JP5842836B2 - Library apparatus and identification information reading method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a library apparatus that houses a plurality of recording media and reads / writes data from / to the recording medium, and a method for reading identification information provided in the recording medium.

  A library device such as a magnetic tape library device is used to store programs and data used by a computer with high reliability.

  In the magnetic tape library apparatus, a cartridge in which a magnetic tape as a recording medium and a reel are integrated is used interchangeably. The library device includes a cartridge storage shelf (hereinafter referred to as “magazine”) that stores a plurality of such cartridges, a drive device that executes reading and writing on the recording medium, and transports the recording medium between the magazine and the drive. And an accessor mechanism.

  The inside of the magazine is divided into a plurality of cells, and one cartridge is accommodated in each cell.

  The accessor mechanism takes out a cartridge stored in an arbitrary cell of an arbitrary magazine and sets the cartridge in the drive device, and operates to store the cartridge taken out from the drive device in an arbitrary cell of an arbitrary magazine. I do.

  In such a library apparatus, the user pulls out the magazine and takes it out of the apparatus, replaces the cartridge, and inserts the magazine with the replaced cartridge into the apparatus, thereby replacing the cartridge.

  After the cartridge is exchanged in this way, the library apparatus needs to execute an inventory process. In other words, the library apparatus acquires information on all the cartridges contained by a method such as reading an identifier from a barcode provided on the cartridge, and stores the acquired information in a storage unit in the library apparatus. It is necessary to perform processing.

  However, as the amount of data stored in the recording medium increases, a large number of recording media are mounted with high density. As a result, the execution time of the inventory process increases and the non-working time of the library apparatus increases. There is a problem.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a library apparatus that realizes a reduction in inventory time when a magazine is inserted. Specifically, the library apparatus effectively utilizes sensors and bar code readers provided in the accessor mechanism. When the magazine is removed from the library device, the accessor mechanism is moved to the magazine insertion slot, and when the magazine is inserted, the cartridge identification information is obtained by using a sensor or barcode reader mounted on the accessor. read.

JP 2011-100504 A

  However, the library device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. That is, when cartridges are stored in multiple stages in a magazine, or in a magazine that can store multiple cartridges in the depth direction of the same column of the magazine, the cartridge identification information stored in all stages or the back side is read. I can't. A magazine structure in which a plurality of cartridges can be stored in the depth direction of the same column of the magazine is referred to as a “deep cell structure” in the following description of the present application.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its main object to provide a library apparatus and the like that realizes a reduction in non-working time.

  The first library apparatus according to the present invention relates to the stored items stored in the storage body in a plurality of cells in the depth direction and in a plurality of stages in the height direction when viewed from the storage port capable of storing the stored items. A first reading unit that is provided in the vicinity of an insertion / removal port through which the storage body can be inserted / removed so as to face the storage port side of the stored item, and that reads identification information provided for each of the stored items passing through the storage unit; A second reading unit provided in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction opening so as to face the stored item stored in each cell deeper than the mouth side, and for reading identification information provided in each of the stored items passing therethrough; Prepare.

  The first identification information reading method of the present invention relates to the stored item stored in the storage body in a plurality of cells in the depth direction and in a plurality of stages in the height direction as viewed from the storage port capable of storing the stored item. The first reading unit reads the identification information provided in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction port through which the storage body can be inserted / removed so as to face the storage port side of the storage object, Identification information provided in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction opening so as to face the stored item stored in each cell deeper than the storage port side is provided by the second reading unit. read.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the non-working time in the library apparatus.

It is a perspective view of the library apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining arrangement | positioning of the cartridge stored in a magazine in the library apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view in the state where a magazine was removed in a library device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view in the state where a magazine was removed in a library device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (a) when a magazine is inserted into the library apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a rear view (b) viewed from the insertion direction of the magazine. It is the perspective view (a) of the library apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the rear view seen from the column depth direction of the magazine inserted in a library apparatus.

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

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a library apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment and the following embodiments, an example in which a magnetic tape stored in a cartridge is applied as a recording medium will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the library apparatus 100 includes a magnetic tape drive 102, an accessor mechanism 103, and a magazine 200 in an apparatus housing 101. In the following description, it is assumed that the library apparatus 100 is arranged in a three-dimensional space (XYZ coordinate space) as shown in FIG.

  The magazines 200 are cartridge storage shelves that store magnetic tapes stored in the cartridges 400, respectively. The accessor mechanism 103 conveys the cartridge 400 in the magazine 200. The magnetic tape drive 102 reads / writes data from / to the magnetic tape in the transported cartridge 400.

  The magazine 200 can be moved and inserted / removed in / from the insertion / extraction direction (X direction) from the insertion / extraction opening 106 by the user. The library apparatus 100 includes a top plate that covers the upper portion of the apparatus housing 101, but the description thereof is omitted below for the description of the constituent members.

  FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the arrangement of cartridges 400 stored in the magazine 200 in the library apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. The magazine 200 has a deep cell structure in which a plurality of cartridges 400 can be stored in a storage unit (cell) in the depth direction when viewed from the cartridge 400 storage opening. That is, the magazine 200 includes a deep cell structure front side cell 201 and a deep cell structure front side cell 202. The magazine 200 stores two cartridges in the cell depth direction (Y direction), three volumes in the height direction (Z direction), and four cartridges in the storage unit (column) in the depth direction (X direction) of the library apparatus 100. it can.

  Here, the name of the cartridge is defined as follows for convenience of explanation. That is, in FIG. 2, the cartridge stored in the rearmost side of the back side of the library apparatus 100 and the uppermost stage of the deep cell structure front side cell 201 is defined as a cartridge 111. The cartridge stored in the rearmost rear side of the library apparatus 100 and the uppermost stage of the deep cell structure rear cell 202 is defined as a cartridge 112.

  Further, in FIG. 2, the cartridge stored in the uppermost stage of the cell 201 on the front side of the deep cell structure that is second from the back side of the back side of the library apparatus 100 is defined as a cartridge 121. A cartridge that is stored in the backmost side of the back side of the library apparatus 100 and in the middle stage of the front cell 201 of the deep cell structure is defined as a cartridge 221. Hereinafter, the names of the cartridges are defined similarly. For example, a cartridge stored in the front side of the library apparatus 100 and in the lowermost stage of the deep cell structure front side cell 201 is defined as a cartridge 341.

  FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the library apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment with the magazine 200 removed. As shown in FIG. 3A, the library apparatus 100 includes bar-shaped reader mechanisms (bar-shaped reading units) 301a and 301b. Each of the rod-like reader mechanisms 301a and 301b has a rod-like shape extending from the storage case of the magnetic tape drive 102 toward the insertion / extraction port 106 (X direction), and the reading sensor 501a, 502b (second sensor) is provided. The library apparatus 100 includes a reading sensor 501c (first sensor) on the bottom surface and below the reading sensor 501b.

  In addition, the library apparatus 100 includes reading sensors 501d, 501e, and 501f in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction opening 106 in the apparatus housing 101. FIG. 3B is a top view of the library apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3A. The library apparatus 100 includes reading sensors 501d, 501e, and 501f at the positions shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. That is, the reading sensors 501d, 501e, and 501f are provided in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction opening 106 at a position facing the storage opening of the magazine 200 and corresponding to each cartridge stored in the magazine 200. Note that since the reading sensors 501d, 501e, and 501f are provided at the positions illustrated in FIG. 3B and are not actually visible from the angle illustrated in FIG. 3A, they are illustrated in FIG. 3A for convenience of explanation.

  FIG. 4A is a perspective view when the magazine 200 is inserted into the library apparatus 100. FIG. 4B is a view (back surface 200a) of the magazine 200 viewed from the back side in the insertion / extraction direction. As shown in FIG. 4B, the magazine 200 includes slits (openings) 701a and 701b into which the rod-like reader mechanisms 301a and 301b are inserted, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the magazine 200 is inserted into the apparatus housing 101 by the user, the bar-shaped reader mechanisms 301a and 301b pass through the slits 701a and 701b, respectively. At this time, the reading sensors 501a to 501f are identifications provided on cartridges stored in the magazine 200 that pass from the rear side in the insertion direction of the magazine 200 (the side first inserted into the apparatus housing 101) toward the front. Read information. It is assumed that the identification information is provided on the front side of the cartridge (on the magazine 200 storage opening side). For example, the reading sensors 501a to 501f may be barcode readers, and the reading sensors 501a to 501f may read identification information from barcodes provided on the front side of the cartridge.

