JP2000276824A - Library device and library control device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a library device which can easily set a timeout time of a command. SOLUTION: Drive 5 and / or CAV12
Is provided with a memory for storing a predetermined time-out period for each processing content corresponding to a command from the host computer 14, performs a predetermined processing based on the command, and a processing end signal indicating that the predetermined processing is completed. Is output to the host computer 14 and the host computer 1
The timeout time is read out from the memory based on the request signal from the memory 4 and supplied to the host computer 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a library device for storing a large number of recording media and recording and reproducing data on the recording media, and a library control device for controlling the library device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a large amount of data processed by a computer is stored using a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or the like. For storage such as magnetic tape,
A fully automated storage device called a library device is used.

In the above-mentioned library apparatus, a storage for storing a magnetic tape or the like, and a recording / reproducing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "drive") for recording and reproducing data on the magnetic tape or the like.
The transfer of a magnetic tape or the like between the two is performed by a robot called an accessor.

[0004] The operation of the drives and accessors is controlled by a host computer connected to the library device. In other words, the host computer is equipped with software that controls the library device as a whole,
The host computer issues, for example, a data recording instruction or a reproduction instruction as a command to a drive or the like based on the contents of the software.

The drive or the like that has received the above command
A predetermined operation corresponding to the content of the command is performed, and after the operation is completed, an end signal (hereinafter, referred to as “end status”) indicating that the operation has been completed is sent to the host computer. Here, the host computer monitors the time from when the command is issued to when the end status is returned, and a certain predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “time-out time”).
If there is no response of the end status before, it is recognized that an error has occurred.

The timeout time depends on the specifications of the library device, that is, the number of drives and accessors,
It is predetermined and stored for each drive and each accessor according to the function and the like. Therefore, if the specifications of the library device are changed or a different library device is connected to the host computer, it is necessary for the operator to manually change the software content, that is, the command timeout time, in accordance with the change. .

However, such a change operation is very troublesome and requires a lot of time. In addition, the system may need to be temporarily stopped due to this change, which has a considerable effect on the operation of the system. For example, when a plurality of library devices are connected to a host computer and are managed by the software, a situation in which the entire system must be stopped due to a change in software for a timeout period for one library device. Invited, it was one of the problems.

[0008]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and is a library capable of easily setting a timeout period of a command and effectively controlling the timeout period. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device and a library control device for controlling the device.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical measures.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a storage for storing a plurality of recording media, and recording data on the recording media,
A recording / reproducing device for reproducing, a transport device for transporting the recording medium between the hangar and the recording / reproducing device, and a transport control device for controlling the operation of the transport device; A processing control means for performing predetermined processing based on an instruction signal from the outside, and a processing end signal output means for outputting a processing end signal to the outside indicating that the predetermined processing by the processing control means has been completed. Yes,
A time-out detecting means for monitoring whether or not the processing by the processing control means is performed within a time-out time by monitoring a processing end signal from the processing end signal output means, and supplying an instruction signal to the processing control means. A library device controlled by the library control device, wherein the storage device stores a predetermined time-out period for each processing content of the processing control device corresponding to the instruction signal, and a time-out period is set based on a request signal from the library control device. And a time-out time output means for reading out the time from the storage means and supplying the time to the library control device.

Here, the recording / reproducing device and / or the transport control device perform processing based on the instruction signal from the library control device, and return a processing end signal to the effect that the processing has been completed to the library control device. The timeout period refers to a predetermined period of time from when the library control device issues an instruction signal to when the library control device does not receive a response and recognizes an error.

According to the present invention, upon receiving the request signal from the library control device, the library device reads out the time-out period of the instruction signal from the storage means and outputs it to the library control device. Then, a predetermined process is performed based on an instruction signal from the library control device, and when this process ends, a process end signal is output to the library control device. After supplying the instruction signal to the library device, the library control device monitors the process end signal for each predetermined process based on the timeout time sent earlier.

Therefore, the library control device does not need to store the time-out period of the instruction signal as in the related art, and the time-out time is not changed whenever the specification of the library device is changed or the library device is replaced. There is no need to change the time. Therefore, software change work can be eliminated, and work costs can be reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the recording / reproducing device and / or the transport control device have a request signal prompting means for notifying the library control device that a request signal should be output.

