JP2005267263A - Adaptor card device, and download method of data to adaptor card device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an adaptor card device capable of easily performing upgrade of a program or download of data without using a relatively large external module, and a download method of data to the adaptor card device. <P>SOLUTION: One end part of the data communication adaptor card device 31 is inserted to an extension slot 33 of a personal computer 32. When a turn-up connector 51 is attached to the other end of the adaptor card device 31 after an upgrade program is stored in the personal computer 32, a control part 41 retreats the content in a ROM 42 to a RAM 43, then receives transfer from data from the personal computer 32, and stores the data in the ROM 42. The return connector 51 has a simple structure of returning a signal between two pins, the thickness or overall size thereof can be reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an adapter card device such as a data communication adapter card device attached to add a predetermined function to a personal computer, and a method for downloading data to the adapter card device. The present invention relates to an adapter card device that can be easily performed using a computer and a method for downloading data to the adapter card device.

  Even when the personal computer itself does not have a data communication function with an external wireless terminal, data communication is possible by using a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone and a data communication adapter card device. As an example, a data communication adapter card device is attached to a notebook personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a personal computer), and a mobile phone is connected to the data communication adapter card device, thereby enabling wireless communication using the mobile phone. Is possible. As described above, the adapter card device can be added with various functions such as communication only by being installed in the expansion slot of the personal computer.

  By the way, in the case where the OS (Operating System) of the personal computer is changed, the specification of the wireless terminal is changed, or in order to solve various problems of the program, the adapter card device such as a data communication adapter card device is used. It may be necessary to upgrade the program. Such program upgrades and downloads are indispensable for maintenance of the adapter card device. Therefore, a first proposal has been made in the past to automatically upgrade the version by setting the external writing module to the adapter card device via a predetermined connector (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  FIG. 6 shows an outline of a data communication adapter card device as an example of the adapter card device of the first proposal. The data communication adapter card device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 12 for performing various controls. The CPU 12 is connected to a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13 that stores predetermined data such as a control program and a control unit 14 that performs various controls of the apparatus. The control unit 14 includes a circuit element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown), and temporarily stores a program read from the ROM 13 in the RAM so that the CPU 12 can execute the program.

  The control unit 14 includes detection means (not shown) for detecting the connection when a predetermined external module 16 is connected to the connector 15 of the data communication adapter card device 11. When the data communication adapter card device 11 is powered on with the external module 16 connected to the connector 15, a write-only execution program is executed using a memory (not shown) in the external module 16. Then, a program to be written is sent from the external module 16 to the control unit 14 via the connector 15 and is written in the ROM 13 after predetermined processing is performed.

  In the proposed apparatus, the program is automatically upgraded in the state where the external module 16 is detected. However, the detection means for recognizing that the external module 16 is connected to the data communication adapter card device 11 side is required, and a detection mechanism for this purpose must be provided. Further, in order to open an address bus and data bus (not shown) of the data communication adapter card device 11, a circuit for temporarily holding (HOLD) the CPU 12 is also required. Furthermore, if the data communication adapter card device 11 does not operate normally even when an operation such as version upgrade is performed, the printed circuit board (not shown) is taken out by destroying the casing constituting the device body. Repair such as replacement of the ROM 13 is required.

As a detection means for detecting that a specific external module 16 is connected to the connector 15 of the data communication adapter card device 11, it is proposed as a second proposal to arrange a dip switch on the external module 16 side. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). According to the second proposal, when the data communication adapter card device 11 checks the setting contents of the DIP switch and determines that this is an external module specially prepared for program download, the program download is performed. I am trying to do it. Therefore, it is possible to save the user from having to change the dip switch to the setting contents for the download. Further, by accidentally changing the setting of the dip switch to other setting contents, it is possible to prevent an accident due to a setting mistake such as changing the system information on the data communication adapter card device 11 side.
JP 2001-67227 A (No. 0032, FIG. 1) JP-A-9-6622 (No. 0018, FIG. 1)

  However, in the second proposal, it is necessary to incorporate a dip switch on the external module 16 side. Dip switches include a sliding type that slides the switch part to the left and right and a rocker type that pushes down the switch part. In any case, the dip switch has a plurality of switch portions that are turned on and off by the user using tools such as a pen tip and tweezers. Therefore, the miniaturization has a limit resulting from a requirement that the switch portion must be a size that is subject to human operation.

