JP2001084692A - Information recording and reproducing device and notifying method for its operation error - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To economize capital investment for notifying information by automatically transmitting information about operation error of a device using an electronic mail when an operation error is caused in a cassette library consisting of a recording medium, a recording and reproducing means, and a recording medium carrying means. SOLUTION: A library controller 2 is connected to a host computer 3 and a LAN 32 respectively through a transmission path 31 using an SCSI standard. Also, the controller 2 is connected to a cassette library 1 through a transmission paths 24, 25 using an standard RS-232C. When operation errors such as an error of a drive device 13 in a drive console 1D, an error for an instruction from the host computer 3, and the like are detected, the library controller 2 makes a transmission document of error information with a prescribed form, attaches it to an electronic mail, and transmits it to an address previously set. Therefore, an exclusive line between the person in charge for maintaining a system and the device is not required to set.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information recording / reproducing apparatus for accommodating a plurality of recording media and recording / reproducing information on the accommodated recording media, and a method of notifying an operation error in the information recording / reproducing apparatus. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of recording media (for example, cassette tapes or disk-shaped recording media) which can be attached to and detached from a recording / reproducing apparatus are stored, and if necessary, the recording media are stored in the storage media. To record various information,
There is a system for reproducing recorded information. Such a system is called a library system or an autochanger or the like, but will be referred to as a library system in the following description.

Some library systems have a predetermined configuration, while others have a configuration that can be changed to some extent according to the user. As a library system that can change the configuration in this way, for example,
A recording / reproducing console having a recording / reproducing device for recording / reproducing information on / from a recording medium, a recording medium storing console having a plurality of storage sections each capable of storing a recording medium, and the like, such that the positions thereof can be changed. Some consoles are provided with a plurality of consoles, and a library system of various scales and arrangements can be constructed by arbitrarily combining these consoles. Some recording / playback 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 and a recording / reproducing device, and a control unit that controls the recording / reproducing device and the transport device.

In this library system, a transport device is controlled based on the control of a control unit, and a recording medium is transported between an arbitrary storage unit and a recording / reproducing device, and a recording medium transported to the recording / reproducing device. Various types of information are recorded on the medium, and the recorded information is reproduced.

[0005]

By the way, when any operation error occurs in the library system,
For example, there is a function of automatically displaying that an operation error has occurred on a display device attached to the control unit. In some cases, when an operation error occurs, a function of automatically notifying the host computer controlling the library system of the operation error is provided.

Therefore, when an operation error occurs in the library system, usually, only the system administrator can first know the operation error. In this case, the system administrator who knows the operation error notifies the person who performs the system maintenance service of the system abnormality by telephone communication or the like, and requests processing for system abnormality recovery. However, in such a countermeasure, for example, when the system administrator is absent, even if an operation error occurs in the system, the maintenance service person is not notified and the response to the system abnormality is delayed. There is a problem that there is a possibility that it will occur.

[0007] For example, by connecting a library system and a system maintenance service side using a telephone line such as a modem line, an abnormal notification is automatically sent to a system maintenance service person. A method for doing this is also conceivable. However, in such a method, the system maintenance service side can know the system error, but does not know when the error occurs. It is not feasible because it requires monitoring and increases the burden of telephone charges. Further, in the case of such a method, since connection with the library system using a normal modem line has many security problems, the system maintenance service side and the library system are one-to-one. It is desirable to construct a system using a dedicated modem line for connection by a computer. However, in order to construct a system using such a dedicated modem line, not only an initial investment but also a cost such as a line usage fee after the system construction is required, and a large capital investment is required. There is.

On the other hand, some host computers controlling the library system send e-mails
In some cases, a function for transmitting various types of information about the system is provided. Although it is conceivable to use this e-mail function to notify an error, the host computer notifies not only information about the library system error but also information about the host computer itself. When the maintenance service is notified of the error, there is a problem that it is difficult to determine whether the error is in the library system or in the host computer itself.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of easily notifying an operation error without a large capital investment and an operation thereof. An object of the present invention is to provide an error notification method.

[0010]

An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention can use a detachable recording medium to record / reproduce information by at least one of information recording and reproduction, and to accommodate the recording medium. Recording medium storage means having a plurality of storage sections, a transport means for transporting a recording medium between any storage section and the recording / reproduction means in the recording medium storage means, and controlling the transport means and the recording / reproduction means. An information recording / reproducing apparatus comprising: a control unit, wherein the control unit automatically communicates, when an operation error occurs in the information recording / reproducing apparatus, error information relating to the operation error of the information recording / reproducing apparatus by e-mail. It is configured to have a function of transmitting over a network.

Further, according to the information notification method of the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, the recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of the recording and the reproduction of the information using the detachable recording medium, and the recording medium respectively can be stored. Recording medium storage means having a plurality of storage sections, a transport means for transporting a recording medium between any storage section and the recording / reproduction means in the recording medium storage means, and controlling the transport means and the recording / reproduction means. Control means for notifying an operation error of the information recording / reproducing apparatus, comprising: when an operation error occurs in the information recording / reproducing apparatus, transmitting error information regarding the operation error to a communication network by e-mail. It is intended to be transmitted.

In the information recording / reproducing apparatus or the operation error notifying method according to the present invention, when an operation error occurs in the information recording / reproducing apparatus, error information relating to the operation error is transmitted on the communication network by e-mail.

[0013] In the information recording / reproducing apparatus and the information notification method according to the present invention, the term “e-mail” refers to an electronic mail between apparatuses connected to a communication network such as the Internet.
Data exchanged via a mail server connected to a communication network. The mail server is a device for managing transmission and reception of electronic mail.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing the outline of a library system as an information recording / reproducing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the basic configuration of the library system according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration,
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the cassette library 1 shown in FIG.

The library system according to the present embodiment stores a plurality of video tape cassettes (hereinafter simply referred to as cassettes) K as recording media, and uses any of the stored cassettes K as required. A cassette library 1 for recording and reproducing information, and a library controller 2 as control means for controlling the cassette library 1.

The library controller 2 comprises a controller main body 21 which is a device for controlling the cassette library 1, and a mouse and a keyboard for inputting and instructing information necessary for control to the controller main body 21. An input device 22 as an input device, and a display device 23 connected to the controller main body 21 and having a display screen for displaying information and the like accompanying the control.
And The controller body 21 is, for example, R
The cassette library 1 is connected to the S-232C standard transmission lines 24 and 25. The controller main body 21 is, for example, a SCSI (Small Compu).
A transmission path 31 of the ter System Interface (standard) can be connected to a host computer 3 as a client using the cassette library 1. Further, the controller body 21 is, for example,
It is also possible to connect to the host computer 3 via a communication network 32 of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet (Ethernet).

The cassette library 1 has a basic (Basi
c) Console 1B, drive console 1D, cassette console 1C and junction console 1J
And a cassette transporter 16 as transporting means for transporting the cassette K inside the cassette library 1. The four types of consoles are selectively connected so that their positions can be changed, and the cassette library 1 can be configured as a library using some or all of these four types of consoles. . The minimum configuration of the cassette library 1 for realizing the library system is as follows.
This is a configuration of a basic console 1B and a drive console 1D.

Here, in FIG. 2, the cassette library 1
Only the basic configuration is shown, and an example is shown in which one side of the drive console 1D is connected to one side of the basic console 1B and one side of the cassette console 1C is connected to the other side of the drive console 1D. I have. Further, in FIG. 3, on one side direction of the basic console 1B, in order from the basic console 1B side, the drive console _{1D (1D 11, 1D 12,} ..) and cassette consoles _{1C (1C 11, 1C 12,} ..) and to form the console lines L1 underlying connected alternately, the drive console _1D via the junction console 1 J ₁ · toward the front of the drive console _{1D 11 (1D 21, 1D 22} , ..) and cassette consoles 1C ( _{1C 21,} 1C 22, ..) to form a console column L2 that is extended by connecting alternately, furthermore, the drive console 1D (1D toward the front of the cassette console _{1C 12} via the junction console 1 J _2
31 , 1D ₃₂ ,. . ) And cassette console 1C
(1C ₃₁ , 1C ₃₂ ,...) Are connected alternately to form an extended console row L3. As shown in FIG. 3, when there are a plurality of console rows, the cassette transporter 16 is installed in each console row. The transfer of the cassette K between the console rows is performed at the junction port 1 of the junction console 1J.
8.

The connection relationship between the consoles is not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, even if only the basic console 1B and the drive console 1D are connected, the library system As a basic function can be realized.

In the cassette library 1, the drive console 1D has a plurality of (for example, four) drive devices 13 as recording / reproducing means for recording and reproducing information on / from the cassette K, and a cassette K having a plurality of storage sections. And a cassette storage shelf 14 as a recording medium storage means capable of storing a plurality of. In addition, drive console 1D
Is provided with a drive control unit 70 (FIG. 3) for controlling the drive device 13. Cassette console 1C
Is provided with a cassette storage shelf 15 as a recording medium storage means having a plurality of storage sections and capable of storing a plurality of cassettes K. In the drive console 1D to which the junction console 1J is connected and the cassette console 1C, the cassette storage shelves 14 and 15 are partially provided so that the cassette K can be transferred to and from the junction console 1J when the junction console 1J is connected. Has been removed.

The basic console 1B has an input / output port unit 11 for taking in the cassette K into the library from the front and automatically ejecting the cassette K from the library to the outside, and a cassette library 1 at the front of the basic console 1B. And a display section 12 for displaying various information such as control information on the display section. The input / output port unit 11 includes an upper port unit 11 provided on the upper stage of the basic console 1B.
a and a lower port portion 11b provided in the lower stage. The upper port portion 11a and the lower port portion 11b for inputting / outputting the cassette K each have a plurality (for example, four) of input / output ports. Display 1
2 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, for example. The basic console 1B is further connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by the transmission path 24 (FIG. 3), and connected to the controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 by the transmission path 25, A main drive control unit 61 (FIG. 3) connected to the drive control unit 70 of the console 1D.

The junction console 1J is used to extend the connection between the consoles.
It is configured such that one side of itself can be connected to the front or rear surface of another console. Junction console 1J
As shown in FIG. 3, a junction port 18 having a mechanism for transferring a cassette K to and from another connected console is provided on one side of the upper console 11a of the basic console 1B. Is provided at a position corresponding to. An input / output port 17 having the same function as the input / output port 11 of the basic console 1B is provided on the front of the junction console 1J.
B is provided at a position corresponding to the lower port portion 11b. Further, the junction console 1J includes a basic control unit 8 for controlling a mechanism for transferring the cassette K at the junction port unit 18 and controlling the cassette transporter 16 and the like in an extended console row.
0 is provided. The basic control unit 80 controls the basic console 1
B is electrically connected to the basic control unit 60. In addition,
Other basic configurations of the junction console 1J are the same as those of the basic console 1B.

At the central portion inside the basic console 1B, the drive console 1D, the cassette console 1C, and the junction console 1J, as shown in FIG. Is provided. In the transfer area 103, a guide rail 101 serving as a transfer path when the cassette transfer device 16 moves is provided along the transfer direction of the cassette transfer device 16. Further, on the side of the guide rail 101, an energizing rail 102 for supplying electric power to the cassette transporter 16 is provided.

