JP6981956B2 - Transport control device and transport control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a library device for storing a plurality of recording media, and more particularly to a technique for transporting a recording medium.

As a storage destination of a large amount of data in an information processing device, a tape library device including a magazine for storing a plurality of recording media using a magnetic tape and a drive for reading and writing the data of the magnetic tape is widely used. In the tape library device, a necessary recording medium is conveyed to a drive from the recording media stored in the magazine, and data is read / written from an external information processing device or the like.

Since the tape library device stores a large number of recording media, it may have a configuration in which a plurality of recording media are stored in the depth direction of the magazine storage portion from the side where the recording media are taken in and out. Such a configuration in which a plurality of recording media are stored in the depth direction of the storage unit is sometimes called a deep cell method.

In a tape library device that stores a plurality of recording media in the depth direction of the storage unit, processing of the recording medium on the front side is performed when the recording medium on the back side of the plurality of recorded recording media stored is transported to the drive. Because it is necessary, it may take time to transport it to the drive. If it takes time to transfer the data from the magazine to the drive, the efficiency of processing such as data backup in the information processing apparatus or the like may decrease. Therefore, in order to maintain the efficiency in reading and writing data of the information processing device and the like in the tape library device, it is desirable that the time required for exchanging the recording medium is suppressed as much as possible. As a technique for suppressing the time required for exchanging a recording medium in a tape library device, for example, a technique such as Patent Document 1 is disclosed.

Patent Document 1 relates to a library device that stores a recording medium in a magazine at a position in consideration of efficiency during transportation. The library device of Patent Document 1 determines a suitable position for storing the recording medium in the magazine based on the information of the transport frequency for each recording medium. In the library device of Patent Document 1, the recording medium is stored in the magazine so that the recording medium having a high transfer frequency is closer to the drive.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-016723

However, the technique of Patent Document 1 is not sufficient in the following points. The library device of Patent Document 1 controls so that a recording medium having a high frequency is stored in a storage unit close to a drive. However, in Patent Document 1, the storage position of the recording medium is not adjusted in the same storage unit. Therefore, in Patent Document 1. If the recording medium to be transported is located in the back side in the same storage unit, the efficiency of transporting the recording medium may decrease.

In order to solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a transport control device capable of suppressing the time required for transporting a plurality of recording media even when storing a plurality of recording media in the depth direction. ..

In order to solve the above problems, the transport control device of the present invention includes a transport control means, a transport history storage means, and a transport prediction means. The transport control means transports and stores a plurality of recording media between a storage unit that stores at least two or more recording media side by side in the depth direction from the side where the recording media is taken in and out and a drive that reads and writes data on the recording medium. Controls the transport of recording media between units. The transport history storage means stores the transport history for each recording medium as transport history information. When the transport predicting means transports the first recording medium from the drive to the storage unit, the transport predicting means has a second recording medium stored in the storage portion of the transport destination and a first recording medium transported from the drive to the storage unit. Which of the above is requested to be transported to the drive first is predicted based on the transport history information. Further, when it is predicted that the second recording medium is first requested to be conveyed to the drive, the transfer control means retracts the second recording medium from the storage unit and moves the first recording medium from the drive to the storage unit. After transporting to, the second recording medium is transported to the storage unit.

The transport control method of the present invention transports and transports a recording medium between a storage unit that stores at least two or more recording media side by side in the depth direction from the side where the recording medium is taken in and out and a drive that reads and writes data on the recording medium. The transfer history for each recording medium in the transfer of the recording medium between the plurality of storage units is saved as the transfer history information. In the transfer control method of the present invention, when the first recording medium is transferred from the drive to the first storage unit, the second recording medium stored in the storage unit of the transfer destination and the drive to the storage unit are transferred. Which of the first recording media is requested to be transported to the drive first is predicted based on the transport history information. In the transfer control method of the present invention, when it is predicted that the second recording medium is first requested to be transferred to the drive, the second recording medium is retracted from the storage unit and the first recording medium is stored from the drive. It is characterized in that the second recording medium is transported to the storage unit after being transported to the unit.

According to the present invention, even when a plurality of recording media are stored in the depth direction, the time required for transporting the recording media can be suppressed.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of the structure of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control part of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation flow in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation flow in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the state of each stage at the time of transporting a recording medium in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the state of each stage at the time of transporting a recording medium in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the state of each stage at the time of transporting a recording medium in the structure which contrasted with this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline of the structure of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control part of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation flow in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of another structure of this invention.

