Method and apparatus for analyzing a mass data storage device, such as for troubleshooting a cartridge tape drive

Abstract

Method and apparatus for analyzing a mass data storage device, such as for troubleshooting a cartridge tape drive device. In one embodiment, the method comprises: physically associating non-volatile memory with a removable media storage device, storing information in the non-volatile memory regarding characteristics of the removable media storage device, and providing the non-volatile memory and the removable media storage device for service. Information stored in the non-volatile memory is available for use by a service technician. This information includes at least a first data structure associated with a state of the removable media storage device before servicing and at least a second data structure associated with historical information regarding operation of the removable media storage device.

1 . A method associated with a removable media data storage device, the method comprising:
 physically associating non-volatile memory with the removable media storage device;   storing information in the non-volatile memory regarding characteristics of the removable media storage device; and   providing the non-volatile memory and the removable media storage device for service, wherein the information stored in the non-volatile memory is available for use by a servicing technician.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 storing information associated with a state of the removable media storage device before servicing of the removable media storage device.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 storing information associated with historical information regarding operation of the removable media storage device.   
   
   
       4 . Them method of  claim 3  wherein said historical information is selected from the group consisting of: a fan speed, a temperature, a number of read and write errors, and a use time of the removable media storage device. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 storing information associated with status conditions of a storage library from which the removable media storage device was previously associated.   
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said physically associating comprises:
 mounting said non-volatile memory and said removable media storage device on a tray.   
   
   
       7 . A removable media data storage troubleshooting system comprising:
 a removable media storage device,   a non-volatile memory unit physically associated with but separate from the removable media storage device, said non-volatile memory unit external to a housing associated with the removable media storage device;   a log information stored in the non-volatile memory unit, wherein the log information relates to operation or performance of the removable media storage device for troubleshooting the removable media storage device.   
   
   
       8 . The removable media data storage troubleshooting system of  claim 7  wherein said log information further comprising:
 at least a first data structure storing a state of the removable media storage device.   
   
   
       9 . The removable media data storage troubleshooting system of  claim 7  wherein said log information further comprising:
 at least a second data structure storing cumulative information regarding operation and performance of the removable media storage device.   
   
   
       10 . Them removable media data storage troubleshooting system of  claim 9  wherein said cumulative information is selected from the group consisting of: a fan speed, a temperature, a number of read and write errors, and a use time of the removable media storage device. 
   
   
       11 . The removable media data storage troubleshooting system of  claim 7  wherein said log information further comprising:
 at least a third data structure storing commands associated with said removable media storage device.   
   
   
       12 . Them removable media data storage troubleshooting system of  claim 11  wherein said commands are selected from the group consisting of: load, unload, read tape motion status and read cartridge information. 
   
   
       13 . The removable media data storage troubleshooting system of  claim 7  further comprising:
 a sled for mounting said non-volatile memory and said removable media storage device thereon.   
   
   
       14 . A method associated with a removable media data storage device, the method comprising:
 physically associating non-volatile memory with the removable media storage device;   storing information in the non-volatile memory regarding characteristics of the removable media storage device; and   providing the non-volatile memory and the removable media storage device for service, wherein the information stored in the non-volatile memory is available for use by a servicing technician, and   wherein the stored information includes:
 at least a first data structure associated with a state of the removable media storage device before servicing of the removable media storage device, and 
 at least a second data structure associated with historical information regarding operation of the removable media storage device. 
   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the stored information includes a data structure representing information regarding status conditions of a storage library from which the removable media storage device was previously associated. 
   
   
       16 . Them method of  claim 14  wherein said historical information is selected from the group consisting of: a fan speed, a temperature, a number of read and write errors, and a use time of the removable media storage device. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising:
 storing information associated with status conditions of a storage library from which the removable media storage device was previously associated.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said physically associating comprises:
 mounting said non-volatile memory and said removable media storage device on a tray.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising:
 storing in the non-volatile memory unit at least a third data structure associated with commands associated with said removable media storage device.   
   
   
       20 . Them method of  claim 19  wherein said commands are selected from the group consisting of: load, unload, read tape motion status and read cartridge information.