Electronic storage cartridge

Abstract

According to the invention, an electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system is disclosed. The electronic data storage cartridge includes a cartridge body, a connector, an optical waveguide, and a hard disk drive. The cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces. The connector can be used for removable coupling to the computing system, where the connector couples information outside the cartridge body. The optical waveguide is configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces. The hard drive coupled to the connector.

1 . An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system, the storage cartridge comprising: 
 a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces;    a connector for removable coupling to the computing system, wherein the connector couples information outside the cartridge body;    an optical waveguide configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces; and    a hard disk drive coupled to the connector.    
     
     
         2 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the cartridge body is configured for removable insertion of at least 20% of a length or width of the cartridge body into a bay,    the bay comprises a mating connector for the connector, and    the bay allows removable insertion of the cartridge body.    
     
     
         3 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a write protect switch, which is a mechanical switch on the cartridge body that prevents modification of information on the hard disk drive when active.  
     
     
         4 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the two outer surfaces are on opposite ends of the storage cartridge.  
     
     
         5 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the hard disk drive is restrained between the at least two outer surfaces.  
     
     
         6 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the connector is at least one of an optical connector and an electrical connector.  
     
     
         7 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising electronic circuitry within the cartridge body and coupled to the connector.  
     
     
         8 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the hard disk drive comprises a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) or parallel advanced technology attachment (PATA) interface.  
     
     
         9 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein one end of the optical waveguide provides a status indicator that indicates at least one of: 
 access of the storage cartridge; and    power to the storage cartridge.    
     
     
         10 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an ejection selection means for signaling to the computing system that the storage cartridge should be unlocked and/or ejected.  
     
     
         11 . An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system, the storage cartridge comprising: 
 a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body includes an outer surface;    a connector for removable coupling to the computing system, wherein the connector couples information outside the cartridge body;    an optical waveguide configured to couple light from outside the outer surface to an inside of the cartridge body; and    a storage medium coupled to the connector.    
     
     
         12 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the storage medium comprises an off-the-shelf hard disk drive.  
     
     
         13 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the storage medium uses solid state memory to store information.  
     
     
         14 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the storage medium comprises a hard disk drive usable if the self-contained hard disk drive were removed from the cartridge body.  
     
     
         15 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein: 
 the cartridge body is configured for removable insertion of at least 20% of a length or width of the cartridge body into a bay,    the bay comprises a mating connector for the connector, and    the bay allows removable insertion of the cartridge body.    
     
     
         16 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising a lock mechanism engageable to allow locking the cartridge body within a bay.  
     
     
         17 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising an emitter within the cartridge body, wherein the emitter is coupled to the optical waveguide.  
     
     
         18 . An electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system, the storage cartridge comprising: 
 a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body includes an outer surface;    a connector for removable coupling to the computing system, wherein the connector couples information outside the cartridge body;    an optical waveguide configured transport incident light through the outer surface; and    a storage medium coupled to the connector, wherein: 
 the cartridge body is configured for removable insertion of at least 20% of a length or width of the cartridge body into a bay,  
 the bay comprises a mating connector for the connector, and  
 the bay allows removable insertion of the cartridge body.  
   
     
     
         19 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the optical waveguide is configured to couple light from outside the outer surface to an inside of the cartridge body.  
     
     
         20 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the storage medium comprises a hard disk drive.  
     
     
         21 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a lock mechanism engageable to allow locking the cartridge body within the bay.  
     
     
         22 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising a status indicator emitting light from within the cartridge body.  
     
     
         23 . The electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to the computing system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein the optical waveguide emits light visible at the surface of the electronic data storage cartridge.