(First Embodiment)
It is a figure which shows the outline of the structure of the transfer control apparatus of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The transport control device of the present embodiment includes a transport control means 1, a transport history storage means 3, and a transport prediction means 2 . The transport control means 1 transports and a plurality of recording media between a storage unit for storing at least two or more recording media side by side in the depth direction from the side where the recording media is taken in and out and a drive for reading and writing data on the recording media. Controls the transport of recording media between the storage units of. The transport history storage means 3 stores the transport history for each recording medium as transport history information. When the transport predicting means 2 transports the first recording medium from the drive to the storage section, the transport predicting means 2 transports the second recording medium stored in the storage section of the transport destination and the first recording from the drive to the storage section. Which of the media is requested to be transported to the drive first is predicted based on the transport history information. Further, when the transfer control means 1 predicts that the second recording medium is first requested to be transferred to the drive, the transfer control means 1 retracts the second recording medium from the storage unit and stores the first recording medium from the drive. After transporting to the unit, the second recording medium is transported to the storage unit.

In the transport control device of the present embodiment, based on the transport history information stored in the transport history storage means 3 , the transport prediction means 2 uses the first recording medium to be transported from the drive to the storage unit and the storage unit. It predicts which of the second recording media will be required to be delivered to the drive first. Further, in the transport control device of the present embodiment, the recording medium to be transported first is the storage unit based on the prediction result of which of the first recording medium and the second recording medium is requested first. The recording medium is stored so that it is in front of you. Therefore, the transport control device of the present embodiment can suppress the time required for transporting the recording medium from the storage unit to the drive.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the tape library device 10 of the present embodiment. The tape library device 10 of the present embodiment includes a drive 11, a magazine 12, a robot 13, and a control unit 14. Further, the tape library device 10 is connected to the information processing device 20.

The tape library device 10 of the present embodiment is a device that stores a plurality of recording media 100 using magnetic tape in the magazine 12 and conveys the target recording medium 100 to the drive 11 to read / write data. .. The tape library device 10 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which each cell constituting the magazine 12 stores a plurality of recording media 100 in the depth direction from the side where the recording medium 100 is taken in and out.

The drive 11 writes data to the recording medium 100 and reads data from the recording medium 100.

The magazine 12 has a function of internally storing a plurality of recording media 100. The magazine 12 has a structure in which a plurality of storage portions called cells are combined and integrated. Each cell stores a plurality of recording media 100 in the depth direction from the entrance of the recording medium 100, that is, the place where the recording medium 100 is taken in and out. A cell that stores a plurality of recording media 100 in the depth direction in this way is also referred to as a deep cell. Further, each cell has a structure that can be attached and detached when the recording medium 100 is replaced or the like.

The robot 13 conveys the recording medium 100 between cells or between cells and drives 11. The robot 13 conveys the recording medium 100 under the control of the control unit 14.

The control unit 14 has a function of controlling the transfer of the recording medium 100 by the robot 13. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 14 of the present embodiment. The control unit 14 includes a transfer control unit 31, a transfer time prediction unit 32, and a transfer history storage unit 33.

The transfer control unit 31 controls the transfer of the recording medium 100 between the cell and the drive 11 by the robot 13 based on the request from the information processing device 20. Further, the transfer control unit 31 controls the transfer between the cells of the recording medium 100 that needs to be retracted when the recording medium 100 is transferred between the cell and the drive 11. Further, the function of the transport control unit 31 of the present embodiment corresponds to the function of the transport control means 1 of the first embodiment.

The transport time prediction unit 32 predicts the time when each recording medium 100 is next transported to the drive 11 based on the transport history of each recording medium 100. The transfer time prediction unit 32 calculates the transfer interval from the past cell for each recording medium 100 to the drive 11, and based on the last transfer time and the transfer interval, each recording medium 100 is then transferred to the drive 11. Predict the time to be done. Further, the function of the transport time prediction unit 32 of the present embodiment corresponds to the transport prediction means 3 of the first embodiment.

The transport history storage unit 33 stores the past transport time for each recording medium 100. The transport history storage unit 33 stores the time when the transport of the recording medium 100 from the cell to the drive 11 is started for each recording medium 100. Further, the transport history storage unit 33 of the present embodiment corresponds to the transport history storage means 2 of the first embodiment.

The transfer control unit 31 and the transfer time prediction unit 32 of the control unit 14 are configured by using, for example, a semiconductor device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Further, the transport history storage unit 33 is configured by, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor storage device. The transport history storage unit 33 may be configured by using a storage device other than the semiconductor storage device such as a hard display.

