WO1999016054A1 - Compact disc storage and drive module - Google Patents
Compact disc storage and drive module Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999016054A1 WO1999016054A1 PCT/US1998/020052 US9820052W WO9916054A1 WO 1999016054 A1 WO1999016054 A1 WO 1999016054A1 US 9820052 W US9820052 W US 9820052W WO 9916054 A1 WO9916054 A1 WO 9916054A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- drive
- disc
- storage
- module
- bays
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/06—Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers, e.g. RAID, emulated record carriers or networked record carriers
- G06F3/0601—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems
- G06F3/0602—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
- G06F3/0604—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. storage management
- G06F3/0607—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. storage management by facilitating the process of upgrading existing storage systems, e.g. for improving compatibility between host and storage device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/06—Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers, e.g. RAID, emulated record carriers or networked record carriers
- G06F3/0601—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems
- G06F3/0628—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems making use of a particular technique
- G06F3/0629—Configuration or reconfiguration of storage systems
- G06F3/0632—Configuration or reconfiguration of storage systems by initialisation or re-initialisation of storage systems
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/06—Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers, e.g. RAID, emulated record carriers or networked record carriers
- G06F3/0601—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems
- G06F3/0668—Interfaces specially adapted for storage systems adopting a particular infrastructure
- G06F3/0671—In-line storage system
- G06F3/0683—Plurality of storage devices
- G06F3/0689—Disk arrays, e.g. RAID, JBOD
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B17/00—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor
- G11B17/22—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records
- G11B17/225—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor from random access magazine of disc records wherein the disks are transferred from a fixed magazine to a fixed playing unit using a moving carriage
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automatic Disk Changers (AREA)
Abstract
A compact disc storage and drive module (10) for a computer. The module has a disc storage magazine structure (12) with at least one storage bank (14, 16) providing a plurality of disc storage sites (35), and an operations structure (18) with a plurality of drive bays (25) situated opposite the storage magazine structure. The drive bays are respectively capable of operably and releasably housing at least one hard disc drive and/or at least one floppy disc drive, and at least one compact disc optical drive. An access channel (20) is disposed between the magazine structure and operations structure and is accessible from both the magazine and operations structure, and includes a disc loader and transport apparatus (34) for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any disc storage site and disc optical drive. The module additionally includes a connector terminal block (11) for connectably receiving at least one connection cable leading from a remotely situated operational component.
Description
COMPACT DISC STORAGE AND DRIVE MODULE Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to computer data retrieval from compact discs, and in particular to a disc storage and drive module wherein a disc storage magazine houses a plurality of discs, an operations structure houses hard and floppy disc drives as well as optical disc drives, a disc loader and transport apparatus retrieves and delivers compact discs between storage sites and optical disc drives, and a connector terminal block to which remotely situated peripheral operational components can be connected.
Background of the Invention Compact disc storage and retrieval has become a significant factor for consideration in view of the proliferation of use of these discs for data storage in association with computerized information that must be readily available. While individual discs are capable of accepting relatively large amounts of data, the amount of data stored for many applications is immense and therefore requires a significant number of discs . In addition to requiring large data storage capacity, rapid retrieval of discs is also desired so that data from the discs can be accessed more quickly. Concurrently, data retrieval from compact discs interacts with programming parameters dictated by one or more hard and/or floppy discs, supplemental keyboard and mouse commands, etc. etc.
Because interaction among the several components of a data retrieval system must occur, it is apparent that both physical and electronic linkages must operate in unison. As is recognized, such a system has certain mechanical components such as power supply fans, nonremovable hard drives, PC motherboards, etc., that must be present, but that are not necessary to, and actually detract from, the actual computing environment. Conversely, certain other components such as compact disc
storage sites and optical drives, interchangeable hard disc and floppy disc drives, "hot swappable" peripherals (elements that can be removed and/or replaced without removing power from or otherwise disturbing the system) , and the like are intimately involved in the immediate and on-going operation of the system.
In view of the above described relationships among components in a data retrieval system, it is apparent that a user will experience greater productivity where accessibility of frequently visited components is available. It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a compact disc storage and drive module for a computer wherein an operations structure provides hard disc, floppy disc and compact disc operability while a magazine structure provides storage for compact discs that are readily retrievable by a disc loader and transport apparatus disposed within the module .
Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and drive module wherein the operations structure thereof has a plurality of drive bays for releasably housing hard and floppy disc drives and compact disc optical drives.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a compact disc storage and drive module having a connector terminal block for connectably receiving a cable connection leading from remotely situated operational components not frequently accessed.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent throughout the description of the invention which now follows.
Summary of the Invention The present invention is a compact disc storage and drive module for a computer. The module comprises, first of all, a disc storage magazine structure comprising at least one storage bank comprising a plurality of disc storage sites, and second, an operations structure
comprising a plurality of drive bays situated opposite the storage magazine structure. The drive bays are respectively capable of operably and releasably housing at least one hard disc drive and/or at least one floppy disc drive, and at least one compact disc optical drive. An access channel is disposed between the magazine structure and operations structure and is accessible from both the magazine and operations structures. Disposed and movably operable within the access channel is a disc loader and transport apparatus for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any disc storage site and disc optical drive. The module additionally includes a connector terminal block for connectably receiving at least one connection cable leading from a remotely situated operational component.
In use, the operations structure of the module can include optical drives situated advantageously to permit front accessibility of drive bays for removable hard drive and floppy drive components as desired and as can be compatible for interchangeability of "hot swappable" hardware and software as may be conformed by industry standards. Concurrently, a cable bundle can be formed from input cables leading from remote peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, non-removable hard drive, power supply, and the like, and connected to the module through the connector terminal block. In this manner, frequently accessed components are readily available at the module while less frequently visited components can be connected to the module, yet situated at an appropriate distance therefrom to avoid work space crowding.
Brief Description of the Drawings An illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a compact disc storage and drive module for a computer;
Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic illustration of a front elevation view of a disc loader and transport apparatus ;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a front elevation view of the module of Figure 1 along line 3-3 thereof; and
Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a rear elevation view of the module of Figure 1.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figures 1-4, a compact disc storage and drive module 10 is shown. The module 10 has a disc storage magazine structure 12 with two parallel storage banks 14, 16 each comprising a plurality of disc storage sites 35, preferably 25 to 30 sites per bank, arranged as a column. An operations structure 18 is disposed opposite the magazine structure 12. The operations structure 18 comprises two parallel columns 22, 24 each having a plurality of drive bays 25 wherein removable hard drives, floppy drives, and compact-disc optical drives can be accommodated as discussed below. As more fully described later, the module 10 has an extended connector terminal block 11 for receiving umbilical connector cabling 13 from, for example, a PC module 15 that houses non-frequently accessed system components such as a power supply, PC motherboard, video card, sound card, controller cards, non-removable hard drive, etc. Other individual connector cabling 17 may extend from frequently accessed individual components such as, for example, a keyboard, mouse, etc. that may be located close to the module 10.
Disposed between the magazine structure 12 and operations structure 18 is an access channel 20 within which is disposed a disc loader and transport apparatus 34, shown in detail in Figure 2, for retrieving, transporting and delivering compact discs between sites of the magazine structure 12 and operations structure 18. The loader and transport apparatus 34 is here shown with
four respective pairs of laterally adjacent disc transport sites 38a, 38b, with each pair serviced by one respective disc carrier 44 therein selectively movable laterally, as indicated by the double arrow in Figure 1, between each respective pair of sites 38a, 38b to thereby accommodate one disc at each site 38a or 38b. Figure 2 shows a non-limiting representation of disc carrier locations, with the top and bottom sites 38a having therein the respective carriers 44 of the pairs, while the two center sites 38b have therein the respective carriers 44 of the pairs. All transport sites 38a, 38b and all disc carriers 44 are accessible from opposing sides through openings 40, 42 at each transport site 38a, 38b such that discs can pass from and to sites of the magazine structure 12 and operations structure 18. Each pair of transport sites 38a, 38b has the capability of independently controlled horizontal disc travel there between via the disc carrier 44 which allows each pair to service any site of the magazine structure 12 or operations structure 18 within the module 10, thereby accomplishing mapped drive access for moving any disc within the system. Each disc carrier 44 can have conventional construction for retaining a disc, and moves between sites 38a, 38b via robotics as would be as known in the art. The access channel 20 is also provided with robotics as known in the art to move the loader and transport apparatus 34 within the access channel 20 such that alignment between respective transport sites 38a, 38b and disc sites, as chosen, can occur to accomplish retrieval or delivery of discs within the module 10.
