Data storage library with efficient cartridge insert

Abstract

A location-centric library host manages cartridge movement according to functional storage addresses and functional I/O addresses. In reality, the library has multiple data storage cartridge receiving slots, which include physical I/O slots and physical storage slots. In contrast with the physical I/O slots and physical storage slots, functional I/O addresses and functional storage addresses are virtual locations used by the host in managing cartridge locations. Thus, host knowledge of cartridge locations is limited to their functional addresses. The library includes a library map that correlates functional addresses with physical addresses. The library automatically empties new cartridges from the physical I/O slots into physical storage slots, using various steps. First, the library hardware automatically recognizes external placement of cartridges into the physical I/O slots. In response, the library identifies an empty one of the physical storage slots, and moves the cartridge into the empty physical storage slot. Additionally, the library associates a functional I/O address with the physical storage slot containing the cartridge. Eventually, the library receives an insert command from the host, requesting transfer of the cartridge from its functional I/O address to a functional storage address. The library can immediately report the already-completed move in response to any host status requests. Ultimately, in response to the insert command, the library associates the physical storage slot that already contains the cartridge with a functional storage address, instead of the preceding functional I/O address.