Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product embodiments for recording data on a contactless integrated circuit (IC) memory associated with a data storage cartridge are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a consistency is verified between a TOC written to a contactless IC memory and an index, wherein if the TOC and the index are inconsistent, a TOC profile file is refreshed with data from the index. The TOC is written to the contactless IC memory.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product embodiments for recording data on a contactless integrated circuit (IC) memory associated with a data storage cartridge are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, subsequent to an insertion of a data storage cartridge, a consistency is verified between a TOC written to a contactless IC memory and an index, wherein if the TOC and the index are inconsistent, a TOC profile file is refreshed with data from the index. The TOC is written to the contactless IC memory.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated method for loading a first tape cartridge into a tape drive, the first tape cartridge formatted to include a user data partition and also to include an index partition, different than and sized smaller than the user data partition, to store an index that self-describes user data designated to the user data partition and to also store non-index data, then reading the non-index data in the index partition of the first tape cartridge to self-describe a second tape cartridge different than the first tape cartridge.

Abstract: A disc cartridge includes a case body in which a plurality of disc-shaped recording media can be stored being arranged in the axial direction of a central shaft and which includes a first shell having a base face portion parallel to a recording face of the recording medium and a second shell having a basal plane portion parallel to the recording face, which move toward or away from each other in the axial direction, thereby being combined with or separated from each other, wherein the second shell has a pair of side face portions protruding in the same direction from both end portions of the basal plane portion and situated facing each other, a thin-walled portion is formed at a central portion between the side face portions in the basal plane portion, and a bridge member which is attached to span the side face portions is provided.

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: An optical recording/reproducing apparatus includes an optical disc drive unit for recording/reproducing information with respect to a recording surface of an optical disc, a label printer module for printing a label on a label surface of the optical disc, and an optical disc support apparatus separated from the optical disc during recording/reproduction of the information, and supporting the optical disc to allow the label surface of the optical disc to be located at a printable position with respect to the label printer module during printing of the label.

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 library apparatus includes: a housing, a record medium storage shelf that stores information record media having a barcode for identification; an input-output device in which the information record medium is loaded and which inputs and outputs information to and from the loaded information record medium; a robot that transfers the information record medium between the record medium storage shelf and the input-output device; and a controller that controls operation of the robot; a read unit that is detachably attached to the robot and reads the barcode of the information record medium; and a read unit storage that stores the read unit detached from the robot.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling data access rate of an optical disc player are disclosed. The method includes steps of (1) utilizing a micro-controller to decide whether an action of an instruction of a predetermined data processing is an extraction operation or a play operation; (2) driving the spindle motor and a pick-up head to retrieve data from an optical disc at a first data access rate by the micro-controller while the action of the instruction of the predetermined data processing is an extraction operation; and (3) driving the spindle speed and the pick-up head to retrieve data from the optical disc at a second data access rate which is less than the first data access rate by the micro-controller while the action of the instruction of the predetermined data processing is a play operation.

Abstract: Storage drive logic and a standalone tape file structure are described. File transfer logic transfers file data to and from a network according to a first protocol. Media access logic accesses a sequential-access storage medium associated with the drive according to a second protocol. Media management logic translates file-based commands received from the network according to the first protocol into sequential-access device commands according to the second protocol. The device commands control accessing of data by the drive. The storage medium may be a magnetic tape including a data region for storing data in a file format, and a table of contents (TOC) region for storing a table of contents that indexes the locations of files within the data region.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes a management file creating portion for creating a first management file for managing reading of an information data file recorded on a recording medium and a second management file for managing a predetermined function related to data recorded on the recording medium, a designation portion for designating a function associated with the recording medium, and a control portion for performing the function designated by the designation portion based on the first management file and the second management file created by the management file creating portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding capacity of a data cartridge storage and handling apparatus includes a modification to permit a second data cartridge storage and handling apparatus to be added to the system at a position to permit exchange of data cartridges via a pass-through opening. A pass-through box is added in one of the storage and handling units, the pass-through box having a portion shaped like a cartridge so that it is gripped by a gripper of a cartridge shuttle. A second part of the pass-through box holds a cartridge so that the shuttle can hold the pass-through box in a position to extend the cartridge it is holding into the other storage and handling apparatus. A marking system is provided to ensure proper spacing of the units from one another. A connection and control coordinates the operation thereof. The pass-through box is installed by being inserted in a replacement storage magazine.

Abstract: An automated data storage library employing a media accessor, an optical disk drive and a removable disk media. The media accessor includes a cartridge shell gripper. The optical disk drive includes a tape cartridge slot. The removable disk media includes a tape cartridge shell having a structural configuration operable to be physically engaged by the cartridge shell gripper and operable to be physically inserted into the tape cartridge slot by the cartridge shell gripper. The removable disk media further includes one or more optical disks disposed within the tape cartridge shell. A recording surface of each optical disk is extractable, partially or entirely, from the tape cartridge shell by the optical disk drive for writing data onto the optical disk and/or reading data from the optical disk.

