WO1999065024A1

WO1999065024A1 - Recording medium library device and control method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO1999065024A1
Application number: PCT/JP1999/003056
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nobuhiro Tsurumaki; Keiji Tadokoro; Masato Yokota; Toru Yumine
Original assignee: Sony Corporation
Priority date: 1998-06-09
Filing date: 1999-06-08
Publication date: 1999-12-16

Abstract

A recording medium library device and a control method therefor capable of a continued processing without shutting down the entire system even when transporting of a recording medium such as a cassette tape fails; wherein a cassette library (1) comprises a drive device (13) for recording and reproducing information on/from cassettes (K), cassette storing shelves (14, 15) having many storing units for storing cassettes (K) and a cassette transporting machine (16) for transporting cassettes; and a library controller (2) controls the cassette transporting machine (16) to transport cassettes (K) between the cassette storing shelf (15) and the like and the drive device (13) and returns cassettes (K) temporarily to the original positions to inform the return to a host computer (3) when the cassette transporting machine (16) fails to execute a cassette transporting command.

Description

Recording medium library device and control method therefor

Technical field

The present invention accommodates a plurality of recording media such as cassette tapes that can be attached to and detached from a recording / reproducing device, and records various types of information on the stored recording media or reproduces information from the recording media as necessary. The present invention relates to a recording medium library device that can be performed, and an operation error processing method for coping with an operation error generated in such a recording medium library device. Further, the present invention relates to an operation test method for performing an operation test of such a recording medium library device. Further, the present invention relates to abnormality information output information indicating the contents of the abnormality of such a recording medium library device. Further, the present invention relates to an operation instruction method of such a recording medium library device. Further, the present invention relates to a processing instruction method and a unit information output method of such a recording medium library device. Background art

Conventionally, a plurality of recording media (for example, a cassette tape or a disc-shaped recording medium) that can be attached to and detached from a recording / reproducing apparatus are stored, and if necessary, various types of information can be stored in the stored recording medium. There are systems for recording and playing back recorded information. Such a system is called a library system or an autochanger, etc. In the following description, it will be called a library system.

Some library systems have a predetermined configuration, and others allow the configuration to be changed to some extent according to the user. As a library system whose configuration can be changed in this way, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 7-330082 filed by the applicant of the present invention (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. A recording / reproduction console that has a recording / reproduction device that records and reproduces information on and from a medium, and a recording medium storage console that has a plurality of storage units each capable of storing a recording medium. Some systems have a plurality of consoles connected so that their positions can be changed, and a library system of various sizes and arrangements can be constructed by arbitrarily combining these consoles. Some recording / reproducing consoles have a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing a recording medium. Further, such a library system includes a transport device that transports a recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit in a recording medium storage console and a recording / reproducing device, and a control unit that controls the recording / reproducing device and the transport device. I have it.

In this library system, a recording medium is conveyed between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing device by a conveying device based on the control of the control unit, and the recording medium conveyed to the recording / reproducing device. Various kinds of information are recorded by the recording / reproducing device, and the recorded information is reproduced.

As described above, the library system can automatically record various types of information on a large number of recording media and automatically reproduce information from the recording media. Therefore, the library system can be applied to a system that handles a large amount of information such as video data. In this case, significant labor savings can be achieved. In particular, when the library system is constructed as a structure whose configuration can be changed, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the situation, such as when the amount of information handled increases.

In the library system, identification of a plurality of recording media is performed using, for example, identification information given to each of the recording media. The identification information is provided to the recording medium in the form of a bar code, for example. The reading device for reading the identification information given to the recording medium is provided, for example, in a transport device that transports the recording medium. Also, a unique number is given to a plurality of storage sections for storing the recording medium.

By the way, in the library system configured as described above, when the recording medium is transported from the recording medium storage console to the recording / reproducing apparatus by the transport apparatus and is loaded, for some reason, the transport processing fails during the transport. There is. Such failures can be caused by, for example, the recording medium being caught in the insertion slot of the recording / reproducing device when the recording medium is loaded into the recording / reproducing device, or a trouble in the electrical system or the mechanical system during the transportation. May have stopped. In the conventional library system, when the transport process of the recording medium fails as described above, the transport process stops at the place where the failure occurred, so the recording medium being transported remains in the transport device as it is. Left behind. On the other hand, in the conventional library system, all the position information of the storage shelves is accumulated as a database in the above-mentioned control section, and is notified to a higher-level control computer. However, when the transport process fails, the storage position information of the recording medium is deleted from the data held by the control unit and the host control computer, and the host control computer loses track of the current position of the recording medium. . As a result, the actual storage medium storage state in the storage medium storage console differs from the contents of the database of the host control computer. To resolve this condition, return the recording medium being transported to one of the storage sections of the recording / playback console by hand, and then turn on the power of the upper control computer and reboot. It is necessary to perform an initialization process such as performing a recovery process, and perform a recovery process of retrieving the storage medium storage information from the database of the control unit of the library system.

However, the above-mentioned return processing requires human labor and is time-consuming, and often hinders the smooth operation of the library system. In addition, since it is necessary to restart the host control computer every time the transfer process fails, there is a problem that the operation of the library system is stopped every time. In particular, when the library system is large-scale, the database of the storage medium position information is enormous, and the host control computer reads the storage medium storage information from the database of the control unit of the library system. It takes a long time for the recovery process to reload the system, and there is a problem that the system downtime is prolonged.

In addition, since the library system configured as described above is large in scale as a whole, it must be divided into individual console blocks, delivered to the site, and assembled there when delivered to customers. For this reason, the assembled library system may have mechanical or electrical failures, for example, due to unevenness of the floor at the installation location or other causes, and operation tests after assembly and installation are essential. . Also, with the library system configured as described above, it is possible to add or extend the console or change the configuration according to the increase in the number of recording media handled. Also, it is necessary to conduct an operation test after changing the system configuration. In addition, even if one of the library systems fails and is repaired, an operation test is required.

The operation test of such a library system is usually performed by specialized service personnel. In addition, this operation test does not necessarily have to be performed for the entire system.For example, only a block related to a changed or repaired part, such as when a part of a configuration is changed or repaired, is checked. You may want to test, or you may want to test only some of the many features. In order to respond to such a request, for example, a function capable of individually executing a plurality of types of operation tests is prepared in the system in advance, and a service person is provided on the library system console. There is a method in which a desired operation test is performed by inputting a predetermined operation test number using a simple display device and operation keys.

However, in the above method, the service selects the desired operation test number while referring to the ability to remember the operation test number and the contents of the operation test in association with each other or a manual or the like, and inputs this. There must be. For this reason, it is difficult for service personnel to remember all types of operation tests when there are a wide variety of operation tests, and it is inconvenient to select an operation test number while looking at the manual one by one. is there.

Also, even if various types of operation test functions were prepared in advance by assuming a large number of cases, there were cases in which those operation tests could not adequately cope with the initial assumptions. In some cases, such cases cannot be dealt with later due to omission or a change in the configuration of the library system. However, in the above method, the content of each operation test is fixed and cannot be changed freely on site. For this reason, there is a case where it is necessary to give up the optimal operation test and perform a suboptimal operation test. On the other hand, it is possible to add a function for performing a new operation test by replacing or modifying the control board of the library system. Must be performed by the manufacturer's design or maintenance department. Service staff cannot immediately respond on site.

Therefore, the present applicant has proposed to provide an environment in which a service person can immediately modify an operation test program on site in response to a change in the configuration of the library system. According to this, since the function of the operation test can be freely changed or added, the expansion and the change of the device configuration after the installation of the library system can be flexibly handled, which is convenient.

However, since such program modification requires some knowledge of programming, there is no guarantee that all service personnel can always perform such on-site processing easily. Even if such on-site processing is easy for service personnel, it takes time and effort to modify the program, which is inconvenient.

Also, in the above method, once the operation test is started by inputting the operation test number, the operation test is always started from the beginning, and the execution cannot be started halfway. In addition, it is not possible to temporarily stop the operation test on the way or to restart from the place where the operation test stopped. In other words, there is no freedom in executing or stopping the operation test, and it is not possible to select and execute only a part of one operation test sequence.

Therefore, in the above method, when the configuration of the library system is changed or the situation is changed, a process of modifying the operation test program must be performed, which has technical and labor problems.

In a conventional library system, when an error (hereinafter also referred to as “error”) occurs in the library system, for example, a code indicating the content of the error is displayed on a display device provided in the library system. An error code was displayed to inform the user. As a display device provided in the library system, a display device using a seven-segment light emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display, or the like is usually used.

However, in the above-mentioned library system, when an error occurs in the library system, the user needs to move closer to the library system to find out the specific symptoms, and the library system is installed in the library system. View Display There was only. Therefore, when the library system is monitored from a remote place, there is a problem that the response to the error is delayed.

Also, in a library system in which an error code is displayed on a display device provided in the library system, a user sees the error code, and the meaning of the error code, the cause of the error, If you want to know how to avoid errors, it is necessary to check the manual, etc., and to check the error code table that describes the correspondence between the error codes pasted on the console and their contents. For this reason, it took time to grasp the contents of the error, and there was a problem that the response to the error might be delayed.

In addition, in the above-described library system, for example, when performing system maintenance or recovery after a failure occurs, an operation of moving a recording medium between storage units and reading identification information of the recording medium is required. Often become. In order to execute such a predetermined operation, it is necessary to instruct the execution of the predetermined operation, and to specify the storage location of the recording medium and the recording medium itself. In this case, in the conventional library system, for example, when an execution command of an operation to be executed is specified first, a predetermined operation screen in a pop-up menu format or the like is displayed on a display device associated with the control unit in accordance with the specification of the execution command. Is displayed. Then, on this operation screen, by inputting the number of the storage unit storing the recording medium to be executed and the identification information of the recording medium with the keyboard, and specifying the recording medium, the predetermined operation is performed. Is executed.

Here, when designating a recording medium, there is a case where it is necessary to obtain or confirm information on a recording medium or the like on which an operation is to be performed. In this case, conventionally, it was necessary to display another information screen representing information on the recording medium and the like, and to acquire or confirm information on the recording medium and the like using the information screen. As described above, in the conventional library system, there is a problem that an operation for designating an execution target and performing a predetermined operation is complicated, and there is a possibility that an erroneous operation due to an operation error or the like may be performed. There was a problem. In particular, when a plurality of execution targets are specified, an operation for performing a predetermined operation becomes more complicated, and such a problem becomes more remarkable. Also, in the above-described library system, processing operations may be performed across a plurality of consoles. For example, processing operations such as moving a recording medium between different consoles may be performed when performing system maintenance or returning after a failure has occurred. In the conventional library system, when performing such a moving process of the recording medium, for example, a predetermined operation screen such as a dialog box is displayed on a display device attached to the control unit in response to an instruction of the moving process. In this operation screen, input the identification information of the recording medium to be moved and the number of the storage unit in which the recording medium is stored from the input means such as a keyboard, and input the number of the storage unit of the movement destination. In the same way, input is made to perform a moving operation. Also, the library system has a function of displaying, as an information screen, an image representing information on the internal configuration of each console on a display device attached to the control unit. In some cases, the recording medium may be moved. In this case, for example, by operating the mouse on the information screen of the console in which the recording medium of the movement source is stored, the number of the storage unit in which the recording medium to be moved is stored is designated and stored. Then, the information screen of the destination console is displayed by inputting the destination console number etc., and the movement operation is performed by specifying the number of the destination storage unit on this information screen. It was like that. At this time, since only one information screen showing console information can be displayed at a time, when moving a recording medium across multiple consoles, the information screen of the destination and the source must be displayed again. Operation was complicated.

As described above, in the conventional library system, there is a problem that the processing of moving the recording medium over a plurality of consoles cannot be executed without complicated operations.

In addition, in the above-described library system, for example, when monitoring the internal state of each console or performing a process of moving a recording medium, it is necessary to obtain information on the internal configuration of each console and the state of each unit. . Conventionally, for example, in a display device attached to a control unit, the invention is disclosed in International Patent Application Nos. -As an information screen, an image showing information on the internal configuration of each console and the status of each part By displaying, it is possible to get the information of each console. However, since only one information screen for each console can be displayed at a time, it was not possible, for example, to monitor multiple consoles at the same time.

Further, in the library system, the above-described information screen may be used for a process of moving a recording medium. In this case, for example, an information screen displaying information on the console in which the recording medium of the movement source is stored and an information screen displaying information on the console of the movement destination are displayed. Need to get information. However, in the past, since only one information screen for each console could be displayed at a time, it was necessary to switch the information screen to be displayed along with the movement processing.

As described above, the conventional library system has a problem that it is difficult to simultaneously obtain a plurality of pieces of desired information of a plurality of consoles. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium library device capable of performing a smooth system operation.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium library apparatus and an operation error processing method thereof that can continue processing without stopping the entire system even when the recording medium transport processing fails. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium library device and an operation test method thereof that enable an optimal operation test to be performed without being affected by a change in the system configuration or a change in the situation. .

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium library apparatus and an operation test method thereof that enable an optimum operation test to be freely and easily performed in response to a change in the system configuration or a change in a situation. It is in. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium library apparatus and an operation test method thereof capable of freely starting and stopping an operation test in response to a change in a system configuration or a change in a situation. Is to provide. -Still another object of the present invention is to enable quick response when an abnormality occurs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording medium library device and an abnormal information output method thereof. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium library apparatus capable of easily designating one or more recording media and performing a predetermined operation on the designated recording medium, and an operation instruction method therefor. Is to provide.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium library apparatus and a processing instruction method thereof, which are capable of efficiently performing predetermined processing across a plurality of devices.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium library device and a unit information output method thereof, which can easily output information of a plurality of desired devices.

A recording medium library device according to the present invention includes a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a removable recording medium, and a plurality of storage units that can store the recording medium. A recording medium comprising: medium storage means; transport means for transporting a recording medium between any storage section of the recording medium storage means and the recording / reproducing means; and control means for controlling the transport means and the recording / reproducing means. In the library apparatus, the control unit checks whether or not the transporting process of the recording medium by the transporting unit is successful, and transports the recording medium in the middle of the transporting when it determines that the transporting process is unsuccessful. The transport unit is controlled so as to return to the position before the start of the processing. In the recording medium library device according to the present invention, when the conveyance of the recording medium has failed, the recording medium being conveyed is returned to the position before the start of the conveyance processing.

A recording medium library device according to another aspect of the present invention provides a recording medium library device in which, when the control unit confirms whether or not the transporting process of the recording medium by the transporting unit has succeeded, and confirms that the transporting process has failed. The transport means is controlled so as to retry the transport process, and whether the retry is successful is confirmed. The transport means is controlled so as to return the intermediate recording medium to the position before the start of the transport processing.

In the recording medium library device according to another aspect of the present invention, when the recording medium transport process ends in failure, the transport process is retried.

The operation error processing method of the recording medium library device according to the present invention is a method for processing a removable storage medium. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a recording medium; recording medium storing means having a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing a recording medium; and arbitrary storage in the recording medium storing means. A method for processing an operation error in a recording medium library device comprising: a transport unit that transports a recording medium between a unit and a recording / reproducing unit; and a control unit that controls the transport unit and the recording / reproducing unit. Is a step of checking whether or not the conveyance process of the recording medium by the conveyance means is successful, and, if it is confirmed that the conveyance process has failed, starts the conveyance process of the recording medium during the conveyance. Controlling the transport means to return to the previous position.

In the operation error processing method of the recording medium library device according to the present invention, the conveyance unit checks whether or not the conveyance process of the recording medium has succeeded. Is returned to the position before the start of the transport process. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation error processing method for a recording medium library apparatus, wherein the processing performed by the control means includes a step of confirming whether or not the conveyance processing of the recording medium by the conveyance means has succeeded; A step of controlling the transport means to retry the transport processing when it is confirmed that the processing has failed; a step of confirming whether the retry was successful; and a step in which the retry failed. And step of controlling the transport means so as to return the recording medium being transported to the position before the start of the transport processing when it is confirmed that the transport process has been performed.

According to the operation error processing method for a recording medium library device according to another aspect of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the transport processing of the recording medium has been successfully performed by the transport unit, and the failure of the transport processing has been confirmed. The transport means is controlled so as to retry the transport process. Further, it is confirmed whether or not the retry is successful, and if it is confirmed that the transport process has failed, the recording medium being transported is returned to the position before the start of the transport process.

Another recording medium library device according to the present invention includes a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium, and a plurality of storage units that can store the recording medium. Recording medium storing means having the same, transport means for transporting a recording medium between an arbitrary storage section and recording / reproducing means, and transport means And a control means for controlling the recording / reproducing means, the control means being capable of operating an operation test program for performing an operation test of each part of the apparatus including the recording / reproducing means and the transport means. It is configured as follows. In another recording medium library device according to the present invention, the control unit can operate an operation test program for performing an operation test of each unit including the recording / reproducing means and the transporting unit.

An operation test method of a recording medium library device according to the present invention comprises: a recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a detachable recording medium; and a plurality of storages capable of storing a recording medium. Recording medium storing means having a recording medium storing means, a conveying means for conveying a recording medium between an arbitrary storing section in the recording medium storing means and the recording and reproducing means, and a control means for controlling the conveying means and the recording and reproducing means. An operation test method for operating an operation test program for performing an operation test of each unit of the apparatus including the recording / reproducing means and the transporting means. And a step of executing an operation test program by the control means, thereby performing an operation test of each unit of the apparatus. .

In the operation test method of the recording medium library device according to the present invention, the operation test of each unit including the recording / reproducing unit and the carrying unit is performed by operating and executing the operation test program using the control unit.

Still another recording medium library device according to the present invention includes: a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of information recording and reproduction using a removable recording medium; and a plurality of storage units that can store the recording medium. Recording medium storing means, a conveying means for conveying a recording medium between an arbitrary storing section in the recording medium storing means and the recording and reproducing means, and a control means for controlling the conveying means and the recording and reproducing means. A recording medium library apparatus, wherein the control means is configured to be able to execute an operation test of each section of the apparatus so as to conform to at least one of the configuration and the situation of each section of the apparatus. In still another recording medium library apparatus according to the present invention, the operation test of the recording medium library apparatus is executed by the control means in a form automatically adapted to at least one of the configuration and the situation of each section of the apparatus. Another operation test method of a recording medium library device according to the present invention includes: a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a detachable recording medium; Recording medium storage means having a storage section, a transport means for transporting a recording medium between an arbitrary storage section and the recording / reproduction means in the storage medium storage means, and a control means for controlling the transportation means and the recording / reproduction means; A method for testing the operation of a recording medium library device comprising: a step performed by the control means, wherein the operation test of each unit of the device is adapted to at least one of the configuration and the status of each unit of the device; And a step of executing an operation test suitable for at least one of the configuration and the situation of each unit.

In another operation test method of the recording medium library device according to the present invention, the operation test of the recording medium library device is executed by the control means so as to conform to at least one of the configuration and the situation of each unit of the device.

Still another recording medium library device according to the present invention includes: a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a removable recording medium; and a plurality of storage units each capable of storing a recording medium. An apparatus main body including: a recording medium storing unit having: a conveying unit configured to convey a recording medium between an arbitrary storing unit in the recording medium storing unit and the recording / reproducing unit; and controlling the apparatus main unit. And control means for monitoring the state of the apparatus main body, and when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body, generating and outputting abnormality information indicating the content of the abnormality as an image.

An abnormality information output method of a recording medium library device according to the present invention includes: a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of information recording and reproduction using a detachable recording medium; An apparatus main body section including a recording medium storing means having a storing section, a conveying means for conveying a recording medium between an arbitrary storing section in the recording medium storing means and the recording / reproducing means; An abnormality information output method for outputting abnormality information indicating the content of an abnormality that has occurred in an apparatus main body in a recording medium library apparatus provided with control means for controlling the apparatus. Monitoring the status of the unit, and, when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body, generating abnormality information representing an image of the abnormality as an image. And a step of outputting the generated abnormality information. According to still another recording medium library apparatus or an abnormality information output method according to the present invention, the state of the apparatus main body is monitored by the control means, and when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body, the content of the abnormality is displayed as an image. Error information is generated and output.

Still another recording medium library device according to the present invention includes: a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproducing of a report using a detachable recording medium; and a plurality of storage units each capable of storing a recording medium. Recording medium storing means having a recording medium storing means, a transport means for transporting a recording medium between an arbitrary storing section of the recording medium storing means and the recording / reproducing means, and a recording / reproducing means. Display an information screen showing information on the storage state of the medium. On this information screen, specify one or more recording media to be subjected to the predetermined operation on the recording medium, and perform the predetermined operation on the specified recording medium. And control means for performing a predetermined operation on a designated recording medium in accordance with the instruction.

In still another recording medium library device according to the present invention, the control means displays an information screen showing information on a storage state of the recording medium, and on this information screen, one or more recordings to be subjected to a predetermined operation are displayed. It is possible to designate a medium and to instruct to execute a predetermined operation on the specified recording medium. According to the instruction, a predetermined operation is performed on the specified recording medium.