  Specifically, the reading sensor 501f reads each piece of identification information provided in the uppermost cartridge 111, 121, 131, 141 among the cartridges in the front cell 201 of the deep cell structure of the magazine 200. The reading sensor 501e reads identification information provided in the cartridges 211, 221, 231, and 241 of the middle stage among the cartridges of the front cell 201 of the deep cell structure of the magazine 200. The reading sensor 501 d reads identification information provided in the cartridges 311, 321, 331, and 341 at the lowest level among the cartridges of the front cell 201 of the deep cell structure of the magazine 200.

  Similarly, the reading sensor 501 a reads each identification information provided in the uppermost cartridge 112, 122, 132, 142 among the cartridges of the deep cell structure rear cell 202 of the magazine 200. The reading sensor 501 b reads each identification information provided in the cartridges 212, 222, 232, and 242 in the middle stage among the cartridges of the deep cell structure rear cell 202 of the magazine 200. The reading sensor 501 c reads each identification information provided in the cartridges 312, 322, 332, and 342 at the lowest level among the cartridges of the deep cell structure back side cell 202 of the magazine 200.

  As described above, when the magazine 200 is inserted into the apparatus housing 101, the reading sensors 501a to 501f read identification information provided in each cartridge. The library apparatus 100 is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) for cartridge management, conveyance, and the like. The control circuit may be included in the accessor mechanism 103 or may be included in a device (not shown). The read sensors 501a to 501f supply the read identification information to the control circuit. The control circuit controls cartridge management, conveyance, and the like in the library apparatus 100 based on the received identification information.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the library apparatus 100 includes the rod-like reader mechanisms 301a and 301b on which the reading sensors 501a and 501b are mounted, and the reading sensors 501c, 501d, 501e, and 501f. When the magazine 200 is inserted, each of the reading sensors 501a to 501f reads the identification information provided in the cartridge that passes through the sensor, and supplies the read identification information to the control circuit. By adopting the above configuration, the library apparatus 100 can read the identification information (inventory operation) together with the insertion of the magazine 200, so that the inventory operation after the magazine 200 is inserted becomes unnecessary. Accordingly, since the time required for the inventory operation in the library apparatus 100 is not required, an effect that the non-working time of the library apparatus 100 can be realized is obtained.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that the magazine 200 can store cartridges of 2 volumes in the cell depth direction, 3 volumes in the height direction, and 4 volumes in the column depth direction. The invention is not limited to this. That is, when the number of cartridge turns increases or decreases in the cell depth direction, height direction, or column depth direction of the magazine 200, the number of reading sensors, the number of bar-shaped reader mechanisms, and the number of slits are also increased or decreased accordingly. This embodiment can be realized.

Second Embodiment FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a library apparatus 1000 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5A, the library apparatus 1000 includes a magnetic tape drive 102 and an accessor mechanism 103 in the apparatus housing 101, as in the first embodiment. Similarly to the first embodiment, the library apparatus 1000 includes rod-like reader mechanisms 301a and 301b on which read sensors 501a and 501b are mounted, and read sensors 501c to 501f, respectively. Similarly to the first embodiment, the library apparatus 1000 is controlled by the accessor mechanism 103 and / or a control circuit (not shown) to manage and transport the cartridges. In the following description, it is assumed that the library apparatus 1000 is arranged in a three-dimensional space (XYZ coordinate space) as shown in FIG.

  The library apparatus 1000 also includes cartridge presence / absence sensors (presence / absence detection units) 801a, 801b, and 801c.

  A magazine 2000 is inserted into the library apparatus 1000 as in the first embodiment. FIG. 5B is a rear view of the magazine 2000 inserted into the library apparatus 1000 as seen from the cell depth direction. As shown in FIG. 5B, the magazine 2000 includes holes (openings) 802a, 802b, and 802c at positions corresponding to the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c at the rear end of the library apparatus 1000. Similarly, the magazine 2000 includes holes (openings) 803a to 803c, 804a to 804c, and 805a to 805c at positions corresponding to the heights of the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c of the columns.

  The cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c are laser displacement meters, which emit laser light when the magazine 2000 is inserted into the library apparatus 1000, and the reflected light that has passed through the holes 802a, 802b, and 802c. Based on the angle, the distance to the reflector is measured. The cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c identify how many cartridges are stored in the innermost column of the magazine 2000 in the rear surface direction of the library device 1000 based on the measured distance. The cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c notify the control circuit (not shown) of the identified results.

