Patent ID: 6260006
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G06F,G11B

Abstract:
A tape library system for handling multi-volume tape cartridges, each tape cartridge comprising at least one tape volume, the tape library system servicing requests from at least one host computer, the system comprising:at least one tape unit operable to write data to and read data from a tape cartridge, each of the at least one tape unit part of an automated tape system;a robotic tape handling system operable to load tape cartridges into and remove tape cartridges from each of the at least one tape unit in the automated tape system; anda tape/library control unit (TLCU) in communication with each of the at least one host computer, each of the at least one tape unit, and the robotic tape handling system, the tape library control unit operative toa) receive a request from a host computer to access a specified tape volume in a specified tape unit,b) map the specified tape volume to a tape cartridge,c) determine if the tape cartridge is currently loaded in one of the at least one tape unit and, if the tape cartridge is not loaded, command the robotic tape handling system to load the tape cartridge into an available tape unit, a loaded tape unit thereby holding the tape cartridge,d) form a virtual path between the host computer and the loaded tape unit, ande) transfer data between the loaded tape unit and the host computer;thereby presenting the host computer with a virtual view of connection to the specified tape volume loaded in the specified tape unit.