According to another preferred embodiment, the recording / reproducing device and / or the transport control device determine whether or not the processing by the processing control unit is completed within the timeout period, and determine whether or not the processing is completed by the determination unit. When it is determined that the processing is not completed in time, the processing time extension notifying means notifies the library control device of the determination.

According to another preferred embodiment, the storage means stores a predetermined extended timeout time and a monitoring time interval for each processing content of the processing control means corresponding to the instruction signal, and outputs the timeout time. Means for reading out the extended timeout time and its monitoring time interval from the storage means based on a request from the library control apparatus and supplying the same to the library control apparatus, and when the library control apparatus receives a notification from the processing time extension notification means Then, the time-out detecting means is caused to transmit a confirmation signal at every monitoring time interval to determine whether or not the processing by the processing control means has been performed within the extended time-out time following the time-out time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a storage for storing a plurality of recording media, and recording data on the recording media;
A recording / reproducing device for reproducing, a transport device for transporting the recording medium between the hangar and the recording / reproducing device, and a transport control device for controlling the operation of the transport device; Processing control means for performing predetermined processing based on an instruction signal from the outside and, when another instruction signal is supplied before the end of the processing, sequentially accumulating it and continuously processing; And a process end signal output unit for outputting a process end signal indicating that the predetermined process has been completed to the outside, the library control device controlling any number of library devices, and an instruction signal to the process control unit. By monitoring the processing end signal from the instruction signal output means for supplying the data and the processing end signal from the processing end signal output means to determine whether or not the processing by the processing control means has been performed within the timeout period. And the time-out detection means for determining,
A time-out time correcting means for correcting the time-out time used by the time-out detecting means when the instruction signal output means supplies another instruction signal to the processing control means before the processing by the processing control means ends; A library control device is provided.

According to the present invention, the library apparatus performs predetermined processing based on an external instruction signal, and when another instruction signal is supplied before the end of the processing, the library apparatus sequentially accumulates the instruction signal and continuously stores it. In the case where a queuing function for performing processing is provided, when the library control apparatus supplies another instruction signal before the processing in the library apparatus is completed, the timeout time is corrected. Is less likely. Therefore, the library device can exhibit the queuing function well and can perform smooth control.

According to a preferred embodiment, the timeout time correction means sets the correction value of the timeout time to a value predetermined for each type of the instruction signal.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the library apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an external view showing the internal configuration of the library apparatus shown in FIG. This library device L
Has a DRUM frame 1, an MTU frame 2, and a garage frame 3. Inside the DRUM frame 1, a rotary storage case 4 for storing a large number of cassette type magnetic tapes is provided. A number of drives 5 for recording and reproducing data on a magnetic tape are provided inside the MTU frame 2. An optical disk or other recording medium may be stored in the storage 4 instead of the magnetic tape. When an optical disk is stored, a drive for the optical disk is used as the drive 5.

Inside the garage frame 3, there is provided a CAS (Cartridge Access Station) 6 serving as a window for an operator to carry a magnetic tape into or out of the library apparatus L. I have.

An accessor 7 for transporting a magnetic tape between the storage 4, the drive 5, and the CAS 6 is provided inside the library apparatus L. Accessor 7
Runs on rails not shown, and when there is no work,
Retreat inside the other garage frame 3. The number of accessors 7 is not limited to one as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a library system including the library device L. This library device L is an AMC (Accessor Mechanism Controller) 1
1, CSV (Control Servo) 12 and TMU (Tape
drive Mount Unit) 13, the above-described CAS 6, and the accessor 7.

The AMC 11 and the TMU 13 are connected to a host computer 14 as a library control device, and the AMC 11 is connected to a CSV 12 and a CAS 6. The CSV 12 is connected to the accessor 7.

The host computer 14 controls the overall operation of the library device L, and is equipped with control software. Host computer 14
Issues a predetermined command to the library device L when operating the library device L.

