Patent attributes
A robotic data storage library with soft power on/off capability and a method for providing soft power capability in a robotic data storage library are disclosed. The method and apparatus control the application of power to at least one component of a robotic data storage library to reduce issues caused by transitioning the library between an ON state and an OFF state. One embodiment of a robotic data storage library, for example, comprises: (a) a plurality of storage locations, each capable of holding at least one data storage element; (b) a data transfer interface for receiving a data storage element and establishing a communication path with a data storage element so that data can be transferred between the data storage element and a host computer; (c) a transport unit for moving a data storage element between one of the plurality of storage locations and the data transfer interface; (d) a power supply for providing power to a component of the library; (e) a power switch switchable between an ON state and an OFF state; and (f) a power controller for monitoring the power switch for a transition between the ON state and the OFF state and after detecting a transition of the power switch between the ON state and the OFF state, controlling the application of power to the component.
