JP2005293444A - Memory card adapter and memory card - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a memory card adapter for mounting a flash memory card with a flash memory interface and an IC card function incorporated, and improving the usability of a user. <P>SOLUTION: The memory card adapter 100 includes a memory card slot 101, and includes an antenna coils 102, 103 for a noncontact IC card and a connecting terminal of the antenna coil inside. Thereby, the connecting terminal to the antenna coil for the noncontact IC card can be connected to RF terminals 110a, 110b provided on a memory card 106. Therefore, the memory card adapter enabling to utilize the IC card function while using a memory card function, and improving the usability of the user can be provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a memory card adapter and a memory card, and more particularly to a technique for improving user convenience when transmitting / receiving electrical signals to / from a flash memory card having an IC card function and a flash memory interface.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a card in which a processor called an IC card is built in a card has attracted attention as an electronic information storage medium, an electronic money mediation medium, or the like. The IC card refers to a card in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is built in an internal IC card module. As the memory of the IC card, ROM, EEPROM or the like is used. Since the IC card itself has a calculation function, it has a function of determining whether or not an access is made by a correct user when a read / write instruction is issued from the host. Further, since it is difficult to forge the CPU itself, it is difficult to falsify information issued by the IC card module or to illegally access the inside of the IC card module. For this reason, a system having a high security level can be constructed. Many IC cards output the information in the IC card to the reader / writer or host by checking the personal identification number (PIN code) registered by the user against the PIN code held in the card. It is possible to control whether or not.

  Many of the IC cards used for storage of electronic information, mediation media for electronic money, etc. are cards of a size called ID-1 type, and the communication method is to insert the card into an IC card reader and send an electric signal. It is roughly classified into “contact type” that communicates and “non-contact type” that communicates information by an action such as electromagnetic coupling when the IC card is brought into close contact with or close to the IC card reader.

  The IC card has a rewritable memory such as EEPROM or RAM inside, and can store applications and information of users and card issuers. An IC card can know only the card holder outside the card by performing operations using information (such as a secret key) that can only exist in the corresponding card for information input from the outside. It is possible to authenticate the cardholder by outputting information that cannot be created or cannot be created, or to output information for preventing non-repudiation.

  A flash memory card is a memory card that contains a non-volatile memory module, and can store user information in the memory card. Many flash memory cards do not have hardware durability (tamper resistance) against attacks from third parties. When the card is stolen or lost, the card is disassembled and the memory or controller in the card is analyzed. There is a possibility that the information held by the information leaks to a third party.

  Further, as described in Patent Document 1, a flash memory card having a flash memory interface and an IC card function is disclosed. The flash memory card with the flash memory interface and IC card function is used for exporting and storing user-stored documents and setting files recorded on a personal computer or workstation in the card because of its large recording capacity. Convenient to.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a card adapter for holding a plug-in type IC card having a built-in antenna coil that can be used in a contact type or a non-contact type. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses an IC card conversion adapter device that can use a contact IC card with a reader / writer for a non-contact IC card.

JP 2001-209773 A

JP 2002-299377 A JP 2001-143025 A

  The above-mentioned flash memory card with IC card function is set to a size that is easy to read from devices such as personal computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) or mobile phones, and is generally compared to the size of ID-1 type IC cards. It is small. For this reason, the user takes out of the house or office, uses the IC card function in the memory card, connects to each of a plurality of hosts and reader / writers, and outputs some user authentication or non-repudiation information. In this case, when connecting between the host and reader / writer to be used, it is difficult for an unfamiliar user to handle, and there is a risk that it may be easily lost due to its small size.

  An ID-1 type IC card is a size that can be easily stored in a wallet or the like, and is a repository for information with a high security level. However, the maximum capacity of user data that can be recorded on an IC card is currently at most several. It is about 10 kilobytes to several kilobytes. The data currently stored on the PC storage by a general personal computer (PC) user in many cases, including archived documents, setting files, etc., exceeds several hundred megabytes. If these data are used on one PC, they can be simply stored on an auxiliary storage device that ensures safety. However, for example, if an IC card is used as a device for safely storing and carrying information between a plurality of hosts and reader / writers, the IC card is inappropriate.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a memory card adapter that can safely store and carry large-capacity files, has a variety of interfaces, has a safe storage system like an IC card function, and improves user convenience. Is to provide.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a memory card that can be used for the memory card adapter.

  An example of representative means of the present invention disclosed in the present application is as follows. That is, in order to achieve the above object, a memory card adapter according to the present invention includes a memory card slot into which a memory card in which a nonvolatile memory, a nonvolatile memory controller, and a plurality of terminals are mounted on a board; A PC card control command is communicated between the connector having a plurality of connection terminals that communicate with the memory card inserted into the memory card slot and the memory card and the host connected via the plurality of connection terminals of the connector. A memory card adapter controller for performing access control to the memory card by a command from the host input via the PC card connection terminal between the PC card connection terminal to be performed and the memory card and the host; Between the memory card connected to the connector and the host, the A contact IC card external terminal for communicating a memory card control command via a memory card adapter controller, an antenna for communicating an IC card command between the memory card connected to the connector and the host; It is characterized by comprising.

  The memory card according to the present invention is a memory card in which at least one integrated circuit having a non-volatile memory function, an IC card function, and a non-volatile memory control function is mounted on a substrate. The card further controls non-contact IC card antenna coil connection terminals, memory card external terminals, contact type IC card external terminals, and input to the integrated circuit in accordance with the output of the connected memory card adapter or reader / writer. And a switching circuit.

  According to the present invention, a non-contact IC card function of an IC card in a memory card is executed by inserting a memory card having an IC card function into an adapter having a non-contact IC card antenna coil. Is possible. Further, since the memory card function or the contact IC card function can be used, the convenience for the user is improved.

