KR100586373B1 - Usb type data storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a USB data storage device, and in particular, the device of the present invention is provided with at least two USB connectors and transfers data to and from the USB connector, and each USB connector is connected to a host platform or client platform of a computer. At least two USB controllers for detecting the data, and at least two or more USB controllers store data of the host platform transferred from one of the USB controllers in a data storage unit, or store data stored in the data storage unit in at least two USB controllers. A CPU for moving to the client platform through another USB controller and a USB connector, and a display for displaying connection information of the USB connector and the host platform or the client platform and an operation state of the device. Therefore, according to the present invention, by separately providing a USB connector for a host or a client in a rewritable USB data storage device, data stored therein can be easily moved to a client platform without the support of a host platform such as a computer.

USB Data Storage, USB Connector, Host Platform, Client Platform

Description

USB data storage device {USB TYPE DATA STORAGE DEVICE}

1 is a view showing a USB data storage device according to the prior art,

2 is a view showing a USB data storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a view showing a USB data storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

100: host platform 102: host controller

104, 114: USB port 110: client platform

112: client controller 200: USB data storage device

202: first USB connector 204: second USB connector

206: first USB controller 208: second USB controller

210: CPU 212: data storage unit

The present invention relates to a data storage device of a universal serial bus (USB), and more particularly, to a USB data storage device capable of storing all data of a host platform or a client platform such as a computer in a compatible manner. .

The USB standard was developed to standardize the interface for connecting computers with peripherals such as mice, printers, modems and speakers. The criteria that define the architecture for the USB standard include computer peripheral expansion, low cost, support of more than 12Mb per second, and full support for compressed video and real-time data, voice, and audio. The USB port not only allows for self-identification of peripherals and automatic mapping to drivers, but also allows all peripherals to be dynamically attached and reconfigurable. Therefore, the USB standard is widely used not only for computer peripherals but also for USB flash disks, MP3 players, digital cameras, digital camcorders, and mobile phones.

On the other hand, the flash memory is a nonvolatile memory mainly used to store data, MP3 music files, picture files, and the like. Recently, NAND flash memory chips are widely used as portable data storage devices. These USB data storage devices are compact, have strong durability, scalability, security, etc., and they are spotlighted as mobile data storage devices that focus on mobility in the mobile era by using ubiquitous USB connectors. Is getting.

Next, a USB data storage device according to the prior art will be described. 1 is a view showing a USB data storage device according to the prior art.

Referring to FIG. 1, the USB data storage device 20 is connected to a host platform 10 such as a computer to receive a backup (ie, storing) data. The host platform 10 refers to various computer devices such as a personal computer (PC), a server computer, and a mobile communication terminal. The host platform 10 includes a host controller 12 that controls and manages all USB transfers on a bus by an operating program supporting USB standard protocols such as Microsoft's Windows 95, Windows 98, and Mac OS X, and the USB standard. It includes a USB port 14 for connecting a peripheral device.

The USB data storage device 20 includes a USB connector 22 for connecting with the USB port 14 of the host platform 10. The USB data storage device 20 also includes a USB controller 24 that transmits data to and from the USB connector 22 and performs data writing, deletion, and reading, and a data storage unit 26 that can be rewritten.

The host platform 10 connected to the USB data storage device 20 configured as described above writes data to the USB data storage device 20 or deletes and reads the recorded data.

When any data write command is sent from the controller 12 of the host platform 10 to the USB data storage device 20 connected via the USB port 14 and the USB connector 22, the in-disk USB controller 24 The data packet is received from the host platform 10 using the USB standard protocol, and the received data packet is stored in the data storage unit 26.

When an arbitrary data delete command is sent from the controller 12 of the host platform 10 to the USB controller 24, the controller 24 of the USB data storage device 20 receives data of the corresponding address from the data storage unit 26. Delete it.

In addition, when an arbitrary data read command is transmitted from the controller 12 of the host platform 10 to the USB controller 24, the controller 24 of the USB data storage device 20 receives the corresponding address from the data storage unit 26. Data is read and transmitted to the host controller 12 through the USB connector 22 and the USB port 14. The controller 12 of the host platform 10 outputs a corresponding data value through an application program that is compatible with the internal operating program.

On the other hand, in addition to the host platform, devices such as MP3 players, digital cameras, digital camcorders, mobile phones, etc. that move and store data to external devices using the USB standard protocol from the host platform, read stored data, and delete them are called client platforms. define. In the host platform, the USB port provides a hub function that can be connected to multiple USB client platforms simultaneously to back up data from more than one client platform.

