Patent ID: 6421579
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An automated data storage library, comprising:a plurality of media storage slots for storing data storage media; a plurality of read/write stations; an input for receiving input commands for jobs to move media amongst said media storage slots and said read/write stations; a library controller coupled to said input for identifying the start and end location of said received move jobs, and placing said move jobs in a job queue; at least two pickers arranged alongside said media storage slots and said read/write stations; each said picker having at least one gripper for accessing and delivering media at said media storage slots and said read/write stations; a communication link for communicating with at least one other said picker; and a picker processor coupled to said communication link; each said picker receiving information from said at least one other picker over said communication link describing movement of said other picker for a current move job of said other picker; each of said pickers selecting a move job from said job queue having both said start and said end locations accessible by said picker and which avoids interference with said movement of said at least one other picker; said selecting picker processor, upon selecting said move job, determines a movement for said selected move job which avoids interference with said movement of said at least one other picker; said selecting picker processor communicates information describing said movement to said at least one other picker over said communication link; and said selecting picker, conducts said move job according to said processor determined movement.