The cassette transporter 16 has a transport area 103
Inside, the cassette K can be moved in the horizontal direction while holding the cassette K along the guide rail 101 by supplying electric power from the power supply rail 102, and the cassette K can be moved in each console by a vertical movement mechanism (not shown). Can be moved in the vertical direction (vertical direction) while maintaining the position. In addition, the cassette transporter 16
Although not shown, a mechanism for transferring the cassette K to each console is provided. For example, the cassette K taken in from the input / output port unit 11 of the basic console 1B is stored in a cassette storage shelf of the cassette console 1C. 1
5 can be performed. Further, the cassette transporter 16 has a cassette K
Has a barcode reader (not shown) for reading barcode information indicating an ID (identification information) added to the.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration in which a plurality of library systems shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are connected by a communication network.

The communication network shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of LANs (local information communication network: Local Area Ne).
work) 32-1, 32-2,..., 32-N (N =
An integer of 2 or more) and 32-R,
, 7-N and 7-R, a WAN (Wide Area Information Communication Network: Wide Ar) such as the Internet.
ea Network 6). Gateways 7-1, 7-2, ..., 7-N and 7
-R has a function of converting a communication protocol or the like between a plurality of communication networks so that the communication networks can be connected to each other.

In such a communication network, L
The library systems described above are connected to the ANs 32-1, 32-2,..., 32-N, respectively. LAN3
, 32-2,..., 32-N are cassette libraries 1-1, 1-2,
, 1-N and cassette libraries 1-1, 1-2,
, 1-N for directly controlling the main-side library controllers 2-1, 2-2, ..., 2-N (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "main-side controller 2M"). , 2-2, ..., 2-
N are connected to LANs 32-1, 32-2,..., 32-N. LAN 32-1, 32-2,
, 32-N further include a host computer 3-1.
3-2,..., 3-N and the mail servers 4-1, 4-2,
.., 4-N are connected. Host computer 3
-1, 3-2,..., 3-N and the main controller 2
, 2-N can be directly connected to each other by transmission lines 31-1, 31-2, ..., 31-N of the SCSI standard or the like.

The LAN 32-R has LANs 32-1 and 3
2-2,..., 32-N, a remote-side library controller for remotely controlling a library system (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a “remote-side controller”).
2R and the mail server 4R are connected.

The main controllers 2-1 and 2-
, 2-N and the remote controller 2R
.., 8-N and 8R via the modems 8-1, 8-2,..., 8-N and 8R.
, 9-N.

The remote controller 2R can remotely control the library system through a dedicated line using modem lines 9-1, 9-2,..., 9-N, and use electronic mail. And modem line 9-
It is possible to perform remote control via a general-purpose communication network other than 1, 9-2, ..., 9-N. The remote-side controller 2R is installed, for example, on the side that provides maintenance services for the library system, and is used to perform various services on the library system. The remote controller 2R is connected to the LAN 32
A plurality may be provided on -R. In addition, a plurality of LAs
The remote controller 2R may be installed on N.

The mail servers 4-1, 4-2,..., 4-N
And 4-R are computers for managing transmission and reception of electronic mail. Mail server 4-1, 4-2,
.., 4-N and 4-R are POP3 (Post Office Protocol) for receiving e-mail when the e-mail is in the form of Internet mail.
ol 3) Server and SMTP (Si
mple MailTransfer Protocol
l) a server. The installation locations of the mail servers 4-1, 4-2,..., 4-N and 4-R are LANs 32-1, 32-2,.
Instead of 2-R, it may be on WAN6.

In this embodiment, when the library controller 2 is described, unless otherwise specified.
The main controller 2M is shown instead of the remote controller 2R.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the library controller 2 (main controller 2M). The library controller 2 includes a screen control unit 41 for controlling the display device 23 and an input control unit 4 for controlling the input device 22 in the controller main body 21.
2, a SCSI controller 43 for controlling the connection between the host computer 3 and the library controller 2 according to the SCSI standard via the transmission path 31, and a control for connecting the communication network 32 and the library controller 2. And a network control unit 44. Each block element in the controller main body 21 is connected to each other by an internal bus 40.

The library controller 2 includes, for example, a serial line control unit 45 for controlling the connection between the cassette library 1 and the library controller 2 via the transmission lines 24 and 25 of the RS-232C standard;
A central processing control unit 46 configured to include a PU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and performs overall control of the library controller 2 and substantial control of the cassette library 1, and performs basic operations of the library controller 2 itself. Read-only memory 47 storing basic programs and the like necessary for
And a temporary storage memory 4 serving as a work area used when the central processing control unit 46 executes a program.
8, a hard disk drive 49 for driving a built-in hard disk for storing various information such as a database relating to system information of the library system, and a floppy disk (in the figure, denoted as FD in the figure) for recording and reproducing information on the floppy disk. ) Drive 50
And A program for controlling the cassette library 1 is stored in a hard disk driven by the hard disk drive 49, and the central processing control unit 46 executes the program to realize a function of controlling the cassette library 1. It has become.

The controller main body 21 of the library controller 2 is further provided with a mail control unit 44b connected to the communication network 32 for performing control relating to transmission and reception of electronic mail. Mail control unit 44b
In the library controller 2, at least one of the error information (operation notification and error log, etc.) relating to the operation error of the library system and the usage information (operation history, system information, etc.) relating to the use of the library system are automatically transmitted by e-mail. It is provided to realize a function of transmitting data on the communication network 32. Further, the mail control unit 44b has a function of receiving an electronic mail including a processing request for the library system from the remote controller 2R transmitted via the communication network 32, and includes a processing request included in the received electronic mail. Has a function of transmitting, via the communication network 32, an e-mail including information on the library system based on the E-mail.

Here, the electronic mail transmitted from the library controller 2 is received by the remote controller 2R or the like, but the destination of the electronic mail can be set to a destination other than the remote controller 2R. . However, in the present embodiment, the destination of the e-mail including the information on the remote control is transmitted only to the remote controller 2R due to security. In addition, the notification function of various information using an electronic mail will be described later in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 shows a specific example of a control screen displayed on the display device 23 of the library controller 2. The library controller 2 is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows a user to perform operations on a screen using a mouse or the like.
ce) The screen realizing the interface according to the environment is displayed on the display device 23 as a control screen.

The control screen shown in FIG.
This is displayed as a control main screen when the library controller 2 is activated. On this main screen,
A menu bar 93 or the like for instructing control of the library system is displayed in a predetermined area, and information on the basic configuration of the cassette library 1 is intuitively displayed in a predetermined area (area 92 in FIG. 10). The graphic is displayed in a form that can be understood from FIG. When the library controller 2 is activated, the library controller 2 acquires information indicating the current console configuration, such as the type of console and the connection relationship between the consoles, from the cassette library 1 and performs a diagram based on the acquired information. A graphic screen in a form as shown in the area 92 of 10 is displayed.

The main screen shown in FIG. 10 is a display example in a case where the cassette library 1 has a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the cassette library 1 is connected to the basic console B, a console row L1 in which the drive console D1 is connected to one side of the basic console B, and the front side of the drive console D1. This figure shows a case where a junction console J and a console row L2 in which a drive console D2 is connected to one side surface of the junction console J are provided.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of a functional configuration of the library controller 2 (main controller 2M). 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 includes 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 the main control unit 5.
1, a screen control unit 52 that functions to control the display device 23 and an input control unit 53 that is connected to the main control unit 51 and functions to control the input device 22.
A storage unit 54 that functions to store various information such as a database relating to system information of the library system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the remote controller 2R (FIG. 1). The remote controller 2R includes, in the controller main body 21R, a screen control unit 41R for controlling the display device 23R, an input control unit 42R for controlling the input device 22R,
A network control unit 44R that performs control for connecting the communication network 32 and the remote controller 2R.
And In addition, each block element in the controller main body 21R is connected to each other by an internal bus 40R.

The remote controller 2R includes, for example, a CPU and the like, and includes a central processing controller 46R that controls the entire remote controller 2R.
A read-only memory 47R storing a basic program and the like necessary for performing basic operations of the remote controller 2R itself, and a temporary storage serving as a work area used when the central processing control unit 46R executes the program, for example. Memory 48R, a hard disk drive 49R for driving a built-in hard disk that stores various information such as system information of the library system acquired from the main controller 2M, and a floppy disk (not shown) for recording and reproducing information on the floppy disk. In the figure, it is described as FD.) A drive 50R is provided. A program for performing remote control of the main controller 2M is stored in a hard disk driven by the hard disk drive 49R.
The R realizes a function of controlling the main controller 2M by executing this program.

In the controller main body 21R of the remote controller 2R, there is further provided a mail control unit 44Rb connected to the communication network 32 for performing basic control relating to transmission and reception of electronic mail. The mail control unit 44Rb has a function of receiving an e-mail attached with various information such as error information on an operation error of the library system and usage information on use of the library system transmitted from the main controller 2M. In addition, the mail control unit 44Rb has a function of transmitting an e-mail including a processing request for causing the library system to perform predetermined processing via the communication network 32, and has a function of transmitting the e-mail.
Has a function of receiving, via the communication network 32, an e-mail including various information on the library system based on the processing request of the remote-side controller 2R transmitted from the remote controller 2R.

As described above, the remote controller 2R
Has a function of transmitting and receiving an e-mail to and from the main controller 2M. However, the remote controller 2R can receive an e-mail by using a general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception software program. It is possible. However, in the present embodiment, the transmission and reception of e-mail including information related to remote control does not use a general-purpose e-mail transmission / reception software program for security reasons. It can be done only by a software program for

FIG. 65 shows a specific example of a control screen displayed on the display device 23R of the remote controller 2R. The remote-side controller 2R
Similar to the control screen of the main-side controller 2M shown in FIG. 10, a screen realizing an interface based on a GUI environment that allows a user to perform operations on the screen using a mouse or the like is displayed on the display device 23R. It is supposed to.

The control screen shown in FIG.
This is displayed as a control main screen when the remote controller 2R is activated. On the main screen, a menu bar 93R or the like for instructing control of the library system is displayed in a predetermined area. Further, information on the basic configuration of the cassette library 1 is as follows.
Graphic display is performed in a predetermined area (the area 92R in FIG. 65) in an intuitive manner. The remote controller 2R is connected to the main controller 2M via a communication network or a dedicated modem line.
Is remotely controlled to obtain information indicating the current configuration of the console, such as the type of console in the cassette library 1 and the connection relationship between the consoles. A graphic screen in a form based on the obtained information is displayed.

The screen display shown in FIG. 65 is a state before the information of the cassette library 1 is obtained from the main controller 2M. It does not indicate the configuration.

FIG. 7 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 (main controller 2M) via the transmission line 24, and controls the basic console 1B itself, the transport control of the cassette transporter 16, and the like. , The controller body 2 of the library controller 2 through the transmission path 25
1 and a main drive control unit 61 that is connected to the drive control unit 70 of the drive console 1D and controls the drive control unit 70 to control the drive device 13. The main drive control unit 61
For example, it is realized by a microcomputer.

