Online, safe service technique for automated libraries

摘要

A safety system for online servicing of a media library is provided, wherein the library comprises a plurality of media storage cells and at least one media picker robot that moves along the media storage cells, and wherein the library is contained within an enclosure having at least one access means. The safety system comprises a sensor that detects if the access means in the enclosure is open and a control component that operates the robot in the media library in one of two modes. If the access means is closed, the robot operates in a normal mode, wherein the robot moves at a first specified speed. If the access means is open, the robot operates in a safe mode, wherein the robot moves at a second specified speed that is slower than the first speed of the normal mode. In another embodiment, while in safe mode, the picker robot is excluded from moving within a restricted zone in the library.