However, client platforms such as MP3 players, digital cameras, digital camcorders and mobile phones cannot move internal data without being connected to a host platform that has an operating program that supports the USB standard protocol. Therefore, if the data capacity of the client platform was insufficient, it was not possible to move data directly between the client platforms or back up data from the client platform to the USB data storage device without going through the host platform.

An object of the present invention is to provide a computer by having at least two or more USB connectors, and a CPU for controlling each controller connected to the USB connector according to the USB standard protocol in a USB client platform to solve the problems of the prior art as described above. The present invention provides a USB data storage device that can backup and store internal data of different client platforms without supporting the host platform.

Another object of the present invention is to secure the data of the platform by adding a switch to switch the operation of the controller by distinguishing one USB connector and the platform connected to the USB connector is a host platform or a client platform in the USB client platform To provide a USB data storage device that can be backed up.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a mobile device having a USB connector and a data storage unit, which is provided with at least two USB connectors and transmits data to and from the USB connectors, and each USB connector and the host platform or client of the computer. At least two USB controllers for detecting the connection of the platform, and the data of the host platform transmitted from any one of the at least two USB controllers in the data storage, or at least two data stored in the data storage Among the above USB controller includes a CPU for moving to the client platform through the other USB controller and the USB connector, and a display for displaying the connection information of the USB connector and the host platform or client platform and the operation status of the device.

In order to achieve the above another object, the present invention provides a mobile device having one USB connector and a data storage unit, which transmits data to and from the USB connector and detects a connection between the USB connector and the host platform or client platform of the computer, respectively. A switch for connecting the first and second USB controllers, the USB connector and any one of the USB controllers, and controlling the operation of the switch according to the signal of the host platform detected through the first USB controller within the set time. 1, a CPU for storing data transferred from the host platform to the data storage unit when the USB controller is connected, or for moving the data stored in the data storage unit to the client platform through the second USB controller and the USB connector; Connection information for the host platform or client platform And a display for displaying the operating status of the device.

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

2 is a view showing a USB data storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the USB data storage device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a host platform 100 such as a computer or a client platform 110 such as a digital camera to connect the platform 100 or 110. Back up (ie save) the data of the user, or read or delete the saved data. In this case, the USB data storage device 200 is a mobile device that processes and outputs data stored in the data storage unit by an internal application program in addition to a simple storage device having a rewritable data storage unit (eg, flash memory). It can be applied to client platforms such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, mobile phones and PDAs.

The USB data storage device 200 according to the present invention includes at least two USB connectors 202 and 204, at least two USB controllers 206 and 208, a control process unit (CPU) 210, a key. And an input unit 212, a display 214, an output unit 216, and the like. Although not shown in the drawings, the USB data storage device 200 of the present invention may have an internal power supply device or may be connected to a portable power supply device such as a battery. In the present embodiment, for the sake of understanding, it is assumed that each of the two USB connectors 202 and 204 and the USB controllers 206 and 208 are provided.

The first and second USB connectors 202 and 204 are connectors for connecting with the USB ports 104 and 114 of the host platform 100 or the client platform 110. The first and second USB controllers 206 and 208 detect whether the first and second USB connectors 202 and 204 and the external USB port are connected, respectively, and transmit respective data to and from the connected USB connector. . The CPU 210 controls the operation of the first USB controller 206 or the second USB controller 208 according to the USB standard protocol to perform data storage, deletion, reading, etc. of the data storage unit 218. The key input unit 212 is a portion to which the operation key signal of the device is input and the display 214 displays the connection information of the first and second USB connectors 202 and 204 and the operation state of the device. The output unit 216 outputs audio or video of the device. Finally, the data storage unit 218 may be configured as a rewritable storage device, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk.

The host platform 100 applied to the present invention refers to various computer devices such as a personal computer (PC), a server computer, a mobile communication terminal, and the like. The host platform 100 includes a host controller 102 that controls and manages all USB transfers on a bus by an operating program supporting USB standard protocols such as Microsoft's Windows 95, Windows 98, and Mac OS X, and the USB standard. It includes a USB port 104 for connecting a peripheral device.

The client platform 110 of the MP3 player, digital camera, digital camcorder, mobile phone, etc. is connected to the host platform 100 / external USB data storage device 200 such as a computer or the like and transmits its own data to the host platform 100 / USB. A client controller 112 for backing up to the data storage device 200 or receiving data from the host platform 100 / USB data storage device 200 and a USB port 114 for connecting a peripheral device of a USB standard. Include.

The USB data storage device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above operates as follows.

First, the CPU 210 determines whether any connector connection signal is transmitted through the controllers 206 and 208 by connecting the first or second USB connectors 202 and 204 to the external USB port. When the host connector connection signal is transmitted through the first USB controller 206, the CPU 210 determines that the USB port 104 and the first USB connector 202 of the host platform 100 are connected to the display 214. The connection information with the host platform 100 is output to. In this case, the USB data storage device 200 operates as a client with respect to the connected host platform 100.

