Abstract: A library has a physical cartridge access port (PCAP) for receiving cartridges which are to be entered/ejected into/out of the library. The library is partitioned into partitions each having a set of the library cells such that the library appears to a host as multiple libraries with each partition appearing to the host as a respective one of the multiple libraries. Some cells are reserved for use by the partitions as virtual cartridge access ports (VCAPs) which appear to the host as being the PCAP such that cartridges, which are to be ejected out of the partitions, are exported from the cells of the partitions to the VCAPs for subsequent transfer from the VCAPs to the PCAP, and such that cartridges, which are to be entered into the partitions, are imported from the VCAPs to the cells of the partitions after having been moved from the PCAP to the VCAPs.

Abstract: A method for adding intelligence into the tape drive subsystems of a media storage library. The present invention improves overall system availability by enhancing existing control, monitoring, and diagnostic functionalities. As a result of inserting intelligence into the drive trays, certain control and monitoring functions traditionally performed by the main library controller may be performed locally at the drive trays. Since certain functions are performed locally at the drive trays, fewer connections are required between the tape drive trays and the main library controller. Also, the main library controller's performance is not degraded as the number of tape drives increases. The present invention also provides flexibility to the storage system since new features and functions may be added to the drive tray subsystem without the need to modify the base library cabling infrastructure.

Abstract: A system and method for transmission of communication signals between a controller and a robotic device in a data storage library. The system and method include a substantially planar electrical insulator having opposed first and second sides, and first and second substantially planar oppositely charged electrical conductors on the first and second sides of the insulator for use in providing electrical power to the robotic device. The system and method also include circuitry for generating the communication signals for transmission between the controller and the robotic device on one of the first and second conductors. The width of the second conductor is less than the width of the first conductor and the second conductor is substantially centered on the second side of the insulator relative to the width of the first conductor to reduce fringing of an electromagnetic field resulting from a transmitted communication signal.

Abstract: A system, method, and product are disclosed for associating subcomponents with a storage library. A unique identifier is stored in a particular storage library. Each subcomponent that is a part of the particular storage library is then associated with the particular storage library by storing a copy of the unique identifier within each subcomponent. In order for a subcomponent to be usable by a particular storage library, the particular storage library's unique identifier must be stored within the subcomponent.

Abstract: The present invention provides two redundant tape library controllers that mirror each other's function. A secondary controller can immediately take over from the primary controller if the primary unit fails or if a redundant path leading to the primary controller fails.

Abstract: The present invention provides two redundant tape library controllers that mirror each other's function. A secondary controller can immediately take over from the primary controller if the primary unit fails or if a redundant path leading to the primary controller fails.

Abstract: A system and method for transmission of communication signals between a controller and a robotic device in a data storage library. The system and method include a substantially planar electrical insulator having opposed first and second sides, and first and second substantially planar oppositely charged electrical conductors on the first and second sides of the insulator for use in providing electrical power to the robotic device. The system and method also include circuitry for generating the communication signals for transmission between the controller and the robotic device on one of the first and second conductors. The width of the second conductor is less than the width of the first conductor and the second conductor is substantially centered on the second side of the insulator relative to the width of the first conductor to reduce fringing of an electromagnetic field resulting from a transmitted communication signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing fine alignment of a robotic assembly with multiple storage cells in a storage library system. One or more docking targets are fixed inside the library in a predetermined orientation with respect to the cells. One or more mating members are attached to the robotic assembly's hand. The mating members and docking targets are shaped to be self-aligning when pressed together. In operation the robotic hand is coarsely aligned with a selected cell. Next, the robotic hand is moved toward the selected cell causing the mating member(s) to engage with the docking target(s) associated the selected cell. The transverse force produced by the robotic hand pushing the mating member(s) against the docking target(s) causes further alignment. When the mating member(s) is fully aligned with the docking target(s) the robotic hand is finely aligned with the selected cell.