The basic control unit 60 is a communication line between the console control unit 62 for controlling each component block in the basic control unit 60 and controlling the transport of the cassette transporter 16 and the extended console rows L2 and L3. An inter-console-row communication unit 63 for performing communication via the base 72; a console-configuration collecting unit 64 for collecting information on the configuration of each console constituting the basic console row L1 including the basic console 1B; A display control unit 6 for controlling display of a display unit 12 (FIG. 2) provided on the front surface of the console 1B
5, an input / output port control unit 66 for controlling a cassette K transfer mechanism in an input / output port unit 11 (FIG. 2) provided on the front of the basic console 1B, and an infrared A transfer device communication section 67 for performing control communication by 71. Basic control unit 6
0 are 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 ₁₁ , 10C ₁₁ , and 10 of each console constituting the basic console row L1.
D ₁₂ ,. . . , Information about the configuration of each console is collected.

The console control unit 62 receives information on the console configuration in the basic console row L 1 obtained by the console configuration collecting unit 64 and the console information in the other console rows received via the inter-console row communication unit 63. Information about the configuration is sent to the library controller 2. These pieces of information sent from the console control unit 62 are collected as system information when the library controller 2 performs a system information creation process, for example.

FIG. 8 shows a junction console 1J _j
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of (j = 1, 2). Junction console 1 J _j is the junction console 1 J _j own control and junction console 1
Console row Li (i = 2, extended by J _j)
In 3) the basic control unit 80 for controlling the conveyance or the like of the cassette conveying motor 16, carried out the control of the drive unit 13 relative to the drive control unit 70 in the console string extended by the junction console 1 J _j if necessary And a main drive control unit 81 for controlling the operation. The main drive control unit 81 includes a drive console 1D
Are used for interfacing with the main drive control unit 61 of the basic console 1B and the drive control units 70 in the plurality of drive consoles 1D.

The basic control unit 80 includes a console control unit 82
A console line communication unit 83, a console configuration collection unit 84, a display control unit 85, and an input / output port control unit 86
And a transporter communication section 87. The console configuration collection unit 84 includes configuration information transmission units 10J, 10D _i1 , 1 of the respective consoles constituting the extended console row Li.
0C _i1 , 10D _i2,. . . , Information about the configuration of each console is collected. Further, the basic control unit 80 has a junction port control unit 89 for controlling a mechanism for transferring the cassette K in the junction port unit 18 (FIG. 3) provided on the side surface of the junction console 1J. Each block element of the basic control unit 80 is connected to each other by an internal bus 88. The junction port control unit 8
Each block element of the basic control unit 80 except 9 has basically the same function as each block element of the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B.

[0055] Incidentally, the console control unit 82 (in the example of FIG. 3, the console column L1) junction console 1J other console _{column j} is connected from the console of the configuration information sending unit of the information about the configuration is sent Is coming. For example, in the case of a junction console 1 J _1, from the configuration information sending unit _{10D 11} drive console _{1D 11} in FIG. 7, the information 90 about the configuration, the console control unit in FIG 82
To be sent to This makes it possible to recognize the connection relationship between the console rows.

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

When the library controller 2 (main controller 2M) is activated, the display device 23 of the library controller 2 displays G as shown in FIG.
A main screen for control by the UI environment is displayed. The user performs various settings for controlling the library system by performing an operation using a mouse or the like on the displayed main screen for control.

The library controller 2 responds to a request from the host computer 3 and
For the basic console 1B, the desired cassette K is
A command for moving the input / output port unit 11 of the basic console 1B, the cassette storage shelf 15 of the cassette console 1C, the drive device 13 of the drive console 1D, and the like using the cassette transporter 16 and the drive console 1D. The drive device 13 transmits a command for recording or reproducing information. Cassette K
Is transmitted to the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B via the transmission path 24. In the drive device 13, a command for recording or reproducing information is transmitted via the transmission line 25 to the main drive control unit 6 of the basic console 1 </ b> B.
1 is sent.

The basic control unit 60 controls the cassette transporter 16 based on a command received from the library controller 2 via the transmission path 24. The control from the basic control unit 60 to the cassette transporter 16 is performed by the transporter communication unit 67.
This is performed by infrared communication via (FIG. 7). Based on the control from the basic control unit 60, for example, the cassette transporter 16 can control the input / output port unit 11 of the basic console 1B.
The cassette K taken in from the cassette console 1
The transport operation is performed such that the transport is performed to and transferred to the cassette storage shelf 15 of C. In the console row extended by the junction console 1J, the basic control unit 80 of the junction console 1J receives a command from the library controller 2 from the basic control unit 60 of the basic console 1B, and transfers the cassette in the extended console row. The machine 16 is controlled in the same manner as the basic control unit 60.

The main drive control section 61 receives a command from the library controller 2 received via the transmission path 25 and, based on the command, controls the drive control section 70 of the drive console 1D.
, And controls the drive device 13 to record and reproduce information. The drive control unit 70
Under the control of the main drive control section 61, the drive device 13 is caused to record and reproduce information.

Here, the contents displayed in the area 92 of the main screen shown in FIG. 10 will be briefly described. In the present embodiment, when the state of each part in the cassette library 1 (hereinafter referred to as status) can be displayed by characters such as characters and symbols, the status is displayed by characters as shown in FIG. I am trying to do it. For example, in the status display area 95 in the display part of the basic console B and the junction console J, the status of the entire cassette library 1 including the cassette transporter 16 or, when there are a plurality of console rows, the status of the entire console row L1. Among the statuses of the cassette transporter 16, the one with the highest priority is displayed. For example, "Ready"
Indicates that the cassette transporter 16 is operable, and “Not Ready” indicates that the cassette transporter 16 is not operable.

In the status display area 96 in the display portion of the drive consoles D1 and D2, the status of the drive consoles D1 and D2 having a higher priority is displayed. For example, "Fan 1 St
"op" indicates that the first cooling fan in the drive consoles D1 and D2 is stopped.

In the drive status display area 97 in the display portion of the drive consoles D1 and D2, the status of the drive device 13 having a higher priority is displayed. For example, "Tape In"
“No Tape” indicates that the cassette K is not contained in the drive device 13, and “Write” indicates that the cassette K is not contained in the drive device 13.
It indicates that the drive device 13 is writing, and “R
“head” indicates that the drive device 13 is reading, “No Use” indicates that the drive device 13 is not used, and “No Communication”.
“ion” indicates that the drive device 13 cannot communicate or power is not supplied.

In the cassette status display area 98 in the display portion of the drive console, the ID (identification information) of the cassette K in the drive unit 13 is displayed.

Although not shown in the present embodiment, the status regarding the cassette console 1C is as follows.
The main statuses of the cassette console 1C, for example, the total number of storage units (“All”), the number of storage units used (“Used”), and the number of open storage units (“ Free ") is displayed.

Next, a description will be given of a function of notifying various information using electronic mail, which is a feature of the library system according to the present embodiment. In the following, a case will be described in which POP3 is used as a protocol (communication protocol) for receiving an e-mail and SMTP is used as a protocol for sending. However, a protocol other than POP3 and SMTP may be used as a protocol used for sending and receiving e-mail.

In the present embodiment, the library controller 2 (main controller 2M) has two types of information notification functions using electronic mail. One is a function of periodically notifying the usage information of the system at a set time (hereinafter, also referred to as a “regular report function”).
The other is a function of notifying error information when any operation error occurs in the library system (hereinafter, also referred to as an “error report function”).
Further, the library controller 2 has a function of receiving a remote control from the remote controller 2R by transmitting and receiving an electronic mail with the remote controller 2R (FIG. 1). In order to use these functions using e-mail, it is necessary to first make basic settings for a mail server that manages transmission and reception of e-mail.

FIG. 12 shows a basic setting screen (SetMail Server) for using various functions by e-mail.
er dialog box). The setting screen shown in FIG. 11 is a setting screen commonly used for the two types of information notification function using e-mail and the remote control function. As shown in FIG. On the main screen for control displayed in ()), select the [Setup] menu in the menu bar 91,
A pull-down menu 93 is displayed, and is displayed by selecting a [Server] menu 110S in a [Mail] menu 110 in the pull-down menu 93. Each menu can be selected, for example, by moving the mouse pointer to a display portion of the menu to be selected on the screen and performing a left-click operation on the mouse. Note that this setting screen can be closed by performing a left-click operation with a mouse on the button 137 marked “x” displayed at the upper right of the screen.

The setting screen includes a plurality of boxes 121 to 133 in which setting information can be input in the form of text or the like.
And a plurality of setting buttons 134 to 136 for various settings. Of these, the check box 121
This part is used to make settings for selecting whether to use the e-mail function. When using the e-mail function, a check mark as shown in FIG. The display / non-display of the check mark can be selected by, for example, moving the mouse pointer to the check box 121 and left-clicking the mouse. Text boxes 122 to 129
Is a part for mainly inputting settings for the mail server.

The text box 122 is a part for setting the host name of the SMTP server used for transmitting the e-mail, and the text box 123 is a part for setting the port number of the SMTP server. The text box 124 contains a PO used for receiving an e-mail.
The text box 125 is for setting the host name of the P3 server, and the text box 125 is for setting the port number of the POP3 server. Text boxes 125, 126
Are sections for setting a user name and a password for the library controller 2 to be used when connecting to the POP3 server.

The text boxes 128 and 129 are for the remote-side controller 2R using electronic mail (FIG. 1).
This is a part for setting a time interval (POP3 Check Interval) for confirming the e-mail transmitted from the remote-side controller 2R to the POP3 server. The library controller 2 (main controller 2M) sends a remote controller 2R to the POP3 server connected on the communication network.
First operation mode (Normal), which is a normal operation mode for checking whether or not there is an e-mail from
And POP at a time interval shorter than the first operation mode.
There is a second operation mode (Maintenance) for checking whether or not there is an e-mail from the remote controller 2R for the three servers. The text box 128 can change the setting of the confirmation time interval in the first operation mode in minutes, and the text box 129 can change the setting of the confirmation time interval in the second operation mode in seconds. is there.

When the library controller 2 receives an electronic mail including a processing request related to remote control from the remote controller 2R while operating in the first operation mode set in the text box 128, The operation mode shifts to operation mode 2. When operating in the second operation mode set in the text box 129, if the presence of an electronic mail from the remote controller 2R cannot be confirmed within a predetermined period, the library controller 2 performs the first operation. Move to operation mode.

The text box 130 is a part for setting a port number (Mailif Port No.) of the library controller 2 used for sending and receiving electronic mail. Boxes 131 to 133 are sections for inputting and setting the model name (model name, etc.), system number (serial number), and site name (name of the installation location of the library system, etc.) of the library system, respectively. The information of the library system input to the boxes 131 to 133 is the so-called “From” of the transmitted e-mail.
Line "and the beginning of the text. Box 131 for inputting the model name of the library system
Although not shown, it is a so-called drop-down list format, in which a system corresponding to the library system currently used is selected from a list of a plurality of model names prepared in advance. Box 13
The drop-down list in 1 can be displayed, for example, by left-clicking the right end of the box with the mouse. In the setting screen shown in FIG. 12, setting items in boxes other than the box 131 can be input by, for example, direct input using a keyboard.

The OK button 134 is used for the boxes 121 to 1
The button is pressed when the setting for 33 is completed (left mouse click operation). A cancel (Cancel) button 135 is pressed to cancel the settings. Help
The button 136 is pressed to display a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 13 relating to this setting screen.