The AMC 11 transmits the CSV 12 and the C based on a command issued from the host computer 14.
Controls AS6. The CSV 12 drives and controls a plurality of motors of the accessor 7 based on a command from the host computer 14 input via the AMC 11.
The accessor 7 operates according to a control signal from the CSV 12, and transports the magnetic tape between the storage 4, the TMU 13, and the CAS 6. When the operation of the accessor 7 ends, the CSV 12 sends an end status indicating that the operation has ended to the host computer 14 via the AMC 11.

The TMU 13 has a number of drives 5, and the drives 5 record and reproduce data on the magnetic tape based on commands from the host computer 14. When the operation is completed, the drive 5 sends an end status indicating that the operation has been completed to the host computer 14.

The CAS 6 relays a magnetic tape between the operator and the accessor 7.

The feature of this embodiment is that the drives 5 and C
The SV 12 stores a timeout period corresponding to a command sent from the host computer 14 and gives the timeout period for each command to the host computer 14 in the form of a list (hereinafter referred to as a “timeout period list”). is there.

Thus, the host computer 14 does not need to store the command timeout time for each drive 5.
Does not require a corresponding change in the timeout period. Therefore, the work for the change can be eliminated, and the work cost can be reduced.

Here, the timeout period refers to a predetermined time from when the host computer 14 issues a command to the drive 5 or the like to when it recognizes an error when there is no end status from the drive 5 or the like.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a timeout time list of one of the drives 5. This list is
It is stored for each drive 5 in a memory (not shown) of the drive 5 or for each accessor 7 in a memory (not shown) of the CSV 12. For example, according to the list shown in the figure, the timeout time of the command 1 is 10 minutes, the timeout time of the command 2 is 5 minutes, and the command n
The timeout time of (n is an integer) is determined in accordance with the content of each command, such as 15 minutes.

The drive 5 and the like are connected to the host computer 1
When the command is received from the host computer 4, an operation or a process corresponding to the content of the command is performed. When the command is completed, an end status is sent to the host computer 14. After issuing the command, the host computer 14 sets the drive 5
When the end status is returned by the time-out period, it is recognized that the operation and processing according to the command have been normally performed.

On the other hand, if no end status is returned from the drive 5 or the like, the host computer 14 recognizes that an error has occurred. For example, according to FIG. 4, when the host computer 14 issues the command 1 to any one of the drives 5, if the drive 5 does not return an end status after 10 minutes, the host computer 14
Recognize as an error. Then, the occurrence of the error is displayed on a console (not shown), or the time and content of the error are stored in a log file for storing the error, thereby prohibiting the use of the drive 5 in which the error has occurred.

Next, the communication sequence between the host computer 14 and the drive 5 will be described more specifically with reference to the sequence flow shown in FIG. Although FIG. 2 shows a communication sequence between the host computer 14 and the drive 5, the host computer 14 communicates with the other drives 5 and the CSV 12 in a similar sequence. The communication partner of the host computer 14 is not limited to the drive 5 or the CSV 12 described above, but may be any device that can operate in response to a command from the host computer 14.

Referring to FIG. 5, first, when the system is powered on or when the system is initialized, host computer 14 recognizes a device connected to itself and controllable by itself. Starts the recognition process for More specifically, ID information (Identifi
cation data) is sent to the port (S1).

The drive 5 receiving this signal (S2)
Sends back its ID information to the host computer 14 (S3). Upon receiving this ID information, the host computer 14 recognizes the controllable drive 5 (S
4).

Next, the host computer 14 transmits a request signal requesting a timeout time list to the drive 5 (S5). Host computer 14
Receives the request signal from the drive 5 (S6), reads the timeout time list stored in the memory,
It returns its own ID information to the host computer 14 (S7).

Upon receiving the timeout time list (S8), the host computer 14 recognizes which device the timeout time list is based on the ID information added thereto. Then, the host computer 14
Sets the timeout time in the memory for each command with reference to the timeout time list (S9).

As described above, the drive 5 sends the timeout time list storing the timeout time of the command processed by the drive 5 to the host computer 14. There is no need to store the timeout period of the command for every 7.

Therefore, even if the specifications of the library device L are changed, that is, the number and functions of the drives 5 and the accessors 7 are changed, or the library device L is replaced, the timeout time must be changed each time. No need to do. Therefore, software change work can be eliminated, and work costs can be reduced.

