JP2004086861A - Record medium holder and electronic card system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording medium holder capable of more easily discovering a recording medium which is required by a user from recording media managed by the user. <P>SOLUTION: The recording medium holder is provided with a recording medium storage part which stores a plurality of recording media, a liquid crystal display part which displays each of the plurality of recording media stored in the recording medium storage part by icons and an information display part which reads ID information, title information, index information, etc. about a recording medium corresponding to the icon from the recording medium, displays them on the liquid crystal display part when an icon displayed on the liquid crystal display is clicked for the first time, reads ID information, title information, index information, etc. about a card corresponding to the icon from the storage part and displays them on the liquid crystal display part when the icon is clicked in the second time or afterward when the icon is clicked with a pen, etc. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a holding device for holding an information recording medium for storing information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, recording media such as a flexible disk (FD) have been used to store digital information.
In order to allow the user to easily know the digital information stored in the FD, a sticker describing information such as a title and an index indicating the content of the stored digital information is attached to the outer surface of the FD. . The user finds a necessary FD by looking at the attached sticker.
[0003]
However, the downsizing of the recording medium has progressed, and the seal to be attached to the recording medium has become smaller, so that sufficient information cannot be described on the seal, or there is no space for attaching the seal on the recording medium. is there.
In order to solve such a problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-115996 discloses a technique in which a display unit for displaying data contents is provided on the surface of a PC card, and the card is identified based on information displayed on the display unit. Have been.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-366090 discloses a technique in which a liquid crystal display section is provided on a memory card and data such as stored titles is displayed on the liquid crystal display section. In both of these technologies, the contents are displayed on the card itself, thereby replacing the sticker.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-101356 discloses a technique in which an LCD is provided in a PC card adapter, and additional information such as an image stored in the card and a shooting date and time is displayed on the LCD.
[0005]
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-29998 discloses a recording / reproducing apparatus to which a plurality of memory cards can be inserted, and the recording / reproducing apparatus includes a display unit for displaying the contents of a card in operation. . Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-32582 discloses a headphone device in which a headband unit has a changer function to accommodate a plurality of memory cards and has a built-in means for selecting and playing back the memory cards. I have. These techniques allow a holder holding a recording medium to display its contents.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1] JP-A-2-115996
[0007]
[Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-366090
[0008]
[Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-101356
[0009]
[Patent Document 4] JP-A-2000-29998
[0010]
[Patent Document 5] JP-A-2000-32582
[0011]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the above-described conventional technology, information indicating the content of the recording medium can be displayed on the recording medium, the adapter, the playback device, or the like. However, when the number of recording media managed by the user increases, it is difficult to immediately find a necessary recording medium.
[0012]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above problems, and provides a recording medium holder and an electronic card system that can more easily find a recording medium required by a user regardless of the number of recording media managed by the user. The purpose is to provide.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is a recording medium holder capable of efficiently and safely managing a plurality of recording media, and can safely store information even when the information stored in the recording medium is secret information. It is intended to be able to be presented. When the user owns a plurality of recording media, the recording medium holder includes a means for displaying the contents of the recording medium and a means for displaying the content of the recording medium so that the user can immediately search for the necessary recording medium from among the plurality of recording media. Means for displaying the content of the recording medium only when the display of the content of the recording medium is permitted when the content is confidential information.
[0014]
The recording medium holder,
(1) a recording medium storage unit for storing a plurality of recording media;
(2) a liquid crystal display unit that displays a plurality of recording media stored in the recording media storage unit with icons, respectively;
(3) Click the icon displayed on the liquid crystal display with a pen or the like to
When the icon is clicked for the first time, the ID information, title information, index information, and the like of the recording medium corresponding to the icon are read from the recording medium and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit.
An information display unit is provided which reads out ID information, title information, index information, and the like of a card corresponding to the icon from the storage unit when the button is clicked after the second time, and displays the information on the liquid crystal display unit.
[0015]
In addition, the present invention comprises a card and an extraction device that allow a user to check the contents of a card without inserting the card into a device and to extract a specific card from a plurality of cards. Electronic card system. According to the related art, when the number of cards to be managed increases, it is difficult to search for a required card from among them. For example, the free space of a card cannot be known without inserting the card into a device such as a personal computer, and the work of identifying the card with the smallest free space from a plurality of cards takes time. As described above, according to the related art, it is difficult to immediately search for a card containing specific data or a card having a large free space. The present invention solves such a problem.
[0016]
According to the present invention, an electronic card having a rewritable memory function capable of receiving power supply without contacting other devices and a power supply can be supplied to the electronic card by holding power inside. An electronic card system including an extraction device, wherein the electronic card can alert a user by a message transmitted from the extraction device.
[0017]
Specifically, the electronic card receives data transmitted from the extraction device. Next, the electronic card returns the data of the electronic card itself, for example, the name of the electronic card, the remaining capacity, the name of the owner, and the like to the extraction device. The extraction device specifies the electronic card based on the extraction criterion selected by the user. Next, the extraction device transmits an extraction message together with the card ID to the specified electronic card. Next, the electronic card that has received the extraction message notifies the user of the extraction using functions of the electronic card, such as light emission, vibration, and audio output.
[0018]
According to the present invention, an electronic card having a rewritable memory function capable of receiving power supply without contacting other devices and a power supply to the electronic card by holding power inside can be provided. An electronic card system comprising an extraction device capable of holding an information display unit, wherein information of the electronic card, for example, card ID, title information, remaining capacity, and the like are displayed on the information display unit.
[0019]
Here, the electronic card receives the data transmitted from the extracting device, returns information of the electronic card to the extracting device, and the extracting device displays the information of the electronic card on the information display unit.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
1. First embodiment
A memory card holder 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.
1.1 Memory card holder 10
The memory card holder 10 is a notebook type holding device for holding up to five memory cards, as shown in an external view of FIG. The memory card holder 10 includes an input display unit 10a, a connection unit 10b, and a card holding unit 10c, and the input display unit 10a and the card holding unit 10c are connected by a connection unit 10b. The connection part b is bendable, and the card holding part 10c covers the surface of the input display part 10a by bending the connection part 10b.
[0021]
Normally, the memory card holder 10 is used by a user with the input display unit 10a and the card holding unit 10c open as shown in FIG.
The card holding unit 10c has five card connection units 111 to 115 on the side surface thereof. One memory card is inserted into each card connection unit, and the inserted memory card and the memory card holder 10 are connected to each other. It is electrically connected. In this figure, memory cards 21 to 22 are inserted and connected to card connection units 111 to 112, respectively. No memory card is inserted in the card connection units 113 to 115.
[0022]
The input display unit 10a includes an input unit 101 including a numeric keypad, a power ON / OFF key, a selection determination key, a cursor movement key, and other keys on a front part thereof, and displays information by a liquid crystal. A touch panel type display unit 102 that receives an operation from a user with the pen 30;
As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the memory card holder 10 includes an input unit 101, a display unit 102, an authentication unit 103, a control unit 104, an information storage unit 105, and card connection units 111 to 115.
[0023]
The memory card holder 10 is, specifically, a computer system including a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, a liquid crystal display unit, and others. The RAM stores a computer program. The memory card holder 10 achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program.
[0024]
(1) Information storage unit 105
The information storage unit 105 includes an area for storing a device password and medium information areas 151 to 155, as shown as an example in FIG.
The device password is a password uniquely set for the memory card holder 10 and is written in the area in advance.
[0025]
Here, the device password is used by only the user who knows the device password (usually the owner of the memory card holder) to permit the use of the memory card holder. Third parties who do not know the device password cannot use the memory card holder illegally.
The medium information areas 151 to 155 correspond to the card connection units 111 to 115, respectively, and are used to store various information stored in a memory card inserted and connected to the card connection units 111 to 115. Area.
[0026]
The medium information area 151 includes a partial area for storing a medium ID, medium type information, a medium name, medium icon information, and other information not shown, as shown in FIG.
The same applies to the medium information areas 152 to 155.
(2) Display unit 102
The display unit 102 has a dual-structure panel including a liquid crystal panel that displays information using liquid crystal and a touch panel that is provided on the top surface and detects a contact position by contact. As an example, FIG. 4 and FIG. The screen 161 and the screen 171 are displayed under the control of the control unit 104.
[0027]
When a part of the screen is pressed by the user using the operation pen 30, the display unit 102 displays instruction information corresponding to the image or character string displayed at the pressed position. Output to
(Screen 161)
The screen 161 includes slot icons 161a, 161b,..., 161e, a medium information display screen 161f, a search button 161g, and an end button 161h.