The operation instruction method of the recording medium library device according to the present invention comprises: a recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a detachable recording medium; A recording medium storage unit having a plurality of storage units, a transport unit for transporting a recording medium between any storage unit and the recording / reproduction unit in the recording medium storage unit, and a transport unit and a recording / reproduction unit are controlled. An operation instruction method for instructing execution of a predetermined operation on a recording medium in a recording medium library device including a control unit, wherein a process performed by the control unit indicates information on a storage state of the recording medium. Displaying an information screen; specifying one or more recording media to be subjected to a predetermined operation on the information screen; And instructing execution of the operation of (1). In the operation instruction method for the recording medium library device according to the present invention, An information screen showing information on the storage state of the recording medium is displayed. On this information screen, one or more recording media to be subjected to a predetermined operation are specified, and a predetermined operation relating to the specified recording medium is performed. Is possible.

Still another recording medium library device according to the present invention includes a unit having recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a detachable recording medium, and a plurality of storage units capable of storing the recording medium. A plurality of units, including a unit having the unit, and a unit aggregate formed by connecting the plurality of units so that their mutual positional relationship can be changed; and A transport unit for transporting the recording medium, a recording / reproducing unit, and a transport unit between an arbitrary storage unit in the body and the recording / reproducing unit, and an information screen showing information on each unit is displayed. An operation of straddling the information display portions of a plurality of units on this information screen enables a predetermined processing instruction to be performed across a plurality of units. Depending on the instruction, in which a control unit for performing predetermined processing.

In still another recording medium library device according to the present invention, the control means displays an information screen showing information on each unit, and the plurality of units on the information screen are operated by an operation over information display portions. An instruction for a predetermined process over the unit is given.

The processing instruction method of the recording medium library device according to the present invention includes a unit having recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information using a removable recording medium, and a plurality of units capable of accommodating the recording medium. A unit assembly comprising a combination of a plurality of types of units including a unit having a storage unit, and connecting the plurality of units such that the positional relationship between the units can be changed; and In a recording medium library apparatus including a transport unit for transporting a recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing unit in the aggregate, and a control unit for controlling the recording / reproducing unit and the transport unit, a unit aggregate This is a processing instruction method for instructing a predetermined processing over a plurality of units constituting a computer. A step of displaying an information screen representing information about the unit and an instruction to perform a predetermined process over a plurality of units by performing an operation over an information display portion of the plurality of units on the information screen Steps are included. In the processing instruction method of the recording medium library device according to the present invention, the control unit displays an information screen representing information on each unit, and by operating over the information display portion of a plurality of units on the information screen, It is possible to instruct predetermined processing over a plurality of units.

Still another recording medium library device according to the present invention is a unit having recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information using a detachable recording medium, and a plurality of storage units capable of storing the recording medium. A unit assembly comprising a combination of a plurality of units including a unit having the unit, and connecting the plurality of units so that their mutual positional relationship can be changed; and A transport unit for transporting a recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing unit in the aggregate, and a control unit for the recording / reproducing unit and the transport unit, and information on each unit constituting the unit aggregate. Unit information is recognized for at least a plurality of units for which unit information is required, and the unit information corresponding to the selected units is recognized. The one in which a control means for collectively outputted as image information.

A unit information output method for a recording medium library device according to the present invention includes a unit having recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information using a detachable recording medium, and a plurality of units capable of accommodating the recording medium. A unit assembly comprising a plurality of units including a unit having an accommodating portion, and a unit assembled by connecting the plurality of units so that their positional relationship can be changed; and G. In a recording medium library device comprising a transporting means for transporting a recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit in the aggregate and the recording / reproducing means, and a control means for controlling the recording / reproducing means and the transporting means, This is a method of outputting information about each unit constituting the unit aggregate, and the processing performed by the control means constitutes the unit aggregate. Recognizing unit information, which is information about each unit, at least for a plurality of units for which unit information is required; and resolving unit information corresponding to the selected units. And collectively outputting the image information.

In still another recording medium library apparatus and unit information output method according to the present invention, the control means controls the information relating to each unit constituting the unit aggregate. Is recognized for at least a plurality of units for which unit information is required, and the unit information corresponding to the selected units is simultaneously output as image information.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a basic configuration of a library system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the overall configuration of the cassette library shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the basic console shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the junction console shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a main control screen displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. 1. .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of cassette transfer processing by the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining another example (Modification 1) of the cassette transfer processing by the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart following FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process related to an operation test mainly in the central processing control unit of the library controller.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart following FIG. 11.

Figure 13 is displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in Figure 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another state of the initial screen to be displayed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an initial state of an operation test program dialog box displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example in an edit mode of an operation test program dialog box displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example in an execution mode of an operation test program dialog box displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example of an operation test program dialog box displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. 1 during execution of the program.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of the operation test program dialog box displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. 1 when the program is stopped.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the operation test program dialog box displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. 1 in the execution mode.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a program-based screen displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another example of the operation test program dialog box displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. 1 in the execution mode.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another display example of the operation test program dialog box displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. 1 in the edit mode.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a help screen displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG. -Fig. 24 is displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating another example of a help screen to be displayed.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing still another example of the help screen displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing still another example of the help screen displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing still another example of the help screen displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing still another example of the help screen displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing still another example of the help screen displayed on the display device of the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a specific example of a subroutine program constituting an operation test program that can be handled by the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the entire flow of the subroutine program shown in FIG.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart following FIG.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart following FIG. 31 and FIG.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for explaining a part of the processing in FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for explaining another part of the processing in FIGS. 32 and 33.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen of the detailed status of the cassette library in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen of detailed status of the drive console in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed status display screen of the drive device according to the embodiment of the present invention. -FIG. 39 shows an example of an error message screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error explanation screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing an operation relating to display of an error message screen in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection menu displayed after a predetermined operation on the main screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen displayed on the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of selecting and designating only one storage section on the information screen shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage sections to be selected and designated in a rectangular area on the information screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated by consecutive bin numbers on the information screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated by random bin numbers on the information screen shown in FIG. 43. FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram showing a selection menu displayed after a predetermined operation on the information screen shown in FIG. 43.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart showing the operation of the library system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart following FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart following FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 is another flowchart following FIG. 49.

FIG. 53 is another flowchart following FIG.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram for describing a number assigned to a console in the cassette library shown in FIG.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen displayed on the library controller shown in FIG. FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another information screen displayed on the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another information screen displayed on the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart for explaining the cassette moving process using the information screen displayed in the library controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen displayed on the library controller in the library system according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another information screen displayed on the library controller in the library system according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart for explaining a cassette moving process in the library system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen displayed on the library controller in the library system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another information screen displayed on the library controller in the library system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 64 is a flowchart for explaining a process of displaying an information screen in the library system according to the embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a library system as an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 1 shows the basic configuration of the library system as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of the cassette library 1 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from directly above. The operation error processing method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is embodied by the library system as the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Let me explain.

This library system stores a plurality of video tape cassettes (hereinafter simply referred to as cassettes) K as recording media and records information using any of the stored cassettes K as required. Library 1 for performing playback and playback, and a library controller 2 for controlling the cassette library 1. The library controller 2 includes a controller main body 21 that is a device for controlling the cassette library 1 and a mouse key for inputting information and giving instructions to the controller main body 21 for control. An input device 22 composed of a single board and a display device 23 connected to the controller main body 21 and having a display screen for displaying information and the like accompanying control are provided. The controller body 21 is connected to the cassette library 1 by, for example, transmission lines 24 and 25 of the RS-232C standard. Further, the controller body 21 is, for example, a host computer as a client using the cassette library 1 through a transmission line 31 of the SCSI (Small 1 Computer System Interface) standard. 3 can be connected. Further, the controller main body 21 can be connected to the host computer 3 via a communication network 32 of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet (Ethernet), for example. The cassette library 1 has four types of consoles, a basic console 1 B, a drive console 1 D, a cassette console 1 C, and a junction console 1 J, and a cassette K transported inside the cassette library 1. And a cassette transfer device 16 for performing the operation. The cassette transporter 16 includes an unillustrated cover code reader for reading a bar code added to the cassette K. The four consoles are selectively connected so that their positions can be changed, and cassette library 1 can be configured as a library using some or all of these four consoles. I have. The minimum necessary configuration of the cassette library 1 for realizing the library system is the configuration of the basic console 1B and the drive console 1D.

In FIG. 1, only the basic configuration of the cassette library 1 is shown, and other components are omitted. In the example shown in this figure, one side of the drive console 1D is connected to one side of the basic console 1B, and the other side of the drive console 1D is connected to the other side. One side of the cassette console 1C is connected.

FIG. 2 shows the entire configuration of the cassette library 1. As shown in this figure, one lateral of the basic console 1 B, in order from the basic console 1 B side, the drive console _{ID (1 D! 1 (1} D 1 2, ......) and cassette Tsu bets console 1 C (1 CJJ, 1 C _{1 2} ,…) are alternately connected to form a basic console row L 1. Drive console 1 D _ι , in front of the junction console 1 Via J, drive console 1D

_{(1 D 2 1, 1 D} 22, ......) and cassette consoles _{1 C (1 C 2 1,} 1 C 2 2, ... ...) is connected alternately, by these extended console string L 2 Has formed. Further, in the front of the cassette console 1 C _{1 2,} through the junction console 1 J _2, drive console 1 D (1 D _3], 1 D 3 _2. ......) and cassette consoles 1 C (1 C 3!, 1 C 3 2, ......) are connected alternately, these form a console column L 3 which extended. Each of the console rows L1 to L3 has a front (front) F and a rear (rear) R, and a plurality of storage sections (hereinafter, also referred to as bins as appropriate) described later on each of these faces. Cassette storage shelves are provided. In addition, in some drawings shown below, "console line" is synonymous with "console line". As shown in FIG. 2, when there are a plurality of console rows, a cassette transporter 16 is installed in each console row. The transfer of cassettes between the respective console rows is performed via the junction port section 18 of the junction console 1J.

Note that the connection relationship between the consoles is not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, even if only the basic console 1B and the drive console 1D are connected, the library Basic functions as a system can be realized.

In the cassette library 1, the drive console 1D has a plurality of (for example, four) drive devices 13 for recording and reproducing information on the cassette, and a plurality of storage units (for example, four storage units) each capable of storing a cassette. And a drive control unit 70 (FIG. 2) for controlling the drive device 13. You. The data recorded on the tape of the cassette in the drive unit 13 is, for example, a data line (not shown) from a video editing device (not shown) configured using a RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) or the like. Is directly input to the drive control unit 70 via the controller and supplied to the drive device 13. The data reproduced from the cassette in the drive device 13 is directly output to the video editing device and the like via the drive line via the drive control unit 70. I have.

The cassette console 1C includes a cassette storage shelf 15 having a plurality of storage units (bins) each capable of storing a cassette.

The drive console 1D to which the junction console 1J is connected and the cassette console 1C have cassettes so that when the junction console 1J is connected, cassettes can be transferred to and from the junction console 1J. The storage shelves 14 and 15 are partially removed.

The basic console 1B has an input / output port 11 for taking the cassette K into the library from the front and automatically discharging the cassette K in the library to the outside, and a cassette at the front of the basic console 1B. And a display section 12 for displaying various information such as control information relating to the library 1. The input / output port unit 11 is composed of an upper port unit 1 la provided at the upper stage of the basic console 1 B and a lower port unit 11 b provided at the lower stage. The upper port section 1la and the lower port section 1lb for input / output of the cassette K each have a plurality (for example, 4) of input / output ports. The display unit 12 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The basic console 1 B further includes a basic control unit 60 (FIG. 2) connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by a transmission line 24, and a library controller 2 by a transmission line 25. It has a main drive controller 61 (FIG. 2) connected to the controller main body 21 and connected to the drive controller 70 of the drive console 1D.

Junction console 1J is used to extend the connection between consoles, and is configured such that one side thereof can be connected to the front or rear of another console. Figure 1 shows one side of the junction console 1J. As shown in the figure, the junction port 18 having a mechanism to transfer cassette K to and from another connected console is located at the position corresponding to the upper port 11a of the basic console 1B. It is prepared for. An input / output port 17 having the same function as the input / output port 11 of the basic console 1 B is provided on the front of the junction console 1 J. It is provided in the corresponding position. Also, the junction console 1J is used to control a mechanism for transferring the cassette K in the junction port section 18 and to control the cassette transporter 16 and the like in the expanded console row. The basic control unit 80 is provided. The basic control unit 80 is electrically connected to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B. Other basic configurations of the junction console 1J are the same as those of the basic console 1B.

As shown in FIG. 2, the center console 1B, the drive console 1D, the cassette console 1C, and the junction console 1J have a central portion inside which the cassette transporter 16 can be moved. A transfer area 103, which is a space, is provided. In the transfer area 103, a guide rail 101 serving as a transfer path when the cassette transfer machine 16 moves is provided along the transfer direction of the cassette transfer machine 16. Further, an energizing rail 102 for supplying electric power to the cassette transfer device 16 is provided on a side portion of the guide rail 101.

The cassette transporter 16 is provided with a handling mechanism (not shown) having a cassette gripper (not shown) capable of gripping the cassette K, so that the cassette K can be transferred to each console. I'm sorry.

The cassette transporter 16 moves horizontally in the transport area 103 along the guide rail 101 while being supplied with power from the energizing rail 102 and holding the cassette K. The console K can be moved vertically (up and down) while holding the cassette K in each console by a vertical movement mechanism (not shown). The cassette transporter 16 transports, for example, a cassette K taken in a horizontal position from the input / output port 11 of the basic console 1B to the cassette storage shelf 15 of the cassette console 1C. Operation such as turning it to a vertical position by the handling mechanism and then transferring it, and vice versa. It is possible to do. The handling mechanism of cassette transporter 16 also provides access to cassette K in each bin (bin) of cassette storage shelf 15 located on the front F and rear R of each console row. It also has a mechanism that can rotate the orientation of the cassette gripper by 180 degrees. Further, the cassette transporter 16 has a barcode reader (not shown) for reading barcode information indicating an ID (identification information) given to the loaded cassette K.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 includes a screen controller 41 for controlling the display device 23, an input controller 42 for controlling the input device 22, and a transmission line 3 in the controller body 21. A SCSI controller 43 for controlling connection between the host computer 3 and the library controller 2 in accordance with the SCSI standard via the SCSI standard 1; a communication network 32 such as the Internet 32; and a library controller 2 And a network control unit 44 for performing control for connection to the network. Each block element in the controller main body 21 is connected to each other by an internal bus 40.

The library controller 2 also has a serial line control unit 45 that controls the connection between the cassette library 1 and the library controller 2 via transmission paths 24 and 25 according to, for example, the RS-232C standard. And a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc., which controls the entire library controller 2 and performs substantial control on the cassette library 1, and the basics of the library controller 2 itself. That stores basic programs necessary to perform basic operations, for example, BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), which is a group of programs that collect the basic operation instructions of the central processing controller 46. A dedicated memory (ROM) 47 and, for example, a temporary storage memory (RAM) 48 serving as a work area used when the central processing control unit 46 executes a program are provided. The library controller 2 is further housed in basic system programs such as an operating system and various application programs executed by the central processing control unit 46, various system information files related to the library system 1, and a cassette library 1. A hard disk (HD) device that stores various data such as cassette storage location data 49a and system information file 49b including storage location information of all cassettes Show And a floppy disk (FD) device 50 for recording and reproducing information to and from a floppy disk.

The central processing control unit 46 realizes a function of controlling the cassette library 1 by executing the application program stored in the hard disk.

The above basic program includes a GUI program that is an intermediary program that facilitates the user to exchange information with the library controller 2 via the display device 23. The application programs include a control program for controlling the operation of the cassette library 1 in accordance with an instruction from the host computer 3, and various operation tests for performing an operation test of the cassette library 1. There are programs etc. This operation test program will be described later. These application programs can be read from a floppy disk by the floppy disk device 50, or obtained from another computer or the like via the above-mentioned communication network 32, and saved on a floppy disk. Or transmitted to another computer via the communication network 32. The application program stored in the hard disk device 49 is read out and executed by the central processing control unit 46, whereby the function of controlling the cassette library 1 is realized. The cassette storage position database 49a stores storage position information indicating storage positions of all cassettes K stored in the cassette library 1, and specifically, stores the storage units of the cassette storage shelf. The bin number, which is a unique number of the input / output port unit 11 and the drive unit 13, is associated with the ID (type information) of the cassette K. The system information file 49 b contains various system information relating to the library system 1. As will be described later, various information representing the configuration of the cassette library 1 is also stored in the system information file 49b.

The registration of a new cassette K to the cassette storage position database 49 a of the hard disk unit 49 is performed from the cassette inserted in the input / output port 11 of the basic console 1 B to the cassette transporter 16. Bar code reader (not shown) The removed ID is associated with the storage location of the cassette transported by the cassette transporter 16 after insertion (specifically, the location of the storage section on the cassette storage shelves 14, 15 and the like). It is supposed to do. The contents of the cassette storage position data base 49a are updated each time the cassette K is moved by the transfer processing by the cassette transfer device 16. The addition of information on the new cassette K and the update of the existing contents in the cassette storage position database 49a are also reported to the host computer 3 sequentially, and as a result, the host computer 3 The contents of the database (not shown) held by the library and the contents of the cassette storage position data 49 a of the library controller 2 always match.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main part of a functional configuration of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 includes an input device 22, a display device 23, and a control function unit 55 having a function of controlling the cassette library 1. The control function unit 55 is a main control unit 51 that functions to perform overall control of the library controller 2 and substantial control of the cassette library 1, and is connected to the main control unit 51 and has a display device 2. A screen control unit 52 that functions to control the control unit 3, an input control unit 53 that is connected to the main control unit 51 and functions to control the input device 22, and stores cassettes related to the library system. It has a storage unit 54 that functions to store various information such as a position data base 49a ゃ system information file 49b.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the basic console 1B. The basic console 1B is connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by a transmission line 24, and controls the basic console 1B itself and the transport control of the cassette transporter 16 and the like. 60 and a transmission line 25 connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 and also connected to the drive control unit 70 of the drive console 1D. A main drive control unit 61 for giving instructions for controlling the device 13; The main drive control unit 61 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer.

The basic control unit 60 includes a console control unit 62 that controls each component block in the basic control unit 60 and a transfer control of the cassette transfer device 16, and an extended console. Consoles that communicate between the columns L2 and L3 via the communication line 72 via the console line communication unit 63 and the consoles that constitute the basic console line L1 including the basic console 1B A console configuration collection unit 64 that collects information about the configuration of the console, a display control unit 65 that controls the display of a display unit 12 (Fig. 1) provided on the front of the basic console 1B, and a basic Input / output port section provided on the front of console 1 B 1 1

Carrier communication that uses infrared rays 71 to perform control communication between the input / output port controller 66 for controlling the transfer mechanism of cassette K in Fig. 1 and the cassette carrier 16 Part 67. Each block element of the basic control unit 60 is connected to each other by an internal bus 68. The console control unit 62 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer.

The console configuration collection unit 64 includes configuration information transmission units 10B, 10D! Of the respective consoles constituting the basic console row L1. Information about the configuration of each console is collected from _{1 (} 10 CH, 10 D ₁₂ ,...).

The console control unit 62 receives the information on the console configuration in the basic console row L 1 obtained by the console configuration collection unit 64 and the other console rows received through the console row communication unit 63. Information on the configuration of the console is sent to the library controller 2. These pieces of information are stored in the system information file 49b of the hard disk drive 49 of the library controller 2. Information on the configuration of the cassette library 1 (hereinafter referred to as library configuration information) includes the number of console rows, the type and number of consoles constituting each console row, between console rows, and between console rows. There is a connection relationship between them, and information indicating the internal configuration of each console. Information indicating the internal configuration of each console includes the number of storage units in the cassette storage shelf (hereinafter also referred to as the number of bins), the number of storage units in each stage (hereinafter also referred to as the number of bin rows), And information indicating the number of drive devices and the like.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a junction console 1 J ”(j = 1, 2). The junction console 1 J j controls the junction console 1 J j itself and the transport control of the cassette transporter 16 in the console row L i (i = 2, 3) extended by the junction console 1 J; To do The main drive that gives instructions to the drive control unit 70 to control the drive device 13 in the console row extended by the basic control unit 80 and, if necessary, the junction console 1 Jj And a control unit 8 1. When many drive consoles 1D are used, the main drive control unit 81 serves as an interface between the main drive control unit 61 of the basic console 1B and the drive control units 70 of the plurality of drive consoles 1D. It is used for

The basic control unit 80 includes a console control unit 82, a console line communication unit 83, a console configuration sampling unit 84, a display control unit 85, an input / output port control unit 86, and a carrier communication. Part 87. The console configuration collecting section 84 includes configuration information sending sections 10 J, 10 D i !, 10 C,!, 10 D _{i 2} ,... Of each console constituting the extended console row L i. Information about the configuration of each console is collected. The basic control unit 80 is provided with a junction port control unit 8 for controlling a mechanism for transferring the cassette K in a junction port unit 18 (FIG. 2) provided on a side surface of the junction console 1J. Has 9 Each block element of the basic control unit 80 is connected to each other by an internal bus 88. Each block element of the basic control unit 80 except for the junction port control unit 89 basically has the same function as each block element of the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B. The console control unit 82 mainly receives the console information from the console configuration information transmission unit in another console row (in the example of FIG. 2, the console row L 1) to which the junction console 1 J is connected. The configuration information 90 for representing the connection relationship between the lines is sent. For example, in the case of the junction console 1J :, the configuration information 90 is transmitted from the configuration information transmission section 1OD ^ of the drive console 1D shown in FIG. 5 to the console control section 82 (FIG. 6). It has become. This makes it possible to recognize the connection relationship between console rows.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a control screen displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 controls a screen that realizes an interface based on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment in which a user can perform operations on the screen using a mouse or the like. Display device 2 3 is displayed. The control screen shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, an initial screen displayed when the library controller 2 is started. The library controller 2 can graphically display necessary information through such a GUI screen, and the user operates the various information with a mouse or the like to thereby control the library controller 2. And give necessary instructions. On this initial screen, a menu bar for instructing control of the library system is displayed in a predetermined area (area 91 in FIG. 7), and a basic configuration of the cassette library 1 is displayed. The information is graphically displayed in a predetermined area (the area 92 in FIG. 7) in a form intuitively understood. When the library controller 2 starts up, the library controller 2 acquires information indicating the current console configuration, such as the console type and the connection relationship between the consoles, from the cassette library 1, and based on the acquired information. Thus, a graphic screen in the form as shown in the area 92 of FIG. 7 is displayed. As described in Fig. 5, the library configuration information obtained from cassette library 1 includes the number of console rows, the type and number of consoles that make up each console row, the connection between console rows, and the connection between consoles. Includes information indicating the relationship, the number of bin stages in each console, the number of bin rows, and the number of drive units.

