Data Archive System Magazine Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data archive systems face challenges in increasing storage capacity without expanding the number of magazines, leading to lengthy file access times due to the need for manual magazine exchange and lack of network connectivity between storage shelves and client terminals, making it difficult for users to locate specific files efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A data archive system that includes a client terminal and a NAS device connected via a network, where the NAS device features a server that associates file names with location information, allowing the client terminal to display distinct icons based on the medium's location, facilitating easier identification of file locations and optimizing access times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of magazines in the data unit is increased to increase mass storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but the space inside the data unit is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magazine storage shelf positioned outside the data unit, extending the storage system into a new spatial dimension. This external shelf allows magazines to be stored beyond the internal capacity constraints of the data unit, effectively increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a management terminal as an intermediary device that mediates between the client terminal and the magazine storage shelf. This intermediary automates the magazine exchange process by receiving exchange requests, identifying target magazines, and controlling the exchange mechanism, thereby reducing manual intervention and improving operational efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If magazines are exchanged manually between storage shelf and data unit, then storage capacity can be expanded, but file access time increases due to manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying and preparing magazines for exchange before they are actually needed. The management terminal can proactively manage magazine positions and prepare exchange operations in advance, reducing the time required when actual file access is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The exchange mechanism enables self-service operation where the system automatically executes magazine exchange based on requests from the management terminal. Once the management terminal identifies the target magazine and initiates the exchange, the mechanism autonomously completes the transfer without requiring continuous manual intervention, reducing overall access time.
3Device complexity
If magazine storage shelf is not connected to network, then device complexity is reduced, but client terminal cannot access medium in magazine storage shelf
Solution Approach 1:
The management terminal serves as a network-connected intermediary that bridges the gap between the client terminal and the magazine storage shelf. It receives file access requests from the client terminal, translates them into magazine exchange operations, and manages the physical retrieval and loading of required magazines into the data unit, enabling indirect network access to stored media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical magazine exchange with an automated exchange mechanism controlled by the management terminal. This automated system uses mechanical actuators and control systems to perform magazine retrieval, transfer, and loading operations, substituting human physical intervention with automated mechanical processes that can be remotely controlled via network.
4Adaptability or versatility
If client terminal and data unit are placed far apart, then system flexibility is improved, but user cannot easily exchange magazines and file access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management terminal acts as a remote intermediary that enables users to initiate magazine exchange operations from distant locations via network connection. Users can request file access or magazine exchange from any network-connected device, and the management terminal will coordinate the appropriate magazine retrieval and transfer operations, making the system operable across distributed locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated exchange mechanism replaces the need for manual magazine handling, allowing the data unit to autonomously perform magazine retrieval and loading operations based on electronic requests. This mechanical automation enables the system to function effectively even when users are physically distant from the equipment, as long as network connectivity is available.
Data Source
AI summary
The data archive system according to the present disclosure includes a client terminal 3, and a NAS device 12 connected to the client terminal 3 via a network 5. The NAS device 12 includes a server 2 and a storage device 1. The storage device 1 includes a drive 7 to record a file on a medium 9. The server 2 stores a file name of the file recorded on the medium 9 by the drive 7 and location information of the medium 9 in association with each other. Upon start of operation of reading a specific file, the client terminal 3 acquires location information of a medium 9 associated with a file name of the specific file from the server 2 via the network 5, and displays different icons according to the location information.