The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 03, 2003
Filed:
Mar. 07, 2000
Steve Jerman, Boise, ID (US);
Mark J. Simms, Bristol, GB;
Robert J. Lang, Boise, ID (US);
Ladawan Johnson, Eagle, ID (US);
Paul F. Bartlett, Bristol, GB;
Brad W. Culp, Greeley, CO (US);
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
An arrangement includes at least one data storage device, an automation controller, and an enhanced interface. The data storage device is connected to a computer and arranged to perform a plurality of operations in response to one or more commands received from the computer. The automation controller is configured to physically provide the data storage device with at least one data storage media. The enhanced interface operatively couples the data storage device with the automation controller, such that the data storage device can be selectively controlled by the automation controller and the automation controller can be selectively controlled by the data storage device depending on the received commands. The enhanced interface includes a standard serial interface and at least one additional line. The additional line is configured to provide a directing signal from the data storage device to the automation controller. This added capability allows for bidirectional control between the data storage device and the automation controller.