Further, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 recognizes information on each console described above only for consoles for which console information is required at least, and displays the consoles corresponding to the plurality of selected consoles. It has the function of simultaneously outputting information as image information. At this time, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays, as image information, an information screen for each console for displaying information of a console corresponding to one console, and the selected image is displayed. Information screens of at least two consoles can be displayed simultaneously. It should be noted that a plurality of information screens can be displayed according to a user's selection instruction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 enables an instruction to perform a predetermined process over a plurality of consoles by an operation over the information display portions of a plurality of consoles on the information screen. In accordance with the instructions, the prescribed processing It has a function to perform. Note that the predetermined process here is, for example, a control process for causing the cassette K to move across a plurality of consoles.

The functions of the library controller 2 for displaying an information screen and performing predetermined processing will be described later.

Further, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays an information screen showing information on the storage state of the cassette K, and on this information screen, one or more objects to be subjected to a predetermined operation related to the cassette are displayed. It has the function of performing the specified operation on the specified cassette K in response to the designation of the specification of the cassette K and the execution of the predetermined operation on the specified cassette K. ing. Note that the storage state of the cassette K here refers to the storage state of the cassette K stored in the storage unit, the drive device 13, or the like. In addition, the predetermined operation here means, for example, a control operation for moving the cassette K between storage units such as the cassette console 1C and a control operation for reading the ID assigned to the cassette K. It is. The function for specifying one or more cassettes K will be described later.

Next, the operation of the library system configured as described above will be described. First, the overall operation will be described.

When the library controller 2 is started, an initial screen according to the GUI environment as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2. The user performs various settings for controlling the library system by performing an operation using a mouse or the like on the displayed initial screen.

The library controller 2 transmits various instructions to the basic console 1 B of the force set library 1 in response to a request from the host computer 3. These instructions include, for example, using the cassette transporter 16 to transfer the desired cassette K to the input / output port section 11 of the basic console 1B, the cassette storage shelf 15 of the cassette console 1C, Instructions for moving the drive unit 13 of the drive console 1D or the cassette storage shelf 14 between them, instructions for recording and reproducing information in the drive unit 13 of the drive console 1D, etc. There is. An instruction to move the cassette using the cassette transporter 16 is transmitted to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B via the transmission path 24. Also, drive devices 13 A command for recording and reproducing information is transmitted to the main drive controller 61 of the basic console 1B via the transmission path 25.

The basic control unit 60 controls the cassette transporter 16 based on commands from the library controller 2 received via the transmission path 24. The control from the basic control unit 60 to the cassette transfer unit 16 is performed by infrared communication via the transfer unit communication unit 67 (FIG. 5). Based on the control from the basic control section 60, the cassette transporter 16 stores, for example, the cassette K taken from the input / output port section 11 of the basic console 1B into the cassette of the cassette console 1C. A transfer operation such as transfer to and transfer to the storage unit at the designated position on shelf 15 or in the reverse direction, or a cassette operation at cassette store shelf 15 of cassette console 1C The transport operation is performed such that the cassette K stored in the storage unit is transported to the drive device 13 of the drive console 1D for delivery, or the reverse transport operation. When the cassette transfer operation by the cassette transfer device 16 is completed, the console control unit 62 sends a transfer process end notification to the library controller 2 together with processing result information indicating the result (success or transfer failure). . In the console row extended by the junction console 1 J, the basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1 J receives an instruction from the library controller 2 from the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1 B, The cassette transporter 16 in the extended console row is controlled in the same manner as the basic controller 60.

The main drive control unit 61 controls the drive control unit 70 of each drive console 1D based on a command from the library controller 2 received via the transmission path 25, and the drive device 13 transmits information. Record and play back. The drive control unit 70 controls recording and reproduction of information in the drive device 13 based on the control from the main drive control unit 61.

Here, an operation when a new cassette is added to the cassette library 1 will be described. When a new cassette K is inserted into the input / output port section 11 of the basic console 1 B in the cassette library 1, a bar code reader (not shown) provided in the cassette transporter 16 receives an ID from the cassette. Is read, and library controller 2 is notified. Library console that received the ID from basic console 1B The central processing control unit 46 of the controller 2 refers to the cassette storage position 49a of the hard disk drive 49 and refers to the cassette storage shelf 15 of the cassette console 1C and the drive console 1D. The empty storage section in the cassette storage shelf 14 or the like is checked, and the position of the storage section in which the new cassette K inserted in the input / output port section 11 of the basic console 1B is to be stored is determined. Then, the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sends a transport command for transporting the cassette to the storage position determined above to the basic console 1B. The console control unit 62 of the basic console 1B receiving the transfer command transfers the cassette K of the input / output port unit 11 to the designated storage unit via the transfer unit communication unit 67. The cassette transporter 16 is controlled as described above. When the cassette transfer process by the cassette transfer device 16 is completed, the console control unit 62 of the basic console 1B sends a transfer process end notification to the library controller 2 together with the processing result information. Upon receiving the notification from the basic console 1B, the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 reads the cassette storage position information in which the storage position of the transported cassette K is associated with the ID. In addition to registering the information on the storage location data 49a, this force set storage location information is also sent to the host computer overnight 3. The host computer 3 registers the received cassette storage position information in its own database (not shown).

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an operation for recording or reproducing data in a predetermined cassette of the cassette library 1 in response to a request from the host computer 3 will be described. FIG. 8 mainly shows the operation of the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2.

When the host computer 3 sends to the library controller 2 a cassette movement processing request for transporting the target cassette to the predetermined drive device 13, the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sends this request. Is received (step S101). The central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sends a transfer command to the basic console 1B to transfer the cassette in the specified storage unit to the specified drive device 13 (step S10). 2). This transport command is sent to the basic control unit 60 in the basic console 1B of the cassette library 1, and Further, it is sent from the carrier communication unit 67 of the basic control unit 60 to the cassette carrier 16. The cassette transporter 16 receiving this takes out the cassette from the designated storage section such as the cassette storage shelves 14 and 15 and transports it to the specified drive device 13 for delivery. After confirming this, the console control unit 62 of the basic control unit 60 sends processing result information indicating the transfer processing result and a transfer processing end notification to the library controller 2. The console control unit 62 of the basic control unit 60 in the basic console 1B re-executes the same transfer process when the cassette transfer device 16 fails to perform the transfer process in response to the first transfer command ( Retry). Then, when the retry also fails, it is determined that the transport process has failed.

In the cassette library 1, when the transfer processing of the specified cassette is completed and a command execution end notification including the processing result information and the transfer processing end notification is sent from the basic console 1B (step S103). ; Y), the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 determines whether or not the transfer processing has been successful, based on the received processing result information (step S104).

If the result of this determination is that the transfer processing was successful (step S104; Y), the contents of the cassette storage position data base 49a in the hard disk drive 49 are updated (step S104). 105), and notifies the host computer 3 that the movement of the specified cassette has been successful (step S106). Upon receiving this, Host Convenience 3 updates its own data base.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S104 is that the transfer process has failed (step S104; N), the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 further sets the cassette to be transferred. Check whether the object is in the original storage unit. This check is performed, for example, by an output signal from a cassette presence / absence detection sensor (not shown) installed in each storage unit such as the cassette storage shelf 15.

As a result of this check, when the target cassette is in the original storage position (step S107; Y), the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sends the host computer 3 The transfer processing error notification is transmitted together with the cassette position invariable message (step S108). Here, the transfer processing error notification is a notification indicating that the transfer processing by the small set transfer machine 16 has failed in the middle of the transfer. The position-invariant message is a message indicating that the cassette is in the original storage position (before the start of movement). In this case, the host computer 3 issues a transfer retry request to the library controller 2 to transfer the cassette to another drive device 13 without updating the contents of its own database. be able to.

On the other hand, as a result of the check in step S107, when the target cassette is not at the original position (step S107; N), the central operation control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sends the cassette to the cassette. It is determined that the cassette remains in the transporter 16 and a cassette position return command for returning the cassette to the original position is sent to the cassette library 1 (step S109). . This cassette position return command is sent to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1 B of the cassette library 1, and further transmitted from the transporter communication unit 67 of the basic control unit 60 to the cassette transporter 16. Sent to The cassette transporter 16 receiving this transports the held cassette to the original storage unit and delivers it. After confirming this, the console control unit 62 of the basic control unit 60 sends processing result information representing the processing result for the cassette position return command to the library controller 2 together with a processing end notification. In this case as well, the console control unit 62 of the basic control unit 60 in the basic console 1B sends the transfer processing to the force transfer machine 16 in response to the first transfer command (cassette position return command). If the retry fails, the same transport process is retried. If the retry also fails, the cassette position return process is determined to have failed.

Upon receiving the command execution end notification including the processing result information and the processing end notification from the basic console 1B of the cassette library 1 (step S110; Y), the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 receives the command. Based on the processing result information, it is determined whether or not the transfer processing for returning the cassette position has been successful (step S111) o

As a result, if it is determined to be successful (Step S111; Y), the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sends the transfer processing to the host computer 3 in the same manner as described above. An error notification is sent together with the cassette position invariable message (step S108). In this case, the host computer 3 uses its own database. Without updating the contents of the library, a transfer retry request for transferring the cassette to another drive device 13 can be made to the library controller 2.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 that the processing has failed (step S111; N), the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sends a transfer processing error to the host computer 3. The notification is sent together with the cassette position unknown message (step S112). This cassette position unknown message is a message indicating that the cassette has no source or destination and its position has become unknown. In this case, the host computer 3 determines that the return process is not possible and outputs an alarm. In this case, as in the conventional case, for example, the cassette is removed from the cassette transporter 16 by the operator's hand, returned to the original storage unit, and then the host computer 3 is turned on again and rebooted. Then, a return process is performed to reload the contents of the cassette storage position database 49 a of the library system 1 to the host computer 3.

Thus, according to the library system of the present embodiment, when the cassette transporter 16 of the cassette library 1 fails to execute the cassette transport command, the cassette is returned to the original position. Then, the host computer 3 is notified of this fact, so that the state before the execution of the cassette transfer command can be restored, and the actual cassette position state in the cassette library 1 and the host computer 3 It is possible to avoid occurrence of a discrepancy with the content of the overnight base. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform a reboot process or the like by turning on the power of the host computer 3 again as in the related art, and the operation can be continued without stopping the system. In this case, the host computer 3 can know from the notification from the library controller 2 that the cassette transporter 16 has failed in the transport process and the cassette has been returned to the original position. Therefore, the host computer 3 determines that the cassette is to be recorded or played back by another drive device 13 without stopping the system, and retrys the transport processing for that purpose. It is possible to request two. Therefore, a smooth and quick system operation after the occurrence of a cassette transport trouble can be realized.

(Modification 1) By the way, in the operation example described with reference to FIG. When it is determined that the cartridge is in the cassette transporter 16, the cassette position return command is issued immediately, but as shown in FIGS. A number of retries may be performed before issuing the command. The processing contents of steps S201 to S206 in FIG. 9 are the same as the processing contents of steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 8, and the steps in FIG. Since the processing contents of S211 to S216 are the same as the processing contents of steps S107 to S112 in FIG. 8, the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate, and The description will focus on the portion from 207 to S210. In this modification, if the first transfer process by the cassette transfer device 16 in step S204 in FIG. 9 fails, the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sets the cassette library 1 Then, a cassette transport retry command is sent (step S207 in FIG. 9). This cassette transport retry command is a command for retrying the process of transporting the same target cassette to the same drive device 13. The central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 waits for the completion notification of the cassette transfer retry command from the basic console 1B of the cassette library 1 and the processing result information. S 209; Y), and based on the processing result information, it is checked whether or not the retry of the transport processing has succeeded (step S 209). As a result, if the retry is successful (step S209; Y), the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 returns to step S105 of FIG. 8 in the above embodiment. As in the case described above, the contents of the cassette storage position database 49a are updated (step S205), and the host combination 3 is notified of the success of the cassette movement (step S205). 6). On the other hand, if the execution of the force set transfer retry command has failed (step S209; N), it is checked whether or not the number of retries has reached the predetermined value. S210; N), returning to step S207, sending out the cassette transport retry command again, and if it has reached, the process proceeds to step S211 in FIG. 10; Perform the processing up to 2 16. The default value of the number of retries is Is set to about three times, for example.

As described above, according to the present modification, when the cassette transporter 16 of the cassette library 1 fails to execute the cassette transport command, the cassette transporter fails instead of immediately returning the cassette position. Since the transfer process is retried, and if it still fails, the cassette position is returned for the first time, so the reliability of the library system can be improved.

Next, an overall flow of the operation test of the cassette library 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIGS. 11 and 12 show processing related to an operation test mainly in the central processing control unit 46 (FIG. 3) of the library controller 2, and FIGS. 3 shows an example of a GUI screen of the display device 23 (FIG. 3) of the library controller 2 in each phase of the operation test. In Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 shown here, a series of processes from the start of the system to the creation or reading and execution of the specified operation test program and the termination of this operation test program are explained. It shall be.

In FIG. 11, when the library system including the cassette library 1 and the library controller 2 is started (step S301), the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 sends the console of the basic console 1B to the console. The information collected by the configuration collection unit 64 and the console configuration collection unit 84 of the junction console 1J is acquired as library configuration information (step S302). Then, the central processing control unit 46 records the obtained library configuration information in the system information file 49b of the hard disk device 49 (step S303). The library configuration information recorded at this time includes the maximum number of console rows, the maximum number of consoles in each console row, the maximum number of bins in each console, and the maximum number of bin rows. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the maximum number of console rows is 3, and the maximum number of consoles in console rows L1, L2, and L3 is 6, 5, and 5, respectively.

5. The maximum number of bins and the maximum number of bin rows in each console are 5 and 1, respectively.

It has eight columns.

Next, the central processing control unit 46 of the library controller 2 causes the screen control unit 4 ′ ′ (FIG. 3) to display the initial screen as shown in FIG. (Step S304). On this screen, when the item 93 of 'Test' in the menu bar of the area 91 is selected by the mouse of the input device 22 (for example, the left click of the mouse is executed), the central processing control unit 4 6 Is, as shown in Figure 13

Pull down the test menu under the item 'T e st' 93. In the following description, “selection of an item” means left-clicking with the mouse unless otherwise specified. If necessary, “selection” may be replaced with the term “selection”. Click ".

When the item 94 of 'Program' is selected from the above test menu (step S305; Y), the central processing control unit 46 operates the operation test program as shown in FIG. A dialog box is displayed (step S306). In this operation test program dialog box, the operation for performing the operation test of cassette library 1 using the operation test program described in the shell script format that can be handled as a normal text file, Such an operation test program can be created and edited. Here, the shell script format refers to a script format that can be executed by an OS (Operating System) command shell, and is similar to the format used in OS such as UNIX, for example. The command shell is an interface that interprets and executes commands entered by the user, and the script is text (characters and character strings) that describes processing procedures. That is, the shell script format means a format described using a shell script that is a character or a character string (text) representing an instruction (command) to be executed by a sequential interpretation method (interpretive method). . As OS, for example, Windows 95 (registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation) or the like can be used.

Such a shell-script type operation test program can be created by a normal text editor on any other computer.

Here, the function of each part in the operation test program dialog box shown in FIG. 14 will be described. A toolbar 97 including various command buttons for handling the operation test program is provided in an upper area of the operation test program dialog box. New operation buttons for command buttons New button 9 7a used to input a test program, Load button 9 7b used to read a previously created text file format operation test program from an external storage medium such as a floppy disk, There is a save button 97c used to record the edited operation test program on an external storage medium.

A program text box 98 is arranged in an area occupying almost the upper half of the operation test program dialog box. The operation test program newly input by the user and the operation test program read from a floppy disk or the like are displayed in the program text box 98, and can be edited here. Above the program text box 98, a console mode display section 99, an execution button 101, a stop button 102, and a mode switching button 103 are arranged. The console mode display section 99 indicates whether the cassette library 1 is currently in the operation test mode (displayed as Test) or in the remote mode (displayed as Remote), which is the normal operation mode. Things. The mode switching button 103 is used to switch the mode between an edit mode for editing an operation test program and an execution mode for executing the operation test program. . When 'Edit → R unMode' is displayed, it indicates that it is in edit mode. When in the execution mode, as shown in Fig. 16 described later, 'Run → Edit Mode' is displayed, and by selecting this button, the mode is switched from the execution mode to the edit mode. You can do it. The execute button 101 is used to execute the operation test program displayed in the program text box 98 in the execution mode, and the stop button 102 is used to temporarily stop the operation test program being executed. Used to stop. The area occupying almost the lower half of the operation test program dialog box includes command drop-down list box 105, command execution button 107, command execution progress list box 106, end button 108, and Help button 109 is arranged. Among them, the command drop-down list box 105 is used to execute a single operation test in the cassette library 1. This is used to enter only one password. In this command drop-down list box 105, you can enter commands directly from the keyboard of the input device 22 (Fig. 3), or select any command line displayed in the program text box 98 with the mouse. You can also select from a command execution history list (not shown). The command execution button 107 is used to execute the command entered in the command drop-down list box 105. The command execution progress list box 106 is an area for additionally displaying executed commands sequentially. The end button 108 is used to close this operation test program dialog box.

The help button 109 is used to display a help screen for explaining the function of each part in the operation test program dialog box and the contents of commands usable in the operation test program. Examples of the help screen include those shown in FIGS. 23 to 29. These help screens will be described later.

In the operation test program dialog box shown in Fig. 14, the number of executions of the operation test program (= the value of the reserved variable cyc 1 e described later) is displayed in the 'Cy c 1 e' column 110. The column 1 1 1 a displays the number of barcode reading attempts (= the value of the reservation variable bcrcnt described later) of the cassette by the barcode reader (not shown) of the cassette transporter 16. In column 1 1 1b, the number of successful barcode readings (= sum of the values of the reserved variables bcrokl to bcrok 3 described later) is displayed, and in the 'Read Count' column 1 1 2a to 1 1 2c. Indicates the number of readings (= reserved variables bcrok 1 to bcrok 3 described later) until the barcode reading succeeds. In the 'Default Line' column 1 13, the numeric value used to specify the default console column number for commands that require the console column to be displayed is displayed. If the console column part of the arguments of each command described later is omitted, the value of this 'D efau 1 t Line' column 1 13 is automatically specified. Now, in the operation test program dialog box in Fig. 14, When the new creation button 9 7 a of the bar 97 is selected (step S 307; Y), the central processing control unit 46 shifts to an edit mode in which an operation test program can be input. The entered program is displayed in the program text box 98 (step S308).

FIG. 15 shows a state in which an example of a simple operation test program has been input. This program example shows an operation test in which cassettes are successively moved between storage sections of a predetermined cassette storage shelf using a command 'carry' for transporting a cassette. Control commands, control codes, variables, and the like used in this program will be described later.

In the state shown in FIG. 15, for example, when the mode switching button 103 is selected (step S109), the central processing control unit 46 executes the execution mode as shown in FIG. The process proceeds to (Step S310).

Here, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 19, operations and operations relating to the execution and stop of the program will be described.