[0028]
The slot icons 161a, 161b,..., 161e correspond to the card connectors 111 to 115, respectively, and indicate whether a memory card is inserted into the card connectors 111 to 115 and is electrically connected. Is shown.
FIG. 5 shows various slot icons that may be displayed on the screen 161 together with their meanings.
[0029]
The slot icon I101 shown in this figure indicates that no memory card is inserted in the corresponding card connection. The slot icon I102 indicates that the memory card is inserted into the corresponding card connection portion and is electrically connected.
Further, the slot icon I103 indicates that the authentication has failed in the mutual device authentication between the memory card and the memory card holder 10 for the memory card inserted and connected to the corresponding card connection unit. .
[0030]
When the slot icon I101 and the slot icon I102 are repeatedly switched and displayed in a short time, the slot icon is blinking. The meaning of the blinking of the slot icon will be described later.
Each of the slot icons I104 to I106 is a medium icon previously stored in a memory card inserted and connected to the corresponding card connection unit. The slot icons I104 to I106 are displayed only for a special memory card in which the memory card itself stores the slot icon. The slot icon I102 is a standard icon displayed when the memory card inserted and connected to the corresponding card connection unit does not store the medium icon by itself.
[0031]
In the first embodiment, the case where the icon is stored in the memory card in advance is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the memory card holder stores a dedicated icon of a representative card type in advance, and displays the dedicated icon of the card instead of the standard icon when the card is connected to the connection portion. You may do so.
[0032]
The medium information display screen 161f displays various kinds of information stored in the connected memory card selected by the user among the connected memory cards. As shown in FIG. 4, the medium information display screen 161f is composed of five display items and a scroll bar. The information displayed in the five display items is, as shown as an example in this figure, only five items: a medium ID, medium type information, a medium name, a medium update date, and a medium title. The information stored in the memory card includes other information. Display of these other information on the medium information display screen 161f is performed by operating a scroll bar using the operation pen 30. The scroll bar is commonly used on a screen of a personal computer or the like, and is well-known, so that the detailed description is omitted.
[0033]
The search button 161g is operated by the user to activate a search process described later.
The end button 161h is operated by the user to end the processing by the memory card holder 10 and turn off the power.
(Screen 171)
The screen 171 includes slot icons 171a, 171b,..., 171e and a search item input screen 171f, as shown as an example in FIG.
[0034]
The slot icons 171a, 171b,..., 171e are the same as the slot icons 161a, 161b,. However, among the slot icons 171a, 171b, ..., 171e, the slot icons 171a and 171c indicate that they are blinking. These blinks indicate that the corresponding memory card has been determined to match the search conditions by the search processing described later.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 6, the search item input screen 171f includes search condition input sections 171j, 171k and 171m, a search start button 171g, an end button 171h, and a match number display area 171i. Includes a search item selection unit, a search keyword input unit, and a search method selection unit.
The search item selection section includes a search item input area 171p and a menu display button 171q. The search item input area 171p is for specifying information stored in the memory card, and the user selects one of the medium ID, medium type information, medium name, and other information. The menu display button 171q is operated to display a menu 171r including options such as a medium ID, medium type information, a medium name, and other information. When the menu 171r is displayed, the user selects one of the options constituting the menu 171r.
[0036]
The search keyword input section is an area for receiving an input of one or more character strings to be searched from a user.
The search method selection unit accepts an input of “AND condition” or “OR condition” by the user. The "AND condition" or the "OR condition" indicates a condition when two or more character strings are input to the search keyword input unit.
[0037]
Specifically, when “medium ID” is selected in the search item selection section, “SD0001 SD0002” is input in the search keyword input section, and “OR” is selected in the search method selection section,
It is assumed that the search condition “search ID =“ SD0001 ”OR search ID =“ SD0002 ”” is specified.
[0038]
The search condition input units 171k and 171m are the same as the search condition input unit 171j, and each include a search item selection unit, a search keyword input unit, and a search method selection unit.
For example, when a search condition is selected and input in the search condition input unit 171j and the search condition input unit 171k,
“Search condition selected and input by search condition input section 171j”
AND It is considered that "the search condition selected and input by the search condition input unit 171k" is specified.
[0039]
The same applies when search conditions are selected and input in the search condition input units 171j to 171m.
The search start button 171g is operated by the user, and is used to start a search process based on the search condition selected and input as described above.
The end button 171h is operated by the user and used to end the search processing.
[0040]
The number-of-matches display area 171i displays the number of memory cards that match the selected and entered search conditions as a result of the search performed by the search process.
(3) Card connection units 111 to 115
The card connection unit 111 accommodates and holds a memory card. The accommodated memory card is electrically connected to the memory card holder 10. The user inserts a memory card into the card connection unit 111 to make a connection. When the memory card is connected, the card connection unit 111 reads various information from the memory card under the control of the control unit 104, and outputs the read information to the control unit 104.
[0041]
Since the card connection units 112 to 115 are the same as the card connection unit 111, the description is omitted here.
(4) Input unit 101
The input unit 101 includes ten keys, a power ON / OFF key, a selection determination key, a cursor movement key, and other keys. A ten key, a power ON / OFF key, a selection decision key, a cursor movement key, and other keys are operated by a user, and output instruction information corresponding to each key to the control unit 104.
[0042]
(5) Authentication unit 103
The authentication unit 103 performs a challenge-response type device authentication with the memory card connected to the card connection unit 111 under the control of the control unit 104. It should be noted that challenge-response type device authentication is well-known, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0043]
Under the control of the control unit 104, the authentication unit 103 mutually performs the challenge-response type device authentication with the memory cards connected to the card connection units 112 to 115 in the same manner as described above.
(6) Control unit 104
The control unit 104 controls the input unit 101, the display unit 102, the authentication unit 103, the information storage unit 105, and the card connection units 111 to 115. Details of the control will be described later.
[0044]
1.2 Memory Card 21
As shown in FIG. 7, the memory card 21 includes an input / output unit 201, an authentication unit 202, and an information storage unit 203.
(1) Input / output unit 201
When the memory card 21 is inserted into each card connection part of the memory card holder 10, the card connection part and the input / output unit 201 are electrically connected.
[0045]
The input / output unit 201 reads information stored in a specified position in the information storage unit 203 under the control of the external device to which the memory card 21 is connected, here, the memory card holder 10, and sends the read information to the external device. The information is output or received from the external device, and the received information is stored at a designated position in the information storage unit 203.
[0046]
(2) Authentication unit 202
The authentication unit 202 mutually performs a challenge-response type device authentication with an external device to which the memory card 21 is connected. It should be noted that challenge-response type device authentication is well-known, and a description thereof will be omitted.
(3) Information storage unit 203
As shown in FIG. 8, the information storage unit 203 includes a general area 221, a secure area 222, and a management area 223.
[0047]
(General area 221)
The general area 221 is an area where information can be written to the general area 221 and information can be read from the general area 221 even if the device does not have special permission.
The general area 221 stores, for example, one or more encrypted contents, one or more contents, and index information respectively corresponding to the encrypted contents, the contents, and the like, as shown in FIG. The index information includes a content ID, a content title, an information type, a creation date, an update date, and the like, as shown as an example in FIG.
[0048]
Content consists of music, video, and other digital information. The encrypted content is content obtained by encrypting content including music, video, and other digital information using a predetermined encryption algorithm.
The content ID is an identifier for identifying the content. The content title is information indicating the content of the content. The information type indicates the type of the content. For example, it indicates distinction between music information, video information, character information, and the like. The creation date indicates the date and time when the content was generated. The update date indicates the date and time when the content was updated.
[0049]
(Secure area 222)
In the secure area 222, only when mutual device authentication between the external device accessing the memory card 21 and the memory card 21 succeeds, reading and writing of information is permitted only to the external device. Area.
As an example, the secure area 222 stores one or more decryption keys, as shown in FIG. These decryption keys are keys used when decrypting the encrypted content stored in the general area 221.
[0050]
(Management area 223)
The management area 223 is an area which is permitted to be accessed only by a specially permitted external device.
The management area 223 stores a medium password, a medium ID, medium type information, a manufacturer name, a medium name, an owner name, a medium creation date, a medium update date, medium icon information, and a medium title, as shown in FIG. 8 as an example. are doing.
[0051]
The medium password is for restricting access to the memory card 21. The medium password is used to permit only a user who knows the same password as the medium password to access the memory card 21.