  In addition, the memory card equipped with the IC card function according to the present invention corresponds to the output of the non-contact IC card antenna coil connection terminal, the memory card external connection terminal, and the contact IC card external terminal and the adapter or reader / writer to be connected. Since the matrix switching circuit for controlling the input to the integrated circuit is provided, the user can increase the selection range of the memory card adapter to be connected, thereby improving convenience.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, what attached | subjected the same reference number in drawing shows the component which has the same function, The detailed description is abbreviate | omitted for convenience of explanation.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of a memory card adapter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are perspective views of a memory card adapter showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is from the surface of the memory card adapter, and FIG. It is the figure seen from the back surface of the card adapter.

  The memory card adapter 100 includes a memory card slot 101, inductive coupling antenna coils 102 and 103, a plurality of connectors 104, a plurality of connection terminals 105, a PC card connection terminal 108, contact type IC card external terminals 120a to 120h, a wiring 121, and 122, an eject button 123, an eject mechanism 124, and a memory card adapter controller 130. The memory card 106 inserted into the memory card slot 101 has a plurality of terminals 109 on the terminal arrangement surface. Two of the plurality of terminals 109 are RF terminals 110a and 110b. There is a printing surface 107 on the back side of the terminal arrangement surface of the memory card 106, and a label on which characters, logos, titles, user photos, etc. indicating the recorded contents of the memory card 106 are affixed or directly printed, It can be processed so as not to peel off the label. For example, when the main purpose of use of the memory card 106 is personal authentication, in addition to the work of electrically confirming the function in the memory card 106, the label on the memory card 106 with a function for preventing printing or re-seat The personal authentication can be performed also by the work of visually checking the photograph. The memory card slot 101 is provided with a cutout portion or a transparent portion so that the printed surface 107 can be easily viewed from the outside even after the memory card 106 is inserted into the memory card adapter 100.

  The connector 104 and the connection terminal 105 are connected to each other, and the connector 104 is in close contact with the plurality of terminals 109, the RF terminals 110a and 110b of the memory card 106 inserted into the memory card slot 101, and serves as a mechanism for communicating electrical signals. ing. As the number of terminals of the connector 104, a number corresponding to the plurality of terminals 109 and the two RF terminals 110a and 110b of the memory card 106 inserted into the slot 101 is prepared. The memory card adapter controller 130 communicates with the memory card 106 via the plurality of connection terminals 105 and the connector 104, and is sent to the memory card 106 by a command from a host (not shown) input via the PC card connection terminal 108. Access. The eject button 123 is a button that is pushed down when the memory card 106 is removed from the memory card slot 101. When the memory card 106 is pushed down, the mechanism that locks the memory card 106 in the eject mechanism 124 is released, and the memory card 106 is connected to the memory card adapter 100. The memory card 106 is easily taken out by the user. Further, when the user tries to eject the memory card 106 with a finger attached to the notch of the memory card slot 101, the ejection mechanism 124 is unlocked.

  The contact IC card external terminals 120a to 120h are terminals that perform communication between the contact IC card and a contact reader / writer (not shown). The contact type IC card external terminals 120a to 120h are, in order, a circuit voltage terminal, a reset signal terminal, a clock signal terminal, a spare terminal 1, a ground terminal, a write supply voltage terminal, a data input / output signal terminal, and a spare terminal 2.

  The memory card adapter 100 is a thin rectangular card type conforming to PC Card Standard, and is equivalent to a general ID-1 type IC card or credit card. The size is 0 mm. Further, the thickness is larger than the thickness of the memory card to be inserted, and the thickness is any one of about 3.3 mm, about 5.0 mm, and about 10.5 mm, and conforms to the PC card standard. A 68-pin PC card connection terminal 108 is provided at the upper end in the short side direction of the memory card adapter 100 and can be connected to a host PC card adapter. A user of the memory card adapter 100 inserts the memory card into the memory card slot 101 in a direction in which the plurality of terminals 105 and the plurality of terminals 109 are connected. The memory card 106 inserted into the memory card slot 101 is connected by the action of the connector 104 which is a mechanism for bringing the terminals 109 of the memory card 106 into close contact with the RF terminals 110a and 110b.

  On the terminal arrangement surface of the memory card 106, terminal rows constituting one or two rows are installed. In addition to the terminals, the memory card has a controller chip 201, a flash memory 202, an IC card module 203, RF modules 204 and 205, and an RF switching circuit 206, as shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the memory card 106 is a memory card that has taken over the MultiMediaCard standard, but other memory card standards may be used. The multimedia card is a registered trademark of Infineon Technologies AG and is abbreviated as “MMC” hereinafter.

  Of the two terminal rows, the terminal row arranged near the outer periphery of the memory card 106 is designed to operate as a memory card terminal of a general memory card. In the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) mode, the terminal rows arranged near the outer periphery are sequentially used as data output terminals, ground terminals, clock input terminals, power supply voltage terminals, ground terminals, data input terminals, and chip select terminals as multimedia. In the card mode, it functions as a data input / output terminal, ground terminal, clock input terminal, power supply voltage terminal, ground terminal, command terminal, and data terminal.

  The second row of the terminal row is composed of an IC card terminal used when using the contact type IC card function or the non-contact type IC card function, and the RF terminals 110a and 110b. When the memory card 106 is inserted into the memory card adapter 100, the following connection is made. The IC card terminal 109 is connected to any one of 120a to 120h corresponding to an IC card terminal described later on the memory card adapter 100. Two of the contact IC card external terminals 120a to 120h are connected to one of the memory card terminals 109 as necessary. The RF terminals 110a and 110b are connected to the wiring 121 and the wiring 122 via the connector 104 and the connection terminal 105 on the memory card adapter 100, respectively. The wiring 121 and the wiring 122 are connected to the inductive coupling antenna coils 102 and 103, respectively.