Fig. 16 shows the state when the program is in the first line of the program in the execution mode. As shown in this figure, the central processing control unit 46 displays the line indicated by the program pointer in a line-up display. The program line number is displayed at the left end of each program line. Here, when the execution button 101 is selected (step S311; Y in FIG. 12), the central processing control unit 46 starts execution of the program (step S312), As shown in Fig. 17, as the program is executed, the light-up display of the program line being executed is moved. At this time, the executed commands are sequentially displayed in the command execution progress list box 106. Here, when the stop button 102 is selected, the central processing control unit 46 stops the execution of the program and, as shown in FIG. 18, executes the last execution in the program text box 98. The next line (the 7th line in the example shown) following the program line is displayed in a lit-up manner. At this time, the central processing control unit 46 causes the command execution progress list box 106 to display a message indicating that the program is being stopped, together with the number of the stopped program line. Here, when the execute button 1 ◦ 1 is selected again, the line displayed in the light-up display (in the example shown in FIG. Resume program execution from line 7).

In addition, when an arbitrary line of the program displayed in the program text box 98 is clicked with the mouse before the execution of the program is started or in a stopped state, the central processing control unit 46 displays the line in an upright manner. Here, when the execution button 101 is selected, the central processing control unit 46 causes the execution of the program to be started from the program line displayed in a light-up display. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, clicking on the program line with line number '1 2' and selecting the execution button 1 0 1 starts the program execution from the line with line number '1 2' .

The reason that the execution of a program can be started or stopped on a line-by-line basis is that a program handled here is not a program in a compiled format, but a program in an interpretive format that performs sequential interpretation on a line-by-line basis. That's why. In this case, the value of the program pointer is always held in a register (not shown) of the central processing control unit 46. During execution of the program, the value of this register changes with the execution of the program. When stopped, the change in the value of the register evening stops. When the program execution is resumed, the value of the register changes again with the execution of the program. When program execution is started from an arbitrary line, the value of the program pointer indicating the specified execution start line is set in the register, and execution starts there.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description will be continued. In the operation test program dialog box shown in FIG. 14, when the load button 97 b of the toolbar 97 is selected (step S316; Y), the central processing control unit 46 moves to the state shown in FIG. Display the program load dialog box as shown. In the example shown in this figure, six operation test program files including 'Sys Check, prg' are displayed. Here, when any one of the program files is designated and the 'Open' button 115 is selected, the central processing control unit 46 stores the designated program file in, for example, a file storing the designated program file. The program is read from the mouth disk and stored in the temporary storage memory 48 (FIG. 3), and the read program is displayed in the program text box 98 (step S3117). At the same time, the mode is changed to the execution mode. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 20, 'SysChe When a program file named c k. prg 'is specified, the central processing control unit 46 displays a list of the programs in the program text box 98 as shown in FIG. Here, when the execution button 101 is selected (FIG. 12, step S311; Y), the central processing control unit 46 starts executing the program displayed in the program text box 98. Yes (step S3 1 2). The operations relating to the execution and stop of this program are the same as those described above with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the mode switching button 103 is selected in the execution mode, the central processing control unit 46 can switch the mode to the edit mode and edit the program in the program text box 98 as shown in FIG. 22, for example. State.

When the program is stopped, for example, when the end button 108 is selected (Step S313; Y), the central processing control unit 46 ends the operation test mode and displays the operation test program dialog box. The box is closed (step S314), and the initial screen as shown in Fig. 7 is displayed (step S315). When the save button 97c is selected in the edit mode (step S318; Y), the program in the program text box 98 is stored on a floppy disk or the like (step S319).

In the example shown in FIG. 21, the program "SysCheck.prg" displayed in the program text box 98 includes, for example, the following 11 types of operation test subroutines.

(1) I / O d oor: This is a test of the opening and closing operation of the door (not shown) of the input / output port 11

(2) Y / V fullstroke: The cassette transporter 16 is moved to the lowermost stage of each console while keeping the grip of the handling mechanism horizontal, and each console is moved vertically while the grip is held vertically. This is a vertical movement test that moves to the top.

(3) X / H fullstroke: The cassette transporter 16 is guided by the guide rail while rotating the gripper of the handling mechanism of the cassette transporter 180 by 180 degrees to the front F side and the rear R side. This is a horizontal movement test for moving on 101. (4) I / O rfs: This test moves the cassette transporter 16 to the input / output port 11 without holding the cassette.

(5) Drivevers: A test in which the cassette transporter 16 is moved to the drive device 13 without holding a cassette.

(6) A11BINrfs: A test in which the cassette transporter 16 is moved to all bins on all cassette storage shelves without having a cassette.

(7) I / O ac ce s s: This is a test in which the cassette is transported by the cassette transporter 16 into and out of the boat unit 11.

(8) Drivec e c s ss: A test in which the cassette is moved to the drive device 13 by the cassette transfer device 16.

(9) b arc o d e r e a d a c e c s s: A test in which the cassette bar code is read by the cassette transporter 16.

(10) corn er B INA c es s s: This is a test to move the cassette to the four corner bins of the cassette storage shelf in each console.

(1 1) a1lB I N ac c e s s: A test to move cassettes to all bins on the cassette storage shelf in each console.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 29, the help screen provided by the GUI function by the central processing control unit 46 will be described. The help information displayed on each help screen described below corresponds to “auxiliary information” in the present invention.

As described above, for example, when the help button 109 is selected in the operation test program dialog box shown in FIG. 14, the central processing control unit 46 executes the operation test program as shown in FIG. Display the help screen for the dialog box. This help screen explains the meaning and operation method of each item in the operation test program dialog box. When the right scroll bar is operated on the help screen, the central processing control unit 46 scrolls the screen as shown in FIG. 24, for example.

In the help screen shown in FIG. 23, for example, when the item 1 15 of 'notation' is selected, the central processing control unit 46 displays the help screen for the command notation as shown in Fig. 25, for example. Is displayed. In this help screen, It explains the meanings and types of various reserved variables and operators used. Also on this help screen, when the right scroll bar is operated, the central processing control unit 46 scrolls the screen as shown in FIG. 26, for example. In the help screen shown in FIG. 23, for example, when the item “Peta Site Command” 1 16 is selected, the central processing control unit 46 executes, for example, a cassette library control as shown in FIG. 27. Display the help screen for the command. 'Peta Site' refers to cassette library 1. This help screen explains the meaning and usage of control commands that can be used in the operation test program of cassette library 1. Also in this help screen, when the right scroll bar is operated, the central processing control unit 46 scrolls the screen.

In the help screen shown in FIG. 23, for example, when the item “control code” item 117 is selected, the central processing control unit 46 displays the help screen for the program control code as shown in FIG. 28, for example. Is displayed. This help screen explains the meaning and usage of the control code for controlling the operation test program itself. Also on this help screen, when the right scroll bar is operated, the central processing control unit 46 scrolls the screen as shown in FIG. 29, for example.

Of the control commands / control codes exemplified on the help screen, the main ones will be described later.

Next, the actual operation test program will be exemplified, and the program configuration will be described in detail. Here, for example, a subroutine called 'cornerBINaccess' will be described as an example of the program 'SysCheck.prg'.

The program list of this subroutine is, for example, as shown in FIG. This subroutine program contains the library configuration information (specifically, the values of the reserved variables maxconsole, conrow, and concol described later) obtained from cassette library 1 at system startup, and the cassette storage position data base 49 a Based on the storage position information read from the The predetermined cassettes set in the output port section 11 are sequentially moved to the bins at the four corners of the cassette storage shelf of each console in the console row L1, and after all the movement tests are completed, the cassettes are moved. This represents the contents of the operation test of returning to the original input / output port section 11.

Prior to the description of the subroutine program shown in FIG. 30, first, variables, main control codes, control commands, and the like used in the operation test program that can be handled by the library controller 2 will be described. These descriptions are included in the help screen described above (Figs. 25 to 29).

(a) Variable

When setting or referring to a variable, any character string (32 characters starting with an alphabet) other than the character strings of the reserved variables (variables that the user is prohibited to use freely) listed below Alphabets and numbers up to) can be specified as variable names. Variable names are not case sensitive. The value of a variable can be referenced by prefixing the variable name with $, for example, $ var or $ {var}. In the above program, source and dest are used as variable names.

(a-1) Reserved variable

The list of reserved variables is shown below. In the program shown in Fig. 30, the reserved variables line, console and maxconsole are used explicitly (as is). To specify the physical bin number, the reserved variables line and con nsole are used in the expression 'XX', and the reserved variables conrow and concol are used in the expression 'MM'. The physical bin number is a number assigned to a location where a cassette may exist in the cassette library 1, so that the user can recognize the physical position simply by looking at the number. It is attached as follows.

• barcode: Indicates the last barcode read by the barcode reader of cassette transporter 16.

• bcrcnt: Indicates the number of times of reading of the code data. This value is displayed in the 'BCR' column 11 1a of the operation test program dialog box (Fig. 14 etc.). • bcrokl, bcrok2, bcrok3: Indicates the number of times barcodes were successfully read. Where bcrokl is the number of successful barcode readings, bcrok2 is the number of successful barcodes for the second time, and bcrok3 is the number of successful barcodes for the third time. Reads up to three times for one barcode. The values of these reserved variables are displayed in the 'Lead Count' columns 1 1 2 a to 1 1 2 c of the operation test program dialog box (Fig. 14 etc.), respectively, and the sum of these values is' BCR 'Displayed in columns 1 1 1 b.

• current: Indicates the logical bin number of the bin where the cassette transporter 16 is currently stopped. The logical bin number is a number uniquely assigned to all the bins in the cassette library 1, the drive device 13, and the input / output port unit 11, respectively. Manages cassettes based on this logical bin number. The logical bin number, together with the physical bin number described above, is associated with the cassette ID and registered in the cassette storage position database 49a in the hard disk device 49 of the library controller 2. . The storage position information described above is a generic name of these logical bin numbers, physical bin numbers, and cassette IDs.

• cycle: Indicates the number of program executions. This value is displayed in the 'Cycle' column 110 of the operation test program dialog box (Fig. 14, etc.).

• firstbin: Indicates the logical bin number of the first bin (the bin on the rear R side of the basic console 1B) <

• f irstdrv Indicates the logical bin number of the first drive device among the drive devices 13.

• f irst in Indicates the logical bin number of the first input / output port in the input / output port section 11.

• lastbin Indicates the last logical bin number of the bin.

• 1 as tdrv Indicates the logical bin number of the last drive device out of drive devices 13.

• lastin I / O port block 1 Logical bin of last I / O port in 1 Indicates a number.

• pscerr Indicates the last error code detected.

• pscmess Indicates the error message corresponding to the last detected error code.

• line: Indicates the console column number. In the physical bin number, when 位置 is used in the digit position representing the console column, for example, XX020 302R, the value of this reserved variable line is specified (substituted) as the console column number. The default value is 01.

• console: Indicates the console number. In the physical bin number, when 桁 is used in the digit position representing the console, such as 01XX030 2R, the value of this reserved variable console is specified as the console number. The default value is 01.

Reference row: Indicates the row number. When 物理 is used in the digit position representing the bin stage of the cassette storage shelf in the physical bin number, for example, 0102XX02R, the value of the reserved variable row is designated as the stage number. The default value is 01.

• column: Indicates the column number (column number). When XX is used in the digit position representing the bin column, for example, 0 10203XXR in the physical bin number, the value of this reserved variable column is specified as the column number. The default value is 01.

• maxline: Indicates the highest console row number in the system. When MM is used in the digit position representing the console row, such as MM020302R, in the physical bin number, the value of this reserved variable maxline is specified as the maximum console row number. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, $ maxline = 3.

• maxconsole: Indicates the maximum console number in the console line specified by the reserved variable line. When MM is used in the digit position representing the console in the physical bin number, for example, 01MM0302R, the value of this reserved variable maxconsole is specified as the maximum console number. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, $ maxconsole = 6, 5, 5 in the console rows L1, L2, L3, respectively.

• condrv: Reserved variable 1 If the console specified by ine and console is a drive console, the highest drive number in that drive console Is shown. When MM is used in the digit position representing the drive device in the physical bin number, for example, 010201MMD, the value of the reserved variable condrv is specified as the maximum drive device number. In the case of the drive console 1D shown in FIG. 1, $ condrv = 4.

• conrow: Indicates the number of bins in the console specified by the reserved variables line and console. When MM is used in a digit position representing a bin stage, such as 0102MM02R, in the physical bin number, the value of the reserved variable conrow is specified as the bin stage number. In the case of the drive console 1D and the cassette console 1C shown in FIG. 1, $ conrow = 5.

• concol: Indicates the number of bin lines in the console specified by the reserved variables line and console. The value of this reserved variable concol is specified when MM is used in the digit position representing the bin row in the physical bin number, for example, 010203MMR. No.

In the case of the cassette console 1C shown in FIG. 1, for example, $ conrow = 18. However, the illustration in Figure 1 is not accurate.

(a— 2) Value of variable

Variable values are set by the set command. For example, "set var = 5" sets the value "5" to the variable "var". To refer to a value, prefix the variable name with "$", for example "$ var". In this example, "$ var" is replaced by the value "5"

(b) Control code

With the following control code, it is possible to make a condition judgment based on the value of a variable to branch the processing, or to execute a subroutine processing.

• if (exprl) then ... else if (expr2) then ... else ... endif: If the specified expression (e xprl) is true, execute from the next line to before else or end. If false, execute els e and later.

Refer while (expr) ... end: Repeats the lines from while to end while the specified expression (expr) is true.

• call Label: Executes a subroutine starting from the line with the specified label. 'Specify the label line in the format "Label:". • return: Return from the subroutine to the calling line.

(c) Control command

The description of the commands used in the above program is shown below.

• inc [var]: Increment the variable var. If the variable var is omitted, the reserved variable cycle is specified.

• carry BinNo.1 BinNo.2: Issues a cassette transport command to move the cassette from BinNo.1 to BinNo.2 to the library.

Hata cassettein BinNo.1: True value if cassette is in BinNo.1, otherwise false value. For example, it is used together with a control code for condition determination such as If (exprl).

(d) Explanation of bin numbers

The meanings of the bin numbers used in the program are as follows.

• XX010101I: $ 1 Indicates the ineth console row, the first console, and the first tier I / O port.

• XXXX0101F and XXXX0101R: The $ 1 line console row, $ console console first row, first row bin. The suffix F specifies the front side and the R specifies the back side. For example, XXXX0101R when the back side is specified indicates the bin in the upper left corner.

Hata XXXX01MMF and XXXX01MMR: Shows the bins in the $ 1 line console row, the first row of the $ console console, and the last row. For example, XXXX01MMR when the back side is specified indicates the pin in the upper right corner.

• XXXXMM01F and XXXXMM01R: Indicates the $ 1 line console row, the bottom row of the $ console console, and the first row bin. For example, XXXXMM01R when the back side is specified indicates the pin in the lower left corner.

XXXXMMMMF and XXXXMMMMR: $ line console row, $ console bottom console, last row bin. For example, XXXXMMMMR when the back side is specified indicates the bin in the lower right corner.

Next, the operation of the central processing control unit 46 and the cassette library 1 along the subroutine program shown in FIG. 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 31 to 33 show the overall flow of this subroutine program, and FIGS. 34 and 35 are called in the programs shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 (call Represents the contents of the program module.

When the execute button 101 is selected in the state shown in FIG. 21, the operation test program 'SysCheck.prg' displayed in the program text box 98 starts to be executed. In this program, when a subroutine called "corn er B INA cc e s s" is called, the central processing control unit 46 initializes variables (step S321 in FIG. 31). Specifically, as shown in steps S5 to S7 in FIG. 30, '1' is set in the reserved variable line indicating the console column number, and 'XX010101I is set in the variable source indicating the bin number of the cassette movement source. 'Is set to' 1 'in the reserved variable console indicating the console number. 'XX010101I' indicates the bin number of the first port of the input / output port unit 11 in the basic console 1 # of the console row L1, and the following movement processing is performed using the cassette contained therein.

Next, the central processing control unit 46 executes the processing from step S323 in FIG. 31 until the reserved variable “console” indicating the console number reaches the maximum number of console rows (maxconsole) (step S322; Y in FIG. 31). The processing up to step S347 in FIG. 33 is performed. That is, the processes of steps S8 to S28 in FIG. 30 are repeatedly performed for all consoles in the console row L1. The process referred to here is a process of sequentially moving the cassettes to the four corner bins of each console, as will be described in detail later. In step S9 in FIG. 30, when the console number is “1” ($ console = l), that is, in the case of the basic console 1B or the junction console 1J (step S323 in FIG. 31; Y), Since there is no bin on the front F side of the console, skip to step S18, and then follow steps S19 to S26 to set the four corner bins (bin number Finally, processing is performed on the bin with the length (steps S336 to S347 in FIG. 33).

On the other hand, when the console number is not '1' ($ console ≠ l), that is, for consoles other than the basic console 1B and the junction console 1J '(Fig. 31 Step S323; N), the front of the console Both sides of F and back R First, the bins at the four corners on the front F side of the console (the bins with the last bin number are F) are set according to steps S10 to S17 in Fig. 30. After performing the processing (Fig. 32, steps S324 to S335), the processing for the four corner bins on the back R side of the console (the bins with the last bin number R) (Steps S336 to S347 in Fig. 33). In step S9 in Fig. 30, "! = ”Means“ ≠ ”.

Next, the central processing control unit 46 increments the reserved variable console (step S3488 in FIG. 31), and performs the processing of the next console. In the same manner, the processing is performed on all the console bins in the console row L1. For example, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the basic console 1 B, the drive console 1 DH, cassette console 1 C, you have drive console 1 D, _2, cassette Tokonso Lumpur 1 C _{1 2,} drive console 1 D Processing is performed in the order of i ₂ ,... After all, the processing for the bins on the front F side is performed for all consoles except the basic console 1B, and the processing for the pins on the rear R side is performed for all consoles in the console row L1. Becomes

When the reserved variable console exceeds the maximum number of console rows (maxconsole) (step S3222 in FIG. 31; N), the central processing control unit 46 jumps to step S29 in FIG. A command for returning the cassette to the first port of the input / output port section 11 of the basic console 1B in the row L1 is issued (step S349). Thus, the processing in this subroutine is completed, and the flow returns to the routine of the main program 'SysCheck.prg' in step S30 in FIG.

Next, with reference to FIG. 32, the processing of the blocks of steps S10 to S17 in FIG. 30 will be described in detail. This processing block is to access the four corner bins of the cassette storage shelf on the front F side of each console in order to insert and remove cassettes. First, the central processing control unit 46 acquires 'XXXX0101F' as the value of the variable dest indicating the bin number of the access target in step S10 in FIG. 30 (step S32 in FIG. 32). Next, the central processing control unit 46 decodes the actual value indicated by the acquired value “XXXX0101F” of the variable dest (step S3225 in FIG. 32). This decryption was stored in the system information file 49 of the hard disk drive 49. The power of using library configuration information (for example, the values of the reserved variables maxline, maxconsole, conrow, concol, etc.) and other reserved variables line, console, row, column, etc. The details are described in FIG. In step S10 of FIG. 30, as a result of decoding the value 'XXXX0101F' of the variable dest, it is found that the bin to be accessed is the bin at the upper left corner of the front of the console. Next, the central processing control unit 46 calls and executes the subroutine 'BIN put' in step S11 of FIG. 30 to execute the cassette for the target bin (in this case, the bin at the upper left corner of the front). The processing of taking in and out of the port is performed (step S3226 in FIG. 32). Details of the cassette loading / unloading process in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 35.

Next, the central processing control unit 46 obtains 'XXXX01MMF' as the value of the variable dest indicating the number of the bin to be accessed in step S12 in FIG. 30 (step S32 in FIG. 32). ), And decodes the actual value indicated by the acquired value 'XXXX01MMF' of the variable dest (step S328 in FIG. 32). Here, the result of the decryption shows that the pin to be accessed is the bin in the upper right corner of the front of the console. Next, the central processing control unit 46 calls and executes the above-described subroutine 'BIN pu' in step S13 of FIG. 30 and executes the processing for the target bin (in this case, the bin at the upper right corner on the front). The cassette is moved in and out (step S3229 in FIG. 32).

Next, the central processing control unit 46 obtains 'XXXXMM01F' as the value of the variable dest indicating the bin number of the access target in step S14 in FIG. 30 (step S330 in FIG. 32). ), And decodes the actual value indicated by the acquired value 'XXXXMM01F' of the variable dest (step S33 1 in FIG. 32). Here, as a result of the decryption, it is found that the bin to be accessed is the bin at the lower left corner of the front of the console. Next, the central processing control unit 46 calls and executes the above-described subroutine 'BIN put' in step S15 in FIG. 30 and executes the target bin (here, the bin at the lower left corner on the front). The cassette is moved in and out of the cassette (step S33 in FIG. 32).

Next, the central processing control unit 46 obtains 'XXXXM band MF' as the value of the variable dest indicating the bin number of the access target in step S16 in FIG. 30 (step S3 in FIG. 32). 3 3) Decipher the actual value indicated by the acquired value 'XXXXMMMMF' of the variable dest (step S334 in Fig. 3.2). Here, as a result of decryption, the bin to be accessed is —You can see that it is the bin in the lower right corner of the front. Next, the central processing control unit 46 calls and executes the above-mentioned subroutine 'BIN put' in step S17 in FIG. 30 and executes the cassette for the target bin (here, the bin at the lower right corner on the front). (Step S335 in FIG. 32). This completes the operation test of sequentially accessing bins at the four corners of the cassette storage shelf on the front F side of one console and inserting and removing the cassette.