The medium ID is an identification number unique to the memory card 21. The medium type information is information for identifying the type of the memory card 21. For example, the medium type information indicates whether or not the memory card 21 is of a type for mutually performing device authentication with an external device to which the memory card is connected. The medium type information indicates whether the memory card 21 is of a type that requires a user to input a password when the memory card 21 is connected to an external device. At this time, the medium type information indicates whether the type is a password confirmation type using a medium password stored in a memory card or a password confirmation type using a device password stored in an external device.
[0052]
The maker name is a name indicating the manufacturer of the memory card 21, the medium name is a name indicating the memory card 21, and the owner name is a name indicating the owner of the memory card 21. The medium creation date indicates the date and time when the information was written to the memory card 21 for the first time, and the medium update date indicates the date and time when the information was last written to the memory card 21. The medium icon information is a medium icon specific to the type to which the memory card 21 belongs, and the medium title is information indicating the contents of the memory card 21.
[0053]
In the first embodiment, the case where the information storage unit includes a general area, a secure area, and a management area is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information storage unit may include a general area and a secure area. In this case, the information stored in the management information is recorded in the secure area.
1.3 Memory Cards 22-25
The memory card 22 has a configuration similar to that of the memory card 21, and includes an input / output unit similar to the input / output unit 201 illustrated in FIG. 7 and an information storage unit similar to the information storage unit 203. . The authentication unit 202 is not included.
[0054]
The information storage unit of the memory card 22 includes a general area similar to the general area 221 illustrated in FIG. 8 and a management area similar to the management area 223. The secure area 222 is not included.
The memory cards 23 to 24 have the same configuration as the memory card 21. The memory card 25 has the same configuration as the memory card 22.
[0055]
1.4 Operation of Memory Card Holder 10
The operation of the memory card holder 10 will be described.
(1) Overall operation of the memory card holder 10
Here, the general operation of the entire memory card holder 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0056]
When the power is turned on by the user, the memory card holder 10 performs a process immediately after the power is turned on (step S101).
Next, the display unit 102 or the input unit 101 receives the selection of the icon operated by the user, and outputs icon information corresponding to the selected icon to the control unit 104 (Step S102).
Next, the control unit 104 receives the icon information and determines whether the received icon information indicates a slot icon, a search icon, an end icon, or another icon. When a slot icon is indicated (step S103), the control unit 104 performs a slot process (step S104), and then returns to step S102 to repeat the process.
[0057]
When the search icon is indicated (Step S103), the control unit 104 performs a search process (Step S105), and then returns to Step S102 and repeats the process.
If another icon is indicated (Step S103), the control unit 104 performs other processing (Step S106), and then returns to Step S102 to repeat the processing.
[0058]
When the end icon is indicated (step S103), the memory card holder 10 ends the processing and turns off the power.
(2) Operation immediately after power-on
Here, the operation of the memory card holder 10 immediately after the power is turned on will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation described below is the details of step S101 in the flowchart of FIG.
[0059]
When the power is turned on by the user, the processing from step S111 to step S121 is repeated for each of the five slots into which the memory card is inserted, that is, for each of the card connection units 111 to 115.
The card connection unit determines whether or not the memory card is inserted and connected to the card connection unit. If the memory card is not inserted (step S112), the display position of the slot icon corresponding to the card connection unit is determined. A slot icon indicating that a memory card has not been inserted is displayed (step S123), and all information written in the medium information area corresponding to the card connection unit is deleted (step S124). The processing related to the copy unit ends.
[0060]
If a memory card is inserted and connected to the card connection unit (step S112), the control unit 104 connects to the card connection unit via the input / output unit of the card connection unit and the memory card. Media type information is obtained from the management area of the connected memory card (step S113), and using the obtained medium type information, it is determined whether or not the memory card is an authentication type indicating that mutual authentication is performed. to decide.
[0061]
When the control unit 104 determines that the type is the authentication type (step S114), mutual authentication is performed (step S115). When receiving the authentication success information indicating the authentication success from the authentication unit 103 (step S116), the control unit 104 uses the obtained medium type information to determine whether or not the memory card is a password type for confirming with a password. to decide.
[0062]
If it is determined that the password is not the password type (step S117), the control unit 104 transmits various information from the memory card connected to the card connection unit via the card connection unit and the input / output unit of the memory card. It acquires (step S118), and writes the acquired various information in the medium information area corresponding to the card connection unit (step S119). Next, the control unit 104 displays a slot icon indicating the insertion of the memory card at the display position of the slot icon corresponding to the card connection unit (step S120), and ends the processing for the card connection unit.
[0063]
When the control unit 104 determines that the type is not the authentication type (step S114), the control is transferred to step S117 without performing the mutual authentication.
When receiving the authentication failure information indicating the authentication failure from the authentication unit 103 (Step S116), the control unit 104 displays the slot icon indicating the authentication failure at the display position of the slot icon corresponding to the card connection unit (Step S122). ), The process for the card connection unit ends.
[0064]
When the control unit 104 determines that the password type is set (step S117), the control is transferred to step S120 without acquiring various information from the memory card.
As described above, it is determined whether or not a memory card is inserted into the card connection portion. If a memory card is inserted and connected, a slot icon indicating insertion is displayed and the connection is established. If not, a slot icon indicating non-insertion is displayed.
[0065]
(3) Slot processing
Here, the processing of the slot when the slot icon is selected by the user will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The operation described below is the details of step S104 in the flowchart of FIG.
[0066]
The control unit 104 checks via the card connection unit whether or not a memory card is connected to the card connection unit corresponding to the selected slot icon (step S141).
When determining that the memory card is connected (step S142), the control unit 104 obtains the medium type information from the management area of the memory card via the card connection unit and the input / output unit of the memory card. Then, using the obtained medium type information, it is determined whether or not the memory card is of an authentication type indicating that mutual authentication is to be performed (step S144).
[0067]
When the control unit 104 determines that the type is the authentication type (step S144), mutual authentication is performed (step S145). Upon receiving authentication success information indicating authentication success from the authentication unit 103 (step S146), the password is confirmed (step S147). If the passwords match or the password is not confirmed (step S148), the control unit 104 obtains the medium ID from the memory card via the card connection unit and the input / output unit of the memory card (step S153). ), The medium ID is read from the corresponding medium information area in the information storage unit 105 (step S154), and it is determined whether the medium ID obtained from the memory card matches the medium ID read from the medium information area (step S154). Step S155).
[0068]
When the control unit 104 determines that the type is not the authentication type (step S144), the control is transferred to step S147.
When judging that the two medium IDs match (Step S155), the control unit 104 reads the stored information from the medium information area.
When judging that the two medium IDs do not match (Step S155), the control unit 104 acquires various information from the memory card (Step S156), and writes the acquired various information in the information area (Step S157). ).
[0069]
Next, the control unit 104 outputs various information read from the medium information area or various information acquired by the memory card to the display unit 102, and the display unit 102 displays the various information in the format of the screen 161 shown in FIG. Is displayed (step S158). Next, the read various information or the medium icon information included in the obtained various information is output to the display unit 102. The display unit 102 receives the medium icon information, and displays the received medium icon information on the screen 161. The position is displayed at the position (step S159), and the process ends.
[0070]
If the passwords do not match (step S148), control unit 104 outputs a message indicating that the passwords do not match to display unit 102, and display unit 102 receives the message and displays the received message (step S148). S149), the process ends.
Upon receiving the authentication failure information indicating the authentication failure from the authentication unit 103 (step S146), the control unit 104 displays the slot icon indicating the authentication failure at the display position of the slot icon corresponding to the card connection unit, and performs control. Unit 104 outputs a message indicating authentication failure to display unit 102, and display unit 102 receives the message, displays the received message (step S150), and ends the process.
[0071]
When determining that the memory card is not connected (step S142), the control unit 104 outputs a slot icon indicating that a message card has not been inserted to the display unit 102, and the display unit 102 receives the slot icon. Then, the received slot icon is displayed at a corresponding position on the screen 161 (step S151), and then the information stored in the corresponding medium information area is deleted (step S152), and the process ends.
[0072]
(4) Mutual authentication operation
Here, the operation of the mutual authentication performed between the memory card holder 10 and the authentication type memory card will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation described below is the details of step S115 in the flowchart of FIG. 10 and the details of step S145 in the flowchart of FIG.
[0073]
The authentication unit 103 of the memory card holder 10 authenticates the memory card (Step S171). When the authentication is successful (step S172), the authentication unit 202 of the memory card authenticates the memory card holder 10 (step S173). If the authentication is successful (step S174), the authentication unit 103 outputs authentication success information indicating the success of the authentication to the control unit 104 (step S175).
