JP2014106590A - Information storage device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily specify and solve a cause for occurrence of an offtrack.SOLUTION: An information storage device includes: a tape drive 10 which records and/or reproduces information of a tape media 131; a storage part 35 which stores offtrack information including positional information on the tape media 131 detected when an offtrack has occurred; and a determination part 33 which collects the offtrack information on the tape media 131, determines distribution state of an offtrack occurrence positions on the tape media based on the collection result, and determines the offtrack occurrence cause based on the distribution state.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information storage device, a control method, and a program.

A tape library device using an LTO (Liner Tape-Open) tape as a storage medium is used for data backup of an information processing system.
In such a tape library device, the drive head may fail to follow the servo track (off-track), which may cause an error (off-track error).

An off-track error is a temporary error, and the cause of the off-track is various, such as a tape medium, a tape drive, a tape scratch, and temporary garbage.
When an off-track error occurs, the cause of the off-track occurrence is removed and recovered.

JP 2005-44357 A

In the operation method of the conventional tape library apparatus, when an off-track error occurs, for example, tape medium replacement, drive replacement, head cleaning, etc. are performed. And drive, tape head, etc. are presumed to be off-track causes.
For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to remove the cause of off-track occurrence. Further, when the estimated cause of off-track occurrence is wrong, there is a problem that off-track errors are repeatedly generated. Further, it takes time to remove these causes of off-track occurrence and repeat occurrence of off-track errors is the basis of customer complaints.

In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to easily identify and eliminate the cause of off-track occurrence.
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described object, and other effects of the present invention can be achieved by the functions and effects derived from the respective configurations shown in the embodiments for carrying out the invention which will be described later. It can be positioned as one of

  For this reason, this information storage device includes a tape drive for recording or / and reproducing information on a tape medium, and off-track information including position information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs. Collects off-track information of the storage unit and the tape medium to be stored, determines the distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on the collection result, and determines the cause of off-track generation based on the distribution state A determination unit.

  Further, this control method is a method for controlling an information storage device including a tape drive that records or / and reproduces information with respect to a tape medium, and the positional information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs. And storing off-track information including the storage medium in the storage unit, collecting off-track information of the tape medium, determining a distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on the collection result, Based on this, a process for determining the cause of off-track occurrence is performed.

  Further, this program is a program for controlling an information storage device having a tape drive for recording or / and reproducing information on a tape medium, and the position on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs. Off-track information including information is stored in a storage unit, off-track information of the tape medium is collected, a distribution state on the tape medium at an off-track occurrence position is determined based on the collection result, and based on the distribution state To cause the computer to execute a process for determining the cause of the off-track occurrence.

  According to one embodiment, there is an advantage that the cause of occurrence of off-track can be easily identified.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the backup system as an example of embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the structure of a tape medium. It is a figure for demonstrating the offtrack generation | occurrence | production position information in the backup system as an example of embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the management table in the backup system as an example of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the management example of the offtrack information in the backup system as an example of embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the determination method of the offtrack generation | occurrence | production cause in the backup system as an example of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of offtrack generation in the backup system as an example of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the estimation method of the offtrack generation | occurrence | production cause in the backup system as an example of embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the information storage device, control method, and program will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example, and there is no intention to exclude application of various modifications and techniques not explicitly described in the embodiment. That is, the present embodiment can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present embodiment. Each figure is not intended to include only the components shown in the figure, and may include other functions.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a backup system 1 as an example of an embodiment.
The backup system 1 includes a backup server 2 and a tape library (information storage device) 3, stores (backups) data of the backup server 2 in a recording medium 13, and stores data in the recording medium 13 in the backup server 2. Read and restore (restore).

The backup server (host device) 2 is, for example, a computer (information processing device) having a server function, and various functions are realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) executing various applications. The backup server 2 is communicably connected to the tape library 3 via a communication line (not shown).
The backup server 2 transmits data backup and restore instructions to the tape library 3 by the function of the application. Various instructions transmitted from the backup server 2 are processed by the library controller 30 of the tape library 3 described later.

Further, the backup server 2 instructs the tape library 3 to mount the recording medium 13 when backing up data to the recording medium 13.
Further, the backup server 2 unmounts the recording medium 13 from the tape library 3 when the backup processing to the recording medium 13 becomes unnecessary due to the completion of processing such as data backup to the recording medium 13. Give instructions.

The tape library 3 includes a tape drive 10, a robot 20, and a library controller 30, as shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, an example in which a tape cartridge that is a cartridge incorporating a magnetic tape is used as the recording medium 13 will be described. Hereinafter, the recording medium 13 is referred to as a tape cartridge 13.

The tape cartridge 13 has a built-in magnetic tape (tape medium) 131 wound on a reel (not shown), and is configured to be able to pull out the magnetic tape 131 from an outlet (not shown).
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the tape medium 131.
In the tape medium 131 illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of servo bands on which servo signals are recorded are arranged at predetermined intervals in the tape width direction along the length direction (left and right direction in FIG. 2). . Data bands are arranged between the servo bands, and each data band is provided with a plurality of data tracks on which data is recorded. In the example shown in FIG. 2, four data bands sandwiched between five servo bands are arranged. Data bands are numbered 3, 1, 0, 2 throughout the tape, and data is filled one by one in the order of the numbers.