Next, referring to FIG. 33, the processing of the steps S19 to S26 in FIG. 30 will be briefly described. This processing block is for sequentially accessing the bins at the four corners of the cassette storage shelf on the rear R side of each console to insert and remove cassettes. This is the same as the step processing. That is, in steps S19 and S20 in FIG. 30, the bin in the upper left corner of the console is accessed to insert and remove the cassette, and in steps S21 and S22, the upper right corner of the console is removed. Access the bin of the console to take out the cassette, access the bin at the lower left corner of the back of the console in S23 and S24, and take out the cassette in the bottom left corner of the console in S25 and S26. Access the bin and insert and remove the cassette. This completes the operation test of sequentially accessing the bins at the four corners of the cassette storage shelf on the rear R side of one console and inserting and removing the cassette.

Referring now to FIG. 34, steps S 3 25, S 3 28, S 3 31, S 3 34 in FIG. 32, and steps S 3 37, The contents of the bin number decoding process performed in S340, S343, and S346 will be described. The central processing control unit 46 first extracts the character string of the digit position (or area) representing the console column from the value of the variable dest (Step S351 in FIG. 34). For example, if the value of the variable dest is 'XXXX0101F', the leftmost two-digit character string 'XX' is extracted.

Next, the central processing control unit 46 checks whether the extracted character string is a numerical value, 'XX' or 'MM' (steps S 3 52, S 3 5 3, S 3 5 5) . As a result, when the extracted character string is a numerical value (Step S352; Y), the central processing control unit 46 places the extracted character string at the digit position representing the console column in the variable des 〖. The numerical value is set as it is (step S357). Also, the extracted string is 'XX' At that time (step S 352; N, step S 353; Y), the central processing control unit 46 refers to the current value of the reserved variable line stored in the temporary storage memory 48, for example ( At step S 354), the reference value (fixed to “1” in this example program) is set to the digit position representing the console column in the variable dest (step S 357). When the extracted character string is 'MM' (step S 352; N, step S 353; N, step S 355; Y), the central processing control unit 46 The current value of the reserved variable maxline in the library configuration information stored in the system information file 49 b of the hard disk device 49 is referenced (step S 356), and the reference value (example in FIG. 2) Then, '3') is set to the digit position indicating the console column in the variable dest (step S357). Here, for example, assuming that the extracted character string is 'XX', the fixed value '1' of the reserved variable line is set as the value of this character string. As a result, the console row L1 is specified. If the extracted character string is not a numerical value, 'XX' or 'MM' (step S35

2; N, step S355; N, step S355; N), the central processing control unit 46 determines that the character string is invalid and performs a predetermined error processing (step S).

3 5 8)

Next, the central processing control unit 46 extracts the character string at the next digit position in the variable dest (step S359). Here, the character string 'XX' at the digit position (the third and fourth digits from the left) representing the console is extracted from the value 'XXXX0101F' of the variable dest. Since the decoding of the digit position (the 7th and 8th digits from the left) representing the bin sequence (column) has not been completed here (step S360; N), the process returns to step S352. Steps S352 to S358 are performed in the same manner as above.

That is, the central processing control unit 46 checks whether the extracted character string is a numerical value, 'XX' or 'MM' (steps S352, S355, S355). If the extracted character string is a numerical value (step S 352; Y), the extracted numerical value is set as it is at the digit position representing the console in the variable dest (step S 352). 7). When the extracted character string is “XX” (step S 352; N, step S 353; Y), the central processing control unit 46 is stored in, for example, the temporary storage memory 48. Refers to the current value of the reserved variable console (step S 3 5 4) and refers to it The value (here, one of '1' to '6') is set to the digit position indicating the console in the variable dest (step S357). If the extracted character string is 'MM' (step S352; N, step S353; N, step S355: Y), the central processing control unit 46 System information file for device 49

Reference the current value of the variable maxconsole in the library configuration information stored in 49 b (step S 356), and refer to that reference value (in the case of the console column L 1 in FIG. 2,

'6') is set to the digit position representing the console in the variable dest (step S3

5 7). For example, if the extracted character string is 'XX' and the current value of the reserved variable consol is '2', the numerical value '2' is set as the character string 'XX'. In this case, in the example of FIG. 2, drive console 1 D is specified. The error processing when the extracted character string is neither a numeric value nor 'ΧΓ' or 'MM' is the same as above.

Further, the central processing control unit 46 extracts a character string at the next digit position in the variable dest (step S359). For example, if the value of the variable dest is 'XXXX0101F', the character string '01' at the digit position (the fifth and sixth digits from the left) indicating the bin is extracted. At this point, since the decoding of the digit position (the 7th and 8th digits from the left) representing the bin sequence (column) has not been completed yet (step S360; N), the process returns to step S352. Steps S352 to S358 are performed in the same manner as above.

That is, the central processing control unit 46 checks whether the extracted character string is a numerical value, 'XX' or 'MM' (steps S352, S353, S355). If the extracted character string is a numerical value (step S355; Y), the extracted numerical value is set as it is in the digit position of the variable dest representing the bin stage (step S355). ). When the extracted character string is “XX” (step S 352; N, step S 353; Y), the central processing control unit 46 is stored in, for example, the temporary storage memory 48. The current value of the reserved variable row is referred to (step S 354), and the reference value

(In the example of FIG. 1, one of '1' to '5') is set to the digit position indicating the bin stage of the variable dest (step S355). If the extracted character string is 'MM' (step S352; N, step S353; N, step S355: Y), the central processing control unit 46 System information file for device 49 49 The current value of the reserved variable conrow in the library configuration information stored in 9b is referenced (step S356), and the reference value ('5' in the example of FIG. 1) is stored in the variable dest. It is set to the digit position representing the bin (step S 357). For example, if the extracted character string is a numerical value '01', this value is set as it is in the digit position indicating the bin stage of the variable dest. In this case, the top line of the console is specified. The error handling when the extracted character string is not a numerical value, 'XX' or 'MM' is the same as above.

Further, the central processing control unit 46 extracts a character string at the next digit position in the variable dest (step S359). For example, if the value of the variable dest is' XXXX0101F ', the character string' 0 in the digit position (7th and 8th digits from the left) representing the bin string (column) is extracted. At this point, since the decoding of the digit position representing the bin sequence has not been completed (step S360; N), the process returns to step S352, and step S3 is performed in the same manner as above.

The processing of 52 to S358 is performed.

That is, the central processing control unit 46 checks whether the extracted character string is a numerical value, 'XX' or 'MM' (steps S352, S353, S355). If the extracted character string is a numerical value (step S3552; Y), the extracted numerical value is set as it is in the digit position of the variable dest that represents the bin string (step S355) ). If the extracted character string is “Π” (step S 3 52; Ν, step S 3 5 3; Υ), the central processing control unit 46 is stored in, for example, a temporary storage memory 48. The current value of the reserved variable column is referenced (step S 354), and the reference value (one of '1' to '18' in the example of FIG. 1) represents the bin column of the variable destに Set the position (Step S357). If the extracted character string is “MM” (step S 352; N, step S 353; N, step S 355; Y), the central processing control unit 46 The current value of the reserved variable “concol” in the library configuration information stored in the system information file 49 b of the device 49 is referred to (step S 356), and the reference value (in the example of FIG. 1 8 ′) is set to the digit position representing the bin sequence in the variable des t (step S 357). For example, if the extracted character string is the numerical value '01', this value is set as it is in the digit position indicating the bin stage of the variable dest. In this case, the leftmost bin is specified. You. The error handling when the extracted character string is not a numeric value, neither 'XX' nor 'MM' is the same as above.

Further, the central processing control unit 46 extracts a character string at the next digit position in the variable dest (step S359). However, since the decoding of the digit position representing the bin sequence has already been completed, ( Step S360; Y), the bin number decoding process ends. Next, with reference to FIG. 35, the processing of the 'BINput' subroutine of steps S32 to S41 in FIG. 30 will be described. In this subroutine, the central processing control unit 46 first specifies in step S35 of FIG. 30 by referring to the cassette storage position data 49a, and using the variable dest indicating the cassette moving destination. It is checked whether a cassette is in the bin to be accessed (step S3661 in FIG. 35). As a result, when the cassette is not contained therein (step S361: N), the process jumps to step S38, and the cassette of the bin specified by the variable “source” indicating the source of the cassette is set to the variable dest Issues a command to transport to the bin specified by. Specifically, first, a command for removing the cassette from the pin specified by the variable “source” indicating the source of the cassette is issued (step S3622 in FIG. 35), and then the extracted A command to insert the cassette into the bin to be accessed specified by the variable dest is issued (step S3663). Then, the value of the current variable dest is set to the variable source in preparation for the next command (step S364). On the other hand, when a cassette is in the bin to be accessed (step S361: Y), the central processing control unit 46 once removes the cassette in the bin in step S36. And then issue a command to insert it again. Specifically, first, a command for once removing the cassette is issued (step S365), and then a command for inserting the removed cassette into the same bin again is issued (step S365). Step S366).

In this way, regardless of whether the cassette to be accessed contains a cassette or not, the cassette is always inserted into and removed from the bin to be accessed.

In the subroutine program illustrated in FIG. 30, the reserved variable line is set to '1' in step S5, and only the console in the console row L1 is paired. Assuming that the program increments the value of this reserved variable line sequentially from '1' to '3', an operation test is performed for all consoles in console rows L1 to L3. It is possible to do.

As described above, according to the library system according to the present embodiment, the library controller 2 as the control means of the cassette library 1 can operate the operation test program for performing the operation test of each part of the cassette library 1. Since the system has a special program operation function, users such as service personnel and maintenance staff can freely perform the operation test of the cassette library 1 using this function. This eliminates the need for the user to remember the operation test number associated with each operation test and to select the operation test number while looking at the manual one by one, as in the past. In addition, even when adding a function for performing a new operation test, there is no need to request the design or maintenance department of the library system manufacturer, as in the past, and the service staff immediately responds on site. It is also possible.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the operation test program can be operated by the GUI function using the display device 23 and the input device 22 of the library controller 2, so that the user can display the display content of the display device 23. It is only necessary to operate the mouse or the like along, and operation of the operation test program is extremely easy.

Further, in the present embodiment, the operation test program is described in a shell script format, and the GUI portion in the OS is configured to sequentially interpret and execute the program step by step. By simply clicking on any step of the operation test program displayed in the program text box 98 in the box with a mouse or the like, the program can be started or stopped from that step. For example, if a problem occurs in a part of the cassette library 1 and an operation test is performed after removing the problem, it is not necessary to execute the entire operation test program. It is also possible to perform In addition, for example, a series of operation steps of the cassette library 1 are finely divided to confirm operation while repeatedly stopping and restarting, or by repeatedly performing only an operation test of a specific part, thereby ensuring reliability. You can also check the sex. Therefore, the operation test can be freely performed.

Also, in the present embodiment, the operation test program can be described in the form of a shell script. Therefore, anyone with a certain basic knowledge of programs used in UNIX or the like should be a person who is specially familiar with programming. Even without it, it is relatively easy to understand the contents of the operation test program and to create or modify the operation test program.

Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to creating and editing an operation test program, reading of the operation test program from a predetermined storage medium, saving of the operation test program in the storage medium, and operation through a communication network It has a function to perform at least one of the transmission and reception of the test program, so it is possible to create a new operation test program, modify an existing operation test program, and use a storage medium or communication network. It is also possible to fetch an operation test program from a computer, or to save the created or modified operation test program in a storage medium or to transfer it via a communication network. Therefore, a more convenient operation test environment can be provided.

Further, in the present embodiment, various help screens relating to the operation of the operation test program are prepared and displayed as needed, so that even a person who is not very familiar with the operation of the operation test program can operate the operation test program. The user can easily learn how to program and handle test programs, and easily perform operation tests on cassette library 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the system is started, the library configuration information is fetched from the cassette library 1 and stored in the system information file 49 b of the hard disk drive 49, and all the library information stored in the cassette library 1 is stored. The storage position information on the cassette is registered in the cassette storage position database 49a of the hard disk drive 49, and the library configuration information and storage position information are referred to as appropriate and imported into the operation test program. Therefore, even if the configuration of cassette library 1 is expanded or changed, or the cassette storage position in cassette library 1 changes, the operation test program itself is not changed. The operation test having the same contents can be executed as it is. In other words, changes in the configuration and status of the cassette library 1 can be executed after being reflected in the command interpretation of the operation test program, so the system is not affected by system configuration expansions, changes, and changes in the system status. Absent. Therefore, it is possible to comprehensively perform operation tests of cassette libraries having various configurations using one operation test program as it is.

Next, a function of displaying the status monitoring screen in the present embodiment will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the actual console arrangement is used as a status monitoring screen so that the user can easily and intuitively grasp the configuration of the cassette library 1 and the status of each part in the cassette library 1. Simulated image information is displayed. At least a part of the information indicating the state of each part in the cassette library 1 is displayed in the display part of each console on the state monitoring screen.

Here, a means for recognizing the configuration of the cassette library 1 including the types and connection relationships of the respective consoles constituting the cassette library 1 will be described. Each Con Seo Ichiru, as described above, respectively, the configuration information sending unit 1 0 B, 1 0 D; !. 1 (1 0 C,, 1 0 D 1 2, has a ...... constituent Each of the information transmitting sections holds its own console type information and console row information as configuration information, and transmits these configuration information to the basic control section 60 of the basic console 1B or the junction console. 1 J is sent to the basic control unit 80.

The basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1 J transmits the configuration information sent from the configuration information transmission unit of each console to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1 B via the communication line 72. ing. The basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1 B collects the configuration information sent from the basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1 J and the configuration information collected by itself and forms a library via the transmission path 24. It is sent to Controller 2.

The library controller 2 recognizes the configuration of the cassette library 1 based on the configuration information sent from the basic control unit 60, and configures the recognized configuration of the cassette library 1 (hereinafter, referred to as a console configuration). Information (hereinafter referred to as console configuration information) is stored as a database in the storage unit 54 (hard disk). I'm going to do it. Further, the library controller 2 causes the display device 23 to display a status monitoring screen based on the held console configuration information in a predetermined case.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the library controller 2 automatically recognizes the console configuration and displays a status monitoring screen simulating the actual console arrangement. Even with a library system that can construct systems of various sizes and arrangements by arbitrarily combining consoles, it is possible to easily display a status monitoring screen that simulates the actual arrangement of consoles. The status monitoring screen displayed in this way allows the user to easily and intuitively grasp the configuration of the cassette library 1 and the status of each unit in the cassette library 1. Further, in the present embodiment, when displaying the status monitoring screen, the library controller 2 can selectively perform a plurality of types of display with different sizes of the display portion of each console. In the present embodiment, the status monitor screen of the basic size (L (large) size) in which the size of the display portion of each console is the largest, and the S (small) size in which the size of the display portion of each console is the smallest. It is possible to selectively display three types of status monitoring screens: a status monitoring screen and an M (medium) size status monitoring screen where the size of the display part of each console is halfway between the basic size and the S size. You can do it.

In the present embodiment, the main screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device 23 when the library system is activated as described above. This main screen is also the status monitor screen for the basic size. For example, if the cursor is placed on a blank area other than the display area of the console and a right-click operation of the mouse is performed on the basic size state monitoring screen, a size selection menu (not shown) is displayed. The size of the status monitoring screen can be changed using this size selection menu.

In the standard size status monitoring screen shown in Fig. 7, the size of the console display part is so large that it may not be possible to display the display parts of all consoles that constitute cassette library 1. In such a case, only the basic console and the drive console are displayed. This is because the status of the base console and the status of the drive console can change frequently, so their status display is This is because, while visually important, the status of the cassette in the cassette console does not change frequently, and is therefore of low importance for monitoring. Also, in FIG. 7, only the portion of the console row LI (Line: 1) is displayed. However, when the cassette library 1 includes other console rows, the screen is scrolled, Other console row parts can be displayed.

In the present embodiment, when the status of each part in the cassette library 1 (hereinafter referred to as status) can be displayed by characters such as characters and symbols on the status monitoring screen of three sizes. The status is displayed with a character. If the status cannot be displayed with a character, the status is displayed in color. Here, the status is displayed as a character on the standard size status monitor screen and the medium size status monitor screen. Also, on the S size status monitoring screen, the status may or may not be displayed with a character, or the status may or may not be displayed with a character depending on the status. Indicates the status with a character, and if it cannot be displayed, displays the status in color.

Here, an example of the status display will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, when the library status part 13 1 in the display part of the basic console includes the entire cassette library 1 including the cassette transporter 16 or multiple console rows Indicates the highest priority among the statuses of the entire console row L1, for example, the highest priority among the statuses of the cassette transporter 16. For example, "Ready" indicates that the cassette transporter 16 is operable, and "Not Ready" indicates that the cassette transporter 16 is inoperable.

In the drive console portion 1 32 in the display portion of the drive console, the status of the drive console 1D having a higher priority is displayed. For example, "Fan 1 Stop" indicates that the first cooling fan in drive console 1D is off.

In the drive status portion 133 in the display portion of the drive console, the status of the drive device 13 having a higher priority is displayed. Give an example In other words, "Tape In" indicates that cassette K is in drive unit 13, and "No Tape" indicates that cassette K is not in drive unit 13. "Write" indicates that the drive unit 13 is writing, "Read" indicates that the drive unit 13 is reading, and "No Use" indicates that the drive unit 13 is reading. The device 13 is not used, and "No Communication" indicates that the drive device 13 cannot communicate or is not supplied with power.

Further, the ID (identification information) of the cassette K contained in the drive device 13 is displayed in the cassette portion 134 in the display portion of the drive console.

Although not shown, the main portion of the status of the cassette console is displayed on the display portion of the cassette console. For example, the total number of compartments ("A1 '"), the number of compartments used ("Used"), and the number of open compartments ("Free") are displayed.

When the status is displayed in color on the S size status monitoring screen, it is preferable to change the color according to the type and nature of the status. For example, normal status such as "R eady" or "No Tape" is displayed in white, and status requiring attention such as "Not R eady" is displayed in yellow. The status is displayed in red, "Write" and "Read" are displayed in blue, and when the user requests processing, it is displayed in pink.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the library controller 2 power status monitoring screen is displayed, a plurality of types of displays having different sizes of the display portion of each console are selectively performed. The user can easily grasp and monitor the entire configuration of the cassette library 1 and grasp and monitor the local configuration in the cassette library 1 easily.

Next, a description will be given of a function of the present embodiment, in which the library controller 2 outputs detailed information of the status related to the specified location in response to an instruction designating a predetermined location in the status monitoring screen.

In the following, the operation on the basic size status monitor screen shown in Fig. 7 will be described as an example. The operation is the same.

In this embodiment, when the left double-click operation is performed on the library status section 13 1 in the display section of the basic console on the status monitoring screen as shown in FIG. 7, the state shown in FIG. 36 is obtained. The detailed status of cassette library 1 is displayed. Also, if you double-click left on the drive status part 1 32 in the display part of the drive console, the detailed status of the drive console 1D as shown in Fig. 37 will be displayed . Further, when the left double-click operation is performed on the drive status portion 133 in the display portion of the drive console, the detailed status of the drive device 13 as shown in FIG. 38 is displayed. Although not shown, the detailed status of the junction console 1J is also displayed when the left double-click operation is performed on the junction console status portion in the display portion of the junction console. In addition, on the margins in the display area of the basic console, the margins in the display area of the drive console, the margins in the display area of the junction console, and the display area of the cassette console, Performing a left double-click operation displays a bin status (not shown).

By the way, since it is difficult to display detailed status information on the status monitoring screen, conventionally, in order to view detailed status information, another menu for displaying detailed status information is opened and the A complicated operation such as selecting an item for which detailed status information is to be displayed on a menu was required.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, detailed status information related to a specified location is displayed in response to an instruction (click operation) designating a predetermined location in the display portion of each console in the status monitoring screen. As a result, detailed information on the part desired by the user can be displayed with a simple operation while displaying the status of the entire system. This allows the user to quickly and easily monitor both the overall overview of the cassette library 1 on the status monitoring screen and the local details in the cassette library 1 on the detail screen. Becomes possible. Therefore, especially when an abnormality occurs, a quick response is possible.

Next, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 When the status of the library 1 is monitored and the status monitoring screen is displayed, if an error occurs in the cassette library 1 (hereinafter also referred to as “error 1”), the error information that represents the content of the error as an image The function to generate and output is described. The following description also serves as a description of the abnormality information output method according to the present embodiment.

In the cassette library 1, the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B constantly monitors the status of each unit except the drive unit 13 in the force-set library 1, and the main drive control unit of the basic console 1B. Numeral 61 constantly monitors the status of each drive device 13 in the cassette library 1. The basic control unit 60 and the main drive control unit 61 respectively indicate when an error has occurred in a part of the cassette library 1 that is being monitored by itself and when the error has been cleared. Is transmitted to the library controller 2 via the transmission paths 24 and 25. The error data includes, for example, an error type, an error code indicating the content of the error, and a code indicating whether the error has occurred or has been cleared. The library controller 2 monitors the status of the cassette library 1 based on the error data.