Further, for example, when a plurality of library devices are connected to the host computer, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the entire system must be stopped due to a change in software for a timeout period for one library device. be able to.

Since the host computer 14 stores only the time-out time list of the drive 5 connected at that time for controlling the operation, the host computer 14 does not store, for example, the time-out time list of the power-off drive 5. Therefore, useless use of the memory of the host computer 14 can be prevented, and effective use of the memory can be achieved.

Further, since a timeout period is set for each command, a timeout period suitable for each command can be set, and for example, a long timeout period is not set for a process requiring only a short time. Therefore, waste of processing time can be reduced, and processing can be performed more efficiently.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modification of the communication sequence between the host computer 14 and the drive 5. In this sequence, the drive 5 is connected to the host computer 1
Instead of sending the timeout time list in response to the request from the host 4, the host computer 14 reports to the host computer 14 that it owns the timeout time list. There is a characteristic in the points given.

According to the figure, the host computer 14
Transmits a command to the drive 5 (S1
1). The command may be a command for returning ID information as described above or a command for causing an actual operation to be performed. At this time, the command timeout time is not set in the host computer 14. Therefore, sense commands such as log information are desirable.

Upon receiving this command (S12), the drive 5 issues a caution signal (hereinafter referred to as "attention") indicating that it owns the timeout time list.
Is returned to the host computer 14 with the ID information added (S13). Thereafter, the drive 5 waits for a request signal of the timeout time list sent from the host computer 14.

Upon receiving the attention (S14), the host computer 14 recognizes the attention from the drive 5 and sends a request signal to the drive 5 to transmit a timeout time list (S15).

Drive 5 receiving the request signal (S16)
Reads the timeout time list from the memory in response thereto, adds ID information to it, and returns it to the host computer 14 (S17). The host computer 14 that has received the timeout time list (S18) refers to the timeout time list and sets the timeout time in the memory for each command (S19).

As described above, the drive 5 transmits the attention indicating that the drive 5 has the timeout time list to the host computer 14, and then transmits the timeout time list. Therefore, in the host computer 14,
You can check in advance if you are ready to accept the list. In this case, for example, a device that does not have a chance to issue a command in the future can determine that the timeout time list will not be received, so that unnecessary data need not be set and the memory can be effectively used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another modification of the communication sequence between the host computer 14 and the drive 5.
In this sequence, the drive 5 transmits the timeout time list to the host computer 14 again when the connection with the host computer 14 is restored after the connection with the host computer 14 is disconnected.

According to this, even if the communication between the host computer 14 and the drive 5 is interrupted for some reason, the drive 5 automatically sends the timeout time list to the host computer 14 again. Can be easily returned to the normal command receiving state without turning off the power of the library device L.

Specifically, the host computer 14
After the timeout time list is reported from the drive 5, a command is issued to the drive 5 (S21). Upon receiving the command, the drive 5 executes a process corresponding to the command (S22), and returns an end status to the host computer 14 after the process is completed (S2).
3). At this time, if there is no response signal indicating that the end status has been received from the host computer 14, the drive 5
Recognizes that the connection with the host computer 14 has been interrupted on a line basis (S24).

Then, the drive 5 sends the host computer 1 again to report the timeout time list.
4 is in a waiting state for a report request for a timeout time list. That is, the drive 5 holds an attention indicating that it owns the timeout time list (S25).

Thereafter, when the connection between the two is restored, the host computer 14 issues a command to the drive 5 (S26). Upon receiving this command (S27), the drive 5 returns an attention to which the ID information is added to the host computer 14 (S28). Thereafter, the drive 5 waits for a request signal of the timeout time list sent from the host computer 14.

Upon receiving the attention (S29), the host computer 14 recognizes the attention from the drive 5 and sends a request signal to the drive 5 to transmit a timeout time list (S30).

The drive 5 that has received the request signal (S31)
Reads the timeout time list from the memory in response thereto, adds ID information thereto, and returns it to the host computer 14 (S32). The host computer 14 that has received the timeout time list (S33) refers to the timeout time list and sets the timeout time in the memory for each command (S34).

