US20110019304A1 - Tape cartridge auxiliary memeory based library - Google Patents
Tape cartridge auxiliary memeory based library Download PDFInfo
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- US20110019304A1 US20110019304A1 US12/897,469 US89746910A US2011019304A1 US 20110019304 A1 US20110019304 A1 US 20110019304A1 US 89746910 A US89746910 A US 89746910A US 2011019304 A1 US2011019304 A1 US 2011019304A1
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- tape
- tape drive
- drive
- cartridge
- memory device
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B15/00—Driving, starting or stopping record carriers of filamentary or web form; Driving both such record carriers and heads; Guiding such record carriers or containers therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function
- G11B15/675—Guiding containers, e.g. loading, ejecting cassettes
- G11B15/68—Automatic cassette changing arrangements; automatic tape changing arrangements
- G11B15/682—Automatic cassette changing arrangements; automatic tape changing arrangements with fixed magazines having fixed cassette storage cells, e.g. in racks
- G11B15/6835—Automatic cassette changing arrangements; automatic tape changing arrangements with fixed magazines having fixed cassette storage cells, e.g. in racks the cassettes being transferred to a fixed recorder or player using a moving carriage
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/12—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules
- G11B33/125—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules the apparatus comprising a plurality of recording/reproducing devices, e.g. modular arrangements, arrays of disc drives
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B17/00—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor
- G11B17/22—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records
- G11B17/225—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records wherein the disks are transferred from a fixed magazine to a fixed playing unit using a moving carriage
Landscapes
- Automatic Tape Cassette Changers (AREA)
- Indexing, Searching, Synchronizing, And The Amount Of Synchronization Travel Of Record Carriers (AREA)
Abstract
A data storage library is described including a plurality of tape cartridges wherein each of the tape cartridges possesses an auxiliary radio frequency memory device in which auxiliary digital data is stored. The library also includes at least one drive disposed substantially within the library capable of transferring user data to and from one of the tapes. The library further includes at least one auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader that capable of reading the auxiliary digital data and transmitting the auxiliary digital data to at least one designated location, the reader is independent of the at least one drive.
Description
- This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/877,645, filed Oct. 23, 2007, which is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/604,118, filed Jun. 26, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to tape libraries using auxiliary memory devices contained in tape storage cartridges in tape libraries.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Data storage libraries, such as tape libraries, are typically used to store and retrieve large amounts of data for data manipulation and archiving purposes. These libraries are generally comprised of drive devices adapted to read and write data to and from tape cartridges that are often housed within the tape libraries. In the interest of obtaining cursory information about a specific tape cartridge without requiring a time-consuming media load and tape threading process to read the on-tape index file, techniques using holes arranged in patterns in the cartridge casing and later electrical pads grounded in a variety of combinations were introduced. The holes and/or electrical pads provided simple information such as tape capacity, manufacturer, etc. Today, these techniques are yielding to the introduction of Radio Frequency chips disposed in the tape cartridges called a Memory-In-Cartridge (MIC) or Medium Auxiliary Memory (MAM), because of increased amounts of information and ease of use.
FIG. 1A shows an example of atape cartridge 100,tape medium 102, andMIC 104, shown here in dashed lines because theMIC 104 andtape medium 102 reside in the interior of thecartridge 100. In this example, the MIC is disposed in an LTO-3 cartridge which can be provided by TDK Corp. of Tustin, Calif. - A MIC allows the tape drive to access valuable cartridge data without the use of a physical connection, reducing connector wear for both the drive and the media. The MIC is a memory chip built into the data cartridge that provides a direct and immediate connection to the drive's on-board processors, which speeds access to information related to the data cartridge such as system logs, for example. Information and file search parameters are formatted within the MIC system effectively cutting the data access time down to a fraction from historical techniques.