The information processing device 20 requests the tape library device 10 to write data to the recording medium 100 and read data from the recording medium 100, and transmits / receives data to / from the tape library device 10. The information processing apparatus 20 reads and writes data to and from the recording medium 100 by executing an application program for backing up data. The information processing apparatus 20 designates a target recording medium 100 when writing data or reading data. The information processing device 20 requests the tape library device 10 to write data to the recording medium 100 and the data to be read from the recording medium 100 based on a request from another information processing device connected via a network. You may go.

The operation of the tape library device of this embodiment will be described. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an outline of the operation flow of the tape library device of the present embodiment.

When the tape library device 10 is activated, the transfer control unit 31 of the control unit 14 initializes the transfer history information of the transfer history storage unit 33 to a state without data (step S11). Further, when the tape library device 10 is activated, initialization such as movement of the robot 13 to an initial position may be performed. When the initialization is performed, the transfer control unit 31 waits until the transfer request of the recording medium 100 is received from the information processing device 20 which is a higher-level device.

Upon receiving the transfer request for the recording medium 100 (Yes in step S12), the transfer control unit 31 confirms whether the transfer request is made from the cell of the magazine 12 to the drive 11. When the transfer request requests transfer from the cell to the drive 11 (Yes in step S13), the transfer control unit 31 transfers to the transfer history information corresponding to the medium label name of the recording medium 100 requested to be transferred. The time is registered and the information is updated (step S22). As the transport time, the time when the transport request is received from the information processing apparatus 20 is used. The label name may be in any format as long as it can identify the recording medium 100. For example, the bar code label name attached to each recording medium 100 may be used as the medium label name. Further, the recording medium 100 that is not registered in the medium label name is in a state where there is no transport history.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of data of the transport history information of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the transport history information is associated with a medium label name that identifies the recording medium 100 and a transport history that indicates information on the date and time when the recording medium 100 was transported from the magazine 12 to the drive 11. In the example of FIG. 6, as the transport history, the past two transport dates and times are stored as # 0 and # 1 for each recording medium 100. In the example of FIG. 6, the older date and time of the past two transport histories is stored in # 0.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of updating data of transport history information. In the example of FIG. 7, in the initialized state, the medium label name and the information of the transport history are not stored at all. When a request for transporting the recording medium 100 having the medium label name "EXAMPLE1" is received from a state in which nothing is stored, information on the date and time when the request is received is recorded in # 0 of the transport history. Further, when a transport request is received for the same recording medium 100, information on the date and time when the request is received is recorded in # 1 of the transport history. When a transport request is received for the same recording medium 100 with the transport history for the past two times saved, the oldest information is deleted, the newest transport history is set to # 1, and the previous transport history is set to # 1. Is saved in # 0.

When the transfer date and time are registered as the transfer history information, the transfer control unit 31 controls the robot 13 to transfer the recording medium 100 specified in the transfer request from the cell that is the transfer source to the drive 11 that is the transfer destination (step). S23). When the transfer to the drive 11 is completed, the transfer control unit 31 sends a notification indicating that the transfer is completed to the information processing device 20 which is a higher-level device (step S20).

When the transfer to the drive 11 is completed, the data is written to the recording medium 100 or the data is read from the recording medium 100 based on the request from the information processing apparatus 20.

When the transfer request is not transfer from the cell to the drive 11 (No in step S13), the transfer control unit 31 confirms whether the transfer request is from the drive 11 to the cell.

When the transfer request is a transfer from the drive 11 to the cell (Yes in step S14), the transfer control unit 31 confirms whether the recording medium 100 is in the transfer destination cell. When there is no recording medium 100 in the transfer destination cell (No in step S15), the transfer control unit 31 controls the robot 13 to transfer the recording medium 100 from the drive 11 to the cell based on the content of the transfer request. (Step S19). When the transfer from the drive 11 to the cell is completed, the transfer control unit 31 sends a notification indicating that the transfer is completed to the information processing device 20 which is a higher-level device (step S20).

When the recording medium 100 is in the transfer destination cell (Yes in step S15), the transfer control unit 31 performs a transfer prediction process for predicting the next transfer recording medium 100 (step S16).

The transport prediction process will be described. When the transport prediction process is started, the transport control unit 31 requests the transport time prediction unit 32 to predict the time when the recording medium 100 to be transported is next transported to the drive 11.

When the transportation time prediction unit 32 is requested to predict the time to be transported, the transport time prediction unit 32 predicts the time T1 at which the recording medium stored in the transport destination cell is next transported to the drive 11 (step S31).

The transport time prediction unit 32 predicts the time T1 and the time T2 at which the recording medium 100 transported to the cell is then transported to the drive 11 after being stored in the cell, as described below.

