Abstract: An automatic tape loader system for a media storage drive, such as a digital linear tape drive, comprises a robotics portion adapted interact with an interface drive, such as a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) drive. An integrated controller is provided to integrate the mechanical operations of various components of the media storage device and the drive operations of the media storage device. A robotics module of the integrated controller is adapted to communicate with various mechanisms of the media storage device and various sensors associated with these mechanisms to control various mechanical operations of the media storage device. External devices such as an operator control panel (OCP) and a bar code reader may also be connected to the integrated controller to exchange information or commands between various components of the media storage device.

Abstract: The data storage and protection apparatus maintains an index of all data file activity on a computer system and stores copies of data files in a manner to enable a user to recreate the state of the computer system at any selected point in time. A data file monitor intercepts all communication between application programs and the file system to obtain data file status and activity information. This information is used to identify data files which are transmitted to a data file backup media for storage along with directory information that identifies the stored files to enable the system to later locate and retrieve data files that were stored on the backup media.

Abstract: The computer security apparatus is appended to existing computer data file protection apparatus and operates as an adjunct thereto. The user invokes the password and/or data file encryption processes in the usual manner. If the user cannot remember the password used, the computer security apparatus presents a prerecorded password hint to the user in an attempt to jog the user's memory to recall the password. If the initial password hint does not accomplish this goal, a succession of additional, more specific password hints, can be provided to ultimately induce the user to recall the password.

Abstract: A robotic arm calibration system is described which comprises a video line scan camera vision system used in conjunction with a plurality of novel "N"-shaped targets in an automated tape storage library. The targeting system of the present invention provides, with a single horizontal video scan of the target, all of the data necessary to enable calculation of a reference point of the robotic arm with respect to each target to thereby obtain precise robotic arm calibration in relationship to the library system workspace. The position of the robotic arm is determined using the vision system in conjunction with calibration targets which are located within the tape cartridge library, in addition to a target located on the robotic arm. The present system functions independently of the spacing between the arm retrieval mechanism and the tape cartridge storage cells.

Abstract: The vision system illumination calibration apparatus uses a pair of lamps, located one on either side of a vision element to illuminate a set of machine-readable characters imprinted in bar code format on a label affixed to a calibration target plate. The required level of illumination is set by the use of a predetermined calibration target label. The vision system is positioned opposite this calibration target label and the illumination level is varied in sequential steps. Control software identifies a range of illumination levels in which the calibration target label is accurately read by the vision element and sets the level of illumination of the lamps in this range of values.

Abstract: The vision system illumination calibration apparatus uses a pair of lamps, located one on either side of a vision element to illuminate a set of machine-readable characters imprinted in bar code format on a label affixed to a calibration target plate. The required level of illumination is set by the use of a predetermined calibration target label. The vision system is positioned opposite this calibration target label and the illumination level is varied in sequential steps. Control software identifies a range of illumination levels in which the calibration target label is accurately read by the vision element and sets the level of illumination of the lamps in this range of values.

Abstract: This data security arrangement provides a significant level of data security in an automatic magnetic tape cartridge library by isolating the actual data from the control of the data retrieval process. This isolation is accomplished by the use of a plurality of architectural devices that dissociate control and data. The data written on the magnetic tape cartridges cannot be accessed by the library modules. The library modules are not electrically connected to the tape drives or the data bus that connects the tape drives to the host computer. In addition, library software on the host computer emulates an operator's console and intercepts all tape mount commands generated by the host computer. The library software translates these commands into control signals to activate the library module to retrieve a designated magnetic tape cartridge and load this cartridge into a tape drive. Thus, the data retrieval apparatus is separate from the library control apparatus.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality or magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval subsystem in a data processing system includes a plurality of magnetic tape cartridges, a host computer, and a library storage module storing the plurality of magnetic tape cartridges in substantially upright positions. The library storage module includes a first cylindrical array of storage cells centered about a vertical axis, a second cylindrical array concentrically arranged about the first array, and a library tape unit including a plurality of tape drives, each of the tape drives being adapted to receive one of the magnetic tape cartridges in a substantially horizontal transducing position. A robot within the library storage module is used to transfer selected ones of the magnetic tape cartridges between their substantially upright positions and the substantially horizontal transducing positions at a selected tape drive.

Abstract: A machine-readable, human-readable coding system comprising a one piece, pre-printed label having at least two identical messages coded on the label. The label has two columns, one column, (2) being a series of aligned segments (6). There is one data character (12) of an OCR code located in each segment. The background of each segment is color coded for human readability. A second column (8) contains a single machine-readable bar code (12) containing the same message as the OCR code. The color coded segments and the OCR code are readable one direction and the bar code in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A machine-readable, human-readable coding system comprising a one piece, pre-printed label having at least two identical messages coded on the label. The label has two columns, one column, (2) being a series of aligned segments (6). There is one data character (12) of an OCR code located in each segment. The background of each segment is color coded for human readability. A second column (8) contains a single machine-readable bar code (12) containing the same message as the OCR code. The color coded segments and the OCR code are readable one direction and the bar code in the opposite direction.