Storage Library Module Self-Discovery via Robotic Sensor Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage library systems face challenges in detecting and mapping the logical and physical presence and location of modules, especially when expansion modules are added or rearranged, as traditional methods rely on hardwired connections or manual labeling, which are inefficient and limit customer serviceability.
Innovation Solution
A data storage system that includes a structural framework, a data network, and a robotic mechanism to detect the physical presence and location of modules, while also allowing modules to report their logical presence and location, enabling the generation and storage of mappings between logical and physical locations for seamless translation and module self-discovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hardwired connections or manual labeling methods are used to detect module presence and location, then system reliability is maintained through direct physical connections, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to manual configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables modules to automatically report their own logical presence and location through the data network, eliminating the need for manual labeling or configuration. The robotic mechanism automatically triggers presence sensors to detect physical module locations, and the base controller automatically generates and stores mappings between logical and physical locations, making the entire detection and mapping process self-service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional hardwired mechanical connections for module detection with a data network-based communication system. Modules communicate their logical presence and location through network messages rather than through physical electrical connections, substituting a mechanical/electrical system with an information-based system that is easier to reconfigure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modules are made easily reconfigurable and serviceable by customers, then ease of operation improves, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential installation errors or improper configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where modules report their presence and location status to the base controller through the data network. The robotic mechanism continuously monitors physical module locations by triggering presence sensors, and the base controller uses this feedback to automatically update and maintain accurate mappings between logical and physical locations, ensuring system reliability during reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The base controller acts as an intermediary that mediates between the data network communication and the robotic mechanism's physical detection. It receives logical presence information from modules via the network, correlates it with physical location data from the robotic mechanism's sensor triggers, and generates the authoritative mapping information that ensures proper system functionality during module reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If manual labeling methods are used to track module locations, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual configuration and mapping processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having modules automatically report their logical presence and location information to the base controller as soon as they are installed and connected to the data network. The robotic mechanism is pre-programmed to traverse module installation locations and trigger presence sensors, automatically detecting physical locations without waiting for manual configuration. This preliminary automatic detection and mapping eliminates the need for time-consuming manual labeling and configuration processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include systems and methods for detecting logical presence and location of modules, detecting physical presence and location of modules, and mapping the logical and physical locations together for use by the storage library. For example, when an expansion module is installed, it is connected to a network and it reports its logical presence and logical network location to a base controller in the base module. A robotic mechanism is used to trigger one or more presence sensors to detect physical presence and location of the installed expansion module. The base controller or another component generates and stores a mapping between the logical location and the physical location. The storage library can use the mapping to translate between logical and physical functionality.