Automated data storage library with control path to shared robotic device via media drive
US6434090B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2220/90
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.