Optimized recensus for tape libraries

Abstract

An apparatus for tape library management. The apparatus includes a storage slot including a plurality of mirrors integrated into the storage slot for reading a barcode affixed to each of a plurality of tape cartridges stored in a layered orientation within the storage slot. The apparatus also includes each of the plurality of mirrors positioned directly below the barcode affixed to each of the plurality of tape cartridges stored in the storage slot. The apparatus also includes each of the plurality of mirrors projecting a reflection of the barcode affixed to each of the plurality of tape cartridges outwardly toward a front side of the storage slot.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates generally to tape library management, and more specifically to re-inventory operations in a tape library frame.

[0002] Over the years, the increasing amount of data and the need for service information technology storage capacity has increased. Other important trends that affect planning storage strategies include data migration to cloud services and storage virtualization.

[0003] Traditionally, tape cartridges have been used for video archives, backup files, for disaster recovery and to keep copies of information under premises, but the industry is also expanding to applications outside of deployment in the cloud.

[0004] Tape cartridges are typically stored in huge enterprise tape libraries. To hold these tape cartridges, high-density tape library frames containing high-density (HD) tape cartridge storage slots are used, where a single HD tape cartridge storage slot can hold up to five tape cartridges stacked in a row, instead of a single tape to storage slot. Each tape cartridge in the HD tape cartridge storage slot is denoted with a layer number that indicates the location within the HD tape cartridge storage slot, where the layer number increases in the depth direction as more tape cartridges are added to the HD tape cartridge storage slot. SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention disclose an apparatus, a method, a computer program product, and a computer system for tape library management.

[0006] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention disclose an apparatus for tape library management. The apparatus comprises a high-density storage slot comprising a plurality of mirrors integrated into the high-density storage slot for reading a barcode affixed to each of a plurality of tape cartridges stored within the high-density storage slot in a layered orientation.

[0007] Aspects of the present embodiments disclose a method for tape library management. In response to detecting a recount request, the method includes positioning, by one or more computer processors, a tape gripper at a high-density storage slot within a tape library frame, wherein the tape gripper includes an infrared barcode reader, wherein the high-density storage slot includes a plurality of tape cartridges and a plurality of mirrors integrated into a bottom side of the high-density storage slot, and wherein the plurality of tape cartridges includes a plurality of simplified format barcodes affixed to a bottom portion of each of the plurality of tape cartridges. The method includes instructing, by the one or more computer processors, the tape gripper to read a barcode affixed to a front of a first tape cartridge stored at a layer one position of the high-density storage slot. In response to determining that the barcode affixed to the front of the first tape cartridge is different than a last saved barcode for the layer one position of the high-density storage slot, the method includes instructing, by the one or more computer processors, the tape gripper to read, using the plurality of mirrors integrated within the high-density storage slot, one or more visible barcode reflections of one or more additional tape cartridges stored in subsequent layer positions on a depth side of the high-density storage slot. The method includes updating, by the one or more computer processors, the last saved barcode for the layer one position of the high-density storage slot and one or more last saved barcodes for the one or more additional tape cartridges stored in the subsequent layer positions.

[0008] Aspects of the present embodiments disclose a computer program product for tape library management. The computer program product includes program instructions for positioning, in response to detecting a recount request, a tape gripper at a high-density storage slot within a tape library frame, wherein the tape gripper includes an infrared barcode reader, wherein the high-density storage slot includes a plurality of tape cartridges and a plurality of mirrors integrated into a bottom side of the high-density storage slot, and wherein the plurality of tape cartridges includes a plurality of simplified format barcodes affixed to a bottom of each of the plurality of tape cartridges. The computer program product includes program instructions for instructing the tape gripper to read a barcode affixed to a front of a first tape cartridge stored at a layer one position of the high-density storage slot. The computer program product includes program instructions for instructing, in response to determining that the barcode affixed to the front of the first tape cartridge is different than a last saved barcode for the layer one position of the high-density storage slot, the tape gripper to read, using the plurality of mirrors integrated within the high-density storage slot, one or more visible barcode reflections of one or more additional tape cartridges stored in subsequent layer positions on a depth side of the high-density storage slot. The computer program product includes program instructions for updating the last saved barcode for the layer one position of the high-density storage slot and one or more last saved barcodes for the one or more additional tape cartridges stored in the subsequent layer positions.

[0009] Aspects of the embodiments of the invention disclose a computer system for tape library management. The computer system includes program instructions to position a tape gripper at a high density storage slot within a tape library frame in response to detecting an inventory request, wherein the tape gripper includes an infrared barcode reader, wherein the high density storage slot includes a plurality of tape cartridges and a plurality of mirrors integrated into a bottom side of the high density storage slot, and wherein the plurality of tape cartridges include a plurality of simplified format barcodes affixed to a bottom of each of the plurality of tape cartridges. The computer system includes program instructions to instruct the tape gripper to read a barcode affixed to a front of a first tape cartridge stored at a layer one position of the high density storage slot. The computer system includes program instructions to instruct the tape gripper to utilize a plurality of read mirrors integrated within the high density storage slot to read one or more visible barcode reflections of one or more additional tape cartridges stored in subsequent layer positions on a depth side of the high density storage slot in response to determining that the barcode affixed to the front of the first tape cartridge is different than a last saved barcode for the layer one position of the high density storage slot. The computer system includes program instructions to update the last saved barcode for the layer one position of the high density storage slot and one or more last saved barcodes for the one or more additional tape cartridges stored in the subsequent layer positions.