In addition, the library controller 2 stores, in the storage unit 54, a list of errors for storing information on the occurring error. The library controller 2 automatically generates and displays an error message screen based on the error list when an error occurs in the cassette library 1 while displaying the status monitoring screen. This is displayed on the device 23. In this case, the library controller 2 displays the error message screen with priority over the status monitoring screen, that is, displays the error message screen on the upper side of the status monitoring screen. The error message screen corresponds to the abnormality information in the present invention.

Fig. 39 shows an example of the error message screen. The error message screen shown in this figure consists of an area 1 41 that displays the console row where the error occurred, an area 1 42 that displays the type of error, an area 1 43 that displays the error code, And an area 144 for displaying a message indicating the content of the error. In these areas 1 4 1 to 1 4 4, one line displays information about one error. When multiple errors occur, information is displayed on multiple lines.

Further, the error message screen shown in FIG. 39 is provided with a close button 145 and a clear button 146. The library controller 2 closes (deletes) the error message screen shown in FIG. 39 when a left-click operation is performed on the close button 144. In the library controller 2, after performing a left-click operation on an arbitrary line in the area 14 1 to 14 4 to select an arbitrary line, a left-click operation on the clear button 1 46 is performed. When this is done, the selected line is deleted on the screen. In this case, the information is not deleted from the error list.

When the error is cleared, the library controller 2 automatically deletes the line corresponding to the cleared error on the error message screen, and when all the errors are cleared, the error message is displayed. The screen is closed.

In addition, in the error message screen shown in FIG. 39, when a left double-click operation is performed on an arbitrary line, the library controller 2 displays an explanation of an error indicating information relating to an error corresponding to the line. The screen is displayed.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error explanation screen. The explanation screen of this error describes, for example, the meaning of the error code, the cause of the error, and the method of avoiding the error. In addition, if a left-click operation is performed on an underlined description in the description screen of this error, a description screen related to the description is displayed.

When an error occurs in the cassette library 1, an error code indicating the content of the error is displayed on a display device provided in the cassette library 1.

The library controller 2 stores an error log file, which is error history information, in the storage unit 54, separately from the error list. In this error log file, error data sent from the cassette library 1 is recorded in chronological order. Select “Log” in the menu bar on the status monitoring screen shown in Fig. 7 (left-click operation). By selecting "Error Log" from the pull-down menu that appears, you can open (display) it.

Further, when an error occurs, error information may be displayed in a portion for displaying the status on the status monitoring screen as shown in FIG.

Next, the operation related to the display of the error message screen in the library controller 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This operation represents the operation from the start of the library system. In this operation, the library controller 2 first displays the status of the cassette library 1 on the information monitoring screen (Step S371). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the occurrence of an error has been notified from the cassette library 1 (Step S372). When the occurrence of an error is notified (Y), the library controller 2 adds the notified error information to the error list (step S3733), and proceeds to step S3. Proceed to 3 7 6. If the occurrence of the error has not been notified (step S372; N), the library controller 2 determines whether or not the cancellation of the error has been notified from the cassette library 1 (step S37). 3 7 4). If the cancellation of the error is notified (Y), the library controller 2 deletes the information of the notified error from the error list (step S375), and proceeds to step S37. Proceed to S376. If the cancellation of the error has not been notified (step S3774; N), the library controller 2 proceeds to step S376 as it is.

In step S376, the library controller 2 determines whether or not error information exists on the error list (step S376). If there is error information on the error list (Y), the library controller 2 displays an error message screen (step S377). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not display of an error explanation screen has been instructed (step S379). If the display of the error explanation screen is instructed (Y), the library controller 2 displays the error explanation screen (step S380), and returns to step S378. If the display of the error explanation screen is not instructed (Step S379; N), the library controller 2 returns to Step S372 as it is. You.

On the other hand, if the error information does not exist on the error list in step S376 (N), the library controller 2 erases the error message screen (step S378) Then, the process returns to step S 3 72.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the library controller 2 monitors the status of the force-set library 1, and when an error occurs in the cassette library 1, the error is displayed as an image. The message screen is automatically displayed, so that the user can quickly know that an error has occurred in the cassette library 1 and can know the details of the error in detail. It is possible to respond quickly to the error in (1). As a result, even when the cassette library 1 is monitored from a remote location, it is possible to quickly respond to an error in the cassette library 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the error message screen is displayed with higher priority than the status monitoring screen, so that the user can know the occurrence of the error more reliably.

Further, in the present embodiment, when a left double-click operation is performed on an arbitrary line on the error message screen, an error explanation screen corresponding to the line is displayed. It is easy to obtain information related to the error that occurred, such as the meaning of the code, the cause of the error, and how to avoid the error, and it is possible to respond quickly and appropriately to the error The repair time can be shortened.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the error message screen is automatically displayed when an error occurs. For example, when an error occurs, a mark indicating the occurrence of the error is displayed. When this mark is selected, an error message screen may be displayed. Next, a function for specifying one or more cassettes K in the library controller 2 will be described in detail. The following description also serves as a description of an operation instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, As described above, a predetermined information screen is displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2 so that the user can easily and intuitively grasp the configuration and state of each part in the cassette library 1. It has become. This information screen recognizes the state of each part of the cassette library 1 including the library controller 2 drive unit 13 and the storage unit, and displays at least a part of the information indicating the recognized state together with the image information indicating the configuration. Displayed by output to device 23.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an information screen (hereinafter, referred to as a bin information screen) used to specify a cassette K. This bin information screen is displayed, for example, by selecting the [View] menu in the menu bar on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 to display a pull-down selection menu shown in FIG. It is displayed by selecting [Bin dat a] from the pull-down format selection menu. The bin information screen is also displayed by, for example, clicking the [Bin data] selection icon on the leftmost side of the main screen shown in FIG. 7 with a mouse. It has become. At this time, the console to be displayed is also specified at the same time. In the example of the figure, the bin information screen corresponding to the case where the second drive console 1D in the first row is specified in the cassette library 1 is displayed. The bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on the margin area of the display part imitating each console on the main screen shown in Fig. 7. . In addition, the bin information screen is displayed on the main screen shown in Fig. 7 by right-clicking the mouse on the display part imitating each console to display a predetermined detailed selection menu. It is also displayed by selecting [n da ta].

The bin information screen displays the internal configuration of the selected console and the status of each internal component. In the example of the bin information screen shown in the figure, an area 111 corresponding to each drive device 13 and an area 112 corresponding to each storage unit are provided. If a cassette K is contained in the drive unit 13 or the storage unit, the ID of the cassette K is displayed in the areas 1 1 1 and 1 1 2 corresponding to the portion containing the cassette K. In the library system, cassette library 1 Each component, for example, each storage unit is assigned a number (hereinafter, referred to as a bin number) for identifying a plurality of storage units. For this reason, in the areas 111 and 112 corresponding to the drive device 13 or the storage portion, a number for identifying each drive device 13 or each storage portion is also displayed. For example, in the area 1 1 2 corresponding to the storage section, the bin number 1 1 2 b corresponding to the bin area 1 1 2 a is displayed beside the bin area 1 1 2 a imitating the appearance of the storage section. ing.

In this embodiment, the user can use this bin information screen to select one or more cassettes K or storage units to be moved or read IDs and designate them as execution targets. . Also, in the present embodiment, there are four ways to select and specify using this bin information screen. Next, with reference to FIGS. 44 to 47, the four types of selection and designation will be described.

FIG. 44 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting and specifying only one storage unit. In this case, on the initial bin information screen shown in Fig. 43, move the mouse pointer to one specific bin area corresponding to the storage area to be selected, and perform a left click operation of the mouse. A bin area, that is, one storage unit, can be specified (in FIG. 44, a bin area corresponding to the bin number "3600" is specified). By performing this operation, as shown in FIG. 44, the selected bin area is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage sections to be selected and designated in a rectangular area. In the area 1 1 2 of the initial bin information screen shown in Fig. 43, move the mouse pointer to an area other than the bin area, and hold down the left button of the mouse, and When the mouse button is moved to the position, a rectangular area (corresponding to the area indicated by the broken line in FIG. 45) is formed between the position at which the left mouse button is pressed and the current mouse button area. Is formed. All bin areas within this rectangular area correspond to the selected and specified storage unit. As shown in FIG. 45, the bin area selected in the rectangular area has been changed so that the background color is different from the others so that it is easy to visually recognize.

FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated by consecutive bin numbers. Select and specify multiple storage units with consecutive bin numbers To do this, first move the mouse pointer to the bin area of the bin number for which you want to start the selection (hereinafter referred to as the selection start bin number) on the bin information screen in the initial state shown in Fig. 43. By performing a left-click operation on, the selection start bin number is specified. After that, move the mouse pointer to the bin area of the bin number for which you want to end the selection (hereinafter referred to as the selection end bin number), and perform the left mouse click operation while pressing the shift key on the keyboard. The bin areas of consecutive bin numbers from the selection start pin number to the selection end bin number correspond to the selected and specified storage unit. In the example of the figure, the area from the bin number “3600” to the bin number “3700” is selected and designated, and the selected bin area is visually recognizable. The background color has been changed to be different from the others.

FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining a method for enabling a plurality of storage units to be selected and designated by random bin numbers. On the bin information screen in the initial state shown in Fig. 43, move the mouse pointer to the bin area to be selected, and perform a left-click operation of the mouse while holding down the control key on the keyboard. You can select and specify the area. By repeating this operation, a new bin region is selected and sequentially added to the bin region selected and specified in the previous operation as the specified bin region. In the example of the figure, the bin area of the bin number “3600” and the bin number “3070” is selected and designated, and the selected bin area is visually recognized easily. The background color has been changed to be different from the others.

In the present embodiment, the user designates an execution target by the various selection methods described above, and then gives an instruction of an operation to be executed. For example, if you move the mouse pointer over the selected bin area and press the left mouse button, all cassettes K in the selected bin area will be moved, and then press the left mouse button. By moving the mouse pointer to the destination (for example, another bin area on the bin information screen) and releasing the left mouse button, the cassette K is moved. Here, the destination is specified, for example, in another pin area on the bin information screen, for example, by releasing the left mouse button of the mouse in the first bin area of the destination, the source cassette K is moved to the destination cassette. Bin number specified as It moves in order from the area.

In this embodiment, when the mouse pointer is moved over the selected bin area and the right mouse button is clicked, a selection menu in a pop-up menu format as shown in FIG. 48 is displayed. It has become. When the [BCR Execut e] menu is selected in this selection menu, an operation for reading the ID is performed for the cassette K in the storage unit designated using the bin information screen. The operation of reading the ID is performed, for example, by moving the cassette transporter 16 to the storage section in which the force set K for reading the ID is stored, and using the bar code reader provided in the cassette transporter 16. This is executed by reading the barcode information indicating the ID of the cassette.

Next, a process for causing the library controller 2 to execute a predetermined operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 49 to 53.

At the time of startup, the library controller 2 acquires information indicating the current console configuration, such as the type of console and the connection relationship of each console, from the cassette library 1, and based on the acquired information, as shown in FIG. The indicated main screen is displayed (step S401). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the display of the bin information screen has been instructed (step S402). The bin information screen is shown in Fig. 42 by selecting the [View] menu in the menu bar on the main screen shown in Fig. 7, for example. A pull-down format selection menu is displayed, and the menu is displayed by selecting [Bindata] from the pull-down format selection menu. The bin information screen may also be displayed by, for example, clicking the [Bin data] selection icon on the leftmost side of the main screen shown in FIG. 7 with a mouse. It has become. The bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on the margin area of the display part imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. . Furthermore, the bin information screen is displayed on the main screen shown in Fig. 7 by right-clicking the mouse on the display part simulating each console to display a predetermined detailed selection menu. Is displayed by selecting [B in da ta] '. When the display of the bin information screen is not instructed (step S402; N), the library controller 2 repeats the determination of step S402. When the display of the bin information screen is instructed (step S402; Y), the library controller 2 firstly selects the selected start bin number stored with the previous specified operation to be executed. The information on the execution target bin number sequence and the movement target bin number sequence is cleared (step S403), and the storage area in the library controller 2 associated with the specified operation is returned to the initial state. Note that when the operation to be executed is first specified, the operation of clearing the information on the selection start bin number and the like is practically omitted. In addition, the execution target pin number string refers to the information on the bin numbers of all the storage units in which the cassette K to be executed is stored, and the movement target bin number string refers to the execution target pin number string. When the movement of the cassette K is the movement of the cassette K, it is the information of the bin numbers of all the storage units in which the cassette K to be moved is stored.

Next, the library controller 2 displays a bin information screen as shown in FIG. 43 (step S404). In the bin information screen displayed at this time, if there is a bin area already selected and specified as an execution target, the library controller 2 changes the bin area of the execution target bin number in accordance with the selection and specification. For example, as shown in FIGS. 44 to 47, the background color is changed so as to be visually recognizable so as to be easily recognized.

Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the left button of the mouse has been pressed on the bin information screen (step S405), and determines whether the left button has been pressed.

In (Y), it is further determined whether or not the mouse pointer is over the bin area on the bin information screen (step S406). Here, if the mouse pointer is not over the bin area (N), then the library controller 2 determines whether the left button of the mouse has been released (step S407). When the left button of the mouse is not released (N), a rectangle is formed by the position where the left mouse button is pressed and the current position of the mouse pointer as the mouse pointer moves, and is surrounded by a rectangle. After changing the background color of the bin area in the specified area (step S409), the process returns to the determination of step S407. When the left mouse button is released in step S407 '(step S407; Y), the library controller 2 sets the rectangular shape. The bin number corresponding to the bin area surrounded by the shape is stored as an execution target bin number sequence (step S410), and the process returns to step S404.

If the mouse pointer is located in the bin area (Y) in step S406, the library controller 2 proceeds to the operation shown in FIG. If the left button is not pressed in step S405 (N), the library controller 2 further determines whether or not the right mouse button has been clicked (step S410). If the right button has not been clicked (N), the process returns to step S404. On the other hand, when the right mouse button is clicked (Y), the library controller 2 proceeds to the operation shown in FIG. 52.

In step S406, when the mouse pointer is over the bin area (Y), the library controller 2 determines whether or not the shift key on the keyboard is pressed as shown in FIG. Then (step S411), if the shift key is pressed (Y), the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the shift key has not been pressed (N), the library controller 2 next determines whether or not the keyboard control key has been pressed (step S 4 1 2). If the control key is pressed (Y), the operation proceeds to the operation shown in FIG.

If the CONTROL key has not been pressed (step S4 12; N), the library controller 2 sets the bin number corresponding to the position where the mouse pointer is located as the bin number column to be executed. It memorizes and changes the background color of the bin area corresponding to the bin number (step S4113). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the left mouse button has been released (step S414). If the left button of the mouse has not been released (N), the library controller 2 proceeds to step S4. Repeat the judgment of 14. On the other hand, if the left mouse button is released (Y), the library controller 2 moves the mouse pointer to the same bin area as the position where the left mouse button was pressed. It is determined whether or not there is a bin (step S 4 15). If it is on the same bin area (Y), the bin number corresponding to the position where the mouse pointer is located is selected as the selection start bin number. Store in the number sequence (step S4 18), and Return to Step S404.

If the current mouse pointer position is not in the same bin area as the position where the left mouse button was pressed (step S415; N), the library controller 2 then executes the execution target bin The number sequence is stored as the bin number sequence to be moved (step S4 16), and the cassette K stored in the storage section corresponding to the bin number sequence to be moved is indicated at the mouse pointer position. A control operation is performed to move the cassette to the storage unit corresponding to the bin area of the destination (step S417), and the process returns to step S403.

When the shift-key of the keyboard is pressed (Y) in step S411, the library controller 2 sets the selection start bin number as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the bin number is stored (step S419). If the selection start bin number is not stored (N), the process returns to step S418. On the other hand, when the selection start bin number is stored (Y), the library controller 2 updates all the bin numbers between the selection start bin number and the bin number at the current mouse pointer position. Then, it is stored as the bin number sequence to be executed (step S420), and the process returns to step S404.

When the right mouse button is clicked (Y) in step S410, the library controller 2 then moves the bin number to the execution target bin number column as shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the number is stored (step S421), and if the bin number is not stored (N), the process returns to step S404. If the bin number is stored (Y), the library controller 2 further determines whether or not the mouse pointer is over the bin area of the bin number to be executed (step S422), and If the mouse pointer is not over the bin area of the execution target bin number (N), the process returns to step S 404.

On the other hand, if the mouse pointer is over the bin area of the bin number to be executed (Y), the library controller 2 displays a pop-up menu — format selection menu as shown in FIG. 48 (step S 4 2 3) Then, it is determined whether or not the [BCR Execute] menu is selected in this selection menu (step S 4 ′ 24). Here, the library controller 2 selects the [BCR Execute] menu. If not (N), the flow returns to step S404. When the [BCR Execute] menu is selected (Y), the library controller 2 reads the ID from the cassette K in the storage unit corresponding to the bin number to be executed. The control operation is performed (step S425), and the process returns to step S403.

If the control key of the keyboard is depressed in step S412 (step S412; Y), the library controller 2 sets the current mouse as shown in FIG. 53. Then, it is determined whether or not the bin number corresponding to the position of the hot spot has already been stored in the bin number sequence to be executed (step S 426). If the bin number is not stored in the execution target bin number column (N), the library controller 2 stores the bin number corresponding to the current position of the mouse pointer in the execution target bin number column. Then, the process returns to step S404. On the other hand, if the bin number is already stored in the bin number string to be executed (step S 4 26; Y), the library controller 2 executes the bin number corresponding to the current position of the mouse pointer. It is deleted from the bin number sequence (step S4 288), and the process returns to step S404.

In the above description, the movement of the cassette K between the storage units has been described with respect to the movement of the cassette K. For example, when the cassette K is moved from the storage unit to the drive device 13 or when a plurality of different It is also possible to perform an operation such as moving the cassette K between the drive devices 13. In such a case, by performing the designated operation using the mouse in the area 111 corresponding to the drive device 13, the same operation as the movement between the storage units can be performed.

As described above, according to the library system according to the present embodiment, the library controller 2 displays an information screen showing information on the storage state of the cassette K and the like, and displays the cassette K on the information screen. It is possible to specify one or more cassettes K to be subjected to a predetermined operation with respect to the specified cassette K, and to instruct the execution of the predetermined operation with respect to the specified cassette K. Since it has a function of performing a predetermined operation, it is possible to easily specify one or more cassettes K and perform the predetermined operation with respect to the specified cassette K. In addition, the designation of the cassette K to be executed in this operation can be easily specified on the information screen using the GUI. Mouse operation, the operation for specifying the execution target and performing the predetermined operation is easy, and the possibility of erroneous operation due to an operation error or the like is small. Next, a function for displaying console information in the library controller 2 will be described in detail. The following description also serves as a description of a processing instruction method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 55 and FIG. 56 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of an information screen (hereinafter, referred to as a bin information screen) representing console information. These bin information screens are displayed, for example, by selecting the [View] menu in the menu bar on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 to display a pull-down selection menu shown in FIG. 42. It is displayed by selecting [Bin daia] in the pull-down format selection menu. The bin information screen can also be displayed by, for example, clicking the [Bin data] selection icon on the leftmost side of the main screen shown in Fig. 7 with the mouse. ing. The bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on the margin area of the display part imitating each console on the main screen shown in Fig. 7. . Furthermore, the bin information screen is displayed on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 by clicking the mouse on the display part simulating each console to display a predetermined detailed selection menu, and the [Bin information] in the selection menu is displayed. It is also displayed by selecting [data]. When the bin information screen is displayed from the selection menu, it is also possible to simultaneously specify which of the plurality of consoles constituting the cassette library 1 is to have the bin information screen displayed. At this time, for example, by specifying the console row of the console to be displayed and the console number (No.) assigned to the console, a bin information screen relating to the desired console can be displayed.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram for describing console numbers assigned to consoles. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, when there are a plurality of consoles 11, 12, 13,... Connected in the same row, for example, in order from the left console, The console numbers No. 1, No. 2, No. 3... Are assigned. Fig. 55 shows cassette library 1. An example of a bin information screen for the first basic console 1B in the first row is shown in FIG. 56. It is an example of a bin information screen.

The bin information screen displays the internal configuration and the status of each internal component as console information. For example, in the example of the bin information screen shown in FIG. 55, an area 110 corresponding to the input / output port section 11 of the basic console 1B and an area 111 corresponding to each storage section are provided. ing. In the example of the bin information screen shown in FIG. 56, an area 111 corresponding to each drive device 13 of the drive console 1D and an area 112 corresponding to each storage unit are provided. ing. If the cassette K is in the I / O port section 11, the drive unit 13, or the storage section, the area corresponding to the part where the cassette K is placed 110, 1 1 1, 1 1 2 The ID of cassette K is displayed in the box. In the library system, each component in the cassette library 1, for example, each storage unit is assigned a number (hereinafter referred to as a bin number) for identifying the storage units. For this reason, the input / output port 11, the drive 13, or the area corresponding to the storage unit 110, 1 11, 1 12 has the input / output port 11, the drive 13, or The number for identifying the storage unit is also displayed. For example, in the area 1 1 2 corresponding to the storage section, the bin number 1 1 2 b corresponding to the bin area 1 1 2 a is displayed beside the bin area 1 1 2 a imitating the appearance of the storage section. I have.

