Mass data storage and retrieval systems, data retrieval recording system and mass data storage library system

摘要

A mass data storage unit includes a plurality of first data storage modules that form a mass information storage library, a data directory archive for maintaining a directory of the information contained on each data storage module, and data record/playback modules for receiving any selected data storage module in the mass storage library. A plurality of interface computers are coupled to a plurality of host computers for receiving data and for generating request signals to access information stored in the mass storage library. A file directory is coupled to the interface computers and the data directory archive for receiving the request signals, locating in the data directory archive the address containing the stored information and generating a data address location output signal for the stored information. A control computer is coupled to the file directory and the mass storage library for receiving the data address location output signal from the file directory and in response thereto generating a signal for causing the data storage module containing the requested information to be loaded into a selected data record/playback unit. An input/output data channel couples the interface computer generating the access request signal to the selected data record/playback module for selectively reading the stored information from the writing data to the data storage module.