JP4337873B2 - Memory card, control device therefor, and data transmission / reception system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a memory card that stores data transmitted from an electronic device such as a computer or a digital still camera, a control device for the memory card, and a data processing system using the memory card.

  Conventionally, an external storage device such as a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a memory card is used to store data from electronic devices such as computers and digital still cameras. In particular, memory cards are widely used because of their excellent portability and high transfer rates.

JP-A-62-179037

  Similar to the flexible disk, the memory card is provided with an erroneous erasure prevention switch for preventing accidental erasure of stored data. However, since a conventional erroneous erasure prevention switch is provided on the main surface of the card memory body, the user cannot switch the switch when the memory card is mounted on an electronic device.

  In this case, when the memory card is inserted in the electronic device and writing is impossible, the user cannot overwrite the already stored data and store new data, which is very inconvenient. In such a case, it is necessary for the user to bother to remove the memory card from the electronic device, switch the erroneous erasure prevention switch to enable writing, and then install the memory card again. It is desired to improve the switching operation of the erroneous erasure prevention switch. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can freely switch an erroneous erasure prevention switch while preventing erroneously stored data from being erased or overwritten by other data. An object of the present invention is to provide a memory card capable of performing the above, a control device thereof, and a data transmission / reception system.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a memory card for storing data transmitted from the control device according to the present invention includes a storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device, and a data write to the storage means. It is possible to set whether to prohibit or not, and a switch provided at a position where switching can be performed even when mounted on the control device, and a predetermined command according to a command transmitted from the control device. And a control unit having a register in which contents indicating that the state of the switch is set to the write-inhibited state or not set to the write-inhibited state are set. For each file to be transmitted from the control device, the control means determines the state of the switch in response to a state read command for reading the state of the switch issued by the control device before starting the recording of each file. , when the setting state of the switch is determined to when it is determined that it is set to the write-protect is set the contents indicating the write-protected state in a register, not set to the write-protected Sets the contents indicating that it is not in the write-inhibited state in the register, transmits the contents of the register indicating the state of the set switch to the control device, and the control means causes the switch to inhibit the writing. If it is judged to be set, the data to be written to the storage means is not transmitted from the control apparatus, the control means is the switch set to the write-protected Is when it is determined that no difference, which receives the data to be written in the storage means from the control unit, the data from the control unit receives a write command address is designated to be written in the storage means, writing The content indicating that the write processing operation is being performed is set in the register, the process of writing the data to the storage means is performed, and when the write processing operation is completed, the content indicating that the write processing operation is completed. and set in the register is transmitted to the control device, when the control device in which the memory card is determined to be a writing process operation ends, it sends a continuation of the data of the data written in the storage means, the control The means performs processing for writing the subsequent data in the storage means.

In addition, a switch is provided at a position where switching is possible even in the mounted state according to the present invention, and data can be transferred to a memory card that can be set as to whether or not data writing is prohibited with this switch. The control device that performs writing includes storage means for storing data to be transmitted to the memory card, and control means for controlling at least writing of data to the memory card. For each file to be transmitted to the memory card, the control means issues a state read command for confirming a switch state to the memory card before starting recording of each file, and responds to the state read command. The contents indicating the write-inhibited state of the switch set in the register of the memory card or the contents indicating that it is not in the write-inhibited state are received, and data is written to the memory card from the received content indicating the state of the switch. If it is determined whether or not the switch is set to the write-protection, the write-in prohibition process is performed without transmitting the data to be written to the memory card, and the switch is set to the write-protection. If not set, the write command with the data to be written to the memory card and the address to write the data to the memory card specified Sends, if the switch is not set to the write-protected, further when there is data followed when receiving the contents of the register indicating that it is the writing process operation from the memory card Then, after receiving the contents of the register indicating the end of the write processing operation to the memory means of the memory card, the subsequent data is transmitted to the memory card without checking the switch state of the memory card. To do .

  Furthermore, a data transmission / reception system for transmitting / receiving data between the memory card according to the present invention and a control device in which the memory card is mounted is a system using the memory card and the control device.

Furthermore, a memory card for storing data transmitted from the control device according to the present invention stores storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device, and prohibits writing of data to the storage means. Can be set, a switch provided at a position that can be switched even when mounted on the control device, and a predetermined control according to a command transmitted from the control device, And a control unit having a register in which contents indicating that the switch state is set to the write-inhibited state or not set to the write-inhibited state are set. For each file to be erased, the control means determines the state of the switch in response to a state read command that reads the state of the switch issued by the control device before starting the erasure of each file. When it is determined that the setting state is set to the write prohibition, the contents indicating the write prohibition state are set in the register, and when it is determined that the write prohibition is not set, the write is performed. The register contents indicating the non-inhibited state are set in the register, the register contents indicating the set state of the switch are transmitted to the control device, and the control means sets the switch to the write-inhibited state. If if it is determined that there are not transmitted erase command data from the control unit, the control unit determines that the switch is not set to the write-protected Receives an erase command data address to be erased from the control device is designated, and sets the content indicating that it is erasing process operation in the register, the contents of the register indicating that it is the erasing processing operation Is transmitted to the control device, the data in the storage means is erased, and when the erasure processing operation ends, the contents of the register indicating the end of the erasure processing operation are transmitted to the control device, and when the control device is erased data followed when it is determined that the memory card is erasing process operation is ended, the control means, you erase data of the last from the memory means.

Furthermore, a switch is provided at a position where switching can be performed even in a state in which the tag according to the present invention is mounted, and a memory card which can be set as to whether or not data writing is prohibited by this switch. The control device for writing data includes storage means for storing data to be transmitted to the memory card and control means for controlling at least erasing of data from the memory card. For each file to be erased, the control means issues a state read command for confirming the switch state to the memory card before starting the erasure of each file, and sends it to the register of the memory card in response to the state read command. Whether the set contents indicating the write prohibition state of the switch or the contents indicating that the switch is not in a write prohibition state is received, and writing of data to the memory card is prohibited based on the received content indicating the switch state If the switch is set to write prohibition, the data erase prohibition process is performed without sending a data erase command to the memory card, and the switch is set to write prohibition. If you do not, the erase command of the data address to be erased is specified issued to the memory card, place where there is erasing data of continued When the contents of the register indicating that the erasing process is in progress are received from the memory card, the contents of the register indicating the end of the erasing process to the memory means of the memory card are received, and then the switch Without confirming the state of the above, the subsequent data erasure command is issued to the memory card .

