Tracking location and usage of a mechanical sub assembly (MSA) within an automated storage library utilizing a unique identifier associated with location coordinates of the MSA
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- assigning a unique identifier to a mechanical sub assembly (MSA), wherein the MSA is located within an automated storage library;
associating the unique identifier with the frame, column, and row coordinates of one or more mechanical sub assemblies (MSAs);
dynamically tracking a location of the MSA when one or more changes are detected affecting the MSA from among;
rearrangement of the MSA, relocation of the MSA, and removal of the MSA; and
automatically incrementing a usage counter associated with the automated storage library, in response to a data cartridge being inserted or removed from the MSA.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method, system, and computer program product for sensing the presence and/or misplacement of mechanical sub assemblies (MSAs) within storage slots of automated storage libraries. Each MSA is tracked based on signed empty cell barcode labels. Signed empty cell barcode labels are utilized to uniquely identify the frame, column, and row coordinates of one or more MSAs. The storage library automatically scans all signed empty cell barcode labels utilizing a scanner mounted on a robotic device. The system provides a counter for each MSA, allowing the storage library to track the usage of the MSA. As usage of the MSA reaches a predefined lifecycle, the library automatically generates an alert to replace the MSA. When a MSA is rearranged within the storage library, the library automatically maps the new frame, column, and row coordinates of the MSA. The counter dynamically modifies the usage count of the MSA according to the unique cell barcode label, thereby tracking all current and previous cartridges, and/or other items that may be scanned during MSA activity.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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assigning a unique identifier to a mechanical sub assembly (MSA), wherein the MSA is located within an automated storage library; associating the unique identifier with the frame, column, and row coordinates of one or more mechanical sub assemblies (MSAs); dynamically tracking a location of the MSA when one or more changes are detected affecting the MSA from among;
rearrangement of the MSA, relocation of the MSA, and removal of the MSA; andautomatically incrementing a usage counter associated with the automated storage library, in response to a data cartridge being inserted or removed from the MSA. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An electronic device comprising:
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a processing component; a scanning mechanism; a usage counter; an input mechanism that receives a scan of a unique identifier; an output mechanism that outputs an electronic signal associated with the unique identifier; a mechanism for receiving the electronic signal; a utility for processing the electronic signal and which comprises code for; assigning a unique identifier to a mechanical sub assembly (MSA), wherein the MSA is located within an automated storage library; associating the unique identifier with the frame, column, and row coordinates of one or more mechanical sub assemblies (MSAs); dynamically tracking a location of the MSA in response to detecting one or more changes affecting the MSA from among;
rearrangement of the MSA, relocation of the MSA, and removal of the MSA; andautomatically incrementing a usage counter associated with the automated storage library, in response to a data cartridge being inserted or removed from the MSA. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification