JP2005310118A - Information terminal and data transfer method for information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information terminal which realizes a data transfer connection environment of a non-general transfer protocol while saving time and labor of a user, and a data transfer method for the information terminal. <P>SOLUTION: There are provided a data transfer information memory 6 from which reading of data transfer information can be performed by an access process implemented by a general transfer protocol from an external computer 9; a non-general data memory 7 to which writing of data and from which reading of data can be performed by an access process implemented by a non-general transfer protocol; and a file manager 8 configured to read data from the non-general data memory 7 by the non-general transfer protocol after communicating with the computer 9 by the general transfer protocol, and to transfer data to the computer 9 by the non-general transfer protocol. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information terminal having a general-purpose data transfer mode using a general-purpose protocol between a personal computer and an information terminal, and a non-general-purpose data transfer mode using a protocol different from the general-purpose protocol. It relates to the transfer method.

  Conventional information terminals have realized data transfer with a personal computer using a general-purpose connection protocol using a plug-and-play environment. The general-purpose connection protocol has the advantage that the end user does not need to set up a connection environment for a personal computer. On the other hand, the general-purpose connection protocol cannot achieve the optimum data transfer efficiency for the application device. Existed.

  In addition, the non-generic transfer protocol can transfer data at an optimum efficiency for the information terminal, but it takes a complicated time to construct a connection environment between the personal computer and the information terminal. There was also a problem.

Further, the information mediation system includes a WWW server unit, a protocol conversion unit that performs protocol conversion between NNTP and HTTP, and protocol conversion between IMAP and HTTP, and a terminal is configured to display a predetermined page created by the WWW server unit. There has been proposed an information mediation system using a general-purpose protocol and a dedicated protocol for executing news browsing and mail transmission only by browsing operation (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-101149 A (paragraph number 0012, FIG. 1)

  The present invention provides an information terminal and a data transfer method for an information terminal that realize a data transfer connection environment of a non-generic transfer protocol without requiring the user.

  One embodiment of the present invention is a data transfer information storage unit from which data transfer information can be read by an access from an external computer by a general-purpose transfer protocol, and a non-general purpose in which data can be written or read by an access by a non-general-purpose transfer protocol A data storage unit, and a file management unit that communicates with the computer using a general-purpose transfer protocol, reads data from the non-generic data storage unit using a non-generic transfer protocol, and transfers data to the computer using the non-generic transfer protocol. The gist is that it is an information terminal.

  One embodiment of the present invention is an interface connected to an external computer, a data transfer information storage unit that is connected to the interface and can read data transfer information by accessing the computer using a general-purpose transfer protocol, and the interface A non-generic data storage unit capable of reading or writing data by accessing the computer with a non-generic transfer protocol, and an interface connected to the computer to read data from the non-generic data storage unit using a non-generic transfer protocol. It is an information terminal comprising a file management unit for transferring data to a gist.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the interface detects access from an external computer using a general-purpose transfer protocol, and transmits data transfer information read from the data transfer information storage unit using the general-purpose transfer protocol to the computer through the interface. The step of adding a non-generic data transfer environment setting different from the general-purpose data transfer environment setting, and if it is determined that the access from the computer is a non-generic protocol, the file management unit is non-general The data transfer method of the information terminal includes the step of permitting writing or reading of data to or from the data storage unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the data transfer method of the information terminal which implement | achieves the data transfer connection environment of a non-general purpose transfer protocol, without a user's effort can be provided.

  Next, first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

  The first to third embodiments shown below exemplify apparatuses and methods for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention is the component parts. The material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. are not specified below. The technical idea of the present invention can be variously modified within the scope of the claims.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the information terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can read data transfer information by an access by a general transfer protocol from a personal computer 9 as an external computer. A non-generic transfer protocol after communicating with a non-generic data transfer unit, a non-generic data memory unit 7 capable of writing and reading data by access using a non-generic transfer protocol, and a personal computer 9 And a file management unit 8 for reading data from the non-generic data storage unit 7 and transferring the data to the computer using a non-generic transfer protocol.

  The information terminal 1 is connected to the interface 3 (abbreviated as “I / F” in the figure) connected to the external personal computer 9 and the interface 3 and is accessed by the general-purpose transfer protocol between the personal computer 9 and the information terminal 1. A data transfer information storage unit 6 from which data transfer information can be read, and a non-generic data storage unit 7 connected to the interface 3 and capable of reading and writing data by accessing the personal computer 9 with a non-generic transfer protocol. And a file management unit 8 that is connected to the interface 3, reads data from the non-generic data storage unit 7 using a non-generic transfer protocol, and transfers the data to the personal computer 9.

  The data transfer information storage unit 6 is provided in the information terminal 1 such as a portable music player or a portable information terminal from a personal computer 9 (hereinafter abbreviated as “PC”). Is performed using a file system corresponding to a general-purpose transfer protocol (for example, a 16-bit or 32-bit file allocation table (FAT) file system).

  As the general-purpose transfer protocol, for example, a mass storage class transfer protocol of a USB card or a PC card ATA transfer protocol of a PC 9 can be used, and the interface 3 on the information terminal 1 side is connected via the bus 13. The data transfer information storage unit 6 can be accessed.

  In the first embodiment, communication is started when the cable 2 is connected between the PC 9 and the information terminal 1 using the general-purpose transfer protocol, and a data transfer environment corresponding to the non-generic transfer protocol is set to the PC 9 side. After being automatically added, a data transfer transaction is performed using a dedicated non-generic transfer protocol that is efficient for the information terminal 1 such as an application device.

  Since the PC 9 is provided with a data transfer environment setting of a general-purpose transfer protocol as a standard, the end user can set a special data transfer environment setting for the PC 9 only by connecting the cable 2 extending from the information terminal 1 to the PC 9. Even without operating the keyboard 11 while viewing the display 10, a connection environment (for example, a plug-and-play environment) can be realized without any hassle.

  Since the information terminal 1 is easy for the user to use, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to install a transfer application from another medium such as a compact disc or the Internet, and a connection environment can be prepared on the spot even when connected to the PC 9.

  The non-generic data storage unit 7 is a system different from the general-purpose transfer protocol, and interfaces reading or writing of data stored in the non-general-purpose data storage unit 7 by access using a non-generic transfer protocol that optimizes a data transfer transaction. 3 to the PC 9 via the bus 13.

  That is, in order to realize the operability of the plug-and-play environment, an area where the contents of the non-generic data storage unit 7 provided in the information terminal 1 can be seen in the connection environment using the general-purpose transfer protocol when viewed from the PC 9 side. Set to.

  For example, the information terminal 1 stores a non-generic data transfer application program for setting the connection environment of the non-generic transfer protocol on the PC 9 side in the data transfer information storage unit 6 in advance, and the non-generic data transfer application program is stored in the PC 9. It is possible to realize efficient data transfer with the PC 9 using a non-generic transfer protocol.

  The information terminal 1 performs data transfer with the PC 9 in a file concept hierarchy. Since data transfer is a concept of file transfer, it is possible to transfer data to the information terminal 1 using the most efficient data transfer protocol.

  For example, the information terminal 1 operates the input / output unit 5 connected to the central processing unit 4 (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) via the bus 13, so that the memory of the general-purpose transfer protocol is accessed. Data is transferred to the PC 9 in units of sectors (for example, 512 bytes), and large-capacity data (for example, 1 Mbytes) exceeding the unit of sectors for each type of data file is collectively transferred to the PC 9 for access using a non-generic transfer protocol. Can be transferred.

  Here, the input / output unit 5 can form an input unit with a button operation unit and a touch panel, and can form an output unit with a liquid crystal panel and an organic liquid crystal display unit.

  Further, in the data transfer between the PC 9 and the information terminal 1, the information terminal 1 which is not in an equal request level relationship but is incomparable compared with the PC 9 makes requests regarding various data transfer transactions to the PC 9. As a result, the information terminal 1 as a whole performs the most efficient data transfer transaction.

  For example, the number of files in the non-general-purpose data storage unit 7 provided in the information terminal 1, the restriction on the directory hierarchy, and the specific data transfer restriction corresponding to the information terminal 1 are transmitted to the PC 9, and the information terminal is transmitted to the PC 9 side. It is preferable to notify the operating system on the PC 9 side to execute a data transfer transaction in a range corresponding to the machine 1.

  It should be noted that information exchange protocols relating to intellectual property rights such as copyrights and patent rights of non-generic transfer protocols stored in the data transfer information storage unit 6 may be additionally described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information terminal 1 includes, for example, a data transfer information storage unit 6 having a 1 Mbyte storage area connected by a general transfer protocol, a non-generic data storage unit 7 having a 511 megabyte storage area, A file management unit 8 that manages data files in the non-generic data storage unit 7 is provided.

  The data transfer information storage unit 6 includes a non-generic data transfer application program for performing non-generic data transfer, and a plurality of files (for example, driver software, environment settings) for adding non-generic data transfer environment information to the PC 9 side. "Ini" file) is stored in advance as a file.

  The PC 9 accesses and accesses the data transfer information storage unit 6 as, for example, a mass storage class of the universal serial bus USB specification.

  The operating system of the PC 9 recognizes the data transfer information storage unit 6 as an external storage medium through a mass storage class connection, executes a non-generic data transfer application program, and displays icons of driver software and environment setting files to the user through the display 10. You can browse.

  The PC 9 may transfer the non-generic data transfer driver software and the non-generic data transfer environment setting file to the main memory 16 via the CPU 14 via the interface 15 on the PC 9 side with the general-purpose transfer protocol 17. is there.

  The general-purpose transfer protocol 17 accesses a file existing in the 1 Mbyte area of the data transfer information storage unit 6 provided on the information terminal 1 side from the PC 9 to automatically start a non-generic data transfer application program, and The system setting of the PC 9 is automatically added while referring to the environment setting file.

  The PC 9 switches the transfer protocol from the general-purpose transfer protocol 17 to the non-generic transfer protocol 18 in response to the operation of the keyboard 11. The non-generic data storage unit 7 is accessed using the non-generic transfer protocol 18, and the data file input / output processing can be efficiently executed via the file management unit 8.

  Here, the non-generic access means performs data transfer at the hierarchy of the file concept when performing data transfer from the PC 9 side to the information terminal 1 in the hierarchical block diagram illustrated in FIG.

  The PC 9 includes a main memory 16 that stores client applications, a USB file storage driver 35 that is connected to the main memory 16, a USB bulk dedicated driver 31 that is connected to the USB file storage driver 35, and a host-side USB that is connected to the USB bulk dedicated driver 31. A stack and connector 30 are provided.

  The information terminal 1 includes a non-generic data storage unit 7 that stores server applications, a USB file storage interface 19 that connects to the non-generic data storage unit 7 via the file management unit 8, and information that connects to the USB file storage interface 19. A USB stack and connector 20 on the terminal side are provided.

  The PC 9 communicates with the information terminal 1 via the cable 2, and the physical file data transfer itself is transferred from the information terminal 1 to the PC 9 side by an access using a general-purpose transfer protocol using existing hardware of USB.

  For example, the data transfer A of the physical file associated with the USB stack and the connector 20 executes a general transfer protocol transaction.

  Similarly, as a physical file related to the bulk dedicated transfer unit 23 that is one layer of the USB file storage interface 19, the bulk dedicated API 21 (API is abbreviated as “API” in the figure), the USB function interface 22 Data transfer is performed on the file using a general-purpose transfer protocol, and a data transfer B transaction is executed.

  In addition, as a physical file related to the non-generic embedded file transfer protocol 26 which is another layer of the USB file storage interface 19, the files of the USB function API 24 and the server interface 25 are transferred by the general-purpose transfer protocol. Then, the data transfer C transaction is executed.