Next, a description will be given of a setting screen of a regular report function for periodically notifying system usage information and the like by e-mail.

FIG. 15 shows a setting screen (Regular) for using the regular report function by e-mail.
(Reporting window) is shown. Note that the screen in FIG. 15 shows an initial display state displayed when no e-mail address using the regular report function is set. If at least one e-mail address is set, the screen shown in FIG. The display state is as shown in FIG. The difference between the display states of the screens of FIGS. 15 and 16 will be briefly described. In the display state of FIG. 16, setting buttons 143 to 149 described later are all enabled (selectable). In the display state shown in, the OK button 14 of the setting buttons
3. Change (Revise) button 145 and Delete (D
(elite) button 146 is grayed out (the character display on the button disappears) and is invalidated (selection impossible). As shown in FIG. 14, this setting screen is displayed on the control main screen displayed on the display device 23 (FIG.
[p] menu to display a pull-down menu 93, and select [Mail] in the pull-down menu 93.
[Regular Repo] in the menu 110
rtting] menu 110R is displayed. Each menu can be selected, for example, by moving the mouse pointer to a display portion of the menu to be selected on the screen and performing a left-click operation on the mouse. Note that this setting screen can be closed by left-clicking the “x” button 140 displayed at the upper right of the screen with the mouse.

This setting screen includes display areas 141 and 141 for displaying set information on the regular report function.
142 and a plurality of setting buttons 143-1 for various settings
49. E-mail address (Mail Ad
In the address display area 141, a list of e-mail addresses of e-mail destinations using the regular report function is displayed as shown in FIG. Next
In the mail display area 142, information on the next scheduled transmission date and time of the e-mail is displayed as shown in FIG.

The OK button 143 is pressed when the setting on this setting screen is completed (left mouse click operation). A delete (Delete) button 146 is pressed to delete a set mail address from the list of e-mail transmission destinations. As shown in FIG. 16, in the state in which the list of transmission destinations is displayed in the Mail Address display area 141, the user specifies the e-mail address to be deleted on the display area 141 with the mouse, and then deletes the mail. This is executed by pressing the button 146. Cancel button 147
Is pressed to cancel the settings. Help (He
The (lp) button 148 is pressed to display a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 19 relating to this setting screen.

A test (Test) button 149 is pressed to perform an e-mail transmission test for confirming whether the set mail address is correct. This test function is performed by using Mail Addr as shown in FIG.
In a state where a list of transmission destinations is displayed in the ess display area 141, a mail address to be subjected to a transmission test is designated by a mouse on the display area 141,
This is executed by the library controller 2 by pressing the t button 149. FIG. 23 shows a specific example of an e-mail transmitted by the transmission test. As shown in the figure, the e-mail transmitted by the transmission test does not include substantial information on the library system, assuming that the e-mail address is incorrectly set. When the test button 149 is pressed,
The library controller 2 displays a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. When the OK button 302 is pressed on this confirmation screen, the library controller 2 transmits an e-mail. Cancel button 303
Is pressed, the library controller 2 does not transmit the e-mail.

An add button 144 is pressed to add a new setting. When the Add button 144 is pressed, a detailed setting screen for the regular report function as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. Change (Revi
se) A button 145 is pressed to change the settings for the already set mail address. When changing the setting, as shown in FIG. 16, Mail Add
In a state where a list of transmission destinations is displayed in the response display area 141, the user specifies a mail address to be changed on the display area 141 with the mouse, and
This is executed by pressing the “vise” button 145. R
In a case where the “evice” button 145 is pressed, a detailed setting screen for the set mail address as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed.

Next, a detailed setting screen (SetRegularR) relating to the regular report function shown in FIG.
The reporting schedule dialog box will be described. Note that this detailed setting screen can be closed by left-clicking the “x” button 150 displayed at the upper right of the screen with the mouse.

This detailed setting screen is a mail address (Mail Address) for inputting a mail address of an e-mail transmission destination using the regular report function.
A text box 151 and a report item (Report Item) setting area 152 for setting the content of the information to be notified by the regular report function.
Monthly Schedule setting area 153 and Weekly Schedule setting area 154 for setting the date for sending an e-mail
And R for setting the time at which to send the e-mail
report time setting box 155. The detailed setting screen further has a plurality of setting buttons 156 to 158 for various settings. OK button 1
56 is pressed when the setting of the detailed setting screen is completed (left click operation of the mouse). A cancel (Cancel) button 157 is pressed to cancel the settings. A help (Help) button 158 is pressed to display a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 20 relating to this setting screen.

Report Time setting box 15
In 5, the time at which the electronic mail is transmitted can be set in hours and minutes. Monthly Schedul
The e setting area 153 is provided with a plurality of check boxes for designating on which week of the month the e-mail is to be transmitted. In the screen example of FIG.
Check boxes from “t Week” to the fifth week (5th Week) are provided. Weekly Sche
The day setting area 154 is provided with seven check boxes for each day of the week for specifying on which day of the week the e-mail is to be transmitted. When a check mark as shown in FIG. 18 is added to these check boxes, the setting is such that an e-mail is transmitted on the week and the day of the week when the check mark is added. For example, when the notification is to be performed by e-mail once a month, the week of the week and the day of the week are determined, and the corresponding check box is checked. The selection of the display / non-display of the check mark can be performed by, for example, moving the mouse pointer to the check box and left-clicking the mouse. In the setting example shown in FIG. 18, for example, the Monthly Schedule setting area 1
Since all the check boxes in the 53 and Weekly Schedule setting area 154 are checked and the Report Time setting box 155 is set to 8:00, the e-mail is sent at 8:00 every day. become. As described above, in this embodiment, the date and time at which information is notified by e-mail can be set freely.

By the way, in the regular report function in the present embodiment, various information of the library system is added to an electronic mail as an attached file and transmitted. In the Report Item setting area 152, a plurality of check boxes 152S for selecting the content of the information to be transmitted as the attached file,
152E and 152M are provided. this house,
System Information (System Information)
n) The check box 152S is a part for setting whether to transmit the system information of the library system as an attached file. A specific example of this system information will be described later. Error log (Error L
og) The check box 152E is a part for setting whether to transmit the error log of the library system as an attached file. The error log is a collection of error information of the library system, and is attached to refer to past errors. Email Log (Mail Lo
g) A check box 152M is a part for setting whether or not to transmit the mail log as an attached file.
The mail log is a log relating to an internal control process in the library controller 2 for operating the e-mail transmission / reception function, and it is possible to confirm a state of e-mail transmission / reception, for example, a state of whether or not the e-mail has been transmitted successfully ( See FIG. 35). A more specific example of the mail log will be described later.

When the check boxes shown in the drawings are added to these check boxes, the information is set to be transmitted as an attached file. The selection of the display / non-display of the check mark can be performed by, for example, moving the mouse pointer to the check box and left-clicking the mouse. Here, a case has been described in which the type of information transmitted as an attached file is an example of three types, but the information transmitted as an attached file may be set to more or less than three types.

[0086] For the error log and the mail log, the amount of information to be transmitted as an attached file can be set. The information amount is set in the setting box 152A on the right side of the Error Log check box 152E for the error log and in the setting box 152B on the right side of the Mail Log check box 152M for the mail log. In the setting boxes 152A and 152B, the amount of log information is specified by the number of log lines. In the illustrated example, the number is set to 20 lines, and 20 lines from the latest log are transmitted as an attached file.

Next, a description will be given of an error report function setting screen for notifying error information when an operation error occurs in the library system.

FIG. 27 shows a setting screen (Error Rep.) For using the error report function by e-mail.
Orting window) is shown. The screen shown in FIG. 27 shows an initial display state displayed when no e-mail address using the error report function is set. The display state is as shown in FIG. The difference between the display states of the screens of FIGS. 27 and 28 will be briefly described. In the display state of FIG. 28, setting buttons 163 to 169 described later are all enabled (selectable). In the display state shown in FIG. 7, among the setting buttons, an OK button 163, a change (Revise) button 165, and a delete (Delete) button are displayed.
e) The button 166 is grayed out (the character display on the button disappears) and invalidated (selection is disabled). As shown in FIG. 26, this setting screen displays the pull-down menu 93 by selecting the [Setup] menu in the menu bar 91 in the main screen for control, and displays the [Mail] in the pull-down menu 93. [Error] in the menu 110
[Reporting] menu 110E is displayed. Each menu can be selected, for example, by moving the mouse pointer to a display portion of the menu to be selected on the screen and performing a left-click operation on the mouse. Note that this setting screen can be closed by left-clicking the button 160 marked “x” displayed at the upper right of the screen with the mouse.

This setting screen displays a mail address (Mai) for displaying the set information regarding the error report function.
(Address) display area 161 and a plurality of setting buttons 163 to 169 for various settings.
In the mail address display area 161, a list of e-mail destinations of the e-mail using the error report function is displayed as shown in FIG. 28. M
Information on the last date and time at which the e-mail was sent by the error report function is displayed in an area 162 below the aile address display area 161.

The OK button 163 is pressed when the setting of this setting screen is completed (left mouse click operation). A delete (Delete) button 166 is pressed to delete a set mail address from the list of e-mail transmission destinations. This deletion operation is performed by specifying a mail address to be deleted in the mail address display area 161 with the mouse in the display area 161 as shown in FIG. This is executed by pressing the button 166. Cancel button 167
Is pressed to cancel the settings. Help (He
The (lp) button 168 is pressed to display a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 31 relating to this setting screen.

A test (Test) button 169 is pressed to perform an e-mail transmission test for confirming whether the set mail address is correct. This test function is performed by using Mail Addr as shown in FIG.
In a state where a list of transmission destinations is displayed in the ess display area 161, a mail address to be subjected to a transmission test is designated by a mouse on the display area 161, and then Tes.
This is executed by the library controller 2 by pressing the t button 169. The e-mail transmitted by the transmission test is the same as the e-mail transmitted by the transmission test in the above-described regular report function (see FIG. 23). It does not include any substantial information about the library system. When the Test button 169 is pressed, the library controller 2 displays a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. When the OK button 302 is pressed on this confirmation screen, the library controller 2 transmits an e-mail. Cancel (Can
When the (cel) button 303 is pressed, the library controller 2 does not transmit an e-mail.

An add button 164 is pressed to add a new setting. When the Add button 164 is pressed, a setting screen as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed. A change (Revise) button 165 is pressed to change the setting for an already set mail address. To change the setting, specify the e-mail address to be changed with the mouse on the display area 161 while the list of destinations is displayed in the Mail Address display area 161 as shown in FIG. After that, the process is executed by pressing the Review button 165. When the REVISE button 165 is pressed, a setting screen for a set mail address as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed.

The setting screen (Set Err) shown in FIG.
or Reporting dialog box)
E-mail address for inputting the e-mail address of the e-mail destination using the error report function (Mail A
address) text box 171 and a plurality of setting buttons 172 to 174 for various settings. Note that this setting screen can be closed by left-clicking the button 170 of the “x” mark displayed at the upper right of the screen with the mouse. OK button 172
Pressed when the setting of this setting screen is completed (left mouse click operation). Cancel button 173
Pressed to cancel the settings. Help (Hel
A p) button 174 is pressed to display a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 32 relating to this setting screen.