As described above, even if the connection between the host computer 14 and the drive 5 is interrupted for some reason, for example, if the power supply of the host computer 14 is turned off, the drive 5 again stores the timeout time list. Since the command is sent to the host computer 14, it is possible to easily return to the normal command receiving state without turning off the power of the library device L.

Note that, as described above, the host computer 1
When the connection state is restored after the connection between the drive 4 and the drive 5 is broken, the host computer 14 may immediately send a request signal to the drive 5 to request the timeout time list. In that case, drive 5
May send a timeout time list based on a request signal from the host computer 14 without retaining the attention.

Next, the operation of the host computer 14 and the drive 5 when it becomes necessary to perform a retry operation while the drive 5 is executing a command will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the host computer 14 and the drive 5 when the above situation occurs. Here, when it becomes necessary to perform the retry operation during the command processing operation, the drive 5 determines that the retry operation does not end within the timeout period, and notifies the host computer 14 to that effect.

The host computer 14 stores in advance a timeout period (hereinafter referred to as “extended timeout period”) applied in such a case in the form of a list (hereinafter referred to as “extended timeout period list”). To monitor the command processing status of the drive 5. In this case, the host computer 14 sends a confirmation signal to the drive 5 as to whether or not the command has been completed at predetermined intervals, instead of simply monitoring the extended timeout time.
The extended timeout time list also stores the monitoring interval time of the confirmation signal.

By doing so, the host computer 1
In No. 4, even when the retry operation occurs on the drive 5 side, control can be continuously performed without immediately recognizing a large system error.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the extended timeout time list. This list is stored for each drive 5 or each accessor 7. For example, according to the list shown in the figure, the extended timeout time of the command 1 is 5 minutes, and the monitoring signal monitoring interval time is 30 minutes.
Depending on the contents of the command, such as seconds, the extended timeout time of command 2 is 4 minutes, the monitoring interval time is 25 seconds, and the extended timeout time of command n (n is an integer) is 3 minutes, and the monitoring interval time is 20 seconds. Thus, the extended timeout time and the monitoring interval time of the confirmation signal are respectively determined.

According to FIG. 8, the host computer 14
Issues a command to the drive 5 (S4
1). Thereafter, the host computer 14 monitors the timeout period (S42).

The drive 5 having received the command executes a process according to the command (S43). At this time, if a situation where the retry operation should be performed for some reason occurs in the drive 5, the retry operation is performed (S4).
4). At this time, the drive 5 estimates the total processing time including the retry operation by adding the time from the reception of the command to the present time and the estimated time required for the retry operation.

The timeout time of the command is read from the memory, and the timeout time is compared with the estimated processing time. When it is recognized from the comparison result that the estimated processing time exceeds the timeout time (S
45), and this is transmitted to the host computer 14 (S46). After that, the drive 5 continues the retry operation, and when the processing ends, holds the end status (S47).

That is, if the timeout exceeds the timeout period due to the drive 5 performing the retry operation of the command processing, the host computer 14 recognizes an error. Report to computer 14.

The host computer 14 that has received a signal indicating that the timeout period has been exceeded from the drive 5 (S48)
Retrieves the extended timeout time list stored in the memory, and reads out the extended timeout time in the command and the monitoring interval time of the confirmation signal. And
At the read time interval, a confirmation signal is transmitted to the drive 5 as to whether or not the retry operation has been completed (S49).

Upon receiving the confirmation signal from the host computer 14 (S50), the drive 5 returns an end status to the host computer 14 in response to the confirmation signal (S51). Upon receiving the end status (S52), the host computer 14 recognizes that the retry operation for the command in the drive 5 has ended. On the other hand, if the drive 5 does not return an end status within the extended timeout period, the host computer 14 recognizes a timeout error.

In step S47, when the drive 5 performs the retry operation and terminates, the drive 5 does not hold the termination status.
The end status may be immediately returned to the host computer 14.

As described above, even when a simple error occurs on the drive 5 side, the host computer 14 can continue the control without immediately recognizing the error as a systematic error. Therefore, the efficiency of the process control can be improved.