The transport time prediction unit 32 predicts the next transport time based on the information of the transport times for the past two times. Therefore, when the data for the past two times is not held, the transport time prediction unit 32 sends information indicating that the time cannot be predicted to the transport control unit 31.

It is assumed that the information of the past two times of the same recording medium is stored in the transport history storage unit 33 as the transport history 1 and the transport history 0 one time before the transport history 1. At this time, the transport time prediction unit 32 calculates the transport interval value, which is the interval of the transport time, as the transport interval value Ti = the time H1 of the transport history 1 and the time H0 of the transport history 0.

When the transport interval value Ti is calculated, the transport time prediction unit 32 calculates the predicted time Tr for the next transport. The predicted time Tr for the next transfer is calculated by the predicted time Tr = the time H1 of the transfer history 1 + the transfer interval value Ti.

A more specific example will be used to explain the prediction of the transport time. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of each data when the next transport time is predicted based on the transport history information. The example of FIG. 8 shows a case where two recording media 100, a medium A and a medium B, are targeted for processing. Further, among the medium A and the medium B, the recording medium 100 conveyed from the drive 11 to the cell is referred to as the medium A, and the recording medium stored in the cell is referred to as the medium B. At this time, the time T2 at which the medium A is conveyed next time and the time T1 at which the medium B is conveyed next time are calculated as follows, for example.

(Medium A)
Last transport time H1 = 2018/09/01 19:41:09
Transport interval value Ti = 2018/09/01 19: 41: 09-2018 / 05/26 19:43:09 = 8467051 seconds Next transport time T2 = 2018/09/01 19: 41: 09 + 8467051 seconds = 2018/12 / 08 19:38:40
(Medium B)
Last transport time H1 = 2018/09/08 19:43:27
Transport interval value Ti = 2018/09/08 19:43:27-2018/06/02 19:43:27 = 8467200 seconds Next transport time T1 = 2018/09/08 19:43:27 + 8467200 seconds = 2018/12 / 15 19:43:27
That is, as shown in the next medium transport time in FIG. 8, the medium A is predicted to be transported at a time earlier than the medium B.

When the calculation of the time T1 is completed (Yes in step S32), the transfer time prediction unit 32 calculates the time T2 to be transferred to the drive next time by the recording medium in the transfer source drive by the above method (step S33). When the time T2 is calculated (Yes in step S34), the transport time prediction unit 32 compares the predicted times T1 and T2 of the two recording media (step S35).

When the time T2 when the recording medium 100 in the drive 11 is conveyed again after being stored in the cell is earlier than the time T1 when the recording medium 100 stored in the cell is conveyed (No in step S36), the transfer time. The prediction unit 32 predicts that the recording medium in the drive of the transfer source is transported to the drive before the recording medium in the cell of the transfer destination (step S39). When it is predicted that the recording medium in the transport source drive will be transported first, the transport time prediction unit 32 will receive information on the prediction result indicating that the recording medium in the transport source drive will be transported first. Notify 31 (step S38).

When the time T1 at which the recording medium 100 stored in the cell is conveyed is earlier than the time T2 at which the recording medium 100 stored in the drive 11 is conveyed again after being stored in the cell (Yes in step S36), the transfer time. The prediction unit 32 predicts that the recording medium in the destination cell will be transported to the drive before the recording medium in the transport source drive (step S37). When it is predicted that the recording medium in the transport source drive will be transported first, the transport time prediction unit 32 will receive information on the prediction result indicating that the recording medium in the transport source drive will be transported first. Notify 31 (step S38).

When the time T1 cannot be calculated due to lack of historical data in step S31 (No in step S32), the transport time prediction unit 32 determines that the transport time cannot be predicted, and information indicating that the prediction is not possible. Is notified to the transport control unit 31 as a prediction result (step S38). Similarly, when the time T2 cannot be calculated due to lack of historical data in step S33 (No in step S34), the transport time prediction unit 32 determines that the transport time cannot be predicted, and the prediction is not possible. The information indicating the above is notified to the transport control unit 31 as a prediction result (step S38).

Upon receiving the notification of the prediction result, the transport control unit 31 confirms whether the prediction was possible. When the information of the recording medium 100 that can be predicted and is conveyed first is received (Yes in step S17), the transfer control unit 31 confirms which recording medium 100 is conveyed to the drive 11 first. When the recording medium 100 in the drive 11 is conveyed to the drive 11 first and again, the transfer control unit 31 controls the robot 13 to store the recording medium 100 in the drive 11 in the cell (step S19).

