Abstract: A location of a first drive in a storage medium library is determined. In response to a determination of the location of the first drive, it is determined whether a first storage medium is located within a first distance from the first drive. In response to a determination that the first storage medium is not located within the first distance from the first drive, it is determined whether the first storage medium is located within a second distance from the first drive. In response to a determination that the first storage medium is located within the first distance or the second distance from the first drive, the first storage medium is made available to be read by or written to by the first drive.

Abstract: In a data archive system including plural sets of data library apparatuses and a control unit and an information storing unit connected to the plural sets of data library apparatuses, the data library apparatus includes a recording medium storing unit that stores plural recording media, a data recording and reproducing device that records data in the recording media and reproduces data from the recording media, a recording medium transporting unit that transports the recording media between the recording medium storing unit and the data recording and reproducing device, and a data library apparatus control unit that controls an action of the data library apparatus, the information storing unit stores management information for managing the recording medium storing unit, the control unit controls actions of the total data archive system, and when a recording medium storing unit is attached to the data library apparatus.

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: Systems for and methods of creating a visual display associated with a mobile robot within a data storage library and libraries including such systems and utilizing such methods.

Abstract: In a library apparatus, it is not considered that eliminated is an operation for reversing a direction of a double-sided readable/writable recording medium. In the library apparatus having a function of transporting and loading a recording medium from a recording medium storage unit to a recording and reproducing unit through a recording medium transportation unit, a direction in which an unrecorded recording medium is first loaded in the recording and reproducing unit is afterward treated as a front surface, and a direction opposite to the above direction is treated as a rear surface.

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 reproducing process of related data is efficiently performed also in a recording medium having recording surfaces at both of front and rear surfaces in a recording and reproducing system including a plurality of recording media. At the time of recording data on a data library apparatus, a recording medium selection unit selects a recording medium and recording surface on which data brought into the same group by a grouping processing unit is recorded.

Abstract: In a library apparatus, it is not considered that eliminated is an operation for reversing a direction of a double-sided readable/writable recording medium. In the library apparatus having a function of transporting and loading a recording medium from a recording medium storage unit to a recording and reproducing unit through a recording medium transportation unit, a direction in which an unrecorded recording medium is first loaded in the recording and reproducing unit is afterward treated as a front surface, and a direction opposite to the above direction is treated as a rear surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for performing data library background operations. The present invention teaches one or more data storage drives capable of entering a phantom load mode and a library controller capable of initiating the phantom load mode for the data storage drives. The phantom load mode operates to hide the media status of the data storage drives from host computers during background operations involving the data storage drives. In certain embodiments, the data storage drives exit the phantom load mode as a result of a media unload request. In some embodiments, the library controller receives a media load request from a host computer during the background operation and completes the media load request upon completion of the background operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for adaptive arrangement of data on storage media, such as in a multi-device storage array across which data are stored. A virtual hot space is formed to store frequently accessed data. The virtual hot space comprises at least one hot data zone which extends across storage media of a plurality of arrayed storage devices over a selected seek range less than an overall radial width of the media. The frequently accessed data are stored to the hot data zone(s) in response to a host level request, such as from a host level operating system (OS) or by a user which identifies the data as frequently accessed data. Alternatively or additionally, access statistics are accumulated and frequently accessed data are migrated to the hot data zone(s) in relation thereto. Lower accessed data sets are further preferably migrated from the hot data zone(s) to another location of the media.

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: Disclosed herewith is a library apparatus having plural loading cells, each of which can load at least two articles and using a pushing device that pushes the articles into the loading cell from its opening. And if the moving distance of any of the articles, which is pushed into the loading cell, is smaller than a first moving distance, the library apparatus judges that the loading cell has no loading space.

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: Storage systems and methods for publishing device addresses are disclosed. An exemplary method may include receiving addresses for a plurality of device objects in the storage system over an out-of-band path to each of the device objects. The method may also include storing the addresses for the plurality of device objects in the storage system. The method may also include returning the addresses for the plurality of device objects in the storage system over another out-of-band path to an interface manager for the storage system.

Abstract: A computer program product for operating an automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate the picker, to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary; and a power storage system configured to receive power via the bus bar relay when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar, to store the received power, and to deliver the stored power to the robot accessor at least when the bus bar relay is disengaged.

Abstract: A computer program product for operating an automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; and a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate a picker, and to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary, to provide communication capability with a library communication interface via the bus bar relay and the bus bar when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar. Additionally, a second communication system may be provided between the robot accessor and the automated data storage library, which is operable at least when the robot accessor is moving.