- As shown in
FIG. 1B , aMIC 104 fundamentally comprises an integrated circuit that includes solid state memory and atransponder 124 attached to anantenna 126, the antenna is typically a small coil of wires. The MIC 104 is considered a passive device because it is energized when subjected to a strong enough RF field produced by a MIC-Reader. Information can be transmitted between the MIC and the MIC-Reader via a specific radio frequency. - Currently a MIC, or MAM, is parceled into regions for a medium, device and host. The three regions can accommodate attributes related to a medium with a MIC. For example a medium attribute can be a serial number permanently stored in the MAM during manufacturing, a device attribute can be load count maintained by the tape drive and a host attribute can be a backup date maintained by the application client. These attributes are strictly read and written to by a reader disposed in a drive.
- In an effort to expand capabilities of a storage element containing a MIC operable with a data storage unit beyond a tape drive both methods and apparatus are disclosed herein. It is to innovations related to this subject matter that the claimed invention is generally directed.
- The present invention relates generally to tape libraries using auxiliary memory devices contained in tape storage cartridges in tape libraries that overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art by using at least one radio frequency memory device to read auxiliary memory devices that is independent of that which is used in a tape drive.
- One embodiment of the present invention can therefore comprise a data storage library comprising: a plurality of tape cartridges wherein each of the tape cartridges possesses an auxiliary radio frequency memory device in which auxiliary digital data is stored; at least one drive disposed substantially within the library capable of transferring user data to and from one of the tapes; at least one auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader that capable of reading the auxiliary digital data and transmitting the auxiliary digital data to at least one designated location, the reader is independent of the at least one drive.
- Other embodiments of the present invention may additionally comprise a data storage library comprising: a first tape cartridge possessing a first auxiliary radio frequency memory device, the first device containing first attribute data relating to at least a first historical event associated with the first tape cartridge; a second tape cartridge possessing a second auxiliary radio frequency memory device, the second device containing second attribute data relating to at least a second historical event associated with the second tape cartridge; at least one drive disposed substantially within the library that capable of transferring user data to and from the first tape cartridge and to and from the second tape cartridge; at least one auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader independent of the drive capable of reading the first and second attribute data; a designated memory device capable of receiving the first and second attribute data from the reader; and an algorithm adapted to manipulate the first and second attribute data received by the designated memory device.
- Yet further embodiments of the present invention may comprise a method comprising the steps of: providing a library with a tape drive, a tape drive auxiliary memory reader and writer device associated with the tape drive, a auxiliary memory reader device independent of the tape drive, a designated cumulative auxiliary storage location, and a first tape cartridge that possesses a first auxiliary memory device; loading the first tape cartridge in the tape drive for a first time; recording that the first tape cartridge has been loaded into the tape drive for the first time as a first loading event wherein the recording is to the first auxiliary memory device via the tape drive auxiliary memory reader and writer device; unloading the first tape cartridge from the tape drive; reading the first loading event from the first auxiliary memory device via the auxiliary memory reader device independent of the tape drive; transmitting the first loading event from the auxiliary memory reader device independent of the tape drive to the designated cumulative auxiliary storage location; and recording the first loading event in the designated cumulative auxiliary storage location.
