Box management device, box management system working method and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge management device, an operating method for the cartridge management system, and a storage medium. The present invention provides a cartridge management system that manages a plurality of cartridges each containing a magnetic tape. The cartridge management system comprises: a processor; and a memory built into or connected to the processor. The processor executes the following processing: a data rewrite process for rewriting data stored on the magnetic tape to a specific cartridge among the plurality of cartridges based on an access frequency indicating how often the data is accessed; and a cartridge replacement process for replacing data stored on the magnetic tape of the specific cartridge with data stored on the magnetic tape of another cartridge among the plurality of cartridges.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to a box management device, a working method of the box management system and a program. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-282201 discloses an information storage management device comprising a storage device for storing a plurality of information and a control device for controlling the recording and playback operations of the storage device. The storage device comprises a first storage device comprising a recording and playback unit and a removable storage medium loaded into the recording and playback unit for recording and playback; and a management information storage device for storing, as history management information, the number of times other information associated with a particular information has been accessed. The control device controls, based on the history management information stored in the management information storage device, such that second information associated with the first information is stored together with the first information on the same storage medium.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-031376 discloses an information recording / reproducing device that stores a magnetic tape-shaped recording medium in a cassette and records and reproduces data from a magnetic tape cassette having a nonvolatile memory disposed therein. The information recording / reproducing device comprises: a means for storing information indicating the access frequency of each partition in the nonvolatile memory when the magnetic tape-shaped recording medium is divided into a plurality of partitions for use; and a control means for reading the access frequency information of each partition from the nonvolatile memory when duplicating the tape and controlling the recording of the copied data on the magnetic tape-shaped recording medium of a new magnetic tape cassette in an order corresponding to the access frequency.

[0004] Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2017-016723 discloses a library device comprising: a tape magazine for storing an inserted recording medium, and provided with one or more deep units, wherein the deep unit has a plurality of units for storing recording media arranged in series along the insertion direction of the recording medium; an access frequency determination unit for determining whether the access frequency to the recording medium is higher than a prescribed entry-side determination criterion based on the access history of the recording medium stored in the unit; and a storage unit determination unit for determining the unit for storing the recording medium as a prescribed unit when the access frequency determination unit determines that the access frequency to the recording medium is higher than the entry-side determination criterion, and the prescribed unit is set as a unit located closer to the insertion port among the plurality of units arranged on the deep unit.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-513805 discloses a method implemented by a computer and comprising the following steps: a step of obtaining attributes associated with each of a plurality of storage locations; a step of obtaining a file and a file format of the file; and a step of obtaining at least one usage statistic associated with the file format, wherein the at least one usage statistic is generated by monitoring the use of files having the file format, and comprising the following steps: a step of selecting a first storage location from a plurality of storage locations for storing the file based on the at least one usage statistic associated with the attributes of the first storage location and the file format of the file; and a step of storing the file in the first storage location. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0007] One embodiment of the technology according to the present invention provides a cartridge management device, a method for operating the cartridge management system, and a program capable of extending the life of a plurality of cartridges as a whole.

[0008] Means for solving technical problems

[0009] The first method involved in the technology of the present invention is a box management system, which manages multiple boxes that respectively contain magnetic tapes. The box management system comprises: a processor; and a memory, which is built into the processor or connected to it, and the processor performs the following processing: data rewriting processing, rewriting the data stored in the magnetic tape to a specific box among multiple boxes according to an access frequency indicating the frequency of accessing the data; and box replacement processing, replacing the data stored in the magnetic tape of a specific box with the data stored in the magnetic tape of other boxes among the multiple boxes.

[0010] The second method involved in the technology of the present invention is the box management system involved in the first method, wherein, in the data rewriting process, the processor rewrites data with an access frequency higher than the reference access frequency, that is, high access frequency data, into a specific box, thereby consolidating the high access frequency data into the specific box.

[0011] A third aspect according to the present invention is the cartridge management system according to the first aspect, wherein the other cartridge is a cartridge having a usage frequency lower than a first reference usage frequency among the plurality of cartridges.

[0012] A fourth aspect according to the present invention is the cartridge management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the specific cartridge is a cartridge having a usage frequency lower than a second reference usage frequency among the plurality of cartridges.

[0013] A fifth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the cartridge management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the specific cartridge is a new cartridge.

[0014] A sixth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the box management system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the processor periodically executes the data rewriting process.

[0015] A seventh aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the cartridge management system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the processor periodically executes the cartridge replacement process.

[0016] An eighth aspect according to the technology of the present invention is the cartridge management system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the processor executes the cartridge replacement process based on the number of times the cartridge has been used.

[0017] The ninth method involved in the technology of the present invention is a box management system involved in any one of the first to eighth methods, wherein a plurality of boxes are contained in a container unit in a specified number of units, and a processor performs the following processing: causing a conveying mechanism provided in the container to take out a specific box from the unit; and loading the specific box taken out from the unit by the conveying mechanism into the tape drive.

[0018] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the cartridge management system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the unit is a unit having the shortest transport path for transporting the specific cartridge from the unit to the tape drive by the transport mechanism.

[0019] The 11th method involved in the technology of the present invention is a working method of a box management system, which has a processor and manages multiple boxes that respectively contain magnetic tapes. The working method of the box management system includes performing the following processing: data rewriting processing, rewriting the data stored in the magnetic tape to a specific box among multiple boxes according to the access frequency indicating the frequency of accessing the data; and box replacement processing, replacing the data stored in the magnetic tape of the specific box with the data stored in the magnetic tape of other boxes among the multiple boxes.

[0020] The 12th method involved in the technology of the present invention is a program for causing a computer of a box management system suitable for managing multiple boxes each containing a magnetic tape to perform the following processing: data rewriting processing, rewriting the data stored in the magnetic tape to a specific box among multiple boxes based on an access frequency indicating the frequency of accessing the data; and box replacement processing, replacing the data stored in the magnetic tape of the specific box with the data stored in the magnetic tape of other boxes among the multiple boxes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing an example of the structure of a box management system.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the cartridge.

[0023] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a tape drive.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the box management system.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a box management system.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example of the processing content of the data reading unit.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing an example of the processing content of the data rewriting unit.

[0028] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a frequently accessed data table created from a data table.

[0029] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a changed portion of a data table during data rewriting processing.

[0030] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a changed portion of the box table in the data rewriting process.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a block diagram showing an example of the processing content of the cartridge replacing section.

[0032] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the changed portion of the box table in the box replacement process.

[0033] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a changed portion of a data table in a cartridge replacement process.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of data reading processing.

[0035] Figure 15 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of data rewriting processing.

[0036] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the cartridge replacement process.

[0037] Figure 17 This is a block diagram showing an example of how a control program is installed from a storage medium storing the program into a host computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a box management system, an operating method of the box management system, and a program according to the technology of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] First, the terms used in the following description are explained.

[0040] CPU stands for "Central Processing Unit." RAM stands for "Random Access Memory." NVM stands for "Non-Volatile Memory." ROM stands for "Read Only Memory." EEPROM stands for "Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory." SSD stands for "Solid State Drive." USB stands for "Universal Serial Bus." ASIC stands for "Application Specific Integrated Circuit." PLD stands for "Programmable Logic Device." FPGA stands for "Field-Programmable Gate Array." SoC stands for "System-on-a-Chip." IC stands for "Integrated Circuit." EL is the abbreviation of "Electro-Luminescence".

