Raid-type library apparatus using cartridge storing a plurality of storage media and method for controlling the library apparatus

A media library apparatus comprising:

• a transportable media cartridge capable of storing a plurality of storage media;
• a plurality of library units, each of said library units being arranged to transport a transportable storage medium between said media cartridge and a media storage section or drive device of said library unit and perform a data write or read operation on any designated storage medium via the drive device;
• an array controller that activates said plurality of library units in parallel, to perform a data read/write operation on a plurality of storage media as a single integral media group;
• and
• a control device that performs control for passing a predetermined number of the storage medium between the media storage section or drive device of each of said library units and said media cartridge, only when all of the storage media to be passed between said library units and said media cartridge are of a same media group.

A media library apparatus comprising:

• a transportable media cartridge capable of storing a plurality of storage media;
• a plurality of library units, each of said library units being arranged to transport a transportable storage medium between said media cartridge and a media storage section or drive device of said library unit and perform a data write or read operation on any designated storage medium via the drive device;
• an array controller that activates said plurality of library units in parallel, to perform a data read/write operation on a plurality of storage media as a single integral media group;
• a cartridge transport mechanism that sequentially transports said media cartridge to predetermined positions corresponding to said library units;
• and
• a control device that performs control for passing a predetermined number of the storage medium between the media storage section or drive device of each of said library units and said media cartridge, only when all of the storage media to be passed between said library units and said media cartridge are of a same media group.

A control method for use with a media library apparatus, said media library apparatus comprising:

• a transportable media cartridge capable of storing a plurality of storage media;
• a plurality of library units, each of said library units being arranged to transport a transportable storage medium between said media cartridge and a media storage section or drive device of said library unit and perform a data write or read operation on any designated storage medium via the drive device;
• an array controller that activates said plurality of library units in parallel, to perform a data read/write operation on a plurality of storage media as a single integral media group;
• and a cartridge transport mechanism that transports said media cartridge, said control method comprising the steps of:
• causing said cartridge transport mechanism to sequentially transport said media cartridge to predetermined positions corresponding to said library units;
• and
• performing control for passing a predetermined number of the storage medium between the media storage section or drive device of each of said library units and said media cartridge sequentially transported to the predetermined position corresponding to said library unit.

A control method for use with a media library apparatus, said media library apparatus comprising:

• a transportable media cartridge capable of storing a plurality of storage media;
• a plurality of library units, each of said library units being arranged to transport a transportable storage medium between said media cartridge and a media storage section or drive device of said library unit and perform a data write or read operation on any designated storage medium via the drive device;
• and an array controller that activates said plurality of library units in parallel, to perform a data read/write operation on a plurality of storage media as a single integral media group,
• said control method comprising a step of performing control for passing a predetermined number of the storage medium between the media storage section or drive device of each of said library units and said media cartridge, only when all of the storage media to be passed between said library units and said media cartridge are of a same media group.

A control method for use with a media library apparatus, said media library apparatus comprising:

• a transportable media cartridge capable of storing a plurality of storage media;
• a plurality of library units, each of said library units being arranged to transport a transportable storage medium between said media cartridge and a media storage section or drive device of said library unit and perform a data write or read operation on any designated storage medium via the drive device;
• an array controller that activates said plurality of library units in parallel, to perform a data read/write operation on a plurality of storage media as a single integral media group;
• and a cartridge transport mechanism that transports said media cartridge, said control method comprising the steps of:
• causing said cartridge transport mechanism to sequentially transport said media cartridge to predetermined positions corresponding to said library units;
• and
• performing control for passing a predetermined number of the storage medium between the media storage section or drive device of each of said library units and said media cartridge, only when all of the storage media to be passed between said library units and said media cartridge are of a same media group.