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: Audiovisual reproduction system comprising a central unit managing a sound control circuit, and a telecommunications modem connected to a distribution network controlled by a host server, through a multitask operating system created around a tools and services library, characterized in that the operating system comprises a function that adjusts the sound control circuit to couple volumes in the various areas in which the loudspeakers in the audiovisual reproduction system are used, this function being accessible through a management mode of the multitask operating system, the coupling maintaining the ratios between the various volumes in each area when the volume in one area is modified.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus having an input configured to receive a first operation and a second operation input by a user, a playback unit configured to obtain predetermined data and play back the data based on the operation input by the user from the input; and a display control unit configured to control, in correspondence with a virtual hierarchical structure for classifying the predetermined data, a display of a display screen indicating each hierarchy level, and for controlling a display of a predetermined mark in the display screen. The display control unit also controls the display of the predetermined mark corresponding to the predetermined data which is played back by the playback unit in a manner different from other non-selected marks while the predetermined mark is being selected.

Abstract: A disk dispenser including a spindle having a first end and a second end, the second end having a disk support foot arranged to support a stack of disks, wherein the disk support foot is movable from an extended position at which a portion of the disk support foot is axially extending beyond a diameter of the spindle for supporting a stack of disks and a withdrawn position at which the portion of the disk support foot is not substantially axially extending beyond the diameter of the spindle for loading the stack of disks onto the spindle; and a pusher for separating at least one disk from the stack of disks on the spindle.

Abstract: Audiovisual reproduction system comprising a central unit managing a sound control circuit, and a telecommunications modem connected to a distribution network controlled by a host server, through a multitask operating system created around a tools and services library, characterized in that the operating system comprises a function that adjusts the sound control circuit to couple volumes in the various areas in which the loudspeakers in the audiovisual reproduction system are used, this function being accessible through a management mode of the multitask operating system, the coupling maintaining the ratios between the various volumes in each area when the volume in one area is modified.

Abstract: A disk apparatus includes a supporting mechanism inwardly projecting from an inner surface of a wall of a housing, the wall having a disk insertion/ejection opening, a disk conveying mechanism that is supported by the supporting mechanism so that the disk conveying mechanism can be moved along a disk conveyance path, via which a disk is conveyed, toward a predetermined position within the housing, an engagement groove formed in the supporting mechanism and having a straight portion parallel to the disk conveyance path and a locking portion perpendicular to the straight portion, a locking member that is rotatably disposed on the disk conveying mechanism and that is engaged with the engagement groove so that the locking member is pressed toward the locking portion of the engagement groove, and an actuation mechanism for rotating the locking member to release locking of the locking member when playing back the disk.

Abstract: A disk dispenser including a spindle having a first end and a second end, the second end having a disk support foot arranged to support a stack of disks, wherein the disk support foot is movable from an extended position at which a portion of the disk support foot is axially extending beyond a diameter of the spindle for supporting a stack of disks and a withdrawn position at which the portion of the disk support foot is not substantially axially extending beyond the diameter of the spindle for loading the stack of disks onto the spindle; and a pusher for separating at least one disk from the stack of disks on the spindle.

Abstract: There is provided a reproducing/recording apparatus that can reduce a load required for pushing in a case to activate a motor of a loading mechanism. The recording/reproducing apparatus includes a gear mechanism coupled with the motor, and a rack (43) coupled with the gear mechanism and provided along an advancement and retraction direction of a base plate (3), i.e., the case. Between the rack (43) and the base plate (3), grooves (32A) are formed for allowing a relative movement of the rack (43) and the base plate (3) along the advancement and retraction direction. Between the base plate (3) and the gear mechanism, a start cam mechanism is formed for starting rotation of the motor when the base plate (3) advances to a predetermined position. With such configuration, the base plate (3) can advance within the length of the grooves (32A) without much load when a user pushes in the base plate (3), therefore the disk D can be easily loaded.

Abstract: There is provided a slot-in type reproducing/recording apparatus in which a plurality of different sized disks are applicable and a disk surface is protected from dust and dirt caused by disk insertion and ejection. The slot-in type reproducing/recording apparatus includes an apparatus body (1) having a slot (1A) for inserting and ejecting a disk (D) and a hold assembly (5) provided inside the apparatus body (1) for accommodating the disk (D). Since the hold assembly (5) has three arms (52 to 54) that respectively press an outer circumferential edge of the disk (D) at different points with the predetermined biasing force, two types, i.e., a small type and a large type, of disk (D) can be held with the biasing force without the arms (52 to 54) touching the surface of the disk (D).

Abstract: A memory storage disk handling system includes a housing, an elevator pin mounted on the housing for lifting disks, a servo motor with a cam arm. The servo motor rotates to pivot the cam arm, which cams against the elevator pin to lift the elevator pin.

Abstract: Disk changer apparatus employs a commercially-available drive device that includes a sliding tray having an opening preformed therein. Disk elevator section has a portion movable through the opening of the sliding tray and thereby allows a disk to be transferred between a disk transport section and the sliding tray of the drive device utilizing the opening of the sliding tray.

Abstract: A system and method for the storage and selective retrieval of discs is described. For selective retrieval of a disc, a feed unit is positioned such that a slot is located opposite a designated disc, a gate is opened and the designated disc rolls by the force of gravity into the slot and the rolling of remaining discs are stopped by a belt and, after the selected disc is retrieved, the gate closes, returning the remaining discs into the storage position.

Abstract: A memory storage disk handling system includes a housing, an elevator pin mounted on the housing for lifting disks, a servo motor with a cam arm. The servo motor rotates to pivot the cam arm, which cams against the elevator pin to lift the elevator pin.