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FIG. 1A is a prior art pictorial representation of a tape cartridge with an auxiliary radio frequency memory device. -
FIG. 1B is a prior art pictorial representation of an auxiliary radio frequency memory device. -
FIG. 2A is an illustration of a data storage arrangement constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2B is an illustration of a populated tape cartridge magazine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is an illustration an embodiment of a shelf system that comprises an auxiliary memory reader that can be used in combination with a loaded tape cartridge magazine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a transport unit and auxiliary memory reader arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader located at the library entry/exit port location consistent with embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 6A-6C shows various embodiments of a displayed data table pertaining to performance and/or historical event related information relative to that recorded on auxiliary radio frequency memory devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a central data base acting as a repository for information pertaining to a plurality of tape cartridges in a plurality of libraries in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 shows a commercial embodiment of one T-950 library unit wherein aspects of the present invention can be practiced. -
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a method to practice an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative method to practice an embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to the drawings in general, and more specifically to
FIG. 2A , shown therein is an illustration of a data storage arrangement constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In what follows, similar or identical structures may be identified using identical callouts. - The data storage arrangement illustrated in
FIG. 2A can comprise a user ofdata 202, such as a client, in communication with adata storage library 200. As illustratively shown, theclient 202 is in communication with thelibrary 200 via acommunication path 216 and alibrary interface device 214. Thelibrary 200 comprises a plurality oftape cartridges 100 disposed in atape cartridge magazine 206 wherein each of the tape cartridges contains an auxiliary radio frequency memory device (not shown) capable of storing auxiliary digital data, such as theMIC 104 ofFIG. 1B . In this embodiment, thelibrary 200 also comprisesseveral tape drives tape cartridges 100. Eachtape drive frequency memory device 230. As shown here, the loadedtape drive 224 is inradio frequency communication 223 with the auxiliary radio frequency memory device 104 (not shown) associated withtape cartridge 201 via the tape drive radiofrequency memory device 230 associated withtape drive 224. Thelibrary 200 can further comprise ashelving system 220 capable of archiving thetape cartridge magazines 206 within thelibrary 200. In this embodiment, theshelving system 220 is associated with one or more auxiliary radio frequencymemory device readers 232 is capable of at least reading data stored on an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 contained by eachtape cartridge 100. Atransport unit 214 comprises means to transport atape cartridge magazine 206 from theshelf system 220 to a location that facilitates atape cartridge 100 to be inserted in one of thedrives tape cartridge 201 in a cooperating relationship withdrive 224 to read and write data as shown. Thetransport device 214 can optionally be associated with at least one auxiliary radio frequencymemory device reader 234, as shown here, disposed on thetransport unit 214. The auxiliary radio frequencymemory device reader 234 is one example of a reader independent of a tape drive'sreader 230. Thelibrary 200 also optionally comprises an entry/exit port 204 wherebytape cartridges 100 ortape cartridge magazines 206 can be transferred between an environment external to thelibrary 200 and an environment internal to thelibrary 200. As shown here, preferably at least one auxiliary radio frequencymemory device reader 236 is associated with the entry/exit port 204. In this embodiment, thelibrary 200 can accommodate agraphical user interface 218 and anauxiliary memory 240, such as a disk drive or solid state memory device, capable of storing relevant information related to eachtape 100. Theauxiliary memory device 240 and/orgraphical user interface 218 are linked to each reader, such as thereader 230, via a linking means such as a cable or some other wireless device for example, through which a reader, such as thereader 230, transmits the information stored on an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104. In one embodiment, thetape cartridges 100 or the tape cartridge magazines may be associated with different user of data such that the storage space in thelibrary 200 is partitioned into two or more parts wherein each part is associated with the different user of data for example. - With reference to
FIG. 2B , shown therein aretape cartridges 100 supported by atape cartridge magazine 206. In more detail, atape cartridge 100, such as an LTO3 category tape cartridge manufactured by IBM of Armonk, New York, comprises magnetic tape that is capable of storing digital data written by acompatible drive tape cartridge 201 as shown inFIG. 2A . Thetape cartridge magazine 206 is shown populated with a plurality oftape cartridges 100. Atape cartridge 100 can be removed from thetape cartridge magazine 206, as shown by thearrow 250, and inserted in to thetape drive picker device 402, shown inFIG. 4 . Disposed on thetape cartridge magazine 252 is abar code identifier 254, or other identifying indicia, for identifying thetape cartridge magazine 206 which has utility should thetape cartridge magazine 206 be archived in a media pack storage vault, for example. In this embodiment, alltape cartridges 100 contain an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104, however, in alternative embodiments, some tape cartridges may not contain an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104. - An auxiliary radio