[0074]
If the authentication fails (Step S172 or Step S174), the authentication unit 103 outputs authentication failure information indicating the authentication failure to the control unit 104 (Step S176).
(5) Password confirmation operation
Here, the password confirmation operation will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation described below is the details of step S147 in the flowchart of FIG.
[0075]
Using the acquired medium type information, the control unit 104 determines whether the memory card is of a type for confirming a password. If the type is to confirm the password, it is further determined whether the type is to confirm with the device password or the type to confirm with the medium password (step S191).
If the password is not confirmed (step S191), the control unit 104 outputs information indicating that the password is not confirmed (step S200), and ends the process.
[0076]
If the type is to be confirmed by the medium password (step S191), the control unit 104 acquires the medium password from the memory card via the card connection unit and the input / output unit of the memory card (step S192), and uses it. The input of the input password is received from the user (step S193), and it is determined whether or not the obtained medium password matches the input password whose input has been received (step S194).
[0077]
If it is determined that they match (step S194), the control unit 104 outputs information indicating that the password matches (step S198), and ends the processing.
If it is determined that they do not match (step S194), the control unit 104 outputs information indicating that the passwords do not match (step S199), and ends the processing.
When the type is to be confirmed by the device password (step S191), the control unit 104 reads the device password from the information storage unit 105 (step S195), accepts the input of the input password from the user (step S196), and reads the device password. It is determined whether or not the received device password matches the input password whose input has been accepted (step S197).
[0078]
When determining that they match (step S197), the control unit 104 outputs information indicating that the password matches (step S198), and ends the processing.
When determining that they do not match (step S197), the control unit 104 outputs information indicating that the passwords do not match (step S199), and ends the processing.
(6) Search processing operation
Here, the operation of the search processing will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation described below is the details of step S105 in the flowchart of FIG.
[0079]
The control unit 104 generates a search item input screen 171f, and outputs the generated search item input screen 171f to the display unit 102. The display unit 102 receives the search item input screen 171f, and displays the received search item input screen 171f. It is displayed (step S211).
Next, when the control unit 104 receives information indicating the end of the search process from the input unit 101 or the display unit 102 (step S212), the control unit 104 ends the search process.
[0080]
In other cases (step S212), the control unit 104 receives an input of a search item, a search keyword, and a search method from the input unit 101 or the display unit 102 (step S213), and searches from the user from the input unit 101 or the display unit 102. The input of the start button 171g is received (step S214), and a search condition is generated using the received search item, search keyword, and search method (step S215). From the memory card connected to each card connection unit, A search is made for a memory card storing information that matches the generated search condition (step S216), and the number of memory cards matching the search condition is output to the display unit 102. The display unit 102 receives the number. The received number is displayed in the matched number display area 171i (step S2). 7).
[0081]
Next, the control unit 104 blinks a slot icon connected to a memory card that satisfies the search condition and that is inserted. That is, the slot icons I101 and I102 are alternately displayed every 0.5 seconds (step S218).
Next, the control unit 104 receives a selection of a slot icon from the input unit 101 or the display unit 102 (step S219), and performs slot processing for the received slot icon (step S220). Next, the process returns to step S211 to repeat the processing.
[0082]
Here, the slot processing in step S220 is the same processing as step S104 in the flowchart of FIG.
(7) Processing when removing memory card
The memory card can be taken out of the memory card holder by the following procedure.
[0083]
When removing the memory card from the memory card holder, the memory card can be removed by an operation using an icon described later or by pressing a memory card removal switch. Here, the memory card removal switch is similar to a mechanism for removing a PC card from a normal notebook personal computer.
The operation using icons is as follows.
[0084]
An icon indicating a trash can is displayed on the liquid crystal display. By dragging and dropping a card icon into the trash can, a memory card corresponding to the icon can be taken out. This is also the same as a mechanism for taking out a PC card from a normal notebook personal computer.
When removing a memory card, if the memory card to be removed is of a type that requires the user to enter a password, regardless of whether the type uses a medium password or a device password, the memory card removal process Prior to this, the memory card holder requests the input of a password, and if the input password does not match the medium password or the device password, the memory card is locked so that removal of the memory card is impossible. This is to prevent a third party from illegally removing the memory card when the memory card holder is lost.
[0085]
1.5 Other Modifications
Although the memory card holder 10 has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The following cases are also included in the present invention.
(1) Memory card holder 100b
The memory card holder 100b has the same internal configuration as the memory card holder 10, but differs in appearance from the memory card holder 10.
[0086]
As shown in an external view in FIG. 16, the memory card holder 100b includes a display unit 102b and an input unit 101b on the front. In the side surface portion 103b, five card connection portions 111b to 115b and five card connection portions 116b to 120b are provided in the longitudinal direction.
Further, in the region from the side surface portion 103b in the display portion 102b, five slot icons 121b to 125b and five slot icons 126b to 130b are displayed in parallel in the longitudinal direction.
[0087]
The five card connectors 111b to 115b and the five card connectors 116b to 120b correspond to five slot icons 121b to 125b and five slot icons 126b to 130b, respectively.
(2) The memory card holder 10 is connected to a Web server device via the Internet, and the Web server device stores slot icons of various shapes in advance. In response to a request from the user, the memory card holder 10 acquires a slot icon desired by the user from the Web server device via the Internet, and writes the acquired slot icon into the information storage unit 105. The slot icon obtained via the Internet and written in the information storage unit 105 is used by the memory card holder 10 instead of the slot icon I102 as a slot icon indicating that a memory card is inserted. Also, it is used as a substitute for a slot icon that is uniquely stored in the memory card.
[0088]
(3) In the first embodiment and other modified examples (1), the independent type memory card holder has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as an additional function of the mobile phone, a composite type having the function of the memory card holder described in the first embodiment may be used.
(4) In the first embodiment, the case where the authentication using the password is used has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of authentication using a password, authentication based on biological characteristic information of a user such as a fingerprint or an iris can be used. In addition, an authentication device can be used instead of the authentication using the device password. In this case, the authentication device is mounted on the memory card holder. When the authentication device is mounted, the memory card holder can be used for the first time.
[0089]
2. Second embodiment
An extraction device 50 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
2.1 Extraction device 50
The extraction device 50 can check the information stored in the memory card without the user inserting the memory card into the extraction device 50, and can also specify the identification desired by the user from among the plurality of memory cards. It is a device that enables the extraction of a card.
[0090]
FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the extraction device 50 before assembly. As shown in FIG. 17, the extraction device 50 includes a lid 50a and a main body 50b, and the lid 50a is attached to and joined to the main body 50b so as to cover the main body 50b.
The main unit 50b includes 100 communication unit storage rooms 50c, 50d, ..., 50e, ..., 50f and a control circuit storage room 50g. The 100 communication unit storage rooms 50c, 50d,..., 50e,..., 50f are arranged at positions corresponding to respective elements of a matrix of 10 rows × 10 columns.
[0091]
The 100 communication unit storage rooms 50c, 50d,..., 50e,..., 50f are respectively provided with nine partition plates provided in parallel at equal intervals and orthogonal to the nine partition plates. Similarly, it is formed by being divided into a grid by nine partition plates provided in parallel at equal intervals. The distance between adjacent partition plates is about 30 mm.
[0092]
The communication unit storage chamber 50e has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a width of about 30 mm, a depth of about 30 mm, and a depth of about 20 mm. The antenna 501a is installed so that the direction of the magnetic flux generated sometimes is orthogonal to the bottom surface of the main body 50b, and the optical axis becomes perpendicular to the bottom surface in the central part in the communication unit storage room 50e, so that light is transmitted. A light emitting diode (LED) 501b is provided so that light is emitted in a direction opposite to the bottom surface. In other communication unit storage rooms, an antenna and an LED are installed similarly to the communication unit storage room 50e.
[0093]
The display unit 512, the input unit 513, and the control unit 511 are provided in the control circuit storage room 50g.
The lid 50a is positioned at each position corresponding to the center of each communication unit storage room so that the light emitted by the light emitting diode (LED) provided in each communication unit storage room is irradiated to the outside of the extraction device 50. And a circular opening having a diameter of about 5 mm. In each position corresponding to the display unit 512 and the input unit 513, the lid unit 50a has an opening having a shape corresponding to the external shape of the display unit 512 and the input unit 513.