[0041] As used in this specification, the term "parallel" refers not only to completely parallel but also to parallelism, including errors that are generally permitted in the technical field to which the present invention belongs and that do not violate the technical spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, as used in this specification, the term "perpendicular" refers not only to completely perpendicular but also to plumbness, including errors that are generally permitted in the technical field to which the present invention belongs and that do not violate the technical spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, as used in this specification, the term "perpendicular" refers not only to completely perpendicular but also to perpendicularity, including errors that are generally permitted in the technical field to which the present invention belongs and that do not violate the technical spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, as used in this specification, the term "equal" refers not only to completely equal but also to equality, including errors that are generally permitted in the technical field to which the present invention belongs and that do not violate the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0042] As an example, Figure 1 As shown, the cartridge management system 10 includes a tape library 12 , a library controller 14 , a host computer 16 , and a memory 18 .

[0043] The tape library 12 has a plurality of cartridges 20 (see Figure 2 ) and one or more tape drives 30 (reference Figure 3 ) storage rack 22. Storage rack 22 is provided with a plurality of cartridge storage units 24, a plurality of driver storage units 26, and a conveying mechanism 28. Furthermore, cartridge 20 is an example of a "cartridge" within the scope of the present invention. Storage rack 22 is an example of a "container" within the scope of the present invention. Cartridge storage unit 24 is an example of a "unit" within the scope of the present invention, and conveying mechanism 28 is an example of a "conveying mechanism" within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] Each of the cartridge storage units 24 has a size capable of storing one cartridge 20, for example, and a predetermined number of cartridges 20 are stored in each cartridge storage unit 24, for example, one by one. The cartridge storage units 24 are arranged in a grid shape of, for example, 10 rows and 5 columns. Figure 1 The example shown here shows 10 rows x 5 columns of cassette storage units 24, but this is just an example, and any number of cassette storage units 24 may be used. Also, the example shown here shows a grid-like arrangement, but this is just an example, and other arrangements are also possible.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the figure, as shown by a double-headed arrow 25, the upper side of the paper is set as the upper direction, and the lower side of the paper is set as the lower direction. Also, as shown by a double-headed arrow 27, the left side of the paper is set as the left direction, and the right side of the paper is set as the right direction.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, on each row of the box storage unit 24, Figure 1 The top of the box is numbered 1 to 10, and each column of the box storage unit 24 is marked with a row number from 1 to 10. Figure 1 Column numbers A to E are assigned to the left side of the cassette storage unit 24. Using these row numbers and column numbers, each cassette storage unit 24 is assigned a unit name to identify the location of the cassette storage unit 24. For example, the cassette storage unit 24 located in the first row of the A column is assigned the unit name "A1."

[0047] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, 20 cartridges 20 are stored one by one in the 20 cartridge storage units 24 of the hatched unit numbers "A1 to B10". In addition, a new cartridge 20-1 is stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 of the hatched unit number "E10". Figure 1 In the example shown, the number of the boxes 20 is 20, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of the boxes 20 can be more than one. Figure 1 In the example shown, there is one new cartridge 20-1. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. The number of new cartridges 20-1 can be one or more. The new cartridge 20-1 is an example of a "new cartridge" according to the technology of the present invention. In cases where it is not necessary to distinguish between the new cartridge 20-1 and other cartridges 20, it is simply referred to as "cartridge 20."

[0048] The magnetic tape MT contained in each cassette 20 has, for example, a data storage capacity of 2.5T (tera). Thus, 20 cassettes 20 can store a total of a maximum of 50T of data. In this embodiment, for example, 5 data files are stored in each magnetic tape MT of the cassette 20 contained in the cassette storage unit 24 with unit numbers "A1 to B10", and 100 data files are stored in the entire cassette 20. These data files are assigned data numbers "0001 to 0100" (see FIG. 10 ). Figure 6 ).

[0049] The cassettes 20 stored in the cassette storage units 24 of the cassette numbers "A1 to B10" are assigned cassette numbers "CN1 to CN20" (see Figure 5 The new cassette 20-1 stored in the cassette storage unit 24 with the unit number "E10" is assigned a cassette number "CN21." The new cassette 20-1 is an unused cassette, and nothing is stored in the magnetic tape MT of the new cassette 20-1.

[0050] Each drive storage unit 26 stores the tape drives 30 one by one. Figure 1 In the example shown, among the four drive storage units 26 arranged in the vertical direction, the top drive storage unit 26 stores the first tape drive 30-1, and the second drive storage unit 26 from the top stores the second tape drive 30-2. Figure 1 In the example shown, there are four drive storage units 26. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of drive storage units 26 can be one or more. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first tape drive 30-1 and the second tape drive 30-2, they are simply referred to as "tape drive 30."

[0051] The cartridge 20 is loaded into the tape drive 30. The library controller 14 outputs a tape drive drive signal to the tape drive 30. The tape drive drive signal is a signal instructing the tape drive 30 to drive. The tape drive 30 reads data from the magnetic tape MT housed in the cartridge 20 and writes data to the magnetic tape MT in accordance with the tape drive drive signal.

[0052] The conveying mechanism 28 includes an upper rod 28A, a lower rod 28B, a pair of horizontally movable robots 28C, a vertical rod 28D, and a vertically movable robot 28E. The upper rod 28A is fixed to the upper portion of the storage rack 22 so as to extend horizontally. The lower rod 28B is fixed to the lower portion of the storage rack 22 in parallel with the upper rod 28A.

[0053] A pair of horizontally movable robots 28C are mounted on both ends of the vertical rod 28D. A pair of horizontally movable robots 28C are embedded in the upper rod 28A and the lower rod 28B. The horizontally movable robots 28C are self-propelled robots that can move in the horizontal direction. While maintaining the orientation of the vertical rod 28D perpendicular to the orientation of the upper rod 28A and the lower rod 28B, they move the vertical rod 28D in the horizontal direction along the upper rod 28A and the lower rod 28B. The vertically movable robot 28E is mounted on the vertical rod 28D. The vertically movable robot 28E is a self-propelled robot that can move in the vertical direction. That is, the vertically movable robot 28E moves in the vertical direction along the vertical rod 28D. A gripping portion (not shown) for gripping the box 20 is provided on the vertically movable robot 28E.

[0054] The library controller 14 outputs a conveying mechanism drive signal to the conveying mechanism 28. The conveying mechanism drive signal is a signal that instructs the conveying mechanism 28 to drive. Each of the horizontal direction moving robot 28C and the vertical direction moving robot 28E is equipped with a motor (not shown in the figure), and each motor of the horizontal direction moving robot 28C and the vertical direction moving robot 28E generates power by driving according to the conveying mechanism drive signal input from the library controller 14. Figure 1 In the example shown, the position where a part of the vertical direction moving robot 28E is facing the box storage unit 24 with unit number "A1" is set as the reference position, and the horizontal direction moving robot 28C and the vertical direction moving robot 28E use the power generated by the motor according to the conveying mechanism drive signal input from the library controller 14 to move independently.

[0055] The library controller 14 is communicatively connected to the tape library 12 via a communication cable. The library controller 14 comprehensively controls the transport mechanism 28 and the tape drive 30 to perform operations such as removing the cartridge 20 from the cartridge storage unit 24, storing the cartridge 20 in the cartridge storage unit 24, transporting the cartridge 20, loading the cartridge 20 into the tape drive 30, removing the cartridge 20 from the tape drive 30, reading data from the magnetic tape MT stored in the cartridge 20, and writing data to the magnetic tape MT.

[0056] The host computer 16 is communicatively connected to the library controller 14 via a communication cable. While wired communication is illustrated here, the present invention is not limited thereto and wireless communication is also possible. The host computer 16 receives instructions from the user to read data from the magnetic tape MT stored in the cartridge 20 and write data to the magnetic tape MT.

[0057] The memory 18 is communicably connected to the library controller 14 via a communication cable. The memory 18 stores a data table 32 and a box table 34.