As in the related art, when a record command provided by the USB host controller 102 of the host platform 100 is transmitted to the CPU 210 through the first USB controller 206 of the USB data storage device 200, The CPU 210 reads the information of the data storage unit 218 and transfers the information to the host platform 100 through the first USB controller 206. When any data from the host platform 100 is transferred to the first USB controller 206 of the USB data storage device 200 via the connected USB port 104 and the first USB connector 202, the CPU 210 is connected. ) Stores the transferred data in the data storage unit 218. If the delete or read command is transmitted from the host platform 100, the CPU 210 searches for the address data of the corresponding delete or read target stored in the data storage unit 218, deletes or reads the address data of the host platform 100, and reads it. To be delivered to.

When the client connector connection signal is transmitted through the second USB controller 208 in the USB data storage device 200 according to the present invention, the CPU 210 may connect the USB port 204 and the second USB connector of the client platform 200. It is determined that 204 are connected to each other, and outputs connection information with the client platform 200 on the display 214. In this case, the USB data storage device 200 operates as a host for the connected client platform 200.

When the key signal for the storage mode is input from the key input unit 212, the CPU 210 transmits a data information request to the client platform 110 through the second USB controller 208. Accordingly, the client platform 110 transmits a response to the data information to be stored to the second USB controller 208 through the USB client controller 112, the USB port 114, and the second USB connector 204. The CPU 210 outputs the data information transmitted to the second USB controller 208 through the display 214. When the storage command key signal is input from the key input unit 212, the CPU 210 transmits a data request to the client platform 110 through the second USB controller 208. The client platform 110 transmits the data to be stored to the USB data storage device 200 through the USB client controller 112 and the USB port 114. The CPU 210 in the USB data storage device 200 stores the data of the client platform transferred to the second USB controller 208 in the data storage unit 218.

If a key signal for data movement is input from the key input unit 212, the CPU 210 of the USB data storage device 200 transmits a data selection request to the client platform 110 through the second USB controller 208. do. Accordingly, the client platform 110 transmits a data selection response (for example, an address) to the USB client controller 112, the USB port 114, and the second USB connector 204 to move from the data stored in the USB data storage device to its own platform. Transfer to the second USB controller 208 via. The CPU 210 outputs the data selection information transmitted to the second USB controller 208 through the display 214. When the move command is input from the key input unit 212, the CPU 210 searches for data of the corresponding address among the data stored in the data storage unit 218 and finds the found data through the second USB controller 208. To 110). The USB client controller 112 of the client platform 110 stores the data transferred from the USB data storage device 200 in an internal data storage unit (not shown).

In addition, when the delete command is input through the key input unit 212 in the USB data storage device 200 of the present embodiment, the CPU 210 may delete data of the corresponding address from among the data stored in the data storage unit 218. In addition, when a read command is transmitted, the CPU 210 of the USB data storage device 200 reads data of the corresponding address from the data stored in the data storage unit 218 and executes it by an internal application program to output the data to the output unit 216. To the output.

In the USB data storage device 200 according to the present invention, when the first USB connector 202 and the second USB connector 204 are connected to each other by changing platforms, the first and second USB controllers 206 and 208 may be used. ) Does not transmit host or client connector connection signals to the CPU 210.

Therefore, the USB data storage device 200 of the present embodiment may not only backup (store) data of the client platform 110 such as a digital camera connected through the USB connector 204 without the support of the host platform 100, but also internally. The data stored in the data storage unit 218 may be moved to the client platform 110, or the stored data may be read or deleted.

Meanwhile, when the USB data storage device 300 of the present embodiment is applied to a client platform such as an MP3 player, a digital camera, a digital camcorder, a mobile phone, a PDA, and the like driven by an internal application program rather than a simple storage device, the CPU 210 in the device is When controlling the data storage, reading, moving, deleting, etc. of the data storage unit 218 to stop the operation of its own internal application.

3 is a view showing a USB data storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the USB data storage device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is a mobile device. The USB data storage device 300 includes one USB connector 302, a switch 304, and at least two USB controllers 306. 308, a CPU 310, a key input unit 212, a display 314, an output unit 316, and the like. Although not shown in the figure, the USB data storage device 300 of the present embodiment also has an internal power supply or a structure connected to a portable power supply such as a battery. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for the sake of better understanding, it is assumed that each of the two USB controller (306, 308).

