System and method for data storage management

• US 6,226,688 B1
• Filed: 01/19/2000
• Issued: 05/01/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Storage Technologies Corporation (Oracle Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Storage Technologies Corporation (Oracle Corporation)
• Inventors: Frary, James M.
• Primary Examiner(s): VU, VIET DUY
• Application Number:
  US09/487,746
• Time in Patent Office: 468 Days
• Field of Search: 709/310, 709/321, 710/62, 710/65, 710/72, 710/73, 710/74, 710/8, 710/12, 710/13
• US Class Current: 719/310
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 15/68 Automatic cassette changing arrangements; automatic tape changing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 17/22 from random access magazine of disc records
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/11 by using information not detectable on the record carrier

Abstract

A system for identifying and managing information stored in a plurality of physical volumes (e.g., tape cartridges) in an information storage system includes a plurality of labels. Each label is configured for physical attachment to a physical volume and includes an electromagnetic transducer for storing data associated with the physical volume and/or the information contained therein. The means for storing is non-volatile, re-writable, and readable without requiring physical contact with the label.

Claims

1. A physical volume, for use in an information storage system, comprising:

a data storage media; and

an electronic label including data stored therein, wherein the data stored in the electronic label pertains to information contained on the data storage media, wherein the data stored in the electronic label comprises a summary of the information contained on the data storage media.

2. A physical volume, for use in an information storage system, comprising:

a data storage media; and

an electronic label including data stored therein, wherein the data stored in the electronic label pertains to information contained on the data storage media, wherein the data stored in the electronic label comprises a copy of a portion of the information contained on the data storage media.

3. A physical volume, for use in an information storage system, comprising:

a data storage media; and

an electronic label including data stored therein, wherein the data stored in the electronic label pertains to information contained on the data storage media, wherein the data stored in the electronic label comprises a directory of data files stored in the physical volume.

4. A physical volume, for use in an information storage system, comprising:

a data storage media; and

an electronic label including data stored therein, wherein the data stored in the electronic label pertains to information contained on the data storage media, wherein the data stored in the electronic label comprises a log of media defects.

5. A physical volume, for use in an information storage system, comprising:

a data storage media; and

an electronic label including data stored therein, wherein the data stored in the electronic label pertains to information contained on the data storage media, wherein the data stored in the electronic label comprises a log of media errors.