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of operation when the recording medium in the drive is first conveyed to the drive. In the example of FIG. 9, the medium A is stored in the drive and the medium B is stored in the cell at the start of the upper transfer. When the medium A in the drive is conveyed first, the medium A is conveyed to the cell, the medium B is pushed in, and the medium A is stored in the back side and the medium A in the front side. In the example of FIG. 9, since the medium A predicted to be conveyed first is stored on the front side, the time required for the transfer should be suppressed when the medium A is next requested to be conveyed to the drive. Can be done.

When the recording medium 100 in the drive 11 is stored in the cell, the transfer control unit 31 sends information indicating that the transfer is completed to the information processing device 20 which is a higher-level device (step S20).

When the recording medium 100 in the drive 11 is conveyed again after being stored in the cell later than the recording medium 100 stored in the cell is conveyed (No in step S18), the transfer control unit 31 , The evacuation operation of the recording medium 100 stored in the cell is started.

When the evacuation operation is started, the transport control unit 31 controls the robot 13 to transport the recording medium 100 stored in the cell to an empty cell and retract it (step S24). When the recording medium 100 stored in the cell is retracted, the transfer control unit 31 controls the robot 13 to store the recording medium 100 of the drive 11 in the back side of the cell (step S25). When the recording medium of the drive 11 is stored in the cell, the transfer control unit 31 controls the robot 13 to return the saved recording medium 100 to the original cell (step S26).

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing an example of operation when the recording medium in the cell is first conveyed to the drive. At the start of transport shown in the upper part of FIG. 10, the medium A is stored in the drive and the medium B is stored in the cell. When the medium B in the cell is first conveyed, the medium B is retracted to another cell as shown in the retract transfer operation of the first stage from the top of FIG. When the medium B is retracted, the medium A in the drive is transferred to the cell as shown in the transfer command operation in the third stage from the top of FIG. When the medium A in the drive is stored in the cell, the evacuated medium A is transported to the original cell and stored as shown in the return transport operation in the lower part of FIG. As described above, in the example of FIG. 10, since the medium B predicted to be conveyed first is stored on the front side, the time required for the transfer is calculated when the medium B is next requested to be conveyed to the drive. It can be suppressed. Further, in the example of FIG. 10, the medium A is stored in the back side during the transport command operation, but the medium A is stored in the front side of the cell during the transport command operation, and the medium B is returned. In addition, the medium A may be pushed into the back side.

When the saved recording medium 100 is returned to the original cell, the transfer control unit 31 sends information indicating that the transfer is completed to the information processing device 20 which is a higher-level device (step S20).

When the result notification based on the prediction made in step S16 indicates unpredictability ( No in step S17), the transfer control unit 31 controls the robot 13 to put the recording medium 100 in the drive 11 into the cell. Store (step S19). When the recording medium 100 in the drive 11 is stored in the cell, the transfer control unit 31 sends information indicating that the transfer is completed to the information processing device 20 which is a higher-level device (step S20).

Further, when waiting for a transfer command but not receiving the command (No in step S12), the transfer control unit 31 monitors whether or not each cell constituting the magazine is removed. When the magazine is removed (Yes in step S21), the transfer control unit 31 performs again from the initialization of the transfer history information in step S11. Further, when the magazine has not detected the removal (No in step S21), the transfer control unit 31 continues to confirm whether or not the transfer command in step S12 has been received.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the transport operation of the recording medium when the next recording medium to be transported is not predicted as an example of the configuration in comparison with the present embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a state in which the medium A in the drive is returned to the cell, and the medium B is stored in the back side and the medium A is stored in the front side at the start of the next transfer. When there is a transfer request for the medium B to the drive in the upper state of FIG. 11, the medium B is transferred to the drive after the evacuation operation of the medium A on the front side is performed. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 11, it takes more time to transfer the recording medium to the drive for which the transfer is requested, as compared with the case where the recording medium to be transferred next is stored on the front side after making a prediction.

In the tape library device 10 of the present embodiment, when the recording medium 100 is returned from the drive 11 to the magazine cell in the control unit 14, which of the recording medium 100 in the transport destination cell and the drive recording medium 100 comes first. It is predicting whether it will be transported to the drive. Therefore, when the recording medium 100 is transported from the cell to the drive, the possibility of transporting the recording medium 100 on the back side after retracting the recording medium 100 on the front side can be suppressed. Therefore, by using the tape library device 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the time required for transporting the recording medium 100 stored in the cell of the magazine to the drive 11. Further, by suppressing the number of operations of the robot 13 and the like, the life of the tape library device 10 and the maintenance interval can be extended.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the tape library device 40 of the present embodiment. The tape library device 40 of the present embodiment includes a drive 41, a magazine 42, a robot 43, and a control unit 44. Further, the tape library device 40 is connected to the information processing device 20. The configuration and function of the information processing apparatus 20 of the embodiment are the same as those of the information processing apparatus 20 of the second embodiment.

