AUTOMATED DATA LIBRARY WITH MULTIPURPOSE SLOTS

摘要

A data storage library (102) features multipurpose slots (110, 112, 114, 116 ) each configures to receive a media drive (152) (operable to read/write data from/to media removably loaded into the media drive) a command relay port (operable to convey media transport signals from a host to a shared robotic media transport device (118)), or various other modules. The robotic device (118) is programmed to recognize whether each slot (110-116) is empty or whether it is filled with a component such as a media drive (152) or a comma nd relay port (150), and to thereafter communicate with the occupant appropriately.