The error report function is a function for sending an e-mail when an operation error occurs in the library system. The operation error is regarded as, for example, a drive provided in the drive console 1D. There is a device error or an error for a command from the host computer 3. Further, the library system has an automatic maintenance function for automatically cleaning the cassette K and automatically rewinding the tape wound on the cassette K. If an error occurs, it is also regarded as an operation error. Further, the error report function automatically notifies the user by e-mail that the drive of the drive console 1D has been used for a predetermined use time (for example, 1000 hours), similarly to an operation error. Includes a function to notify on the communication network. In addition, the error report function limits the number of e-mail transmissions so that e-mails are not notified for a certain period of time if errors occur frequently and multiple operation errors occur consecutively within a predetermined period. The ability to do is included. In this case, after a certain time has passed, if an error has further occurred, the e-mail is notified again. The reason for restricting the transmission of such e-mails is that if a large number of e-mails are transmitted in a short time, the load on the mail server may increase.

The contents reported by the error report function are basically only information indicating that an operation error has occurred, and the specific contents of the error itself are not reported. This is because, if the notification including the specific error content is performed, the load on the mail server may increase. However, in the present embodiment, a specific error content is not notified, but the minimum information related to the error content is notified. For example, when an error occurs, the library controller 2 (main side library controller 2M) copies an error log at the time of occurrence of the error to a predetermined directory on a hard disk or the like, and stores it. Then, the directory name where the error log is copied is notified. Further, at the time of error notification, an error code predetermined by the library system and an error code of the drive device are notified. As described above, in the present embodiment, the library controller 2 (main-side library controller 2M) collects the operation progress information (log) of the library system at the time when the operation error occurs, and the collected operation progress information. Has a function of transmitting the operation progress related information associated with the communication network to the communication network by electronic mail.

In addition to the above-mentioned method of notifying the operation error, for example, it may be possible to select whether or not to transmit an e-mail according to the type of the operation error. For example, notification may be made by e-mail only when a drive error occurs. Further, when notifying that an operation error has occurred, the type of the operation error may be notified.

Next, a mail log created in the library controller 2 will be described.

FIG. 35 shows a mail log display screen (Mai).
1 Log window). As shown in FIG. 34, this display screen displays a pull-down menu by selecting the [Log] menu in the menu bar 91 on the control main screen, and displays [View Log] in the pull-down menu. Menu 21
It is displayed by selecting the [Mail Log] menu 210M in the menu item 0. Selection of each menu,
For example, this can be performed by moving the mouse pointer to a display portion of a menu to be selected on the screen and performing a left-click operation on the mouse.

This display screen includes a log display area 181 for displaying a mail log and a plurality of buttons 18 for various settings.
2-188, a search (Search) text box 191 and a Search button 192, 193 for searching for a specific character string in the mail log, and a generation for designating the generation of the mail log to be displayed in the log display area 181. (Generation) setting box 194
And

The mail log displayed in the log display area 181 is used when the regular report function, error report function, and remote control function by electronic mail are used.
It is a record related to various commands and data transmitted and received in FIG. In the example of FIG. 35, information such as the date and time when the mail log was recorded and commands issued in accordance with the transmission and reception of the e-mail are displayed as the mail log.
As described above, this mail log can be attached to an electronic mail and transmitted to the remote library controller 2R or the like by the regular report function.

The close (Close) button 182 is
Pressed to close this display screen (left mouse click operation). Tail / Tail stop (Tail / Ta
The il-Stop) button 183 is displayed in the log display area 18.
After the log is displayed on the log No. 1, the log is pressed for the purpose of adding a newly generated log to the log display area 181 in real time. This tail / tail stop (Tail /
The “Tail-Stop” button 183 is displayed as “Tail” or “Tail” in response to pressing of the button.
-Stop ". For example, when the button is pressed in the “Tail” display, the button display changes to “Tail-Stop” and a log is automatically added to the log display area 181 in real time. "Tail-Sto
When the button is pressed in the “p” display, the button display changes to “Tail” and the real-time log display function in the log display area 181 stops.

Reload button 184
Is pressed to update the log display state in the log display area 181 to the latest one. Road (Loa
d) A button 185 is pressed to display an existing log saved with a file name in advance. The save (Save) button 186 is displayed in the log display area 18.
Pressed when saving the log displayed in 1 with a file name. Generation (Generati
An on) button 187 is pressed to specify a mail log generation. Specify the generation of mail log
This is done in the ation setting box 194. A help (Help) button 188 is pressed to display a help screen for explanation as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 relating to this setting screen.

The Search text box 191 is
When searching for a specific character string in the mail log, this is the part where the character string to be searched is input. To actually search for a character string, use the Search text box 191.
After inputting a character string, the Search button 19
By pressing 2,193, the search direction is specified. Se
The arch button 192 is pressed when searching the mail log in the upward direction of the log display area 181. Searc
The h button 193 displays the mail log in the log display area 181.
Pressed to search downward.

Next, the system information created in the library controller 2 will be described.

In the present embodiment, the library controller 2 collects system information as a plurality of management information classified by the functions or components of the library system for each function and constituent block element, and collects a plurality of collected system information. It has a function of collecting information into a system information file as information that can be output integrally. When this system information file is required, the user selects the [Log] menu in the menu bar 91 on the control main screen to display a pull-down menu as shown in FIG. [System Information] is a menu for instructing creation of a system information file in the menu.
on] menu.

The library controller 2 executes [Syst
When the [em Information] menu is selected, the system information file is created. The library controller 2 collects, for each function and component block element, system information as a plurality of management information classified by the function or configuration part of the library system as a process of creating a system information file, and collects the plurality of collected system information. Are integrated into data that can be output integrally, and a process of recording this data as a single system information file on a hard disk, for example, is performed. By the system information file creation processing by the library controller 2, a plurality of pieces of system information are collected into one system information file. The user can display the data of the system information file recorded in the hard disk as necessary, for example, on the display device 23 and refer to the data for system management.

When recording the system information file in the hard disk, the library controller 2 assigns, for example, a predetermined file name (for example,
The file name is “Sysinfo.txt”, and the file creation date and time, the serial number of the file corresponding to the file version, and the like are added. If there is a system information file recorded in the past on the hard disk, the past system information file is also left as data. In this case, a system information file newly created may be overwritten on a past system information file.

Further, the library controller 2 selects, for example, the [Take Log] menu from the pull-down menu displayed by selecting the [Log] menu in the menu bar 91 as shown in FIG. Also, when an instruction to collect a log, which is information on the past operation progress of the system, is issued, the system information file creating process is performed. In this case, the library controller 2 collects the system log, creates a log file which is data in a format that can be output to a floppy disk or the like, and stores the log file in the created log file.
The system information file created by the process of creating the system information file is attached. Further, the library controller 2 performs the initial processing such as detecting the position accessed by the cassette transporter 16 with a position detection sensor (not shown) in the cassette library 1 according to a user's instruction. When updated, the system information file is created.

FIGS. 38 and 39 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the data structure of a system information file created in the library controller 2, and show a series of data contained in one system information file. The system information collected by the library controller 2 includes the date and time when the system information was collected, the OS (Operating Sy
38), and such information is located at the beginning of the data in the system information file as shown in FIG. The system information includes the console configuration of the cassette library 1, the version of the library controller 2, the version of the console control system, the version of the drive control system, the serial number of the drive device 13, the version of the firmware of the drive device 13, and the version of the transport system. The information includes a position correction value, a coordinate value of the console, a use time of the transport system, a use time of the drive device 13, information on setup of the library controller 2, and the like.

Here, the information on the console configuration includes type information of the cassette library 1 and information on the console configuration. Library controller 2
Includes information on the version of the entire library controller and the version of each program module of the library controller 2. The information on the version of the console control system includes the version of the console control unit 62 (FIG. 7) and its self-diagnosis result, and the information on the version of the control board for other console control systems and its self-diagnosis result. I have. The information on the version of the drive control system includes the version of the main drive control units 61 and 81 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and the information on the version of each drive control unit 70. The information on the use time of the transport system and the use time of the drive device 13 includes the use time information / access number of the cassette carrier 16 for each console row, the use time information of the input / output port, and the information about the use time of the junction port. include.

The information relating to the position correction value of the transport system and the coordinate values of the console is obtained by, for example, initial processing in the cassette library 1 in which the position accessed by the cassette transporter 16 is detected by a position detection sensor (not shown). Information.

In the present embodiment, the system information as described above is provided by the regular report function as described above.
It can be attached to an electronic mail and transmitted to the remote library controller 2R or the like.

Next, the operation of the library controller 2 relating to the notification function of various information using electronic mail will be described with reference to a flowchart.

First, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 40, the overall flow of the setting processing for using the notification function of various information using electronic mail will be described. When the library system including the cassette library 1 and the library controller 2 is started (step S1), the library controller 2 sets the console configuration collection unit 64 (FIG. 7) of the basic console 1B and the junction console 1
The information collected by the console configuration collection unit 84 (FIG. 8) of J is acquired as library configuration information.
A main screen as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display device 23 based on the acquired configuration information (step S2).
Note that the main screen shown in FIG. 10 is a display example when the cassette library 1 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 9, and information on the basic configuration of the cassette library 1 is displayed in a predetermined area 92. It is graphically displayed in an intuitive manner.

On the main screen as shown in FIG. 10, the library controller 2 selects the [Setup] menu in the menu bar 91 as shown in FIG.
[1] menu 110S in the menu 110 is selected (step S3: Y), a basic setting process for using the e-mail function (step S3).
100). The selection of each menu on the main screen is performed, for example, by moving the mouse pointer to a display portion of the menu to be selected on the screen and performing a left-click operation on the mouse.

Further, the library controller 2 corresponds to FIG.
In the main screen as shown in FIG.
r] menu 110S is not selected (step S4:
N), as shown in FIG. 14, [Regular Rep.
When the “Orting” menu 110R is selected (Step S4: Y), the process proceeds to a setting process (Step S200) for using the regular report function by e-mail.

Further, the library controller 2 is configured as shown in FIG.
In the main screen as shown in FIG.
r] menu 110S and [Regular Rep]
Orting] menu 110R is not selected (step S4: N), and as shown in FIG. 26, [Error R]
When the [reporting] menu 110E is selected (step S5: Y), the process proceeds to a setting process (step S300) for using the error report function by e-mail.

Next, the library controller 2 sets [E
If no "error reporting" menu 110E is selected (step S5: N) and an instruction to stop the system is issued (step S6: Y), a system stop process (step S7) is performed and the process ends. . If the system controller has not been instructed to stop the system (step S6: N), the process returns to step S2.

Next, the flow of the basic setting process for using the e-mail function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The library controller 2 selects [Se] in the [Mail] menu 110 as shown in FIG.
rver] menu 110S is selected, a basic setting screen (Set Mail Serr) as shown in FIG.
ver dialog box) (step S1)
01). Next, the library controller 2 monitors whether any of the setting buttons 134 to 136 is pressed on this basic setting screen until any of the buttons is pressed (step S102: N). Note that, for example, when the mouse pointer is moved to the display portion of the setting buttons 134 to 136 and a left-click operation of the mouse is performed, the library controller 2 determines that the button at the position of the pointer is pressed. .

