Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for method, system, and program for selecting a code image to execute. Multiple copies of a code image are maintained in a non-volatile memory device. A first operation routine is executed. A first counter is incremented if the first operation routine succeeds. A second operation routine is executed and a second counter is incremented if the second operation routine succeeds. The first and second counters are used to select one of the code images from the memory device to execute.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for providing status information in a system comprised of multiple components. A first processing node receives status information indicating a state of a system component and generates a status message indicating the state of the system component. The first processing node transmits the status message to a second processing node. The second processing node updates information maintained by the second processing node with the state of the system component indicated in the status message. Status information maintained by the second processing node is returned to a request for status.

Abstract: Verification of a primary or backup copy of vital information of a processing system employs a pseudo-fixed reference identifier, defined as an identifier unlikely to change over the life of the system, and controls which copy of vital information is correct. The primary copy of vital information is associated with a copy of the pseudo-fixed reference identifier and a backup copy of the vital information is associated with a copy of the pseudo-fixed reference identifier. A processor, when triggered, reads the pseudo-fixed reference identifier, compares it to the stored copies of the identifier of the primary and backup non-volatile storage. (1) If the read pseudo-fixed reference identifier matches the primary copy of the identifier, the processor indicates the vital information is valid. (2) If the read pseudo-fixed reference identifier matches the backup only, indicating that the backup copy of vital information is to be restore copied to become the primary copy.

Abstract: In a data storage subsystem, drive-level processing treats data storage media as WORM by automatically advancing a write append limiter as data is written, and preventing changes to data occurring before the write append limiter. Despite this media's WORM nature, the drive-level processing permits limited overwriting of data at the end of tape since the write append limiter lags the current write location by the margin of a write allowance index. Thus, despite the drive's treatment of the media as WORM, the drive permits overwriting of trailing metadata in order to facilitate write append operations.

Abstract: A distributed control system is provided for an automated data storage library. The library accesses data storage media in response to received commands, and comprises an accessor having a gripper for accessing the data storage media, and an XY system having servo motors for moving the accessor and the gripper. The distributed control system comprises a communication processor node for receiving commands, providing a communication link for the commands. An accessor processor node, which may be located at the accessor, is coupled to the communication processor node, the accessor processor node responsive to the linked commands, operating the gripper and providing move commands. An XY processor node may be provided at the XY system, coupled to the accessor processor node, the XY processor node responsive to the move commands, operating the servo motors. A common bus couples the communication processor node to the accessor processor node, and couples the accessor processor node to the XY processor node.

Abstract: A work queuing system and method to increase the availability of an automated data storage library for accessing and storing data storage media. At least one accessor moves the data storage media among storage shelves and data storage drives in response to work requests. The work queuing system comprises a communication processor node for receiving the work requests and for broadcasting the work requests, e.g., over a common bus network, to a plurality of work processor nodes coupled to the communication processor node and coupled to each other. Each work processor node responds to the broadcast work requests, establishing a work queue of jobs. At least one of the work processor nodes selects ones of the jobs in the work queue for an accessor and directs the accessor to conduct the selected job. The work processor nodes then synchronize the work queues.

Abstract: In a data storage subsystem, drive-level processing treats data storage media as WORM by automatically advancing a write append limiter as data is written, and preventing changes to data occurring before the write append limiter. Despite this media's WORM nature, the drive-level processing permits limited overwriting of data at the end of tape since the write append limiter lags the current write location by the margin of a write allowance index. Thus, despite the drive's treatment of the media as WORM, the drive permits overwriting of trailing metadata in order to facilitate write append operations.

Abstract: A data storage library efficiently utilizes I/O slots while maintaining software compatibility by using functional addresses to conduct virtual cartridge moves from storage slots to I/O slots. More particularly, a location-centric library host manages cartridge movement according to functional storage addresses and functional I/O addresses. In reality, the library has multiple cartridge receiving slots, which include physical I/O slots and physical storage slots. In contrast with the physical I/O slots and physical storage slots, functional I/O addresses and functional storage addresses are virtual locations used by the host in managing cartridge locations. Thus, host knowledge of cartridge locations is limited to their functional addresses. The library includes a library map that correlates functional addresses with physical addresses. Initially, an eject command is received from the host.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signalling a telephone switch to indicate the presence of a telephone of a pre-defined type on a subscriber loop. A subscriber loop is sensed to detect whether or not a telephone of a pre-defined type is connected to the subscriber loop. A first acknowledgement signal is transmitted to the telephone switch if the telephone of the pre-defined type is connected to the subscriber loop and off-hook and a second acknowledgement signal is transmitted to the telephone switch if the telephone of the pre-defined type is not off-hook.