Further, the host computer 14 sends a confirmation signal to the drive 5 at every monitoring time interval, and confirms the end of the processing of the drive 5 successively. Time can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the contents of the extended timeout time list may be held by the drive 5 in the initial state, and may be transmitted from the drive 5 to the host computer 14 at the request of the host computer 14. . That is, as shown in the sequence flow of FIG. 10, the host computer 14 requests the drive 5 to send an extended timeout time list (S61). Upon receiving the request signal from the host computer 14 (S62), the drive 5 reads the extended timeout time list stored in the memory and returns it to the host computer 14 (S63).

Upon receiving the extended timeout time list (S64), the host computer 14 recognizes the extended timeout time list of the drive 5. Then, the host computer 14 sets the timeout time in the memory for each command with reference to the extended timeout time list (S65).

It is desirable that the extended timeout time list is transmitted to the host computer 14 at the same time when the above-mentioned timeout time list is transmitted, such as when the system is started.

Further, the drive 5 transmits the extended timeout time list to the host computer 14 by attention.
, The contents of the extended timeout time list may be transmitted.

That is, as shown in the sequence flow of FIG. 11, the host computer 14 issues a command to the drive 5 (S71). Upon receiving this command (S72), the drive 5 returns an attention to the effect that the drive 5 has the extended timeout time list to the host computer 14 (S73). After that, the drive 5 waits for a request signal of the extended timeout time list sent from the host computer 14.

The host computer 14 having received the attention (S74) sends a request signal to the drive 5 to transmit the extended timeout time list (S75).

Drive 5 receiving the request signal (S76)
Reads the extended timeout time list from the memory in response to the request and returns it to the host computer 14 (S77). The host computer 14 that has received the extension time-out time list (S78) refers to the extension time-out time list and sets the extension time-out time and the monitoring interval time of the confirmation signal for each command in the memory (S79).

After confirming that the connection with the host computer 14 has been interrupted by the line, the drive 5 again checks
The host computer 14 stores the extended timeout time list.
It may be sent to.

That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the host computer 14 issues a command to the drive 5 after the drive 5 reports the extended timeout time list (S81). Drive 5 that received the command
Executes the process according to the command (S82), and returns the end status to the host computer 14 after the process is completed (S83). At this time, when there is no response signal indicating that the end status has been received from the host computer 14, the drive 5 recognizes that the connection with the host computer 14 has been disconnected on a line basis (S84).

Then, the drive 5 waits for a report request of the extended timeout time list from the host computer 14 again to report the extended timeout time list (S85).

Thereafter, when the connection between the two is restored, the host computer 14 issues a command to the drive 5 (S86). Upon receiving this command (S87), the drive 5 returns an attention to the fact that the drive 5 has the extended timeout time list to the host computer 14 (S88). After that, the drive 5 waits for a request signal of the extended timeout time list sent from the host computer 14.

The host computer 14 having received the attention (S89) sends a request signal to the drive 5 to transmit the extended timeout time list (S90).

Drive 5 receiving the request signal (S91)
Reads the extended timeout time list from the memory in response to the request and returns it to the host computer 14 (S92). The host computer 14 that has received the extended timeout time list (S93) refers to the extended timeout time list and sets the extended timeout time and the monitoring interval time of the confirmation signal for each command in the memory (S94).

Incidentally, when the drive 5 has a so-called queuing function, the host computer 14 may be configured to cope with the queuing function. That is, when the drive 5 accumulates a plurality of commands sent from the host computer 14 and continuously processes the commands without returning an end status, the host computer 14 continuously issues a predetermined number of commands. Then, the timeout time of a command issued thereafter is corrected in consideration of the timeout time of a series of commands issued up to that time.

As a result, it is possible to prevent a timeout from being easily caused by queuing of the drive 5 in a command issued later. Therefore, drive 5
Has an advantage that command execution can be performed efficiently.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a communication sequence between the host computer 14 and the drive 5 according to this embodiment. The host computer 14 issues a command 1 to the drive 5 (T1). The drive 5 that has received the command 1 executes a process corresponding to the command 1 (T
2).