  The communication between the memory card 106, the memory card adapter 100, and the hosts 300 to 302 will be described with reference to FIG. The description will be made assuming that the memory card shown in FIG. 3 is a memory card that has taken over the MMC standard. However, other memory cards may be used.

  As shown in the figure, the memory card 106 can be accessed simultaneously or individually with the hosts 300, 301, and 302 using a non-contact type IC card interface, a contact type IC card interface, and a memory card interface, respectively. Here, the hosts 300 to 302 may be different hosts or the same host. The hosts 300 to 302 are connected to the non-contact type IC card reader / writer 310, the contact type IC card reader / writer 311, and the PC card reader / writer 312, respectively. The non-contact type IC card reader / writer 310 performs communication according to the modulation method and coding method of the neighboring IC card via the inductive coupling antenna coils 102 and 103 in the memory card adapter 100. The modulation method and the coding method to be selected are, for example, an amplitude shift keying method and “1 in 4 data transmission”.

  The inductive coupling antenna coils 102 and 103 are connected to two of the connectors 104 in the memory card adapter 100. When the memory card 106 is inserted, the connector 104 is connected to the RF terminal 110a and the RF terminal 110b. . When the memory card adapter 100 is inserted into the contact IC card reader / writer 311, terminals (not shown) of the contact IC card reader / writer 311 are connected to the contact IC card terminals 120 a to 120 h. The contact type IC card terminals 120a to 120h are connected to a contact type IC card terminal 320 which is a part of the plurality of terminals 109 via the plurality of connection terminals 105 and the plurality of connectors 104.

  The flash memory 202 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and records and reproduces data according to commands sent from the memory card interface 321 via the controller chip 201. The memory card interface 321 is configured by seven terminals for communication with a host or the like via the memory card adapter 100 or a memory card reader / writer device (not shown). For example, assuming that the specifications according to the memory card are MMC specifications, the usage method of the seven terminals (memory card interface 321) is defined in two types of operation methods, MMC mode and SPI mode. Different methods are used.

  The flash memory 202, the IC card module 203, and the controller chip 201, which are components of the memory card 106, are described so that separate chips are mounted on the substrate. It may be configured and implemented by one chip having

  The RF modules 204 and 205 are modules having second and third RF input / output functions different from the IC card module 203. The RF switching circuit 206 is a circuit that appropriately connects and disconnects the IC card module 203 and the RF modules 204 and 205 with respect to the RF terminals 110a and 110b when there is RF input / output.

  The RF module 205 has a function of performing RF communication according to a short-range wireless communication standard of 2.4 GHz band (hereinafter referred to as “short-range wireless communication standard”) or a low frequency band, 13.56 MHz band. And RFID (Radio Frequency-Identification) function using a microwave band or the like. The RF module 205 may be connected to the controller chip 201 as necessary, and may receive power supply and signal input / output from the controller chip 201. When the RF module 205 receives power supply and signal input / output from the controller chip 201, the RF switching circuit 206 transmits a signal from the RF module 205 to the RF terminals 110a and 110b.

  While the RF switching circuit 206 emits a signal from the RF module 205, communication between the RF switching circuit 206 and the IC card module 203 and the RF module 204 is cut off. That is, even if there is a signal input from the RF terminals 110a and 110b or a signal output from the IC card module 203 and the RF module 204 during communication interruption, the RF terminals 110a and 110b and the IC card module 203 and the RF module are output. No communication with 204 is performed. The communication path between the RF terminals 110a and 110b and the IC card module 203 and the RF module 204 is restored because the communication between the RF switching circuit 206 and the RF module 205 is stopped or the controller chip 201 is connected to the RF switching circuit 206. This is when resetting is performed.

  When there is a signal input from the RF terminals 110a and 110b, the RF switching circuit 206 operates using the detection rectification function in the RF switching circuit 206, and the signal is sent to the IC card module 203, the RF modules 204 and 205. Enter. If the detection rectification function in the RF switching circuit 206 can determine whether the input signal is directed to either the IC card module 203, the RF module 204, or 205, it is determined to be appropriate. A signal is sent to one of the modules, and the signal is cut off for the other modules. If the determination cannot be made, a signal is transmitted to each module, and the detection / rectification function in each module determines whether the input signal is for itself.

  The reason why the RF switching circuit 206 blocks communication between the RF terminals 110a and 110b and the IC card module 203 and the RF modules 204 and 205 is that the RF switching circuit 206 is identified as the RF terminals 110a and 110b from the no-signal input state. When it is determined that the communication with the module has started, the interruption is started at the moment when the communication with the specific module is started. Further, the interruption of communication ends when the input of a signal from the module with which communication has been performed stops or when the controller chip 201 resets the RF switching circuit 206.

  If the IC card module 203 can have the functions of the RF modules 204 and 205 or the functions of the RF modules 204 and 205 are unnecessary, the RF modules 204 and 205 and the RF switching circuit 206 are not provided. Also good.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the IC card module 203. The IC card module includes a wireless interface 401, a power supply voltage output circuit 402, a CPU 403, a memory 404, a coprocessor 405, a power supply voltage terminal 412, a reset terminal 413, a clock terminal 414, a ground terminal 415, a write supply power supply terminal 416, a data input The output terminal 417 includes two spare terminals 418 and 419, non-contact input / output terminals 410 and 411, and a matrix switching circuit 420. The spare terminals 418 and 419 may be shared with the non-contact input / output terminals 410 and 411.