  Further, the non-generic data storage unit 7 stores a server application capable of executing a data transfer D transaction to the main memory 16 on the PC 9 side in a file concept hierarchy. In this case, the non-generic transfer protocol is executed on the host-side USB stack and connector 30 connected to the cable 2 through the file management unit 8, the USB file storage interface 19, the USB stack and the connector 20.

  The PC 9 adds a driver corresponding to the data transfer layer B to the USB bulk dedicated driver 31. For example, it is added to the USB system interface 32 and the host side bulk dedicated API 33 of the host side bulk dedicated transfer unit 34.

  Similarly, the PC 9 adds a driver corresponding to the data transfer hierarchy C to the USB file storage driver 35. For example, a physical file related to the embedded file transfer protocol 38 is added to the USB driver interface 36 and the file system API 37.

  The operation of the information terminal 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 and 4. Communication between the information terminal 1 and the PC 9 is started when the connection of the cable 2 is detected.

  (A) The interface 3 repeats the USB access determination processing step 43 (hereinafter, “step” is abbreviated as “ST”) until it determines that the connection of the cable 2 to the PC 9 is USB access, and determines that it is USB access (YES). Branches to file system information transmission ST44 in a step.

  (B) The PC 9 executes the non-generic data transfer application program stored in the data transfer information storage unit 6 in the file system information transmission ST44, and driver software and environment setting files stored in the data transfer information storage unit 6 Is received via the bus 13 and the interface 3 using a general-purpose transfer protocol.

  The non-generic data transfer application program executed on the information terminal 1 automatically selects a driver corresponding to the operating system of the PC 9 (hereinafter simply referred to as “OS”). For example, the driver setting application itself that is a part of the non-generic data transfer application program can refer to the OS version and select the driver file by itself.

  The PC 9 can display icons of driver software and environment setting files stored in the data transfer information storage unit 6 on the display 10 and allow the user to browse. Even in a state where icons are displayed by the general-purpose transfer protocol, the file stored in the non-general-purpose data storage unit 7 can be browsed.

  (C) When the user subsequently transfers the file stored in the non-generic data storage unit 7 to the PC 9, for example, when the file management program is started on the PC 9 side and the operation of the keyboard 11 is started, Switching from the transfer protocol to the non-generic transfer protocol, the information terminal 1 executes the non-generic transfer protocol establishment determination ST45 to determine the establishment of the non-generic transfer protocol with the PC 9 side.

  (D) When the determination result of the non-generic transfer protocol establishment determination ST45 is establishment (YES), the process branches to the non-generic data storage unit access ST46, otherwise returns to the file system information transmission ST44 and the driver Transfer software and environment setting files to PC9 again.

  (E) The information terminal 1 causes the non-generic data storage unit 7 to access the PC 9 at the non-generic data storage unit access ST46, and executes data transfer using the non-generic transfer protocol. Further, the process proceeds to data transmission completion determination ST47 to determine whether or not the data transmission of the file stored in the non-generic data storage unit 7 is completed.

  (F) When the information terminal 1 determines that the data transmission is not completed (NO) in the data transmission completion determination ST47, the information terminal 1 branches to the protocol update ST48, and parameters of the non-generic transfer protocol (for example, the address of the file management unit 8) (Information) is updated, the process returns to the non-generic data storage unit access ST46, and the data transfer by the non-generic transfer protocol is continued.

  (G) On the other hand, when the information terminal 1 determines that the data transmission is completed (YES) in the data transmission completion determination ST47, it ends the data transfer process.

  In the information terminal 1 of the first embodiment, both the data transfer information storage unit 6 and the non-generic data storage unit 7 can transfer data using the memory device 51 (flash memory) shown in FIG. The present invention does not limit the data transfer information storage unit 6 to a flash memory.

  For example, the data transfer information storage unit 6 can be configured by a mask ROM or EPROM as a data read-only memory. In this case, since the data transfer information storage unit 6 can be configured with fewer members, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  The memory device 51 (flash memory) shown in FIG. 5 is, for example, a memory cell array in which a plurality of memory cell transistors each having a charge storage layer whose charge storage state is controlled independently are arranged in a cell array in the column direction and the row direction. An example of a NAND flash memory including

  Since the memory device 51 is a flash memory that requires block erasure, large-capacity files stored in the non-generic data storage unit 7 can also be erased collectively. In this case, the block erase has an advantage that the erase process can be completed in a short time because a large-scale range can be erased as compared with the general-purpose transfer protocol for erasing in units of sectors.

  For example, the non-generic transfer protocol can be executed with the erase block size of a flash memory having a storage function set to 128 Kbytes or more.

  However, the present invention does not limit the erase block size to 128 Kbytes, and it is a matter of course that blocks having a data erase unit of 512 Kbytes or more in a flash memory having a storage function can be erased.

  In FIG. 5, a plurality of word lines, select gate lines, and bit lines are provided in the memory cell array 52, respectively. A plurality of memory cells are connected to the plurality of word lines and bit lines. The plurality of memory cells are divided into a plurality of blocks, and data is erased in units of blocks.

  Connected to the memory cell array 52 are a data holding circuit 59 composed of a plurality of latch circuits and a row decoder 53 for selectively driving a plurality of word lines and selection gate lines.

  The data holding circuit 59 temporarily holds data read via the bit line when reading data from the memory cell array 52, and temporarily holds write data when writing data to the memory cell array 52, and stores the data via the bit line. This is supplied to the cell array 52. An input / output buffer (I / O buffer) 63 and a column decoder 57 are connected to the data holding circuit 59. At the time of data reading, only the data selected according to the output of the column decoder 57 among the read data held by the data holding circuit 59 is read out of the memory via the I / O buffer 63, and at the time of data writing The write data supplied from the outside of the memory via the I / O buffer 63 is held in a latch circuit in the data holding circuit 59 selected according to the output of the column decoder 57.

  The row decoder 53 selectively drives a word line and a selection gate line in the memory cell array 52 at the time of data reading and writing so that one page of memory cells in the memory cell array 52 is simultaneously selected.

  The address latch 56 latches the address input, supplies the row address to the row decoder 53, and supplies the column address to the column decoder 57.

  The command latch circuit 62 receives a command input. A command decoder 61 is connected to the command latch circuit 62. The command decoder 61 decodes the command and outputs various control signals. Based on a control signal output from the command decoder 61, operations of the data holding circuit 59, the row decoder 53, the I / O buffer 63, the column decoder 57, the address latch 56, and the like are controlled.

  In addition to the circuit, this memory is provided with a high voltage / intermediate voltage generation circuit for generating a high voltage and an intermediate voltage to be supplied to the row decoder 53 and the memory cell array 52 when data is written and erased. The illustration is omitted.

  As described above, according to the information terminal 1 and the data transfer method of the information terminal 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a non-generic data transfer environment is provided in a plug-and-play environment. Can do.

  In addition, since the information terminal can add a non-generic data transfer environment via the mass storage class, which is a USB specification and a general-purpose transfer protocol, it can be easily connected to many currently operating PCs. .

  By making the non-generic transfer protocol a file layer level transfer protocol, it is possible to transfer data efficiently according to the convenience of the application device.

  The memory device 51 (flash memory) can be used as a storage element that can demonstrate the usefulness of the non-generic transfer protocol. In particular, a flash memory having a large erase block size can be used as a storage element that can demonstrate the usefulness of a non-generic transfer protocol.

  Furthermore, the flash memory whose data writing unit exceeds 512 Kbytes is also a storage element that can demonstrate the usefulness of the non-generic transfer protocol.

  In the above description, the information terminal 1 has the input / output unit 5. However, whether or not the input / output unit 5 is provided is an item that can be arbitrarily selected in the circuit design. For example, as an information terminal that does not employ the input / output unit 5, a USB memory can be targeted.

