Method and system for accessing multiple rows of media objects in an automated storage library using a single track robotic mechanism

A storage library for the storage and retrieval of media objects, the storage library comprising:

• a frame;
• first, second, and third horizontally arranged parallel rows of media object storage cells arranged within the frame in a common plane, the second row of media object storage cells disposed between the first and third rows of media object storage cells, each of the media object storage cells for housing a media object;
• a first track attached to the frame and arranged in the common plane, the first track being disposed adjacent to the first row of media object storage cells;
• a second track attached to the frame and arranged in the common plane, the second track being disposed between the first and second rows of media object storage cells;
• a first robotic mechanism coupled to the first track for moving horizontally along the first track, the first robotic mechanism having a first media object manipulation mechanism vertically movable for moving between the first and second rows of media object storage cells in order to manipulate the media objects housed within the first and second rows of media object storage cells;
• and
• a second robotic mechanism coupled to the second track for moving horizontally along the second track, the second robotic mechanism having a second media object manipulation mechanism vertically movable for moving between the second and third rows of media object storage cells in order to manipulate the media objects housed within the second and third rows of media object storage cells.

A method of operating a storage library having first and second horizontally arranged rows of media object storage cells arranged within a frame in a common plane, each of the media object storage cells for housing a media object, and a horizontally arranged track attached to the frame, arranged in the common plane, and disposed adjacent to the first row of media object storage cells, the method comprising:

• coupling a robotic mechanism to the track such that the robotic mechanism is attached to the frame by the track for horizontal movement along the track;
• and
• vertically moving a media object manipulation mechanism coupled to the robotic mechanism between the first and second rows of media object storage cells when the robotic mechanism is coupled to the track;
• and
• manipulating the media objects housed within the first and second rows of media object storage cells with the gripper media object manipulation mechanism after the media object manipulation mechanism has been vertically moved.