  The wireless interface 401 extracts the clock and input data from the signals sent from the non-contact terminals 410 and 411, and transmits them to the inside of the card. Further, data output from the inside of the card is transmitted to the non-contact terminals 410 and 411. The power supply voltage output circuit 402 induces electric power from the signals sent from the non-contact terminals 410 and 411, rectifies the power, and transmits the rectified power to the matrix switching circuit 420.

  The matrix switching circuit 420 compares the power supply voltage terminal 412 with the output of the power supply voltage output circuit 402. When power is supplied from the power supply voltage terminal 412, the CPU 403, the memory 404, and the coprocessor 405 are connected to the IC card. Switch input and output so that operations from external terminals are executed. Conversely, when power is supplied from the power supply voltage output circuit 402, operations from the non-contact terminals 410 and 411 are executed on the CPU 403, the memory 404, and the coprocessor 405. Since the operation on the side where power was supplied first is executed from the state where the IC card module 203 is inactive, the operation on the side where power was supplied first is performed even if both power supplies are present, One is completely ignored.

  Here, the matrix switching circuit 420 compares the power supply voltage terminal 412 with the output of the power supply voltage output circuit 402 and executes the operation of the output interface. However, the clock output from the clock terminal 414 and the wireless interface 401 is used. And may be configured to execute the operation of the interface that has output. In this case as well, since the operation on the side where the first clock is supplied is executed from the inactive state of the IC card module, the operation on the side where the clock was supplied first even if both power supplies are present And one of them is ignored.

  Based on signals transmitted from the wireless interface 401 or the terminals 412 to 419, the CPU 403, the memory 404, and the coprocessor 405 execute an IC card command. At this time, the input command follows the command system of the contact type IC card or the proximity type non-contact type IC card. The matrix switching circuit 420 inactivates the IC card module 203 when the priority-side power supply or clock supply ends.

  Here, the matrix switching circuit 322 shown in FIG. 3 is similar to the matrix switching circuit 420 in the IC card module 203, and is used for power supply, clock supply, or data transmission performed by the memory card controller 204 and the IC card terminal 320. The situation is monitored, and input / output is switched so that an operation from a circuit with input is executed. Since the operation on the side where the first power supply has been performed is executed from the inactive state of the IC card module, even if both power supply, clock supply, or data transmission occurs, the supply or transmission of the first The operation on the other side is performed and one is ignored. The matrix switching circuit 322 operates without any particular knowledge about the input of signals to the RF terminals 110a and 110b. This is because the matrix switching circuit 420 in the IC card module 203 performs control without knowing it.

  When the memory card 106 is inserted into the card adapter 100 like the memory card 500 shown in FIG. 5A so that the front and back sides are not mistakenly inserted, a groove or the like may be provided on the upper surface which is the surface side of the card slot 101. Good. The grooves 503 and 504 may be stepped or may have a gradient. Further, by matching the shape of the memory card slot 101 with the notched portion of the memory card 106, the memory card slot 101 can be prevented from being erroneously inserted into the front, back, left and right sides.

  Further, the inductive coupling antennas 102 and 103 of the present embodiment correspond to the proximity type non-contact IC card function. However, the inductive coupling antennas 102 and 103 also correspond to other non-contact IC card functions such as proximity type. With the effect.

  3 includes, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, a digital still camera, a video camera, a PDA, a music playback (recording) device, a mobile phone, an ATM (cash dispenser), a point-of-sales merchandise management system, and a street terminal. ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) transmitters, ticket machines, electronic payment terminals, ticket gates, vending machines, entrance / exit management devices, game machines, public telephones, electronic wallets, pay-broadcast receivers, medical card management devices, etc. Applicable.

  For example, it is possible to switch between a plurality of RF frequencies for communicating a memory card via a contactless IC card antenna coil connection terminal, and a host device that performs electronic payment or a host device that performs device communication that performs electronic payment. It is also possible to use a memory card with an electronic payment function that can be accessed. In that case, the RF terminal may be connected to part or all of the antenna corresponding to each RF frequency. In order not to increase the number of terminals of the memory card, the power line, ground line, and RF line of the memory card may be shared.

  The non-contact type IC card terminals 120a to 120h may be omitted in applications where the user does not use the non-contact type IC card terminal.

  As described above, the memory card 106 and the memory card adapter 100 shown in the present embodiment are connected to the memory card having the IC card function via the memory card interface, the contact IC card interface, and the non-contact IC card interface. Thus, a memory card and a memory card adapter that can be used conveniently when accessing the host are configured.

  That is, the user can improve the usability of using the IC card function and the memory card function of the memory card equipped with the IC card function. In addition, by providing a printing surface for identity verification on the memory card, and by providing a notch in the memory card adapter, the memory card adapter can be used as an authentication device that can authenticate the person without visual communication. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  Further, in order to further improve the usability of the memory card adapter of this embodiment, a mechanism for amplifying or converting the power of the RF signal input from the memory card 106 may be provided inside the memory card adapter 100. At this time, power is supplied to the mechanism from any one of the PC card terminal 108, the contact type IC card terminals 120a to 120h, and a battery (not shown) in the memory card adapter.

  In the present embodiment, it has been described that the wirings 121 and 122 connect the antenna coils 102 and 103 to the inductive coupling coil. However, depending on the frequency of the RF handled in the memory card 106, for example, the proximity antenna coil Alternatively, it may be configured to be appropriately connected to an antenna coil for RFID and an antenna for near field communication standard.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, a second embodiment of the memory card adapter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a memory card adapter showing a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the memory card adapter 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the memory card adapter 600 has a memory card interface, a contact type IC card interface, and a non-contact type IC card interface for a memory card having an IC card function. The memory card adapter is similar in that it can be used conveniently when accessing the host via the host, but the memory card slot 601 is provided on the long side of the memory card adapter.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5B, the card slot 601 and the memory card 501 may be provided with a groove or the like on the upper surface on the notch side of the card slot so as not to be inserted by mistake. The grooves 504 and 505 may be stepped or may have a slope.

  As described above, the memory card and the memory card adapter shown in the present embodiment constitute a memory card and a memory card adapter having the same effects as the memory card and the memory card adapter shown in the first embodiment. That is, the user can improve the usability of using the IC card function and the memory card function of the memory card equipped with the IC card function. In addition, by providing a printing surface for identity verification on the memory card and a notch in the memory card adapter, the memory card adapter can be used as an authentication device that can visually identify the user without performing electrical communication. Therefore, user convenience can be improved. Unlike the memory card adapter 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mounting position is on the long side, so that the left and right structures of the memory card slot 601 are strengthened.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, a third embodiment of the memory card adapter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the memory card adapter according to the present invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the front surface, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the back surface. The memory card adapter 700 is different from the memory card adapter 100 of the first embodiment in that it does not have the PC card connection terminal 108, the wirings 121 and 122, and the memory card adapter controller 130. The antenna coil 702 is an antenna coil corresponding to a proximity IC card. For example, an example of a proximity IC card has a structure and an operating range defined by the ISO / IEC14443 standard. Proximity antenna coil 702 supports non-contact IC card functions or RF module functions supported by the memory card adapter, such as the inductive coupling antenna coil, RFID antenna coil, and short-distance wireless communication standard coil shown in FIG. An antenna coil may be used.

  The memory card adapter 700 of this embodiment has a connector 104 for connecting the contact IC card external terminals 120a to 120h and the proximity antenna coil 702 to the plurality of terminals 109 of the memory card 106. The memory card adapter 700 does not have any communication means that uses the function. In FIG. 7, the number of connectors 104 and connection terminals 105 corresponding to the terminals of the memory card are shown, but unnecessary connectors and connection terminals may be omitted. The memory card 106 is designed to function as a memory card by being inserted into a general memory card reader / writer.

  The thickness of the memory card adapter 700 on the memory card slot 701 side is thicker than the memory card, but the contact IC card external terminals 120a to 120h side (upper side in FIG. 7) has a thickness of about 0.68 to 0.84 mm. It has become. This thickness range is the same as the thickness range of an ID-1 type IC card defined by the IC card standard. For this reason, a reader / writer (not shown) that communicates using the contact type IC card external terminals 120a to 120h can be created from a general ID-1 type IC card reader / writer without significant change.

  Further, since the memory card adapter 700 has a thin portion, the user's feeling of use is improved. Although the thick portion in the vicinity of the memory card slot is shown as a rectangle in FIG. 7, it may be a smaller area of another shape such as a polygon, a semicircle, or an ellipse surrounding the memory card slot as necessary. The wirings 703, 704, and 705 are wirings for energizing the proximity antenna coil 702 and the RF terminals 110 a and 110 b of the memory card 106 through the connection terminal 105 and the connector 104. The wiring 705 is a bridge wiring that prevents contact with the proximity antenna coil 702. The contact type IC card external terminals 120 a to 120 h are connected to any one of the plurality of connection terminals 105 and are connected to the memory card 106 via the connector 104 and the terminal 109.

  As described above, the memory card adapter shown in the present embodiment is easy to use when accessing a memory card equipped with an IC card function with a host via a contact IC card interface and a non-contact IC card interface. It is a memory card adapter that can. That is, according to the present embodiment, the user can improve the usability of using the IC card function and the memory card function of the memory card equipped with the IC card function.

<Embodiment 4>
Next, a fourth embodiment of the memory card adapter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the memory card adapter and the memory card of the present embodiment. The memory card adapter 801 is used by being connected to the memory card 800 by a connector 802. When the memory card adapter 801 is unnecessary, the connector 802 is unlocked and only the memory card 800 can be used. In the memory card 800, a memory card terminal 806 according to the specification of the memory card to which the memory card 800 conforms is arranged on the terminal arrangement surface. The memory card 800 is provided with RF terminals 803a and 803b. The RF terminals 803a and 803b are connected to the RF terminals 804a and 804b of the memory card adapter 801 in a state where the memory card 800 and the memory card adapter 801 are connected by the connector 802. Here, the RF terminals 804a and 804b may be part of the mechanism of the connector 802. The antenna coil 805 is appropriately wired on the substrate, and ends thereof are connected to the RF terminals 804a and 804b, respectively.

  Here, the memory card 800 connected to the memory card adapter 801 as a whole has a shape defined in another compliant memory card standard. Therefore, the memory card adapter 801 and the memory card 800 connected can be used as a memory card of a different size or a different standard from the memory card 800. In addition, when combined with a reader / writer having a non-contact interface, it also functions as an IC card.

  In addition, when the memory cards 800 and 901 are used, the RF terminal is exposed to the outside. Therefore, work such as inductance adjustment can be easily performed by connecting a coil or a capacitor to the exposed RF terminal on the adapter side.

  As described above, the memory card and the corresponding memory card adapter shown in this embodiment can be used in various ways when accessing a memory card equipped with an IC card function with a host via a non-contact type IC card interface. Corresponding to the shape of the memory card adapter, a memory card and a memory card adapter that can be used conveniently are configured. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the usability when the user uses the IC card function and the memory card function of the memory card equipped with the IC card function.

<Embodiment 5>
Next, a fifth embodiment of the memory card adapter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a connection relationship between the memory card adapter and the memory card according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the memory card adapter as viewed from the direction in which the memory card is inserted, and shows a state where the battery cover is removed. FIG. 10B is a perspective view from the button and the screen direction.