(Second Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 6, the information terminal 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an interface 3, a display 5 a as an output unit, an input unit 5 b operated by a button, and a card insertion slot 41. In addition, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted about the component same as 1st Embodiment.

A memory card 40 is inserted into the card insertion slot 41. As the memory card 40, for example, an SD ^TM card or the like can be used. In the following description of the second embodiment, an example in which an SD card is used as the memory card 40 will be described.

  As in the first embodiment, the SD card 40 has a data transfer information storage unit 6 (see FIG. 1) for reading data transfer information, and a non-generic data storage for inputting / outputting data by access using a non-generic transfer protocol. After communicating with the unit 7 (see FIG. 1) with the personal computer 9 using the general-purpose transfer protocol, the data is read from the non-generic data storage unit 7 using the non-generic transfer protocol and transferred to the personal computer 9 using the non-generic transfer protocol. A file management unit 8 (see FIG. 1) is provided.

  In the information terminal 1, the format of the data storage method of the data transfer information storage unit 6 connected by the general-purpose transfer protocol by the USB cable 2 and the non-generic data storage unit 7 connected by the non-generic transfer protocol is the address of the flash memory. Therefore, compatibility with a removable SD card having a built-in 64 MB flash memory is possible.

  In addition, the information terminal 1 realizes a non-generic data transfer application program and non-generic data transfer environment for performing non-generic data transfer in a data transfer information storage unit 6 having a capacity of 1 Mbyte connected by a general-purpose transfer protocol. Stores files (driver software, environment setting file (ini file)).

  The information terminal 1 is connected to an external PC 9 through a cable 2 and accesses a 1 Mbyte area using a general-purpose transfer protocol. For example, it can be accessed from the PC 9 as a mass storage class of USB specification.

  Since the PC 9 is connected to the non-generic data storage unit 7 on the information terminal 1 side in the non-generic data transfer environment, the PC 9 uses the information terminal 1 whose data transfer efficiency operates faster than the conventional general-purpose transfer protocol. be able to.

  The operation of the information terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 6, and FIG. Communication between the information terminal 1 and the PC 9 is started when the interface 3 detects the connection of the cable 2.

  (A) The interface 3 repeats the USB access determination process ST43 until the connection of the cable 2 with the PC 9 is determined to be USB access, and branches to the file system information transmission ST44 when it is determined to be USB access (YES).

  (B) The PC 9 executes the non-generic data transfer application program stored in the data transfer information storage unit 6 in the file system information transmission ST44, and driver software and environment setting files stored in the data transfer information storage unit 6 Is received via the bus 13 and the interface 3 using a general-purpose transfer protocol.

  The non-generic data transfer application program executed on the information terminal 1 automatically selects a driver corresponding to the OS of the PC 9. For example, the driver setting application itself that is a part of the non-generic data transfer application program can refer to the OS version and select the driver file by itself.

  The PC 9 can display icons of driver software and environment setting files stored in the data transfer information storage unit 6 on the display 10 and allow the user to browse. Even in a state where icons are displayed by the general-purpose transfer protocol, the file stored in the non-general-purpose data storage unit 7 can be browsed.

  (C) The SD card 40 stores card identification (CID) information in the data transfer information storage unit 6. For example, the CID is “8” bit manufacturer ID, “16” bit OEM / application ID, “40” bit product name code, “8” bit product revision code, “32” bit product manufacture. 128 bits wide due to number code, “4” bit reserved field, “12” bit manufacturing date code, “7” bit CRC7 checksum, “1” bit always logic “1” and unusable field Card identification (CID) information.

  For example, the SD card 40 stores non-generic data transfer protocol identification information in a “32” -bit product manufacturing number code in the card identification (CID) information, and the SD card information between the SD card 40 and the PC 9. Transmission ST50 may be performed. However, the present invention is not limited to the “32” -bit product serial number code, and other codes or fields may be used.