Abstract: Storage shelves of a mass data storage library are organized into a plurality of subsets for the purpose of conducting an inventory of media stored in the shelves. In response to an inventory command, the inventory is conducted in a predetermined order by subset. Upon completion of the inventory of each subset, the completion is posted in a list. A command input detects newly issued commands (subsequent to the inventory command), and places them in a queue. After completion of the inventory of a subset, and upon detecting a command for a non-inventory process (such as a media move), the inventory is interrupted and stopped. The move is conducted, and, upon completion of the move, the inventory is resumed. If a newly issued command is an inventory command, the inventory command is incorporated into the inventory process.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating information. The apparatus comprises memory and a transmitter. The memory stores information in a data record having pre-defined information fragments and identification fields associated with respective information fragments for identifying respective information fragments. The transmitter transmits the information fragments and identifications of the information fragments in respective messages. A receiver operable to receive the messages transmitted by the transmitter reconstructs the data record.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant Hard-WORM data storage system and a magneto-optical storage disk therefor is disclosed. The disk has a plurality of sectors thereon containing one or more uniquely formatted fields to provide an indication that the disk is a Write-Once Read Many (WORM) disk. A motor is provided in the storage system for rotating the disk at an operational rotational speed and a laser read/write (R/W) head unit is provided for reading and writing information in the sectors. A read/write (R/W) control unit within the storage system controls read and write operations on the disk in response to commands from an external data processing device, such as a computer. The R/W control unit is adapted to decode the one or more uniquely formatted fields in order to read and correctly interpret information contained therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle cargo lift having a bed (9) having posts (10) parallel to each other extending from the bed (9), a support frame (2) having two opposed side frames forming a well therebetween to accommodate the bed (9), at least one hollow elongated member (7) located in each side frame, drive devices (8) to move the bed (9) between a raised transport position and a ground engaging loading positions such that the bed (9) retains substantially the same orientation throughout its movement between the transport position and the loading position with the hollow elongated members (7) being telescopically engaged with respective posts (10) of the bed (9).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for indicating whether a group of at least one library element was accessed. The library elements are contained within a housing and are capable of holding storage cartridges. A controller is signaled when an access door of the housing is in an open position. An operator may access the library elements when the access door is in the open position. A motion detector directed toward the group of library elements is activated to detect whether at least one library element in the group was accessed. The motion detector signals the controller upon detecting that at least one library element in the group was accessed. The controller then indicates in a memory area that at least one of the library elements in the group was accessed after the controller is signaled that the access door is in the open position and that at least one library element in the group was accessed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling communications between a base and a handset capable of communicating with each other on at least one communication channel within a channel set. The method involves transmitting a new channel message including a preferred channel identifier from the base to the handset, on different channels of the channel set until an acknowledgement signal is received from the handset. In response to the acknowledgement signal, the preferred channel identifier is stored in a base working channel transmit buffer. Further communications between the base and the handset are conducted on a communications channel identified by the preferred channel identifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vision system for partitioning an automated data storage library into multiple logical libraries. The system includes a positionable vision indicator having logical library indicia, which is positioned at a location where it is desired to identify storage slots for a logical library. A reader is provided for reading the indicia and for locating the positionable vision indicator. A logical library controller assigns, in response to the indicia and the location, a sequential portion of the storage slots adjacent the location to one of the multiple logical libraries. Data storage drives and I/O slots may also be identified for logical libraries. The positionable vision indicator may comprise a dummy data storage media positionable in the storage slots. Alternatively, holders are at locations adjacent groups of the storage slots and the positionable vision indicator is a label support mountable on the holders. A snap-on label support assembly may be pressed onto and engage the holders.

Abstract: A method, embodiable in computer readable program code, and a SCSI multiport device allow multiple hosts to be coupled to associated device ports of the multiport device. Using standard SCSI signaling, any host port may reserve the multiport device at its one associated device port. In response to a Reservation command, the multiport device is reserved in accordance with standard SCSI protocol. The method implements, at all the device ports other than the one device port, OFFLINE or status signaling which indicates that the multiport device is unavailable or offline. In response to a Device Reset from the one host port, the method operates the multiport device in accordance with standard SCSI protocol, including resetting the reservation of the multiport device, and additionally maintains the implemented OFFLINE or status signaling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining subscriber services available from a service provider, in a telephone in communication with the service provider. The method includes the step of receiving a subscriber services message at the telephone, where the subscriber services message includes a feature identifier for identifying at least one of a plurality of features available in the telephone and a feature controller for controlling whether or not the feature is to be enabled at the telephone. The method further includes the steps of displaying at the telephone a display message including an indication of features enabled at the telephone and transmitting to the service provider a feature request code associated with an enabled feature selected by a user of the telephone, the subscriber services request identifying to the service provider a request for the enabled feature selected by the user. The enabled feature is then provided to the telephone by the central office.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus for screening calls on the basis of messages containing message data, the messages being transmitted by a central office before a first ring burst is transmitted by the central office. The apparatus includes a message receiver, a decoder, a ringer and a ringer controller. The message receiver is in communication with the central office line and is operable to receive a message while the telephone is on-hook. The decoder decodes the message to extract the message data from the message. The ringer is operable to sound an audible alarm when a telephone call is received and the ringer controller prevents the ringer from sounding in response to the first ring burst, when the message data satisfies a pre-defined condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and processor external to an automated data storage library for partitioning the data storage library into multiple virtual libraries for access by a plurality of hosts, each host having a host port, the data storage library having a plurality of data storage drives, a plurality of storage slots, a library controller, the library controller identifying each of the data storage drives and the storage slots, a library port coupled to the library controller, and at least one accessing robot controlled by the library controller, comprising the steps of, at a node intermediate the library port and host ports, inquiring of the host ports to identify the number of host ports; inquiring, via the library port, of the library controller to determine the data storage drive identifiers and the total number of the storage slots; identifying by employing the data storage drive identifiers, the data storage drives associated with each host port; and sequentially creating virtual libraries, assigning t