frequency memory device 104, in one embodiment, is parceled into three regions in which data can be stored; a medium device region which contains information such as a serial number, a device region which contains information from the tape drive such as load count, and host/vendor unique region wherein information such as history and/or performance data related to thecartridge 100 can be stored. The information in the regions can be added to with new information via an address related to the arrangement of available storage space in the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 or, optionally, the information can be read by an auxiliary memory reader, such as thereader 230, and reassembled with additional information and stored on the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 as the reassembled version, just to name two examples. In another example, if the storage limit is reached in the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104, such as the host/vendor data in the host/vendor unique region, the host/vendor data can be read and stored in an auxiliary storage space, such as theauxiliary memory 240, and the host/vendor unique region purged and made available for new information. In another example, the host/vendor data can be compressed with algorithms to decompress residing in thelibrary 200 or user ofdata 202, for example. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of ashelf system 220 that comprises anauxiliary memory reader 232 that can be used in combination with a loadedtape cartridge magazine 206. As illustratively shown in arrangement-A, thetape cartridge magazine 206 is in the process of being moved on to theshelf 220 in the direction of the arrow. Theauxiliary memory reader 232 is shown transmitting anRF field 304 via an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 contained incartridge A 302. Arrangement-B illustrates the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 contained intape cartridge A 302 transmitting data in the form of anRF signal 306 to theauxiliary memory reader 232 when positioned in the presence of theRF field 304. In one embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 is a passive device because it is energized when subjected to a strong enough RF field produced by theauxiliary memory reader 232. Information is transmitted between the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 and theauxiliary memory reader 232 via a specific radio frequency, shown here as 304 and 306. Data can be transferred and stored on the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 from thelibrary 200 or alternatively (and in addition to) data from the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 can be transferred to theauxiliary memory 240 via theauxiliary memory reader 232. Arrangement-C illustrates the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 contained intape cartridge B 308 transmitting data in the form of anRF signal 307 to theauxiliary memory reader 232 when positioned in the presence of theRF field 304. Arrangement-D illustrates the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 contained intape cartridge C 310 transmitting data in the form of anRF signal 309 to theauxiliary memory reader 232 when positioned in the presence of theRF field 304. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , shown therein is an illustration of thetransport unit 214, ofFIG. 2A , in greater detail. Thetransport unit 214 is adapted to transporttape cartridge magazines 206 within thelibrary 200. Acartridge picker 402, which can be associated with thetransport unit 214, is adapted to movecartridges 100 from atape cartridge magazine 206 into a cooperating read/write relationship with a tape drive, such astape drive 224 ofFIG. 2A . Thetransport unit 214 is illustratively shown herein accommodating anauxiliary memory reader 234 that is transmitting an RF signal 408 (and potentially data) to an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 contained intape cartridge D 404 whereby the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 ofcartridge D 404 is transmitting data via anRF signal 410 to theauxiliary memory reader 234. -
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein an auxiliary radio frequencymemory device reader 236 is capable of providing notice when atape cartridge 100 is moved to an unintended location. In this embodiment, thelibrary 200 provides analarm system 500 that is activated when atape cartridge 100 is moved to an unintended location, such as being moved out of thelibrary 200 through the entry/exit port 204. As shown, thetape cartridge 100, and more specifically, the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 contained by thetape cartridge 100, transmits anRF response 502 when activated by theRF field 504 produced by the auxiliary radio frequencymemory device reader 236. An algorithm associated with thelibrary 200 can be initiated via theRF response 502 to determine if thetape cartridge 100 is authorized to pass through the entry/exit port 204. In the event of thetape cartridge 100 is displaced without authorization, thealarm 500 linked to the auxiliary radio frequencymemory device reader 236 will activate. This measure can provide safeguard