  When the magazine 2000 is inserted further into the back, similarly to the above, the laser light passes through the holes 803a, 803b, and 803c, and based on the angle of the reflected light, the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c The number of cartridges stored in the second column from the back of 2000 is identified. Similarly, the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c identify the number of cartridge turns stored in the third column from the back of the magazine 2000 and the frontmost column of the magazine 2000. Then, the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c notify the identified result to a control circuit (not shown).

  In addition, since a general technique can be employed at present for the method of detecting the distance using a laser displacement meter and laser light, detailed description in this embodiment will be omitted.

  The library apparatus 1000 further includes magazine lock mechanisms (lock units) 901a, 901b, and 901c. As shown in FIG. 5A, the magazine lock mechanisms 901a, 901b, and 901c are provided on the bar-shaped reader mechanisms 301a and 301b at locations between the cartridges with the magazine 2000 inserted. The magazine lock mechanisms 901a, 901b, and 901c are provided in a standing state in the Z direction as shown in FIG. 5A, and when the magazine 2000 is inserted, the back surface of the magazine 2000 hits the magazine lock mechanisms 901a, 901b, and 901c. Therefore, the magazine lock mechanisms 901a, 901b, and 901c have a role of a stopper that locks the magazine 2000 so that it cannot be inserted any further.

  For example, when the magazine 2000 is inserted when the magazine lock mechanisms 901a, 901b, and 901c are in the state shown in FIG. 5A, the magazine 2000 is locked by the magazine lock mechanism 901a and is located behind the position of the magazine lock mechanism 901a. Not inserted. The operations of the magazine lock mechanisms 901a, 901b, 901c are controlled by a control circuit (details will be described later).

  The rod-shaped reader mechanisms 301a and 301b and the reading sensors 501c to 501f perform the same operation as in the first embodiment. In other words, when the magazine 2000 is inserted, the reading sensors 501a to 501f first read identification information provided in cartridges stored in the innermost columns of the library apparatus 1000 in the magazine 2000.

  At this time, the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c indicate how many cartridges are contained in each innermost column of the library apparatus 1000 in the magazine 2000 based on the angle of the reflected light of the laser light as described above. Identify.

  The reading sensors 501a to 501f notify the read identification information to a control circuit (not shown). Similarly, the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c notify the control circuit of the identified result. The magazine 2000 inserted into the library apparatus 1000 stops at the position of the magazine lock mechanism 901a.

  Based on the received identification information and the number of cartridge turns, the control circuit determines whether the number of identification information equal to the number of cartridges stored in the innermost column of the library apparatus 1000 in the magazine 2000 has been read. To do. When the control circuit determines that the reading has been performed, the control circuit controls to release the lock of the magazine lock mechanism 901a. That is, the magazine lock mechanism 901a can fall from the standing state as shown in FIG. Thus, when the user further pushes in the magazine 2000, the magazine 2000 is inserted to the position of the magazine lock mechanism 901b.

  On the other hand, if the number of pieces of identification information equal to the number of cartridges has not been read, the control circuit displays that fact on, for example, its own display device. As a result, the user can detect a mistake in reading the identification information of the cartridge, and can take measures such as issuing a reread instruction.

  Thereafter, similarly, when the user pushes in the magazine 2000, the reading sensors 501a to 501f and the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c read the identification information and identify the number of cartridges. When all the cartridge identification information is read normally, the magazine 2000 is completely inserted deep inside the library apparatus 1000.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the library apparatus 1000 identifies the presence / absence of a cartridge by using the cartridge presence / absence sensors 801a, 801b, and 801c, the information indicating the presence / absence by the control circuit, and the reading sensors 501a to 501a. Based on the identification information acquired from 501f, an identification information reading error is detected. The control circuit can prompt the user to confirm the cartridge by displaying to the user that a reading error has been detected. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the cartridge with unknown identification information from being inserted into the library apparatus 1000.

Third Embodiment A library apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3A.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the library apparatus includes first reading units 501d to 501f and second reading units 301a, 301b, and 501c.

  The first reading units 501d to 501f have a plurality of cells in the depth direction and a plurality of levels in the height direction as viewed from the storage opening capable of storing the storage items. The identification information provided in each of the stored items that are provided in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction port through which the storage body can be inserted / removed is read so as to face the storage port side of the stored items.

