SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATED TAPE HOLE DETECTION BY DETECTING AN EDGE OF THE TAPE AND/OR A PATTERN ON THE TAPE

A method and apparatus performs detection of an edge and detection of holes or other data patterns on a tape or other magnetic or optical medium. An array of photodetectors in an integrated circuit chip senses the intensity of light illuminating the chip with the tape running between a light source and the photodetectors. The holes or the other data patterns are sensed on the tape based on a comparison between detected light intensities with a programmable reference level. In addition, areas which may normally be sensed as a hole are discarded if these areas fall within a specified tolerance.