Similar to the second embodiment, the tape library device 40 of the present embodiment stores a plurality of recording media 100 using magnetic tape in the depth direction of the cells in the magazine 42, and stores the recording medium 100 as a target in the drive 41. It is a device that carries 100 and reads / writes data. The tape library device 10 of the second embodiment predicts the recording medium 100 to be transferred to the drive next based on the history of the transfer time. Instead of such a configuration, the tape library device 40 of the present embodiment uses the recording medium 100 to be conveyed next, based on the information on the order of the recording media 100 previously conveyed for each cell of the magazine 42. It is characterized by predicting.

The configurations and functions of the drive 41, the magazine 42, and the robot 43 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment having the same name.

The control unit 44 has a function of controlling the transfer of the recording medium 100 by the robot 43. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 44 of the present embodiment. The control unit 44 includes a transfer control unit 51, a transfer history analysis unit 52, and a transfer history storage unit 53. The configuration and function of the transport control unit 51 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the transport control unit 31 of the second embodiment.

The transport history analysis unit 52 has a function of predicting the order in which the recording media 100 are transported to the drive 41 based on the transport history of the recording medium 100 stored in the transport history storage unit 53. The transport history is information indicating the history of the recording medium 100 transported from the magazine 42 to the drive 41.

The transport history analysis unit 52 extracts a transport history that matches the current transport history from the past transport history stored as a prediction table in the transport history storage unit 53, and then transports from the matching past transport history. Predict the recording medium 100.

The transport history storage unit 53 stores the current transport history, that is, the transport history since the start of the tape library device 40 or the installation of the magazine 42, and the data of the prediction table which is the information of all the past transport histories. Only the data within the preset period may be stored in the prediction table.

The operation of the tape library device 40 of this embodiment will be described. The operation other than the transport prediction process is the same as that of the second embodiment. Therefore, in the following, only the transport prediction process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an outline of the operation flow in the transport prediction process among the operation flows of the tape library device 40 of the present embodiment.

When the transfer prediction process is started, the transfer control unit 51 of the control unit 44 requests the transfer history analysis unit 52 to predict the recording medium 100 to be transferred to the drive 41 next. The control unit 44 of the present embodiment manages each recording medium 100 in association with a unique ID assigned to each recording medium 100 and a medium label name. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure in which an ID assigned to each recording medium 100 and a medium label name are associated with each other.

When the prediction of the recording medium 100 to be transported next is requested, the transport history analysis unit 52 refers to the prediction table of the transport history storage unit 53, and obtains the data of the prediction table that matches the transport history of the transport destination cell. Extract (step S51).

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of transport history data of the present embodiment. In FIG. 16, information on the ID of the recording medium conveyed to the drive from the stored state is stored for each cell. In the example of FIG. 16, the transport history for n times is saved, # 0 is the oldest, and # n-1 is the newest.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the data structure of the prediction table of the present embodiment. The prediction table is generated for each cell, and the past transfer history in each cell is stored in association with the history pattern number.

The transport history analysis unit 52 refers to the prediction table of the transport destination and extracts a history pattern that matches the transport history. When there is no history pattern that matches the transport history (No in step S52), the transport history analysis unit 52 determines that the next recording medium 100 to be transported cannot be predicted (step S58). If it is determined that the prediction is unpredictable, the transport history analysis unit 52 notifies the transport control unit 51 of a notification indicating that the prediction is unpredictable (step S56).

When a history pattern matching the transfer history can be extracted (Yes in step S52), the transfer history analysis unit 52 predicts the recording medium 100 to be transferred to the drive 41 next from the history pattern (step S53).

When the recording medium 100 stored in the cell is next conveyed (Yes in step S54), the transfer history analysis unit 52 has a recording medium 100 stored in the cell rather than a recording medium in the transfer source drive. It is predicted that it will be transported to the drive first (step S55).

When it is predicted that the recording medium 100 stored in the cell will be conveyed first, the transfer history analysis unit 52 will notify the transfer control unit 51 indicating that the recording medium 100 stored in the cell will be conveyed first. (Step S56).

When the recording medium 100 stored in the drive is next conveyed (No in step S54), the transfer history analysis unit 52 records that the recording medium 100 in the transfer source drive is stored in the transfer destination cell. It is predicted that it will be delivered to the drive before the medium (step S56).

