Methods and arrangements for providing bi-directional control between data storage drives and automation controllers
US6574696B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0677
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An arrangement includes at least one data storage device, an automation controller, and an enhanced interface. The data storage device is connected to a computer and arranged to perform a plurality of operations in response to one or more commands received from the computer. The automation controller is configured to physically provide the data storage device with at least one data storage media. The enhanced interface operatively couples the data storage device with the automation controller, such that the data storage device can be selectively controlled by the automation controller and the automation controller can be selectively controlled by the data storage device depending on the received commands. The enhanced interface includes a standard serial interface and at least one additional line. The additional line is configured to provide a directing signal from the data storage device to the automation controller. This added capability allows for bidirectional control between the data storage device and the automation controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.