WO1998035353A2 - Systeme extensible comprenant un chargeur de rangement et un changeur de disque compact - Google Patents

Systeme extensible comprenant un chargeur de rangement et un changeur de disque compact Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1998035353A2
WO1998035353A2 PCT/US1998/002003 US9802003W WO9835353A2 WO 1998035353 A2 WO1998035353 A2 WO 1998035353A2 US 9802003 W US9802003 W US 9802003W WO 9835353 A2 WO9835353 A2 WO 9835353A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
module
modules
compact disc
alignable
storage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/002003
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1998035353A3 (fr
WO1998035353A9 (fr
Inventor
Eric Rene Bos
Robert L. Montelius, Jr.
Original Assignee
Multidisc Technologies
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Multidisc Technologies filed Critical Multidisc Technologies
Priority to AU65337/98A priority Critical patent/AU6533798A/en
Publication of WO1998035353A2 publication Critical patent/WO1998035353A2/fr
Publication of WO1998035353A3 publication Critical patent/WO1998035353A3/fr
Publication of WO1998035353A9 publication Critical patent/WO1998035353A9/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B17/00—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor
    • G11B17/22—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records
    • G11B17/225—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records wherein the disks are transferred from a fixed magazine to a fixed playing unit using a moving carriage
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
    • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
    • G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • G11B33/02—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon
    • G11B33/04—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers
    • G11B33/0405—Cabinets; Cases; Stands; Disposition of apparatus therein or thereon modified to store record carriers for storing discs