When it is predicted that the recording medium 100 stored in the cell will be conveyed first, the transfer history analysis unit 52 will notify the transfer control unit 51 indicating that the recording medium 100 stored in the cell will be conveyed first. (Step S56).

Upon receiving the notification of the prediction result, the transport control unit 51 transports the recording medium 100 based on the prediction result. That is, when the transport control unit 51 is predicted to transport the recording medium 100 stored in the cell first, the transport control unit 51 saves the recording medium 100 stored in the cell and puts the recording medium 100 of the drive into the cell. After storing, the saved recording medium 100 is returned to the cell. Further, when the recording medium 100 in the drive is predicted to be transported first or is unpredictable, the transport control unit 51 stores the recording medium of the drive 41 in the cell of the transport destination.

The transport prediction process will be described based on a more specific example. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the recording media of the medium A and the medium B are stored in the tape library device 40. FIG. 18 shows an example of data in which each recording medium and a medium label name are associated with each other. Further, FIG. 19 shows an example of data in the prediction table. For example, when the past two transfers have been performed in the order of the medium B and the medium A, the transfer history analysis unit 52 determines that the history pattern # 2 is applicable, and the recording medium to be transferred next is the medium B. Judge that. By predicting the recording medium 100 to be transported next in this way, the recording medium 100 can be stored so that the time required for transporting the recording medium 100 is suppressed based on the prediction result.

In the tape library device 40 of the present embodiment, when the recording medium 100 predicted to be transferred next and the recording medium 100 for which the transfer request is received are different, the data of the history pattern of the prediction table is actually transferred. It may be updated with the recording medium 100 that has received the request. Further, when the recording medium 100 predicted to be transported next and the recording medium 100 that has received the transport request for execution are different, a new history pattern is retained and matches the transport history when making a prediction. The latest history pattern may be used. Further, when there are a plurality of history patterns that match the transport history when making a prediction, the recording medium 100 to be transported next may be predicted by a majority vote. With such a configuration, the accuracy of prediction can be further improved.

The tape library device 40 of the present embodiment predicts the next recording medium 100 to be conveyed based on the transfer history which is the information of the order in which the recording medium 100 is conveyed to the drive 41, and then transfers the tape library device 40. The predicted recording medium 100 is stored on the front side of the cell. That is, in the tape library device 40 of the present embodiment, it is considered that there is a regularity in the transport tendency of the recording medium 100 based on the past transport history, and the recording medium 100 to be transported next is predicted. In a backup operation or the like that is repeatedly performed in the information processing apparatus 20, there is a high possibility that the recording medium 100 used has regularity. Therefore, by determining the storage position of the recording medium 100 based on the past transport history, in the tape library device 40 of the present embodiment, when transporting to the drive 41, the target recording medium 100 is on the front side of the cell. Since there is a high possibility, the time required for transportation can be suppressed.

In the second and third embodiments, when the recording medium 100 is transported from the drive to the cell of the magazine, the recording medium 100 may be carried out to the buffer unit. By carrying out the recording medium 100 to the buffer section and carrying a new recording medium 100 into the drive, it is possible to predict which of the recording medium 100 in the buffer section and the recording medium 100 in the destination cell will be conveyed first. The time required for replacement of the recording medium 100 can be further suppressed.

In the tape library device of the second and third embodiments, a plurality of drives may be provided. Further, in the second and third embodiments, the magnetic tape is used as the recording medium 100, but if the recording medium can be stored in the storage unit and conveyed to the drive for use, recording other than the magnetic tape can be performed. A medium may be used.

Each process in the control unit of the tape library apparatus of the second and third embodiments may be performed by executing a computer program on a computer. FIG. 20 shows an example of the configuration of a computer 60 that executes a computer program that performs each process executed by the controller and the data transfer execution unit. The computer 60 includes a CPU 61 (Central Processing Unit), a memory 62, a storage device 63, and an I / F (Interface) unit 64.

The CPU 61 reads out a computer program that performs each process from the storage device 63 and executes it. The memory 62 is composed of a DRAM or the like, and temporarily stores a computer program executed by the CPU 61 and data being processed. The storage device 63 stores a computer program executed by the CPU 61, and data such as transport history information and a prediction table. The storage device 63 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor storage device. As the storage device 63, another storage device such as an HDD may be used. The I / F unit 64 is an interface for inputting / outputting signals transmitted / received between information processing devices, robots, and the like. Further, a computer program performed for each process can be stored in a recording medium and distributed. As the recording medium, for example, a magnetic tape for data recording or a magnetic disk such as a hard disk can be used. Further, as the recording medium, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) can also be used. A non-volatile semiconductor memory may be used as a recording medium.