When the cancel (Cancel) button 135 on the basic setting screen or the “x” mark button 137 on the upper right of the screen is pressed, the library controller 2 closes the basic setting screen (step S102: Y, step S10).
5), returning to the main processing shown in FIG. When the help (Help) button 136 on the basic setting screen is pressed, the library controller 2 displays a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 13 relating to the basic setting screen (step S102: Y). , Step S106),
The process returns to step S102.

An OK button 134 on the basic setting screen
Is pressed, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the setting contents of the setting boxes 121 to 133 on the screen have changed (Step S102: Y,
Step S103). When there is no change in the setting contents (step S103: N)
Next, the basic setting screen is closed (step S105). On the other hand, when there is a change in the setting contents (step S103:
In Y), the library controller 2 stores the data of the changed setting contents in a hard disk or the like (step S1).
04), the basic setting screen is closed (step S10).
5), returning to the main processing shown in FIG.

Next, the flow of a setting process for using the regular report function by e-mail will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 42 to 49. As shown in FIG. 14, the library controller 2 [Mail]
[Regular Repo] in the menu 110
[Rting] menu 110R is selected.
Alternatively, a setting screen (Regular Report) for using the regular report function as shown in FIG.
(Ting window) (Step S20)
1). Note that the screen in FIG. 15 shows an initial display state displayed when no e-mail address using the regular report function is set. If at least one e-mail address is set, the screen shown in FIG. The display state is as shown in FIG. Next, library controller 2
Monitors whether a setting button on this setting screen has been pressed until any button is pressed (step S202: N). Note that the library controller 2
For example, when the mouse pointer is moved to the display part of the setting button and a left click operation of the mouse is performed,
It is determined that the button at the position of the pointer has been pressed.

In the library controller 2, one of the setting buttons on the setting screen is pressed (step S20).
2: Y) If the pressed button is the OK button 143, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 43 described later is performed. Further, when the pressed button is the change (Revise) button 145 or the delete (Delete) button 146, the library controller 2 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the pressed button is the cancel (Cancel) button 147 or the “x” mark button 140 in the upper right of the screen, the library controller 2 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. Further, the library controller 2 determines that the pressed button is a test (Te
st) button 149 or Add button 144
47 or FIG. 48 to be described later.
The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

When the help (Help) button 148 on the setting screen is pressed, the library controller 2 displays a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 19 relating to this setting screen (step S202). : Y, step S203), and returns to the process of step S202.

In step S202 of FIG. 42, if the button pressed on the setting screen (Regular Reporting window) is the OK button 143, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. (Sa)
ve Regular Reporting Data
? ) A screen is displayed (step S211), and it is monitored whether or not a setting button on this message screen is pressed until any button is pressed (step S212:
N). When the “No (N)” button 305 on the message screen shown in FIG. 24 is pressed, the library controller 2 closes this message screen (Step S216) and returns to the processing of Step S201 in FIG. On the other hand, when the “Yes (Y)” button 304 on the message screen shown in FIG. 24 is pressed, the library controller 2 validates the setting contents set on this setting screen (step S213). The temporarily saved setting data is saved as formal setting data, and the message screen is closed (step S214). Next, the library controller 2 presses the OK button 1 on the setting screen.
As shown in FIG. 15, 43 is grayed out (the character display on the button has disappeared) and invalidated (selection is not possible)
(Step S214), and the process returns to Step S201 of FIG. 42 described above.

In step S202 of FIG. 42, the button pressed on the setting screen is changed (Revis
e) If the button is 145, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 44, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a mail address to be changed has been selected (step S221), and If the selection has been made (Y), the setting data relating to the selected mail address is read out (step S222), and the processing shifts to the processing shown in FIG. Note that the selection of the mail address to be changed is performed by using the Mail address as shown in FIG.
When a list of e-mail transmission destinations is displayed in the address display area 141, the e-mail address to be changed is designated on the display area 141 with a mouse. On the other hand, when the mail address to be changed has not been selected (step S221: N), the library controller 2
An error message (No Sel) as shown in FIG.
selected item) screen (step S22).
3) Then, in this error message screen, it is monitored whether the OK button 301 or the "x" button at the upper right of the screen is pressed until any of the buttons is pressed (step S224: N). When the OK button 301 or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on the error message screen (step S2).
24: Y), the error message screen is closed (step S225), and the process returns to the above-described processing of step S201 in FIG.

In step S202 of FIG. 42, the button pressed on the setting screen is deleted (Delete).
e) If the button is the button 146, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 45, the library controller 2 determines whether a mail address to be deleted has been selected (step S231), and Is selected (Y), the setting data of the selected mail address is temporarily deleted from the Mail Address display area 141 (FIGS. 15 and 16) on the screen (step S232), and the setting data is set. The OK button 143 on the screen is enabled (selectable) (step S23).
3), the process returns to step S201 in FIG.
The Mail Address display area 1 on the screen
The setting data of the mail address deleted from 41 is actually stored in a predetermined recording area inside the library controller 2 until the OK button 143 is pressed. In addition, the selection of the e-mail address to be deleted is performed as shown in FIG.
Mail Address display area 1 as shown in
In a state where a list of e-mail transmission destinations is displayed in 41, the e-mail address to be deleted is designated on the display area 141 with a mouse.

On the other hand, if the mail address to be deleted has not been selected (step S231: N), the library controller 2 displays an error message (No Selected Item) as shown in FIG.
m) A screen is displayed (step S234), and it is monitored whether or not the OK button 301 or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on this error message screen until any button is pressed (step S235: N). ). When the OK button 301 or the "x" button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on this error message screen (step S235: Y), the library controller 2 closes this error message screen (step S236), The process returns to step S201 of S42.

In step S202 of FIG. 42, the button pressed on the setting screen is canceled (Cancel).
l) Button 147 or "X" button 14 at the top right of the screen
If it is 0, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 46, the library controller 2 determines whether there is a change in the setting contents (step S241), and if there is a change in the setting contents (Y), Deletes the temporarily stored setting data relating to the mail address to be changed from the internal recording area (step S242), and returns to the processing of step S2 in FIG. 40 described above. On the other hand, if there is no change in the setting contents (step S241: N), this setting screen (Reg)
The “reporting window” is closed (step S243), and the process returns to step S2 in FIG.

In step S202 of FIG. 42, the button pressed on the setting screen is set to a test (Test).
If it is the button 149, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 47, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the mail address to be subjected to the transmission test has been selected (step S251), and If a selection has been made (Y), a test e-mail as shown in FIG. 23 is transmitted to the selected e-mail address (step S252), and the above-described step S2 in FIG.
It returns to the process of 01. It should be noted that the mail address to be tested is selected in the mail address as shown in FIG.
In a state where a list of e-mail transmission destinations is displayed in the ss display area 141, the test is performed by designating a mail address to be tested on the display area 141 with a mouse.

On the other hand, when the mail address to be subjected to the transmission test has not been selected (step S251: N), the library controller 2 displays an error message (No Selected) as shown in FIG.
Item) screen is displayed (step S253), and it is monitored whether or not the OK button 301 or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on this error message screen until any button is pressed (step S254:
N). When the OK button 301 or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on the error message screen (step S254: library controller 2).
In Y), the error message screen is closed (step S255), and the process returns to the above-described step S201 in FIG.

When the button pressed on the setting screen is the add button 144 in step S202 in FIG. 42, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 48, the library controller 2 Detailed setting screen for regular report function (Se
t Regular Reporting Sched
ule dialog box) (step S2)
61). Note that the library controller 2 also displays this detailed setting screen when the change (Revise) button 145 is pressed in a state where the mail address to be changed is selected in step S202 in FIG. The display state of the detailed setting screen displayed when the change button 145 is pressed is, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, and is different from the display state shown in FIG. 17 by a mail address (Mail Address). The mail address to be changed is displayed in the text box 151.

Next, the library controller 2 monitors whether the setting button has been pressed on this detailed setting screen until any button is pressed (step S).
262: N). The library controller 2 determines that the button at the position of the pointer has been pressed, for example, when the mouse pointer is moved to the display part of the setting button and a left click operation of the mouse is performed.

When the cancel (Cancel) button 157 on the detailed setting screen or the “x” mark button 150 at the upper right of the screen is pressed, the library controller 2 closes the detailed setting screen (step S262: Y, step S27).
0), the process returns to the step S201 in FIG.
Also, a help button 15 on the detailed setting screen is displayed.
When 8 is pressed, the library controller 2
A help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 20 relating to the detailed setting screen is displayed (step S262: Y, step S262).
271), and the process returns to step S262.

An OK button 156 on the detailed setting screen is displayed.
Is pressed, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the setting content on the screen has changed (Step S262: Y, Step S263). When there is a change in the setting contents (step S263: Y), the library controller 2 temporarily stores the data of the changed setting contents in a predetermined recording area (step S264), and then displays the detailed setting screen. Close (step S265). Next, the library controller 2 sets the setting screen (Regu
The OK button 143 on the “lar reporting window” is enabled (selectable) (step S26).
6), the process returns to step S201 in FIG. 42 described above.

On the other hand, if the setting contents have not changed (step S263: N), the library controller 2
Determines whether an e-mail address has been set in the Mail Address text box 151 on the screen (step S267). If the e-mail address has been set (Y), this detailed setting screen is closed. (Step S268), Step S2 in FIG. 42 described above.
It returns to the process of 01. If the e-mail address has not been set (step S267: N), an error message (No Mail Ad) as shown in FIG.
display) screen. Next, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 49, the library controller 2 monitors whether or not the OK button or the “x” button in the upper right of the screen is pressed until any of the buttons is pressed. (Step S272: N). When the OK button or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed in this error message screen (step S272: Y), the library controller 2 closes this error message screen (step S273) and returns to FIG.
It returns to the process of step S201 of 2.

Next, the flow of a setting process for using the error report function by e-mail will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The library controller 2 selects the [Error Reportin] in the [Mail] menu 110 as shown in FIG.
g] When the menu 110E is selected, a setting screen (Error Reporting window) for using the error report function as shown in FIG. 27 or FIG. 28 is displayed (step S301). The screen shown in FIG. 27 shows an initial display state displayed when no e-mail address using the error report function is set. The display state is as shown in FIG. Next, the library controller 2 monitors whether a setting button on this setting screen has been pressed until any button is pressed (step S302: N). In addition,
For example, when the mouse pointer is moved to the display portion of the setting button and a left click operation of the mouse is performed, the library controller 2 determines that the button at the position of the pointer is pressed.

The library controller 2 presses one of the setting buttons on the setting screen (step S30).
2: Y) If the pressed button is the OK button 163, the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 51 described later is performed. Further, when the pressed button is the change (Revise) button 165 or the delete (Delete) button 166, the library controller 2 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the pressed button is the cancel (Cancel) button 167 or the “x” mark button 160 at the upper right of the screen, the library controller 2 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. Further, the library controller 2 determines that the pressed button is a test (Te
st) button 169 or add button 164
55 or FIG. 56 to be described later.
The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

When the help (Help) button 168 on the setting screen is pressed, the library controller 2 displays a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 31 relating to the setting screen (step S302). : Y, step S303), and returns to the process of step S302.

