Media Drive System Queuing Positions Reduce Latency

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing use of non-tape media in storage libraries introduces latency issues due to the need for conventional loaders to move and access individual disks or media objects, which prolongs the media loading and access process.

Innovation Solution

A media drive system with multiple queuing positions and a media handler arrangement that includes at least two handlers to facilitate efficient transfer of media objects between storage units and a drive unit, reducing loader function latency by allowing simultaneous access and storage of multiple media objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional loader is used to move individual disks or media objects, then the media can be transferred between storage and drive, but the loading and access time increases due to sequential operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia access speedVSAvoidloader function latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The media handlers perform preliminary actions by positioning media objects in queuing positions adjacent to the drive unit before the drive unit is ready to access them. This allows media to be pre-positioned and ready for immediate access, eliminating waiting time and reducing loader function latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The media handlers act as intermediaries between the storage units and the drive unit, managing the transfer and queuing of media objects. This intermediary function allows the drive unit to access media without direct involvement of the picker, reducing access time and improving overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If multiple media handlers with queuing positions are implemented, then loading and access time is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia loading timeVSAvoidmedia handler arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The media handlers combine multiple functions into a single integrated component: they transport media from storage units, queue media in intermediate positions, and deliver media to the drive unit. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining reduced loading times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each media handler is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: retrieving media from storage, holding media in queuing positions, and delivering media to the drive. This universality allows a single media handler to replace multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while achieving the goal of reduced loading time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7676817B1Media drive system having a plurality of queuing positions

Publication Date: 2010.03.09 ORACLE AMERICAN INC

AI summary

A media drive system includes a housing and a drive unit at least partially disposed within the housing. A media handler arrangement defines a plurality of queuing positions for media objects, and a receiving area within the housing receives storage units defining at least one other queuing position. The drive system reduces latency through the use of the queuing positions to speed transfer and access to media objects.