[0010] Aspects of the embodiments of the invention disclose a computer-implemented method for tape library management. The computer-implemented method includes identifying, by a barcode reader, a barcode affixed to a first tape cartridge stored in a storage slot of a tape library frame based at least in part on the barcode reader reading a reflection of the barcode affixed to the first tape cartridge projected from a mirror affixed at a first position of a first surface of the storage slot. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 A tape library management environment according to embodiments of the invention is shown.

[0013] Figure 2A Is a configuration diagram of a high density tape cartridge storage slot within a tape library frame according to embodiments of the invention.

[0014] Figure 2B Is a configuration diagram of a high density tape cartridge storage slot of a tape library frame according to embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Figure 2C Is a configuration diagram of a tape cartridge within a high density tape cartridge storage slot of a tape library frame according to embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Figure 3is a block diagram depicting components of a data processing system according to embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Embodiments of the present application recognize that a tape library comprising one or more interconnected tape library frames can store multiple cartridges in a high density (HD) slot. Embodiments of the present application recognize that cartridges in a high density storage slot are referred to as having an increasing layer number in the depth direction, such that the foremost tape relative to the opening of the high density storage slot is referred to as being at layer 1, and the next depth side cartridge is referred to as being at layer 2. When only a first cartridge is stored in the high density storage slot, there are only tapes at layer 1. When a second cartridge is added to the high density storage slot, the first cartridge at layer 1 is moved to layer 2, and the second cartridge is at layer 1, as the cartridges on the front side are pushed in the depth direction to add the additional cartridge.

[0018] Embodiments of the present application recognize that a large scale tape library comprises insert and eject (I / E) slots, which are dedicated slots for inserting and ejecting multiple cartridges. In the case of inserting cartridges, up to 16 cartridges are inserted through the I / E slots, and then moved to certain physical locations selected by the tape library automation. Thus, as long as cartridges are added via the I / E slots, the tape library knows the specific cartridges in each high density storage slot at each layer. However, embodiments of the present application recognize that sometimes it is desirable to add a large number of cartridges (e.g., more than one hundred) to a large scale tape library. In this case, an operator opens a door of the tape library frame, increases the large number of cartridges, and then closes the door. The closing of the door triggers a re-inventory operation of the tape library to move the tape gripper to the tape library frame, and to read the barcodes of each cartridge at layer 1 in each high density storage slot located within the tape library frame.

[0019] Embodiments of the present application recognize that, in the re-inventory operation, upon detecting a change between the barcodes of the cartridges in the layer 1 position of the high density storage slot before the door of the frame was opened and the barcodes of the cartridges in the layer 1 position of the high density storage slot after the door was closed, the tape library retrieves the cartridges on the front side of the high density storage slot using the tape gripper, and then reads the barcodes of all subsequent cartridges of all subsequent layers located within the high density storage slot by removing each subsequent tape from the high density storage slot. The tape gripper can hold a limited number of tapes. In the case of linear tape open (LTO) tapes, the high density storage slot contains up to five cartridges. In this case, the tape library temporarily ejects the cartridges grabbed by the tape gripper to a peripheral slot, and retrieves all cartridges on the depth side in order to read the barcodes. Embodiments of the present application recognize that when a large number of cartridges are added, the re-inventory operation can take tens of minutes to hours to complete.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provide physical modifications to a tape library frame that facilitate reading the barcodes of cartridges located in the depth direction relative to high density storage slots without actually retrieving the cartridges, thereby significantly reducing the time spent to complete a restocking operation. Embodiments of the present invention reduce the time required to perform a restocking operation by utilizing modified high density storage slots within a tape library frame that include a plurality of mirrors disposed on the bottom side of the high density storage slots. Embodiments of the present invention include a barcode label affixed to the label surface (front side) of a cartridge that extends to the bottom side of the cartridge. Embodiments of the present invention utilize the plurality of mirrors to read the extended barcodes affixed to the bottom side of a plurality of deep side cartridges (cartridges stored at layer 2 - layer 5 positions in the high density storage slots) during a tape library restocking operation, the extended barcodes reflected by the mirrors disposed on the bottom side of the high density cartridge storage slots, without retrieving those cartridges.