[0058] Under the control of the host 16, the library controller 14 retrieves a specific box 20 (for example, a box 20 set as the data reading object) from multiple boxes 20, or causes the conveying mechanism 28 to take out a specific box 20 from the box storage unit 24, or causes the tape drive 30 to write data to the magnetic tape MT in the specific tape 20.

[0059] As an example, Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , a magnetic tape MT storing data is contained in the box 20. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , arrow A indicates the direction of the cartridge 20 to the tape drive 30 (see FIG. Figure 3 ), the direction of arrow A is defined as the front direction of the cartridge 20, and the front direction side of the cartridge 20 is defined as the front side of the cartridge 20. Furthermore, the direction opposite to the front direction of the cartridge 20 is defined as the rear direction of the cartridge 20, and the rear direction side of the cartridge 20 is defined as the rear side of the cartridge 20.

[0060] Furthermore, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figure 2 , the direction of arrow B perpendicular to the direction of arrow A is defined as the right direction, and the right side of the box 20 is defined as the right side of the box 20. Furthermore, the direction opposite to the right direction of the box 20 is defined as the left direction of the box 20, and the left side of the box 20 is defined as the left side of the box 20.

[0061] Furthermore, in the following description, for the sake of convenience, Figure 2 , an arrow C indicates a direction perpendicular to the arrow A and arrow B directions, and the arrow C direction is defined as the upward direction of the case 20, and the upward side of the case 20 is defined as the upper side of the case 20. Furthermore, the direction opposite to the upward direction of the case 20 is defined as the downward direction of the case 20, and the downward side of the case 20 is defined as the lower side of the case 20.

[0062] As an example, Figure 2As shown, the box 20 is generally rectangular in plan view and includes a box-shaped housing 36. The housing 36 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate and includes an upper housing 36A and a lower housing 36B. The upper housing 36A and the lower housing 36B are joined by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding) or screw fastening, with the lower peripheral surface of the upper housing 36A in contact with the upper peripheral surface of the lower housing 36B. The joining method is not limited to welding and screw fastening, and other joining methods may also be used.

[0063] A cassette reel 38 is rotatably housed within the housing 36. The cassette reel 38 includes a reel hub 38A, an upper flange 38B1, and a lower flange 38B2. The reel hub 38A is cylindrical. The reel hub 38A serves as the axial center of the cassette reel 38, with its axial direction extending along the vertical direction of the housing 36. The upper flange 38B1 and the lower flange 38B2 are each annular. The center of the upper flange 38B1, as viewed from above, is fixed to the upper end of the reel hub 38A, while the center of the lower flange 38B2, as viewed from above, is fixed to the lower end of the reel hub 38A. A magnetic tape MT is wound around the outer circumference of the reel hub 38A, with the widthwise ends of the magnetic tape MT being held by the upper flange 38B1 and the lower flange 38B2.

[0064] An opening 36D is formed on the front side of the right wall 36C of the housing 36. The magnetic tape MT is pulled out through the opening 36D.

[0065] As an example, Figure 3 As shown, the tape drive 30 includes a transport device 46, a read / write head 48, and a control device 52. The cartridge 20 is loaded into the tape drive 30. The tape drive 30 is a device that pulls out a magnetic tape MT from the cartridge 20 and uses the read / write head 48 to read data from the pulled out magnetic tape MT and write data to the magnetic tape MT.

[0066] The control device 52 controls the overall operation of the tape drive 30. In this embodiment, the control device 52 is implemented using an ASIC, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 52 can also be implemented using an FPGA. Furthermore, the control device 52 can also be implemented using a computer including a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Furthermore, the control device 52 can be implemented by combining two or more of an ASIC, an FPGA, and a computer. In other words, the control device 52 can be implemented using a combination of hardware and software.

[0067] The transport device 46 is a device that selectively transports the magnetic tape MT in the forward direction and the reverse direction, and includes a feed motor 54 , a feed reel 56 , a take-up motor 58 , and a plurality of guide rollers GR.

[0068] The feed motor 54 rotates the feed reel 56 under the control of the control device 52. The control device 52 controls the feed motor 54 to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, torque, etc. of the feed reel 56.

[0069] When the magnetic tape MT is drawn onto the delivery reel 56 , the control device 52 rotates the delivery motor 54 to move the magnetic tape MT forward.

[0070] The take-up motor 58 rotates the cassette reel 38 in the cassette 20 under the control of the control device 52. The control device 52 controls the take-up motor 58 to control the rotation direction, rotation speed, torque, etc. of the cassette reel 38.

[0071] When the magnetic tape MT is wound on the cassette reel 38 , the control device 52 rotates the winding motor 58 to reverse the magnetic tape MT.

[0072] By adjusting the rotational speed and torque of the feed motor 54 and the take-up motor 58 in this manner, a tension within a predetermined range is applied to the magnetic tape MT. The predetermined range refers to a tension range obtained, for example, through computer simulations and / or actual machine tests, and is a tension range within which data can be read from and written to the magnetic tape MT by the read / write head 48.

[0073] In this embodiment, the tension of the magnetic tape MT is controlled by controlling the rotational speed and torque of the feed motor 54 and the take-up motor 58. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tension of the magnetic tape MT can be controlled using a dancer roller or by pulling the magnetic tape MT into a vacuum chamber.

[0074] Each of the plurality of guide rollers GR is a roller for guiding the magnetic tape MT. The travel path of the magnetic tape MT is determined by the plurality of guide rollers GR being arranged between the cassette 20 and the feed reel 56 at positions across the read / write head 48 .

[0075] The read / write head 48 includes a read / write element 60 and a holder 62. The read / write element 60 is held by the holder 62 so as to contact the traveling magnetic tape MT, reads data from the magnetic tape MT transported by the transport device 46, and writes data to the magnetic tape MT.

[0076] The cartridge management system 10 is a system for managing a plurality of cartridges 20 each containing a magnetic tape MT. Figure 4 The control box management system 10 is controlled by the processing flow shown.

[0077] As an example, Figure 4 As shown, the cartridge management system 10 executes a data reading process 70, a data rewriting process 72, and a cartridge replacement process 74 under the control of the library controller 14. The data reading process 70 is a process for reading data from the magnetic tape MT accommodated in the cartridge 20 in response to a read request signal received from the host computer 16. The data rewriting process 72 is a process for rewriting data stored in the magnetic tape MT to a specific cartridge 20 based on an access frequency indicating the frequency of access to the data. The cartridge replacement process 74 is a process for replacing data stored in the magnetic tape MT of a specific cartridge 20 with data stored in magnetic tapes MT of other cartridges 20.

[0078] Hereinafter, the configuration of the cartridge management system 10 that executes the data reading process 70 , the data rewriting process 72 , and the cartridge replacement process 74 will be described.

[0079] As an example, Figure 5 As shown, the library controller 14 includes a CPU 76 , an NVM 78 , and a RAM 79 . The CPU 76 , the NVM 78 , and the RAM 79 are connected to a bus 90 .

[0080] The CPU 76 is an example of a "processor" within the scope of the present invention. The CPU 76 controls the entire cartridge management system 10. The NVM 78 is an example of a "memory" within the scope of the present invention. An example of the NVM 78 is an EEPROM. This is merely one example; for example, a ferroelectric memory may be substituted for the EEPROM. Any nonvolatile memory capable of being mounted on the library controller 14 may be used. The RAM 79 is a volatile memory used as a workspace, etc., when executing various programs.

[0081] The CPU 76 outputs a conveyor mechanism drive signal. The conveyor mechanism 28 moves the horizontally movable robot 28C and the vertically movable robot 28E according to the conveyor mechanism drive signal input from the CPU 76, thereby selectively performing a loading operation of removing the cartridge 20 from the cartridge storage unit 24 and loading the removed cartridge 20 into the tape drive 30, and a storage operation of removing the cartridge 20 from the tape drive 30 and storing the removed cartridge 20 in the storage unit 24. When the conveyor mechanism 28 is driven by the conveyor mechanism drive signal, the conveyor mechanism 28 returns to its reference position.

