current to modify the structural state of the surface of the storage area. In contrast, reading data from the storage area is accomplished by observing the effect of the storage area on the electron beam of the emitter, or the effect of the electron beam on the storage area. More specifically, reading typically is accomplished by collecting secondary and/or backscattered electrons when an electron beam, i.e., an electron beam with a lower power density than that of the electron beam utilized for writing data to the storage area, is applied to the storage medium.
An ARS storage medium is formed of material characterized by a structural state that can be changed from crystalline to amorphous by a beam of electrons. Since the amorphous state has a different secondary electron emission coefficient (SEEC) and backscattered electron coefficient (BEC) than the crystalline state, a different number of secondary and backscattered electrons are emitted from each storage area, in response to an electron beam, depending upon the current structural state of that storage area. Thus, by measuring the number of secondary and backscattered electrons, the structural state of the storage area and, therefore, the data stored by the storage area, may be determined.
Heretofore, however, failure of a field emitter may adversely affect the ability of an ARS storage device to retrieve and/or reconstruct data stored in the storage area(s) associated with the failed emitter. Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices, systems and methods that address these and other shortcomings of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly described, the present invention relates to data storage implementations employing atomic resolution storage (ARS) techniques that facilitate data recovery during failure of one or more data storage system emitters. In this regard, embodiments of the present invention may be construed as providing methods for recovering data from a memory storage device. Typically, the memory storage device utilizes a storage medium and electron beam emitters configured to electrically communicate with the storage medium. The storage medium and the emitters are configured to move relative to each other so that each emitter may provide a beam of electrons within a respective coverage area of the storage medium. Each coverage area includes one or more storage areas that are configurable in one of at least two structural states, which represent information stored in the storage areas. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes determining whether a first emitter of the memory storage device has failed, and initiating recovery of information stored in at least one of the storage areas of the first emitter with a second emitter.
Some embodiments of the present invention may be construed as providing data storage systems. In a preferred embodiment, the data storage system includes a memory storage device that incorporates a storage medium and electron beam emitters which are configured to electrically communicate with the storage medium. The storage medium and the emitters are configured to move relative to each other so that each emitter may provide a beam of electrons within a respective coverage area of the storage medium. Each coverage area includes at least one storage area which is configurable in at least two structural states, which represent information stored in the storage areas. A data recovery system also is provided which is communicatively coupled with the memory storage device. The data recovery system is configured to determine whether a first emitter of the memory storage device has failed and to recover information stored in at least one of the storage areas of the first emitter with a second emitter of the memory storage device.
An alternative embodiment of the data storage system includes a memory storage device and means for determining whether a first emitter of the memory storage device has failed.
Other embodiments of the present invention may be construed as providing computer readable media incorporating instructions for recovering data from a memory storage device. In a preferred embodiment, the computer readable medium includes logic configured to determine whether a first emitter of the memory storage device has failed, and logic configured to initiate recovery of information stored in at least one storage area of the first emitter with a second emitter of the memory storage device.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such objects, features, and advantages be included herein within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5557596 (1996-09-01), Gibson et al.
patent: 5675531 (1997-10-01), McClelland
patent: 401116941A (1989-05-01), None
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Lam David
Nelms David
LandOfFree
Data recording systems and methods for facilitating data... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Data recording systems and methods for facilitating data..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Data recording systems and methods for facilitating data... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2503280