  The second reading units 301a, 301b, and 501c are provided in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction opening so as to face the storage items stored in the respective cells deeper than the storage port side. Read the identification information provided.

  The first reading units 501d to 501f correspond to the reading sensors 501d to 501f in the first embodiment. The second reading units 301a, 301b, and 501c correspond to the rod-shaped reader mechanisms 301a and 301b and the reading sensor 501c in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 3A, the reading sensors 501a to 501c are illustrated as separate bodies, but may be a single reading sensor. The same applies to the reading sensors 501d to 501f.

  According to the third embodiment, by adopting the above configuration, an effect of shortening the non-working time in the library apparatus can be obtained.

The present invention, Ru can be applied to, for example, a magnetic tape library device that uses a magnetic tape as a recording medium.

100, 1000 Library device 101 Device housing 102 Magnetic tape drive 103 Accessor mechanism 106 Insertion / extraction port 200, 2000 Magazine 301a, 301b Bar-shaped reader mechanism 501a, 501b, 501c, 501d, 501e, 501f Read sensor 801a, 801b, 801c Cartridge presence sensor 901a, 901b, 901c Magazine lock mechanism

Claims (4)

A plurality of cells in the depth direction and a plurality of stages in the height direction as viewed from the storage port capable of storing the cartridge are arranged so that the identification information surface on which the cartridge identification information is provided faces the storage port. The cartridge stored in the storage body is provided near the insertion / extraction port through which the storage body can be inserted / removed so as to face the identification information surface of the cartridge stored in each cell on the storage port side. A first reading unit that optically reads identification information provided on each of the identification information surfaces of the cartridge ;
Identification provided in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction opening so as to face the identification information surface of the cartridge stored in each cell deeper than the storage port side and provided on the identification information surface of the cartridge passing therethrough A second reading unit for optically reading information ,
The second reading unit includes:
Provided so as to face the identification information surface of the cartridge which is the lowest of the plurality of cartridges arranged in a plurality of stages in the height direction and is stored in each cell deeper than the storage port side. A first sensor that optically reads identification information provided on each of the identification information surfaces of the cartridge that passes through,
One or more steps are arranged above the lowest step, and the cartridge is inserted in the insertion / removal direction facing the identification information surface of the cartridge stored in each cell behind the storage port side. A rod-shaped reading unit that includes a rod and a second sensor that is provided on the insertion / extraction port side of the housing body of the rod and optically reads identification information provided on each of the identification information surfaces of the cartridge passing therethrough. Library device including . The housing body, the library apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a slit rod contained in the second reading unit is inserted. A presence / absence detecting unit for optically detecting the presence / absence of a cartridge stored in the storage body at a position facing a surface of the storage body facing the storage port;
The identification information read by the first reading section and the second reading unit, based on the presence or absence of a cartridge in which the presence detection unit detects, claim to detect the presence or absence of fraud related to the identification information 1 or The library apparatus according to claim 2 . Library device
A plurality of cells in the depth direction and a plurality of stages in the height direction as viewed from the storage port capable of storing the cartridge are arranged so that the identification information surface on which the cartridge identification information is provided faces the storage port. The cartridge stored in the storage body is provided near the insertion / extraction port through which the storage body can be inserted / removed so as to face the identification information surface of the cartridge stored in each cell on the storage port side. Read by a first reading unit that optically reads identification information provided on each of the identification information surfaces of the cartridge ,
Identification provided in the vicinity of the insertion / extraction opening so as to face the identification information surface of the cartridge stored in each cell deeper than the storage port side and provided on the identification information surface of the cartridge passing therethrough read-by the second reading unit for reading the information optically,
The second reading unit includes:
Provided so as to face the identification information surface of the cartridge which is the lowest of the plurality of cartridges arranged in a plurality of stages in the height direction and is stored in each cell deeper than the storage port side. Read by a first sensor that optically reads identification information provided on each of the identification information surfaces of the cartridge that passes through,
One or more steps are arranged above the lowest step, and the cartridge is inserted in the insertion / removal direction facing the identification information surface of the cartridge stored in each cell behind the storage port side. An identification information reading method for reading by a second sensor that optically reads identification information provided on the identification information surface of the cartridge and the cartridge, which is provided on the rod and on the insertion / extraction opening side of the housing .

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