  Furthermore, a data transmission / reception system for transmitting / receiving data between the memory card according to the present invention and a control device to which the memory card is mounted is a system using the memory card and the control device.

Furthermore, a memory card for storing data transmitted from the control device according to the present invention stores storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device, and prohibits writing of data to the storage means. Can be set, a switch provided at a position that can be switched even when mounted on the control device, and a predetermined control according to a command transmitted from the control device, And a control unit having a register in which contents indicating that the switch state is set to the write-inhibited state or not set to the write-inhibited state are set. When writing data, the control means, for each file to be transmitted from the control device, in response to a state read command for reading the state of the switch issued by the control device before starting the recording of each file, to determine the state, when the setting state of the switch is determined to be set to the write-protect is set the contents indicating the write-protected state in a register, not set to the write-protected If it is determined that the state is not set, the contents indicating that the write-inhibited state is not set are set in the register, and the contents of the register indicating the set state of the switch are transmitted to the control device. There If it is determined that it is set to the write-protect is not the transmission data written in the storage means from the control device, the control means is the Sui If the switch is determined not to be set to the write-protect is adapted to receive data to be written in the storage means from the control device, the address for writing the data in the storage means from the control device is designated When a write command is received, the content indicating that a write processing operation is in progress is set in the register, the data is written to the storage means, and when the write processing operation ends, the write processing operation The content indicating the end is set in the register and transmitted to the control device, and the control device determines that the memory card is in the end of the write processing operation, and continues the data written in the storage means. when transmitting the data, full the control means performs a process of writing data of the continuation in the storage means, when erasing data, the control means may be erased Per-yl, according to the state read command to read the state of the switch to be issued before erasing the start of each file in the control device, determines the state of the switch, the setting state of the switch is the write-protected If it is determined that it is set, the content indicating the write-inhibited state is set in the register, and if it is determined that the write-inhibited state is not set, the content indicating that the write-inhibited state is not set. set in the register, when the content of the register of the state of this the set the switch to send to the control unit, the control unit determines that the switch is set to the write-prohibited, not sent erase command data from the control unit, said control means when the switch is determined not to be set to the write-protect is erased from the control device Receives an erasing command for data with an address specified , sets the contents indicating that the erasing process is in progress to the register, and transmits the contents of the register indicating that the erasing process is being performed to the control device, When the data in the storage means is erased and the erasure processing operation is completed, the contents of the register indicating the completion of the erasure processing operation are transmitted to the control device, and the control device erases the memory card. when there is erasure data followed when it is determined that the processing operation is ended, the control means, it erases data of the last from the memory means.

Furthermore, a switch is provided at a position where switching is possible even in the mounted state according to the present invention, and data can be transferred to a memory card that can be set as to whether or not data writing is prohibited with this switch. The control device for writing data includes storage means for storing data to be transmitted to the memory card, and control means for controlling at least writing and erasing of data with respect to the memory card. In the case of writing data, the control means issues a status read command for checking the switch status to the memory card before starting recording of each file for each file to be transmitted to the memory card, and reads the status. The memory card that receives the content indicating the write-inhibited state of the switch or the content indicating that the switch is not in a write-inhibited state set in the register of the memory card in response to the command is received from the received content indicating the switch state If the switch is set to the write prohibition, the write prohibition process is performed without transmitting the data to be written to the memory card. If the write-protection is not set, the data to be written to the memory card and the address to write the data to the memory card Sends the specified write instruction, when the switch is not set to the write-protected, further when there is data in the continuation, the register indicating that it is the writing process operation from the memory card When the contents are received, the contents of the register indicating the end of the writing process operation to the storage means of the memory card are received, and then the continuation is confirmed without checking the state of the switch of the memory card . When transmitting data to the memory card and erasing the data, the control means issues a status read command for checking the switch status to the memory card before starting to erase each file for each file to be erased. In response to the state read command, the contents indicating the write-inhibited state of the switch set in the register of the memory card or not being in the write-inhibited state From the content indicating the status of the received switch, it is determined whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited. Data erase prohibition processing is performed without sending an erase command to the memory card. If the switch is not set to the write protect, the data erase command with the address to be erased is issued to the memory card. If there is subsequent erase data, when the contents of the register indicating that the erasing process is in progress are received from the memory card, the erasure processing operation to the storage means of the memory card is completed. After receiving the contents, the erasure command for the subsequent data is issued to the memory card without checking the state of the switch. To do .

  Furthermore, a data transmission / reception system for transmitting / receiving data between the memory card according to the present invention and a control device to which the memory card is mounted is a system using the memory card and the control device.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, every time data transmitted from the control device is written, the setting contents of the switch are judged, and when the write prohibition is not set, the write permission signal is sent to the control device. When the switch is set to write-protected, a write-protect signal is sent to the control device, so that even if the switch setting changes when the memory card is installed in the control device, the setting is Accordingly, data write prohibition processing can be performed, or data recording can be performed. In addition, since the switch can be switched even when the memory card is mounted on the control device, it is not necessary to remove the memory card from the control device and switch it, thereby improving user operability. Can be achieved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The present invention can be applied to the host computer shown in FIG. 1 and a memory card for storing data from the host computer. In this embodiment, a case where image data transmitted from a host computer is written to a memory card will be described. Needless to say, the same applies to audio data and other data.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the host computer 1 includes a hard disk 11 that stores various data such as still image data and audio data, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores and reads image data from the hard disk 11. ) 12, a display 14 that displays an image based on image data supplied through a display interface (hereinafter referred to as display I / F) 13, and a memory card 2 through three data lines. A serial interface (hereinafter referred to as a serial I / F) 15 that transmits and receives data, a bus 16, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 17 that controls the whole are provided.