Further, the bin information screen is provided with box areas 121 and 122 indicating console console numbers and console row information corresponding to the displayed bin information screen. Here, by changing the information (numbers) in the boxes in the box areas 1 2 1 and 1 2 2, it is possible to display the console bin information screen in an arbitrary column and number.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 57, a plurality of bin information screens can be displayed on one display device 23. In the example of this figure, two bin information screens corresponding to the bin information screens shown in FIGS. 55 and 56 are displayed on one display device 23.

Also, in the present embodiment, the user uses the bin information The controller 2 can be instructed to move the cassette K to the controller 2. In this case, for example, on the bin information screen, move the mouse pointer over the bin area corresponding to the storage area in which the cassette K to be moved is stored, press the left button of the mouse, and further press the left button of the mouse. Hold down to move cassette K

By moving the mouse pointer (for example, to another bin area on the bin information screen) and releasing the left mouse button, the movement of cassette K is executed. At this time, the bin area selected as the movement source is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

Here, when a plurality of bin information screens are displayed, a process of moving the cassette K across a plurality of consoles can be performed. For example, with two bin information screens displayed as shown in Fig. 57, in the bin information screen for the basic console 1B displayed on the upper side, Move the mouse pointer to the corresponding bin area (for example, the bin area with the bin number "3 0 1"), press the left mouse button, and then hold down the left mouse button and Move the mouse pointer to the bin area (for example, the bin area with the bin number of "31016") corresponding to the storage area where cassette K is not stored in the bin information screen for drive console 1D displayed on the side By moving the mouse and releasing the left mouse button, you can move the cassette K across the two consoles. At this time, the bin area selected as the movement source is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the cassette K can be moved simply by performing a continuous operation (so-called drag and drop) with the mouse using the pin information screen. Further, in the present embodiment, the operation of moving the cassette K across a plurality of consoles can be performed by an operation over a plurality of bin information screens using a mouse.

Next, the operation involved in the process of moving the cassette K in the library controller 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The library controller 2 displays the current console configuration, such as the console type and the connection relationship of each console, from the cassette library 1 at startup. The information is acquired, and the main screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed based on the acquired information (step S431). Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the display of the bin information screen has been instructed (Step S432). The bin information screen is displayed, for example, by selecting the [View] menu in the menu bar on the main screen shown in Fig. 7 to display a pull-down selection menu shown in Fig. 42. It is displayed by selecting [Bin data] from this pull-down format selection menu. The bin information screen is also displayed by, for example, clicking the [B in data] selection icon on the leftmost side of the main screen shown in Fig. 7 with a mouse. . The bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on the margin area of the display part imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. Further, in the bin information screen, on the main screen shown in FIG. 7, a mouse is clicked on a display portion imitating each console, a predetermined detailed selection menu is displayed, and [bin] in the selection menu is displayed. It is also displayed by selecting [B in da ta].

When library controller 2 is not instructed to display the bin information screen

(Step S 4 32; N), the judgment of Step S 4 32 is repeated. When the display of the bin information screen is instructed (step S432; Y), the library controller 2 displays the bin information screen as shown in FIGS. 55 and 56.

(Step S 4 3 3). At this time, a plurality of bin information screens can be displayed on one display device 23 as shown in FIG. 57.

Next, in the displayed at least one bin information screen, the library controller 2 determines, for example, whether or not the left button of the mouse has been pressed on the bin area corresponding to the storage unit (step S433). If the left button has not been pressed (N), the determination in step S434 is repeated. In addition, when the left button is pressed (Y), the library controller 2 further adds a portion corresponding to the position of the mouse where the left mouse button is pressed (for example, the bin where the left mouse button is pressed). It is determined whether or not the cassette K is present in the storage unit corresponding to the area (step S43)

Five ) . Here, when the force set K does not exist at the position of the mouse pointer (N), the library controller 2 returns to step S434. Meanwhile, live If the cassette K exists at the position of the mouse button (Y), the rally controller 2 stores the cassette K corresponding to the position of the pointer as the movement source cassette K (step S3). S4 3 6). At this time, the bin area selected as the movement source is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually. Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the left button of the mouse has been released (step S 437), and if the left button has not been released (N), the step S 437 Repeat the judgment. When the left button is released (Y), the library controller 2 next determines whether or not the position of the mouse pointer is over the bin area (step S 438), and If not (N), an error message indicating that movement is not possible is performed (step S444), and the process returns to step S434. On the other hand, when the position of the mouse pointer is in the bin area (Y), the library controller 2 next checks whether cassette K does not exist in the storage unit corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer. It is determined whether or not (step S439). If the cassette K is present (N), the library controller 2 displays an error message indicating that movement is not possible (step S 4 41), and judges in step S 4 34 Return to On the other hand, if the cassette K does not exist (Y), the cassette K is moved to the storage section corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer, and the process returns to step S434. At this time, if a plurality of bin information screens are displayed and the designation of the source and destination of the cassette K with the mouse is performed over the multiple bin information screens, the console K is displayed on different consoles. The cassette K is moved.

In the above description, with respect to the movement of the cassette K, the movement of the cassette K between the storage units has been described.For example, when the cassette K is moved from the storage unit to the drive device 13 or when a plurality of different It is also possible to perform an operation such as moving the cassette K between the drive devices 13. In such a case, by performing the designated operation using the mouse in the area 111 corresponding to the drive device 13, the same operation as the movement between the storage units can be performed.

As described above, according to the library system according to the present embodiment, each of the two library controllers and each of the consoles constituting the cassette library 1 are controlled. Information for at least the consoles for which console information is required, and the console information corresponding to the selected multiple consoles is output simultaneously as image information. Information can be output easily. In addition, the library controller displays the information screen of each console for displaying the console information corresponding to one console as image information, and the information screen of at least two selected consoles. Can be simultaneously displayed, so that a plurality of bin information screens can be simultaneously displayed on one display device 23.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to display a plurality of bin information screens. For example, when monitoring the status of each unit as the cassette moves in the cassette library 1, Even if the source and destination of cassette K are on different consoles, the status of two different locations can be monitored simultaneously. Also, for example, when a cassette is loaded from outside the cassette library 1, the input / output port 11 that is a library loading mechanism and the loading destination (storage unit, etc.) are on a different console. In this case, the status of the input / output port 11 and the destination can be monitored simultaneously. Further, by displaying a plurality of bin information screens relating to different drive consoles 1D, it is possible to simultaneously monitor a plurality of drive devices 13 during recording / reproduction of data in different drive consoles 1D.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the library controller 2 performs a predetermined process (a plurality of consoles) over a plurality of consoles by the operation over the information display portion of the plurality of consoles on the information screen. The processing of the cassette K can be efficiently performed because the predetermined processing is performed in accordance with the instruction. (Modification 2)

In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of bin information screens are displayed to perform processing across a plurality of consoles. However, as described below, a plurality of bin information screens are displayed without displaying a plurality of bin information screens. May be performed across consoles. In other words, in this modification, the library controller 2 displays the bin information screen for each console, and operates over the information display portion of a plurality of consoles. In accordance with the operation, the bin information screen to be displayed is switched so that the bin information screen corresponding to the console to be instructed for the predetermined processing over a plurality of consoles is displayed. In this case, the library controller 2 can cause the cassette K to move across a plurality of consoles by a continuous operation of the mouse between the bin information screens that are switched and displayed.

FIG. 59 and FIG. 60 are explanatory views for explaining the function of switching and displaying the bin information screen in the present modified example. FIG. 59 shows a bin information screen relating to the first basic console 1 B in the first row of the cassette library 1, and FIG. 60 shows a bin information screen of the cassette library 1. A bin information screen relating to the second drive console 1D in the first column connected to the right of the basic console 1B corresponding to the bin information screen of FIG. 59 is shown.

In this modified example, on any bin information screen being displayed, move the mouse button over the bin area corresponding to the storage section in which cassette K is stored, press the left mouse button, and When the mouse pointer is moved while holding down the left button, the mouse pointer is changed to a point 130 that imitates the cassette K as shown in Fig. 59. . When the mouse pointer is moved to the end of the displayed bin information screen while holding down the left button of the mouse, the displayed bin information screen is connected to the console corresponding to the displayed bin information screen. The bin information screens for the adjacent consoles are sequentially switched and displayed. For example, as shown in Fig. 59, when the mouse pointer is moved to the right end of the displayed bin information screen, the bin information related to the console connected to the right end of the console corresponding to the displayed bin information screen is displayed. Screen (corresponding to the Bin Chinho screen in Fig. 60).

That is, when the mouse pointer is sequentially moved to the right end of the displayed bin information screen, the bin information screen corresponding to the console whose console number is sequentially increased is displayed on the bin information screen. Also, when the mouse pointer is sequentially moved to the left end of the displayed bin information screen, the bin information screen displays the bin information screen corresponding to the console whose console number sequentially decreases.

Here, in this modified example, the bin K corresponding to the storage section in which the cassette K is stored is located above the bin area. Move the mouse pointer to, press the left mouse button, and move the mouse pointer while holding down the left mouse button to sequentially switch the bin information screen. By performing a series of mouse operations such as releasing the mouse pointer over the bin area, the process of moving cassette K across multiple consoles is performed. In the examples of FIGS. 14 and 60, cassette K in the bin number “3001” storage section is selected as the source cassette K in the bin information screen of FIG. In the bin information screen shown in Fig. 60, the storage unit with bin number "3 1 1 5" is selected as the destination of cassette K. As a result, the cassette K is moved from the console number 1 to the console number 2 console only by continuous mouse operation on the bin information screen. At this time, the bin area selected as the movement source is changed so that the background color is different from the others so as to be easily recognized visually.

Next, the operation involved in the process of moving the cassette K in the library controller 2 in the present modification will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart shown in the figure, the processing from step S451 to step S457 is the same as the processing from step S431 to step S437 in FIG. 58 of the above-described embodiment. is there. Here, in step S457, if the left button of the mouse is not released (step S457; N), the library controller 2 displays the bin information screen according to the destination of the mouse. The display is sequentially switched and displayed (step S4558), and the process returns to the determination of step S457. Here, regarding the switching of the bin information screen, when the mouse pointer is moved to the right end of the bin information screen, the library controller 2 sequentially increases the console number within the range of the console number. Switches the displayed bin information screen to the bin information screen corresponding to the console with the increased console number. Also, if the mouse pointer is moved to the left end of the bin information screen, the console number is sequentially reduced within the range of the console number, and the displayed bin information screen corresponds to the console with the reduced console number. Switch to and display the bin information screen.

When the left button of the mouse is released in step S457 (step S457; Y), the library controller 2 then moves the mouse pointer It is determined whether or not the position is in the bin area (step S459). If it is not in the bin area (N), an error message indicating that movement is impossible is performed (step S459). 6 2), and return to the determination of step S 4 5 4. On the other hand, when the position of the mouse pointer is on the bin area (Y), the library controller 2 next checks whether the cassette K is not present in the storage section corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer. Judge

(Step S460). If the cassette K is present (N), the library controller 2 displays an error message indicating that movement is not possible (step S 4622), and returns to the determination in step S 454. On the other hand, if the cassette K does not exist (Y), the cassette K is moved to the storage section corresponding to the position of the mouse pointer, and the flow returns to the determination in step S445. At this time, if the bin information screen has been switched in accordance with the movement of the mouse, the processing of moving the cassette K across different consoles is performed.

In the above description, the switching display of the bin information screen is limited to the case where the mouse is moved in the horizontal direction of the screen. However, the pin information is also displayed when the mouse is moved in the vertical direction of the screen. The screen may be switched and displayed. In this case, as the mouse moves up and down, for example, the console in another console row closest to the contool row to which the contool corresponding to the displayed bin information screen belongs (usually, It is recommended to switch to the bin information screen for the junction console 1 J) and display it.

As described above, according to the library system according to the present modification, the library controller 2 displays the bin information screen for each console, and interlocks with the operation over the information display portion of a plurality of consoles. The bin information screen to be displayed is switched so that the bin information screen corresponding to the console which is the target of the predetermined processing instruction over a plurality of consoles is displayed, and the bin information screen between the switched bin information screens is displayed. Movement of cassette K across multiple consoles is performed by continuous mouse operation, so processing can be performed across multiple consoles without displaying multiple bin information screens. Becomes

(Modification 3) In the above-described embodiment, for example, when monitoring two consoles or when moving the cassette K between the two consoles, it is necessary to display two bin information screens. As described above, in the above-described embodiment, by displaying a plurality of bin information screens, information of a plurality of consoles can be obtained. However, in this modification, a plurality of consoles can be obtained by a single bin information screen. It is possible to obtain the information of. Further, in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of bin information screens are displayed to perform processing across a plurality of consoles. However, in the present modification, a single bin information screen is displayed without displaying a plurality of bin information screens. Enables to obtain information of multiple consoles on the bin information screen.

In this modification, the library controller 2 displays a single bin information screen including a plurality of areas for displaying information corresponding to one console as image information representing console information. The corresponding console can be selected for each area. In this case, in this modification, a part of the information corresponding to one console is displayed in each area.

In this modification, the library controller 2 performs a predetermined process over a plurality of consoles based on a predetermined operation in a single information screen on which information on a plurality of consoles is displayed. It has become.

FIG. 62 and FIG. 63 are explanatory diagrams showing a bin information screen displayed in the present modified example. In the bin information screen according to the present embodiment, areas 13 1 F and 13 1 R for specifying a console number, and areas 13 2 F for specifying a console row are provided on the left and right sides of the screen, respectively. , 13R, and 13F, 13R to specify the front and back of the console. In this modification, by changing the information (numbers) in each box-shaped area provided on the left and right sides of this screen, the information of two consoles with different columns and numbers on a single screen can be displayed on the screen. It can be divided into left and right and displayed arbitrarily.

For example, in the bin information screen shown in Fig. 62, information about the console with one console row and console number 2 is displayed on both the left and right sides of the screen. In the bin information screen shown in Fig. 62, the front side of the console (Fron 0 information is displayed on the left side of the screen, and the rear side (Rear) information of the console is displayed on the right side of the screen. As described above, in this embodiment, the information of a single console is displayed on a single bin information screen, the information of the front side of the console is displayed on the left side of the screen, and the information of the back side is displayed on the right side of the screen. This state is displayed when the bin information screen is first displayed. In the bin information screen shown in Fig. 63, in the screen area on the left side of the bin information screen shown in Fig. 62, an area 1 3 1F for designating the console number and an area 1 By changing the information in 33F, information on the back side of the console with one console row and console number 4 is displayed on the left side of the screen.

Here, the front and back of the console mean that one part of the console is the front side and the other part is the border of the guide rail 101 (Fig. 2) through which the cassette transporter 16 passes. Is the back side. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, the side where the drive device 13 of the drive console 1D is provided is the front side, and the other side where the drive device 13 is not provided is the back side.

Further, in this modified example, in a state where information of two consoles having different columns and numbers are displayed on a single information screen, continuous operation of a mouse similar to the above-described embodiment ( By performing drag-and-drop with the mouse, it is possible to move cassette K across two consoles.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 64, the operation involved in the split display of the bin information screen in the library controller 2 will be described.

In the library controller 2, for example, on the main screen (Fig. 7), the [View] menu in the menu bar is selected, and the [Bi] in the pull-down type selection menu shown in Fig. 42 is selected. When [n data] is selected, a bin information screen that allows information to be divided and displayed is displayed (step S471). At this time, the library controller 2 displays the information of a single console on both the left and right sides of the screen as the bin information screen to be displayed first, as shown in Fig. 62, and the console on the left side of the screen. The information on the front side is displayed, and the information on the back side is displayed on the right side of the screen (Step S472). Note that the bin information screen is displayed by, for example, clicking the [B in data] selection icon on the left of the main screen shown in Fig. 7 with the mouse. Are also displayed. The bin information screen is also displayed by double-clicking the left mouse button on the margin area of the display part imitating each console on the main screen shown in FIG. Further, the bin information screen is displayed on the main screen shown in FIG. 7 by right-clicking the mouse on a display portion imitating each console to display a predetermined detailed selection menu. It is also displayed by selecting [Bin da ta].

Next, in the bin information screen, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the number in the box in the area 13 1 F or 13 1 R for specifying the console number on the left or right side of the screen has been changed. Then, if the number is changed (Y), the display of the changed information is changed (Step S475), and the judgment in Step S473 is performed. Return to If the console number has not been changed (step S473; N), the library controller 2 next changes the front / rear (Front / Rear) of the console on the left or right side of the screen. It is determined whether or not the information (Front / Rear) in the area 1 3 3 F and 1 3 3 R boxes to be specified has been changed (step S 4 7 4), and the information (Front / Rear) If) has not been changed (N), the flow returns to the determination of step S473. On the other hand, if the information on the front and back of the console (Front / Rear) has been changed (Y), the display on the changed side is changed (step S475), and the judgment in step S473 is made. Return to

In the explanation of the flow chart in FIG. 64, the change of the console row is omitted for simplicity of description, but the areas 1332F and 13R for designating the console row have respective areas. By changing the information in the box, the information on the different console rows can be displayed on the left side of the screen.

As described above, according to the library system of the present modification, the library controller 2 has a plurality of areas for displaying information corresponding to one console as image information representing console information. In addition to displaying a single bin information screen that includes a single bin, the corresponding console can be selected for each area, and continuous operation of the mouse in this single information screen allows the two consoles to be displayed. It is possible to perform the process of moving the cassette K over multiple devices, so that multiple devices can be displayed on multiple devices without displaying multiple bin information screens as in the first embodiment. Predetermined processing can be efficiently performed using a single information screen.

In addition, according to the library system of the present modification, bin information screens corresponding to a plurality of consoles are displayed on a single information screen. For example, cassette movement within the cassette library 1 is performed. When monitoring the status of each part accompanying the above, even if the source and destination of cassette K are on different consoles, the status of two different locations can be monitored simultaneously on a single information screen. Also, for example, when a cassette is loaded from outside the cassette library 1, even if the input / output port 11 that is the library loading mechanism and the loading destination (storage unit, etc.) are on a different console. The status of the output port 11 and the destination can be monitored simultaneously on a single information screen. In addition, by displaying information on different drive consoles 1D on a single information screen, monitoring of a plurality of drive devices 13 during data recording and playback on different drive consoles 1D can be performed on a single information screen. Can be done at the same time. In addition, by displaying a plurality of information screens in the divided format, information about more consoles can be obtained, so that monitoring of more consoles can be performed.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the present invention can be applied to a library system that uses various recording media as recording media, such as a cassette-shaped recording medium other than a video tape cassette, a disk-shaped recording medium, and the like.

As described above, according to the present invention, a recording medium library apparatus and an operation error processing method thereof capable of continuing processing without stopping the entire system even when the conveyance processing of the recording medium fails Can be realized. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to freely and easily perform an optimal operation test in response to a change in the system configuration or a change in the situation, and to freely start and stop the operation test. And an operation test method thereof. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a recording medium library apparatus and an operation test method thereof that can execute an optimum operation test without being affected by a change in the system configuration or a change in the situation. Further, according to the present invention, a recording medium library device capable of promptly responding to the occurrence of the above and a further information An information output method can be realized. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily realize a recording medium library apparatus and an operation instruction method for designating one or more recording media and performing a predetermined operation on the specified recording medium. it can. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a recording medium library apparatus and a processing instruction method thereof that are capable of efficiently performing a predetermined process across a plurality of devices. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a recording medium library device and a unit information output method thereof that can easily output information of a plurality of desired devices.

Based on the above description, it is apparent that various aspects and modifications of the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, within the scope of the following claims, the present invention can be practiced in modes other than the modes described in the above detailed description.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information by using a removable recording medium;

A recording medium storage unit having a plurality of storage units that can store the recording medium; a conveyance unit that conveys the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit in the recording medium storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit;

Control means for controlling the transport means and the recording / reproducing means;

A recording medium library device comprising:

The control means,

It is confirmed whether or not the conveyance process of the recording medium by the conveyance means is successful, and if it is confirmed that the conveyance process has failed, the recording medium being conveyed is moved to a position before the start of the conveyance process. Control the transport means to return

A recording medium library device characterized by the above-mentioned.

2. The control means

In response to a request from a client, the transport unit requests the transport unit to execute the transport process of the recording medium, and the transport unit fails to transport the recording medium. When the return processing to return to the position of the recording medium is completed, the client is notified of the failure of the recording medium conveyance processing and the current position of the recording medium.

2. The recording medium library device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. A recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of the Qianhua using a removable recording medium;

A recording medium library device comprising:

The control means,

It is checked whether or not the conveyance processing of the recording medium by the conveyance means is successful, and if it is confirmed that the conveyance processing has failed, the conveyance processing is retried. Controlling the transporting means; further, checking whether the retry is successful; and when confirming that the retry is unsuccessful, relocating the recording medium during the transport to a position before the start of the transport process. Control the transport means to return to

A recording medium library device characterized by the above-mentioned.