[0094]
The user places a plurality of memory cards 60a to 60e on the upper surface of the lid 50a. When the memory cards 60a to 60e are placed, the extraction device 50 reads information from the memory cards by performing communication using radio waves with the placed memory cards, and displays the read information. In addition, an LED disposed near the memory card from which the information has been read is illuminated to notify the user of the association between the displayed information and the memory card. In addition, the read memory card itself emits light, vibrates, or outputs sound to notify the user of the association.
[0095]
As shown in FIG. 18, the extraction device 50 includes a control unit 511, a display unit 512, an input unit 513, an information storage unit 514, and 100 communication units 501, 502,. ing.
(1) Display unit 512
The display unit 512 has the same configuration as the display unit 102 included in the memory card holder 10 according to the first embodiment, and has a double structure including a liquid crystal panel and a touch panel. Also, a screen similar to that of the display unit 102 is displayed.
[0096]
(2) Input unit 513
The input unit 513 has the same configuration as the input unit 101 of the memory card holder 10 according to the first embodiment.
(3) Information storage unit 514
The information storage unit 514 has the same configuration as the information storage unit 105 included in the memory card holder 10 according to the first embodiment.
[0097]
The information storage unit 514 further has an ID correspondence table 521, as shown as an example in FIG.
The ID correspondence table 521 has an area for storing 100 sets of a communication unit ID, a medium ID, and a mark.
The 100 sets correspond to 100 communication units 501, 502,..., 503, respectively.
[0098]
The communication unit ID is an identifier for uniquely identifying the communication units 501, 502,..., 503. Specifically, communication unit IDs “1”, “2”, “3”,..., “100” are assigned to the 100 communication units 501, 502,. The set of 100 stores the communication unit IDs “1”, “2”, “3”,..., “100” in advance.
[0099]
The medium ID is an identifier for identifying a memory card.
The mark indicates a communication unit selected to communicate with the memory card. That is, the communication unit indicated by the communication unit ID included in the set including the mark is selected.
(4) Communication unit 501
The communication unit 501 includes an antenna 501a, an LED 501b, a modulation / demodulation unit 501c, and a driving unit 501d. The other communication units have the same configuration, and the description is omitted here.
[0100]
(Antenna 501a)
The antenna 501a is formed of a conductive wire wound a plurality of times in a loop coil shape, and is connected to the modem 501c. The antenna 501a shares transmission and reception.
The antenna 501a is a directional antenna that emits a radio wave in a specific direction. It receives a carrier carrying a signal from the modulation / demodulation unit 501c, and radiates it into space as a radio wave. The range in which radio waves can be radiated is within about 30 mm from the center of the antenna 501a.
[0101]
The antenna 501a receives a radio wave, converts the received radio wave into a power signal, and outputs the power signal to the modem 501c.
(Modulator / demodulator 501c)
The modem 501c receives a signal (pulse-like signal wave) from the controller 511. Upon receiving the signal, the received signal is used as a modulation signal, the amplitude of the 2.4 GHz carrier is changed based on the modulation signal, and the carrier having the changed amplitude is output to the antenna 501a.
[0102]
The modem 501c receives the power signal from the antenna 501a, selects a signal having a frequency of 2.4 GHz from the received power signal, extracts a pulse-like signal wave from the selected signal, and extracts the extracted pulse-like signal. The signal wave is output to the control unit 511.
(Driver 501d)
The drive unit 501d receives an instruction signal indicating light emission or extinguishing from the control unit 511. When the instruction signal is received, the driving of the LED 501b is controlled based on the received instruction signal so as to emit light or turn off the light.
[0103]
(LED501b)
The LED 501b is a light-emitting diode, and emits light and turns off under the control of the driving unit 501d.
(5) Control unit 511
The control unit 511 is specifically composed of a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The RAM stores a computer program. The control unit 511 achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program.
[0104]
The operation of the control unit 511 will be described later.
2.2 Memory card 60
The memory cards 60a to 60e have the same configuration. Here, the memory card 60 will be described.
As shown in the external view of FIG. 20, the memory card 60 has an antenna 601 and a circuit portion 602 enclosed in a resin molded into a plate having a length of 30 mm, a width of 30 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm. Is formed. The communicable distance of the memory card 60 is within about 30 mm, and the communication speed is 10 to 20 msec / byte.
[0105]
As shown in FIG. 21, the memory card 60 includes an antenna 601 and a circuit unit 602. The circuit unit 602 includes a modulation / demodulation unit 603, a power supply unit 604, an LED 605, a driving unit 606, a control unit 607, and a driving unit. 608, a drive unit 609, a speaker 610, a vibrator 611, and an information storage unit 612.
(1) Antenna 601
The antenna 601 is the same as the antenna 501a, and is formed of a conductive wire wound a plurality of times in a loop coil shape, and is connected to the modem 603 and the power supply 604. The antenna 601 shares transmission and reception.
[0106]
The antenna 601 is a directional antenna that emits a radio wave in a specific direction. The carrier receiving the signal is received from the modulation / demodulation unit 603 and emitted to space as a radio wave. The range in which radio waves can be emitted is within about 30 mm from the center of the antenna 601.
The antenna 601 receives a radio wave, converts the received radio wave into a power signal, and outputs the power signal to the modulation / demodulation unit 603. Also, it outputs a power signal to power supply unit 604.
[0107]
(2) Power supply unit 604
The power supply unit 604 is connected to the antenna 601, receives a power signal from the antenna 601, and stores the received power signal as electric charge. In addition, power is supplied to each component of the memory card 60.
(3) Drive unit 606
The drive unit 606 receives an instruction signal indicating light emission or light extinguishing from the control unit 607. When the instruction signal is received, the LED 605 is driven and controlled to emit light or turn off based on the received instruction signal.
[0108]
(4) LED 605
The LED 605 is a light-emitting diode, and emits light and turns off under the control of the drive unit 606.
(5) Drive unit 608
The drive unit 608 receives an instruction signal indicating sound output or stop from the control unit 607. Upon receiving the instruction signal, the audio signal having a predetermined frequency is output to the speaker 610 based on the received instruction signal.
[0109]
(6) Speaker 610
The speaker 610 receives an audio signal from the driving unit 608, converts the audio signal into audio, and outputs the audio.
(7) Drive unit 609
The drive unit 609 receives an instruction signal indicating the start or stop of the vibration from the control unit 607. When the instruction signal is received, the driving of the vibrator 611 is controlled so as to start or stop the vibration based on the received instruction signal.
[0110]
(8) Vibrator 611
The vibrator 611 vibrates or stops under the control of the driving unit 609.
(9) Information storage unit 612
The information storage unit 612 includes a general area and a management area. Here, the general area and the management area store the same information as the information stored in the general area 221 and the management area 223 included in the information storage unit 203 of the memory card 21.
[0111]
(10) Control unit 607
The control unit 607 is specifically composed of a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The RAM stores a computer program. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the control unit 607 achieves its function.
[0112]
The operation of the control unit 607 will be described later.
2.3 Communication system between extraction device 50 and memory card 60
A communication method between the extraction device 50 and the memory card 60 when the memory card 60 is placed on the extraction device 50 will be described.
Communication between the extraction device 50 and the memory card 60 is performed in three phases: (a) power supply, (b) communication establishment, and (c) data transmission and reception. Hereinafter, each phase will be described.
[0113]
(A) Power supply phase
The control unit 511 of the extraction device 50 instructs each communication unit to output a power supply radio wave, and each communication unit outputs a radio wave. The antenna 601 of the memory card 60 receives radio waves, and the power supply unit 604 accumulates electric charges and supplies power to each component of the memory card 60.
[0114]
The power supply from the extraction device 50 to the memory card 60 is not limited to this phase, and is also performed in the following phases.
(B) Communication establishment phase
Each communication unit of the extraction device 50 communicates with up to ten different memory cards via the ten time-division communication channels and one control channel in the same time zone. . Each communication channel and control channel includes an uplink channel and a downlink channel, respectively. The uplink channel is used only for transmitting information from the memory card to the extracting device 50, and the downlink channel is used only for transmitting information from the extracting device 50 to the memory card. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, an uplink channel and a downlink channel are not particularly distinguished. Each uplink channel and each downlink channel have a time width of 50 ms.
[0115]
One communication unit of the extraction device 50 requests the medium ID from the memory card 60 via the control channel. The memory card 60 receives the request for the medium ID via the control channel.
Next, the memory card 60 generates a random number consisting of any integer value from 1 to 10, and selects one communication channel indicated by the generated random number. Note that the medium ID stored in the information storage unit 612 of the memory card 60 is subjected to a hash function for generating any one of integers 1 to 10 to generate one integer, and the generated integer is generated. One communication channel may be selected using a numerical value.
[0116]
As described above, one communication channel is selected by using an integer value from 1 to 10 randomly generated by the memory card. Therefore, when a plurality of memory cards start communication in the same time zone, Also in the above, the possibility that the used communication channels collide is reduced. In addition, when communication channels collide in a plurality of memory cards, each memory card generates another random number again after the time generated by the random number has elapsed, and selects a communication channel using the generated random number. I do.
[0117]
Next, the memory card 60 transmits the channel identification number indicating the selected communication channel and the medium ID stored therein to the extraction device 50 via the control channel. The extraction device receives the channel identification number and the medium ID via the control channel.
When one memory card is placed above a plurality of communication unit storage rooms arranged close to each other, the plurality of communication units provided in these communication unit storage rooms It will communicate with the card. At this time, the extraction device 50 selects one communication unit that communicates with the memory card. Details of this selection method will be described later.
[0118]
In this way, a communication channel used between the memory card and the extraction device 50 is established.
(C) Data transmission / reception phase
The memory card 60 and the extraction device 50 transmit and receive data via the communication channel identified by the channel identification number.
[0119]
As described above, communication is performed between the memory card and the extraction device 50 via the ten time-divided communication channels and one control channel. Therefore, even when a plurality of memory cards of up to ten are placed on the extraction device 50 that is stacked, the extraction device 50 can communicate with each memory card.
[0120]
2.4 Communication operation between extraction device 50 and memory card 60
The communication operation between the extraction device 50 and the memory card 60 when the memory card 60 is placed on the extraction device 50 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
The control unit 511 of the extraction device 50 repeats steps S501 to S509 by the number of communication units of the extraction device 50, that is, 100 times. In this repetition, the control unit 511 changes the variable i as 1, 2, 3,...
[0121]
The control unit 511 outputs a request instruction for requesting the medium ID to the communication unit indicated by the variable i (step S502), and the communication unit indicated by the variable i transmits the request instruction by radio waves (step S502). S503). The control unit 607 of the memory card 60 receives the request instruction via the antenna 601 and the modulation / demodulation unit 603 (step S503), reads out the medium ID stored therein (step S504), and The LED 605 is controlled to emit light, and the LED 605 emits light (step S505). Next, the control unit 607 transmits the read medium ID by radio waves via the modem unit 603 and the antenna 601 (step S506). The communication unit receives the medium ID and outputs the received medium ID to the control unit 511 (step S507), and the control unit 511 sets a pair of the communication unit ID and the received medium ID using the variable i as the communication unit ID. Writing to the ID correspondence table 521 (Step S508).
[0122]
As described above, the set of the medium ID for identifying the memory card communicating with each communication unit and the communication unit ID for identifying the communication unit is stored in the ID correspondence table 521.
Next, the control unit 511 extracts all communication unit IDs paired with the medium ID from the ID correspondence table 521 (step S510), and causes the communication unit having the extracted communication unit ID to emit an LED. Thus, the light emission signal is output (step S511), and each corresponding communication unit causes the LED to emit light (step S513). The communication unit having no extracted communication unit ID outputs a light emission stop signal so as to turn off the LED (step S512), and the communication unit that has received the light emission stop signal emits light from its own LED. If so, the light emission of the LED is stopped (step S514).
[0123]
As described above, the communication unit near the place where the memory card is placed causes the LED to emit light, and the other communication units turn off if the LED emits light.
Next, the control unit 511 rearranges each group stored in the ID correspondence table 521 in the order of the medium ID, generates a temporary table including the rearranged group (Step S515), and determines that the same medium ID is One is selected and marked from one or more included sets (step S516). Here, if there are two or more sets including the same medium ID, one memory card is placed above a plurality of communication unit storage rooms arranged close to each other. It will be. A plurality of communication units provided in these communication unit storage rooms communicate with the memory card. In this case, each of the two or more sets includes the medium ID of the one memory card and the communication unit ID of each communication unit. At this time, the communication unit identified by the communication unit ID included in the marked set is selected as one communication unit that communicates with the memory card.
[0124]
Next, the control unit 511 repeats steps S517 to S524 for the communication unit identified by the communication unit ID included in the marked group.
The control unit 511 outputs an information request to the marked communication unit (step S518), and the communication unit transmits the information request by radio waves (step S519). The control unit 607 of the memory card receives the information request via the antenna 601 and the modulation / demodulation unit 603 (step S519), reads the requested information from the information storage unit 612 (step S520), and modulates the read information. The information is transmitted via the unit 603 and the antenna 601 (step S521), and the communication unit receives the information (step S521), and outputs the received information to the control unit 511 (step S522). The control unit 511 writes the medium ID and the received information in the information storage unit 514 in association with each other (Step S523).
[0125]
As described above, the control unit 511 reads information from all the memory cards placed on the extraction device 50, associates the medium ID for identifying the memory card with the read information, and stores the information in the information storage unit 514. Write to.
Next, the control unit 511 generates a medium ID list by extracting only the medium ID from the set of the medium ID and the information written in the information storage unit 514, and outputs the generated medium ID list to the display unit 512. Then, the display unit 512 displays the medium ID list (Step S525).
[0126]
Here, when the end operation of the user is received by the display unit 512 or the input unit 513 (step S526), the extraction device 50 ends the process and turns off the power.
When the display unit 512 or the input unit 513 receives the selection of the medium ID from the user (step S527), the display unit 512 or the input unit 513 outputs the received medium ID to the control unit 511, and the control unit 511 Receives the medium ID, reads the information corresponding to the received medium ID from the information storage unit 514, outputs the read information to the display unit 512, and the display unit 512 displays the information (step S528).
[0127]
Further, control unit 511 outputs an instruction to blink the LED to the corresponding communication unit, and outputs an instruction to blink the LED to the corresponding memory card to the corresponding communication unit (step S529). The communication unit blinks the LED (step S531). Also, the communication unit outputs an instruction to blink the LED to the memory card (step S530). The memory card blinks the LED, vibrates the vibrator, and outputs sound from the speaker (step S532).
[0128]
As described above, the information stored in the memory card selected by the user is displayed on the display unit 512, the LED of the selected memory card blinks, the vibrator is vibrated, and the sound is output from the speaker. Then, the LED of the extraction device 50 near the memory card is blinked. Thus, the user can know the association between the displayed information and the memory card.
[0129]
2.5 Other Modifications
Although the extraction device 50 has been described above, the present invention is, of course, not limited to the above embodiment. The following cases are also included in the present invention.
(1) As described in the first embodiment, the extraction device 50 receives an input of a search condition relating to a desired memory card from a user and places a memory card satisfying the received search condition on the extraction device 50. The LED included in the extraction device 50 may be emitted near the identified memory card while the LED of the identified memory card is emitted from the plurality of memory cards placed in the storage device.
[0130]
(2) In the above-described extraction device 50, each communication unit is provided in the communication unit storage room partitioned by orthogonal partition plates. However, the following may be adopted.
As shown in FIG. 25 (a), the communication unit storage room has a plurality of partition plates provided so as to be parallel to each other at equal intervals, and each partition plate has an angle of 120 degrees, and each of the partition plates has an equal interval. It may be formed by being divided into a parallelogram by a plurality of partition plates provided in parallel. The antenna and the LED are installed at the center of the communication unit storage room formed as described above. In FIG. 25A, the position where the partition plate is installed is indicated by a broken line. Note that the angle is not limited to 120 degrees. Other angles may be used.
[0131]
Further, as shown in FIG. 25 (b), the communication unit storage room has a plurality of partition plates provided so as to be parallel to each other at equal intervals, and each partition plate forms an angle of 120 degrees with each of the partition plates. A plurality of partition plates provided in parallel with the interval, and further, a plurality of partition plates forming an angle of 60 degrees and each provided in parallel with the equal interval, are divided into an equilateral triangle. It may be formed by being performed. The antenna and the LED are installed at the center of the communication unit storage room formed as described above. In FIG. 25B, the position where the partition plate is installed is indicated by a broken line.
[0132]
Further, as shown in FIG. 25C, the communication unit storage room may be formed by being divided into a hexagon by a plurality of partition plates provided in a honeycomb shape. The antenna and the LED are installed at the center of the communication unit storage room formed as described above. In FIG. 25C, the position where the partition plate is installed is indicated by a broken line.