  Since the data communication adapter card device 11 is a device that is used by being mounted in an expansion slot of an information processing device such as a computer or PDA, its thickness and size are greatly restricted. For this reason, the external module 16 connected to the data communication adapter card device 11 needs to be a sufficiently small device having thin parts that can be mounted on the substrate. In this case, for example, a dip switch needs to be incorporated in the external module 16 having a thickness of about 5 mm. This means that it is practically impossible to mount the dip switch on the substrate constituting the external module 16.

  The data communication adapter card device 11 for connecting the personal computer and the portable communication terminal has been described above as an example. In general, the adapter card device is used by connecting it to the personal computer. The same problem occurs when downloading from a computer.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an adapter card device and a method for downloading data to the adapter card device that can easily perform program upgrade and data download without using a relatively large external module. is there.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, (a) download side connection means detachably connected to a device storing specific data to be downloaded, and (b) a signal output from a predetermined terminal is another predetermined (C) a memory for storing data, and (d) when the signal detection unit detects the signal described above, via the download side connection unit. The adapter card device is provided with data storage means for storing the specific data in the memory.

  That is, in the first aspect of the invention, when the signal detection means detects that the signal output from the predetermined terminal is input to another predetermined terminal, the specific data is stored in the memory via the download side connection means. I have decided. Such detection of the signal detection means is possible only by connecting a relatively small folded connector to the adapter card device, for example. Accordingly, it is not necessary to use a relatively large external module.

  In the invention described in claim 2, (a) download side connection means detachably connected to a device storing specific data to be downloaded, and (b) a signal output from a predetermined terminal is another predetermined signal. A signal detection means for detecting the input to the terminal, (c) a nonvolatile memory for storing data, (d) a working memory for temporarily storing data, and (e) a signal detection means. A data evacuation means for evacuating predetermined data stored in the nonvolatile memory to the working memory when the signal is detected, and (f) the aforementioned data stored in the nonvolatile memory by the data evacuation means. After the predetermined data is saved in the working memory, the adapter card device is provided with data storage means for storing the specific data in the nonvolatile memory via the download side connection means. To Bei.

  That is, in the second aspect of the invention, when the signal detecting means detects that the signal output from the predetermined terminal is input to the other predetermined terminal, the data to be replaced is saved from the nonvolatile memory to the working memory. After that, the specific data is stored in the nonvolatile memory via the download side connection means. The above-described detection of the signal detecting means can be performed only by connecting a relatively small folded connector to the adapter card device, for example. Accordingly, it is not necessary to use a relatively large external module.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, (a) a transfer data storage step for storing specific data to be transferred to the adapter card device mounted in the expansion slot in a specific memory area of the information processing apparatus having the expansion slot; ) When a turn-back connector that connects the two terminals to the card side connector of the adapter card device is connected to the card side connector of the adapter card device in a state where the specific data is stored in the specific memory area described above in this transfer data storage step, A signal detection step for detecting the signal described above when a signal output from one is input to the other; and (c) a specific memory area of the information processing device when the signal described above is detected in the signal detection step. A specific data transfer step of reading the specific data stored in the card and transferring it to the adapter card device; To be provided in how to download the data to the location.

  That is, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the signal detection step, when a folded connector that conducts between the two terminals is connected to the card side connector of the adapter card device, the signal output from one of these two terminals is the other. , The download mode is detected, and the specific data stored in the specific memory area of the information processing apparatus is read out and transferred to the adapter card apparatus. Since the folded connector can be manufactured in a relatively small size, the above-described object can be achieved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an apparatus (an information processing apparatus having an expansion slot) that stores specific data to be downloaded by attaching a device (a loopback connector) that loops back a signal to the adapter card apparatus. ), It is possible to download specific data, so that such a device (turn-back connector) can be miniaturized and manufactured at a very low cost. In addition, by setting the position of the pins to be folded back and the interval between the pins to be folded back, it is possible to sufficiently prevent a situation in which data is downloaded by mistake.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

  FIG. 1 shows a use state of a data communication adapter card device as an example of an adapter card device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The data communication adapter card device 31 is inserted into the expansion slot 33 of the personal computer 32, and one end of the connection cord 34 is connected to a female connector (not shown) provided at the end thereof, and the other end is connected to the mobile phone device 35. It is supposed to be. Thereby, the personal computer 32 is connected to the Internet via the mobile phone device 35, and a home page can be browsed, a file can be uploaded or downloaded, and an electronic mail can be transmitted and received.