Definitions

  • This invention relates in general to compact disc storage, and in particular to an expandable storage magazine having a plurality of aligned individual modules with aligned access channels for storage and retrieval of a plurality of compact discs accommodated in individual storage sites within each module, and to an expandable compact disc changer system having a plurality of aligned individual modules for system operation and/or disc storage within each module.
  • Compact disc storage and retrieval has become a significant factor for consideration in view of the proliferation of use of these discs for data storage in association with computerized information that must be readily available. While individual discs are capable of accepting relatively large amounts of data, the amount of data stored for many applications is immense and therefore requires a significant number of discs. Compact disc storage and retrieval has become a significant factor for consideration in view of the proliferation of use of these discs for data storage in association with computerized information that must be readily available. While individual discs are capable of accepting relatively large amounts of data, the amount of data stored for many applications is immense and therefore requires a significant number of discs. As used herein, the terms "compact disc” and "disc” are defined to include all such devices, including but not limited to CD-ROM, WORM, DVD (digital versatile disc), DVD-RAM, etc.
  • a usual manner of storing discs containing data for retrieval is to employ storage magazine structures each having associated therewith a robotics system for retrieving and delivering a selected disc to an operating mechanism for data access.
  • a magazine structure has a predetermined storage capacity and its own dedicated robotics system.
  • a user when one magazine structure reaches its capacity, a user must add and integrate another entire magazine structure along with its accompanying robotics system in order to accommodate additional compact discs. This required redundancy is time consuming, expensive and inefficient, and makes apparent a need for a disc storage system that can eliminate such duplication.
  • a system planner must also address the retrieval of the discs for data access, the provision of drive, support and control components, and the interconnection of all elements for efficient operation. While all of these elements must work in concert with each other, the present approach to their provision is found in separate, non-united members that many times include redundant apparatus, non-expandable storage capacities, non- optimization of a system for a specific application, non- integratability of new technology within a system, and like restrictions that limit viability of a system and introduce obsolescence. In view of the limitations found in currently available technology, it is apparent that a need is present for modifiable systems to accommodate a variety of applications.
  • a primary object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage magazine whose storage capacity can be increased without requiring the addition of another robotics system.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an expandable compact disc storage magazine constructed of a plurality of substantially identical modules in alignment with each other and to which additional modules are connectible and can be added as needed.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an expandable compact disc storage magazine whose aligned modules provide a continuous access channel throughout the magazine in which a single robotics system extends throughout the plurality of modules for disc retrieval and replacement in all modules.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a changer system wherein each module has alignable construction with a next adjacent module to thereby provide uniformity of access and component placement.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a changer system wherein each module has functional apparatus chosen from the group consisting of a storage component, an operating component, and a combination thereof.
  • the present invention is an expandable compact disc storage magazine and disc changer system comprising a plurality of substantially identical modules alignable with each other.
  • Each module comprises a housing alignable with the housing of a next adjacent module, and an interior access channel alignable with the interior access channel of the next adjacent module.
  • Connector members extend from one module to a next adjacent module to thereby releasably secure adjacent modules to each other.
  • functional apparatus chosen from the group consisting of a storage component, an operating component, and a combination thereof, with all like components in alignment with each other from module to module.
  • Operating components include drive, support, and/or control components to provide functionality for data retrieval from compact discs.
  • Essential operating components that must be present within the system include: all functional components of an optical disc changer/data retrieval and/or storage system, including optics/drive mechanism( s) , data communications intrasystem bus or busses; control electronics; support electronics; power supplies; robotics/transport elements; and disc storage magazines.
  • Individual modules within the system can contain one or more of the essential components to thereby be flexibly configurable to a specific application to be performed.
  • the expandable system of the present invention provides the ability to increase storage capacity or other resources of a disc storage system without requiring the addition of redundant changer robotics and/or duplicate support electronics.
  • additional resources such as drive modules or hybrid modules consisting of both drive and storage components, can be added to the system as required by an increased number of users or increased complexity of a specific application.
  • Modular construction permits ready configuration and optimization of a system to the requirements of a given application with respect to performance and utility as well as the ability to easily replace or upgrade components with newer versions without the necessity of replacing an entire system. Module positions can be adjusted or rearranged within the system to fully optimize position-related performance issues.
  • the modules are readily attachable to each other and therefore have no special support requirements such as special tools, training or expertise in the performance of system expansion or reconfiguration involving attaching and detaching modules within the system.
  • the modules are alignable vertically and the plurality of storage sites are grouped into two opposing banks with the access channel disposed therebetween.
  • the storage sites are arranged as a plurality of cylinders each having an equal number of storage sites.
  • a top plate covers the top of the uppermost module while a base plate covers the bottom of the lowermost module. There are no divisions between adjacent modules to thereby provide free access among all modules through the respective access channels of each.
  • the magazine is expanded by simply removing the top plate and securing another module to the top-most module.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a compact disc changer system
  • Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a front elevation view of one compact disc changer system module along line 2-2 of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a front elevation view of plurality of modules forming an expandable compact disc changer system.
  • a compact disc changer system 10 includes two banks of cylinders 12 within each module
  • Each cylinder 12 houses one or more operating components as required for a particular installation, and can non-limitedly include drive modules, support electronics, motor control electronics and power supply components.
  • a cylinder 12 can also house one or more disc storage magazines.
  • each module 16 in the preferred embodiment is a housing divided into two imaginary levels 18, 20. Both levels can be used for operating components or for disc storage, or one level can be used for disc storage while the other level an operating component.
  • a plurality of modules 16 are stacked on top of each other as shown in Figure 3 to thereby construct the changer system 10.
  • the access channel 14 of each module 16 is aligned with that of the immediately adjacent module to thereby form a continuous channel among all modules 16 for disc retrieval and replacement using transporter robotics (not shown) therein disposed.
  • Each module 16 is releasably secured to its next adjacent module with standard draw latches (not shown) on opposing sides of the modules, while module alignment is assured with standard guide pins and pin slots (not shown) situated at the housing walls.
  • a top plate 22 covers the uppermost module, while a base plate 24 is disposed beneath the lowermost module.
  • the respective access channels 14 of all modules 16 are in communication with each other to thereby provide full robotics access among all modules 16.
  • a user of the changer system 10 can configure the system as desired because of the extensive choice of module functions available.
  • the changer system 10 can be completely self-contained with respect to disc storage and data retrieval, and can be expanded and/or modified to accommodate specific performance and utility requirements of a given application.
  • Common features of all modules 16 align with each other when the modules 16 are connected to thereby permit a relatively rapid modification of the system 10 through the addition or deletion of specific* modules without requiring special tools or extensive expertise in accomplishing system additions, deletions, module rearrangements, and the like.