against stealing atape cartridge 100 from thelibrary 200 or inserting anunauthorized tape cartridge 100 having an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 into thelibrary 200. In an alternative embodiment, thealarm 506 can be transmitted to a user ofdata 202 alerting that atape cartridge 100 has been displaced without authorization. In yet another optional embodiment, one or more auxiliary radio frequency memory device readers (not shown) can be located in different places in or around thelibrary 200 to indicate if atape cartridge 100 is being moved to an unintended location. Such an arrangement can include a means to alert a user ofdata 202, or other authority, that something is out of order. In yet another embodiment, the auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 associated with a tape cartridge can be marked as “moved without authorization” or “stolen”, etc. Optionally, alternative data, such as history and/or performance data related to thecartridge 100 can be obtained during passing passing of thecartridge 100 by thereader 236. - Storage space on an auxiliary radio
frequency memory device 104 is made available to a host, or user ofdata 202, in addition to space available for a drive device, such astape drive 224, andtape cartridge 100. In some embodiments, the space for a host, referred to also as a host region, may contain attributes including, but not limited to, the date the media was generated, or manufactured, the time the cartridge was written (tape writing time), the time the cartridge was last accessed, a list of Single Character Display (SCD) at unload which is an indicia of potential errors with a drive and labeling field, such as a label tagged “Confidential Tape”, library vital statistics, and other performance and/or historical event related data, for example. Library vital statistics can include data related to heat, humidity, voltage levels and the time of a certain activity level, etc. - In another embodiment of the present invention, a single bit of data, called a virgin bit, can be toggled in the auxiliary radio
frequency memory device 104 when atape cartridge 100 is used for the first time. A virgin bit can serve as an indicator that a tape has been used at least once which can reduce the number of new tape cartridges accidentally destroyed in the company of heavily used or damaged tape cartridges. - Data from each tape cartridge's auxiliary radio
frequency memory device 104, obtained by an auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader, such as 230, 232, 234, or the like, can be stored on anauxiliary memory device 240 associated with thelibrary 200. Optionally, the data can be stored in memory associated in an alternative location, such as with thehost 202, for example. Because many potential attributes can be stored on an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104, the manner in which the data can be displayed may be organized in accordance with specific needs. For example, each recorded cartridge can have an associated file where upon opening the file, one can choose which attribute to display. Alternatively, a display can include a handful of most frequently viewed data or data filtered according to specific performance related thresholds. Illustrative examples are shown inFIGS. 6A-6C . - With reference to
FIG. 6A , shown therein is one example of a displayed data table 600 pertaining to performance and historical event related information contained in an auxiliary radiofrequency memory device 104 stored on an auxiliary memory device, such asdevice 240. The displayed data table 600 can be viewed on thegraphical user interface 218 or, optionally, on a monitor accessible by a user ofdata 202, just to name two viewing examples. The data is sorted by an action to replace acartridge 608 which, in this example, is either an exceeded threshold of number of loads or soft error count. As illustrated, four columns are displayed, namely; the tape cartridge bar codeserial number 602, the number of times a tape cartridge is loaded 604, the number of soft errors counted in a tape 606 (performance related) and the action to replace atape cartridge 608. Here, the number of loads that may alert a user ofdata 202 or a library operator is set at more than 10,000 times atape cartridge 100 is loaded and threaded in a tape drive. Here, an excessive number of soft errors in which the number of times a tape drive has to rewrite a stream of data due to a read error (while writing) is set at a threshold of 30 soft errors. As illustratively shown, bar code serial number AAA has an action to be replaced because of an excess loads, i.e., 10,002. Bar code serial number AAF has an action to be replaced because of an excess of soft errors, i.e., 31. Bar code serial number BCC has an action to be replaced because of both an excess loads, i.e., 10,001, and an excess of soft errors, i.e., 30. A decision to replace the tape cartridge can be left up to an operator or end user or can optionally be automatically accomplished by thelibrary 200. -
FIG. 6B shows an alternative example of a displayed data table 620 showing all tape cartridges in a library. As illustrated, four columns are displayed, namely; the tape cartridge bar codeserial number 602, the number of times a tape cartridge is loaded 604, the number of soft errors counted in atape 606 and the action to replace atape cartridge 608. In this example, all of the bar code serial numbers of all thetapes 100 in alibrary 200 are displayed in succession in the bar codeserial number column 602. As inFIG. 6A , cartridge bar code serial number AAA has 10,002 loads, 1 soft error count and has an action to be replaced due to excessive loads. Cartridge AAB has 7,800 loads a soft error count of 3 and there is no action needed regarding tape AAB. Likewise, tape cartridges AAC, AAD and AAE require no further action as their respective number of loads and soft error counts are under the threshold limits requiring further action. -