  The memory card adapter 1001 has a function that combines an adapter of the memory card 901 and a mobile phone. Here, the memory card adapter 1001 includes an antenna 1002, a screen 1003, an authentication button 1004, a plurality of buttons 1005, power terminals 1006a and 1006b, a connector 1007, a battery 1008, a battery cover 1009, a plurality of terminals 1010, terminals 1011a and 1011b, an antenna. Coils 1012 and 1013, a memory card slot 1014, and a lock mechanism 1015 are provided.

  The user of the memory card adapter 1001 uses the memory card 901 inserted into the memory card slot 1014. A memory card 901 inserted into the memory card adapter 1001 has an IC card module 902, terminals 903a, 903b, 904a, 904b, an antenna coil 905, and a plurality of terminals 906, as shown in FIG. The antenna coil 905 has both ends connected to terminals 903a and 903b. The terminals 903a and 903b are connected to the terminals 904a and 904b of the IC card module 902, respectively, and perform non-contact IC card input / output of the IC card module 902. The plurality of terminals 906 communicate with the connected memory card reader / writer according to the specifications of the memory card to which the memory card 901 complies. Here, the memory card 901 may have a non-contact antenna in the card as shown in FIG. 9, or may have a non-contact antenna coil in the adapter as shown in FIG.

  The plurality of terminals 906 of the memory card 901 inserted into the memory card slot 1014 are brought into close contact with the corresponding plurality of terminals 1010, and operations such as reading and writing can be performed from a processing device (not shown) in the memory card adapter 1001. . Further, since the antenna coil 1012 and the antenna coil 905 are in close proximity, the non-contact IC card interface of the IC card module 902 can be used from a processing device (not shown) in the memory card adapter 1001.

  The memory card slot 1014 is covered with a battery 1008 and a lid 1009. The lid 1009 is fixed by a lock mechanism 1015. An antenna coil 1013 in the lid 1009 can perform non-contact communication with a reader / writer (not shown) outside the memory card adapter and a host (not shown) connected to the reader / writer. At this time, the antenna coil 1013 and the antenna coils 905 and 1012 are in contact with each other, but are designed so that physical communication does not interfere with each other.

  Here, in this embodiment, the antenna coil 1013 is provided inside the lid 1009, but the antenna coil may be provided in other places as long as it is near the surface of the memory card adapter 1001. In order to improve operability when displaying authentication information on the screen 1003, the antenna coil 1013 is preferably designed to be disposed on the back surface (the back surface of the screen) of the memory card adapter 1001 as shown in FIG. .

  In the usage mode as described above, the user of the memory card adapter operates the mobile phone function of the memory card adapter 1001 using the button 1005 or the like, and passes through the antenna 1002 and a base station (not shown) to other mobile phones or fixed phones. It is possible to communicate with and communicate with. The memory card 901 can be used as a memory of the memory card adapter 1001, and a document, log, photograph, voice data, mail document, or the like stored or created in the memory card adapter 1001 can be sent via the terminal 1010 or the antenna coil 1012. Can be played back or saved.

  When the user wants to use the memory card 901 inserted in the memory card adapter, the antenna coil 1013 is held over a non-contact reader / writer (not shown), and communication between the non-contact reader / writer and the antenna coil 1013 is started in the antenna coil 1013. . A signal input to the antenna coil is transmitted to the memory card 901 via the antenna coil 1012 or the plurality of terminals 1010.

  When the user wants a third party to visually recognize the authentication information in the memory card 901, the user can display the authentication information 1020 and the message 1021 on the screen 1003 by operating the button 1005 or pressing the authentication button 1004. I can do it. As the authentication information, an appropriate application in the memory card adapter displays the authentication information stored in the memory card in the memory card 901 on the screen 1003. When the third person visually recognizes the authentication information, it is possible to confirm that the owner of the memory card adapter 1001 is the owner of the memory card 901 and perform user authentication and personal authentication.

  Here, the authentication information 1020 is processed so that the background color, the pattern, or the like is changed by linking with the date or time so that it can be easily understood as correct authentication information at first glance. This makes it possible to distinguish the terminal from a terminal that simply displays a stolen image.

  A message 1021 displayed in the vicinity of the authentication information 1020 displays the status of the authentication information performed in the current memory card 901. For example, when the memory card 901 and the memory card adapter 1001 are used for entrance / exit management in a certain area, the entrance / exit manager visually recognizes the authentication information 1020, and the IC card module and the host via the antenna coil 1013 and the non-contact reader / writer. By displaying the result of communication in the message 1021, it becomes possible for the user or the entrance / exit manager to grasp the process of entrance / exit processing such as whether authentication has been completed normally or an error has occurred. . In addition, information displayed on the screen 1003 can be transmitted to a separately prepared host via the antenna 1002. For this reason, for example, when trying to obtain entry / exit permission at an unmanned management office, the screen to be viewed by the user when an error occurs is analyzed on a separate host, or the administrator's instructions are given while making a call It is possible to ask.

  The power terminals 1006a and 1006b and the connector 1007 are used for charging the memory card adapter 1001 and communicating with an external host (not shown).

  As described above, the memory card and the memory card adapter shown in the present embodiment constitute a system that can be used conveniently when accessing a host via a non-contact type IC card interface for a memory card adapter having a mobile phone function. can do. That is, it is possible to improve the usability when the user uses the IC card function and the memory card function of the memory card equipped with the IC card function.

<Embodiment 6>
Next, a sixth embodiment of the memory card adapter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a memory card adapter showing a sixth embodiment according to the present invention. In the memory card adapter 1100, a screen 1102 for displaying authentication information 1103 and a message 1104 is attached to the memory card adapter 700 of the fourth embodiment. A screen 1102 is driven by a battery in a memory card adapter (not shown) according to an instruction from a memory card adapter controller (not shown).