1 Transport control means 2 Transport prediction means 3 Transport history storage unit 10 Tape library device 11 Drive 12 Magazine 13 Robot 14 Control unit 31 Transport control unit 32 Transport time prediction unit 33 Transport history storage unit 40 Tape library device 41 Drive 42 Magazine 43 Robot 44 Control unit 51 Transport control unit 52 Transport history analysis unit 53 Transport history storage unit 100 Recording medium

Claims (10)

Transfer of the recording medium and a plurality of the storage units between a storage unit for storing at least two or more recording media side by side in the depth direction from the side where the recording medium is taken in and out and a drive for reading and writing data of the recording medium. A transport control means for controlling the transport of the recording medium between the two, and
When the transport history storage means for storing the transport history for each recording medium as transport history information and the first recording medium are transported from the drive to the storage unit, the second storage unit is stored in the storage unit of the transfer destination. A transport prediction means for predicting, based on the transport history information, which of the recording medium and the first recording medium to be transported from the drive to the storage unit is requested to be transported to the drive first. Equipped with
When the transfer control means predicts that the second recording medium is first requested to be transferred to the drive, the transfer control means retracts the second recording medium out of the storage unit and performs the first recording. A transport control device comprising transporting a medium from the drive to the storage unit and then transporting the second recording medium to the storage unit. The transport history information includes information on the transport date and time from the storage unit to the drive for each recording medium.
The transport control according to claim 1, wherein the transport predicting means calculates a transport interval for each recording medium based on the transport history information and predicts a date and time when the vehicle is then transported to the drive. Device. The transport history information includes information on the history of the recording medium stored for each storage unit.
The transport predicting means is first transported to the drive based on a comparison between a data table composed of history information of the recording medium stored in each of the storage units in the past and the transport history information. The transport control device according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is predicted. Claim the conveyance controlling means, said conveying prediction means, when not able to predict the recording medium that makes feeding transportable to the drive ahead, characterized by conveying the recording medium in the storage unit of the transport destination The transfer control device according to any one of 1 to 3. The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transport history information is erased when the storage unit is removed. A plurality of storage units for storing at least two or more recording media side by side in the depth direction from the side where the recording medium is taken in and out, and
A drive for reading and writing data on the recording medium,
A transport unit that transports the recording medium between the storage units and between the storage unit and the drive, and a transport unit.
The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is provided.
The transfer control device is a library device that controls the transfer unit to transfer the recording medium. Transfer of the recording medium and a plurality of the storage units between a storage unit for storing at least two or more recording media side by side in the depth direction from the side where the recording medium is taken in and out and a drive for reading and writing data of the recording medium. The transfer history for each recording medium in the transfer of the recording medium between them is saved as the transfer history information.
When the first recording medium is conveyed from the drive to the storage unit, the second recording medium stored in the storage unit at the transfer destination and the first recording to be transferred from the drive to the storage unit. Based on the transfer history information, it is predicted which of the media is requested to be transferred to the drive first.
When it is predicted that the second recording medium is first requested to be conveyed to the drive, the second recording medium is retracted from the storage unit, and the first recording medium is moved from the drive to the storage unit. A transport control method, characterized in that the second recording medium is transported to the storage unit after being transported to the storage unit. Based on the transfer history information including the information on the transfer date and time from the storage unit to the drive for each recording medium, the transfer interval for each recording medium is calculated and the date and time for next transfer to the drive is predicted. The transport control method according to claim 7, wherein the transport control method is characterized. From the present time to a predetermined period of time, the transport history information including the history information of the recording medium stored in each storage unit and the history information of the recording medium stored in each of the storage units in the past are used. The transfer control method according to claim 7, wherein the order of the recording media to be transferred to the drive is predicted from the next time onward based on the comparison with the configured data table. Transfer of the recording medium and a plurality of the storage units between a storage unit for storing at least two or more recording media side by side in the depth direction from the side where the recording medium is taken in and out and a drive for reading and writing data of the recording medium. A process of saving the transport history of each recording medium in the transport of the recording medium in between as transport history information, and
When the first recording medium is conveyed from the drive to the storage unit, the second recording medium stored in the storage unit at the transfer destination and the first recording to be transferred from the drive to the storage unit. A process of predicting which of the media is requested to be transported to the drive first based on the transport history information, and
When it is predicted that the second recording medium is first requested to be conveyed to the drive, the second recording medium is retracted from the storage unit, and the first recording medium is moved from the drive to the storage unit. A transfer control program, characterized in that a computer executes a process of controlling the transfer of the second recording medium to the storage unit after the transfer to the storage unit.

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