[0082] The CPU 76 outputs a tape drive drive signal. The control device 52 of the tape drive 30 controls the transport device 46 and the read / write head 48 according to the tape drive drive signal input from the CPU 76, thereby selectively performing a read operation to read data from the magnetic tape MT and a write operation to write data to the magnetic tape MT.

[0083] A control program 88 is stored in the NVM 78. The CPU 76 reads the control program 88 from the NVM 78 and executes it on the RAM 79, thereby operating as a data reading unit 80, a data rewriting unit 82, and a cartridge replacement unit 84. The data reading unit 80 performs the data reading process 70. The data rewriting unit 82 performs the data rewriting process 72. The cartridge replacement unit 84 performs the cartridge replacement process 74.

[0084] The host 16 provides instructions corresponding to user requests to the library controller 14. The host 16 includes a CPU 16A, an NVM 16B, and a RAM 16C. The CPU 16A controls the entire host 16. The NVM 16B is a non-volatile memory. Various programs are stored in the NVM 16B. An EEPROM can be cited as an example of the NVM 16B, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. The NVM 16B can be, for example, a ferroelectric memory instead of an EEPROM, or any non-volatile memory that can be mounted on the host 16. The RAM 16C is a volatile memory used as a workspace, etc. when executing various programs.

[0085] CPU 16A, NVM 16B, and RAM 16C are connected to bus 16D. A receiving device 40, such as a mouse, keyboard, and touch panel, and a monitor 42, such as an EL display or LCD, are connected to host computer 16. The receiving device 40 receives user instructions to host computer 16. The monitor 42 displays the output from host computer 16 on a screen. While the receiving device 40 and monitor 42 are illustrated here as separate devices, the present invention is not limited to this. An input / output device in which the receiving device 40 and monitor 42 are integrated may also be used. An example of an input / output device is a touch panel display in which a touch panel included in the receiving device 40 is integrated with the monitor 42.

[0086] As an example, Figure 6 As shown, the data reading unit 80 executes the data reading process 70 in response to a read request signal input from the host computer 16. The read request signal is output by the host computer 16 in response to a read instruction signal received from the user via the receiving device 40. The read instruction signal includes a data number that identifies the data designated by the user as the read target (hereinafter also referred to as "read target data"). The host computer 16 generates a read request signal including the data number of the read target data and outputs the read request signal to the data reading unit 80.

[0087] The memory 18 stores a data table 32 and a cassette table 34. The data table 32 stores, in association with each other, the data number of the data stored in the cassette 20 and the cassette number of the cassette 20 storing the data. The cassette table 34 stores, in association with each other, the cassette number of the cassette 20 and the unit number of the cassette storage unit 24 storing the cassette 20.

[0088] The data reading unit 80 refers to the data table 32 stored in the memory 18 and retrieves the cartridge number corresponding to the data number of the read target data. Specifically, the data reading unit 80 obtains the cartridge number of the cartridge 20 storing the read target data. The data reading unit 80 then refers to the cartridge table 34 and retrieves the unit number corresponding to the retrieved cartridge number. Specifically, the data reading unit 80 obtains the unit number of the cartridge storage unit 24 storing the cartridge 20 storing the read target data.

[0089] The data reading unit 80 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to the transport mechanism 28. The transport mechanism 28 performs a loading operation based on the transport mechanism drive signal input from the data reading unit 80. As a result, the transport mechanism 28 removes the cartridge 20 storing the data to be read from the cartridge storage unit 24 and loads it into the tape drive 30.

[0090] The data reading unit 80 outputs a tape drive drive signal to the tape drive 30. The tape drive 30 performs a reading operation based on the tape drive drive signal input from the data reading unit 80. As a result, the read target data is read from the cartridge 20. The read data (hereinafter also referred to as "read data") is output to the host computer 16.

[0091] In addition to the correspondence between data numbers and cartridge numbers, data table 32 also stores access frequencies, which indicate how often data with each data number is accessed. Data numbers, cartridge numbers, and access frequencies are stored in data table 32 in a corresponding relationship. Here, the access frequencies represent, for example, the number of times data with each data number is read by the tape drive 30 during a specific period. For example, the specific period is one month, and the access frequencies shown in data table 32 are reset to zero each month.

[0092] After the reading operation of the tape drive 30 is completed, the data reading unit 80 outputs an access frequency increase signal to increase the access frequency corresponding to the data number of the read data in the data table 32 by only 1.

[0093] In addition to the correspondence between the cartridge number and the unit number, the cartridge table 34 also stores a usage frequency indicating how often the cartridge 20 having each cartridge number is used. The cartridge number, unit number, and usage frequency are stored in association with each other in the cartridge table 34. Here, the usage frequency indicates, for example, the number of times the cartridge 20 having each cartridge number has been used in a read operation of the tape drive 30 since the start of use of the cartridge 20.

[0094] After the reading operation of the tape drive 30 is completed, the data reading unit 80 outputs a usage frequency increase signal to increase the usage frequency corresponding to the cartridge number of the cartridge 20 storing the read data in the cartridge table 34 by 1.

[0095] When the reading operation of the tape drive 30 is completed, the data reading unit 80 outputs a transport mechanism driving signal to the transport mechanism 28, causing the transport mechanism 28 to perform a storage operation. As a result, the cartridge 20 loaded in the tape drive 30 is removed from the tape drive 30 and stored in the original cartridge storage unit 24.

[0096] To explain this specifically, for example, when the data reader 80 receives a read request signal to read data with data number "0001," it refers to the data table 32 and obtains the box number "CN1" corresponding to the data number "0001." Next, the data reader 80 refers to the box table 34 and obtains the unit number "A1" corresponding to the box number "CN1."

[0097] The data reader 80 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to drive the transport mechanism 28, thereby removing the cartridge 20 with the cartridge number "CN1" from the cartridge storage unit 24 with the unit number "A1" and loading it into the tape drive 30. The data reader 80 outputs a tape drive drive signal to drive the tape drive 30, thereby reading the data number "0001" from the cartridge 20 with the cartridge number "CN1" loaded into the tape drive 30. When the reading operation of the tape drive 30 is completed, the data reader 80 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to drive the transport mechanism 28, thereby removing the cartridge 20 with the cartridge number "CN1" from the tape drive 30 and loading it into the cartridge storage unit 24 with the unit number "A1."

[0098] For example, Figure 7 As shown, the data rewriting unit 82 executes the data rewriting process 72. In the data rewriting process 72, the data rewriting unit 82 rewrites data having a higher access frequency than the reference access frequency, i.e., high access frequency data, into a specific box, thereby concentrating the high access frequency data in the specific box.

[0099] Here, the term "highly accessed data" refers to, for example, the top 5% of data with the highest access frequency when data files are arranged in order of access frequency. Furthermore, the term "base access frequency" refers to the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the access frequency of the least frequently accessed data among the data designated as high-access-frequency data. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the high-access-frequency data may be the top 10% of data with the highest access frequency. The proportion of high-access-frequency data in the total data can be arbitrarily changed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific box is, for example, the new box 20-1.

[0100] The data rewriting process 72 is executed by the data rewriting unit 82 when an execution instruction for the data rewriting process 72 (hereinafter referred to as "data rewriting process execution instruction") is output from a timer (not shown) provided in the library controller 14 periodically (for example, once a month).