On the other hand, the host computer 14 issues another command 2 to the drive 5 without waiting for the end status of the command 1 from the drive 5 (T3). The drive 5 receiving the command 2 performs a queuing process (T4). That is, if the processing of the command 1 is being executed, the processing corresponding to the command 2 is put into a waiting state, and when the processing of the command 1 is completed, the processing of the command 2 is immediately performed without transmitting the end status. .

The host computer 14 similarly operates
A predetermined number of n commands n are issued (T5). The drive 5 receiving the command n performs the queuing process in the same manner (T6).

Next, after issuing the command n, the host computer 14 corrects the timeout time of the next command (n + 1) to be issued (T7). That is, a correction value is added to the timeout time stored in the memory of the host computer 14, and the correction value is newly added to the command (n
+1) Set the timeout time.

Here, the correction value may be a value obtained by integrating the respective timeout times of the command 1 to the command n, or a value of a separately set time.

Then, the host computer 14 issues a command (n + 1) (T8). On the other hand, drive 5
Receives the command (n + 1), similarly performs queuing processing (T9).

Further, when issuing the next command (n + 2), the host computer 14 issues the command (n + 2).
The timeout time of 2) is corrected (T10). That is, the timeout time of the command (n + 2) is a value obtained by adding a correction value to the timeout time of the command (n + 1). Then, the host computer 14 issues a command (n + 2) (T11). On the other hand, upon receiving the command (n + 2), the drive 5 similarly performs queuing processing (T12).

After transmitting a series of commands, the host computer 14 monitors the timeout period of the last transmitted command. In this case, since a correction value is added to the timeout time, the timeout time corresponds to a series of transmitted commands.
Therefore, in the drive 5, the possibility that the command processing times out is reduced. Therefore, the drive 5 can exhibit the queuing function well, and can perform smooth control.

Further, the correction value may be set for each command. That is, when correcting the timeout time of the command (n + 1) in step T7 of FIG. 13, the timeout time is obtained by adding the correction value of the timeout time of the command (n + 1) to the timeout value of the command (n + 1), and The timeout period of the command (n + 1) is newly set.

In this way, since a correction value of the timeout time according to each command is added, a more accurate timeout time can be set, a waste of processing time can be reduced, and processing can be performed more efficiently. be able to.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the library control device is not limited to a host computer, but may be any device that can control a library device such as a sequencer or a controller.

[0102]

According to the present invention, the library device includes:
Upon receiving a request signal from the library control device, a timeout period of the instruction signal is read from the storage means and output to the library control device. Then, a predetermined process is performed based on an instruction signal from the library control device, and when this process ends, a process end signal is output to the library control device. After supplying the instruction signal to the library device, the library control device monitors the process end signal for each predetermined process based on the timeout time sent earlier. Therefore, the library control device does not need to store the time-out period of the instruction signal as in the related art, and the time-out period is changed each time the specification of the library device is changed or the library device is replaced. No need to do. Therefore, software change work can be eliminated, and work costs can be reduced. Further, for example, when a plurality of library devices are connected to the library control device, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the entire system must be stopped in order to change the timeout time for one library device.

Since the library device notifies the library control device that the request signal should be output, the library control device is ready to accept the timeout period before outputting the request signal to the library device. Can be checked in advance. Therefore, for example, it is possible to determine that a timeout period of the instruction signal will not be received from a library device that does not have a chance to issue the instruction signal in the future, so that unnecessary data need not be set and the memory can be effectively used.

When the library device determines that the processing is not completed within the time-out period, it notifies the library control device of that fact. The library control device, for example, extends the time-out period if this notice is given. Since the processing can be performed and the control of the library device can be continued without immediately recognizing the system error, the efficiency of the processing control can be improved.

Further, the library device supplies an extended time-out time obtained by extending the time-out time and a monitoring time interval to the library control device, and the library control device sends a confirmation signal at each monitoring time interval to send the extended time-out period. Since it is determined whether or not the processing is completed within the time, the end of the processing in the library device can be immediately recognized, and the control time can be reduced.

