초록 ▼

A tape storage library apparatus includes a gripper for handling tape cartridges and an integrated camera, proximity sensor, and reach safe sensor operable with a common light source for performing multiple tape cartridge sensing functions. The camera reads the labels of tape cartridges stored in sl

A tape storage library apparatus includes a gripper for handling tape cartridges and an integrated camera, proximity sensor, and reach safe sensor operable with a common light source for performing multiple tape cartridge sensing functions. The camera reads the labels of tape cartridges stored in slots of a storage library. The proximity sensor senses the presence and absence of tape cartridges in the slots. The proximity sensor also distinguishes between labeled and unlabeled tape cartridges stored in the slots. The reach safe sensor senses the presence of obstructions in the path of movement of the gripper. The proximity sensor further calibrates the position of the gripper in the storage library. A processor operable with the reach safe sensor calibrates the optical source to ensure proper tape cartridge sensing functions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A tape storage library apparatus for a storage library containing tape cartridges stored in slots, the apparatus comprising:a housing having an entry;a gripper for handling tape cartridges, the gripper movable through the entry between an extended position out of the ho

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A tape storage library apparatus for a storage library containing tape cartridges stored in slots, the apparatus comprising:a housing having an entry;a gripper for handling tape cartridges, the gripper movable through the entry between an extended position out of the housing and a retracted position within the housing, wherein the gripper extends to grip a tape cartridge stored in a slot in the storage library and retracts to remove a gripped tape cartridge from the slot;an optical source mounted to the housing for transmitting optical signals, wherein the optical source transmits optical signals towards the slots in the storage library, wherein a tape cartridge stored in a slot reflects an optical signal transmitted from the optical source as a reflected optical signal having a magnitude above a given magnitude threshold;a camera mounted to the housing behind the optical source for sensing reflected optical signals from tape cartridges stored in the slots to read labels attached to labeled tape cartridges;a proximity sensor mounted to the housing above the optical source for sensing reflected optical signals from the slots in the storage library, whereupon sensing a reflected optical signal having a magnitude above the given magnitude threshold the proximity sensor determines the presence of a tape cartridge in a slot; anda reach safe sensor mounted to the housing above the optical source for receiving optical signals from the optical source across the entry, wherein an obstruction in the entry prevents the reach safe sensor from receiving optical signals from the optical source, wherein the reach safe sensor determines the presence of an obstruction in the entry when received optical signals from the optical source are absent.