Data tracks, also called wraps, are written on forward / reverse paths. One data band is provided with a plurality of wraps (eight in the example shown in FIG. 2). The servo band is used to precisely adjust the position of the head within the data band.
The number of wraps = the number of tracks ÷ the number of data channels. By using the number of wraps, the physical position of the tape medium 131 in the tape width direction can be expressed.

  The tape cartridge 13 is equipped with a cartridge memory (CM) 132. The CM 132 is a non-volatile memory, and records, for example, manufacturing information (serial number, manufacturer, manufacturing lot, etc.) of the tape cartridge 13 and statistical information (load count, tape directory information, retry, error, etc.). Note that information stored in these CMs 132 may be referred to as CM information. The CM 132 is configured to be able to communicate with the tape drive 10 wirelessly (Radio Frequency: RF), and the CM information is read from the CM 132 when the tape cartridge 13 is mounted and stored in the buffer memory 14. Further, when the tape cartridge 13 is unmounted, the statistical information is updated by the drive controller 11 described later and written into the CM 132.

Various known tape cartridges can be used as the tape cartridge 13, and the description thereof is omitted.
The tape library 3 includes a storage shelf (not shown), and one or more tape cartridges 13 are stored in the storage shelf.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, one tape cartridge 13 is shown for convenience, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more tape cartridges 13 may be provided. In the present embodiment, for example, an example using three tape cartridges 13 is shown.

Each tape cartridge 13 is preset with unique identification information (tape cartridge serial number) that can identify each tape cartridge 13.
For example, the robot 20 has a hand (not shown), holds the tape cartridge 13 with the hand, and transfers the tape cartridge 13 between the storage shelf in which the tape cartridge 13 is stored and the tape drive 10.

The tape drive 10 is configured such that the tape cartridge 13 can be inserted from an insertion port (not shown). The tape drive 10 has a magnetic head (not shown). The magnetic head reads and writes data from and to the magnetic tape drawn from the reel of the tape cartridge 13 through the outlet of the tape cartridge 13.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, one tape drive 10 is shown for convenience, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more tape drives 10 may be provided. In the present embodiment, for example, an example including three tape drives 10 (processing drives) will be described.

Each tape drive 10 is preset with unique identification information (processing drive identification information) that can identify each tape drive 10.
The tape drive 10 includes a drive controller 11, a cache memory 12, and a buffer memory 14 as shown in FIG.
The cache memory 12 temporarily stores data received from the backup server 2 and written to the tape medium 131 and data read from the tape medium 131 and transmitted to the backup server 2.

  The buffer memory 14 temporarily stores data read from the tape cartridge 13 and data to be written to the tape cartridge 13. For example, the buffer memory 14 stores manufacturing information and statistical information read from the CM 132 of the tape cartridge 13. The drive controller 11 described later updates the statistical information in the buffer memory 14. The updated statistical information is written into the CM 132 by the drive controller 11, and the statistical information of the CM 132 is updated.

In addition, in the buffer memory 14, information (error information) of an error that has occurred in the tape cartridge 13 is stored by the drive controller 11 as an error log (drive log). This error log includes off-track information (off-track information) in the tape medium 131.
The off-track information specifies, for example, information (time stamp) indicating the off-track occurrence date, off-track occurrence position information indicating the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium 131, and the tape cartridge 13 in which the off-track has occurred. Information. As information for specifying the tape cartridge 13, for example, a serial number preset in the tape cartridge 13 can be used.

The off-track information also includes information (processing drive identification information) for specifying the tape drive 10 (processing drive) used for writing to the tape cartridge 13 when the off-track occurs.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining off-track occurrence position information in the backup system 1 as an example of the embodiment. In FIG. 3, the position where off-track occurs on the tape medium 131 is indicated by x.

The off-track occurrence position information indicates a position where off-track occurs in the tape medium 131 as a coordinate value. Specifically, a coordinate value (X, Y) where the length (tape length) from the head of the tape medium 131 is “X” and the Wrap value indicating the position in the width direction of the tape medium 131 is “Y”. ) Represents the off-track occurrence position.
Further, the off-track information of the buffer memory 14 is recorded in the CM 132 of the tape cartridge 13 when the tape cartridge 13 is unloaded.

The drive controller 11 is a control device that controls the operation of the tape drive 10. For example, the drive controller 11 executes various processes on the tape cartridge 13 in accordance with instructions from the library controller 30.
When the drive controller 11 receives a command such as write, read, or space from the backup server 2, the drive controller 11 performs processing corresponding to the received command on the tape medium 131 of the tape cartridge 13.

When writing to the tape cartridge 13, the drive controller 11 receives data to be processed from the backup server 2 and stores it in the cache memory 12. The data stored in the cache memory 12 is stored in the tape medium 131. Remember me.
When reading from the tape cartridge 13, the drive controller 11 stores the data read from the tape medium 131 in the cache memory 12 and transmits the data stored in the cache memory 12 to the backup server 2. Let

The drive controller 11 reads tape directory information and the like from the CM information of the CM 132 of the tape cartridge 13 when the tape cartridge 13 is mounted according to an instruction from the backup server 2.
The tape directory information is information describing where and how many file marks indicating data delimiters and EOD (End Of Data) positions exist on the tape. This tape directory information is used when the drive controller 11 receives a space command (data positioning command) from the backup server 2 and contributes to high-speed processing.

Further, when the drive controller 11 accesses the tape cartridge 13, the drive controller 11 updates the statistical information in the buffer memory 14. Further, the drive controller 11 updates the CM information in the buffer memory 14 using the updated statistical information.
For example, when an unmount instruction is transmitted from the backup server 2, the drive controller 11 stores the tape directory, processing drive, thread count, write / read processing amount, write / read retry, write stored in the buffer memory 14. Information such as the number of read errors and the number of successful rewrites after servo tracking errors (or the number of rewrite failures) is written in the CM 132.

Further, the drive controller 11 makes various notifications by outputting error status information and setting a tape alert flag when an error occurs during reading / writing of data with respect to the tape cartridge 13.
The drive controller (off-track detection unit) 11 has an off-track detection function. The off-track detection function by the drive controller 11 can be realized by various known methods, and the description thereof is omitted.

  When the drive controller 11 detects off-track, the off-track generation position (off-track generation position information) in the tape medium 131, the off-track detection time, and the tape cartridge serial number of the tape cartridge 13 are detected as off-track information. And the processing drive identification information of the tape drive 10 are stored in the buffer memory 14.

  Further, the drive controller 11 is connected to a later-described library controller 30 through an interface such as an LDI (Library Drive Interface) or ADI (Automation Drive Interface). Then, the drive controller 11 transmits off-track information of the buffer memory 14 to the library controller 30.

Various known devices can be used as the tape drive 10, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The library controller 30 is a control device that controls various operations of the tape library 3. The library controller 30 includes a CPU 31 and a memory 35 as shown in FIG.

  The memory 35 is a storage device including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). In the ROM of the memory 35, a software program (off-track processing program) related to off-track processing and data for the program are written. The software program on the memory 35 is appropriately read by the CPU 31 and executed. The RAM of the memory 35 is used as a primary storage memory or a working memory.

The memory 35 stores a management table 36.
The management table 36 manages off-track information collected by an off-track information collecting unit 32 described later.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the management table 36 in the backup system 1 as an example of the embodiment.

The management table 36 associates offtrack occurrence date and time and offtrack occurrence position information with information for identifying offtrack.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, for example, identification information “X1” is set in an off-track that occurred at 3: 1 on January 1, 2012. The off-track “X1” is generated at a position represented by coordinates (x1, y1) on the tape medium 131.

  The CPU 31 is a processing device that performs various controls and calculations, and implements various functions by executing an OS and programs stored in the memory 35. The CPU 31 functions as an off-track information collection unit 32, a cause determination unit 33, a sign monitoring unit 34, and a notification unit 37 as shown in FIG. 1 by executing an off-track processing program stored in the memory. To do.

  A program (off-track processing program) for realizing the functions as the off-track information collection unit 32, cause determination unit 33, predictive monitoring unit 34, and notification unit 37 is, for example, a flexible disk, a CD (CD-ROM). , CD-R, CD-RW, etc.), DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD + R, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, HD DVD, etc.), Blu-ray disc, magnetic disc, optical disc, magneto-optical disc, etc. Provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to the internal storage device or the external storage device, and uses it. The program may be recorded in a storage device (recording medium) such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and provided from the storage device to the computer via a communication path.

  When the functions as the off-track information collection unit 32, cause determination unit 33, sign monitoring unit 34, and notification unit 37 are realized, they are stored in an internal storage device (RAM or ROM of the library controller 30 in this embodiment). The program is executed by a microprocessor of the computer (CPU 31 in this embodiment). At this time, the computer may read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, the computer is a concept including hardware and an operating system, and means hardware that operates under the control of the operating system. Further, when an operating system is unnecessary and hardware is operated by an application program alone, the hardware itself corresponds to a computer. The hardware includes at least a microprocessor such as a CPU and means for reading a computer program recorded on a recording medium. In this embodiment, the library controller 30 has a function as a computer. It is.

The off-track information collection unit (determination unit) 32 collects off-track information of the tape medium 131. The off-track information collection unit 32 reads off-track information stored in the buffer memory 14 by the drive controller 11 and stores it in the memory 35.
For example, when the tape cartridge 13 is unloaded from the tape drive 10, the off-track information collection unit 32 reads off-track information stored in the buffer memory 14 and stores it in the memory 35.

The cause determination unit (determination unit) 33 determines the distribution state on the tape medium 131 at the off-track occurrence position based on the off-track information collected by the off-track information collection unit 32 and turns off based on the distribution state. Determine the cause of the track.
The cause determination unit 33 registers (updates) the off-track information acquired by the off-track information collection unit 32 in the management table 36 in association with each tape drive 10 (processing drive) or the tape cartridge 13 in which the off-track has occurred. ) The cause determination unit 33 also manages the occurrence date / time information for each off-track in association with each other. Thereby, occurrence of off-track can also be determined in time series. The cause determination unit 33 stores the created management table 36 in the memory 35.

The cause determination unit 33 manages the off-track information registered in the management table 36 by grouping the combination of the tape cartridge 13 and the tape drive 10 (processing drive) in which the off-track has occurred.
The cause determination unit 33 refers to the management table 36 to determine the distribution state on the tape medium 131 of the offtrack occurrence position.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of data management of off-track information in the backup system 1 as an example of the embodiment.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the processing drive identification information a, b, c for identifying the three tape drives 10 is divided (refer to the row direction), and the tape cartridge serial numbers A, B, for identifying the three tape cartridges 13 are identified. It is divided into C (see column direction) and is shown in a table form.

In FIG. 5, each combination of the tape drive 10 and the tape cartridge 13 is shown with any of group numbers [1] to [9].
Hereinafter, the tape drives 10 of the processing drive identification information a, b, and c may be referred to as a tape drive a, a tape drive b, and a tape drive c, respectively. Similarly, the tape cartridges 13 with tape cartridge serial numbers A, B, and C may be referred to as tape drive A, tape cartridge B, and tape cartridge C, respectively.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the tape cartridge 13 with the tape cartridge serial number A is daily, the tape cartridge 13 with the tape cartridge number B is weekly, and the tape cartridge 13 with the tape cartridge number C is monthly. And use each.
Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the off-track occurrence position information is represented by an image diagram (distribution diagram) plotted at the corresponding position on the tape medium 131 instead of the X and Y coordinate values.

For example, the group [4] in FIG. 5 is a combination of the tape cartridge B and the processing drive a, and indicates the off-tracks X1, X2, and X3 shown in FIG.
The occurrence positions of these off-tracks X1, X2, and X3 are substantially the same in the width direction position (Y coordinate position) on the tape medium 131, and are different in the length direction position (X coordinate position).

For example, group [5] is a combination of tape cartridge B and processing drive b, and no off-track occurs.
In the present embodiment, the off-track information is managed by the table-like management table 36, but is not limited to this, and may be managed by using a method other than the table.

As described above, the cause determination unit 33 manages the off-track information on the basis of the management table 36 for each of the three types of systems: tape drive, tape cartridge, and time series.
Then, the cause determination unit 33 determines the distribution state on the off-track tape medium 131, and determines the cause of off-track occurrence based on the distribution state.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining the cause of off-track occurrence in the backup system 1 as an example of the embodiment.

The cause determination unit 33 estimates the cause of occurrence of off-track, for example, by the method shown in items 1 to 6 in FIG.
(1) When off-track occurrence positions are concentrated in a partial area of the tape medium As shown in item 1 of FIG. 6, the off-track occurrence positions are concentrated in a partial area of the same tape medium 131. In this case, it is estimated that there is some abnormality in the position where the off-track is concentrated on the tape medium 131.

The cause determination unit 33 determines that the cause of the off-track is the tape medium 131 when the coordinate values X and Y of the plurality of off-track positions are within a predetermined range in the plurality of off-track information. To do. (See groups [1], [2], and [3] in FIG. 5)
As a countermeasure in such a case, the maintenance worker (operator) replaces the tape cartridge 13 with another tape cartridge 13. Further, the operator requests the manufacturer to investigate the tape cartridge 13 as necessary.

(2) When off-track occurs along the length of the tape medium As shown in item 2 of FIG. 6, when the same tape drive 10 (drive a in FIG. 6) is used, a plurality of off-tracks are generated. Is off along the length direction of the tape medium 131, it is estimated that there is some abnormality in the tape drive 10.
The cause determination unit 33 determines that the cause of the off-track is the tape drive when the values of the coordinate values X are continuous and the values of the coordinate values Y are discontinuous in the plurality of pieces of off-track information. 10 (see groups [1], [4], and [7] in FIG. 5).

Here, the continuity of the coordinate value X in the tape length direction is determined by whether or not the value of X is within a predetermined range. That is, the cause determination unit 33 determines that there is continuity when the values of the coordinate values X of a plurality of off-tracks are within a predetermined range, while the values of the coordinate values X of the plurality of off-tracks are within a predetermined range. If not, it is determined that there is no continuity.
An arbitrary value can be set in advance as the value (threshold value) in the predetermined range for determining the continuity of the coordinate value X. This threshold value may be set based on the tape feeding performance of the tape drive 10. For example, when the tape feeding performance of the tape drive 10 is 5 m / sec, “10 m” can be used as the threshold value. .

  Further, the continuity of the coordinate value Y in the tape width direction is determined by determining whether or not the wraps having the Y value are the same or adjacent (adjacent wraps). That is, the cause determination unit 33 determines that there is continuity when the coordinate value Y is the same or a value indicating an adjacent lap, and is not valid when the coordinate value Y is not the same or a value indicating an adjacent lap. Judged to be continuous.

As a countermeasure in such a case, the operator replaces the tape drive 10 with another tape drive 10. In addition, the worker requests the manufacturer or the like to investigate the tape drive 10 as necessary.
(3) When off-track occurs along the width direction of the tape medium As shown in item 3 of FIG. If this occurs, it is presumed that there is some abnormality in the tape medium 131.

The cause determination unit 33 determines that the tape medium 131 is the cause of off-track occurrence when each coordinate value X is discontinuous and each coordinate value Y is continuous in a plurality of pieces of off-track information. It is determined that there is a possibility that there is a scratch on the tape medium 131 or dust is attached to the tape medium 131 (see groups [7], [8], and [9] in FIG. 5).
As a countermeasure in such a case, the operator cleans the tape drive 10 and replaces the tape cartridge 13 with another tape cartridge 13. It is desirable for the operator to observe the surface of the tape medium 131 to determine the problem. Further, if necessary, the tape drive 10 may be requested to be investigated by a manufacturer.

Further, this off-track may have occurred due to an impact applied to the tape cartridge 13 such as dropping the tape cartridge 13.
The notification unit 37 to be described later notifies an operator or the like by a method of displaying a message or the like for alerting the user to handle the tape cartridge 13 on a display device (not shown).

(4) When off-track occurs at unspecified positions on the tape medium As shown in item 4 of FIG. 6, a plurality of off-tracks occur at unspecified positions on the tape medium 131. In this case, for example, it is presumed that the cause is a temporary occurrence such as dust adhering to the tape medium 131.
The same applies to the case where the same tape cartridge 13 is used in the same tape drive 10 and an off-track that has not been detected previously is detected.

The cause determination unit 33 may have dust attached to the tape medium 131 as a cause of off-track generation when both of the coordinate values X and Y are discontinuous in a plurality of pieces of off-track information. It is determined that it exists (see groups [2] / [3] and [5] / [6] in FIG. 5).
As a countermeasure in such a case, the operator cleans the tape drive 10.

(5) When off-track occurs when a specific drive is used As shown in item 5 of FIG. 6, when off-track does not occur when the tape cartridge 13 is used with a different tape drive 10 Is presumed that there is some abnormality in the tape drive 10.
If the off-track does not occur when the tape cartridge 13 is used in a different tape drive 10, the cause determination unit 33 determines that the cause of the off-track is the tape drive 10 (the group [ 2], [4], [5], [6], [8]).

As a countermeasure in such a case, the operator investigates the tape drive 10. For example, when the off-track does not occur when the tape cartridge B is used in the tape drive b, the situation is confirmed by using the tape cartridge B in the tape drive a or the tape drive c.
(6) When off-track increases with time along the width direction of the tape medium, as shown in item 6 of FIG. 6, for example, when tape B is used in tape drive b However, when the same tape B is used in the same tape drive b, a plurality of off tracks are generated along the width direction of the tape medium 131. The tape medium 131 is estimated to have some abnormality.

  When the occurrence of off-track changes (increases) with time in the combination of the same tape cartridge 13 and the tape drive 10, the cause determination unit 33 determines that the tape cartridge 13 is a tape drive as the cause of off-track occurrence. 10, it is determined that there is a possibility that the tape medium 131 has been damaged due to an impact or dust has adhered to the tape medium 131 (see groups [5] and [6] in FIG. 5). .

As a countermeasure in such a case, the operator cleans the tape drive 10 or replaces the tape cartridge 13 with another tape cartridge 13.
In addition, the notification unit 37 notifies, for example, a message or the like for calling attention to handling the tape cartridge 13 or the tape drive 10 to a display device (not shown).

The sign monitoring unit 34 monitors a sign of occurrence of an off-track error. An off-track error is an error caused by off-track.
In the backup system 1, when off-track is detected in the tape drive 10, in-drive recovery is attempted by various known methods. If this recovery within the drive does not solve the problem, an off-track error occurs.

For example, the sign monitoring unit 34 refers to the management table 36, determines the off-track distribution state in the tape medium 131, and predicts the occurrence of an off-track error based on this distribution state.
For example, when the offtrack is concentrated on a part of the same tape medium 131 as shown in the item 1 of FIG. When it is detected that the number has reached a predetermined number or more, it is determined that there is a high possibility that an off-track error will occur. That is, a sign of an off-track error is determined.

  Similarly, the sign monitoring unit 34 uses the same tape drive 10 (drive a in FIG. 6) as the item 2 in FIG. When it occurs along the direction, it is determined that there is a high possibility that an off-track error will occur if it is detected that the number of off-tracks occurring exceeds a predetermined number.

Further, as shown in the item 3 of FIG. 6, the predictive monitoring unit 34 detects a plurality of off-tracks in the same tape medium 131 along the width direction of the tape medium 131. When it is detected that the number of off-tracks occurring has reached a predetermined number or more, it is determined that there is a high possibility that an off-track error will occur.
Further, as shown in the item 6 of FIG. 6, the predictive monitoring unit 34 does not cause off-tracking at a certain point, for example, when the tape B is used in the tape drive b. When B is used in the same tape drive b, when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along the width direction of the tape medium 131, the number of generated off-tracks is a predetermined number or more. When it is detected that it has become, it is determined that there is a high possibility that an off-track error will occur.

Note that the method of determining an off-track error occurrence predictor by the predictor monitoring unit 34 is not limited to these, and can be implemented with various modifications.
The notification unit 37 outputs various notifications to the outside of the library controller 30. The notification information is, for example, various types of information that are notified to an operator or a maintenance worker.
The notification unit 37 outputs the cause of off-track occurrence determined by the cause determination unit 33 as notification information.

In addition, even when the sign monitoring unit 34 determines that there is a high possibility that an off-track error will occur, the notification unit 37 outputs information indicating that fact as notification information.
For example, the notification unit 37 may perform the notification by causing the display device to display the notification information as a message, or may perform the notification by lighting an alarm LED (Light Emitting Diode).