Also, the library device performs a predetermined process based on an external instruction signal, and when another instruction signal is supplied before the end of the process, the library device sequentially accumulates the signal and performs a continuous process. In the case where a so-called queuing function is provided, when the library controller supplies another instruction signal before the processing in the library device is completed, the timeout time is corrected, so that the processing in the library device may time out. Is reduced. Therefore, the library device can exhibit the queuing function well and can perform smooth control.

Further, since the correction value of the timeout time is determined for each type of instruction signal, a more accurate timeout time can be set, and waste of processing time can be reduced.
Processing can be performed more efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a library device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of the library device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of a library system including a library device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timeout time list.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a communication sequence flow between a host computer and a drive.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a communication sequence flow between a host computer and a drive.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a communication sequence flow between a host computer and a drive.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a communication sequence flow between a host computer and a drive.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an extended timeout time list.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence flow between a host computer and a drive.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a communication sequence flow between a host computer and a drive.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a communication sequence flow between a host computer and a drive.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a communication sequence flow between a host computer and a drive.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Hangar 5 Drive 7 Accessor 12 CAV 14 Host computer L Library device

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasushi Kishimoto No. 35, Saho, Shato-cho, Kato-gun, Hyogo (No address) F-term in Fujitsu Peripheral Machinery Co., Ltd. 5D072 AB16 BE05 CB08 EB09 EB11 EB18

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A storage for storing a plurality of recording media, a recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing data on and from the recording medium, and a transporting device for transporting the recording medium between the storage and the recording and reproducing device. A transport control device for controlling the operation of the transport device, wherein the recording / reproducing device and / or the transport control device perform a predetermined process based on an external instruction signal; Processing end signal output means for outputting a processing end signal indicating that predetermined processing by the control means has been completed to the outside, and by monitoring a processing end signal from the processing end signal output means, A timeout detection unit for determining whether the processing by the processing control unit is performed within the timeout period; and a line for supplying the instruction signal to the processing control unit. A library device controlled by a library control device, wherein the storage device stores a predetermined time-out period for each processing content of the processing control unit corresponding to the instruction signal, and a request signal from the library control device. And a timeout time output means for reading out the timeout time from the storage means based on the timeout time and supplying the timeout time to the library control device. 2. The library device according to claim 1, wherein the recording / reproducing device and / or the transport control device include request signal prompting means for notifying the library control device that the request signal should be output. . 3. The recording / reproducing device and / or the transport control device, wherein: a determination unit configured to determine whether processing by the processing control unit is completed within the timeout period; 3. The library apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a processing time extension notifying unit that notifies the library control apparatus when the processing is not completed. 4. The storage means stores an extended timeout time and a monitoring time interval thereof which are predetermined for each processing content of the processing control means corresponding to the instruction signal, and wherein the timeout time output means comprises: Based on a request from the library control device, the extension time-out time and the monitoring time interval are read from the storage unit and supplied to the library control device.The library control device receives the notification from the processing time extension notification unit. Upon receipt, the timeout detection means sends a confirmation signal at each monitoring time interval to determine whether the processing by the processing control means has been performed within the extended timeout time following the timeout time. The library device according to claim 3. 5. A storage for storing a plurality of recording media, a recording and reproducing device for recording and reproducing data on and from the recording medium, and a transport device for transporting the recording medium between the storage and the recording and reproducing device. A transport control device for controlling the operation of the transport device, wherein the recording / reproducing device and / or the transport control device perform a predetermined process based on an instruction signal from the outside, and perform another process before the end of the process. When the instruction signal is supplied, processing control means capable of sequentially accumulating the instruction signal and continuously processing, and outputting a processing end signal indicating that predetermined processing by the processing control means has been completed to the outside A library control device for controlling an arbitrary number of library devices having signal output means, comprising: an instruction signal output means for supplying the instruction signal to the processing control means; A timeout detection unit that monitors whether a process by the process control unit has been performed within a timeout period by monitoring a process end signal from the process end signal output unit; and before the process by the process control unit ends. A time-out time correction means for correcting the time-out time used by the time-out detection means when the instruction signal output means supplies another instruction signal to the processing control means. Control device. 6. The library control device according to claim 5, wherein the timeout time correction unit sets the correction value of the timeout time to a value predetermined for each type of the instruction signal.