Operationally, the operations structure 18 is provided with one to four, typically two, compact-disc optical drives, each in one respective bay 25. All bays 25 are accessible from the access channel 20 and thus the disc loader and transport apparatus 34. As shown in Figure 3, a disc loader tray 27 is shown for introducing and removing discs by interfacing with the top storage
level of the front storage bank 16. The loader and transport apparatus 34 transports such discs appropriately for specific destinations. As earlier described, the one to four optical drives can be found in respective bays 25 of the operations structure 18 opposite the magazine structure 12. While the example in Figure 3 shows two optical drives 29 in lower two bays 25, the optical drives can be located as desired among the bays 25 of the operations structure. Likewise, one or more removable hard drives and one or more floppy drives are locateable among all of the bays 25 as desired. As exemplified in Figure 3, the top bay houses a removable hard drive 31 while the second bay provides a floppy drive 33. Depending upon system applications, it may be desirable for the bays to be capable, as known in the art, of providing interchangeability of both hardware and software without disturbing power supply or other system operations.
Power distribution at the module 10 requires a harness sufficient to support robotics for movement of loader and transport apparatus 34, loader tray 27, plus up to eight peripheral drive components including the one to four optical drives within the bays 25. Functions that feed through to the terminal block at the PC module 15 for cable extension only to the module 10 as shown in Figure 4 include sound 37, video 39, mouse 41, keyboard 43, and parallel 45 and serial 47 ports. Alternately, some or all of the parallel and serial ports could interface directly from the PC module 15 to the storage and drive module 10, and not be included in the umbilical cable bundle 13. Functions that feed through at the PC module 15 for cable extension as well as electrical and/or electronic interface with the storage and drive module 10 include SCSI or other data bus devices such as floppy drives, removable hard disc drives and optical drives . The supported connector modules for these devices should be configured in "daisy chain" fashion to
allow for data extension to other data bus device modules, if required, and should provide for electrical termination where the storage and drive module and/or PC module are data bus end points. While not limiting, it is preferable that only one type of data bus such as SCSI 51 be supported within the system.
As is apparent from the above description, the present invention provides desk-top space saving modularity by positioning frequently accessed operational components at the work station and infrequently accessed operational components at a remote site, while simultaneously permitting easy access of removable and interchangeable media and peripherals by the user. Thus, while an illustrative and presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.
Claims
1. A compact disc storage and drive module for a computer, the module comprising: a) a disc storage magazine structure comprising at least one storage bank comprising a plurality of disc storage sites; b) an operations structure comprising a plurality of drive bays situated opposite the storage magazine structure, said drive bays respectively capable of operably housing at least one hard disc drive and/or at least one floppy disc drive and/or at least one compact disc optical drive ; c) an access channel disposed between the magazine structure and operations structure, said channel accessible from both the magazine and operations structures; d) a disc loader and transport apparatus disposed and movably operable within the access channel for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any disc storage site and disc optical drive, said apparatus comprising at least one disc transport site accessible from opposing sides, said opposing sides adjacent a respective opposing storage bank and drive bay; and e) a connector terminal block for connectably receiving at least one connection cable leading from a remotely situated operational component.
2. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the disc storage sites and drive bays are arranged as respective columns.
3. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 1 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure is capable of releasably housing a hard disc drive.
4. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 3 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure is capable of releasably housing a floppy disc drive.
5. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 1 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure is capable of releasably housing a floppy disc drive.
6. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 5 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure is capable of releasably housing a compact disc optical drive.
7. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 1 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure is capable of releasably housing a compact disc optical drive.
8. A compact disc storage and drive module for a computer, the module comprising: a) a disc storage magazine structure comprising two storage banks, with each bank comprising a plurality of disc storage sites arranged as a column; b) an operations structure comprising a plurality of drive bays arranged as two columns respectively situated opposite the two storage banks, said drive bays respectively capable of operably and releasably housing at least one hard disc drive, at least one floppy disc drive, and at least one compact disc optical drive; c) an access channel disposed between the magazine structure and operations structure, said channel accessible from both the magazine and operations structures; d) a disc loader and transport apparatus disposed and movably operable within the access channel for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any disc storage site and disc optical drive, said apparatus comprising at least one pair of laterally adjacent disc transport sites, with each transport site accessible from opposing sides, said opposing sides adjacent a respective storage bank and drive bay; and e) a connector terminal block for connectably receiving at least one connection cable leading from a remotely situated operational component.