[0133]
(3) The above-described extraction device 50 reads information from a memory card freely arranged by a user without limiting the position where the extraction device 50 is placed. Good.
As shown in FIG. 26, the extraction device 70 is provided with nine recesses 711 to 719 at positions corresponding to each element of a matrix of 3 rows × 3 columns on the upper surface, and each recess is provided with a memory. The card accommodates the card and is formed in a concave shape similar to the shape of a memory card. The user stores the memory card in each recess. On the upper surface of the extraction device 70, nine LEDs 711a to 719a are provided on the convex portions excluding the concave portions, respectively, corresponding to the nine concave portions 711 to 719.
[0134]
Further, as shown in FIG. 27, through holes 731 and 732 are formed in each of the side surface 721 of the concave portion 714 and the side surface 722 located at a position facing the side surface 721, and the light emitting element 714 b is provided inside the side surface 721. The light receiving element 714c is provided inside the side surface 722. The light-emitting element 714b irradiates light to the light-receiving element 714c through the through holes 731 and 732. A communication unit including a coil antenna is provided inside the bottom surface of the concave portion 714.
[0135]
Here, FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the extracting device 70 along a cutting plane parallel to the bottom surface of the concave portion 714 and between the bottom surface of the concave portion 714 and the upper surface of the extracting device.
The other recesses are similar to the recesses 714. In addition, the extraction device 70 has the same configuration as the extraction device 50.
[0136]
When the user inserts the memory card into the concave portion 714, the light receiving element 714c detects that light emitted from the light emitting element 714b has been blocked, and outputs a signal indicating the blocking to the control unit. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit recognizes that the memory card is stored in the concave portion 714, and controls the communication unit provided inside the bottom surface of the concave portion 714 to perform communication with the memory card.
[0137]
In this manner, the extraction device 70 detects the memory card stored in the concave portion, and performs communication between the stored memory card and the memory card by the communication section provided inside the concave portion bottom surface. The information is read, and the read information is stored and displayed.
(4) You may comprise as follows.
[0138]
A bar code is printed on the surface of the memory card 60. This bar code is formed by converting the medium ID stored in the memory card into a bar code.
The barcode reader device optically reads the barcode, and converts the read barcode into an original medium ID by using a barcode reader unit and the medium ID generated by conversion. The communication unit includes a communication unit that specifies a stored memory card and reads information from the specified memory card by radio waves, and a display unit that displays information read from the memory card.
[0139]
(5) Information acquired and displayed from the memory card includes a medium ID, title information, the remaining storage capacity of the memory card, and the like.
(6) An electronic card is put in a device that also serves as a storage case, and the device accepts an input of a search condition of “large card” from a user via a menu, and extracts an electronic card satisfying the search condition. Then, the extracted electronic card may emit light.
[0140]
3. Other modifications
Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The following cases are also included in the present invention.
(1) The memory card holder may be configured as follows.
[0141]
The memory card holder 85 is a holding device for holding up to five memory cards, as shown in the external view of FIG.
The memory card holder 85 is used by a user by being connected to the personal computer 80 via a USB cable 811.
The memory card holder 85 has five card connecting portions 851 to 855 on the side surface thereof. One memory card is inserted into each card connecting portion, and the memory card and the memory card holder 85 are electrically connected. Connected to. In this figure, memory cards 861 to 862 are inserted and connected to card connection units 851 to 852, respectively. No memory card is inserted in the card connection units 853 to 855.
[0142]
The personal computer 80 is a computer system including a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk unit, a liquid crystal display unit 802, a keyboard unit 801 and the like. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk unit. The personal computer 80 achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program.
[0143]
The memory card holder 85 corresponds to the card holding unit 10c of the memory card holder 10 shown in FIG. 1, the USB cable 811 corresponds to the connection unit 10b, and the personal computer 80 corresponds to the input display unit 10a.
The memory card holder 85 and the personal computer 80 connected by the USB cable 811 operate similarly to the memory card holder 10 shown in FIG.
[0144]
(2) The memory card holder may be configured as follows.
The personal computer 90 is a computer system similar to the personal computer 80, as shown in FIG. The personal computer 90 achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating according to the computer program.
[0145]
The personal computer 90 is provided with five card connection portions 911 to 915 on the side surface thereof. One memory card is inserted into each card connection portion, and the memory card and the personal computer 90 are electrically connected. Is done. As described above, the personal computer 90 also serves as a holding device for holding up to five memory cards.
[0146]
In this figure, memory cards 924 to 925 are inserted and connected to card connection units 914 to 915, respectively. No memory card is inserted in the card connection units 911 to 913.
The personal computer 90 operates similarly to the memory card holder 10 shown in FIG.
[0147]
(3) The present invention may be the method described above. Further, these methods may be a computer program that is realized by a computer, or may be a digital signal formed by the computer program.
Further, the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium for reading the computer program or the digital signal, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray Disc). ), A semiconductor memory or the like. Further, the present invention may be the computer program or the digital signal recorded on these recording media.
[0148]
In the present invention, the computer program or the digital signal may be transmitted via an electric communication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, a data broadcast, or the like.
The present invention may be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates according to the computer program.
[0149]
Further, the program or the digital signal is recorded on the recording medium and transferred, or the program or the digital signal is transferred via the network or the like, so that it is executed by another independent computer system. It may be.
(4) The above embodiment, a part of the above embodiment, and the above modification may be combined.
[0150]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention is a recording medium holder for holding a recording medium, which is readable and writable by an electrical connection, and records digital information or digital information and information indicating its contents. Holding means for holding at least one or more recording media in an electrically connected state; selecting means for selecting one recording medium from the recording media held and connected by the holding means; Determining means for determining whether or not access to digital information recorded on the recorded recording medium is permitted; and when the determining means determines that access is permitted, the recording means is configured to record on the selected recording medium. Display means for displaying digital information or information indicating its contents.
[0151]
According to this configuration, when it is determined that access is permitted, information recorded on the recording medium is displayed. Therefore, when secret information is recorded on the recording medium, the recording medium can be safely handled. Can be.
Here, the determination unit includes an input unit that receives an input of a user password from a user, a password holding unit that holds a device password in advance, the user password that has received the input, and the holding unit that holds the input. A password determining unit that compares the device password with the device password, and when the password matches the password, determines that access is permitted.
[0152]
According to this configuration, the device password registered in the recording medium holder is compared with the user password whose input has been accepted to determine whether or not access is permitted. Access can be granted only to the person.
Here, the recording medium includes a password holding unit that holds a medium password in advance, and the determining unit includes: an input unit that receives an input of a user password from a user; and an input unit that receives the input. And a password determination unit that compares the stored medium password with the stored medium password and determines that the access is permitted if the passwords match.
[0153]
According to this configuration, the medium password registered in the recording medium is compared with the user password whose input has been accepted to determine whether access is permitted. Access can be granted only to legitimate users who know it.
Here, the display unit further displays an icon corresponding to the recording medium held and connected by the holding unit, and the selection unit displays a user's icon among the icons displayed by the display unit. The selection of any one of the icons is received by clicking, and the recording medium corresponding to the selected icon is selected.
[0154]
According to this configuration, the recording medium can be selected by selecting the icon, so that the recording medium can be easily selected visually.
Here, the recording medium holder further includes recording means provided with an area for temporarily holding information, and the selecting means further records, when a recording medium is selected for the first time, recording on the selected recording medium. Digital information or digital information and information indicating its contents are recorded in the recording means, and when the recording medium is selected for the second time or later by the selection means, the display means displays the selected recording medium. Instead of displaying the digital information or the information indicating the contents recorded in the digital information, the digital information or the information indicating the contents recorded in the recording unit is displayed.
[0155]
According to this configuration, when the recording medium is selected for the second time or later, the information stored therein is displayed, so that the processing time from the operation to the display can be reduced. Here, the recording medium holder further includes a character input unit for receiving an input of a character, and recording on the recording medium held and connected to the holding unit based on the character received by the character input unit. Search means for searching digital information that has been input and notifying a user of a recording medium on which digital information matching the input character is recorded.
[0156]
According to this configuration, the user is notified of the recording medium recording the information that matches the input character, so that the user can easily find the desired recording medium.