FIG. 6C shows an alternative example of a displayed data table 640 showing just tape cartridge AAA and a list of SCD of four tape drives that are used with tape cartridge AAA. Not all tape drives provide an SCD, however some drives do, such as an IBM LTO-3 drive. As illustrated, five columns are displayed, namely; serial number AAA load count arranged insuccessive loads 642, drive-1load status 644, drive-2load status 646, drive-3load status 648 and drive-4load status 650. As illustrated forloads error 6 which may be a tape drive or media error displayed by drive-3. As such, an operator or user of data may arrive at the conclusion that drive-3 is broken or may need servicing. The registered SCD of 0 indicates that no error occurred. -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating acentral data base 702 acting as a repository for information pertaining to at least some of the tape cartridges associated with each library. As shown in the illustrative arrangement,library A 704,B 706,C 708,D 710 andE 712 are each linked to thecentral data base 702. Thecentral data base 702 can provide storage of any, and all, auxiliary radio frequency memory device information contained in each tape cartridge associated with each library A-E 704-712. In one embodiment, all of the tape cartridges comprised bylibrary A 704 may each comprise an auxiliary radio frequency memory device, such as thedevice 104. Thecentral data base 702 can, therefore, contain all of the information from each of the auxiliary radio frequency memory devices fromlibrary A 704 and further be adapted to sort the information in any number of ways including the exemplary arrangements ofFIGS. 6A-6C .Library B 706 may comprise tape cartridges that do not have an auxiliary radio frequency memory device, thus, only those that do have an auxiliary radio frequency memory device can store associated information on thecentral data base 702.Library C 708 may include some cartridges with an attribute associated with each auxiliary radio frequency memory device that bars storing any associated information on thecentral data base 702, hence, only those cartridges that are allowed to be stored (i.e., not barred) on thecentral data base 702 are stored. The auxiliary radio frequency memory device information stored on the central data base can be viewed by an authority, such as an Original Equipment Manufacturer of libraries and/or tapes, for purposes of tape management, such as replacing damaged or worn out tapes or notifying a user of data if something out of the ordinary has occurred. - Embodiments of the present invention can be commercially practiced in a Spectra Logic T-950 tape cartridge library manufactured by Spectra Logic of Boulder Colorado.
FIG. 8 shows a commercial embodiment of one T-950unit 800 without an enclosure. The T-950library 800 comprises a first andsecond shelf system tape cartridge magazine 206 comprising a plurality of LTO-3 tape cartridges with MAMs, archived by thelibrary 800. Theshelf systems auxiliary memory reader 232 ofFIG. 2A . Furthermore, thesecond shelf system 840 comprises at least one drive (not shown) adapted to read and write data to and from a tape cartridge. Functionally interposed between the first andsecond shelf system magazine transport space 810. Themagazine transport space 810 is adapted to provide adequate space for atape cartridge magazine 206 to be moved, via a magazine transport and cartridge picker (not shown), from a position in thefirst shelf system 830, for example, to a drive. The magazine transport and picker can further accommodate at least one auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader, such as thereader 234 fromFIG. 2A .Tape cartridge magazines 206 can be transferred into and out from the T-950library 800 via an entry/exit port 850. An auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader, such as thereader 236 fromFIG. 2A , can be associated with the entry/exit port 850. Transferringtape cartridge magazines 206 in and out of the T-950library 800 can be accomplished by an operator for example. The T-950library 800 comprises a means for cooling as shown by thefans 860, located at the base of thelibrary 800. The T-950library 800 can be linked to a central data base, such as thedata base 702, wherein the central data base can provide storage of all of the auxiliary radio frequency memory devices, such as thedevice 104, contained in each tape cartridge in the T-950library 800 as read by any one of the auxiliary radio frequency memory device readers. The T-950library 800 also provides a graphical user interface (not shown) whereon a display table much like those illustrated inFIGS. 6A-6C can be displayed. In an alternative embodiment, simple messages pertaining action associated with a tape cartridge can be displayed, such as an alert accompanying a sound alarm, for example. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 in conjunction withFIG. 