  For example, the RAM 12 temporarily stores the image data stored in the hard disk 11 via the bus 16 and supplies the image data to the serial I / F 15 via the bus 16 as necessary.

  Image data read from the hard disk 11 is supplied to the display 14 via the bus 16 and the display I / F 13, or image data from the memory card 2 is supplied. A video is displayed.

  The serial I / F 15 transmits image data to the memory card 2 or receives image data stored in the memory card 2 via three data lines. Specifically, the serial I / F 15 transmits image data and control data for writing to the memory card 2 and receives image data read from the memory card 2 via the first data line. . The serial I / F 15 outputs a status signal indicating the switched state in response to switching of image data or control data on the first data line via the second data line. Further, the serial I / F 15 transmits a serial clock SCLK when transmitting the control data and the image data via the third data line.

  The CPU 17 controls reading of image data from the RAM 12 and the hard disk 11, writing of image data to the RAM 12, etc., and control of transmission / reception of image data and the like with the memory card 2. For example, the CPU 17 issues a register command for determining whether a write protection of a later-described erroneous erasure prevention switch of the memory card 2 is turned on, or designates an address to the memory card 2 to specify a predetermined image. Issue a data write command.

  On the other hand, the memory card 2 is stored in the control IC 21 that receives image data and control data from the host computer 1, the flash memory 22 that stores the image data, and the flash memory 22 as shown in FIG. An erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is provided for preventing accidental erasure of image data.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control IC 21, the flash memory 22, and the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 are provided in a plate-like member 24 formed in a substantially plate shape. The erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like member 24 and on the opposite side of the mounting direction. The erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is slidable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plate member 24. As shown in FIG. 3, when the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is located on the left side in the mounting direction, the image data can be recorded, that is, the write protection is turned off.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is positioned on the right side in the mounting direction, the gap portion 25 appears. At this time, the memory card 2 is in a state where image data cannot be recorded, that is, the write protection is on. Therefore, even if only the memory card 2 is placed in a pocket of clothing, the user can determine the presence or absence of the gap 25 by touch and can easily determine whether or not it is write-protected. it can.

  Before writing the image data transmitted from the host computer 1 to the flash memory 22, the control IC 21 determines whether the write protection of the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is set to ON / OFF, and the write protection is turned ON. The image data is written into the flash memory 22 only when it is set to.

  Here, specifically, the control IC 21 receives the image data from the serial / parallel / parallel / serial interface sequencer (hereinafter referred to as S / P & P / S sequencer) 31 and the S / P & P / S sequencer 31. A page buffer 32 for temporary storage, a flash interface sequencer (hereinafter referred to as a flash I / F sequencer) 33 for supplying image data from the page buffer 32 to the flash memory 22, and an ECC encoder / The decoder 34 includes a command generator 35 that generates a predetermined control command, a configuration ROM (Read Only Memory) 36 that stores version information and the like, and an oscillator 37 that supplies a clock to each circuit.

  The S / P & P / S sequencer 31 is connected to the serial I / F 15 of the host computer 1 via the first to third data lines. Accordingly, the S / P & P / S sequencer 31 is supplied from the host computer 1 with status data, serial clock SCLK, serial data DIO including image data and control data.

  The S / P & P / S sequencer 31 converts the serial data DIO supplied from the host computer 1 into parallel data in synchronization with the serial clock SCLK. Of the parallel data, the S / P & P / S sequencer 31 supplies, for example, control data to the command generator 35 and supplies image data to the page buffer 32.

  The page buffer 32 is a buffer memory that stores the image data supplied from the S / P & P / S sequencer 31 for each page (= 512 bytes). An error correction code is added to the image data stored in the page buffer 32 by the ECC encoder / decoder 34. The page buffer 32 supplies one page of image data with an error correction code to the flash memories 22 a to 22 d via the flash I / F sequencer 33. Thus, the image data from the host computer 1 is written into the flash memories 22a to 22d.

  The image data read from the flash memories 22 a to 22 d is supplied to the page buffer 32 via the flash I / F sequencer 33. The page buffer 32 stores image data from the flash I / F sequencer 33. At this time, the ECC encoder / decoder 34 performs error correction processing based on the error correction code added to the data stored in the page buffer 32. Then, the page buffer 32 reads the error-corrected data for each page and supplies this data to the S / P & P / S sequencer 31. Then, the S / P & P / S sequencer 31 converts the parallel image data supplied from the page buffer 32 into serial data DIO and transmits it to the host computer 1 described above.

  The command generator 35 generates a control command based on the control data from the S / P & P / S sequencer 31. For example, when the command generator 35 receives a read status register command for checking the operation state of the memory card 2, the command generator 35 determines the setting contents of the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 and writes image data according to the setting contents. It is determined whether or not to perform.

  The command generator 35 generates a busy command (hereinafter referred to as a busy signal) indicating that image data is being written to the flash memory 22 or image data is being read from the flash memory 22. This is transmitted to the host computer 1 via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31. Then, when the writing or reading of the image data is completed, the command generator 35 generates a ready command (hereinafter referred to as a ready signal) indicating the end of the image data, and the S / P & P / S sequencer 31 outputs the ready command. To the host computer 1. The host computer 1 recognizes the operation state of the memory card 2 by receiving these busy signals and ready signals.

  The configuration ROM 36 stores version information and initial setting value information of the memory card 2. Therefore, when the host computer 1 and the memory card 2 are connected, the command generator 35 first reads the version information and the like from the configuration ROM 36 via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31, and based on this information. A predetermined initial setting of the memory card 2 is performed by generating a predetermined command.

  In the host computer 1 and the memory card 2 configured as described above, when the image data of the host computer 1 is written into the memory card 2, the host computer 1 performs the processing from step S1 to step S8 as shown in FIG. At this time, the memory card 2 performs steps S11 to S14.

  When writing of image data to the memory card 2 is set in the host computer 1, the CPU 17 issues a read status register instruction for confirming the state of the memory card 2 (step S1). Is transmitted to the memory card 2 via the serial I / F 15. The read status register instruction is issued for each file to be transmitted.

