Tape cartridge movement management in an automated tape cartridge library system
US4864438A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 1988 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2220/90
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The tape cartridge movement management apparatus for an automated tape cartridge library system includes a database that identifies each tape cartridge stored in the library system and its physical location, whether in its home position or in transit. In addition, a path selection apparatus is used to regulate the movement of the tape cartridges between their home positions and the designated destinations. This apparatus selects a path between two end points, reserves the apparatus to transport the designated tape cartridge between these two end points and maintains the apparatus reservations until the movement of the tape cartridge is successfully completed. In this fashion, if the movement of the tape cartridge is blocked somewhere along the path, the apparatus remains reserved to return the designated tape cartridge back to its original or home position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.