The USB connector 302 is used as one when the USB port 104 of the host platform 100 and the USB port 114 of the client platform 110 have the same structure. The switch 304 is switched to connect the USB connector 302 and the first or second USB controllers 306 and 308 under the control of the CPU 310. The first and second USB controllers 306 and 308 detect whether the USB connector 302 is connected to the USB ports 104 and 114 of the host platform 100 or the client platform 110 and transmit the detected signal to the CPU 312. To pass). And transfers data to and from the USB connector 302. The CPU 310 controls the operation of the first USB controller 306 or the second USB controller 308 according to the USB standard protocol to perform data storage, deletion, reading, etc. of the data storage unit 318. Since the key input unit 312, the display 314, the output unit 316, and the data storage unit 318 are the same as the above-described one example, description thereof will be omitted.

USB data storage device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, even if it has only one USB connector 302 by the switch 304 and the first and second USB controller (306, 308) It is possible to determine whether the platform connected to the connector 302 is the host platform 100 or the client platform 110 and back up the data of the corresponding platform to store it in the memory. In addition, internally stored data may be moved to the client platform 110.

In the USB data storage device 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the USB connector 302 is connected to the USB port 104, 114 of the host platform 100 or the client platform 110, the CPU 312 is connected. Determines whether any command or signal is detected at the first USB controller 306 for the host platform within the set time. If any command or signal is detected from the first USB controller 306 within the set time, the CPU 310 controls the switch 312 so that the USB connector 302 and the first USB controller 306 are connected. As a result, the USB connector 302 and the second USB controller 308 are separated from each other. Then, the USB data storage device 300 acts as a client of the host platform 100 to the host platform from the CPU 310 to the data storage unit 318 in accordance with a data store, delete or read command transmitted from the host platform 100. The data of 100 may be stored (backed up), or data stored in the data storage 218 may be deleted or read and transferred to the host platform 100.

If no command or signal is detected from the first USB controller 306 within the set time, the USB data storage device 300 according to the present invention serves as a host of the client platform 110. The CPU 310 controls the switch 312 so that the USB connector 302 and the client second USB controller 308 are connected. As a result, the USB connector 302 and the first USB controller 306 are separated from each other. The CPU 310 moves and stores the data stored in the data storage unit 318 to the client platform 110 according to the data movement, deletion, or read command input to the key input unit 312 as in the above-described embodiment. The data stored in the data storage unit 218 is deleted or read.

As described above, the present invention can easily move data stored therein to a client platform without the support of a host platform such as a computer by separately providing a USB connector for a host or a client in a rewritable USB data storage device.

In the present invention, even if a single USB connector is used in the USB data storage device, the switch is operated by a signal of the USB controller according to the connection with the USB port of the host platform or the client platform, so that the USB connector and the host or client controller are connected to each other. By doing so, it can be used as a USB data storage device for host or client.

In addition, the present invention can be applied to client platforms, such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, and the like, so that data can be moved and stored between portable USB data storage devices without the support of a host platform. It can reduce the purchase cost.

On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, various modifications are possible by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims to be described later.

Claims (12)

A portable device having a USB connector and a data storage, At least two USB connectors are provided At least two USB controllers for transmitting data to / from the USB connectors and detecting a connection between each of the USB connectors and a host platform or client platform of the computer; Among the at least two USB controllers, the data of the host platform transferred from one of the USB controllers is stored in the data storage unit, and the data stored in the data storage unit is stored with the other USB controllers of the at least two USB controllers. A CPU to move to the client platform via a USB connector; A display for displaying connection information of the USB connector and the host platform or client platform and an operation state of the device; USB data storage device comprising a. The method of claim 1, And the CPU controls reading or deletion of data stored in the data storage. The method of claim 1, And the data storage unit is capable of rewriting. delete The method of claim 1, And the device is configured in the client platform. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5, The client platform is a USB data storage device, characterized in that any one of the MP3 player, digital camera, digital camcorder, mobile phone, PDA. A mobile device having one USB connector and a data storage unit, First and second USB controllers for transmitting data to and from the USB connector and detecting a connection between the USB connector and a host platform or client platform of a computer, respectively; Means for switching to connect the USB connector to either USB controller; The data storage unit controls the operation of the switch according to a signal of the host platform detected through the first USB controller within a set time, and transmits data transmitted from the host platform when the USB connector is connected to the first USB controller. A CPU for storing the data stored in the data storage unit and moving the data stored in the data storage unit to the client platform through the second USB controller and the USB connector; A display for displaying connection information of the USB connector and the host platform or client platform and an operation state of the device;  USB data storage device comprising a. The method of claim 7, wherein And the CPU controls reading or deletion of data stored in the data storage. The method of claim 7, wherein And the data storage unit is capable of rewriting. delete The method of claim 7, wherein And the device is configured in the client platform. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9 or 11, The client platform is a USB data storage device, characterized in that any one of the MP3 player, digital camera, digital camcorder, mobile phone, PDA.

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