Self-testing data storage devices and methods
First Claim
1. A method of testing a data storage system in an archival state, the method comprising:
- powering a diagnostic controller of the data storage system with a power source of the storage system, wherein the data storage system is configured to be connected to a computing device;
detecting, by the diagnostic controller, a trigger event;
performing, by the diagnostic controller and based on detection of the trigger event, a test on the data storage system; and
determining a result of the test;
wherein the diagnostic controller is separate from the computing device;
wherein detecting the trigger event includes receiving, by the diagnostic controller, a feedback signal from a detection circuit of the data storage system;
wherein the feedback signal is indicative of a sensed physical characteristic associated with the data storage system;
wherein the sensed physical characteristic includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a motion, or a magnetic field; and
wherein the test on the data storage system is a diagnostic test including a functional test of movement of at least one of a motor or a head assembly of the data storage system.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for self-testing archival memory devices are described. The memory device includes a data storage component capable of being coded with data. The memory device further includes a read-write mechanism configured to read, write, and delete data stored on the data storage component. The memory device includes a read-write controller configured to control the read-write mechanism based on input received through a device interface of the memory device, wherein the device interface of the memory device is configured to connect to an external computing device. The memory device further includes a diagnostic controller configured to perform a test on at least one of the data stored on the data storage component, the data storage component, and the read-write mechanism. The memory device includes a power source configured to provide operational power to the diagnostic controller when the memory device is not connected to an external power source.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of testing a data storage system in an archival state, the method comprising:
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powering a diagnostic controller of the data storage system with a power source of the storage system, wherein the data storage system is configured to be connected to a computing device; detecting, by the diagnostic controller, a trigger event; performing, by the diagnostic controller and based on detection of the trigger event, a test on the data storage system; and determining a result of the test; wherein the diagnostic controller is separate from the computing device; wherein detecting the trigger event includes receiving, by the diagnostic controller, a feedback signal from a detection circuit of the data storage system; wherein the feedback signal is indicative of a sensed physical characteristic associated with the data storage system; wherein the sensed physical characteristic includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a motion, or a magnetic field; and wherein the test on the data storage system is a diagnostic test including a functional test of movement of at least one of a motor or a head assembly of the data storage system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of indicating a need for testing of a memory storage system in an archival state, comprising:
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powering a notification circuit of the memory storage system with a power source of the memory storage system; detecting, by the notification circuit, a trigger event; providing, by the notification circuit and through a communication interface of the memory storage system, an alert external to the memory storage system that indicates a need for performing a diagnostic test of the memory storage system based on detection of the trigger event; and receiving, by the notification circuit, a feedback signal from a detection circuit of the memory storage system; wherein the feedback signal is indicative of a sensed physical characteristic associated with the memory storage system; wherein the sensed physical characteristic includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a motion, or a magnetic field; and wherein the trigger event is an indication that the sensed characteristic exceeds a threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A data storage and testing method comprising:
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providing a storage device interface configured to connect a data storage device to an external computing device; providing a diagnostic attachment including a diagnostic controller and an attachment interface configured to operatively connect the diagnostic attachment to the data storage device via the storage device interface; providing operational power to the diagnostic controller using a power source; and performing a test on the data storage device when the diagnostic attachment is operatively coupled to the data storage device using the diagnostic controller; wherein the diagnostic attachment is separate from the external computing device; and wherein the diagnostic attachment further includes a detection circuit configured to detect a physical characteristic associated with the data storage device and provide a feedback signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the diagnostic controller; wherein the physical characteristic includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, a motion, or a magnetic field; and wherein the test on the data storage system is a diagnostic test including a functional test of movement of at least one of a motor or a head assembly of the data storage device. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification