Abstract: Techniques for management of movable devices are disclosed. A system receives a request for an operation associated with a position on a rail. The system selects a component on the rail to execute the operation. The system identifies a rail segment that extends from the component's initial position to the position associated with the operation. The system requests a reservation of that rail segment. If the reservation is obtained, then the system applies electrical signals to move the component along the rails segment to the rail position associated with the operation. The system may also identify one or more other components, physical cells, etc. to reserve, in order to complete the operation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for adjusting tiering based on operation types in a multi-tier storage system is provided. The present invention may include retrieving an extent to be managed and operations associated with the extent; analyzing the operations of the extent to determine an IO pattern associated with the extent; receiving a list of storage devices within the multi-tier storage system; querying each storage device of the storage devices for suitable pattern types; selecting, based on the querying and the IO pattern associated with the extent, a suitable storage device; and transferring the extent to the suitable storage device.

Abstract: A testing system that is capable of testing individual data storage components may have testing, loader, and exchange assemblies with the testing assembly having a plurality of test slots each having long and short axes. The loader assembly can be configured to transport and install a test deck or data storage device from the exchange assembly to a test slot of the plurality of test slots with a long axis of the test deck continuously aligned with the long axis of the test slot while being transported.

Abstract: A player device uses playlists having names of contents. Users can update the playlists via network. The player device includes a storage device for storing digital data of the contents, a reception/reception circuit for downloading playlists, a display for displaying the titles of contents included in the playlists, a pointing device for specifying displayed titles, a circuit for retrieving digital data from the storage device in the event that digital data of a content specified by the pointing device is stored within the storage device, and an output circuit for outputting the retrieved digital data.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device includes activating a sensor of the network device to receive data. The data from the sensor is analyzed to determine physical location information indicated thereby. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the physical location information indicated by the data from the sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: A processor is provided in a main body and performs at least one of writing data on a plate-shaped medium, reading data from the medium and printing on the medium. A drawer tray is provided in the main body, includes a stacker portion which is configured to accommodate a plurality of plate-shaped media processed by the processor and is movable between an accommodated position where the stacker portion is capable of receiving the media and a drawn position where the drawer tray is pulled out from the main body to take out the media accommodated in the stacker portion.

Abstract: A holding mechanism is operable to hold a top medium from a plurality of plate-shaped media accommodated in a stacker in a stacked manner. A transport arm supports the holding mechanism. When the lift mechanism lifts down the transport arm, one of a first elastic pressing force and a second elastic pressing force greater than the first elastic pressing force is selectively applied from the holding mechanism to an upper surface of the top medium.

Abstract: A processor is provided in a main body and performs at least one of writing data on a plate-shaped medium, reading data from the medium and printing on the medium. A drawer tray is provided in the main body, includes a stacker portion which is configured to accommodate a plurality of plate-shaped media processed by the processor and is movable between an accommodated position where the stacker portion is capable of receiving the media and a drawn position where the drawer tray is pulled out from the main body to take out the media accommodated in the stacker portion.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device including an optical sensor includes activating the optical sensor of the network device to generate data representing an image in view thereof, and analyzing the data from the optical sensor to determine image information represented by the image. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the image information represented by the image in view of the optical sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: A player device uses playlists having names of contents. Users can update the playlists via network. The player device includes a storage device for storing digital data of the contents, a reception/reception circuit for downloading playlists, a display for displaying the titles of contents included in the playlists, a pointing device for specifying displayed titles, a circuit for retrieving digital data from the storage device in the event that digital data of a content specified by the pointing device is stored within the storage device, and an output circuit for outputting the retrieved digital data.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releasably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A player device uses playlists having names of contents. Users can update the playlists via network. The player device includes a storage device for storing digital data of the contents, a reception/reception circuit for downloading playlists, a display for displaying the titles of contents included in the playlists, a pointing device for specifying displayed titles, a circuit for retrieving digital data from the storage device in the event that digital data of a content specified by the pointing device is stored within the storage device, and an output circuit for outputting the retrieved digital data.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.

Abstract: A storage subsystem, method of automatically maintaining the subsystem hardware configuration up to date and program product therefor. The storage subsystem automatically initiates hardware discovery in response to a triggering event. Subsystem hardware information is collected during hardware discovery and checked against a current configuration to identify hardware changes. Whenever hardware changes are identified, the subsystem configures the hardware and calibrates newly configured hardware. So, hardware changes may be automatically discovered, configured and calibrated free from operator intervention.

Abstract: A method for aligning a tape cartridge accessor with cartridges in cells of a tape cartridge magazine is provided. IR illumination is applied to an object expected to include a desired physical feature. Specular reflections are received from the illuminated object to create an image of the object. Dynamic image thresholding is applied to the image to select an optimum gray scale level of the image expected to include the desired physical feature. Bounding boxes are used to identify the location of the desired physical feature in the thresholded image.

Abstract: An information handling system chassis includes a chassis base, a carriage, and a carriage sliding system. The chassis base is configured to house a plurality of first electrical components. The carriage is configured to house one or more second electrical components such that a user may access the one or more second electrical components from a front side of the chassis. The carriage sliding system is configured to slidably couple the carriage to the chassis base such that the carriage can be slided forward to an access position and rearward to a storage position. In the storage position of the carriage, a front area of the chassis base configured to receive one or more first electrical components is covered by the carriage, whereas in the access position of the carriage, at least a portion of the front area of the chassis base is not covered by the carriage.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and article of manufacture to provide for managing data storage media to provide secure storage of the data storage media in an automated data storage library. A logical library partition vault is created in the automated data storage library that is not accessible by any host computer. Data storage media in the logical library partition vault may only be accessed by an operator using a secure means. The logical library partition vault may comprise various components of the automated data storage library by assigning storage shelves, service bays, data storage media, data storage drives or other library components to the logical library partition vault.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releaseably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: An image based bar-code reading and robotic registration apparatus and method for use in automated tape library systems is disclosed. An imager is positioned on a picker assembly with its own illumination source and appropriate optics to filter out ambient light. The imager connects to a microprocessor in its immediate vicinity. All image acquisition and processing are done by these components. To ensure operation independent of illumination variations, the image processing code developed for this invention automatically adapts to dynamic lighting situations. The tape cartridge cells are used as fiducials to allow tape cartridge registration without fiducial markings. The use of the tape cartridge cells as fiducials maximizes storage capability.

Abstract: Logic circuits and operations respond to received various control signals, including (1) data exchange commands directing the drive to read and/or write data to a media item mounted by the drive, and (2) robotic device management commands. The logic responds to incoming data exchange commands by reading and/or writing to the loaded media item. The processor responds to at least some robotic device management signals by forwarding them to a robotic media transport device. The processor withholds the data exchange commands from the robotic device, since they are only pertinent to operations of the drive itself. The robotic device may be configured to restrict host access to library components according to predefined logical partitions.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releasably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and article of manufacture to provide for managing data storage media to provide secure storage of the data storage media in an automated data storage library. A logical library partition vault is created in the automated data storage library that is not accessible by any host computer. Data storage media in the logical library partition vault may only be accessed by an operator using a secure means. The logical library partition vault may comprise various components of the automated data storage library by assigning storage shelves, service bays, data storage media, data storage drives or other library components to the logical library partition vault.

Abstract: A method for opening/closing a disk tray of a disk drive. The method includes the steps of when a first event occurs, sending a load/unload command to the disk drive, to which the disk drive responds with a second or third event, and resends the load/unload command to the disk drive when the disk drive responds to the previous load/unload command with the second event.

Abstract: A belt-like pattern reading unit reads a belt-like pattern given to the media storage cell using an image unit provided in a hold unit. A deflection amount calculating unit measures a deviation from a reference position of a horizontal pattern borderline corresponding to a position of the hold unit on a arm unit based on the read belt-like pattern, calculates a deflection amount of the arm unit based on the measured deviation, and stores a correction value of a position corresponding to the deflection amount in a correction value storing unit. A servo control unit controls movement of the hold unit using the correction value.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releaseably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A system for the duplication of binary data onto CD-R disks, the system including a copy unit, a host computer and computer software, the software being installed in the host computer to provide a user interface and to direct the transfer of data from the host computer to the copy unit including a set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives, a microprocessor electronically connected to the activating mechanism of a pivotal transport tower and to the set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives. A robotic disk pickup head on the pivotal transport tower is encompassed by a set of disk spindle members arranged in a symmetric semi-circular pattern around the central tower, the disk pickup head being connected to the pivotal transport tower with an elevator mechanism for lifting and transporting compact disks among the disk spindle members and any selected one of the stacked recordable disk drive members.

Abstract: In one aspect and one example, a method for calibrating robotic picker mechanisms in automated storage library systems includes detecting a calibration mark with at least one sensor from a first position and a second position, where the first position and the second position are separated by an offset distance. Further, the method includes determining a shift in the calibration mark between the first position and the second position, and determining a distance between a reference position and the calibration mark based on the shift in the calibration mark, the offset distance, and the focal length of the sensor.

Abstract: A dual purpose media drive exchanges data with removable media items. The drive includes at least one port to receive various control signals, including (1) data exchange commands directing the drive to read and/or write data to a media item mounted by the drive, and (2) robotic device management commands. The drive includes a processor that responds to incoming data exchange commands by reading and/or writing to the loaded media item. The processor responds to at least some robotic device management signals by forwarding them to a robotic media transport device. The processor withholds the data exchange commands from the robotic device, since they are only pertinent to operations of the drive itself. The robotic device may be configured to restrict host access to library components according to predefined logical partitions.

Abstract: The positioning of a robot accessor in an automated data storage library is rezeroed with respect to a home position which potentially avoids moving the robot accessor to the home position in every rezero operation. The robot accessor is moved to the expected location of a reference point in the library. If the reference point is sensed by a robot accessor sensor at substantially the expected location, the rezero operation is completed; else, the rezero operation is continued. Alternatively, if there is an offset between the sensed location of the reference point and the expected location, the robot accessor is moved to a second expected location of a second reference point. If the offsets are consistent, the calibration is updated, completing the rezero operation.

Abstract: A cartridge access device in a cartridge storage system is designed to retrieve a cartridge from a storage device and to transfer the cartridge to a particular location within the system. Once the cartridge is no longer needed at the particular location, the cartridge access device retrieves the cartridge from the particular location and returns the data cartridge to the storage device. The data cartridge device preferably includes at least two engaging members that engage a respective surface of a frame assembly. Channels in the surfaces of the frame assembly guide the engaging members and, therefore, the cartridge access device as the cartridge access device moves. The engaging members are engaged with a respective conductive track member that extends through the channels in the frame assembly.

Abstract: A power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more power supply modules removably disposed therein. An accessor movably disposed with an automated data storage and retrieval system comprising a gripper mechanism which can be releaseably attached to a power supply module. A method to supply power to an automated data storage and retrieval system. A method to monitor the operation of a power supply module removably disposed within an automated data storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: This system includes a base unit having an array of data storage locations mounted in a rectangular form factor along a back wall of the housing and at least one read/write device. The robotic mechanism includes a stationary vertical shaft on which is mounted on a horizontal track, movable in the vertical direction. The horizontal track extends from end to end of the base unit housing. The robotic mechanism includes a rotatable gripper that moves on the horizontal track and swivels on a pivot about an axis that is parallel to the vertical shaft to provide access to all interior surfaces of the base unit housing where data storage locations reside. An expansion module, comprising a rotary carousel of data storage locations, can be connected to either end of the base unit which enables the robotic mechanism to access the data storage elements within the expansion module without modification.

Abstract: A system for the duplication of binary data onto CD-R disks, the system including a copy unit, a host computer and computer software, the software being installed in the host computer to provide a user interface and to direct the transfer of data from the host computer to the copy unit, the copy unit including a set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives, a microprocessor electronically connected to the activating mechanism of a pivotal transport tower and to the set of multiple stacked recordable disk drives. A robotic disk pickup head on the pivotal transport tower is encompassed by a set of disk spindle members arranged in a symmetric semi-circular pattern around the central tower, the disk pickup head being connected to the pivotal transport tower with an elevator mechanism for lifting and transporting compact disks among the disk spindle members and any selected one of the stacked recordable disk drive members.

Abstract: An accessor moveably disposed within a data storage and retrieval system which includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitter and at least one electromagnetic radiation detector, where each emitter/detector combination have a facing relationship. A data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more of Applicants' accessors moveably disposed therein. A method using Applicants' accessor to assist the inventory of Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. A method to prevent collisions between Applicants' accessor and one or more portable data storage cartridges improperly stored within Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. A method using Applicants' accessor to monitor the insertion and/or retrieval of a portable data storage cartridge from a storage slot, a data storage device, an import/export station, and the like.

Abstract: A disk-anchoring device for use in an optical disk drive to receive and locate an optical disk includes a substrate, a clamper, a clamper frame, a clamper holder, an elastic element, a frame clamper and a rack slider. The clamper frame has a first protrusion portion. The rack slider has an inclined portion and a second protrusion portion. The elastic element is elastically positioned on the substrate and can function to press down the clamper frame. When the optical disk is loaded, the rack slider can move to have the first protrusion portion of the clamper frame abut the second protrusion portion of the rack slider. The optical disk positioned in the optical disk drive can then be hold elastically and accurately by the clamper, the elastic element, and abutment between the first protrusion portion of the clamper frame and the second protrusion portion of the sliding plate.

Abstract: A loading device for loading an information carrier into a recording/playback unit is provided. The loading device includes a pair of gripping elements that are actuatable to grip the information carrier therebetween. A transport mechanism moves the gripping elements during the loading of the information carrier. The gripping elements are supported by the transport mechanism for movement relative to the transport mechanism. A control mechanism is provided for actuating the gripping elements when the gripping elements are moved by the transport mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a library of hard disk drives with transparent emulating interface. The hard disk drives are shelved in associated storage locations in the library. A library controller translates the logical address of a requested hard disk drive known to the requesting host computer to a physical address or location within the library. A picker preferably mounts the requested disk drive to a destination receptacle which may be part of a backplane of the library, and the controller accesses the hard disk drive. Library operation is transparent to the host computer, the library emulating a selected type of storage device.

Abstract: A coupler for a media storage system. The coupler may comprise a receiving member having an opening formed in a first storage library and an opening formed in a second storage library. The openings of the receiving member align with one another when the first storage library is positioned adjacent the second storage library. The coupler may also comprise an arm member pivotally mounted to the first storage library. The arm member pivots between an open position and a closed position and engages the receiving member when it is pivoted to the closed position, thereby connecting the first storage library to the second storage library.

Abstract: A “hot spare” method for facilitating the seamless transition from a failed robotic mechanism to backup unit is provided. A spare robot is located inside a storage library on a section of rail (robotic track) from which it can be utilized on any rail layer in a multi-layer architecture. In one embodiment of the present invention, a motorized elevator assembly is used to transport the spare robot to the proper library level, which allows a single redundant robot to support multiple robots on multiple library rail levels. In another embodiment, a hot spare robot is used on each rail level and is utilized if needed on that particular level. In both embodiments, the spare robots are available for immediate backup without direct user intervention.

Abstract: A data storage library features multipurpose slots each configured to receive a media drive (operable to read/write data from/to media removably loaded into the media drive) a command relay port (operable to convey media transport signals from a host to a shared robotic media transport device), or various other modules. The robotic device is programmed to recognize whether each slot is empty or whether it is filled with a component such as a media drive or a command relay port, and to thereafter communicate with the occupant appropriately.

Abstract: An automated system having removable system components is self-configured, first, determining whether configuration data is available, for example, in a non-volatile memory. If available, the processor reads a system identifier of the configuration data, compares the read and a sensed system identifier, and, if they match, ends the self-configuration. Otherwise, the system senses the removable system components, configuring the system. A sensor is moved to sense the presence or absence each of the removable system components at substantially the expected location of the component. The system operates a movable sensor to calibrate a relative position with respect to the calibration mark.

Abstract: A data storage library features a dual purpose data/control path between a host computer and one or more media drives. The dual purpose path conveys data exchange control signals and related data between the host and drive, and also conveys robotic device management signals from the host to the drive, for ultimate conveyance to a robotic device coupled to the drive. In one embodiment, the drives may comprise relay drives, each directly coupled to the robotic device by a communications path such as a bus or loop. Alternatively, the drives may include a master drive and a number of relay drives, each relay drive coupled to the master drive to relay robotic device management signals from its host to the robotic device through the master drive. The master media drive's connection to other drives, for example, may be direct or through a communications loop interconnecting all drives.

Abstract: Prior to the control of disk transportation, from each of plural incorporated disk drives, a changer controller acquires an identifier peculiar to the disk drive via a local bus line, and recognizes correspondence relationships between element addresses and the disk drives. In response to arrival of a first request command, the recognized correspondence relationships are sent to a computer system serving as the request source. Furthermore, in response to arrival of a second command, also each of the disk drives sends the identifier to the computer system serving as the request source via the SCSI controller.