Further, the present invention is an electronic card system comprising at least one recording medium readable and writable in a non-contact manner using radio waves, and a holding device for holding the recording medium, wherein the recording medium is a digital An information storage unit that stores information; and a transmission / reception unit that transmits the digital information using radio waves. The holding device includes a holding unit, a control unit, and a display unit, and the holding unit includes a medium. A holding plane, comprising a plurality of sets of transmitting and receiving units and light emitting units, the medium holding plane is divided into the same number of sections, and each set of transmitting and receiving sections and light emitting units is installed facing each section, When the recording medium is held on the medium holding plane so as to cover at least a part of the opposing section, the transmission / reception unit reads digital information from the recording medium using radio waves, and reads the read data. Output to the control unit, each light emitting unit emits light under the control of the control unit, the control unit receives the digital information, generates and outputs display information based on the received digital information, The light emitting unit corresponding to the transmitting / receiving unit that outputs the digital information is controlled to emit light, and the display unit receives the display information and displays the received display information.
[0157]
According to this configuration, a desired information recording medium can be selected without the user having to insert the information recording medium into the extraction device.
Here, the recording medium further includes an output unit that outputs light emission, vibration, or sound, and the control unit further includes, when the digital information is received, the transmitting / receiving unit and the recording medium using radio waves. Control is performed via the transmission / reception means to output light emission, vibration or sound to the output means of the recording medium.
[0158]
According to this configuration, the desired information recording medium outputs light emission, vibration, or sound, so that the desired information recording medium can be easily identified.
Here, the control means further receives an input of search information from a user, specifies digital information that matches the input search information from the digital information received for each section, and specifies the specified digital information. Is controlled so as to emit light to the light emitting unit facing the section holding the recording medium storing the information.
[0159]
According to this configuration, light is emitted at the position where the desired information recording medium is placed, so that the user can easily identify the desired information recording medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows an external view of a memory card holder 10. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory card holder 10.
FIG. 3 shows an example of information stored in an information storage unit 105.
FIG. 4 shows a configuration of a screen 161 displayed on the display unit 102.
FIG. 5 shows the shape of a slot icon together with its meaning.
FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a screen 171 displayed on the display unit 102.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory card 21.
FIG. 8 shows an example of information stored in an information storage unit 203.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an outline operation of the entire memory card holder 10;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the memory card holder 10 immediately after the power is turned on.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating slot processing when a slot icon is selected by a user. It continues to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating slot processing when a slot icon is selected by a user. Continued from FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of mutual authentication performed between the memory card holder 10 and an authentication type memory card.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a password confirmation operation.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a search process.
FIG. 16 shows an external view of a memory card holder 100b.
FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the extraction device 50.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an extraction device 50.
FIG. 19 shows a data structure of an ID correspondence table 521 included in the information storage unit 514.
20 shows an external view of a memory card 60. FIG. Since the antenna 601 and the circuit section 602 are sealed inside the memory card 60, they cannot actually be seen from the outside. In this drawing, the antenna 601 and the circuit portion 602 are illustrated for easy understanding.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory card 60.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an operation of communication between the extraction device 50 and the memory card 60 when the memory card 60 is placed on the extraction device 50. It continues to FIG.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an operation of communication between the extraction device 50 and the memory card 60 when the memory card 60 is placed on the extraction device 50. It continues to FIG.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an operation of communication between the extraction device 50 and the memory card 60 when the memory card 60 is placed on the extraction device 50. Continued from FIG.
FIG. 25 shows the shape of a communication unit storage room.
(A) It is a parallelogram type shape.
(B) An equilateral triangular shape.
(C) Honeycomb type shape.
26 shows an external view of the extraction device 70. FIG.
27 shows a part of an AA ′ cross-sectional view of the extraction device 70. FIG.
FIG. 28 is an external view of a personal computer 80 and a memory card holder 85.
29 shows an external view of a personal computer 90. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Memory card holder
10a Input display section
10b connection
10c Card holder
21-25 memory card
30 operation pen
50 Extraction device
50a Lid
50b main body
60a-60e memory card
70 Extraction device
80 Personal computer
85 Memory card holder
90 Personal computer

Claims (12)

A recording medium holder for holding a recording medium,
A holding unit that can be read and written by an electrical connection and holds one or more recording media that record digital information, or digital information and information indicating its contents, in an electrically connected state,
Selecting means for selecting one recording medium from the recording media held and connected by the holding means;
Determining means for determining whether or not access to digital information recorded on the selected recording medium is permitted;
A display unit that displays digital information recorded on the selected recording medium or information indicating the content when the determination unit determines that access is possible; The determining means includes:
An input unit for receiving an input of a user password from the user,
A password holding unit that holds a device password in advance,
2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a password determination unit that compares the user password that has received the input with the stored device password and determines that the access is permitted when the user password matches. Media holder. The recording medium includes a password holding unit that holds a medium password in advance,
The determining means includes:
An input unit for receiving an input of a user password from the user,
2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a password determination unit that compares the user password whose input has been accepted with the stored medium password and determines that the access is permitted when the password matches. Media holder. The display unit further displays an icon corresponding to the recording medium held and connected by the holding unit,
The selection means receives a selection of any one of the icons displayed by the display means by a user's click, and selects a recording medium corresponding to the selected icon. The recording medium holder according to claim 1. The recording medium holder further includes a recording unit having an area for temporarily holding information,
The selecting means, further, when a recording medium is selected for the first time, digital information recorded on the selected recording medium, or digital information and information indicating its content is recorded in the recording means,
When the recording medium is selected for the second time or later by the selection means, the display means displays the digital information recorded on the selected recording medium or information indicating the content thereof, The recording medium holder according to claim 1, wherein the recorded digital information or information indicating the content thereof is displayed. The recording medium holder further comprises:
Character input means for receiving character input,
The digital information recorded on the recording medium held and connected to the holding unit is searched based on the character received by the character input unit, and the digital information matching the inputted character is recorded. 2. The recording medium holder according to claim 1, further comprising a search unit for notifying a user of the recorded recording medium. An electronic card system including one or more recording media that can be read and written in a non-contact manner using radio waves, and a holding device that holds the recording media,
The recording medium,
Information storage means for storing digital information;
Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting the digital information using radio waves,
The holding device includes a holding unit, a control unit, and a display unit,
The holding unit includes a medium holding plane and a plurality of sets of transmitting / receiving units and light emitting units. When the recording medium is held on the medium holding plane so as to cover at least part of the opposing section, digital information is transmitted from the recording medium using radio waves. Reading, outputting the read digital information to the control unit, each light emitting unit emits light under the control of the control means,
The control unit receives the digital information, generates and outputs display information based on the received digital information, and emits light to the light emitting unit corresponding to the transmitting / receiving unit from which the digital information is output. Control,
An electronic card system, wherein the display means receives display information and displays the received display information. The recording medium further includes an output unit that outputs light emission, vibration, or sound,
The control unit further receives the digital information, and transmits or receives light, vibration or The electronic card system according to claim 7, wherein the electronic card system is controlled to output a voice. The control means further receives an input of search information from a user, specifies digital information matching the search information received from the digital information received for each section, and stores the specified digital information. 9. The electronic card system according to claim 8, wherein the electronic card system is controlled to emit light to a light emitting unit facing a section holding the recording medium. A holding device for holding one or more recording media that can be read and written in a non-contact manner using radio waves,
The recording medium,
Including transmitting and receiving means for transmitting the digital information using information storage means and radio waves storing digital information,
The holding device includes a holding unit, a control unit, and a display unit,
The holding means includes a medium holding plane, and a plurality of sets of transmitting / receiving sections and light emitting sections. The medium holding plane is divided into the same number of sections, and each set of transmitting / receiving sections and light emitting sections faces each section. When the recording medium is held on the medium holding plane so as to cover at least part of the opposing section, digital information is transmitted from the recording medium using radio waves. Reading, outputting the read digital information to the control unit, each light emitting unit emits light under the control of the control means,
The control unit receives the digital information, generates and outputs display information based on the received digital information, and emits light to the light emitting unit corresponding to the transmitting / receiving unit from which the digital information is output. Control,
The display device receives the display information and displays the received display information. The recording medium further includes an output unit that outputs light emission, vibration, or sound,
The control unit, upon receiving the digital information, further transmits, using radio waves, the transmission / reception unit included in the recording medium and the transmission / reception unit included in the recording medium to the output unit included in the recording medium. The holding device according to claim 10, wherein the holding device controls to output a sound. The control unit further receives an input of search information from a user, specifies digital information that matches the input search information from the digital information received for each section, and stores the specified digital information. 12. The holding device according to claim 11, wherein control is performed so as to emit light to a light emitting unit facing a section holding the recording medium.

Images