  In the memory card 2, when the command generator 35 receives the register instruction via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31, the command generator 35 sets the state of the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 in the register and sets the contents of this register to S / P & P. / S Transmit to the host computer 1 via the sequencer 31 (step S11). In other words, the command generator 35 sets in the register whether or not the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is turned on, that is, whether or not the write protection (write prohibition) of the memory card 2 is turned on. Send to computer 1

  In the host computer 1, the CPU 17 determines whether the write protection is turned on based on the register contents from the memory card 2 (step S 2). When the write protection is turned on, the write prohibiting process is performed. Perform (step S3).

  When the CPU 17 determines that the write protection is not turned on, it issues a write page buffer instruction and reads 512-byte image data from the hard disk 11, for example, and writes these write page buffer instructions. The image data is transmitted to the memory card 2 via the serial I / F 15 (step S4).

  The CPU 17 further issues a set command command, designates an address for writing the image data in the memory card 2 and issues a write command (step S5). The CPU 17 transmits these command instructions to the memory card 2 via the serial I / F 15.

  In the memory card 2, when the command generator 35 receives a set command command from the host computer 1 via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31, it sets a busy state indicating that it is operating in a register. Then, a busy signal indicating the contents of this register is transmitted to the host computer 1 via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31 (step S12). This busy signal continues to be transmitted to the host computer 1 until the ready state is set in the register.

  Then, the command generator 35 issues a command for executing writing, and causes image data for one page to be written at the address of the designated flash memory 22 (step S13). When the writing of the image data for one page is completed, the command generator 35 sets a ready state to the register, and sends a ready signal indicating the register contents to the host computer 1 via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31. Transmit (step S14).

  On the other hand, in the host computer 1, after issuing the set command instruction in the above-described step S5, the CPU 17 issues a read status register instruction to check the state of the memory card 2 (step S6). Then, the CPU 17 determines whether the signal transmitted from the memory card 2 via the serial I / F 15 is a busy signal, and if not, issues a read status register instruction again (step S6). That is, while the busy signal is transmitted from the memory card 2, the processes of step S6 and step S7 are repeated.

  When the CPU 17 determines that the signal transmitted from the memory card 2 is not a busy signal, that is, when the CPU 17 determines that the transmitted signal is a ready signal, is there continued image data to be transmitted to the memory card 2? If there is continuous image data, the process proceeds to step S4. If there is no continuous image data, the transmission of the image data is terminated (step S8). That is, the image data file to be recorded is written to the memory card 2 for each page by repeatedly performing the processing from step S4 to step S8 and the processing from step S12 to step S14.

  As described above, the present invention determines whether the write protection of the memory card 2 is turned on or off every time a file is recorded. For example, when the memory card 2 is attached to the host computer 1, an error occurs. Even if the setting of the write protection by the erasure prevention switch 23 is changed, the image data writing prohibition process or the image data recording can be performed according to the setting contents.

  Further, since the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 can change the setting of the write protection even when the memory card 2 is mounted on the host computer 1, the memory card 2 is purposely removed from the host computer 1 and erroneously erased. It is not necessary to switch the prevention switch 23, and the operability for the user can be improved.

  Next, an operation when erasing image data stored in the memory card 2 will be described. When erasing the image data stored in the memory card 2, as shown in FIG. 6, the host computer 1 performs steps S21 to S27. At this time, the memory card 2 performs steps S31 to S34. Process.

  When erasure of the image data stored in the memory card 2 is set in the host computer 1, the CPU 17 issues a read status register command for confirming the state of the memory card 2 (step S21). This register instruction is transmitted to the memory card 2 via the serial I / F 15. The read status register instruction is issued for each file to be transmitted.

  In the memory card 2, when the command generator 35 receives the register instruction, the command generator 35 sets the state of the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 in the register, and the contents of the register are transferred to the host computer 1 via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31. (Step S31). In other words, the command generator 35 sets the register whether or not the write protection of the memory card 2 is turned on, and transmits the contents of the register to the host computer 1.

  In the host computer 1, the CPU 17 determines whether the write protection is on based on the register contents from the memory card 2 (step S22). When the write protection is on, the CPU 17 performs the process of prohibiting erasure. This is performed (step S23).

  Then, the CPU 17 issues a set command command, designates the address of the image data to be erased, and issues an erase command (step S24). The CPU 17 transmits these command instructions to the memory card 2 via the serial I / F 15.

  On the other hand, in the memory card 2, when the command generator 35 receives the above set command command from the host computer 1, the command generator 35 transmits a busy signal to the host computer 1 via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31 (step S32). .

  Then, the command generator 35 issues a command for erasing the image data at the designated address, and causes the designated image data stored in the flash memory 22 to be erased. (Step S33). In the flash memory 22, image data is erased for each block including a predetermined number of sets of image data of one page (512 bytes) and management information of 18 bytes.

  When the erasing of the image data is completed, the command generator 35 sets a ready state in the register, and transmits a ready signal indicating the contents of the register to the host computer 1 via the S / P & P / S sequencer 31 (step). S34).

  On the other hand, in the host computer 1, after issuing the set command instruction in step S24, the CPU 17 issues a read status register instruction to check the state of the memory card 2 (step S25). Then, the CPU 17 determines whether the signal transmitted from the memory card 2 via the serial I / F 15 is a busy signal, and if not, issues a read status register command again (step S26). Therefore, while the busy signal is transmitted from the memory card 2, the processes of step S25 and step S26 are repeated.

  When the CPU 17 determines that the signal transmitted from the memory card 2 is not a busy signal, that is, determines that the transmitted signal is a ready signal, the CPU 17 determines whether there is image data to be erased in the memory card 2. If there is continuous image data to be deleted, the process proceeds to step S24. If there is no continuous image data to be deleted, the deletion of the image data is ended (step S27). That is, the image data file to be erased is erased for each of the blocks described above by repeatedly performing the processes in steps S24 to S27 and steps S32 to S34.

  As described above, the present invention determines whether the write protection of the memory card 2 is on or off every time a file is erased. For example, when the memory card 2 is attached to the host computer 1, an error occurs. Even if the setting of the write protection by the erasure prevention switch 23 is changed, the image data erasure prohibition process can be performed according to the setting contents.

  By the way, in the memory card of the present invention, for example, as described above, the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like member 24 and on the opposite side to the mounting direction, and in the longitudinal direction. What is necessary is just to be slidable in the orthogonal direction. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, it may be provided on the main surface of the plate-like member 24. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, when the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is located on the left side with respect to the mounting direction, the write protection can be set to OFF. As shown in FIG. 8, when the erroneous erasure prevention switch 23 is positioned on the right side with respect to the mounting direction, the gap portion 26 is formed. At this time, the write protection can be set to ON. Therefore, even if only the memory card 2 is placed in a pocket of clothes, the user can determine the presence or absence of the gap 26 by touch and can easily determine whether or not it is write-protected. it can.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the host computer to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the memory card to which this invention is applied. It is an external appearance perspective view of the said memory card. It is an external appearance perspective view of the said memory card. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a host computer and a memory card. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of a host computer and a memory card. It is another external appearance perspective view of the said memory card. It is another external appearance perspective view of the said memory card.

Explanation of symbols

11 Hard disk, 17 CPU, 21 Control IC, 22 Flash memory, 23 Accidental erasure prevention switch, 31 S / P & P / S sequencer, 35 Command generator

Claims (21)

In a memory card for storing data transmitted from the control device,
Storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device;
It is possible to set whether or not to prohibit writing of data to the storage means, and a switch provided at a position where switching is possible even in a state of being mounted on the control device,
Performs predetermined control according to a command transmitted from the control device, and sets contents indicating that the state of the switch is set to a write prohibited state or not set to a write prohibited state Control means having a register to be
For each file to be transmitted from the control device, the control means determines the state of the switch in response to a state read command for reading the state of the switch issued by the control device before starting the recording of each file. , when the setting state of the switch is determined to when it is determined that it is set to the write-protect is set the contents indicating the write-protected state in a register, not set to the write-protected Sets the contents indicating that it is not in the write-inhibited state in the register, and transmits the contents of the register indicating the state of the set switch to the control device,
When the control unit determines that the switch is set to the write-protect the data to be written in the memory means is not transmitted from the control device,
When the control unit determines that the switch is not set to the write-protect is adapted to receive data to be written in the storage means from the control unit writes the data in the storage means from the control device When the write command with the address specified is received, the content indicating that the write processing operation is in progress is set in the register, the data is written to the storage means, and when the write processing operation ends, The contents indicating the end of the write processing operation are set in a register and transmitted to the control device,
When the control device determines that the memory card has completed the write processing operation and transmits data subsequent to the data written in the storage means, the control means sends the subsequent data to the storage means. A memory card that performs the writing process. Furthermore, a buffer for temporarily storing data transmitted from the control device is provided,
The control means receives data to be written to the storage means and an instruction to write the data to the buffer from the control device and writes the data to the buffer when the switch is not set to the write prohibition. Process,
Then, the data from the control device receives the write command for writing in the storage means, the data stored in the buffer have line processing for writing in the storage means,
Next, the content indicating that the write processing operation is in progress is set in the register, the content of the register indicating that the write processing operation is in progress is transmitted to the control device, and the write processing operation is completed. case, the memory card of claim 1, wherein that sends to the control unit the content of the register indicating that this is a writing process operation ends. In addition, further storage means for storing data for initial setting,
3. The control means, when connected to the control device, reads data for performing the initial setting from the further storage means, and performs an initial setting based on the data for performing the initial setting. Memory card. In a control device for writing data to a memory card in which a switch is provided at a position where switching is possible even in the mounted state, and whether or not data writing can be prohibited with this switch ,
Storage means for storing data to be transmitted to the memory card;
Control means for controlling at least the writing of data to the memory card,
The control means issues, for each file to be transmitted to the memory card, a state reading command for confirming a switch state to the memory card before starting recording of each file,
Receiving the content indicating the write-inhibited state of the switch set in the register of the memory card in response to the state read command or the content indicating not being in the write-inhibited state;
It is determined whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited from the content indicating the status of the received switch,
When the switch is set to the write prohibition, the data to be written to the memory card is not transmitted, and the write prohibition process is performed.
If the switch is not set to write prohibition, send a write command specifying the data to be written to the memory card and the address to write the data to the memory card,
When the switch is not set to the write prohibition and there is further data , the memory card receives the contents of the register indicating that the write processing is being performed from the memory card. A control device for transmitting the subsequent data to the memory card without confirming the state of the switch of the memory card after receiving the contents of the register indicating the end of the write processing operation to the storage means . If the switch is not set to write prohibition, the control means transmits data to be written to the storage means of the memory card and a command to write the data to the buffer,
Next, the write command for writing the data to the storage means of the memory card is transmitted,
Next, when the contents of the register indicating that the write processing operation is being performed are received from the memory card, the register contents indicating that the write processing operation to the storage means of the memory card is completed are received. the control system of claim 4, wherein the data and data to be written into the buffer of the memory card that sends instructions to write to the buffer from. In a data transmission / reception system that transmits and receives data between a memory card and a control device in which the memory card is mounted,
The memory card is capable of setting storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device and whether or not data writing to the storage means is prohibited, and is attached to the control device. A switch provided at a position where switching is possible, and performing predetermined control according to a command transmitted from the control device, and the switch state is set to a write-inhibited state, or And a control means having a register in which content indicating that it is not set in the write-inhibited state is set,
The control device includes storage means for storing data to be transmitted to the memory card, and control means for controlling at least writing of data to the memory card,
The control means of the control device issues a state read command for confirming the switch state to the memory card before recording of each file for each file to be transmitted to the memory card,
The control means of the memory card determines the state of the switch in response to the state read command, and when the set state of the switch is set to the write prohibition, the content indicating the write prohibition state Is set in the register, and if the write inhibit is not set, the content indicating that the write is not prohibited is set in the register, and the content of the register indicating the state of the set switch is set in the register. To the control device,
The control means of the control device receives the content indicating the write prohibition state of the switch set in the register of the memory card in response to the state read command or the content indicating that the switch is not in a write prohibition state, and receives the reception Whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited is determined from the contents indicating the status of the switch, and when the switch is set to the write prohibition, the data to be written to the memory card is not transmitted. When the write prohibition process is performed and the switch is not set to the write prohibition, the write command specifying the data to be written to the memory card and the address to write the data to the memory card is transmitted,
The memory card control means receives the data to be written to the memory card storage means from the control device and the write command from the control device when the switch is not set to the write prohibition. Then, the contents indicating that the write processing operation is in progress are set in the register, the process of writing the data into the storage means of the memory card is performed, and when the write processing operation is completed, the write processing operation is completed. Set the register contents to the register and send it to the control device,
When there is further data, the control means of the control device receives the contents of the register indicating the end of the write processing operation to the storage means of the memory card, and confirms the state of the switch. Without sending this continuation data to the memory card,
The control means of the memory card, row oriented data transmission and reception system a process of writing in the storage means of the data of the more the memory card. The memory card further includes a buffer for temporarily storing data transmitted from the control device,
When the switch is not set to write prohibition, the control means of the control device transmits data to be written to the storage means of the memory card and a command to write the data to the buffer,
The control means of the memory card receives data to be written to the storage means and a command to write the data to the buffer from the control device, and performs processing to write the data to the buffer.
Next, the control means of the control device transmits the write command for writing the data of the buffer to the storage means of the memory card,
Next, the control unit of the memory card receives the write command from the controller, have the line a process of writing the data stored in the buffer memory means of the memory card,
Next, the control means of the memory card sets the contents indicating that the writing process is being performed in the register, and transmits the contents of the register indicating that the writing process is being performed to the control device, When this write processing operation is completed, the register contents indicating the completion of this write processing operation are transmitted to the control device,
Next, when the control means of the control device receives the contents of the register indicating that the write processing operation is being performed from the memory card, the write processing operation to the storage means of the memory card is completed. data transmitting and receiving system according to claim 6, wherein the content of the register that sends instructions to write the data with the data to be written into the buffer of the memory card from the reception from the memory card to the buffer shown a. Furthermore, the memory card further comprises a storage means for storing data for initial setting,
When the control means of the memory card is connected to the control device, it reads out the data for performing the initial setting from the further storage means, and performs the initial setting based on the data for performing the initial setting. Item 8. The data transmission / reception system according to Item 7. In a memory card for storing data transmitted from the control device,
Storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device;
It is possible to set whether or not to prohibit writing of data to the storage means, and a switch provided at a position where switching is possible even in a state of being mounted on the control device,
Performs predetermined control according to a command transmitted from the control device, and sets contents indicating that the state of the switch is set to a write prohibited state or not set to a write prohibited state Control means having a register to be