[0021] Implementation of the embodiments can take a variety of forms and the exemplary implementation details are discussed with subsequent reference to the drawings.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a portion of a tape library management environment suitable for providing tape library management in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the tape library management environment generally designated 100. In one embodiment, the tape library management environment 100 includes a tape library frame, such as tape library frame 102. In one embodiment, a plurality of tape library frames, such as tape library frame 102, can be interconnected to form one or more tape libraries. The one or more tape libraries can be organized as a plurality of columns evenly spaced within a floor space (i.e., within a designated space within, for example, a building, a warehouse, etc.). In another embodiment, one or more tape library frames, such as tape library frame 102, can be stacked on top of one or more tape libraries organized as a plurality of columns to meet the demands imposed by the future of big data tape management by effectively building rather than building within existing footprint. In one embodiment, the tape library frame 102 includes one or more components including, but not limited to, a tape gripper 104, an XY accessor 106, one or more tape drives, such as tape drive 108, an X rail 110, and one or more high density (HD) storage slots, such as HD slot 112. Figure 1 Only one implementation is provided for illustration, and it is not implied that any limitations are imposed on the environment in which different embodiments can be implemented.

[0023] In one embodiment, the tape gripper 104 is a component within the tape library frame (e.g., the tape library frame 102) for retrieving one or more tape cartridges from a plurality of tape cartridge storage slots within a tape library or one or more interconnected tape library frames similar to the tape library frame 102. In one embodiment, the tape gripper 104 is a component within the tape library frame 102 for retrieving one or more tape cartridges from a plurality of high-density tape cartridge storage slots, such as the HD slots 112, within a tape library or one or more interconnected tape library frames similar to the tape library frame 102 (i.e., within one or more interconnected tape library frames dedicated to tape storage) and conveying the one or more tape cartridges to the tape drive 108 for read and write performance. In one embodiment, a tape gripper including an integrated barcode reader, such as the tape gripper 104, provides the ability to read barcodes of a plurality of tape cartridges stored on the depth side (i.e., along the Z-axis) of high-density storage slots (e.g., tier 2 through tier 5) without the need to retrieve any of the tape cartridges from the high-density storage slots. In one embodiment, the tape gripper 104 includes an infrared barcode reader capable of reading barcodes of tape cartridges. In another embodiment, the tape gripper 104 includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera capable of reading tape cartridge barcodes.

[0024] In one embodiment, the XY accessor 106 is an assembly for manipulating the tape cartridge 104 within a tape library frame, such as the tape library frame 102 and multiple interconnected tape library frames within a tape library. In one embodiment, the XY accessor 106 is capable of moving the tape cartridge 104 up and down on a Y-axis, left and right on an X-axis, and diagonally on a Z-axis. The XY accessor 106 includes electronic motors (not shown), or any other suitable mechanism that facilitates movement of the assembly within a tape library frame, such as the tape library frame 102. For example, the XY accessor 106 enables the tape cartridge 104 within the tape library frame 102 to move up, down, left, right, and diagonally through the tape library frame, such as the tape library frame 102, or one or more interconnected tape library frames, until the tape cartridge 104 reaches a destination, such as a tape drive, such as the tape drive 108, a high-density cartridge storage slot, such as the HD slot 112, or an interconnected tape library frame similar to the tape library frame 102. Within that tape library frame, the XY accessor 106 enables the tape cartridge 104 to move up a column of stored cartridges to retrieve a plurality of cartridges from one or more high-density cartridge storage slots, such as the HD slot 112, within that tape library frame. Once the cartridges are retrieved, the XY accessor 106 enables the tape cartridge 104 to move back to the tape library frame 102 (when moving to an interconnected tape library frame) with the plurality of retrieved cartridges and insert the tapes into one or more tape drives, such as the tape drive 108, for performing read and write information. In one embodiment, the XY accessor 106 enables a tape cartridge, such as the tape cartridge 104, including an integrated barcode reader to move to a high-density cartridge storage slot, such as the HD slot 112, during a recount operation to read a barcode on the front side of a cartridge stored in a tier 1 location within the high-density cartridge storage slot.

[0025] In one embodiment, the tape drive 108 is a data storage device for performing read and write information on one or more cartridges. In one embodiment, the tape drive 108 is arranged in a column within the tape library frame 102. In one embodiment, the tape drive 108 and one or more cartridges are stored within the tape library frame 102, or within a tape library including one or more tape library frames, such as the tape library frame 102, respectively (i.e., the tapes are stored in one or more tape library frames dedicated to tape storage separate from the tape drives 108).

[0026] In one embodiment, the X-rail 110 is a rail assembly that enables the XY accessor 106 to move left and right (i.e., along the X-axis) within the tape library to one or more interconnected tape library frames similar to the tape library frame 102. In one embodiment, the XY accessor 106 is secured to the X-rail 110 by a wheel rail assembly or any other suitable mechanism for securing the accessor assembly to the rail to facilitate movement of the tape gripper (e.g., the tape gripper 104) along the X-axis between one or more interconnected tape library frames.

[0027] In one embodiment, the HD slot 112 is a high density storage slot within a tape library frame (e.g., the tape library frame 102) that is capable of storing up to five cartridges (5x) in a row stack within a single slot space within the tape library frame. For example, a high density storage slot, such as the HD slot 112, is capable of storing up to five cartridges in a tiered orientation, where the tier five position on a linear tape open (LTO) cartridge is the first cartridge loaded into the slot (the last cartridge on the depth side of the tape library frame), and the tier one position is the last cartridge loaded into the slot (the first cartridge on the front side of the tape library frame). In the case where a tier 5 position LTO cartridge is requested, the LTO cartridges in front of it (up to four cartridges) need to be removed in order to access the requested LTO cartridge. In an alternative embodiment, a high density storage slot, such as the HD slot 112, is capable of storing up to four cartridges in a tiered orientation, where the tier 4 position on an enterprise cartridge is the first cartridge loaded into the slot (the last cartridge), and the tier 1 position is the last cartridge loaded into the slot (the first cartridge). In the case where a tier 4 position enterprise cartridge is requested, the enterprise cartridges in front of it (up to three cartridges) need to be removed in order to access the requested enterprise cartridge. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the present application can be implemented with tape library frames having any number of tiered positions in the storage slots.

[0028] In one embodiment, the HD slot 112 includes a physical modification integrated into the housing of the HD slot 112 that provides the ability to read a barcode of each of the plurality of tape cartridges stored on the depth side of the HD slot 112 without physically removing or retrieving any of the plurality of tape cartridges from the high density storage slot. In one embodiment, the HD slot 112 includes a plurality of mirrors integrated into the housing of the HD slot 112. In one embodiment, the HD slot 112 includes a plurality of mirrors integrated into the interior bottom side of the structure (i.e., housing) of each high density storage slot, where the number of mirrors in the plurality of mirrors is equal to the number of tiers in the high density storage slot minus one. For example, in a high density storage slot storing LTO tape cartridges, the number of mirrors integrated into the interior bottom side of the high density storage slot is four; one mirror is arranged at tier 2, one mirror is arranged at tier 3, one mirror is arranged at tier 4, and one mirror is arranged at tier 5. In another example, in a high density storage slot storing enterprise tape cartridges, the number of mirrors integrated into the interior bottom side of the high density storage slot is 3; one mirror is arranged at tier 2, one mirror is arranged at tier 3, and one mirror is arranged at tier 4. In one embodiment, the plurality of mirrors in a high density storage slot (e.g., HD slot 112) provides the ability to project a reflection of a barcode forward toward the front side of the high density storage slot, the barcode being integrated into a bottom portion of a tape cartridge stored in each tier within the high density storage slot, such that a tape gripper including an integrated barcode reader (e.g., tape clip 104) can read the reflection of the barcode without having to retrieve the tape cartridge. HD slot 112 is discussed in more detail below with reference to Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2C HD slot 112 is discussed in more detail below with reference to

[0029] Figure 2A is a configuration diagram of a high density storage slot of a tape library frame, such as HD slot 112 of tape library frame 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In one embodiment, a high density storage slot, such as HD slot 112, includes a physical modification to the housing of the high density storage slot that provides the ability to read a barcode from each of the plurality of tape cartridges stored on the depth side of the high density storage slot without physically retrieving any of the plurality of tape cartridges to reduce the time during a recount operation. Figure 2A A side view of tape library frame 102 is shown, including tape gripper 104, XY accessor 106, X rail 110, and a high density storage slot, such as HD slot 112. In one embodiment, HD slot 112 is oriented within tape library frame 102 such that HD slot front side 226 faces tape library frame front side 222 and HD slot depth side 228 faces tape library frame depth side 224 along the Z axis.

[0031] In one embodiment, a high density storage slot, such as HD slot 112, includes a plurality of cartridges, such as tier 1 cartridge 202, tier 2 cartridge 204, tier 3 cartridge 206, tier 4 cartridge 208, and tier 5 cartridge 210, each stored in a tiered orientation, beginning with tier 1 cartridge 202 in a tier 1 position located at a front side 226 of the HD slot, and ending with tier 5 cartridge 210 in a tier 5 position located at a depth side 228 of the HD slot (i.e., along the Z axis). In one embodiment, each of tier 1 cartridge 202, tier 2 cartridge 204, tier 3 cartridge 206, tier 4 cartridge 208, and tier 5 cartridge 210 includes a barcode, such as tier 1 cartridge barcode 212, tier 2 cartridge barcode 214, tier 3 cartridge barcode 216, tier 4 cartridge barcode 218, and tier 5 cartridge barcode 220, respectively. In one embodiment, each barcode includes specific information that uniquely identifies each respective cartridge. In one embodiment, each of tier 1 cartridge barcode 212, tier 2 cartridge barcode 214, tier 3 cartridge barcode 216, tier 4 cartridge barcode 218, and tier 5 cartridge barcode 220 is affixed (e.g., glued, adhered, etched, engraved, etc.) to a front portion of tier 1 cartridge 202, tier 2 cartridge 204, tier 3 cartridge 206, tier 4 cartridge 208, and tier 5 cartridge 210, respectively, in a shape similar to a capital letter “L,” and extends (i.e., wraps around and affixes) to a bottom portion thereof. In alternative embodiments, each of tier 1 cartridge barcode 212, tier 2 cartridge barcode 214, tier 3 cartridge barcode 216, tier 4 cartridge barcode 218, and tier 5 cartridge barcode 220 can additionally extend to an upper portion (not shown) opposite HD slot bottom side 232 and to one or more side faces (not shown) adjacent to HD slot front side 226 of tier 1 cartridge 202, tier 2 cartridge 204, tier 3 cartridge 206, tier 4 cartridge 208, and tier 5 cartridge 210, respectively.

[0032] In one embodiment, a high-density storage slot, such as HD slot 112, includes a plurality of mirrors, such as layer 2 mirror 234, layer 3 mirror 236, layer 4 mirror 238, and layer 5 mirror 240, integrated to an interior bottom side of the high-density storage slot, such as HD slot bottom side 232, beginning at a layer 2 position within the high-density storage slot, ending at a layer 5 position within the high-density storage slot (i.e., along the Z-axis), and positioned directly below layer 2 tape bar code 214, layer 3 tape bar code 216, layer 4 tape bar code 218, and layer 5 tape bar code 220, respectively. In one embodiment, each of layer 2 mirror 234, layer 3 mirror 236, layer 4 mirror 238, and layer 5 mirror 240 is oriented to form an obtuse angle with HD slot bottom side 232, where a top of each mirror is shifted rearward toward HD slot depth side 228, and a bottom of each mirror is shifted forward toward HD slot front side 226, thereby positioning a forward-facing surface of each mirror at an upwardly-facing obtuse angle toward HD slot top side 230. In one embodiment, each mirror of layer 2 mirror 234, layer 3 mirror 236, layer 4 mirror 238, and layer 5 mirror 240 is oriented at any angle that provides reflection of each of layer 2 tape bar code 214, layer 3 tape bar code 216, layer 4 tape bar code 218, and layer 5 tape bar code 220, respectively, that projects outwardly (i.e., along the Z-axis) toward HD slot front side 226 for reading by tape gripper 104 with an integrated infrared bar code reader.

[0033] In one embodiment, to accommodate the integration of the plurality of mirrors in a high-density storage slot, such as layer 2 mirror 234, layer 3 mirror 236, layer 4 mirror 238, and layer 5 mirror 240 in HD slot 112, a height measurement of the high-density storage slots is increased in the tape library frame (e.g., tape library frame 102) (e.g., five (5) millimeters (5mm) per high-density storage slot). Accordingly, if a tape library frame includes forty-four (44) high-density storage slots in each vertical column of storage slots within the tape library frame, the height measurement of the vertical columns is increased by a total of two hundred and twenty (220) millimeters (220mm) within the tape library frame (e.g., tape library frame 102). However, since a tape library frame, such as tape library frame 102, includes interior unused space, the increase in the height measurement of the vertical columns by 220mm has no effect on the number of high-density storage slots, such as HD slot 112, that can be used in the tape library frame.

[0034] Figure 2B is a configuration diagram of a bottom view of a high-density storage slot of a tape library frame (e.g., HD slot 112 of tape library frame 102) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In one embodiment, a high-density storage slot, such as HD slot 112, includes multiple tape cartridges, such as layer 1 tape 202, layer 2 tape 204, layer 3 tape 206, layer 4 tape 208, and layer 5 tape 210, each stored in a layered orientation, starting from the layer 1 position of layer 1 tape 202 at the front side 226 of the HD slot and ending at the layer 5 position of layer 5 tape 210 at the depth side 228 of the HD slot (i.e., along the Z-axis). In one embodiment, each of the layer 1 tape 202, layer 2 tape 204, layer 3 tape 206, layer 4 tape 208, and layer 5 tape 210 includes a barcode, such as layer 1 tape barcode 212, layer 2 tape barcode 214, layer 3 tape barcode 216, layer 4 tape barcode 218, and layer 5 tape barcode 220. In one embodiment, each of the layer 1 tape barcode 212, layer 2 tape barcode 214, layer 3 tape barcode 216, layer 4 tape barcode 218, and layer 5 tape barcode 220 is shown extending to the bottom of layer 1 tape 202, layer 2 tape 204, layer 3 tape 206, layer 4 tape 208, and layer 5 tape 210, respectively.

[0036] In one embodiment, each of the tape barcodes in layer 1 tape 212, layer 2 tape 214, layer 3 tape 216, layer 4 tape 218, and layer 5 tape 220, respectively extending to the bottom of layer 1 tape 202, layer 2 tape 204, layer 3 tape 206, layer 4 tape 208, and layer 5 tape 210, is copied from a barcode fixed to the front of each corresponding tape in a simplified format (e.g., ...). Figure 2A (as shown), and includes the same information as the barcode affixed to the front of each respective tape. In one embodiment, each of the tape barcodes 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 of the layer 1 tape 202, layer 2 tape 204, layer 3 tape 206, layer 4 tape 208, and layer 5 tape 210, which extend to the bottom of the layer 1 tape 202, layer 2 tape 204, layer 3 tape 206, layer 4 tape 208, and layer 5 tape 220, is arranged four (4) times in a simplified format in the lateral direction (i.e., lateral along the X-axis), the simplified format starting at a portion of each respective tape cartridge adjacent to the left side 244 of the HD slot and ending at a portion of each respective tape cartridge adjacent to the right side 242 of the HD slot. In one embodiment, each of the layer 1 tape 202, layer 2 tape 204, layer 3 tape 206, layer 4 tape 208, and layer 5 tape 210 will respectively include a first instance, a second instance, a third instance, and a fourth instance of each tape barcode among layer 1 tape barcode 212, layer 2 tape barcode 214, layer 3 tape barcode 216, layer 4 tape barcode 218, and layer 5 tape barcode 220, wherein the first instance is the left side 244 of the HD slot closest to HD slot 112, and the fourth instance is the right side 242 of the HD slot closest to HD slot 112.

[0037] In one embodiment, each of the layer 2 mirror 234, the layer 3 mirror 236, the layer 4 mirror 238, and the layer 5 mirror 240 are arranged in a staggered lateral layout, starting at a position below the first instance of the simplified format of the layer 2 tape barcode 214, extending to the bottom of the layer 2 tape 204 adjacent to the HD slot left side 244, and ending at a position below the fourth instance of the simplified format of the layer 5 tape barcode 220, extending to the bottom of the layer 5 tape 210 adjacent to the HD slot right side 242 (i.e., along the X-axis). In one embodiment, the staggered lateral layout of each of the layer 2 mirror 234, the layer 3 mirror 236, the layer 4 mirror 238, and the layer 5 mirror 240 provides a tape gripper, such as the tape gripper 104, the ability to simultaneously read each of the layer 2 tape barcode 214, the layer 3 tape barcode 216, the layer 4 tape barcode 218, and the layer 5 tape barcode 220 without having to retrieve any number of tape cartridges. In one embodiment, a tape gripper, such as the tape gripper 104, can utilize each of the layer 2 mirror 234, the layer 3 mirror 236, the layer 4 mirror 238, and the layer 5 mirror 240 to simultaneously read all of the barcodes of each tape cartridge stored within the HD slot 112 from the front side of the high density storage slot without having to move and reposition within the tape library frame.

[0038] Figure 2C is a configuration diagram of an elevation view of a high density storage slot of a tape library frame, such as the HD slot 112 of the tape library frame 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 2CA front view (i.e., viewing the HD slot 112 in the depth direction along the Z axis) of a high density storage slot such as the HD slot 112 is shown from the perspective of a tape holder within a tape library frame such as the tape holder 104 of the tape library frame 102. In one embodiment, the layer 1 tape 202 and the layer 1 tape barcode 212 are closest to the HD slot top side 230 and represent the only tape cartridge visible from the front side view of the HD slot 112. In one embodiment, starting from a position closest to the HD slot left side 244, the layer 2 mirror 234, the layer 3 mirror 236, the layer 4 mirror 238, and the layer 5 mirror 240 are shown integrated with the HD slot bottom side 232 in a staggered lateral layout, ending at a position closest to the HD slot right side 242 (i.e., along the X axis). In one embodiment, each of the layer 2 mirror 234, the layer 3 mirror 236, the layer 4 mirror 238, and the layer 5 mirror 240 are visible from the front side view of the HD slot 112 and reflect barcodes outwardly projected to the front side of the HD slot 112 (i.e., along the Z axis), such as the layer 2 tape barcode reflection 246, the layer 3 tape barcode reflection 248, the layer 4 tape barcode reflection 250, and the layer 5 tape barcode reflection 252 of a simplified format barcode example affixed to the bottom of a tape cartridge stored on each respective layer after layer 1 on the depth side of the HD slot 112 (see Figure 2B ) In one embodiment, Figure 2C The front view of the HD slot 112 shown in

[0040] For example, based on a restocking operation scenario, the functionality provided by the components of a tape library frame such as the tape library frame 102 will depend on the tape library system detecting the restocking request, as referenced above with respect to Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figure 2CThe tape library system instructs the tape gripper 104 to begin reading the barcodes of the additional tape cartridges stored in each of the layer 2 position, layer 3 position, layer 4 position, and layer 5 position in the high density storage slot, such as layer 2 tape cartridge barcode 214 of layer 2 tape cartridge 204, layer 3 tape cartridge barcode 216 of layer 3 tape cartridge 206, layer 4 tape cartridge barcode 218 of layer 4 tape cartridge 208, and layer 5 tape cartridge barcode 220 of layer 5 tape cartridge 210. By utilizing a plurality of mirrors integrated within the interior bottom side of the high density storage slot, such as layer 2 mirror 234, layer 3 mirror 236, layer 4 mirror 238, and layer 5 mirror 240, the tape gripper 104 is able to read the barcodes of the additional tape cartridges stored in the subsequent layer positions without retrieving any additional tape cartridges from the high density storage slot, the mirrors providing barcode reflections of the barcodes of the additional tape cartridges stored at each of the layer 2 position, layer 3 position, layer 4 position, and layer 5 position, such as layer 2 tape barcode reflection 246, layer 3 tape barcode reflection 248, layer 4 tape barcode reflection 250, and layer 5 tape barcode reflection 252. A fifth layer is located within the high density storage slot. The last stored barcodes of the layer one position, layer two position, layer three position, layer four position, and layer five position in the high density storage slot are updated with each of the read barcodes. In response to updating the last stored barcodes for each position in the high density storage slot, the tape library system instructs the XY accessor 106 to move the tape gripper 104 to the next high density storage slot to continue reading the barcodes until the re-inventory operation is complete.

[0041] Figure 3 is a block diagram depicting components of a tape library management environment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, such as the tape library framework 102 of the tape library management environment 100, generally designated 300. It should be appreciated, Figure 3 The diagram provided only illustrates one implementation and does not imply any limitation as to the environments in which different embodiments can be implemented. Numerous modifications can be made to the described environments.

[0042] In the illustrative embodiment, the tape library framework 102 in the tape library management environment 100 is shown in the form of a general purpose computing device such as the computer system 310. The components of the computer system 310 can include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 314, a memory 324, and a bus 316 that couples various system components including the memory 324 to the processing unit 314.

[0043] The bus 316 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0044] The computer system 310 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media can be any available media that is accessible by the computer system 310, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0045] The memory 324 can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 326 and / or cache memory 328. The computer system 310 can further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, a storage system 330 can be provided for reading from and writing to non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a "hard drive"). Although not specifically shown, a magnetic disk drive can also be provided for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and an optical disk drive can be provided for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media). Each of these can be connected to the bus 316 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, the memory 324 can include at least one computer program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the application.

[0046] Program / utility 332, having one or more program modules 334 such as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, can be stored in memory 324 as examples (and not limitation), without limitation. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, can include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules 334 generally carry out the functions and / or methodologies of embodiments of the application described herein. Computer system 310 can also communicate with one or more external devices 312 such as a keyboard or a pointing device, displays 322, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system 310; and / or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system 310 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input / Output (I / O) interfaces 320. Still yet, computer system 310 can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter 318. As depicted, network adapter 318 communicates with the other components of computer system 310 via bus 316. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and software components could be used in conjunction with computer system 310. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

[0047] The present application can be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product can include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present application. In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium can be within a tape library framework, such as tape library framework 102. In other embodiments, the computer readable storage medium having computer readable program instructions stored thereon can be stored external to the tape library framework (e.g., tape library framework 102) such that a server computer communicates with the tape library framework 102 over a network connection to execute the computer readable program instructions on the tape library framework 102.

[0048] A computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch cards or raised structures in standardized

[0049] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network can comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions into the respective computing / processing device for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0050] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present application can be assembly instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or programmable logic array (PLA) can execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present application.

[0051] Aspects of the present application are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0052] These computer readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including

[0053] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0054] The flow diagrams and the block diagrams in the drawings are presented to illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each block in the flow diagrams and the block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical functions ("instructions"). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0055] The descriptions of various embodiments of the present application have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technology found in the marketplace, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application. It is to be understood that any specific terminology used herein is merely for convenience and, accordingly, the present application is not to be limited to any particular terminology used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Claims

1. An apparatus for tape library management, the apparatus comprising: Tape library framework; A magnetic tape holder is disposed within the magnetic tape library frame and integrated with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera configured to read barcodes; The tape library frame has a storage slot including a plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage slot to project reflections of a corresponding barcode fixed on each of a plurality of tape cassettes in a direction toward the front of the tape library frame. The plurality of tape cassettes are stored in a layered orientation behind the foremost tape cassette in the storage slot. The plurality of mirrors present the reflections toward the tape holder having the CCD camera for simultaneously reading the corresponding barcode for each of the plurality of tape cassettes from a position facing the front of the storage slot.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mirrors are integrated into the inner surface of the storage tank, the inner surface starting at a second layer position within the storage tank and ending at a last layer position within the storage tank.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the number of mirrors in the plurality of mirrors is equal to the number of layers in the storage tank minus one.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mirrors is oriented to form an obtuse angle with the inner surface of the storage tank, wherein a first portion of each of the plurality of mirrors is displaced rearward toward the depth side of the storage tank, and wherein a second portion of each of the plurality of mirrors is displaced forward toward the front side of the storage tank.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outward projection of each of the plurality of reflectors toward the front side of the storage slot is fixed to the reflection of the barcode of each of the plurality of tape cassettes.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the barcode of each of the plurality of tape cartridges is fixed to the front of each of the plurality of tape cartridges and extends to an additional portion of each of the plurality of tape cartridges.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the barcode extending to the additional portion of each of the plurality of tape cartridges is copied in a simplified format from the barcode fixed to the front of each of the plurality of tape cartridges a number of times equal to the number of layers in the storage slot minus one.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each copy of the barcode extending to the additional portion of each of the plurality of tape cartridges is arranged laterally to begin at a portion of each of the plurality of tape cartridges adjacent to the left side of the storage slot and to end at a portion of each of the plurality of tape cartridges adjacent to the right side of the storage slot.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of reflectors is arranged in an interlaced lateral layout, the interlaced lateral layout beginning at a position opposite to each copy of the barcode, each copy of the barcode extending to the additional portion of each of the plurality of tape cartridges.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the barcode extending to the additional portion of each of the plurality of tape cartridges includes information about each respective tape cartridge.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CCD camera is positioned in a direction toward the front side of the storage slot to read the reflection of the corresponding barcode stored in each of the plurality of tape cartridges behind the foremost tape cartridge, without repositioning the tape holder within the tape library frame.

12. A method for managing a magnetic tape library, the method comprising: One or more computer processors position a magnetic tape holder integrated with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera at a storage slot within a magnetic tape library frame, wherein the storage slot includes a plurality of magnetic tape cassettes and a plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage slot, and wherein the plurality of magnetic tape cassettes include a plurality of barcodes fixed to a portion of each of the plurality of magnetic tape cassettes. The one or more computer processors instruct the tape holder, which has the CCD camera, to read the barcode fixed to the front of the first tape cassette stored in a layer-a position in the storage slot; as well as In response to the determination that the barcode fixed to the front of the first cassette is different from the last stored barcode for the layer-a position of the storage slot, the one or more computer processors instruct the tape holder having the CCD camera to simultaneously read the reflections of one or more barcodes of one or more additional cassettes stored on the depth side of the storage slot in the plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage slot.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The barcode reflection is a reflection of the plurality of barcodes fixed to a portion of each of the one or more additional tape cartridges, which are stored in the subsequent layer location in the storage slot; and The reflections of the plurality of barcodes are projected outward toward the magnetic tape holder at the front side of the storage tank via the plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage tank.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein when the one or more additional tape cartridges are stored in the subsequent layer position within the storage slot, each of the one or more barcode reflections is visible to the tape holder having the CCD camera.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: In response to updating the one or more last saved barcodes for the one or more additional tape cartridges, the one or more computer processors move the tape holder with the CCD camera to one or more additional storage slots to read the barcodes until the re-inventory operation for the tape library frame is completed.

16. A computer program product for tape library management, the computer program product comprising: At least one computer-readable storage medium and program instructions stored on the at least one computer-readable storage medium, wherein the stored program instructions include: Program instructions for positioning a magnetic tape holder integrated with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera at a storage slot within a magnetic tape library frame, wherein the storage slot includes a plurality of magnetic tape cassettes and a plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage slot, and wherein the plurality of magnetic tape cassettes includes a plurality of barcodes fixed to a portion of each of the plurality of magnetic tape cassettes. Program instructions for instructing the tape holder with the CCD camera to read the barcode fixed to the front of the first tape cassette stored in a layer-one position in the storage slot; and In response to the determination that the barcode fixed to the front of the first tape cartridge is different from the last saved barcode for the layer-a position of the storage slot, the tape holder having the CCD camera instructs the plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage slot to read the reflection of one or more barcodes of one or more additional tape cartridges stored on the depth side of the storage slot at a subsequent layer position behind the first tape cartridge.

17. The computer program product according to claim 16, further comprising: The one or more visible barcode reflections are reflections of the plurality of barcodes fixed to a portion of each of the one or more additional tape cartridges, which are stored in the subsequent layer location within the storage slot; and The reflections of the plurality of barcodes are projected outward toward the magnetic tape holder at the front side of the storage tank via the plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage tank.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, wherein when the one or more additional tape cartridges are stored in the subsequent layer position within the storage slot, each of the one or more barcode reflections is visible to the CCD camera of the tape holder.

19. The computer program product according to claim 16, further comprising: Program instructions, in response to updating the one or more last saved barcodes for the one or more additional tape cartridges, move the tape holder with the CCD camera to one or more additional storage slots to read the barcodes until a re-inventory operation for the tape library frame is completed.

20. A computer system for tape library management, the computer system comprising: One or more computer processors; At least one computer-readable storage medium; as well as Program instructions stored on the at least one computer-readable storage medium for execution by at least one of the one or more computer processors, the stored program instructions including: Program instructions for positioning a magnetic tape holder integrated with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera at a storage slot within a magnetic tape library frame, wherein the storage slot includes a plurality of magnetic tape cassettes and a plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage slot, and wherein the plurality of magnetic tape cassettes includes a plurality of barcodes fixed to a portion of each of the plurality of magnetic tape cassettes. Program instructions for instructing the tape holder with the CCD camera to read the barcode fixed to the front of the first tape cassette stored in a layer-one position in the storage slot; and In response to the determination that the barcode fixed to the front of the first cassette is different from the last saved barcode for the layer-a position of the storage slot, the tape holder having the CCD camera instructs the plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage slot to simultaneously read the reflections of one or more barcodes of one or more additional cassettes stored on the depth side of the storage slot at a subsequent layer position behind the first cassette.

21. The computer system of claim 20, further comprising: The barcode reflection is a reflection of the plurality of barcodes fixed to a portion of each of the one or more additional tape cartridges, which are stored in the subsequent layer location within the storage slot; and The reflections of the plurality of barcodes are projected outward toward the magnetic tape holder at the front side of the storage tank via the plurality of mirrors integrated into the inner surface of the storage tank.

22. The computer system of claim 21, wherein when the one or more additional tape cartridges are stored in the subsequent layer location within the storage slot, each visible barcode reflection of the one or more barcode reflections is visible to the CCD camera of the tape holder.

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