2A , shown therein is a method to practice an embodiment of the present invention. It should be recognized that the steps presented in the described embodiments of the present invention do not necessarily require any particular sequence unless otherwise stated. As shown instep 900, alibrary 200 is provided with atape drive 224, a tape drive auxiliary memory reader andwriter device 230 associated with thetape drive 224, an auxiliary memory reader device that is independent from the tape drive, such asdevice auxiliary storage location 240, and afirst tape cartridge 201 that possesses a firstauxiliary memory device 104. In an optional embodiment, the auxiliary memory reader device that is independent from the tape drive can also be capable of writing data to the firstauxiliary memory device 104 associated with thefirst tape cartridge 201. As shown instep 902, thefirst tape cartridge 201 is loaded in thedrive 224 for a first time. A tape cartridge prior to loading in thedrive 224 in thetape library 200 for the first time is considered a virgin tape cartridge. As shown instep 904, a “first loading event” is stored to the firstauxiliary memory device 104 associated with thetape cartridge 201 via the tape drive auxiliary memory reader andwriter device 230. In one embodiment, record of the “first loading event” can be in the form of a single bit, or virgin bit, toggled to indicate the event occurred. As shown insteps first tape cartridge 201 is unloaded from thetape drive 224 followed by reading that the “first loading event” occurred from the firstauxiliary memory device 104 via the auxiliary memory reader device that is independent from the tape drive, such as thereader auxiliary memory device 104, the information that the event took place is transmitted to the designated cumulative auxiliary storage location, as shown instep 910. As shown instep 912, a record that the first loading event took place relative thefirst tape cartridge 201 is stored in the designated cumulativeauxiliary storage location 240. In one embodiment of the method, the steps 900-912 are in order. It should be clear that the reading event ofstep 908 does not have to occur immediately after thestep 906 of unloading thetape cartridge 201; for example, a large amount of time with intervening activity can occur betweensteps -
FIG. 10 shows an alternative method that can add to the method ofFIG. 9 or can stand alone. As shown instep 1020, thetape library 200 can be provided with ashelf system 220 wherein theshelf system 220 accommodates a plurality of tape cartridges, such ascartridge 100, wherein each of thetape cartridges 100 possesses an associated auxiliary memory device, such asdevice 104. As shown instep 1022, each of the plurality oftape cartridges 100 is moved between theshelf system 220 and thetape drive step 1024, each of thetape cartridges 100 are read during a portion of the movingstep 1022 via the auxiliary memory reader device that is independent from the tape drive, such asdevice steps 1026 and 228, respectively, all information associated with each of the plurality of associated auxiliary memory devices from each of thetape cartridges 100 are reported from the auxiliary memory reader device that is independent from the tape drive, such asdevices auxiliary storage location 240 where the information can be recorded. As shown instep 1030, at least one parameter from at least one of the tape cartridges is reported to a user ofdata 202. The at least one reported parameter can be associated with a parameter such as a performance and/or historical event that has a related threshold limit such that when the threshold limit is reached an alert message is also reported to the user ofdata 202. - It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, multiple auxiliary memory reader devices that are independent from the tape drive can be used inside of a library with one or more tape cartridge's associated auxiliary memory device at the same time while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Another example can include using auxiliary memory reader devices that are independent from the tape drive to check accuracy of data via redundancy not to mention techniques in which data from multiple tape cartridges, via their associated auxiliary memory devices, can be accumulated coincidentally, just to name a few examples while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, though elements and methods are described herein exemplifying a first and second object or element, for example, this language is used herein to simplify the description indicative of a plurality of objects or elements. Finally, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to tape library systems and RF devices, and related technology, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to other remote communication systems and devices, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A tape library comprising a first tape drive and a second tape drive, a tape cartridge possessing an auxiliary memory device, said tape library adapted to perform method steps of:
loading said tape cartridge in said first tape drive;
recording to said auxiliary memory device that said tape cartridge has been loaded into said first tape drive as a first loading event;
unloading said tape cartridge from said tape drive;
loading said tape cartridge in said second tape drive;
recording to said auxiliary memory device that said tape cartridge has been loaded into said second tape drive as a second loading event.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said steps of recording to said auxiliary memory device are accomplished by a first tape drive auxiliary memory reader and writer device associated with said first tape drive and a second tape drive auxiliary memory reader and writer device associated with said second tape drive.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising recording both of said first and said second loading events to a designated cumulative auxiliary storage location that is further comprised by said tape library.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said cumulative auxiliary storage location includes a plurality of other loading events wherein some of the plurality of other loading events includes different tape cartridges and different tape drives.