9. A compact disc storage and drive module for a computer, the module comprising: a) a disc storage magazine structure comprising at least one storage bank comprising a plurality of disc storage sites; b) an operations structure comprising a plurality of drive bays situated opposite the storage magazine structure, said drive bays operably housing at least one hard disc drive and/or at least one floppy disc drive and/or at least one compact disc optical drive; c) an access channel disposed between the magazine structure and operations structure, said channel accessible from both the magazine and operations structures; d) a disc loader and transport apparatus disposed and movably operable within the access channel for retrieving and replacing a disc from and to any disc storage site and disc optical drive, said apparatus comprising at least one disc transport site accessible from opposing sides, said opposing sides adjacent a respective opposing storage bank and drive bay; and e) a connector terminal block for connectably receiving at least one connection cable leading from a remotely situated operational component .
10. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the disc storage sites and drive bays are arranged as respective columns.
11. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 9 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure houses a hard disc drive.
12. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 11 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure houses a floppy disc drive .
13. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 9 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure houses a floppy disc drive.
14. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 13 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure houses a compact disc optical drive.
15. A compact disc storage and drive module as claimed in Claim 9 wherein at least one of the drive bays in the operations structure houses a compact disc optical drive .
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU95084/98A AU9508498A (en) | 1997-09-25 | 1998-09-24 | Compact disc storage and drive module |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US93697997A | 1997-09-25 | 1997-09-25 | |
| US08/936,979 | 1997-09-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1999016054A1 true WO1999016054A1 (en) | 1999-04-01 |
Family
ID=25469302
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1998/020052 WO1999016054A1 (en) | 1997-09-25 | 1998-09-24 | Compact disc storage and drive module |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU9508498A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999016054A1 (en) |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4817070A (en) * | 1987-02-12 | 1989-03-28 | Cygnet Systems, Inc. | Information handling system for use with information containing storage discs |
| US5045960A (en) * | 1989-06-13 | 1991-09-03 | Zenith Data Systems Corporation | Self-aligning guide and track for removable disk drive module |
| US5065379A (en) * | 1990-04-10 | 1991-11-12 | Eastman Kodak Company | Media insertion means for an automated data library |
| US5481514A (en) * | 1992-08-31 | 1996-01-02 | Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd. | Recording/reproducing apparatus including an auto changer for a disk-like recording medium |
| US5539712A (en) * | 1989-10-17 | 1996-07-23 | Nsm Aktiengesellschaft | Lifting and lowering device for a record playback unit in a record playing device |
| US5659444A (en) * | 1993-11-03 | 1997-08-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Storage library with multiple-directional picker |
| US5752257A (en) * | 1994-07-29 | 1998-05-12 | Nomai Sa | Redundant array of removable cartridge disk drives |
-
1998
- 1998-09-24 WO PCT/US1998/020052 patent/WO1999016054A1/en active Application Filing
- 1998-09-24 AU AU95084/98A patent/AU9508498A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4817070A (en) * | 1987-02-12 | 1989-03-28 | Cygnet Systems, Inc. | Information handling system for use with information containing storage discs |
| US5045960A (en) * | 1989-06-13 | 1991-09-03 | Zenith Data Systems Corporation | Self-aligning guide and track for removable disk drive module |
| US5539712A (en) * | 1989-10-17 | 1996-07-23 | Nsm Aktiengesellschaft | Lifting and lowering device for a record playback unit in a record playing device |
| US5065379A (en) * | 1990-04-10 | 1991-11-12 | Eastman Kodak Company | Media insertion means for an automated data library |
| US5481514A (en) * | 1992-08-31 | 1996-01-02 | Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd. | Recording/reproducing apparatus including an auto changer for a disk-like recording medium |
| US5659444A (en) * | 1993-11-03 | 1997-08-19 | International Business Machines Corporation | Storage library with multiple-directional picker |
| US5752257A (en) * | 1994-07-29 | 1998-05-12 | Nomai Sa | Redundant array of removable cartridge disk drives |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU9508498A (en) | 1999-04-12 |
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