Patent ID: 6731455
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A library system for managing data, comprising:(a) an array of storage cells; (b) a plurality of storage devices, wherein each storage device comprises: (i) a storage medium; and (ii) a data interface through which data on the storage medium is transferred; (c) a gripper assembly, comprising: (i) extended members capable of engaging one storage device; (ii) movement electronics capable of moving the gripper assembly to the storage cells and engaging one storage device located within one storage cell; and (iii) a data interface, wherein data communication is enabled between the gripper assembly and storage device data interfaces when the gripper assembly is engaged with the storage device; (d) a library controller in communication with the gripper assembly, wherein the library controller executes control logic to perform: (i) receiving an input/output (I/O) request with respect to data in one target storage device in one storage cell; (ii) sending commands to the gripper assembly to move to the storage cell including the target storage device and engage the target storage device in the storage cell, wherein data related to the I/O request is transferred between the target storage device and the library controller via the gripper assembly and storage device data interface.