Implementing power savings in an automated storage system
View Patent ↗In a method of implementing power savings in an automated storage system, a power savings mode authorization is sent from a library controller to a tape drive, such that the tape drive is authorized to enter an extended power savings mode that maintains an operational host interface in the tape drive for communicating with a host system. A media move command is received at a tape library of the automated storage system. The media move command comprises a command from the host system for the tape library to move a tape cartridge to the tape drive. In response to receiving the media move command, an instruction is issued to the tape drive to transition from the extended power savings mode to an active power mode. The instruction is issued prior to notifying the host system of completion of the media move command.
1. A method of implementing power savings in an automated storage system comprising:
sending a power savings mode authorization from a library controller to a tape drive such that said tape drive is authorized to enter an extended power savings mode that maintains an operational host interface in said tape drive for communicating with a host system;
receiving a media move command at a tape library of said automated storage system, wherein said media move command comprises a command from said host system for said tape library to move a tape cartridge to said tape drive; and
responsive to receiving said media move command, issuing an instruction to said tape drive to transition from said extended power savings mode to an active power mode, wherein said instruction is issued prior to notifying said host system of completion of said media move command.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising:
transitioning said tape drive to an active power mode in parallel with said moving said tape cartridge to said tape drive.
3. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising:
verifying at said library controller that said tape drive has returned to said active power mode prior to said library controller authorizing a media mover to insert said tape cartridge into said tape drive.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein said receiving a media move command at a tape library of said automated storage system comprises:
receiving said media move command at said library controller.
5. The method as recited in claim 4 , wherein said issuing an instruction to said tape drive to transition from extended power savings mode to an active power mode comprises:
issuing said instruction from said library controller.
6. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein said receiving a media move command at a tape library of said automated storage system comprises:
receiving said media move command at said host interface of said tape drive.
7. The method as recited in claim 6 , wherein said issuing an instruction to said tape drive to transition from said extended power savings mode to an active power mode comprises:
issuing said instruction from within said tape drive.
8. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein said issuing an instruction to said tape drive to transition from said extended power savings mode to an active power mode comprises:
issuing said instruction by inserting said tape cartridge into said tape drive with a media mover of said tape library.
9. A method of implementing power savings in a tape drive of an automated storage system, said method comprising:
receiving at said tape drive a power savings mode authorization from a library controller of said automated storage system;
responsive to receiving said authorization, implementing an extended power savings mode within said tape drive; and
transitioning said tape drive from the extended power savings mode to an active power mode in parallel with an automated physical move of a tape cartridge to said tape drive.
10. The method as recited in claim 9 , wherein said transitioning said tape drive from the extended power savings mode to an active power mode in parallel with an automated physical move of a tape cartridge to said tape drive comprises:
receiving at said tape drive an instruction from said library controller to transition said tape drive to an active power mode; and
responsive to said instruction, initiating said transitioning.
11. The method as recited in claim 9 , wherein said transitioning said tape drive from the extended power savings mode to an active power mode in parallel with an automated physical move of a tape cartridge to said tape drive comprises:
receiving at said tape drive information indicative of a host system directing a media move involving said tape drive; and
responsive to said information, initiating said transitioning.
12. The method as recited in claim 9 , further comprising:
attaining said active power mode in said tape drive; and
indicating readiness of said tape drive to receive insertion of said tape cartridge.
13. The method as recited in claim 12 , wherein said indicating readiness of said tape drive to receive insertion of said tape cartridge comprises:
sending a signal to said library controller to indicate said readiness.
14. The method as recited in claim 9 , further comprising:
automatically transitioning said tape drive from the extended power savings mode to an active power mode in response to an insertion of a tape cartridge into said tape drive.
15. The method as recited in claim 9 , wherein said implementing an extended power savings mode within said tape drive comprises:
keeping a host interface of said tape drive powered on while reducing an overall power consumption level of said tape drive to a level below that of a self-directed reduced power mode of said tape drive.
16. An automated storage system comprising:
a tape drive comprising an extended power savings mode in which a host interface remains active;
a media mover for moving a tape cartridge to said tape drive from one of a plurality of storage slots;
a library controller configured for communicating with said media mover and said tape drive, said library controller comprising:
a power savings mode authorizer for authorizing said tape drive to transition to said extended power savings mode; and
an active power instructor configured for instructing said tape drive to transition to an active power mode in response to said library controller receiving a media move command involving a media move to said tape drive, such that transitioning to said active power mode occurs in parallel with said media mover performing said media move.
17. The automated storage system of claim 16 , wherein said library controller further comprises:
an active power mode monitor for monitoring for attainment of an active power mode by said tape drive.
18. The automated storage system of claim 16 , wherein said tape drive further comprises:
a power savings mode coordinator configured for coordinating a transition of said tape drive to said extended power savings mode.
19. The automated storage system of claim 16 , wherein said tape drive further comprises:
an active power mode indicator configured for indicating attainment of an active power mode by said tape drive.