Abstract

Système extensible comprenant un chargeur de rangement et un changeur de disque compact et composé d'une pluralité de modules pouvant être alignés les uns sur les autres. Chaque module possède un boîtier pouvant être aligné sur le boîtier d'un module contigu suivant, ainsi qu'un canal d'accès intérieur pouvant être aligné sur le canal d'accès intérieur du module contigu suivant. Des connecteurs s'étendent d'un module au module contigu suivant, de manière à fixer de façon détachable les modules contigus les uns aux autres. Un dispositif fonctionnel est situé à l'intérieur de chaque module et est sélectionné dans le groupe constitué par un élément de rangement, un élément de fonctionnement et une combinaison de ces derniers, tous les éléments semblables étant alignés les uns sur les autres de module à module. Ce système extensible permet d'augmenter la capacité de rangement ou d'autres ressources d'un système de rangement de disques sans qu'il soit nécessaire d'ajouter, soit un changeur robotisé superflu, soit une double électronique de support. On peut ajouter au système, si nécessaire, des ressources supplémentaires, telles que des modules de commande ou des modules hybrides constitués à la fois par des éléments de commande et de rangement.
PCT/US1998/002003 1997-02-07 1998-02-02 Systeme extensible comprenant un chargeur de rangement et un changeur de disque compact WO1998035353A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU65337/98A AU6533798A (en) 1997-02-07 1998-02-02 Expandable compact disc storage magazine and changer system

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US79758297A 1997-02-07 1997-02-07
US08/797,582 1997-02-07
US79871497A 1997-02-12 1997-02-12
US08/798,714 1997-02-12
US08/799,979 1997-02-12

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998035353A2 true WO1998035353A2 (fr) 1998-08-13
WO1998035353A3 WO1998035353A3 (fr) 1998-10-22
WO1998035353A9 WO1998035353A9 (fr) 1999-01-14

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1998035353A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1498902A2 (fr) * 2003-07-14 2005-01-19 Quantum Corporation Lecteurs modulaires de supports d'information et système de stockage de données

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4754397A (en) * 1985-02-15 1988-06-28 Tandem Computers Incorporated Fault tolerant modular subsystems for computers
US5267225A (en) * 1991-02-26 1993-11-30 Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd. Automatic disc player system loaded with a multiplicity of selectable discs
US5548567A (en) * 1992-05-27 1996-08-20 Funai Electric Co., Ltd. Automatic disk player with stackable disk storage boxes
US5561657A (en) * 1993-12-15 1996-10-01 Shinwa Kabushiki Kaisha Magazine for read/write disks and method and device for reading and writing of said read/write disks
US5613745A (en) * 1994-02-18 1997-03-25 Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd. Auxiliary compact disk storage case

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4754397A (en) * 1985-02-15 1988-06-28 Tandem Computers Incorporated Fault tolerant modular subsystems for computers
US5267225A (en) * 1991-02-26 1993-11-30 Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd. Automatic disc player system loaded with a multiplicity of selectable discs
US5548567A (en) * 1992-05-27 1996-08-20 Funai Electric Co., Ltd. Automatic disk player with stackable disk storage boxes
US5561657A (en) * 1993-12-15 1996-10-01 Shinwa Kabushiki Kaisha Magazine for read/write disks and method and device for reading and writing of said read/write disks
US5613745A (en) * 1994-02-18 1997-03-25 Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd. Auxiliary compact disk storage case

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1498902A2 (fr) * 2003-07-14 2005-01-19 Quantum Corporation Lecteurs modulaires de supports d'information et système de stockage de données
EP1498902A3 (fr) * 2003-07-14 2007-06-27 Quantum Corporation Lecteurs modulaires de supports d'information et système de stockage de données

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998035353A3 (fr) 1998-10-22

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