  FIG. 2 specifically shows a circuit configuration of a data communication adapter card device to which a mobile phone device is connected. The data communication adapter card device 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) and a control unit 41 that performs various controls. The control unit 41 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42 that stores fixed data such as a control program, and a RAM (Random Memory) that stores programs and data temporarily necessary for the CPU to execute the control program. Access memory) 43, the PC card interface unit 44, and the line interface unit 45. Here, the PC card interface unit 44 constitutes an interface circuit for transmitting / receiving data to / from the personal computer 32, and the line interface unit 45 serves as an interface circuit for transmitting / receiving data to / from the mobile phone device 35. It is composed.

  It is assumed that the user upgrades the control program stored in the ROM 42 of the data communication adapter card device 31 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, a new control program to be stored in the ROM 42 after the upgrade is required to be stored in advance in a predetermined storage area of the personal computer 32. The control program used after such version upgrade can be stored in the personal computer 32 using the following method, for example.

(1) Such a control program is acquired using various reading devices such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and a floppy disk (not shown) of the personal computer 32.
(2) A corresponding control program is acquired from another device via a LAN (local area network) cable (not shown) connected to the personal computer 32.
(3) With the mobile phone device 35 connected to the data communication adapter card device 31, connect to the Internet, access the home page of the data communication adapter card device 31, and download the corresponding control program from the dedicated download page to the personal computer 32. Store in.

  When a new control program to be stored in the ROM 42 after the version upgrade as described above is stored in a predetermined area of the personal computer 32, the user removes the connection cord 34 shown in FIG. Connect the version-up return connector to the female connector.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which a version-up folding connector is connected to the female connector of the data communication adapter card device. The version-up dedicated folding connector 51 includes first and second male-side electrodes (pins) 52 and 53 protruding outside at a predetermined interval, and jumper wires connecting these male-side electrodes 52 and 53 internally. 54. The first and second male-side electrodes 52 and 53 are embedded in one end of the data communication adapter card device 31 or fitted into corresponding female-side electrodes 57 and 58 of the female-side connector 56 protruding from the one end by a predetermined length. It has become. These female side electrodes 57 and 58 are connected to a predetermined circuit portion of the line interface unit 45.

  In addition, instead of the first and second male-side electrodes 52 and 53 and the jumper wire 54, a similar part can be made with a metal wire bent in a U-shape, thereby making the folded connector 51 more inexpensive. It is also possible to do.

  As described above, since the folded connector 51 of the present embodiment is a flat plate-like component from which the two male-side electrodes 52 and 53 protrude, it can be formed thin and small. Moreover, it is strong because no power source or complicated circuit is arranged inside.

  FIG. 4 shows an overview of the mode switching process corresponding to the device connected to the data communication adapter card device of this embodiment. The CPU in the control unit 41 shown in FIG. 3 determines whether the specific return connector 51 is connected to the female connector 56 of the data communication adapter card device 31 (step S61) or the mobile phone device 35 shown in FIG. Whether it is connected (step S62) is monitored. When the return connector 51 is connected, the signal output from the first female electrode 57 by the line interface unit 45 is returned by the first male electrode 52, the jumper wire 54, and the second male electrode 53. Then, it returns to the line interface unit 45 through the second female electrode 58. Therefore, in this case (step S61: Y), the control unit 41 executes a program download mode described below (step S63).

  On the other hand, the signal transmitted from the specific female side electrode 57 by the line interface unit 45 is not sent back in this way, and another predetermined signal has arrived at another female side electrode (not shown). In the case (step S61: N), the control unit 41 determines that the mobile phone device 35 is connected to the data communication adapter card device 31 (step S62: Y), and uses the mobile phone device 35 to perform processing such as communication. The mobile phone use mode for performing is performed (step S64).

  FIG. 5 specifically shows the processing in the program download mode shown in step S63 of FIG. When this mode is started, the control unit 41 instructs the personal computer 32 to display that downloading is in progress (step S71). In this instruction, it may be displayed together with a precaution that the return connector 51 is not removed until the download is completed. Receiving this instruction, the personal computer 32 performs this display on the display (not shown) or outputs a voice indicating that the download is started from a speaker (not shown).

