Barcode module for an automated data storage library

• US 6,085,975 A
• Filed: 04/12/1999
• Issued: 07/11/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Disc Company
• Original Assignee: Disc Company
• Inventors: Swan, Paul, Irvine, Brian, Etchison, Stephen, Dando, Kyle F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Frech, Karl D
• Application Number:
  US09/291,141
• Time in Patent Office: 456 Days
• Field of Search: 235/380, 235/383, 235/462.01, 235/462.13, 235/492, 235/487, 235/488, 235/475, 235/479, 235/486, 369/30, 369/34, 369/36
• US Class Current: 235/383
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 17/22 from random access magazine of disc records
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/213 Read-only discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/216 Rewritable discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2525 Magneto-optical [MO] discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2562 DVDs [digital versatile discs]; Digital video discs; MMCDs; HDCDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2575 DVD-RAMs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/41 Flat as opposed to hierarchical combination, e.g. library of tapes or discs, CD changer, or groups of record carriers that together store one title
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/002 Programmed access in sequence to a plurality of record carriers or indexed parts, e.g. tracks, thereof, e.g. for editing; transfer of record carriers from magazine G11B15/68, G11B17/10; G11B17/22

Abstract

A barcode module for an automated data storage libary is described. More particularly, a barcode module capable of being manipulated by a picker and easily retrofitted to existing data storage libraries is described. The barcode module may be equipped with a network interface capable of receiving high-level commands over a control network from a central control unit and converting the high-level commands into low-level commands used to control the barcode module.

Claims

1. An optical reader module for a data jukebox, comprising:

a housing capable of being manipulated by a picker;

a plurality of contacts configured to mate with a matching set of contacts on the picker; and

an optical reader device coupled to the housing, the optical reader capable of reading identification tags on media cartridges to allow inventory of media cartridges in the data jukebox.

2. The optical reader module of claim 1, wherein the contacts provide power to the optical reader module.

3. The optical reader module of claim 1, wherein the contacts allow the optical reader module to exchange information with a central control unit.

4. A barcode module for a data jukebox, comprising:

a housing capable of being manipulated by a picker;

a plurality of contacts configured to mate with a matching set of contacts on the picker; and

a barcode reader coupled to the housing, the barcode reader capable of reading barcodes found on media cartridges to allow inventory of media cartridges in the data jukebox.

5. The barcode module of claim 4, wherein the contacts provide power to the barcode module.

6. The barcode module of claim 4, wherein the contacts allow the barcode module to exchange information with a central control unit.