For each file to be erased, the control means determines the state of the switch in response to a state read command that reads the state of the switch issued by the control device before starting the erasure of each file. When it is determined that the setting state is set to the write prohibition, the contents indicating the write prohibition state are set in the register, and when it is determined that the write prohibition is not set, the write is performed. Set the content indicating that it is not in a prohibited state in a register, and transmit the content of the register indicating the state of the set switch to the control device,
When the control unit determines that the switch is set to the write-protect is not an erase command data from the controller is transmitted,
In that said control means when the switch is determined not to be set to the write-protect receives an erase command data address to be erased from the control device is designated, is in the erase processing operation The contents to be shown are set in the register, the contents of the register indicating that the erasing process is being performed are transmitted to the control device, the data in the storage means are erased, and when the erasing process is completed, Send the contents of the register indicating the end of the erase processing operation to the control device,
When the control device is a continuation of erasing data when it is determined that the memory card is erasing process operation is ended, the control means, a memory card you erase data of the last from the memory means. In addition, further storage means for storing data for initial setting,
The control means, when connected to the control device, the from further memory means reads out the data for the initial setting, initialization line intends to Claim based on data for the initial setting 9 The memory card described. In a control device for writing data to a memory card in which a switch is provided at a position where switching is possible even in the mounted state, and whether or not data writing can be prohibited with this switch ,
Storage means for storing data to be transmitted to the memory card;
Control means for controlling at least erasure of data to the memory card,
The control means issues, for each file to be erased, a state read command for confirming the state of the switch to the memory card before starting the erasure of each file,
Receiving the content indicating the write-inhibited state of the switch set in the register of the memory card in response to the state read command or the content indicating not being in the write-inhibited state;
It is determined whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited from the content indicating the status of the received switch,
When the switch is set to the write prohibition, the data erase prohibition process is performed without sending a data erase command to the memory card,
If the switch is not set to the write inhibit, the memory card is issued an erase command for specifying the address to be erased. If there is subsequent erase data, the memory card is performing an erase process. Without receiving the contents of the register indicating the end of the erasure processing operation to the storage means of the memory card, and without confirming the state of the switch. A control device for issuing a subsequent data erasing command to the memory card . In a data transmission / reception system that transmits and receives data between a memory card and a control device in which the memory card is mounted,
The memory card is capable of setting storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device and whether or not data writing to the storage means is prohibited, and is attached to the control device. A switch provided at a position where switching is possible, and performing predetermined control according to a command transmitted from the control device, and the switch state is set to a write-inhibited state, or And a control means having a register in which content indicating that it is not set in the write-inhibited state is set,
The control device includes storage means for storing data to be transmitted to the memory card, and control means for controlling erasure of at least data with respect to the memory card,
The control means of the control device issues a state read command for checking the switch state to the memory card before starting to delete each file for each file to be deleted,
The control means of the memory card determines the state of the switch in response to the state read command, and when the set state of the switch is set to the write prohibition, the content indicating the write prohibition state Is set in the register, and if the write inhibit is not set, the content indicating that the write is not prohibited is set in the register, and the content of the register indicating the state of the set switch is set in the register. To the control device,
The control means of the control device receives the content indicating the write prohibition state of the switch set in the register of the memory card in response to the state read command or the content indicating that the switch is not in a write prohibition state, and receives the reception From the contents indicating the status of the switch, it is determined whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited. If the switch is set to the write prohibition, a data erasure command is transmitted to the memory card. If the switch is not set to write prohibition, the data erase command with the address to be erased specified is issued to the memory card.
The control means of the memory card receives the erasure command from the control device , sets the content indicating that the erasure processing is in progress in the register, and sets the content of the register indicating that the erasure processing is in progress to the above Transmitted to the control device, erase the data in the storage means, and when the erasure processing operation is completed, transmit the contents of the register indicating the end of the erasure processing operation to the control device,
When the control means of the control device receives the contents of the register indicating that the erasure processing operation is being performed from the memory card when there is subsequent erasure data, the control means at the end of the erasure processing operation to the storage means of the memory card. After receiving the contents of the register indicating that there is, without confirming the state of the switch, it issues an erase command for the subsequent data to the memory card ,
A data transmission / reception system in which the control means of the memory card erases the subsequent data from the storage means. The memory card further comprises further storage means for storing data for initial setting,
Control means of the memory card when connected to the control unit reads out the data for the initial setting of the further storage means, intends row an initial setting based on data for the initial setting The data transmission / reception system according to claim 12 . In a memory card for storing data transmitted from the control device,
Storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device;
It is possible to set whether or not to prohibit writing of data to the storage means, and a switch provided at a position where switching is possible even in a state of being mounted on the control device,
Performs predetermined control according to a command transmitted from the control device, and sets contents indicating that the state of the switch is set to a write prohibited state or not set to a write prohibited state Control means having a register to be
When writing data, the control means, for each file to be transmitted from the control device, in response to a state read command for reading the state of the switch issued by the control device before starting the recording of each file, If it is determined that the setting state of the switch is set to the write-inhibited state, the contents indicating the write-inhibited state are set in the register, and the write-inhibited state is not set. If it is determined that the write-in state is not set in the register, the register is set to indicate the state of the switch, the register content is transmitted to the controller,
When the control unit determines that the switch is set to the write-protect the data to be written in the memory means is not transmitted from the control device,
When the control unit determines that the switch is not set to the write-protect is adapted to receive data to be written in the storage means from the control unit writes the data in the storage means from the control device When the write command with the address specified is received, the content indicating that the write processing operation is in progress is set in the register, the data is written to the storage means, and when the write processing operation ends, The contents indicating the end of the write processing operation are set in a register and transmitted to the control device,
When the control device determines that the memory card has completed the write processing operation and transmits data subsequent to the data written in the storage means, the control means sends the subsequent data to the storage means. Write process,
When erasing data, the control means changes the state of the switch for each file to be erased in response to a state read command for reading the state of the switch issued before the start of erasure of each file by the control device. determining, when the setting state of the switch is determined to be set to the write-protect is set the contents indicating the write-protected state in the register and judged not to be set in the write-protected In the case, the content indicating that the write-inhibited state is not set is set in the register, the content of the register indicating the set state of the switch is transmitted to the control device,
When the control unit determines that the switch is set to the write-protect is not an erase command data from the controller is transmitted,
In that said control means when the switch is determined not to be set to the write-protect receives an erase command data address to be erased from the control device is designated, is in the erase processing operation The contents to be shown are set in the register, the contents of the register indicating that the erasing process is being performed are transmitted to the control device, the data in the storage means are erased, and when the erasing process is completed, Send the contents of the register indicating the end of the erase processing operation to the control device,
When the control device is a continuation of erasing data when it is determined that the memory card is erasing process operation is ended, the control means, a memory card you erase data of the last from the memory means. Furthermore, a buffer for temporarily storing data transmitted from the control device is provided,
When writing the data, the control means receives data to be written to the storage means and a command to write the data to the buffer from the control device when the switch is not set to the write prohibition, and the data Is written to the buffer,
Then, the data from the control device receives the write command for writing in the storage means, the data stored in the buffer have line processing for writing in the storage means,
Next, the content indicating that the write processing operation is in progress is set in the register, the content of the register indicating that the write processing operation is in progress is transmitted to the control device, and the write processing operation is completed. 15. The memory card according to claim 14 , wherein the content of the register indicating that the write processing operation is completed is transmitted to the control device. In addition, further storage means for storing data for initial setting,
The control means, when connected to the control unit reads out the data for the initial setting of the further storage means, according to claim 14 intends row an initial setting based on data for the initial setting Or 15. The memory card according to 15 . In a control device for writing data to a memory card in which a switch is provided at a position where switching is possible even in the mounted state, and whether or not data writing can be prohibited with this switch ,
Storage means for storing data to be transmitted to the memory card;
Control means for controlling at least writing and erasing of data to the memory card,
When writing data, for each file to be transmitted to the memory card, the control means issues a status read command for confirming the switch status to the memory card before starting the recording of each file,
Receiving the content indicating the write-inhibited state of the switch set in the register of the memory card in response to the state read command or the content indicating not being in the write-inhibited state;
It is determined whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited from the content indicating the status of the received switch,
When the switch is set to the write inhibit, the data to be written to the memory card is not transmitted, the write inhibit process is performed, and when the switch is not set to the write inhibit, the data is written to the memory card. Send a write command with the address specified to write the data and the data to the memory card,
When the switch is not set to the write prohibition and there is further data , the memory card receives the contents of the register indicating that the write processing is being performed from the memory card. After receiving the contents of the register indicating the end of the writing processing operation to the storage means, without transmitting the memory card switch status, the subsequent data is transmitted to the memory card,
When erasing data, for each file to be erased, the control means issues a state read command to confirm the state of the switch to the memory card before starting the erasure of each file,
Receiving the content indicating the write-inhibited state of the switch set in the register of the memory card in response to the state read command or the content indicating not being in the write-inhibited state;
It is determined whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited from the content indicating the status of the received switch,
When the switch is set to the write inhibit, the data erase prohibition process is performed without transmitting a data erase command to the memory card, and when the switch is not set to the write inhibit, the data is erased. When the memory card is issued an erase instruction for the data designated by the address, and there is subsequent erase data, the memory card receives the contents of the register indicating that the erase process is in progress from the memory card. And a controller for issuing the data erasure command to the memory card without confirming the state of the switch after receiving the contents of the register indicating that the erasure processing operation to the storage means is completed . When writing data, when the switch is not set to write prohibition, the control means transmits data to be written to the storage means of the memory card and an instruction to write the data to the buffer,
Next, the write command for writing the data to the storage means of the memory card is transmitted,
Next, when the contents of the register indicating that the write processing operation is being performed are received from the memory card, the register contents indicating that the write processing operation to the storage means of the memory card is completed are received. 18. The control device according to claim 17, which transmits data to be written to the buffer of the memory card and a command to write the data to the buffer. In a data transmission / reception system that transmits and receives data between a memory card and a control device in which the memory card is mounted,
The memory card is capable of setting storage means for storing data transmitted from the control device and whether or not data writing to the storage means is prohibited, and is attached to the control device. A switch provided at a position where switching is possible, and performing predetermined control according to a command transmitted from the control device, and the switch state is set to a write-inhibited state, or And a control means having a register in which content indicating that it is not set in the write-inhibited state is set,
The control device includes a storage unit that stores data to be transmitted to the memory card, and a control unit that controls at least writing and erasing of data to the memory card,
In the case of writing data, the control means of the control device issues a status read command for checking the switch status to the memory card before starting to record each file for each file to be transmitted to the memory card. ,
The control means of the memory card determines the state of the switch in response to the state read command, and when the set state of the switch is set to the write prohibition, the content indicating the write prohibition state Is set in the register, and if the write inhibit is not set, the content indicating that the write is not prohibited is set in the register, and the content of the register indicating the state of the set switch is set in the register. To the control device,
The control means of the control device receives the content indicating the write prohibition state of the switch set in the register of the memory card in response to the state read command or the content indicating that the switch is not in a write prohibition state, and receives the reception Whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited is determined from the contents indicating the status of the switch, and when the switch is set to the write prohibition, the data to be written to the memory card is not transmitted. When the write prohibition process is performed and the switch is not set to the write prohibition, the write command specifying the data to be written to the memory card and the address to write the data to the memory card is transmitted,
The memory card control means receives the data to be written to the memory card storage means from the control device and the write command from the control device when the switch is not set to the write prohibition. Then, the contents indicating that the write processing operation is in progress are set in the register, the process of writing the data into the storage means of the memory card is performed, and when the write processing operation is completed, the write processing operation is completed. Set the register contents to the register and send it to the control device,
When there is further data, the control means of the control device receives the contents of the register indicating the end of the write processing operation to the storage means of the memory card, and confirms the state of the switch. Without sending this continuation data to the memory card,
The control means of the memory card performs a process of writing the subsequent data to the storage means of the memory card,
In the case of erasing data, the control means of the control device issues, for each file to be erased, a state reading command for confirming the switch state to the memory card before starting erasing of each file,
The control means of the memory card determines the state of the switch in response to the state read command, and when the set state of the switch is set to the write prohibition, the content indicating the write prohibition state Is set in the register, and if the write inhibit is not set, the content indicating that the write is not prohibited is set in the register, and the content of the register indicating the state of the set switch is set in the register. To the control device,
The control means of the control device receives the content indicating the write prohibition state of the switch set in the register of the memory card in response to the state read command or the content indicating that the switch is not in a write prohibition state, and receives the reception From the contents indicating the status of the switch, it is determined whether or not data writing to the memory card is prohibited. If the switch is set to the write prohibition, a data erasure command is transmitted to the memory card. If the switch is not set to write prohibition, the data erase command with the address to be erased specified is issued to the memory card.
The control means of the memory card receives the data erasure command from the control device , sets the contents indicating that the erasing process is being performed in the register, and sets the contents of the register indicating that the erasing process is being performed as described above. Transmitted to the control device, erase the data in the storage means, and when the erasure processing operation is completed, transmit the contents of the register indicating the end of the erasure processing operation to the control device,
When the control means of the control device receives the contents of the register indicating that the erasure processing operation is being performed from the memory card when there is subsequent erasure data, the control means at the end of the erasure processing operation to the storage means of the memory card. After receiving the contents of the register indicating that there is, without confirming the state of the switch, it issues an erase command for the subsequent data to the memory card ,
A data transmission / reception system in which the control means of the memory card erases the subsequent data from the storage means. The memory card further includes a buffer for temporarily storing data transmitted from the control device,
In the case of writing data, the control means of the control device transmits data to be written to the storage means of the memory card and a command to write the data to the buffer when the switch is not set to write prohibition,
The control means of the memory card receives data to be written to the storage means and a command to write the data to the buffer from the control device, and performs processing to write the data to the buffer.
Next, the control means of the control device transmits the write command for writing the data of the buffer to the storage means of the memory card,
Next, the control unit of the memory card receives the write command from the controller, have the line a process of writing the data stored in the buffer memory means of the memory card,
Next, the control means of the memory card sets the contents indicating that the writing process is being performed in the register, and transmits the contents of the register indicating that the writing process is being performed to the control device, When this write processing operation is completed, the register contents indicating the completion of this write processing operation are transmitted to the control device,
Next, when the control means of the control device receives the contents of the register indicating that the write processing operation is being performed from the memory card, it indicates that the write processing operation to the storage means of the memory card has been completed. 20. The data transmission / reception system according to claim 19 , wherein the data to be written to the buffer of the memory card and the command to write the data to the buffer are transmitted after receiving the contents of the register indicated from the memory card. The memory card further comprises further storage means for storing data for initial setting,
Control means of the memory card when connected to the control unit reads out the data for the initial setting of the further storage means, intends row an initial setting based on data for the initial setting The data transmission / reception system according to claim 19 or 20 .

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