Method of non-disruptive capacity scaling for a data storage library

• US 20030113193A1
• Filed: 12/19/2001
• Published: 06/19/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Oracle America, Inc. (Oracle Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Storage Technology Corp (Oracle Corporation)
• Inventors: Plutt, Daniel James, Ostwald, Timothy C.
• Granted Patent: US 6,808,353 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 414/281
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 15/6835 the cassettes being transferred to a fixed recorder or player using a moving carriage
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 17/225 wherein the disks are transferred from a fixed magazine to a fixed playing unit using a moving carriage
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/125 the apparatus comprising a plurality of recording/reproducing devices, e.g. modular arrangements, arrays of disc drives

Abstract

A method for scaling a media storage library is provided, wherein the library comprises a plurality of media storage cells and at least one media picker robot. The method comprises connecting a new physical component to a section of the library. Examples of new components include additional robots, storage cell arrays, media players, as well as connecting a second adjacent library by means of a pass-through mechanism. Control software integrates this new physical component into the function of the library by auditing the content and function of the new component. During the connection and functional integration of the new component, the rest of the library continues its current operations. The method may further comprise defining at least one work zone within the library, wherein robots do not enter the work zone but continue to operate in other areas of the library.

Claims

1. A method for scaling a media storage library, wherein the library comprises a plurality of media storage cells and at least one media picker robot, the method comprising:

connecting a new physical component to a section of the library; and

integrating the new physical component into the function of the library by auditing the content and function of the new component;

wherein the library maintains current operation during the connection and functional integration of the new component.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the new physical component is a picker robot.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the new physical component is a storage cell array.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the new physical component is a media player.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the new physical component is a second storage library.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the storage libraries are connected by means of a pass-through mechanism that passes media cartridges between picker robots in the respective libraries.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

defining at least one work zone within the library, wherein the picker robot stays out of the work zone, while continuing to operate in other areas of the library.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the defined work area is associated with an open service door in an enclosure surrounding the library components.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the picker robot in the media storage library moves along interconnected guide rails.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the media storage library further comprises a plurality of picker robots.