Patent ID: 6826453
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A data cartridge handling system comprising:a data cartridge storage array having a plurality of bins each for removably receiving and storing a data cartridge; a robotic manipulator operatively positioned for selectively retrieving data cartridges from the bins, transferring the retrieved data cartridges to and from a data reading and recording device and replacing data cartridges into the bins in accordance with instructions received from a control system operatively coupled to the robotic manipulator for directing movement of the manipulator, the manipulator including a grasping hand for grasping a selected data cartridge and moving the data cartridge in and out of a bin and a camera mounted on the hand for sensing the location of the hand with reference to each of the plurality of bins, wherein the camera is operated during an audit operation initiated by the control system to provide bin location data to a memory subsequently utilized by the control system to position the grasping hand of the robotic manipulator, and wherein the camera includes an oscillator located on the hand whose output is selectively provided to enable the camera during an audit operation.