Further, the notification unit 37 also outputs a message or the like for calling attention to handling the tape cartridge 13 or the tape drive 10 to the display device or the like.
An operator or a maintenance worker can efficiently perform maintenance work or the like by checking the notification information.
The notification unit 37 may notify an alarm to monitoring software (not shown), and may record various types of notification information in the form of a log.

The operator or maintenance worker confirms the content of the notification information at the time of device diagnosis after the device error has occurred, notification of an off-track error occurrence sign, periodic inspection, etc. Etc. can be confirmed, and various necessary treatments can be performed.
Processing when off-track occurs in the backup system 1 as an example of the embodiment configured as described above will be described according to a flowchart (steps A1 to A10) shown in FIG.

In the tape drive 10, when data is written to the tape medium 131 of the tape cartridge 13, writing failure due to off-track occurs.
In step A <b> 1, the drive controller 11 stores offtrack information about the detected offtrack in the buffer memory 14.
In step A2, the drive controller 11 checks whether a media error has occurred. For example, the drive controller 11 can determine the occurrence of a media error by referring to values such as SK and ASCQ of an error code (sense code).

If a media error has occurred (see YES route of step A2), in step A8, the drive controller 11 stores an error log (off-track information) in a predetermined area of the buffer memory 14.
Thereafter, in step A3, the tape cartridge 13 is unloaded. The drive controller 11 reads off-track information from the buffer memory 14 of the tape drive 10 and stores it in the CM 132 of the tape cartridge 13. That is, the CM information of the CM 132 is updated.

If no media error has occurred in step A2 (see NO route in step A2), the process proceeds to step A3.
Thereafter, in the library controller 30, the off-track information collection unit 32 acquires a drive log including off-track information and a write error log from the buffer memory 14 of the tape drive 10. The cause determination unit 33 stores the off-track information in the memory 35 (management table 36) of the library controller 30 (step A4).

  In step A5, the off-track information collection unit 32 refers to the buffer memory 14 of the tape drive 10 in which the tape cartridge 13 is unloaded, and confirms whether a write error has occurred in the latest drive log of the tape drive 10 To do. If a write error has not occurred (see the NO route in step A5), in step A6, the cause determination unit 33 confirms whether offtrack information is registered as a history in the management table 36.

If the off-track information is not registered as a history in the management table 36 (see NO route in step A6), the result of the next write process is waited (step A7), and the process returns to step A1.
If a write error has occurred in the drive log at step A5 (see YES route at step A5), the memory 35 of the library controller 30 is stored in the memory 35 of the library controller 30 with respect to the tape cartridge 13 and the tape drive 10 at step A9. Set the ERROR flag.

  Thereby, for example, a maintenance worker or the like can easily identify the tape cartridge 13 or the tape drive 10 in which the write error has occurred by referring to the error flag set in the memory 35 of the library controller 30. That is, the tape cartridge 13 and the tape drive 10 in which the write error has occurred can be identified without performing complicated log analysis of backup software. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step A6.

Further, when off-track information is registered as a history in the management table 36 in step A6 (see YES route in step A6), the cause determination unit 33 stores information registered in the management table 36 in step A10. Based on (tape history information), the cause of occurrence of off-track is estimated, and the process proceeds to step A7.
Next, a method for estimating the cause of off-track occurrence in the backup system 1 as an example of the embodiment will be described according to the flowchart (steps B1 to B11) illustrated in FIG. This process is performed in step A10 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. First, in step B1, the cause determination unit 33 has continuity in each coordinate value X of a plurality of off-track positions, and each It is determined whether or not the coordinate value Y is discontinuous. When each coordinate value X has continuity and each coordinate value Y is discontinuous (see YES route in step B1), the cause determination unit 33 determines that the cause of off-track occurrence is The tape drive 10 is determined (see step B7). For example, the library controller 30 notifies an operator, an operator, or the like by displaying information indicating that the cause of the off-track occurrence is the tape drive 10 on a display device (not shown). The operator performs cleaning of the tape drive 10 or replacement work of the tape drive 10 in accordance with this notification.

In step B1, if the values of the coordinate values X have continuity and the values of the coordinate values Y are not discontinuous (see NO route in step B1), step B2 Migrate to
In step B <b> 2, the cause determination unit 33 determines whether or not the values of the coordinate values X of the plurality of off-track positions are discontinuous and the values of the coordinate values X have continuity. When each coordinate value Y has continuity and each coordinate value X is discontinuous (see YES route in step B2), the cause determination unit 33 determines that the cause of off-track occurrence is The tape medium 131 is determined (step B8).

  For example, the library controller 30 notifies the operator, the operator, and the like by displaying information indicating that the cause of the off-track occurrence is the tape medium 131 on a display device (not shown). In accordance with this notification, the operator cleans the tape drive 10 and replaces the tape cartridge 13 with another tape cartridge 13.

In addition, the library controller 30 displays, for example, a message for calling attention to handling of the tape cartridge 13 on a display device (not shown).
In step B2, if the values of each coordinate value Y have continuity and the values of each coordinate value X are not discontinuous (see NO route in step B2), step B3 Migrate to

  In step B3, the cause determination unit 33 determines whether or not each of the coordinate values X and Y of the plurality of off-track positions is within a predetermined range, that is, whether or not the X value and the Y value are the same. Judging. If the coordinate values X and Y of the plurality of off-track positions are within the predetermined range (same) (see YES route in step B3), the cause determination unit 33 determines that the cause of the off-track occurrence is the tape medium. It is determined that it is 131 (step B9).

