Transparent code update in an automated data storage library

• US 6,782,448 B2
• Filed: 04/02/2002
• Issued: 08/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Goodman, Brian Gerard, Jesionowski, Leonard George, Roberts, Robin Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Sparks, Donald
• Assistant Examiner(s): Farrokh, Hashem
• Application Number:
  US10/113,670
• Publication Number:
  US 20030188304A1
• Time in Patent Office: 875 Days
• Field of Search: 700/67, 700/84, 700/90, 700/92, 711/111-112, 711/114, 711/147, 711/150, 711/154, 711/168, 711/170, 713/1-2, 717/169-173, 360/12, 360/92, 360/234.5, 369/30.06
• US Class Current: 711/112
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/656 while running

Abstract

An automated data storage library accesses data storage media from storage shelves in response to commands from external host(s). The library receives a code update image while continuing to operate. The library is operated to an off-line status at external interface(s) that permit communication with the host(s). Then, and after the image is stored in nonvolatile memory, the processor(s) are reset, thereby activating the code update image, the processor(s) subsequently coming up from the reset to an operational state. Then, the library goes to an on-line status at the external interface(s).

Claims

1. An automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, comprising:

a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

at least one processor node, each of said processor nodes having at least a processor, said processor operating from a current code image; and

at least one memory;

said automated data storage library;

receives a code update image;

during and subsequent to receiving said code update image, continues to operate said automated data storage library;

stores said code update image in said at least one memory;

determines within a predetermined timeout period, whether said code update image has been stored in said at least one memory, and, if so, subsequently, operates said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

resets said processor of said at least one processor node, thereby activating said code update image in place of said current code image, said processor subsequently coming up from said reset to an operational state; and

subsequently, goes to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

2. The automated data storage library of claim 1, additionally comprising a work queue for jobs received from said at least one host system, and said automated data storage library, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises completing said jobs in said work queue.

3. The automated data storage library of claim 1, wherein said automated data storage library, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises reporting at said at least one external interface that said automated data storage library is currently not ready and will become ready.

4. An automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, comprising:

a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

at least one processor node, each of said processor nodes having at least a processor, said processor operating from a current code image; and

at least one memory;

said automated data storage library;

receives a code update image;

during and subsequent to receiving said code update image, continues to operate said automated data storage library;

stores said code update image in said at least one memory;

determines within a predetermined timeout period, whether said code update image has been stored in said at least one memory; and

if so, subsequently, operates said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

moves said at least one robot accessor to “

home”

position; and

resets said processor of said at least one processor node, thereby activating said code update image in place of said current code image, said processor subsequently coming up from said reset to an operational state; and

, subsequently, goes to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

5. An automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, comprising:

a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system; and

at least one processor node for communicating with said at least one external interface, said at least one processor node having at least a processor, said processor operating from a current code image, said at least one processor node additionally associated with a nonvolatile memory, and said at least one processor node operating said automated data storage library, said at least one processor node;

receives a code update image, while continuing to operate said automated data storage library;

stores said code update image in said nonvolatile memory;

operates said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

resets said processor, activates said code update image of said nonvolatile memory in place of said current code image, and comes up from said reset to an operational state; and

subsequent to said processor coming to said operational state, operates said automated data storage library to go to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

6. The automated data storage library of claim 5, wherein said at least one processor node comprises a work queue for jobs received from said at least one host system, and said at least one processor node, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises completing said jobs in said work queue.

7. The automated data storage library of claim 5, wherein said at least one processor node, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises reporting at said at least one external interface that said automated data storage library is currently not ready and will become ready.

8. The automated data storage library of claim 5, wherein said at least one processor node, upon receiving a partial said code update image while operating said automated data storage library, stores said partial code update image in said nonvolatile memory, continues operating said automated data storage library, and waits for the remainder of said code update image.

9. The automated data storage library of claim 5, wherein said at least one processor node, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises moving said robot accessor to a “

home”

position.

10. An automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, comprising:

a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

a common bus; and

a plurality of processor nodes communicating over said common bus, each of said processor nodes having at least a processor and associated with a nonvolatile memory, said processor operating from a current code image, at least one of said processor nodes for communicating with said at least one external host at said external interface, and at least one said processor node for operating said robot accessor, and said plurality of processor nodes operating said automated data storage library, said plurality of processor nodes;

at least one said processor node receives a code update image while said plurality of processor nodes continue to operate said automated data storage library;

at least one said processor node stores said code update image in said associated nonvolatile memory;

subsequent to said at least one processor node receiving said code update image, said plurality of processor nodes operate said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

said at least one processor node resets said processor, activates said code update image of said associated nonvolatile memory in place of said current code image, comes up from said reset to an operational state; and

subsequently, said plurality of processor nodes go to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

11. The automated data storage library of claim 10, wherein said plurality of processor nodes, operate said automated data storage library to said off-line status at said at least one external interface upon all of said plurality of processor nodes completing said storage of said code update image within a predetermined timeout period.