  The authentication information 1103 and the message 1104 display the status of authentication information performed on the memory card inserted into the memory card adapter. For example, the entrance / exit manager visually recognizes the authentication information 1103 and displays the result of communication between the IC card module and the host via the antenna coil and the non-contact reader / writer in the message 1104, so that the authentication is normally completed. It is possible for the user or the room entry / exit manager to grasp the process of the room entry / exit process, such as when an error has occurred.

  Here, the authentication information 1103 is processed in such a way that the background color or pattern is changed or a watermark is inserted by linking with the date or time so that it can be easily understood as correct authentication information. This makes it possible to distinguish the terminal from a terminal that simply displays a stolen image.

  The memory card adapter 1100 can be easily carried by being fixed to the user's clothes or connected to a device provided from the user's neck, so that the convenience of the user when using the memory card adapter 1100 is improved. .

  As described above, according to the memory card and the memory card adapter shown in the present embodiment, authentication information and a message when accessing a memory card equipped with an IC card function with a host via a non-contact type IC card interface. Can be used conveniently.

<Embodiment 7>
Next, a seventh embodiment of the memory card adapter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a seventh embodiment of the memory card adapter according to the present invention. Compared with the memory card adapter 700 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7 of the present invention, the memory card adapter 1200 has a USB (Universal Serial Bus) socket 1201 and USB terminals 1202 to 1205, and a contact type IC card. The difference is that the terminals 120a to 120h are not provided. The antenna coil 702 is an antenna coil corresponding to a proximity IC card. For example, an example of a proximity IC card has a structure and an operating range defined by the ISO / IEC14443 standard. The proximity antenna coil 701 is a contactless IC card function supported by the memory card adapter, such as the inductive coupling antenna coils 102 and 103 shown in FIG. 1, or the RFID antenna coil and the antenna for short-range wireless communication standards. An antenna coil corresponding to the function of the RF module may be used.

  The USB socket 1201 is used for connection with a host (not shown). In FIG. 2, the USB socket 1201 is provided on the short side of the memory card adapter 1200, but may be provided on the long side or may be connected via a cable. For convenience, the USB socket 1201 may be stored in the memory card adapter when the USB socket 1201 is not used. The USB socket 1201 includes USB socket terminals 1202 to 1205, and the USB socket terminals 1202 to 1205 are connected to the USB controller 1206 via wiring 1207. The memory card adapter controller 1206 can be connected to the memory card 106 via the connector 104, the connection terminal 105, and the wiring 1208.

  The memory card adapter controller 1206 converts a command sent from a host (not shown) and a command for the memory card, and performs communication between the host (not shown) and the memory card 106. When the memory card 106 needs to operate actively as in the short-range wireless communication standard, the memory card adapter controller 1206 communicates with the short-range wireless communication standard module provided in the memory card adapter, or from the battery. You may receive power supply. A battery provided in the memory card adapter is charged when power is supplied from the USB terminals 1202 to 1205.

  As described above, the memory card adapter shown in the seventh embodiment is a memory card adapter that can be used with ease when accessing a host with an RF communication function via a USB interface and a non-contact antenna coil. Can be configured. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the usability for the user to use the IC card function of the memory card equipped with the IC card function.

The perspective view of the memory card adapter which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the memory card adapter of 7th Embodiment. The block block diagram for demonstrating the communication system of the memory card inserted in the memory card adapter of 1st Embodiment, a memory card adapter, and a host. The figure which shows the internal structure of the IC card module of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view of the memory card which provided the groove | channel on the back side of the terminal arrangement | positioning surface of 1st and 2nd embodiment. The perspective view of the memory card adapter of 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the memory card adapter of 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows the connection relation of the memory card adapter of 4th Embodiment, and a memory card. The block diagram of the memory card used by inserting in the memory card adapter of 5th Embodiment. The figure which shows the connection relation of the memory card adapter of 5th Embodiment, and a memory card. The perspective view of the memory card adapter of 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

100, 600, 700, 801, 1200 ... memory card adapter,
101, 601, 701, 1014 ... memory card slot,
102, 103, 805, 905 ... Inductive coupling coil (antenna coil),
104 ... Connector, 105 ... Connection terminal,
106,500,501,901 ... memory card,
107 ... printing surface, 108 ... PC card connection terminal,
109 ... Memory card terminal (IC card terminal)
110a, 110b, 803a, 803b, 804a, 804b ... RF terminals,
120a-120h ... IC card external terminal,
121, 122, 621, 622, 703-705 ... wiring,
123 ... Eject button, 124 ... Eject mechanism,
130, 1206 ... Memory card adapter controller,
201 ... Controller chip, 202 ... Flash memory,
203 ... IC card module, 300 to 302 ... host,
310 ... non-contact type IC card reader / writer,
311: Contact type IC card reader / writer, 312 ... PC card reader / writer,
320 ... contact type IC card terminal,
321 ... Memory card interface,
322, 420 ... matrix switching circuit,
401: wireless interface, 402: power supply voltage output circuit,
403 ... CPU, 404 ... memory, 405 ... coprocessor,
410, 411 ... non-contact input / output terminals, 412 ... power supply voltage terminals,
413 ... Reset terminal, 414 ... Clock terminal, 415 ... Ground terminal,
416: Write power supply terminal, 417: Data input / output terminal,
418, 419 ... spare terminals, 502-505 ... grooves,
702 ... Proximity antenna coil,
806, 906, 903a, 903b, 904a, 904b ... terminals,
1001, 1100 ... Memory card adapter,
1002 ... Antenna, 1003 ... Screen, 1004 ... Authentication button,
1005 ... button, 1006a, 1006b ... power supply terminal,
1007 ... Connector, 1008 ... Battery, 1009 ... Battery cover,
1010, 1011a, 1011b ... terminals,
1012, 1013 ... Inductive coupling coil (antenna coil),
1015 ... Lock mechanism,
1102 ... screen, 1103 ... authentication information, 1104 ... message,
1201 ... USB socket, 1202-1205 ... USB socket terminal.