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: The objective of this invention is to perform high-precision tracking error detection and tracking control using digital circuitry at relatively low speed and with a small circuit scale. Tracking servo circuit is formed as a single-chip circuit. Low-pass filters (LPF) and gain control amplifiers (GCA) of the input portion are analog circuits, while the circuits after analog-digital (A/D) converters, that is, offset cancellation circuits, equalizers (EQ), first and second phase difference detectors, adder, low-pass filter (LPF), gain control amplifier (GCA), and servo DSP are all digital circuits.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a cartridge type sensor and a robot. The cartridge type sensor includes a cartridge having the same shape as that of each recording medium stored in a cell, an optical reader for reading a medium identification code, and a medium detector for detecting the presence or absence of a recording medium in a target cell. The optical reader and the medium detector are disposed in the cartridge of the cartridge type sensor. The robot picks up the cartridge type sensor from a cell which stores the cartridge type sensor and positions the cartridge type sensor at a predetermined location in the library apparatus while holding the cartridge type sensor.

Abstract: An automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate the picker, to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary; and a power storage system configured to receive power via the bus bar relay when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar, to store the received power, and to deliver the stored power to the robot accessor at least when the bus bar relay is disengaged.

Abstract: An automated data storage library with storage shelves, data storage drive(s), a bus bar; and a robot accessor with a drive system for moving the robot accessor, an accessor communication interface, a bus bar relay configured to engage and disengage the bus bar; and a robot control configured to operate the drive system to move the robot accessor, to operate a picker, and to operate the bus bar relay to engage the bus bar when the robot accessor is stationary, to provide communication capability with a library communication interface via the bus bar relay and the bus bar when the bus bar relay engages the bus bar. Additionally, a second communication system may be provided between the robot accessor and the automated data storage library, which is operable at least when the robot accessor is moving.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing control path commands in an automated data storage library. The present invention teaches a data storage library with stored data and at least one controller. The present invention also teaches at least one command source that provides commands to the data storage library via at least one control path. The data storage library stores a last successful command for each control path in the data storage library, receives a new command from a control path, compares the new command with one or more of the last successful commands, and executes the new command if the new command is unique.

Abstract: A disk array system having first and second housings and a controller for controlling the first and second housings. Fiber channel hard disk drives are received in the first housing, and serial ATA hard disk drives are received in the second housing. When reading data stored in a serial ATA hard disk drive in the second housing, the controller reads a plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read and parity data for the plurality of pieces of data from all the hard disk drives of an RAID group to which the hard disk drive storing the data to be read belongs. Thus, the controller examines whether the plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read are written in the hard disk drives with erroneous contents or not.

Abstract: Disclosed is a configuration to implement a robot replacement in a library apparatus while maintaining an electrically-activated state. In such a configuration, the library apparatus storing a recording medium (cartridge) for writing and reading information with a host computer, comprises a plurality of robot units, which carries the recording medium; and a control unit (library control unit) which stops power feeding to the robot units if an event is generated until processing time of the event or predetermined time elapses and which transmits to a query from the host computer a response representing that the processing of the event is in progress.

Abstract: A disk array system having first and second housings and a controller for controlling the first and second housings. Fiber channel hard disk drives are received in the first housing, and serial ATA hard disk drives are received in the second housing. When reading data stored in a serial ATA hard disk drive in the second housing, the controller reads a plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read and parity data for the plurality of pieces of data from all the hard disk drives of an RAID group to which the hard disk drive storing the data to be read belongs. Thus, the controller examines whether the plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read are written in the hard disk drives with erroneous contents or not.

Abstract: A controller of an automated data storage library is configured to store information regarding operation of the library in a memory; to reserve at least one data storage cartridge; and to operate a data storage drive and the memory to transfer at least a portion of the information stored in the memory to the reserved data storage cartridge. The library controller is configured to maintain an externally available inventory of data storage cartridges of the library, e.g. for a host system, and excludes the reserved data storage cartridge from the inventory.

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: Storage library systems and methods of operating and assembling library systems are provided. The storage library system may include a stationary support member having a first axis and a cartridge transport assembly. The cartridge transport assembly includes a cartridge retrieving mechanism configured to retrieve a removable media cartridge, said cartridge transport assembly being coupled to the support member, wherein the cartridge retrieving mechanism is positionable in four degrees of freedom. The method of operating a tape library may include transmitting instruction signals to a robotics controller disposed on a cartridge transport assembly, translating the cartridge transport assembly along a stationary support member, and positioning the cartridge retrieving mechanism in four degrees of freedom relative to the stationary support member.