For example, the library controller 30 displays a message or the like that causes the tape cartridge 13 to be replaced on a display device (not shown) or the like. The operator replaces the tape cartridge 13 with another tape cartridge 13. Further, the operator requests the manufacturer to investigate the tape cartridge 13 as necessary.
In step B3, when the coordinate values X and Y of the plurality of off-track positions are not within the predetermined ranges (see NO route in step B3), the process proceeds to step B4.

  In step B <b> 4, the cause determination unit 33 determines whether or not a plurality of off-tracks occur discontinuously in the tape medium 131. If a plurality of off-tracks occur discontinuously in the tape medium 131 (see YES route in step B4), the cause determination unit 33 causes the off-track occurrence to be transient in step B10. It is determined that there is a problem with the tape drive 10 or the tape medium 131. For example, the library controller 30 displays a message or the like that causes the tape cartridge 13 to be replaced or the tape drive 10 to be cleaned on a display device (not shown). The operator replaces the tape cartridge 13 with another tape cartridge 13 and cleans the tape drive 10.

If a plurality of off-tracks are not generated discontinuously in the tape medium 131 in step B4 (see NO route in step B4), the process proceeds to step B5.
In step B5, the cause determination unit 33 determines whether or not the off-track in the tape medium 131 tends to increase with time. When the off-track tends to increase with time in the tape medium 131 (see YES route of Step B5), the cause determination unit 33 determines that the tape cartridge 13 has deteriorated as a cause of occurrence of off-track in Step B11. judge. For example, when the tape cartridge 13 is attached to or detached from the tape drive 10, it is considered that there is a possibility that the tape medium 131 is damaged due to an impact or dust is attached to the tape medium 131.

  For example, the library controller 30 notifies the operator, the operator, and the like by displaying information indicating that the cause of the off-track occurrence is the tape medium 131 on a display device (not shown). In accordance with this notification, the operator cleans the tape drive 10 and replaces the tape cartridge 13 with another tape cartridge 13.

In addition, the library controller 30 displays, for example, a message for calling attention to handling of the tape cartridge 13 on a display device (not shown).
In step B5, when the offtrack does not tend to increase with time in the tape medium 131 (see the NO route in step B5), the cause determination unit 33 registers the offtrack information in the management table 36 in step B6. .

As described above, according to the backup system 1 as an example of the embodiment, it is possible to estimate the cause of off-track occurrence from the drive log (off-track information) acquired by the off-track information collection unit 32. As a result, it is possible for the operator to take appropriate measures, and to deal with troubles smoothly.
That is, based on the distribution state of the off-track occurrence position in the tape medium 131, it can be easily determined whether the off-track occurrence cause is in the tape drive 10 or the tape cartridge 13.

Further, when the predictor monitoring unit 34 monitors the predictor of occurrence of an off-track error and determines that there is a high possibility that an off-track error will occur, the notification unit 37 notifies that fact. Thereby, it is possible to prepare in advance a countermeasure against the occurrence of an off-track error, and for example, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an off-track error.
Regardless of the embodiment described above, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present embodiment.

  For example, when the cause determination unit 33 determines that the cause of off-track occurrence is the tape cartridge 13, an off-track occurrence flag may be recorded in the CM 132 of the tape cartridge 13. Thus, by examining the CM 132 of the tape cartridge 13, it is possible to identify whether or not the problem depends on the tape cartridge 13, and it is easy for the tape cartridge 13 to have a high possibility of off-tracking. Can be recognized.

  The tape library 3 has a function of reading an off-track occurrence flag recorded in the CM 132 of the tape cartridge 13, and confirms the off-track occurrence flag when the tape cartridge 13 is inserted into the tape library 3. For example, the tape cartridge 13 in which the off-track generation flag is set can be forcibly ejected. For example, it is possible to prevent the use of the tape cartridge 13 that has a high possibility of off-track occurrence, thereby realizing a highly reliable system operation. can do.

Further, according to the above-described disclosure, this embodiment can be implemented and manufactured by those skilled in the art.
Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional notes are disclosed.
(Appendix 1)
A tape drive for recording and / or reproducing information on a tape medium;
A storage unit for storing off-track information including position information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs;
Collecting off-track information of the tape medium, determining a distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on a collection result, and determining a off-track occurrence cause based on the distribution state;
An information storage device comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the off-track information in association with the tape medium or / and the tape drive.
(Appendix 3)
The determination unit is
The information storage according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the off-track occurrence position is concentrated in a part of the same tape medium, it is determined that the off-track occurrence cause is the tape medium. apparatus.

(Appendix 4)
The determination unit is
In the case where the same tape drive is used, when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along the length direction of the tape medium, it is determined that the cause of the off-track is the tape drive. The information storage device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3.

(Appendix 5)
The determination unit is
Any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along the width direction of the tape medium, it is determined that the cause of the off-track is the tape medium. The information storage device described in 1.

(Appendix 6)
The determination unit is
Any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along an unspecified width direction of the tape medium, it is determined that the off-track generation cause is the tape medium. The information storage device according to claim 1.