In step S302 of FIG. 50, when the button pressed on the setting screen (Error Reporting window) is the OK button 163,
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 51, the library controller 2 sends the message (Save) as shown in FIG.
Error Reporting Data? ) A screen is displayed (step S311), and it is monitored whether or not the setting button on the message screen is pressed until any button is pressed (step S312: N). FIG.
When the “No (N)” button 307 on the message screen shown in FIG.
Closes this message screen (step S316),
The process returns to step S301 in FIG. On the other hand, FIG.
"Yes (Y)" button 30 on the message screen shown in FIG.
When 6 is pressed, the library controller 2
The setting contents set on this setting screen are validated (step S313), the temporarily stored setting data is stored as formal setting data, and the message screen is closed (step S314). Next, the library controller 2 sets the OK button 163 on the setting screen to a grayed-out display (a state in which the character display on the button is erased) as shown in FIG. S314), and returns to the process of step S301 in FIG. 50 described above.

In step S302 of FIG. 50, the button pressed on the setting screen is changed (Revise).
e) When the button is the button 165, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 52, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a mail address to be changed has been selected (step S321). If the selection has been made (Y), the setting data relating to the selected mail address is read out (step S322), and the process proceeds to the processing shown in FIG. It should be noted that the selection of the e-mail address to be changed is performed by using the Mail address as shown in FIG.
When a list of e-mail transmission destinations is displayed in the address display area 161, the e-mail address to be changed is designated on the display area 161 with the mouse. On the other hand, when the mail address to be changed has not been selected (step S321: N), the library controller 2
An error message (No Sel) as shown in FIG.
selected item) screen (step S32)
3) Then, it is monitored whether or not the OK button 301 or the "x" button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on this error message screen until any of the buttons is pressed (step S324: N). When the OK button 301 or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on the error message screen (step S3).
At 24: Y), the error message screen is closed (step S325), and the process returns to step S301 in FIG. 50 described above.

In step S302 of FIG. 50, the button pressed on the setting screen is deleted (Delete).
e) If the button is the button 166, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 53, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a mail address to be deleted is selected (step S331), and the mail address is determined. Is selected (Y), the setting data of the selected mail address is temporarily deleted from the Mail Address display area 161 (FIGS. 27 and 28) on the screen (step S332), and the setting data is set. The OK button 163 on the screen is enabled (selectable) (step S33).
3), the process returns to step S301 in FIG.
The Mail Address display area 1 on the screen
The setting data of the mail address deleted from 61 is actually stored in a predetermined recording area inside the library controller 2 until the OK button 163 is pressed. Further, the selection of the e-mail address to be deleted is performed as shown in FIG.
Mail Address display area 1 as shown in
In a state where a list of e-mail transmission destinations is displayed in 61, the e-mail address to be deleted is designated by a mouse on the display area 161.

On the other hand, when the mail address to be deleted has not been selected (step S331: N), the library controller 2 displays an error message (No Selected Item) as shown in FIG.
m) A screen is displayed (step S334), and it is monitored whether or not the OK button 301 or the "x" button at the upper right of the screen is pressed until any of the buttons is pressed (step S335: N). ). When the OK button 301 or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed in this error message screen (step S335: Y), the library controller 2 closes this error message screen (step S336), The process returns to step S301 of S50.

In step S302 of FIG. 50, the button pressed on the setting screen is canceled (Cancel).
l) Button 167 or “x” button 16 at the top right of the screen
If it is 0, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 54, the library controller 2 determines whether there is a change in the setting contents (step S341), and when there is a change in the setting contents (Y), Deletes the temporarily stored setting data relating to the mail address to be changed from the internal recording area (step S342), and returns to the processing of step S2 in FIG. 40 described above. On the other hand, if there is no change in the setting contents (step S341: N), this setting screen (Err)
or Reporting window) is closed (step S343), and the process returns to step S2 in FIG.

In step S302 of FIG. 50, the button pressed on the setting screen is set to a test (Test).
If the button is the button 169, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 55, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a mail address to be subjected to the transmission test has been selected (step S351). If the selection has been made (Y), a test e-mail as shown in FIG. 23 is transmitted to the selected e-mail address (step S352), and the above-mentioned step S3 in FIG.
It returns to the process of 01. The mail address to be tested is selected in the mail address as shown in FIG.
In a state where a list of e-mail transmission destinations is displayed in the ss display area 161, the test is performed by designating a mail address to be tested on the display area 161 with a mouse.

On the other hand, when the mail address to be subjected to the transmission test has not been selected (step S351: N), the library controller 2 displays an error message (No Selected) as shown in FIG.
Item) screen is displayed (step S353), and whether or not the OK button 301 or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on this error message screen is monitored until any button is pressed (step S354:
N). In the error message screen, the library controller 2 presses the OK button 301 or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen (step S354:
In Y), the error message screen is closed (step S355), and the process returns to step S301 in FIG. 50 described above.

When the button pressed on the setting screen is the add button 164 in step S302 in FIG. 50, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. (Set Error Reporting)
Dialog box) (step S36).
1). It should be noted that the library controller 2 also displays this setting screen when the change (Revise) button 165 is pressed while the mail address to be changed is selected in step S302 of FIG.
The display state of the setting screen displayed when the change button 165 is pressed is, for example, as shown in FIG. 30. In contrast to the display state shown in FIG. 29, a mail address (Mail Address) text is displayed. Box 171
Shows the mail address to be changed.

Next, the library controller 2 monitors whether a setting button has been pressed on this setting screen until any button is pressed (step S36).
2: N). The library controller 2 determines that the button at the position of the pointer has been pressed, for example, when the mouse pointer is moved to the display part of the setting button and a left click operation of the mouse is performed.

When the cancel (Cancel) button 173 on the setting screen or the “x” mark button 170 at the upper right of the screen is pressed, the library controller 2 closes the setting screen (step S362: Y, step S370), The process returns to step S301 in FIG. When the help (Help) button 174 on the setting screen is pressed, the library controller 2 displays a help screen for explanation as shown in FIG. 32 relating to this setting screen (step S362: Y, Step S371), and returns to the processing of step S362.

If the OK button 172 on the setting screen is pressed, the library controller 2 determines whether or not the setting contents on the screen have changed (step S362: Y, step S363). The library controller 2 determines that the settings have changed (step S
363: Y), after temporarily storing the data of the changed setting contents in a predetermined recording area (step S364), the setting screen is closed (step S365). Next, the library controller 2 makes the OK button 163 on the setting screen (Error Reporting window) shown in FIG. 27 valid (selectable) (Step S366), and returns to the processing of Step S301 in FIG. 50 described above.

On the other hand, if the setting contents have not changed (step S363: N), the library controller 2
Determines whether an e-mail address has been set in the Mail Address text box 171 on the screen (step S367). If the e-mail address has been set (Y), this detailed setting screen is closed. (Step S368), Step S30 in FIG. 50 described above.
It returns to the process of 1. If the e-mail address has not been set (step S367: N), an error message (No Mail Add) as shown in FIG.
display) screen. Next, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 57, the library controller 2 monitors whether or not the OK button or the “x” button in the upper right of the screen is pressed until any of the buttons is pressed. (Step S372: N). When the OK button or the “x” button at the upper right of the screen is pressed on this error message screen (step S372: Y), the library controller 2 closes this error message screen (step S373) and returns to FIG.
The process returns to step S301 of step S301.

Next, with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 58 to 61, the flow of processing of the function of notifying various information using electronic mail in the library controller 2 will be described.

First, the overall flow of the processing of the notification function of various information using electronic mail will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The library controller 2 determines whether basic settings for using the e-mail function have been made (step S11). When the basic setting for using the e-mail function has not been made (step S11: N), the library controller 2 sets the basic setting screen (Set Mail) shown in FIG.
After the above-described setting process using the Server dialog box is performed, the process proceeds to the next process.

If the basic settings for using the e-mail function have been made (step S11: Y), the library controller 2 determines whether the regular report function setting and the error report function setting have been made. Is determined (steps S12 and S13). If the regular report function has not been set (step S12: N), the library controller 2 sets the setting screen (Regular Report) shown in FIG.
After the setting processing of the above-described regular report function using the ing window) is performed, the process proceeds to the next processing. Also,
If the error report function has not been set (step S13: N), the library controller 2
The setting screen (Error Reporti) shown in FIG.
After the above-described error report function setting process using the ng window is performed, the process proceeds to the next process.

Next, when the regular report function and the error report function have been set (step S12: Y, step S13: Y), the library controller 2 uses the regular report function and the error report function. The e-mail is sent (steps S280 and S380).

Next, the flow of processing of the regular report function will be described with reference to FIG. The library controller 2 sets a detailed setting screen (Set Regular R) related to the regular report function shown in FIG.
It is determined whether the e-mail transmission date and time set in the reporting schedule dialog box has come (step S281), and this determination is repeated until the e-mail transmission date and time. When the set date and time of the e-mail has come (step S281:
In Y), the library controller 2 performs a process of creating transmission data to be sent by e-mail (step S282), attaches the created data to the e-mail,
The e-mail is transmitted to a preset e-mail address (step S283).

Next, the flow of the transmission data creation process performed in step S282 will be described with reference to FIG. First, library controller 2
In the regular report function, the system information of the library system (System Information
ion) is determined (step S291). If the setting is not set to notify the system information (step S291: N), the library controller 2 proceeds to the process of step S293 described later. On the other hand, if the setting is to notify the system information (step S291: Y), the library controller 2 creates an attached file recording the system information to be notified and attaches it to the e-mail (step S292). It should be noted that the library controller 2
Detailed settings screen for the regular report function shown in Fig. 7 (Set Regular Reporting S
In the schedule dialog box), select Sys
tem Information check box 15
If 2S is checked, it is determined that the system information is set to be notified.

Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a setting for notifying an error log of the library system has been made (step S293). The library controller 2 displays the Error Log check box 152 on the detailed setting screen shown in FIG.
If a check mark is added to E, it is determined that the error log is set to be notified. If not set to notify the error log (step S29)
3: N), the library controller 2 proceeds to the process of step S295 described later. On the other hand, when it is set to notify an error log (step S293: Y)
In step S294, the library controller 2 creates an attached file in which an error log to be notified is recorded and attaches the attached file to an e-mail. Note that the data amount of the error log created as an attached file at this time is the number of lines set in the setting box 152A on the detailed setting screen shown in FIG.

Next, the library controller 2 determines whether or not a setting for notifying a mail log of the library system has been made (step S295). Note that the library controller 2 displays a Mail Log check box 152M on the detailed setting screen shown in FIG.
If a check mark is added to, it is determined that the setting is to notify the mail log. If not set to notify the mail log (step S295:
In N), the library controller 2 performs the process of step S283 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the setting is to notify the mail log (step S295:
In Y), the library controller 2 performs a process of creating an attached file in which a mail log to be notified is recorded and attaching the file to an electronic mail (step S294), and performs the process of step S283 illustrated in FIG. At this time, the data amount of the mail log created as an attached file is
In the detailed setting screen shown in FIG.
It is the log of the number of lines set in 52B.