[0101] If the data rewriting processing execution instruction is received, the data rewriting unit 82 reads the data table 32 from the memory 18 and creates a high-access frequency data table 92 from the data table 32. As an example, Figure 8 As shown, in the high-access frequency data table 92, the data files listed in the data table 32 are rearranged according to access frequency. Furthermore, from the top 5%, or 100 data files, five data files are extracted as high-access frequency data in order of increasing access frequency. In the high-access frequency data table 92, the high-access frequency data are assigned the symbols FD1 to FD5 in order of increasing access frequency.

[0102] The data rewriting unit 82 stores the created high-access frequency data table 92 in the memory 18. The data rewriting unit 82 refers to the high-access frequency data table 92 and the box table 34, sequentially reads the high-access frequency data FD1 to FD5 from the box 20, and stores them in the data temporary storage area 94.

[0103] More specifically, the data rewriting unit 82 refers to the frequently accessed data table 92 and obtains the data number "0065" and the box number "CN13" corresponding to the frequently accessed data FD1. Next, the data rewriting unit 82 refers to the box table 34 and obtains the cell number "B3" corresponding to the box number "CN13."

[0104] The data rewrite unit 82 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to drive the transport mechanism 28, removing the cartridge 20 with cartridge number "CN13" from the cartridge storage unit 24 with unit number "B3" and loading it into the tape drive 30. Next, the data rewrite unit 82 outputs a tape drive drive signal to drive the tape drive 30, reading the data with data number "0065" from the cartridge 20 with cartridge number "CN13." The read data with data number "0065" is stored in the temporary data storage area 94. When the tape drive 30 completes the reading operation, the data rewrite unit 82 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to drive the transport mechanism 28, removing the cartridge 20 with cartridge number "CN13" from the tape drive 30 and storing it in the cartridge storage unit 24 with unit number "B3."

[0105] The data rewriting unit 82 repeats the same process to store the frequently accessed data FD2 to FD5 in the temporary data storage area 94. When all the frequently accessed data FD1 to FD5 are stored in the temporary data storage area 94, the data rewriting unit 82 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to drive the transport mechanism 28, thereby loading a new cartridge 20-1 into the tape drive 30.

[0106] The data rewriting section 82 drives the tape drive 30 by outputting a tape drive driving signal, thereby writing the high-access frequency data FD1 to FD5 stored in the data temporary storage area 94 into the new cartridge 20 - 1 .

[0107] When the writing operation of the tape drive 30 is completed, the data rewriting unit 82 changes the box number designated as the data with high access frequency FD1 to FD5 in the data table 32 to "CN 21" indicating the new box 20-1.

[0108] As an example, Figure 9 As shown, in the data table 32-1 before the data rewrite process, the box number corresponding to data number "0002" is "CN1." Since the data with data number "0002" is the frequently accessed data FD3, the data rewrite unit 82 changes the box number corresponding to data number "0002" to "CN21." Consequently, during the data read process 70, the frequently accessed data FD1-FD5 are read from the new box 20-1, not from the box 20. Consequently, during the data read process 70, the new box 20-1, which contains the frequently accessed data FD1-FD5, is used intensively, increasing the frequency of use of the new box 20-1.

[0109] The data rewriting unit 82 resets the access frequencies of all data in the data table 32-2 after the data rewriting process to 0. Therefore, the access frequencies shown in the data table 32 are reset every time the data rewriting process 72 is executed.

[0110] The data rewriting unit 82 then adds the new cartridge 20-1 to the cartridge table 34. The data rewriting unit 82 then rewrites the cartridge table 34 so that the new cartridge 20-1 is stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 having the shortest transport path from the cartridge storage unit 24 to the tape drive 30 by the transport mechanism 28.

[0111] For example, in Figure 10 In the example, symbol 34-1 represents the box table before the data rewrite process, and symbol 34-2 represents the box table after the data rewrite process. The box number "CN21" of the new box 20-1 is added to the box table 34-2, and the unit number "A1" is stored corresponding to the box number "CN21". The reason for this is that Figure 1 The box storage unit 24 with unit number "A1" shown is closest to the tape drive 30 and closest to the reference position of the conveying mechanism 28. Therefore, when the box 20 is conveyed between the box storage unit 24 with unit number "A1" and the tape drive 30, the conveying path of the conveying mechanism 28 is the shortest.

[0112] In this case, before the data rewriting process, the cartridge 20 of the cartridge number "CN1" stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 of the unit number "A1" is moved to another cartridge storage unit 24. Figure 10 In the example shown, as shown in the box table 34-2, the unit number corresponding to the box number "CN1" is changed to "C1".

[0113] The data rewriting unit 82 outputs a transport mechanism drive signal according to the cartridge table 34-2 to move the cartridge 20 with cartridge number "CN1" stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 with unit number "A1" to the cartridge storage unit 24 with unit number "C1." The data rewriting unit 82 then outputs a transport mechanism drive signal to remove the new cartridge 20-1 from the tape drive 30 and store it in the cartridge storage unit 24 with unit number "A1." Consequently, since the new cartridge 20-1 is stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 with the shortest transport path of the transport mechanism 28, the transport mechanism 28 can quickly transport the frequently used new cartridge 20-1 between the cartridge storage unit 24 and the tape drive 30.

[0114] As an example, Figure 11 As shown, the cartridge replacement unit 84 executes the cartridge replacement process 74. The cartridge replacement process 74 equalizes the consumption rate of the cartridges 20 among the plurality of cartridges 20 by replacing the data stored in the new cartridge 20-1 with data from other cartridges with a low frequency of use.

[0115] Here, the term "other cassettes" refers to cassettes 20 whose usage frequencies are lower than the reference usage frequency. In this embodiment, for example, when cassettes 20 are arranged in order of highest usage frequency, the cassette replacement unit 84 performs the cassette replacement process 74 using the cassette 20 with the lowest usage frequency among the 20 cassettes 20 that are in the bottom 5% of the lowest usage frequencies. In this case, the reference usage frequency is obtained by adding 1 to the usage frequency of the cassette 20 with the lowest usage frequency. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and the reference usage frequency can be arbitrarily changed. In addition, the reference usage frequency is an example of the "first reference usage frequency" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0116] The cartridge replacement process 74 is executed by the cartridge replacement unit 84 when an execution instruction for the cartridge replacement process 74 (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge replacement process execution instruction") is outputted periodically (eg, once a year) from a clock (not shown) provided in the library controller 14 .

[0117] When receiving the instruction to execute the cartridge replacement process, the cartridge replacement unit 84 refers to the cartridge table 34 in the memory 18 and searches for the cartridge with the highest frequency of use (in Figure 11 , represented by the abbreviation "HC") and the lowest frequency box (in Figure 11 In this embodiment, as Figure 11 As shown in the cassette table 34, the new cassette 20-1 with the cassette number "CN21" is the cassette with the highest frequency of use, and the cassette 20-2 with the cassette number "CN7" is the cassette with the lowest frequency of use.

[0118] The cartridge replacing unit 84 outputs a conveyor mechanism driving signal to drive the conveyor mechanism 28, thereby removing the most frequently used cartridge 20-1 from the cartridge storage unit 24 and loading it into the first tape drive 30-1. Furthermore, the cartridge replacing unit 84 outputs a conveyor mechanism driving signal to drive the conveyor mechanism 28, thereby removing the least frequently used cartridge 20-2 from the cartridge storage unit 24 and loading it into the second tape drive 30-2.

[0119] The cartridge replacement unit 84 drives the tape drive 30 by outputting a tape drive drive signal to read data (hereinafter referred to as "most frequently used data") from the most frequently used cartridge 20-1. Figure 11 In the example, the cartridge replacement section 84 outputs a tape drive drive signal to drive the tape drive 30, thereby reading data from the lowest frequency cartridge 20-2 (hereinafter referred to as "lowest frequency data"). Figure 11 The read highest-frequency-of-use data and the lowest-frequency-of-use data are stored in the data temporary storage area 94 of the memory 18.

[0120] The cartridge replacing unit 84 drives the tape drive 30 by outputting a tape drive drive signal, thereby writing the most frequently used data stored in the temporary data storage area 94 to the least frequently used cartridge 20-2. Furthermore, the cartridge replacing unit 84 drives the tape drive 30 by outputting a tape drive drive signal, thereby writing the least frequently used data stored in the temporary data storage area 94 to the most frequently used cartridge 20-1. Thus, the data on the most frequently used cartridge and the data on the least frequently used cartridge are exchanged.

[0121] When the writing operation of the tape drive 30 is completed, the cartridge replacement unit 84 replaces the cell number of the most frequently used cartridge 20 - 1 and the cell number of the least frequently used cartridge 20 - 2 in the cartridge table 34 .

[0122] As an example, Figure 12 As shown, in the cassette table 34-3 before the cassette replacement process, the unit number corresponding to cassette number "CN21" is "A1," and the unit number corresponding to cassette number "CN7" is "A7." As shown in the cassette table 34-4 after the cassette replacement process, the cassette replacement unit 84 changes the unit number corresponding to cassette number "CN21" to "A7," and the unit number corresponding to cassette number "CN7" to "A1." As a result, the cassette storing the most frequently accessed data FD1 to FD5 (the least frequently used cassette 20-2) is stored in the cassette storage unit 24 with the shortest transport path of the transport mechanism 28.

[0123] Then, the box replacing section 84 replaces the box number corresponding to the data stored in the most frequently used box 20 - 1 and the box number corresponding to the data stored in the least frequently used box 20 - 2 in the data table 32 .

[0124] As an example, Figure 13 As shown in the data table 32-3 before the cartridge replacement process, the cartridge number corresponding to data number "0002" is "CN21." The unit number corresponding to data numbers "0031" and "0032" is "CN7." As shown in the data table 32-4 after the cartridge replacement process, the cartridge replacement unit 84 changes the cartridge number corresponding to data number "0002" to "CN7" and the cartridge numbers corresponding to data numbers "0031" and "0032" to "CN21." This achieves a match between the data number and the cartridge number.

[0125] Regarding the function of the box management system 10 according to this embodiment, refer to Figures 14 to 16 Provide explanation.

[0126] Figure 14 2 shows an example of a flow of the data read process 70 executed when the power of the library controller 14 is turned on.

[0127] exist Figure 14 In the data reading process 70 shown, first, in step ST101, the data reading unit 80 receives a read request signal from the host 16. Then, the data reading process proceeds to step ST102.

[0128] In step ST102 , the data reading unit 80 refers to the data table 32 and acquires the box number of the box 20 storing the read target data (hereinafter also referred to as “target box”). Then, the data reading process 70 moves to step ST103 .

[0129] In step ST103, the data reading unit 80 refers to the cassette table 34 and acquires the unit number of the cassette storage unit 24 storing the target cassette. Then, the data reading process 70 proceeds to step ST104.

[0130] In step ST104, the data reading unit 80 causes the transport mechanism 28 to load the target cartridge into the tape drive 30. Then, the data reading process 70 proceeds to step ST105.

[0131] In step ST105, the data reading unit 80 causes the tape drive 30 to read the target data from the magnetic tape MT of the target cartridge. Then, the data reading process 70 proceeds to step ST106.

[0132] In step ST106, the data reading unit 80 stores the read data in the RAM 79. The read data stored in the RAM 79 is output to the host 16. Then, the data reading process 70 proceeds to step ST107.

[0133] In step ST107, the data reading unit 80 increases the access frequency for reading data in the data table 32. Then, the data reading process 70 proceeds to step ST108.

[0134] In step ST108, the data reading unit 80 increases the usage frequency of the target box in the box table 34. Then, the data reading process 70 proceeds to step ST109.

[0135] In step ST109, the data reading section 80 causes the transport mechanism 28 to take out the target cartridge from the tape drive 30 and store it in the original cartridge storage unit 24. The data reading section 80 thus ends the data reading process 70.

[0136] Figure 15 2 shows an example of the flow of the data rewriting process 72 executed when a data rewriting process execution instruction is received.

[0137] exist Figure 15In the data rewrite process 72 shown, first, in step ST201, the data rewrite unit 82 determines whether it has received a data rewrite execution instruction. In step ST201, if the data rewrite unit 82 has received a data rewrite execution instruction, the determination is affirmative, and the data rewrite process 72 moves to step ST202. In step ST201, if the data rewrite unit 82 has not received a data rewrite execution instruction, the determination is negative, and the data rewrite process 72 repeats step ST201.

[0138] In step ST202, the data rewriting unit 82 creates a high-access frequency data table 92 from the data table 32. High-access frequency data table 92 lists the data numbers, box numbers, and access frequencies of the high-access frequency data FD1 to FD5 in a mutually associated manner. The data rewriting unit 82 stores high-access frequency data table 92 in the memory 18. The data reading process 72 then moves to step ST203.

[0139] In step ST203 , the data rewriting unit 82 sets n = 1. Then, the data reading process 72 moves to step ST204 .

[0140] In step ST204, the data rewrite unit 82 refers to the high-access-frequency data table 92 and the cartridge table 34 to obtain the data number, cartridge number, and unit number of the high-access-frequency data FD1. The data rewrite unit 82 causes the transport mechanism 28 to remove the cartridge 20 containing the high-access-frequency data FD1 from the cartridge storage unit 24 and load it into the tape drive 30. The data read process 72 then moves to step ST205.

[0141] In step ST205, the data rewriting unit 82 causes the tape drive 30 to read the high-access frequency data FD1 from the magnetic tape MT of the cartridge 20 loaded in the tape drive 30. Then, the data reading process 72 moves to step ST206.

[0142] In step ST206, the data rewriting unit 82 stores the read high-access frequency data FD1 in the data temporary storage area 94 of the memory 18. Then, the data reading process 72 proceeds to step ST207.

[0143] In step ST207, the data rewriting unit 82 causes the transport mechanism 28 to store the cartridge 20 loaded in the tape drive 30 in the original cartridge storage unit 24. Then, the data reading process 72 proceeds to step ST208.

[0144] In step ST208, the data rewrite unit 82 determines whether the condition of n=5 (hereinafter also referred to as the "high-access-frequency data read end condition") is satisfied. In step ST208, if the high-access-frequency data read end condition is satisfied, the determination is affirmative, and the data rewrite process 72 moves to step ST210. If the high-access-frequency data read end condition is not satisfied, the determination is negative, and the data rewrite process 72 moves to step ST209.

[0145] In step ST209, the data rewriting unit 82 increments n by 1. The data reading process 72 then moves to step ST204. In this manner, the data rewriting unit 82 repeats steps ST204 to ST207 while incrementing n by 1 until the high-access-frequency data readout condition is satisfied. Consequently, the high-access-frequency data FD1 to FD5 are stored in the temporary data storage area 94.

[0146] In step ST210, the data rewriting unit 82 causes the transport mechanism 28 to load the new cartridge 20-1 into the tape drive 30. Then, the data reading process 72 proceeds to step ST211.

[0147] In step ST211, the data rewriting unit 82 causes the tape drive 30 to write the frequently accessed data FD1 to FD5 stored in the temporary data storage area 94 to the magnetic tape MT of the new cartridge 20-1. The data reading process 72 then proceeds to step ST212.

[0148] In step ST212, the data rewriting unit 82 changes the box numbers corresponding to the data numbers of the frequently accessed data FD1 to FD5 to the box number of the new box 20-1 in the data table 32. The data reading process 72 then proceeds to step ST213.

[0149] In step ST213, the data rewriting unit 82 changes the unit number corresponding to the cartridge number "CN21" of the new cartridge 20-1 in the cartridge table 34 to the unit number "A1" of the cartridge storage unit 24 with the shortest transport path of the transport mechanism 28. Furthermore, the data rewriting unit 82 changes the unit number corresponding to the cartridge number of the cartridge 20 initially stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 with the unit number "A1" to the unit number of the empty cartridge storage unit 24. The data reading process 72 then moves to step ST214.

[0150] In step ST214, the data rewrite unit 82 causes the transport mechanism 28 to move the cartridge 20 originally stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 with the unit number "A1" to the cartridge storage unit 24 with the changed unit number. The data rewrite unit 82 then causes the transport mechanism 28 to remove the new cartridge 20-1 from the tape drive 30 and store it in the cartridge storage unit 24 with the unit number "A1." The data rewrite unit 82 then terminates the data rewrite process 72.

[0151] Figure 16 2 shows an example of a flow of the cartridge replacement process 74 executed when a cartridge replacement process execution instruction is received.

[0152] exist Figure 16 In the illustrated cartridge replacement process 74, first, in step ST301, the cartridge replacement unit 84 determines whether or not it has received a cartridge replacement process execution instruction. If, in step ST301, the cartridge replacement unit 84 has received a cartridge replacement process execution instruction, the determination is affirmative, and the cartridge replacement process 74 moves to step ST302. If, in step ST301, the cartridge replacement unit 84 has not received a cartridge replacement process execution instruction, the determination is negative, and the cartridge replacement process 74 repeats step ST301.

[0153] In step ST302, the cartridge replacement unit 84 refers to the cartridge table 34 to obtain the cartridge number and unit number of the most frequently used cartridge and the most frequently used cartridge.

[0154] In step ST303, the cartridge replacement unit 84 causes the transport mechanism 28 to load the most frequently used cartridge into the first tape drive 30-1 and the least frequently used cartridge into the second tape drive 30-2. The cartridge replacement process 74 then proceeds to step ST304.

[0155] In step ST304, the cartridge replacement unit 84 causes the first tape drive 30-1 to read the most frequently used data from the most frequently used cartridge. Furthermore, the cartridge replacement unit 84 causes the second tape drive 30-2 to read the least frequently used data from the least frequently used cartridge. The cartridge replacement process 74 then proceeds to step ST305.

[0156] In step ST305, the cartridge replacement unit 84 stores the read highest-frequency-of-use data and the lowest-frequency-of-use data in the data temporary storage area 94 of the memory 18. Thereafter, the cartridge replacement process 74 proceeds to step ST306.

[0157] In step ST306, the cartridge replacement unit 84 causes the tape drive 30 to write the lowest-frequency-used data stored in the temporary data storage area 94 to the highest-frequency-used data box. Furthermore, the cartridge replacement unit 84 causes the tape drive 30 to write the highest-frequency-used data stored in the temporary data storage area 94 to the lowest-frequency-used data box. Thereafter, the cartridge replacement process 74 proceeds to step ST307.

[0158] In step ST307, the cartridge replacement section 84 replaces the unit number corresponding to the cartridge number of the most frequently used cartridge with the unit number corresponding to the cartridge number of the least frequently used cartridge in the cartridge table 34. Thereafter, the cartridge replacement process 74 moves to step ST308.

[0159] In step ST308, the cartridge replacement unit 84 causes the transport mechanism 28 to remove the most frequently used cartridge from the first tape drive 30-1 and store it in the cartridge storage unit 24 with the replaced unit number. Furthermore, the cartridge replacement unit 84 causes the transport mechanism 28 to remove the least frequently used cartridge from the second tape drive 30-2 and store it in the cartridge storage unit 24 with the replaced unit number. Thus, the cartridge with the highly accessed data FD1 to FD5 written thereto (the least frequently used cartridge) is stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 with the shortest transport path of the transport mechanism 28. The cartridge replacement process 74 then proceeds to step ST309.

[0160] In step ST309, the cartridge replacement unit 84 replaces the cartridge number corresponding to the data number of the data stored in the most frequently used cartridge with the cartridge number corresponding to the data number of the data stored in the least frequently used cartridge in the data table 32. Thus, the cartridge replacement unit 84 completes the cartridge replacement process 74 for replacing the data of the most frequently used cartridge with the data of the least frequently used cartridge.

[0161] As described above, the cartridge management system 10 according to this embodiment manages multiple cartridges 20, each of which contains a magnetic tape MT. The library controller 14, which controls the cartridge management system 10, executes a data rewrite process 72 and a cartridge replacement process 74. The data rewrite process 72 rewrites data stored on the magnetic tape MT to a specific cartridge, such as a new cartridge 20-1, among the multiple cartridges 20, based on access frequency. Thus, according to the data rewrite process 72, data stored on the magnetic tape MT is aggregated in a specific cartridge based on access frequency. The cartridge replacement process 74 replaces data stored on the magnetic tape MT of a specific cartridge with data stored on the magnetic tape MT of other cartridges. Thus, according to the cartridge replacement process 74, by replacing data stored on the magnetic tape MT of a specific cartridge with data stored on the magnetic tape MT of other cartridges, the consumption rate of the cartridges 20 can be equalized across the multiple cartridges 20. Consequently, the lifespan of all cartridges 20 stored in the tape library 12 can be extended compared to a case where the data rewrite process 72 and the cartridge replacement process 74 are not performed.

[0162] According to the box management system 10 of this embodiment, during the data rewrite process 72, the data rewrite unit 82 rewrites the high-access frequency data FD1 to FD5, which have a higher access frequency than the reference access frequency, to the specific box, thereby consolidating the high-access frequency data FD1 to FD5 in the specific box. This allows the specific box to be used more frequently than when the data rewrite process 72 is not performed.

[0163] According to the cartridge management system 10 of the present embodiment, the specific cartridge is the new cartridge 20 - 1 , so that the frequency of use of the new cartridge 20 - 1 can be increased compared to a case where the data rewriting process 72 is not performed.

[0164] According to the box management system 10 according to the present embodiment, the data rewriting unit 82 periodically executes the data rewriting process 72. Therefore, compared with the case where the data rewriting process 72 is manually performed, the time required for the periodic data rewriting work can be reduced.

[0165] According to the cartridge management system 10 of this embodiment, in the cartridge replacement process 74, the cartridge replacement unit 84 replaces the data stored on the magnetic tape MT of a specific cartridge with the data stored on the magnetic tape MT of a cartridge with a usage frequency lower than the reference usage frequency. Consequently, compared to a case where the cartridge replacement unit 84 is not used, the consumption rate of the cartridges 20 can be made uniform across a plurality of cartridges 20.

[0166] According to the cartridge management system 10 according to the present embodiment, the cartridge replacing section 84 periodically executes the cartridge replacing process 74 , thereby reducing the labor required for the periodic replacement work compared to when the cartridge replacing process 74 is manually performed.

[0167] According to the cartridge management system 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of cartridges 20 are stored in a cartridge storage unit 24 of a storage rack 22 in units of a predetermined number (e.g., one by one). The library controller 14 causes the transport mechanism 28 provided in the storage rack 22 to remove a specific cartridge 20 from the cartridge storage unit 24 and causes the transport mechanism 28 to load the specific cartridge 20 removed from the cartridge storage unit 24 into the tape drive 30. Thus, the library controller 14 can cause the transport mechanism 28 to remove the cartridge 20 from the cartridge storage unit 24 and load it into the tape drive 30.

[0168] According to the cartridge management system 10 of this embodiment, the cartridge storage unit 24 storing the specific cartridge is the cartridge storage unit having the shortest transport path from the cartridge storage unit 24 to the tape drive 30 by the transport mechanism 28. Therefore, compared to a case where the specific cartridge is not stored in the cartridge storage unit 24 having the shortest transport path, the specific cartridge can be removed more quickly and loaded into the tape drive 30.

[0169] In the above embodiment, in the data rewriting process 72, the data rewriting unit 82 writes the high-access frequency data FD1 to FD5 to the new box 20-1, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. The data rewriting unit 82 can write the high-access frequency data FD1 to FD5 to the box 20 whose usage frequency is lower than the reference usage frequency. The reference usage frequency is a value determined based on the minimum number of times that the durability of the box 20 obtained by computer simulation, sensory tests and / or actual machine tests can be maintained. In addition, this reference usage frequency is an example of the "second reference usage frequency" involved in the technology of the present invention. By aggregating the high-access frequency data FD1 to FD5 in the box 20 whose usage frequency is lower than the reference usage frequency, the usage frequency of the box 20 with a low usage frequency can be increased.

[0170] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the data rewriting process 72 is performed periodically (e.g., once a month), but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this, and the timing of executing the data rewriting process 72 may be changed. For example, the data rewriting process 72 may be executed by the data rewriting unit 82 when a user issues a data rewriting process execution instruction to the library controller 14 via the host computer 16.

[0171] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the cartridge replacement process 74 is performed periodically (e.g., once a year). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the timing of executing the cartridge replacement process 74 may be varied. For example, the cartridge replacement process 74 may be executed by the cartridge replacement unit 84 when a user issues a cartridge replacement execution instruction to the library controller 14 via the host computer 16. Furthermore, the cartridge replacement process 74 may be executed by the cartridge replacement unit 84 when the number of uses of the most frequently used cartridge reaches a specific value (e.g., 10,000). In this case, the consumption rate of the cartridges 20 can be more easily equalized among the cartridges 20, compared to a case in which the cartridge replacement process 74 is not executed based on the number of uses of the most frequently used cartridge.

[0172] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each cartridge storage unit 24 stores the cartridges 20 one by one, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. Each cartridge storage unit 24 may accommodate a predetermined number of cartridges 20.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control program 88 is stored in the NVM 78, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. Figure 17 As shown, the control program 88 may be stored in a storage medium 100 .

[0174] The storage medium 100 is a non-temporary storage medium. An example of the storage medium 100 is any portable storage medium such as an SS or USB memory. The control program 88 stored in the storage medium 100 is installed in the library controller 14. The CPU 76 executes the data reading process 70, the data rewriting process 72, and the cartridge replacement process 74 (hereinafter, these processes are collectively referred to as "control processes") according to the control program 88. Figure 17 In the example shown, CPU 76 is a single CPU, but it may also be a plurality of CPUs.

[0175] In addition, the control program 88 is stored in a storage unit such as another computer or server device connected to the library controller 14 via a communication network (not shown). The control program 88 can be downloaded and installed in the library controller 14 in response to a request from the library controller 14.

[0176] exist Figure 17 In the example, the library controller 14 is illustrated, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto, and devices including ASIC, FPGA, and / or PLD may be applied instead of the library controller 14. Furthermore, a combination of hardware and software structures may be used instead of the library controller 14.

[0177] As hardware resources for executing control processing, various processors can be used, as shown below. For example, a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, functions as a hardware resource for executing control processing by executing software, i.e., a program. Furthermore, for example, a dedicated circuit, such as a processor, having a circuit structure specifically designed to execute specific processing, such as an FPGA, PLD, or ASIC, can be used. All processors have built-in or connected memory, and all processors execute control processing by using memory.

[0178] The hardware resource for executing control processing can be composed of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, the hardware resource for executing control processing can be a single processor.

[0179] As examples of systems composed of a single processor, there are two approaches: one in which a processor is constructed by combining one or more CPUs and software, with this processor functioning as a hardware resource for executing control processing. Another approach involves using a processor, such as a SoC, that implements the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources for executing control processing, on a single IC chip. In this manner, control processing is implemented using one or more of the various processors described above as hardware resources.

[0180] Furthermore, as the hardware structure of these various processors, more specifically, a circuit composed of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor devices can be used. Furthermore, the control process described above is merely an example. Therefore, unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0181] The records and diagrams shown above are detailed descriptions of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, which are only an example of the technology of the present invention. For example, the descriptions related to the above-mentioned structure, function, action and effect are descriptions related to an example of the structure, function, action and effect of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the main purpose of the technology of the present invention, of course, unnecessary parts can be deleted from the records and diagrams shown above, or new elements can be added, or replacements can be made. In addition, in order to avoid complication and to make it easy to understand the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, in the records and diagrams shown above, descriptions related to technical common sense, etc. that do not need to be particularly explained in terms of the technology that can implement the present invention are omitted.

[0182] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B." That is, "A and / or B" can mean only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, even when "and / or" is added to express three or more items, the same concept as "A and / or B" can be applied.

[0183] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A cartridge management system for managing a plurality of cartridges each containing a magnetic tape, the cartridge management system comprising: processor; and a memory, built into or connected to the processor, The processor performs the following processing: a data rewriting process of rewriting the data into a specific cartridge among the plurality of cartridges according to an access frequency indicating a frequency of access to the data stored in the magnetic tape; and a cartridge replacement process of replacing the data stored in the magnetic tape of the specific cartridge with the data stored in the magnetic tape of the other cartridges among the plurality of cartridges, The specific cartridge is a cartridge having a usage frequency lower than a second reference usage frequency among the plurality of cartridges or a new cartridge.

2. The box management system according to claim 1, wherein: In the data rewriting process, the processor rewrites the data having a higher access frequency than a reference access frequency, that is, the high access frequency data, into the specific box, thereby collecting the high access frequency data into the specific box.

3. The box management system according to claim 1, wherein: The other cartridge is a cartridge having a usage frequency lower than a first reference usage frequency among the plurality of cartridges.

4. The box management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The processor periodically executes the data rewriting process.

5. The box management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The processor periodically executes the cartridge replacement process.

6. The box management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The processor executes the cartridge replacement process according to the number of times the cartridge has been used.

7. The box management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The plurality of cartridges are housed in a unit of a housing in a predetermined number of units. The processor performs the following processing: causing a conveying mechanism provided in the housing to take out the specific cartridge from the unit; and The specific cartridge taken out from the unit by the transport mechanism is loaded into a tape drive.

8. The box management system according to claim 7, wherein: The cell is a cell having the shortest transport path for transporting the specific cartridge from the cell to the tape drive by the transport mechanism.

9. A method for operating a cartridge management system, the cartridge management system including a processor and managing a plurality of cartridges each containing a magnetic tape, the method comprising executing the following processing: a data rewriting process of rewriting the data into a specific cartridge among the plurality of cartridges according to an access frequency indicating a frequency of access to the data stored in the magnetic tape; and a cartridge replacement process of replacing the data stored in the magnetic tape of the specific cartridge with the data stored in the magnetic tape of the other cartridges among the plurality of cartridges, The specific cartridge is a cartridge having a usage frequency lower than a second reference usage frequency among the plurality of cartridges or a new cartridge.

10. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer used in a cartridge management system for managing a plurality of cartridges each containing a magnetic tape to execute a process including: a data rewriting process of rewriting the data into a specific cartridge among the plurality of cartridges according to an access frequency indicating a frequency of access to the data stored in the magnetic tape; and a cartridge replacement process of replacing the data stored in the magnetic tape of the specific cartridge with the data stored in the magnetic tape of the other cartridges among the plurality of cartridges, The specific cartridge is a cartridge having a usage frequency lower than a second reference usage frequency among the plurality of cartridges or a new cartridge.

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