(Appendix 7)
The determination unit is
When the off-track occurs when a specific tape drive is used, it is determined that the off-track occurrence cause is the tape drive. Information storage device.

(Appendix 8)
The determination unit is
The information storage device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein a change with time in the distribution state of off-track occurrence is determined, and a cause of occurrence of off-track is determined based on the change with time in the distribution state. .

(Appendix 9)
The determination unit is
The information storage device according to appendix 8, wherein when the off-track increases with time, it is determined that the off-track occurrence cause is the tape medium.
(Appendix 10)
In a control method of an information storage device comprising a tape drive for recording or / and reproducing information on a tape medium,
Processing for storing off-track information including position information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs in a storage unit;
Collecting off-track information of the tape medium, determining a distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on the collection result, and determining a cause of the off-track occurrence based on the distribution state A control method.

(Appendix 11)
The control method according to claim 10, wherein the storage unit stores the off-track information in association with the tape medium or / and the tape drive.
(Appendix 12)
The control method according to appendix 10 or 11, wherein when the off-track occurrence position is concentrated in a part of the same tape medium, the off-track occurrence cause is determined to be the tape medium. .

(Appendix 13)
In the case where the same tape drive is used, when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along the length direction of the tape medium, it is determined that the cause of the off-track is the tape drive. The control method according to any one of supplementary notes 10 to 12.
(Appendix 14)
Any one of appendices 10 to 13, wherein when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along the width direction of the tape medium, it is determined that the cause of the off-track is the tape medium. The control method described in 1.

(Appendix 15)
Any one of appendices 10 to 14, wherein when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along an unspecified width direction of the tape medium, it is determined that the off-track generation cause is the tape medium. The control method according to claim 1.
(Appendix 16)
When the off-track occurs when a specific tape drive is used, it is determined that the off-track occurrence cause is the tape drive. Control method.

(Appendix 17)
The control method according to any one of appendices 10 to 16, wherein a change with time in the distribution state of off-track occurrence is determined, and a cause of off-track occurrence is determined based on the change with time in the distribution state.
(Appendix 18)
18. The control method according to appendix 17, wherein when the off-track increases with time, the cause of the off-track is determined to be the tape medium.

(Appendix 19)
In a program for controlling an information storage device comprising a tape drive for recording or / and reproducing information on a tape medium,
Storing off-track information including position information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs in a storage unit;
Collecting off-track information of the tape medium, determining a distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on a collection result, and determining an off-track occurrence cause based on the distribution state;
A program that causes a computer to execute processing.

(Appendix 20)
In a computer-readable recording medium recorded with a program for controlling an information storage device having a tape drive for recording or / and reproducing information on a tape medium,
Storing off-track information including position information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs in a storage unit;
Collecting off-track information of the tape medium, determining a distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on a collection result, and determining an off-track occurrence cause based on the distribution state;
A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Backup system 2 Backup server 3 Tape library 10 Tape drive 11 Drive controller 12 Cache memory 13 Tape cartridge 14 Buffer memory 20 Robot 30 Library controller 31 CPU
32 Off-track information collection unit (determination unit)
33 Cause determination part (determination part)
34 Predictive Monitoring Unit 35 Memory 36 Management Table 37 Notification Unit 131 Tape Medium 132 CM

Claims (11)

A tape drive for recording and / or reproducing information on a tape medium;
A storage unit for storing off-track information including position information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs;
Collecting off-track information of the tape medium, determining a distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on a collection result, and determining a off-track occurrence cause based on the distribution state;
An information storage device comprising:   The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the off-track information in association with the tape medium or / and the tape drive. The determination unit is
3. The information according to claim 1, wherein when the off-track occurrence positions are concentrated in a part of the same tape medium, it is determined that the off-track occurrence cause is the tape medium. Storage device. The determination unit is
In the case where the same tape drive is used, when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along the length direction of the tape medium, it is determined that the cause of the off-track is the tape drive. The information storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The determination unit is
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of off-tracks are generated along a width direction of the tape medium, it is determined that the off-track generation cause is the tape medium. The information storage device according to item. The determination unit is
The plurality of off-tracks are generated along the unspecified width direction of the tape medium, and it is determined that the off-track generation cause is the tape medium. The information storage device according to any one of the above. The determination unit is
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein when a specific tape drive is used and the off-track occurs, it is determined that the cause of the off-track is the tape drive. Information storage device. The determination unit is
The information storage according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a change with time in the distribution state of off-track occurrence is determined, and a cause of occurrence of off-track is determined based on the change with time in the distribution state. apparatus. The determination unit is
9. The information storage device according to claim 8, wherein when the off-track increases with time, the cause of the off-track is determined to be the tape medium. In a control method of an information storage device comprising a tape drive for recording or / and reproducing information on a tape medium,
Processing for storing off-track information including position information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs in a storage unit;
Collecting off-track information of the tape medium, determining a distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on the collection result, and determining a cause of the off-track occurrence based on the distribution state A control method. In a program for controlling an information storage device comprising a tape drive for recording or / and reproducing information on a tape medium,
Storing off-track information including position information on the tape medium detected when off-track occurs in a storage unit;
Collecting off-track information of the tape medium, determining a distribution state of the off-track occurrence position on the tape medium based on a collection result, and determining an off-track occurrence cause based on the distribution state;
A program that causes a computer to execute processing.

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