5. The method of claim 3 further comprising transmitting said first and said second loading events to said designated cumulative auxiliary storage location via an auxiliary radio frequency memory device reader that is independent of said first or said second tape drive.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said first loading event includes, in addition to a record of said first tape drive, an error associated with said first loading event.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein said error is linked to a single character display readout associated with said first tape drive.
8. The method of claim 6 further comprising determining that said first tape drive is faulty based on said recording of said error associated with said first loading event.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein said first loading event includes, in addition to a record of said first tape drive, at least one vital statistic associated with said tape library at the time of said first loading event.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein said auxiliary memory device further includes records of other loading events associated with other tape drives.
11. A library arranged to perform method steps comprising:
engaging a tape cartridge with a first tape drive from when said tape cartridge first encounters said first tape drive to when said tape cartridge is unloaded from said first tape drive;
determining an error based on said engagement of said tape cartridge and said first tape drive wherein said first tape drive causes said error;
making a first record that includes said error and knowledge that said engaging step occurred with said first tape drive;
maintaining said first record in an auxiliary memory device comprised by said tape cartridge.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said auxiliary memory device further includes at least one other record of an engagement between said tape cartridge and a different tape drive and any records of errors between said tape cartridge and said different tape drive.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising storing said first record in a designated cumulative auxiliary storage location that is independent of said first tape drive or said tape cartridge.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein said designated cumulative auxiliary storage location contains additional records that include engagements between other tape cartridges and different tape drives and any errors detected between said other tape cartridges and said different tape drives.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising determining if any of said tape drives is not functioning properly based on said records.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein said error corresponds to a single character display result associated with said first tape drive.
17. A tape library comprising:
a first tape drive adapted to engage a tape cartridge from when said tape cartridge first encounters said first tape drive to when said tape cartridge is unloaded from said first tape drive;
an auxiliary memory device, essentially disposed in said tape cartridge, adapted to retain a record that includes knowledge of said first tape drive, knowledge of said engagement between said tape cartridge and said first tape drive, and knowledge of an error based on said engagement of said tape cartridge and said first tape drive wherein said first tape drive caused said error.
18. The tape library of claim 17 wherein said auxiliary memory device further includes at least one other record of an engagement between said tape cartridge and a different tape drive and any associated record of errors between said tape cartridge and said different tape drive.
19. The tape library of claim 17 further comprising a designated cumulative auxiliary storage location that is adapted to maintain said record in addition to other records that include engagements between other tape cartridges and other tape drives and any between said other tape cartridges and said other tape drives.
20. The tape library of claim 17 further comprising a display device that is adapted to alert a user of data that said first tape drive is faulty based on said record of said error.
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US13/248,207 US8767330B2 (en) | 2003-06-26 | 2011-09-29 | Tape cartridge auxiliary memory based library |
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US10/604,118 US7359142B2 (en) | 2003-06-26 | 2003-06-26 | Magazine-based data cartridge library |
US11/877,645 US20080043366A1 (en) | 2003-06-26 | 2007-10-23 | Tape cartridge auxiliary memeory based library |
US12/897,469 US20110019304A1 (en) | 2003-06-26 | 2010-10-04 | Tape cartridge auxiliary memeory based library |
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Also Published As
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US8767330B2 (en) | 2014-07-01 |
US20120019949A1 (en) | 2012-01-26 |
US20080043366A1 (en) | 2008-02-21 |
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