  After giving this instruction, the control unit 41 copies corresponding data such as a program stored in the ROM 42 to the RAM 43 (step S72). When copying is completed (step S73: Y), an instruction is given to the personal computer 32 to send out corresponding data such as a program stored in the predetermined area, and this is overwritten in the ROM 42 (step S74). When all corresponding data is overwritten in the ROM 42 (step S75: Y), the control unit 41 instructs the personal computer 32 to display that the download has been completed successfully (step S76). In this instruction, the fact that the return connector 51 can be removed may be displayed together. Upon receiving this instruction, the personal computer 32 performs this display on a display (not shown) or outputs a voice indicating that the download has been completed from a speaker (not shown).

  Note that, when downloading from the personal computer 32 to the data communication adapter card device 31 is unsuccessful in storing the corresponding data such as a program in the ROM 42 due to removal of the return connector 51 or the like, the RAM 43 stores the data. The temporarily saved data is written in the ROM 42.

  In the embodiment described above, the display instruction during execution of download performed in step S71 and the instruction for display of download end performed in step S76 can be appropriately omitted. Further, when the data communication adapter card device 31 has a light emitting diode incorporated therein or a small display unit attached, the light emitting diode is turned on while a program or the like is being downloaded, or a message to that effect is displayed on the display unit. It is also possible to perform. Of course, if there is a margin in size on the folded connector 51 side, it is possible to incorporate a light emitting diode for display and control the lighting thereof.

  Further, in the embodiment, the downloading of the program for upgrading or the data such as the difference data has been described, but it is natural that various data required by the apparatus can be downloaded from the personal computer 32 side as well. Further, although the data communication adapter card device has been described in the embodiments, it is natural that the present invention can be applied when various adapter card devices download data from a device such as a personal computer to which the adapter is attached.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the use condition of the data communication adapter card apparatus in one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the state which connected the mobile telephone apparatus to the data communication adapter card apparatus in a present Example. It is a block diagram showing the state which connected the return connector to the data communication adapter card apparatus in the present Example. It is a flowchart showing the outline | summary of the mode switching process according to a device in a present Example. 6 is a flowchart specifically showing processing of a program download mode shown in step S63 of FIG. It is a block diagram showing the outline | summary about the data communication adapter card apparatus of the 1st proposal.

Explanation of symbols

31 Data communication adapter card device 32 Personal computer 33 Expansion slot 35 Mobile phone device 41 Control unit 42 ROM
43 RAM
44 PC Card Interface Unit 45 Line Interface Unit 51 Folded Connector 52 First Male Side Electrode 53 Second Male Side Electrode 54 Jumper Wire 56 Female Side Connector 57 First Female Side Electrode 58 Second Female Side Electrode

Claims (6)

Download side connection means detachably connected to a device storing specific data to be downloaded;
Signal detection means for detecting that a signal output from a predetermined terminal is input to another predetermined terminal;
Memory to store data,
An adapter card device comprising: data storage means for storing the specific data in the memory via the download side connection means when the signal detection means detects the signal. Download side connection means detachably connected to a device storing specific data to be downloaded;
Signal detection means for detecting that a signal output from a predetermined terminal is input to another predetermined terminal;
Non-volatile memory for storing data;
Working memory to temporarily store data,
Data evacuation means for evacuating predetermined data stored in the nonvolatile memory to the working memory when the signal detection means detects the signal;
Data storage for storing the specific data in the nonvolatile memory via the download side connection means after the predetermined data stored in the nonvolatile memory is saved in the working memory by the data saving means And an adapter card device.   The signal detection means is configured such that when a card-side connector and a folded connector that conducts between two terminals are connected to the card-side connector, a signal output from one of these two terminals is input to the other. The adapter card device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the signal is detected.   3. The adapter card device according to claim 2, wherein the specific data to be downloaded is data for upgrading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory.   The device storing the specific data to be downloaded is an information processing device provided with an expansion slot, the download side connection means is the expansion slot, and a mobile phone is connected to the card side connector. The adapter card device according to claim 3. A transfer data storage step of storing specific data to be transferred to the adapter card device mounted in the expansion slot in a specific memory area of the information processing apparatus having the expansion slot;
When a turn-back connector that conducts between two terminals is connected to the card-side connector of the adapter card device in a state in which specific data is stored in the specific memory area in the transfer data storage step, one of these two terminals A signal detection step of detecting the signal by inputting the signal output from the other to the other;
A specific data transfer step of reading out the specific data stored in a specific memory area of the information processing device and transferring it to the adapter card device when the signal is detected in the signal detection step. A method for downloading data to the adapter card device.

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