Abstract: An operator alterable space is described, for use with a data storage library. The library has a frame substantially defines an interior environment and is exposed to an exterior environment. The operator alterable space is adapted to accommodate either a drive module that is capable of storing data to a magazine storage element or a shelf module capable of accommodating at least the magazine storage element whereby the magazine storage element can be disposed in the shelf module. The operator alterable space is accessible from the exterior environment for installing either the shelf module or the drive module via an opening in the frame. The operator alterable space is also accessible to a magazine transport from the interior environment, wherein the magazine transport is capable of moving the magazine storage element to the operator alterable space.

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 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: 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: A tape cartridge transport assembly for moving a tape cartridge between a first library and a second library includes a guide arrangement disposable between the first and second libraries, and a cartridge carrier that is moveable along the guide arrangement. The cartridge carrier includes a carrier body having an opening for receiving the tape cartridge, and a retention device associated with the carrier body. The retention device is engageable with the tape cartridge for retaining the tape cartridge in the carrier body as the cartridge carrier moves along the guide arrangement. The assembly further includes a drive mechanism associated with the cartridge carrier for automatically moving the cartridge carrier along the guide arrangement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cartridge identification system includes a cartridge type detection station in which a cartridge can be inserted, and apparatus that determines the extent to which the cartridge protrudes from the detection station, the extent of protrusion being indicative of the cartridge type.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing data which employ a hard disk memory media which is operably supported within a cartridge shell to form a disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can be employed in the manner of a tape cartridge wherein the disk cartridge can be stored in a communicatively isolated condition until required for read/write operations whereupon the disk cartridge can be communicatively linked to another device which transmits data to, or receives data from, the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge can adhere to a given tape cartridge form factor so as to enable both tape cartridges and disk cartridges to be employed together in a single automated library system.

Abstract: A disk apparatus includes a slot. A magnetooptical disk is attached to the slot. When the slot is closed, a system controller inputs a corresponding signal to a CPU. The CPU applies a read-out command of disk information to the disk controller. The disk controller drives a spindle motor, an optical pick-up and a recording head in order to read-out vacant capacity information from the magnetooptical disk. The read-out vacant capacity information is sent back to the CPU, and then saved in a flash memory by the CPU.

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 media handling device is disclosed herein. One embodiment of the media handling device comprises a picker, a support mechanism, and an imaging device. The support mechanism may comprise a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is attached to the picker and wherein the second portion is movably associated with the first portion. The support mechanism first portion is slidably attached to the support mechanism second portion. The imaging device attached to the support mechanism second portion. The support mechanism second portion has a first operative position and a second operative position relative to the support mechanism first portion.

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: A data library supporting a plurality of data cartridges, at least one filter cartridge, and a picker/placer mechanism that is capable of manipulating both types of cartridges. The filter cartridge prevents airborne particulates from contaminating the data library. The cartridge design allows the picker/placer to be used to insert or remove a filter for cleaning or replacement, thereby obviating the need for shutting down the library for filter maintenance.

Abstract: A cartridge library apparatus according to the present invention comprises door 1 provided openably to apparatus body C and having a multiplicity of cells 4 for housing cartridge W in an inner surface, shutter 2 provided in apparatus body C and covering an opening portion of apparatus body C when door 1 is open, and a driving mechanism for driving the opening/closing of the shutter. Shutter 2 comprises a plurality of shutter brackets 17 to 24 in plane plate shape swingably coupled by hinges and is taken up around rotor 15 with a motor of the driving mechanism which is activated in response to the opening and closure of the door.

Abstract: A media handling device is disclosed herein. One embodiment of the media handling device comprises a picker, a support mechanism, and an imaging device. The support mechanism may comprise a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is attached to the picker and wherein the second portion is movably associated with the first portion. The support mechanism first portion is slidably attached to the support mechanism second portion. The imaging device attached to the support mechanism second portion. The support mechanism second portion has a first operative position and a second operative position relative to the support mechanism first portion.

Abstract: An automated data storage library, method, and a computer program product manage categories of physical media volumes, which may store stacked logical volumes, in partitions of the library. A media sensor senses the VOLSER identifier of thee physical media volumes at an input station. A library manager is provided, having a computer processor. Upon receipt of a physical media volume at the input station, the library manager receives the sensed VOLSER of the physical media volume; places the physical media volume in an “UNASSIGNED” category of an inventory; and sends a message at an interface to a host system, the message identifying the sensed VOLSER and indicating that the physical media volume has transitioned to the “UNASSIGNED” category.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a library apparatus capable of enhancing the coupling accuracy and the positioning accuracy among a plurality of lockers to bring up the traveling accuracy and positional accuracy of an accessor within a passage penetrating the lockers so that the accessor can surely accomplish the insertion/extraction of a cartridge into/from a storage rack or a deck. For this purpose, a supporting member which holds a rail for guiding the accessor along a direction of coupling the plurality of lockers within the passage is installed in the coupling direction for each of the lockers, and a positioning groove in which a bar-like tool is fitted when positioning the adjacent lockers with respect to each other is made in an end portion of the supporting member in the coupling direction. This invention is applicable to a large-capacity external memory system storing a large number of cartridges such as magnetic tape cartridges and optical disk cartridges.

Abstract: A library apparatus accommodating a number of cartridges containing memory mediums is used for automatically cleaning a hand of an accessor robot that transfers a plurality of cartridges and is provided in the library apparatus. A control unit is provided to control the movement of the accessor robot. The control unit counts the number of times the hand is used to determine when the hand is to be cleaned.