Patent ID: 6434090
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: G06F,G11B

Abstract:
A data storage library for managing a plurality of portable data storage media items, comprising:a robotic device responsive to robotic device commands to transport the media items among media locations including media storage bins and multiple media drives; and the multiple media drives, configured to removably receive media items and exchange data therewith, each said drive including at least one host port to receive thereon control signals originating from a host device, said control signals including (1) data exchange commands directing an exchange of data with a media item received by the media drive and (2) the robotic device commands, said drives including: a master media drive coupled to the robotic device; multiple relay media drives; and at least one communication path interconnecting the master media drive with each of the relay media drives; where the relay media drives send all received robotic device commands to the master media drive, and the master media drive sends all robotic device commands received from the host port and the relay media drives to the robotic device while withholding from the robotic device all data exchange commands received upon the host port.