Patent ID: 6507883
Filing Date: 2003-01-14
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for recalling logical volumes of data stored by an automated data storage library, said recall in response to a recall request; said library storing logical volumes, including logical volumes to be copied for redundant storage; said library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing physical media volumes, said physical media volumes each capable of storing a stacked plurality of said logical volumes; said library having at least one data storage drive for reading and/or writing said stacked logical volumes of said physical media volumes; said library having at least one accessor for transporting said physical media volumes amongst said storage shelves and said at least one data storage drive and mounting and demounting said physical media volumes at said at least one data storage drive; and said library having a cache storage for initially storing said logical volumes and storing said recalled logical volumes, said library migrating said logical volumes from said cache storage to said physical media volumes as stacked logical volumes; said recall request comprising a request for recalling one said logical volume to be copied; said method comprising the steps of:responding to said recall request of said logical volume to be copied, which logical volume has been migrated to said physical media volumes, determining which said physical media volume contains said requested migrated logical volume; identifying all said logical volumes to be copied, in addition to said requested migrated logical volume, that are migrated and stored as stacked logical volumes on said determined physical media volume containing said requested migrated logical volume; selecting up to a predetermined number â€œNâ€  of said identified logical volumes including said requested migrated logical volume; employing said at least one accessor to transport and mount said determined physical media volume to said at least one data storage drive; recalling said selected logical volumes of said mounted physical media volume, via said at least one data storage drive, to said cache storage in accordance with said selection; and providing, in response to said recall request, a recall list of said recalled selected logical volumes.