Claims (19)

A memory card slot into which a memory card on which a nonvolatile memory, a nonvolatile memory controller, and a plurality of terminals are mounted is inserted on a substrate;
A connector having a plurality of connection terminals for communicating with a memory card inserted into the memory card slot;
A PC card connection terminal for communicating a PC card control command between the memory card and the host connected via a plurality of connection terminals of the connector;
A memory card adapter controller for controlling access to the memory card by a command from the host input via the PC card connection terminal between the memory card and the host;
A contact IC card external terminal for communicating a memory card control command via the memory card adapter controller between the memory card connected to the connector and the host;
A memory card adapter comprising: a memory card connected to the connector; and an antenna for performing IC card command communication between the host and the host. A memory card slot into which a memory card on which a nonvolatile memory, a nonvolatile memory controller, and a plurality of terminals are mounted is inserted on a substrate;
A PC card connection terminal for communicating a PC card control command between the memory card and the host connected via a plurality of connection terminals of the connector;
A memory card adapter controller for controlling access to the memory card by a command from the host input via the PC card connection terminal between the memory card and the host;
A contact IC card external terminal for communicating a memory card control command via a memory card reader / writer between the memory card and the host connected via a plurality of connection terminals of the connector;
A memory card adapter, comprising: a memory card connected to the connector; and an antenna for performing IC card command communication between the host and the host. A memory card in which at least one integrated circuit having a nonvolatile memory function, an IC card function, and a nonvolatile memory control function is mounted on a substrate,
The memory card further receives a non-contact IC card antenna coil connection terminal, a memory card external terminal, a contact type IC card external terminal, and an input to the integrated circuit according to the output of the memory card adapter or reader / writer connected thereto. A memory card comprising a switching circuit for controlling. A memory card in which at least one integrated circuit having a nonvolatile memory function, an IC card function, and a nonvolatile memory control function is mounted on a substrate,
The memory card further includes a contactless IC card antenna coil connection terminal, a memory card external terminal, and a switching circuit that controls input to the integrated circuit in accordance with an output of a connected memory card adapter or reader / writer. A memory card characterized by that.   The memory card according to claim 3, which is inserted into the memory card adapter according to claim 1. At least one integrated circuit having a non-volatile memory function, an IC card function, and a non-volatile memory control function mounted on a substrate, and an input to the integrated circuit is controlled in accordance with an output of a connected memory card adapter A memory card slot in which a memory card having a switching circuit is mounted;
A contactless IC card antenna coil connection terminal;
A memory card external terminal,
An antenna coil for communication with the reader / writer;
Mobile phone function,
An antenna used for the mobile phone function;
A memory card adapter comprising: a screen for displaying authentication information or authentication status. The memory card adapter according to claim 6,
The memory card adapter further comprising an authentication button for displaying the authentication information or the authentication status in the memory card mounted in the memory card slot on the screen. At least one integrated circuit having a non-volatile memory function, an IC card function, and a non-volatile memory control function mounted on a substrate, and switching for controlling an input to the integrated circuit in accordance with an output of a connected memory card adapter A memory card slot in which a memory card having a circuit is mounted;
A contactless IC card antenna coil connection terminal;
A memory card external terminal,
An antenna coil for communication with the reader / writer;
A screen displaying authentication information or authentication status;
A memory card adapter comprising a power supply device. The memory card adapter according to claim 8,
The memory card adapter further comprising an authentication button for displaying the authentication information or the authentication status in the memory card mounted in the memory card slot on the screen. A memory card in which at least one integrated circuit including a nonvolatile memory, an IC card module, and a nonvolatile memory controller is mounted on a substrate,
The memory card further includes a contactless IC card antenna coil connection terminal, a memory card external terminal, a switching circuit that controls input to the integrated circuit in accordance with an output of a memory card adapter or reader / writer to be connected,
A plurality of RF frequency modules;
An RF switching circuit for controlling connection between the plurality of RF frequency modules and the contactless IC card antenna coil connection terminal;
A memory card having an electronic payment function by switching a plurality of RF frequency modules communicating via the non-contact IC card antenna coil connection terminal by the RF switching circuit and accessing a host of an electronic payment device.   The memory card according to claim 10, wherein the nonvolatile memory controller and the nonvolatile memory are separate chips. Some or all of the antennas corresponding to each RF frequency;
The memory card according to claim 10, further comprising an RF terminal connected to each antenna.   The memory card according to claim 10, wherein the power supply line and the RF line of the memory card are shared.   A terminal device that communicates with the memory card according to claim 10 and outputs a command to the memory card.   The terminal device according to claim 14, further comprising an amplifier circuit that amplifies the RF power of the memory card and transmits the amplified power to another device.   A USB terminal, a PCMCIA pin terminal, an RF terminal for inputting / outputting an RF signal from an external memory card, and an interface circuit for amplifying RF power from the external memory card and transmitting it to an external host USB module.   An IC comprising: a contact-type IC card chip surface terminal; an RF terminal for inputting / outputting an RF signal from an external memory card; and an interface circuit for amplifying RF power from the external memory card and transmitting the amplified RF power to an external host. card.   A card adapter comprising: a PCMCIA pin terminal; an RF terminal for inputting / outputting an RF signal from an external memory card; and an interface circuit for amplifying the RF power from the external memory card and transmitting it to an external host. The card adapter according to claim 18, comprising a surface terminal of a contact type IC card chip.

Images