4. The control means

In response to a request from the client, the transport unit requests the transport unit to execute the transport process of the recording medium. When the return processing to return to the position before the processing start is completed, the failure of the recording medium conveyance processing and the current position of the recording medium are notified to the client.

4. The recording medium library device according to claim 3, wherein:

5. The recording / reproducing unit and the recording medium storage unit are each a unit of a unit assembly formed by combining a plurality of types of units and connecting these units so that their positional relationship can be changed. Located in one of the units

2. The recording medium library device according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The unit aggregate includes the plurality of types of units,

A basic console having an input / output port for taking in or taking out a removable recording medium, and

A storage console having a plurality of shelves for storing the recording medium,

A drive console having at least one recording and reproducing unit capable of performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a recording medium,

A junction console having a transfer unit for transferring the recording medium from a first direction to a second direction;

Including

The transporting means according to claim 5, wherein the transporting means selectively transports the recording medium taken in from the input / output port between the plurality of shelves, the recording / reproducing means, and the transfer unit. Recording media library device.

7. At least one of recording and playback of information using a removable recording medium Recording / reproducing means for performing recording, a recording medium storage means having a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing the recording medium, and recording between any storage section in the recording medium storage means and the recording / reproduction means. A method of processing an operation error in a recording medium library device comprising: a transport unit that transports a medium; and a control unit that controls the transport unit and the recording / reproducing unit.

The processing performed by the control unit is:

A step of checking whether or not the recording medium has been successfully conveyed by the conveying means;

Controlling the transport unit to return the recording medium in the course of transport to a position before the start of the transport process when confirming that the transport process has failed; and

An operation error processing method for a recording medium library device, comprising:

8. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information by using a removable recording medium, recording medium storing means having a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing the recording medium, A recording medium library device comprising: a transport unit that transports the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit of the recording medium storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit; and a control unit that controls the transport unit and the recording / reproducing unit. A method for handling an operation error,

The processing performed by the control unit is:

Controlling the transport unit to retry the transport process when it is confirmed that the transport process has failed;

A step to check whether the retry was successful;

Controlling the transport means so as to return the recording medium being transported to the position before the start of the transport processing when confirming that the retry has failed;

9. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information by using a removable recording medium;

Recording medium storage means having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing the recording medium, Transport means for transporting the recording medium between any storage section of the recording medium storage means and the recording / reproducing means;

A recording medium library device comprising:

The control unit can operate an operation test program for performing an operation test of each unit of the apparatus including the recording / reproducing unit and the transporting unit.

A recording medium library device characterized by the above-mentioned.

1 0. The control means:

A display means capable of graphically displaying various information necessary for operating the operation test program;

Operating means capable of operating an operation test program according to the information displayed on the display means;

A program handling unit capable of handling an operation test program in accordance with an operation performed using the display unit and the operation unit;

10. The recording medium library device according to claim 9, comprising:

1 1. The program handling means

At least one of processing for starting execution of an operation test program from an arbitrary position in response to an operation by the operation means, and processing for stopping execution of the operation test program at an arbitrary point in response to an operation by the operation means 10. The recording medium library device according to claim 10, wherein the recording medium library device can execute the following.

1 2. The program handling means

Creation or editing of an operation test program, reading of an operation test program from a predetermined storage medium, storage of the operation test program in the storage medium, or operation test via a communication network according to the operation by the operation means Can execute at least one process of sending and receiving programs

10. The recording medium library device according to claim 10, wherein:

1 3. The program handling means

According to the operation by the operation unit, various kinds of auxiliary information related to the operation of the operation test program can be displayed by the display unit. 10. The recording medium library device according to claim 10, wherein:

1 4. The operation test program is

Described in the form of a shell script, which is a character or character string that represents an instruction to be executed by the sequential interpretation method

10. The recording medium library device according to claim 9, wherein:

15. The recording / reproducing means and the recording medium storage means are each a unit of a unit assembly formed by combining a plurality of types of units and connecting these units so that their positional relationship can be changed. It is located in one of the units

10. The recording medium library device according to claim 9, wherein:

16. The unit aggregate includes the plurality of types of units,

A basic console having an input / output port for taking a removable recording medium in or ejecting the recording medium to the outside;

Including

16. The transport device according to claim 15, wherein the transport unit selectively transports the recording medium taken from the input / output port between the plurality of shelves, the recording / reproducing unit, and the transfer unit. Storage media library device.

17. A recording / reproducing unit that performs at least one of recording and reproducing of information by using a removable recording medium, a recording medium storage unit having a plurality of storage units that can store the recording medium, A recording medium library device comprising: a transport unit that transports the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit of the recording medium storage unit and the recording / reproducing means; and a control unit that controls the transport means and the recording / reproducing means. The operation test method of

An operation test of each unit of the apparatus including the recording / reproducing unit and the transporting unit. Configuring the operation test program for performing the operation to be operable;

Executing the operation test program by the control means, thereby performing an operation test of each unit of the device.

An operation test method for a recording medium library device, comprising:

18. The operation of the operation test program performed by the control means includes a step of graphically displaying various kinds of information necessary for operating the operation test program;

Inputting instructions for operating the operation test program according to the displayed information;

18. The operation test method for a storage medium library device according to claim 17, further comprising a step of handling an operation test program in accordance with the input instruction.

1 9. The operation of the operation test program performed by the control means is a step of starting execution of the operation test program from an arbitrary position in accordance with the input instruction, or an operation test in response to the input instruction. Including at least one of the steps to stop the execution of the program at any point

19. The operation test method for a storage medium library device according to claim 18, wherein:

20. The operation of the operation test program performed by the control means includes a step of creating or editing an operation test program in accordance with an input instruction; a step of reading the operation test program from a predetermined storage medium; At least one step of storing the operation test program in a storage medium or transmitting and receiving the operation test program via a communication network is included.

2 1. A step in which the operation of the operation test program performed by the control means displays various auxiliary information related to the operation of the operation test program in accordance with the input instruction.

19. The operation test of the storage medium library device according to claim 18, wherein Method.

22. The recording medium according to claim 17, wherein the operation test program is described in a shell script format, which is a character or a character string representing an instruction to be executed by a sequential interpretation method. How to test the operation of library equipment.

23. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information by using a removable recording medium;

A recording medium library device comprising:

The control unit is capable of executing an operation test of each unit of the device so as to conform to at least one of a configuration and a situation of each unit of the device.

A recording medium library device characterized by the above-mentioned.

24. The control means can further operate an operation test program for performing an operation test of each unit of the apparatus.

By operating the operation test program by the control means, it is possible to execute an operation test suitable for at least one of the configuration and the situation of each unit of the device.

23. The recording medium library device according to claim 23, wherein:

25. The control means,

By acquiring at least one of the configuration information indicating the configuration of each unit of the device or the status information indicating the status of each unit of the device, and automatically reflecting the acquired information in the operation test program, the configuration or status of each unit of the device is obtained. Perform an operation test that meets at least one of

25. The recording medium library device according to claim 24, wherein:

26. The control means comprises:

Display means capable of graphically displaying various information necessary for operating the operation test program; Operating means capable of operating the operation test program according to the information displayed on the display means;

25. The recording medium library device according to claim 24, comprising:

2 7. The program handling means

At least one of a process for starting the execution of the operation test program from an arbitrary position in response to the operation by the operation unit, and a process for stopping the execution of the operation test program at an arbitrary position in response to the operation by the operation unit 27. The recording medium library device according to claim 26, wherein one of the devices can be executed.

2 8. The program handling means

Creating or editing an operation test program, reading an operation test program from a predetermined storage medium, storing the operation test program in the storage medium, or performing an operation test via a communication network in accordance with an operation by the operation means. Can execute at least one process of sending and receiving programs

27. The recording medium library device according to claim 26, wherein:

2 9. The program handling means

According to the operation of the operation unit, various kinds of auxiliary information related to the operation of the operation test program can be displayed on the display unit.

27. The recording medium library device according to claim 26, wherein:

30. The operation test program is:

25. The recording medium library device according to claim 24, wherein:

31. Each of the recording / reproducing means and the recording medium storage means is a unit of a unit assembly formed by combining a plurality of types of units and connecting these units so that their positional relationship can be changed. It is located in one of the units

23. The recording medium library device according to claim 23, wherein:

32. The unit aggregate includes the plurality of types of units,

Including

31. The transport device according to claim 31, wherein the transport unit selectively transports the recording medium taken in from the input / output port between the plurality of shelves, the recording / reproducing unit, and the transfer unit. Storage media library device.

33. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information by using a removable recording medium, a recording medium storing means having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing the recording medium, A recording medium library device comprising: a transport unit that transports the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit of the recording medium storage unit and the recording / reproducing means; and a control unit that controls the transport means and the recording / reproducing means. The operation test method of

The processing performed by the control unit is:

Adapting the operation test of each part of the device to at least one of the configuration and the situation of each part of the device;

Performing an operation test suitable for at least one of the configuration and the situation of each unit of the device;

An operation test method for a recording medium library device, comprising:

3 4. The control means is configured so that an operation test program for performing an operation test of each unit of the device can be operated,

The recording medium library device according to claim 33, wherein the operation test program is executed by the control unit, so that an operation test suitable for at least one of a configuration and a situation of each unit of the device is performed. Operation test method.

35. The operation of the operation test program performed by the control unit acquires at least one of configuration information indicating a configuration of each unit of the device or status information indicating a status of each unit of the device.

Automatically reflecting the acquired information in the operation test program; and performing an operation test that is suitable for at least one of the configuration and the status of each unit of the device.

The method for testing the operation of a recording medium library device according to claim 34, further comprising:

36. the operation of the operation test program performed by the control unit includes: a step of graphically displaying various information necessary for operating the operation test program;

Handling the operation test program according to the input instruction;

37. The operation of the operation test program performed by the control means includes a step of starting execution of the operation test program from an arbitrary position in accordance with the input instruction, or an operation test in accordance with the input instruction. Including at least one of the steps to stop the execution of the program at any point

37. The method for testing the operation of a recording medium library device according to claim 36, wherein:

38. The operation of the operation test program performed by the control means includes a step of creating or editing an operation test program according to an input instruction; a step of reading the operation test program from a predetermined storage medium; At least one step of storing the operation test program in a storage medium or transmitting and receiving the operation test program via a communication network is included.

37. The operation test method of a recording medium library device according to claim 36, wherein:

3 9. The operation of the operation test program performed by the control means is as follows: Step for displaying various auxiliary information related to the operation of the operation test program according to the input instruction

The method for testing the operation of a recording medium library device according to claim 36, comprising:

40. The recording medium library according to claim 33, wherein the operation test program is described in a shell script format which is a character or a character string representing an instruction to be executed by a sequential interpretation method. How to test the operation of the device.

41. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information by using a removable recording medium, and recording medium accommodating means having a plurality of accommodating portions each capable of accommodating the recording medium. A device main unit including: a transport unit that transports the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit in the recording medium storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit; and controlling the device main unit; Control means for monitoring the state of the unit, and when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body unit, generates and outputs abnormality information indicating the content of the abnormality as an image; and

A recording medium library device comprising:

4 2. The control means:

When an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body, the abnormality information is output so as to be automatically displayed.

41. The recording medium library device according to claim 41, wherein:

43. The control means is further configured to be capable of outputting state information representing the state of the apparatus body as an image,

And, when outputting the state information, when an abnormality occurs in the device main body, the control means outputs the abnormality information so as to be displayed with higher priority than the state information.

41. The recording medium library device according to claim 41, wherein:

4 4. The control means further comprises:

When the abnormality information is output, information related to the abnormality that has occurred can also be output according to a predetermined operation.

41. The recording medium library device according to claim 41, wherein:

45. The recording / reproducing means and the recording medium storage means are each composed of a unit assembly combining plural types of units and connecting these units so that their mutual positional relationship can be changed. It is located in one of the units

41. The recording medium library device according to claim 41, wherein:

46. The unit aggregate includes the plurality of types of units,

Including

The method according to claim 45, wherein the transport unit selectively transports the recording medium taken in from the input / output port between the plurality of shelves, the recording / reproducing unit, and the transfer unit. Storage media library device.

47. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a removable recording medium, and recording medium storage means having a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing the recording medium. An apparatus main unit including a transport unit for transporting the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit of the recording medium storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit; and a control unit for controlling the apparatus main unit. In the recording medium library device provided, an abnormality information output method for outputting abnormality information representing the content of the abnormality that has occurred in the device main body unit,

The processing performed by the control unit is:

Monitoring the state of the device body;

When an abnormality occurs in the device main body, generating abnormality information representing the content of the abnormality as an image;

Outputting the generated abnormality information; A method for outputting abnormality information of a recording medium library device, comprising:

4 8. When an abnormality occurs in the device main body, the abnormality information is output so as to be automatically displayed.

48. The method for outputting abnormality information of a recording medium library device according to claim 47, wherein:

49. Further, the control means outputs state information indicating the state of the apparatus body as an image, and

When the status information is being output, if an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body, the control unit outputs the abnormality information so as to be displayed more preferentially than the status information.

50. Further, while outputting the abnormality information, the control means outputs information relating to the abnormality that has occurred in response to a predetermined operation.

5 1. recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of information by using a removable recording medium;

A recording medium storage unit having a plurality of storage units each capable of storing the recording medium, and a conveyance unit for conveying the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit in the recording medium storage unit and the recording / reproducing unit;

The control unit controls the transport unit and the recording / reproducing unit, and displays an information screen representing information on a storage state of the recording medium. On the information screen, one or more objects to be subjected to a predetermined operation on the recording medium are displayed. Control means for enabling the designation of the specified recording medium and the instruction to execute a predetermined operation on the specified recording medium, and performing a predetermined operation on the specified recording medium in response to the instruction.

A recording medium library device comprising:

52. The recording medium library device according to claim 51, wherein the predetermined operation is a control operation for moving the recording medium.

53. Further, a reading unit for reading identification information given to the recording medium is provided, and the predetermined operation is a control operation for causing the reading unit to read the identification information of the recording medium.

The recording medium library device according to claim 51, characterized in that:

54. The recording / reproducing means and the recording medium accommodating means are each composed of a unit assembly which combines a plurality of types of units and connects these units so that their positional relationship can be changed. It is located in one of the units

55. The unit aggregate includes the plurality of types of units,

An input / output port that takes in a removable recording medium or ejects it to the outside

-A basic console with

A drive console having at least one recording / reproducing means capable of performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a recording medium;

Including

The transfer device according to claim 54, wherein the transfer unit selectively transfers the recording medium taken in from the input / output port between the plurality of shelves, the recording / reproducing unit, and the transfer unit. Storage media library device.

56. Recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a removable recording medium, and recording medium accommodating means having a plurality of accommodating portions each capable of accommodating the recording medium. A transporting means for transporting the recording medium between an arbitrary storage section of the recording medium storing means and the recording / reproducing means; and a control means for controlling the transporting means and the recording / reproducing means. In the library device, an operation instruction method for instructing execution of a predetermined operation on the recording medium, wherein a process performed by the control unit includes:

Displaying an information screen representing information on the storage state of the recording medium; A step of, on the information screen, designating one or more recording media to be subjected to the predetermined operation and instructing execution of the predetermined operation on the specified recording medium;

An operation instruction method for a recording medium library device, comprising:

57. The operation instruction method for a recording medium library device according to claim 56, wherein the predetermined operation is a control operation for moving the recording medium.

5 8. A method applied to a recording medium library device further comprising reading means for reading identification information given to the recording medium,

The predetermined operation is a control operation for causing the reading unit to read the identification information of the recording medium.

The method for instructing an operation of a recording medium library device according to claim 56, characterized in that:

59. A plurality of types including a unit having recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium and a unit having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing the recording medium. A unit assembly that combines units and connects the plurality of units so that their positional relationship can be changed;

Transport means for transporting the recording medium between any storage section in the unit assembly and the recording / reproducing means;

Along with controlling the recording / reproducing means and the transport means, an information screen representing information on each unit is displayed, and the operation over the information display portions of a plurality of units on the information screen spans a plurality of units. A control unit for performing an instruction of a predetermined process, and performing the predetermined process in accordance with the instruction;

A recording medium library device comprising:

6 0. The control means:

Display the information screen of each unit and enable the information screen of at least two units to be displayed simultaneously

The recording medium library device according to claim 59, wherein:

6 1. The control means:

In addition to displaying the information screen for each unit, the information display part of multiple units Switches the information screen to be displayed so that the information screen corresponding to the unit to be instructed is displayed in conjunction with the operation spanning

The recording medium library device according to claim 59, wherein:

6 2. The control means,

Display a single information screen containing multiple areas for displaying information about one unit, and select the corresponding unit for each area

The recording medium library device according to claim 59, wherein:

63. The recording medium library device according to claim 59, wherein the predetermined processing is control for moving the recording medium.

6 4. The unit aggregate includes the plurality of types of units,

-A basic console with

Including

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the transport unit selectively transports the recording medium taken in from the input / output port between the plurality of shelves, the recording / reproducing unit, and the transfer unit. Storage media library device.

65. A plurality of units including a unit having a recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproducing of a report using a removable recording medium, and a unit having a plurality of storage units capable of storing the recording medium. A plurality of units, and a plurality of these units connected to each other so that their positional relationship can be changed; an arbitrary storage unit in the unit; and the recording unit. A recording medium library apparatus comprising: a transport unit that transports the recording medium between the playback unit and a control unit that controls the recording and playback unit and the transport unit; A processing instruction method for instructing a predetermined processing over a plurality of units constituting a unity,

The processing performed by the control unit is:

Displaying an information screen representing information about each unit;

Causing the user to instruct a predetermined process over a plurality of units by an operation over an information display portion of the plurality of units on the information screen.

Processing instruction method for recording medium library device, characterized by including

6 6. The control means displays the information screen of each unit and enables the information screens of at least two units to be displayed simultaneously.

The method for instructing processing of a recording medium library device according to claim 65, characterized in that:

67. The control means displays an information screen for each unit and, in conjunction with an operation over the information display portion of a plurality of units, information corresponding to the unit to be instructed. The method according to claim 65, wherein the information screen to be displayed is switched so that the screen is displayed.

6 8. The control means displays a single information screen including a plurality of areas for displaying information on one unit, and allows a corresponding unit to be selected for each area.

69. The processing instruction method for a storage medium library device according to claim 65, wherein the predetermined processing is control for moving the storage medium.

70. A plurality of types including a unit having recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information using a removable recording medium and a unit having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing the recording medium. A unit assembly that combines units and connects the plurality of units so that their positional relationship can be changed;

Transport means for transporting the recording medium between any storage unit in the unit assembly and the recording / reproducing means;

In addition to controlling the recording / reproducing means and the transporting means, unit information that is information on each unit constituting the unit unit is at least unit information. Control means for recognizing only a plurality of required units, and outputting unit information corresponding to the selected units as image information in a lump;

A recording medium library device comprising:

7 1. The control means includes:

As the image information, an information screen for each unit for displaying unit information corresponding to one unit is displayed, and information screens of a plurality of selected units are collectively displayed. Enable

The recording medium library device according to claim 70, characterized in that:

7 2. The control means includes:

As the image information, a single information screen including a plurality of areas for displaying unit information corresponding to one unit is displayed, and a corresponding unit can be selected for each area.

7 3. The control means includes:

The storage medium library device according to claim 72, wherein a part of unit information corresponding to one unit is displayed in each area.

7 4. The unit aggregate includes the plurality of types of units,

A basic console with

Including

70. The transport device according to claim 70, wherein the transport unit selectively transports the recording medium taken in from the input / output port between the plurality of shelves, the recording / reproducing unit, and the transfer unit. Storage media library device.

7 5. Use a removable recording medium to record and / or reproduce information. A plurality of units including a unit having recording / reproducing means for performing the recording and a unit having a plurality of storage sections capable of storing the recording medium are combined, and the plurality of units are placed in a positional relationship with each other. A unit assembly connected so as to be changeable, a transport unit for transporting the recording medium between an arbitrary storage unit in the unit assembly and the recording / reproducing unit, and the recording / reproducing unit A recording medium library device comprising: a control unit for controlling a transport unit; and a method for outputting information regarding each unit constituting the unit aggregate.

The processing performed by the control unit is:

Recognizing unit information, which is information on each unit constituting the unit unit, for at least a plurality of units for which unit information is required;

A step of collectively outputting unit information corresponding to a plurality of selected units as image information;

A unit information output method for a storage medium library device, comprising:

76. The control means displays, as the image information, an information screen for each unit for displaying unit information corresponding to one unit, and displays a plurality of selected units. Information screens can be displayed collectively

The method according to claim 75, wherein the unit information is output from a recording medium library device.

7 7. The control means displays a single information screen including a plurality of areas for displaying unit information each corresponding to one unit as the image information, and Unit to be selected

The unit information output method for a storage medium library device according to claim 75, wherein:

7 8. A part of the unit information corresponding to one unit is displayed in each area by the control means.

The method according to claim 77, wherein the unit information is output from a storage medium library device.