Abstract: A controller of an automated data storage library is configured to store information regarding operation of the library in a memory; to reserve at least one data storage cartridge; and to operate a data storage drive and the memory to transfer at least a portion of the information stored in the memory to the reserved data storage cartridge. The library controller is configured to maintain an externally available inventory of data storage cartridges of the library, e.g. for a host system, and excludes the reserved data storage cartridge from the inventory.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for accessing a cell includes: a first access step of taking out a cartridge from the cell or inserting the cartridge into the cell in an initial stop position; and a second access step of taking out the cartridge from the cell or inserting the cartridge into the cell in one or more positions in the vicinity of the initial stop position until the taking-out or insertion operation succeeds in a case where the first access step has failed.

Abstract: A contactless power system for an automated data storage library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage cartridges, at least one picker for accessing the data storage cartridges with respect to the storage shelves, and a transport system for guiding the picker(s) along at least one path with respect to the storage shelves. The contactless power system comprises a plurality of segmented coils arranged in parallel to the path(s), and in proximity to at least one induction receiver of the picker(s); and at least one power source supplying power to the segmented coils, for inductive transmission of power by the segmented coils to the induction receiver(s) of the picker(s). The power source(s) may switch the supplied power to selected segmented coils based on an indication of the position of the induction receiver(s) of the picker along the path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical information storage apparatus incorporates in a housing: a medium storing section in which optical storage media are stored; an information access section that makes an information access to the optical storage medium; and a medium moving section that moves the optical storage medium between the medium storing section and the information access section, to increase storage capacity and to reduce the size of the apparatus. The medium moving section executes a supply process of moving the optical storage medium along a supply path from the medium storing section to the information access section and a recovery process of moving the optical storage medium along a recovery path from the information access section to the medium storing section, the optical storage medium on the supply path and another optical storage medium being on the recovery path able to pass each other.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a computer system that includes a media server, a media client, and a media-server interface. The media server application produces media data, where the media data has a plurality of segments. For example, in some embodiments, the media data is a movie with video and audio components. In this example, the segments of the movie can be specified in two groups, where one group includes the frames of video in the movie and the other group includes the seconds of audio in the movie. The media client application is typically an application that needs to process the media data of the media server application without the need to have any familiarity with the implementation of the media server application. The media-server interface directs the server application to successively generate individual segments of the media data and to store each generated segment in a location that is accessible by the media client.

Abstract: An automated data storage library, employing storage shelves and data storage drives arranged to “X” and “Y” directions on both sides of an “X” axis, has a plurality of robot accessors configured to move in the “X” direction along one or more “X” rail(s) in separate paths. The robot accessors each have gripper apparatus movable in the “Y” direction and configured to access the storage shelves and the data storage drive(s) in the “Z” direction. The gripper apparatus is configured to pivot about an axis of the robot accessor away from the “Z” direction to provide clearance of the gripper apparatus in the “Z” direction with respect to another robot accessor such that the at least two robot accessors may pass each other in the “X” direction. The gripper may pivot between the “Z” direction and substantially the “Y” direction, or between the “Z” direction and substantially the “X” direction.

Abstract: A method to write information to a designated information storage medium using an allocated data storage device using a specified information recording format, whereby a previously-determined media bit for the designated information storage medium is examined, and a previously-determined device bit for the allocated data storage device is examined, and the write capability of the designated information storage medium using the specified information recording format is determined and displayed. Management classes embedded in the file name may augment the media bit and device bit for determining the write capability.

Abstract: A method to write information to a designated information storage medium using an allocated data storage device using a specified information recording format, whereby a previously-determined media bit for the designated information storage medium is examined, and a previously-determined device bit for the allocated data storage device is examined, and the write capability of the designated information storage medium using the specified information recording format is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a library apparatus for use in storage, recording or reproduction of recording media, and its object is to effect a cleaning process on recording media within the apparatus. Another object is to prevent contamination of a recording/reproduction unit through cleaning process of recording media. The apparatus is arranged such that it comprises an enclosure; a recording/reproduction unit disposed in the enclosure and recording data onto a recording medium or reproducing data from the recording medium; and a cleaning unit disposed in the enclosure and cleaning the recording medium ejected from the recording/reproduction unit. The recording medium ejected from the recording/reproduction unit in response to a data check error, etc., is carried for cleaning to the cleaning unit disposed together with the recording/reproduction units in the same enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention balances functions of an optical recording medium conflicting format-wise, such as effective placement of recording capacity and emphasis on random access performance. An optical disk in an optical disk format for random access which records management information and an optical disk for sequential recording are both stored in an optical disk magazine for storing multiple slim optical disks in the same magazine case.

Abstract: A disk array system having first and second housings and a controller for controlling the first and second housings. Fiber channel hard disk drives are received in the first housing, and serial ATA hard disk drives are received in the second housing. When reading data stored in a serial ATA hard disk drive in the second housing, the controller reads a plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read and parity data for the plurality of pieces of data from all the hard disk drives of an RAID group to which the hard disk drive storing the data to be read belongs. Thus, the controller examines whether the plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read are written in the hard disk drives with erroneous contents or not.

Abstract: A disk array system having first and second housings and a controller for controlling the first and second housings. Fiber channel hard disk drives are received in the first housing, and serial ATA hard disk drives are received in the second housing. When reading data stored in a serial ATA hard disk drive in the second housing, the controller reads a plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read and parity data for the plurality of pieces of data from all the hard disk drives of an RAID group to which the hard disk drive storing the data to be read belongs. Thus, the controller examines whether the plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read are written in the hard disk drives with erroneous contents or not.

Abstract: A disk array system having first and second housings and a controller for controlling the first and second housings. Fiber channel hard disk drives are received in the first housing, and serial ATA hard disk drives are received in the second housing. When reading data stored in a serial ATA hard disk drive in the second housing, the controller reads a plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read and parity data for the plurality of pieces of data from all the hard disk drives of an RAID group to which the hard disk drive storing the data to be read belongs. Thus, the controller examines whether the plurality of pieces of data including the data to be read are written in the hard disk drives with erroneous contents or not.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically configuring a robotic storage media library is disclosed. The disclosed invention utilizes software to interpret signals from specially designed hardware to determine the hardware characteristics of the library at startup. The software then uses these characteristics to automatically configure the library without user intervention.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved disc changer adapted to exactly detect whether a magazine storing a plurality of discs has been attached in the disc changer. When a magazine storing a plurality of discs is inserted into the disc changer, a detection arm and a lock arm both serving as moving members are moved by such an insertion. The lock arm, by virtue of the movement of itself, engages into an insertion groove provided on the backside of the inserted magazine and locks the magazine on the disc changer. The detection arm, by virtue of the movement of itself, actuates a lock detection switch. Here, since the detection arm and the lock arm are both urged by an urging spring, it becomes possible to exactly detect the attachment of the magazine by allowing the moving members locking the magazine on the disc changer to actuate the lock detection switch.

Abstract: A modular storage system comprises one or more storage modules, a moveable display capable of coupling to a storage module, and a sensor capable of detecting movement of the display. The individual storage modules have one or more magazines that can hold a plurality of storage cartridges. The modular storage system further comprises a controller that responds to detected display movement by reconfiguring a state of the modular storage system.

Abstract: A storage medium administration apparatus is electrically connected to a computer. The storage medium administration apparatus has a plurality of child storage modules. The structure and function of the child storage modules are described as follows: a switch sends a message to a computer for modifying record status when it switches; a latch locks and unlocks the storage medium by a command from the computer; and a spring pushes the storage medium which is unlocked by the latch.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting a host to a tape drive for accessing a tape cartridge in a data storage system having a tape library provided with cartridges and tape drives includes the host requesting a desired cartridge to access. In response to the request, a proxy agent queries the library to determine which of the tape drives are available to receive the desired cartridge. The proxy agent then selects a tape drive from the available tape drives to receive the desired cartridge. The desired cartridge is then mounted into the selected tape drive. An access controller then connects a virtual tape drive associated with the host to the selected tape drive to provide the host with access to the desired cartridge. The selected tape drive may be selected as a function of its location with respect to the storage location of the desired cartridge.

Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of DVD boxes or containers in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired DVD is moved to the top fan-out region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two DVD boxes in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of DVD selection. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.

Abstract: To prevent a door opening when a carrier moves without using an electric actuator and without placing a burden on a device. An auto lock/unlock mechanism is composed solely of mechanical elements, and a lock mechanism is switched between an unlocked state and a locked state using the movement of the carrier. Thereby an automatic medium changer, which does not need an electric actuator such as a solenoid and is low price, is provided. Further, an opening manipulation of the door is permitted when the carrier is located at an evacuation position. This prevents a hand or a finger from being caught in an operable portion of the device. Further, since emergency stopping measures of the carrier for preventing an accident is not required, problems of damages, overlords or the like to the device are solved.

Abstract: The storage media recording/writing system includes a media drive circuit, a head retaining means, a head moving means, a head drive circuit, a signal processing circuit, and a controller to control these. The head drive circuit possesses a first semiconductor integrated circuit having an amplifier that amplifies the read signal from the head, and a second semiconductor integrated circuit placed between the first semiconductor integrated circuit and the signal processing circuit, which has a circuit that receives write data from the signal processing circuit and generates a drive signal to drive a write head. Further, the first semiconductor integrated circuit is mounted on a part near the front of the head retaining means, and the second semiconductor integrated circuit is installed on the side of the moving means.