FIG. 62B shows a basic data portion of an electronic mail created by the regular report function. FIG. 62A is a diagram for explaining how each data portion shown in FIG. 62B is determined. In the basic data portion shown in FIG. 7B, “aaa” which is the destination of the mail (To :)
The data portion of “aaa” is a detailed setting screen (Set Regular Reporting) shown in FIG.
Mai in the Schedule dialog box)
1 Determined by the contents set in the Address text box 151. The data part of “bbbb” which is the information of the sender (From :) of the mail is included in the basic setting screen (Set Mail) shown in FIG.
Model in the Server dialog box)
It is determined by the contents set in the Name setting box 131. The data portions of “cccc”, “dddd”, and “eeee”, which are other information of the transmission source, are respectively represented by s in the basic setting screen shown in FIG.
system No. Setting box 132, POP3Us
er Name setting box 126 and SMTP H
It is determined by the content set in the ost Name setting box 122. In addition, in the part indicating the subject (Re :) of the basic data part in FIG. 62 (B), “PS” indicating that it is an electronic mail by the regular report function is included.
C Regular Reporting ”is described.

Next, the flow of processing of the error report function will be described with reference to FIG. The library controller 2 determines whether an operation error such as an error of a drive device provided in the drive console 1D or an error in response to a command from the host computer 3 has occurred (Step S381).

When an operation error occurs (step S381: Y), the library controller 2 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, one hour) has elapsed since the last execution of the error report transmission by e-mail. (Step S382). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S382: N), the library controller 2
The process returns to step S381. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S382: Y), the library controller 2 copies an error log or the like at the time of occurrence of the error to a predetermined directory on a hard disk or the like and stores it (step S383). Next, the library controller 2 creates transmission data to be transmitted by e-mail (step S384), attaches the generated data to the e-mail, and transmits the data to a preset e-mail address (step S385). The basic data part of the e-mail sent by this process is
As shown in FIG. Each data part shown in the figure is the same as the e-mail transmitted by the regular report function shown in FIG. 62 except for the data part of the transmission destination, but the part showing the subject (Re :) "PSC Er" indicating that this is an e-mail by the error report function
rr Reporting ”is described.

If no operation error has occurred (step S381: N), the library controller 2
Determines whether there is a drive maintenance request required when the drive of the drive console 1D has been used for a predetermined use time (for example, 1000 hours) (step S386). When there is a drive maintenance request (step S381:
In Y), the library controller 2 performs processing for creating transmission data to be transmitted by e-mail (step S387), attaches the generated data to the e-mail,
The e-mail is sent to a preset e-mail address (step S388). The basic data portion of the e-mail transmitted by this process is as shown in FIG. Each data part shown in the figure is the same as the e-mail transmitted by the regular report function shown in FIG. 62 except for the data part of the transmission destination, but the part showing the subject (Re :) "PSCDrive Ma" indicating that this is an e-mail notifying of a drive maintenance request
Intensity "is described. When there is no drive maintenance request (step S386: N), the library controller 2 returns to the process of step S381.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the library controller 2 automatically transmits error information relating to an operation error of the library system to the communication network by e-mail. An operation error of the information recording / reproducing apparatus can be easily notified without making a large capital investment.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of operation errors occur consecutively within a predetermined period, the number of e-mail transmissions is limited.
When an operation error frequently occurs in a short time, it is possible to prevent the number of e-mail transmissions from becoming unnecessarily large, and to reduce a load on a mail server that manages e-mails. it can.

Further, according to the present embodiment, various settings of functions using electronic mail can be made on the setting screen by GUI, so that function settings can be made easily and flexibly.

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

In the above-described embodiment, the library controller 2 may perform a system information file creation process in response to an instruction from the host computer 3.

For example, whether or not to send an e-mail may be selected according to the type of operation error. For example, an electronic mail may be transmitted only when a drive error occurs. Further, when notifying that an operation error has occurred, the type of the operation error may be notified.

[0170]

As described above, claims 1 to 1
According to the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or the operation error notification method for the information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 11, the control unit is configured to control the information Error information relating to the operation error of the recording / reproducing device is automatically transmitted to the communication network by e-mail, so that the operation error of the information recording / reproducing device can be easily notified without a large capital investment. This has the effect that it can be performed.

In particular, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the present invention, when a plurality of operation errors occur consecutively within a predetermined period, the number of transmissions of the e-mail is limited. In the case where an operation error occurs frequently in a short time, it is possible to prevent the number of e-mail transmissions from being increased more than necessary, and to reduce a load on a mail server that manages e-mail. This has the effect that it can be performed.

In particular, according to the information recording / reproducing apparatus of the ninth aspect, the control means graphically displays a setting screen for performing an operation setting relating to the transmission of an e-mail, and displays the setting screen on the display means. Since there is provided an input means capable of inputting setting information relating to the transmission of an e-mail on the set setting screen, it is possible to easily perform an operation setting relating to the transmission of an e-mail.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a network connection of a library system as an information recording / reproducing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a basic configuration of a library system as an information recording / reproducing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of the overall configuration of the cassette library shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a library controller (main-side controller) illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a library controller on the remote side illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a library controller illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a basic console shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the junction console shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another example of the overall configuration of the cassette library shown in FIG. 2;

10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a control main screen (initial screen) displayed on the library controller (main controller) shown in FIG. 2 when the cassette library has the configuration shown in FIG. 9; is there.

11 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen operation for displaying a setting screen (Set Mail Server dialog box) for using various functions by e-mail in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

12 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a basic setting screen (Set Mail Server dialog box) for using various functions by e-mail in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a help screen for explaining the setting screen shown in FIG. 12;

14 is a setting screen (Regular Reportin) for using a regular report function by e-mail in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen operation for displaying a (g window).

FIG. 15 shows a setting screen (Regular Reportin) for using a regular report function by e-mail in the library controller shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of (g window).

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state after a regular report function is set on the setting screen shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a detailed setting screen for a regular report function (Set Regular Reporting S).
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a “schedule dialog box”.

18 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state after inputting each setting item on the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a help screen for explaining the setting screen shown in FIG. 15;

20 is an explanatory diagram showing a help screen for explaining the detailed setting screen shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message screen displayed in the setting processing of the e-mail function.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a message screen displayed when performing an e-mail transmission test.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an e-mail transmitted by an e-mail transmission test in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a message screen displayed in the setting processing of the regular report function.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error message screen displayed in an e-mail setting process.

26 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen operation for displaying a setting screen (Error Reporting window) for using an error report function by e-mail in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a setting screen (Error Reporting window) for using an error report function by e-mail in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

28 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state after setting an error report function on the setting screen shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows another setting screen (Set Error) for using the error report function by e-mail.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a (Reporting dialog box).

30 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state after setting items have been input on the setting screen shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 shows a setting screen (Error Re) shown in FIG. 27;
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a help screen for explaining a (porting window).

FIG. 32 shows a setting screen (Set Erro) shown in FIG. 29;
It is an explanatory view showing a help screen for explanation of (r Reporting dialog box).

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an error message screen displayed in the setting process of the error report function.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen operation for displaying a mail log display screen in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a display screen of a mail log collected by the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

36 is an explanatory diagram showing a help screen for explaining the display screen of the mail log shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a help screen for explaining a mail log displayed on the display screen shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of a system information file created in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram showing a data structure following the system information file shown in FIG. 38;

40 is a flowchart illustrating a setting process for using a notification function of various types of information using electronic mail in the library controller illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating an overall flow of a basic setting process for using an e-mail function in the library controller illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a setting process for using a regular report function by electronic mail in the library controller illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 43 is a flowchart following FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a flowchart following FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart following FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart following FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a flowchart following FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart following FIG. 48.

50 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a setting process for using an error report function by e-mail in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 51 is a flowchart following FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a flowchart following FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is a flowchart following FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a flowchart following FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart following FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a flowchart following FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart for describing an overall flow of processing of a notification function of various information using electronic mail in the library controller illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 59 is a flowchart for describing processing of a regular report function by electronic mail in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 60 is a flowchart for explaining transmission data created by a regular report function in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 61 is a flowchart for explaining processing of an error report function by electronic mail in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an e-mail transmitted by the regular report function in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an e-mail transmitted by an error report function in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the electronic mail transmitted by the error report function in the library controller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a control main screen (initial screen) displayed on the remote-side library controller shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

1: cassette library, 1B: basic console, 1C
... cassette console, 1D ... drive console, 1
J: Junction console, 2: Library controller, 2M: Main side library controller, 2R
... Remote library controller, 3 ... Host computer, 4 ... Mail server, 6 ... WAN, 7 ... Gateway, 11, 17 ... I / O port unit, 13 ... Drive device, 14, 15 ... Cassette storage shelf, 16 ... Cassette transport Machine, 18 junction port, 21 controller body, 22 input device, 23 display device, 32 LA
N, 49: Hard disk drive, 60: Basic control unit, 61, 81: Main drive control unit, 62, 82: Console control unit, 63, 83: Console row communication unit, 6
4, 84: console configuration sampling unit; 70: drive control unit.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B089 GA12 GB03 JA35 JB17 KA04 KA11 KC52 LA01 LA03 LB01 5D044 CC09 GK11 GK19 HL11 5D057 EB01 5D072 EB01

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a removable recording medium, and a recording medium accommodating means having a plurality of accommodating portions each capable of accommodating the recording medium. An information recording apparatus comprising: a transport unit that transports the recording medium between any 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 playback device, wherein the control unit has a function of automatically transmitting error information relating to an operation error of the information recording / playback device to a communication network by electronic mail when an operation error occurs in the information recording / playback device. An information recording / reproducing apparatus characterized by having: 2. An information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means has a function of performing a transmission test of said electronic mail. 3. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means can set a plurality of destinations of the e-mail. 4. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the error information includes information on an operation error in response to a command from a client using the information recording / reproducing apparatus. 5. The control means has an automatic maintenance function for automatically performing maintenance control on the transport means and the recording / reproducing means, and the error information includes information on an operation error of the automatic maintenance function. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The control means further has a function of, when the recording / reproducing means has been used for a predetermined use time, automatically transmitting an e-mail to the effect on a communication network. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means has a function of limiting the number of times of transmission of said e-mail when a plurality of operation errors occur consecutively within a predetermined period. Information recording and playback device. 8. The control means, when the operation error occurs, further collects operation progress information of the information recording / reproducing apparatus at the time when the operation error occurs, and associates the operation progress information with the collected operation progress information. 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a function of transmitting the operation progress related information to the communication network by electronic mail. 9. The control unit, comprising: a display unit capable of graphically displaying a setting screen for performing an operation setting relating to the transmission of the e-mail; and a setting screen displayed on the display unit, 2. The information recording / reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit capable of inputting setting information regarding transmission. 10. The information recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein it is possible to select whether or not to use a function of automatically transmitting said e-mail on a setting screen displayed on said display means. Playback device. 11. A recording / reproducing means for performing at least one of recording and reproduction of information by using a removable recording medium, and a recording medium accommodating means having a plurality of accommodating portions each capable of accommodating the recording medium. An information recording apparatus comprising: transport means for transporting the 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. A method of notifying an operation error of a reproducing apparatus, wherein, when an operation error occurs in the information recording / reproducing apparatus, the control unit automatically transmits error information relating to the operation error of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to a communication network by e-mail. A method for notifying an operation error of the information recording / reproducing apparatus, characterized in that: