Tandem Spot Scanning for Storage Library Cartridge Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage systems face challenges in accurately locating and targeting media cartridges due to location-related errors, which can be introduced by physical jarring or electronic component inaccuracies, leading to increased complexity, cost, and potential failure rates.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple spot scanners, such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), positioned in fixed relative positions on a hand assembly within a data storage system, allowing for concurrent scanning of non-adjacent magazine locations and acquisition of topographic and contrast data across an extended scan region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and location techniques are integrated to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple scanning functions (targeting, location, barcode reading, auditing) into a single spot scanner integrated with the robotic hand assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate sensors and location techniques, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity and the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spot scanner is designed as a multi-functional device that performs targeting, location determination, symbol recognition, and auditing functions simultaneously. This universal approach allows one component to replace multiple specialized sensors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision through coordinated multi-function operation.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple spot scanners are positioned in fixed relative positions on the hand assembly, then the scannable area is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple spot scanners in fixed relative positions on the hand assembly, effectively adding spatial dimensionality to the scanning capability. This configuration allows the scanners to cover a larger scannable area by utilizing different angular perspectives and positions, while the fixed relative positioning simplifies the control system compared to movable or adjustable scanner arrangements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of locating and identifying media cartridges by providing a larger effective scan region, reducing errors, and simplifying the robotic mechanism's functionality, while minimizing the complexity and cost associated with traditional sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of multiple spot scanners, such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), positioned in fixed relative positions on a hand assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.