12. The automated data storage library of claim 10, wherein at least one of said plurality of processor nodes, upon receiving a partial said code update image while operating said automated data storage library, stores said partial code update image in said associated nonvolatile memory, and waits for the remainder of said code update image, such that said plurality of processor nodes continue operating said automated data storage library.

13. The automated data storage library of claim 12, wherein said at least one processor node, upon storing a complete said code update image, communicates said storage on said common bus.

14. The automated data storage library of claim 10, wherein said plurality of processor nodes, additionally, upon operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status at said at least one external interface, reset said automated data storage library, thereby resetting said at least one processor node to reset said processor, and activate said code update image of said associated nonvolatile memory in place of said current code image.

15. The automated data storage library of claim 10, wherein said plurality of processor nodes, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises moving said robot accessor to a “

home”

position.

16. The automated data storage library of claim 10, wherein said plurality of processor nodes comprise a work queue for jobs received from said at least one host system, and said plurality of processor nodes, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises completing said jobs in said work queue.

17. The automated data storage library of claim 10, wherein said plurality of processor nodes, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises reporting at said at least one external interface that said automated data storage library is currently not ready and will become ready.

18. A processor node of an automated data storage library, at least said processor node for operating said automated data storage library;

said automated data storage library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media, at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media, at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive, and at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

said processor node comprising;

at least a processor; and

a nonvolatile memory;

said processor node;

upon receiving a code update image while operating said automated data storage library in accordance with a current code image, stores said code update image in said nonvolatile memory, while continuing to operate said automated data storage library; and

subsequent to completing said storage of said code update image by said processor node, at least said processor node operates said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

resets said processor of said processor node, activates said code update image in place of said current code image, and comes up to an operational state; and

at least said processor node subsequently operates said automated data storage library to go to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

19. The processor node of claim 18, upon receiving a partial said code update image while operating said automated data storage library, stores said partial code update image in said nonvolatile memory, continues operating said automated data storage library, and waits for the remainder of said code update image.

20. The processor node of claim 18, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises moving said robot accessor to a “

home”

position.

21. A method for performing a transparent update of code in an automated data storage library running a current version of said code, said automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, said automated data storage library comprising a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

at least one processor node, each of said processor nodes having at least a processor, said processor operating from a current code image; and

at least one nonvolatile memory, each said nonvolatile memory associated with at least one of said processor nodes;

said method comprising the steps of;

receiving a code update image;

during and subsequent to receiving said code update image, continuing to operate said automated data storage library;

storing said code update image in said at least one nonvolatile memory;

operating said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

resetting said processor of said at least one processor node associated with said at least one nonvolatile memory having said stored code update image, thereby activating said code update image in place of said current code image, said processor subsequently coming up from said reset to an operational state; and

subsequent to said at least one processor node coming up from said reset to said operational state, going to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said automated data storage library additionally comprises a work queue for jobs received from said at least one host system;

and wherein said method, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises completing said jobs in said work queue.

23. The method of claim 21, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises reporting at said at least one external interface that said automated data storage library is currently not ready and will become ready.

24. The method of claim 21, in operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises moving said robot accessor to a “

home”

position.

25. A computer program product of a computer readable medium usable with a programmable computer, said computer program product having computer readable program code embodied therein for performing a transparent update of operational code in an automated data storage library running a current version of said operational code, said automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, said automated data storage library comprising a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

at least one processor node, each of said processor nodes having at least a processor, said processor operating from a current operational code image; and

at least one memory, each said memory associated with at least one of said processor nodes;

said computer program product comprising;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node to receive an operational code update image;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to continue to operate said automated data storage library during and subsequent to receiving said operational code update image,

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to store said operational code update image in said at least one memory;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to determine within a predetermined timeout period, whether said operational code update image has been stored in said at least one memory, and, if so, subsequently, to operate said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to reset said processor of said at least one processor node, thereby activating said operational code update image in place of said current operational code image, said processor subsequently coming up from said reset to an operational state; and

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, subsequent to said at least one processor node coming up from said reset to said operational state, to go to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

26. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein said automated data storage library additionally comprises a work queue for jobs received from said at least one host system;

and wherein said computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node to operate said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises completing said jobs in said work queue.

27. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein said computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node to operate said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises reporting at said at least one external interface that said automated data storage library is currently not ready and will become ready.

28. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein said computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node to operate said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises moving said robot accessor to a “

home”

position.

29. A computer program product of a computer readable medium usable with a programmable computer, said computer program product having computer readable program code embodied therein for performing a transparent update of operational code in a processor node of an automated data storage library, at least said processor node for operating said automated data storage library;

said automated data storage library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media, at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media, at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive, and at least one external interface for communicating with at least one external host system;

said processor node comprising at least a processor, said processor node associated with a nonvolatile memory;

said computer program product comprising;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said processor node to receive an operational code update image, while operating said automated data storage library in accordance with a current operational code image;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said processor node, to store said operational code update image in said nonvolatile memory;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said processor node, to operate said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface; and

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said processor node to reset said processor of said processor node, to activate said operational code update image of said nonvolatile memory in place of said current operational code image, and to come up to an operational state; and

to subsequently operate said automated data storage library to go to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

30. The computer program product of claim 29, additionally comprising computer readable program code which causes said processor of said processor node, upon receiving a partial said operational code update image while operating said automated data storage library, to store said partial operational code update image in said nonvolatile memory, to continue operating said automated data storage library, and to wait for the remainder of said operational code update image.

31. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein said automated data storage library additionally comprises a work queue for jobs received from said at least one host system;

and wherein said computer readable program code which causes said processor of said processor node to operate said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises completing said jobs in said work queue.

32. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein said computer readable program code which causes said processor of said processor node to operate said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises reporting at said at least one external interface that said automated data storage library is currently not ready and will become ready.

33. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein said computer readable program code which causes said processor of said processor node operating said automated data storage library to said off-line status, additionally comprises moving said robot accessor to a “

home”

position.

34. An automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, comprising:

a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

at least one processor node, each of said processor nodes having at least a processor, said processor operating from a current code image, at least one said processor node having inventory data relating to said data storage media that are in said automated data storage library; and

at least one nonvolatile memory;

said automated data storage library;

receives a code update image while operating said automated data storage library;

during and subsequent to receiving said code update image, continues to operate said automated data storage library;

stores said code update image in a said nonvolatile memory;

operates said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

stores said inventory data in a said nonvolatile memory;

resets said processor of said at least one processor node having said stored code update image, thereby activating said code update image of said nonvolatile memory in place of said current code image, said processor subsequently coming up from said reset to an operational state; and

subsequently, restores said inventory data to said processor node, and goes to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

35. A method for performing a transparent update of code in an automated data storage library running a current version of said code, said automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, said automated data storage library comprising a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

at least one processor node, each of said processor nodes having at least a processor, said processor operating from a current code image, at least one said processor node having inventory data relating to said data storage media that are in said automated data storage library; and

at least one nonvolatile memory;

said method comprising the steps of;

receiving a code update image;

during and subsequent to receiving said code update image, continuing to operate said automated data storage library;

storing said code update image in a said nonvolatile memory;

operating said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

storing said inventory data in a said nonvolatile memory;

resetting said processor of a said at least one processor node having said stored code update image, thereby activating said code update image of said nonvolatile memory in place of said current code image, said processor subsequently coming up from said reset to an operational state; and

subsequent to said at least one processor node coming up from said reset to said operational state, restoring said inventory data to said processor node, and going to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.

36. A computer program product of a computer readable medium usable with a programmable computer, said computer program product having computer readable program code embodied therein for performing a transparent update of operational code in an automated data storage library running a current version of said operational code, said automated data storage library for accessing data storage media in response to commands from at least one external host system, said automated data storage library comprising a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media;

at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing data with respect to said data storage media;

at least one robot accessor for transporting said data storage media between said plurality of storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive;

at least one external interface for communicating with said at least one external host system;

at least one processor node, each of said processor nodes having at least a processor, said processor operating from a current operational code image, at least one said processor node having inventory data relating to said data storage media that are in said automated data storage library; and

at least one nonvolatile memory;

said computer program product comprising;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to receive an operational code update image while continuing to operate said automated data storage library;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to store said operational code update image in a said nonvolatile memory;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to operate said automated data storage library to an off-line status at said at least one external interface;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to store said inventory data in a said nonvolatile memory;

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, to reset said processor of said at least one processor node having said stored operational code update image, thereby activating said operational code update image in place of said current operational code image, said processor subsequently coming up from said reset to an operational state; and

computer readable program code which causes said processor of said at least one processor node, subsequent to said at least one processor node coming up from said reset to said operational state, to restore said inventory data to said processor node, and to go to an on-line status at said at least one external interface.