Method and apparatus for directly and automatically accessing a bank of data storage devices with a computer

摘要

A data transfer system is provided for use with a computer. The computer includes a drive controller for controlling at most a predetermined maximum number of nonvolatile data storage devices. A drive bank is provided which includes a plurality of independently operable nonvolatile data storage devices. Each data storage device may be used to read data from, or copy data to, separate storage media such as computer floppy disks, magnetic tape, and optical storage devices. The plurality of nonvolatile data storage devices exceeds the predetermined maximum number of nonvolatile data storage devices within the range of control of the drive controller of the computer. A control interface is provided and electrically coupled between the drive bank and the computer. The control interface receives signals from the computer, including signals from the drive controller, for selectively enabling and disabling selected ones of said plurality of nonvolatile data storage devices of the drive bank. The control interface means allows the drive controller of the computer to directly access every nonvolatile data storage device of the drive bank to read data out from, or copy data into each separate storage media.