  (D) When the user subsequently transfers the file stored in the non-generic data storage unit 7 to the PC 9, for example, when the file management program is activated on the PC 9 side and the operation of the keyboard 11 is started, Switching from the transfer protocol to the non-generic transfer protocol, the information terminal 1 executes the non-generic transfer protocol establishment determination ST45 to determine the establishment of the non-generic transfer protocol with the PC 9 side.

  If the determination result of the non-generic transfer protocol establishment determination ST45 is establishment (YES), the process branches to the non-generic data storage unit access ST46. If not established, the process returns to the file system information transmission ST44, and the driver software and environment Re-transfer the setting file to PC9.

  (E) The information terminal 1 causes the non-generic data storage unit 7 to access the PC 9 at the non-generic data storage unit access ST46, and executes data transfer using the non-generic transfer protocol. Further, the process proceeds to data transmission completion determination ST47 to determine whether or not the data transmission of the file stored in the non-generic data storage unit 7 is completed.

  (F) When the information terminal 1 determines that the data transmission is not completed (NO) in the data transmission completion determination ST47, the information terminal 1 branches to the protocol update ST48, and parameters of the non-generic transfer protocol (for example, the address of the file management unit 8) (Information) is updated, the process returns to the non-generic data storage unit access ST46, and the data transfer by the non-generic transfer protocol is continued.

  (G) On the other hand, when the information terminal 1 determines that the data transmission is completed (YES) in the data transmission completion determination ST47, it ends the data transfer process.

  In the information terminal 1 of the second embodiment, both the data transfer information storage unit 6 and the non-generic data storage unit 7 can transfer data using the memory device 51 (flash memory) shown in FIG. The present invention does not limit the data transfer information storage unit 6 to a flash memory.

  As described above, according to the information terminal 1 and the data transfer method of the information terminal 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the application device and the card Can be applied to readers and writers.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, an example in which the USB memory 100 is used as the information terminal 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described. A USB memory 100 shown in FIG. 8 includes a controller 110 and a memory device 51. As the memory device 51, a NAND flash memory can be used as in the first and second embodiments.

  Further, the I / F 3, the CPU 4, and the file management unit 8 illustrated in FIG. 1 are mounted on the controller 110 as illustrated in FIG. 6. The data transfer information storage unit 6 and the non-generic data storage unit 7 illustrated in FIG. 1 are mounted on the memory device 51. The controller 110 further includes a buffer memory 111. For example, an SRAM can be used as the buffer memory 111.

  An I / F compliant with the USB standard is mounted as the I / F 3 and is directly connected to the PC 9 without using the cable 2 shown in FIG. The USB memory 100 does not include the input / output unit 5 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The data transfer information storage unit 6 stores in advance a non-generic data transfer application program for setting the connection environment of the non-generic transfer protocol in the PC 9. The non-generic data transfer application program is stored in the main memory 16 of the PC 9 using a general-purpose transfer protocol. The CPU 14 of the PC 9 executes a non-generic data transfer application program and transfers file data to the USB memory 100 using a non-generic transfer protocol.

  The CPU 14 of the PC 9 executes a non-generic data transfer application program and performs file transfer as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n and management information M1 of the plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n are individually written in the non-generic data storage unit 7 (n; 2 or more integer). The management information M1 includes FAT data F1 and DIR data D1.

  That is, the non-generic data transfer application program can transfer a plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n as one task. The data transfer processing procedure by the non-generic data transfer application program will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 14 of the PC 9 executes the transfer of the plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n as individual tasks for each transfer of one file data, as shown in FIG. Management information needs to be updated. In the example shown in FIG. 10, when transferring the file data FD_1, DIR data D1_1, D2_1 and FAT data F_1 are added to the file data FD_1. Similarly, when transferring the file data FD_n, the DIR data D1_n and D2_n and the FAT data F_n are added to the file data FD_n. Furthermore, the transfer of the plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n is not performed according to the logical block address (LBA) of the USB memory 100.

  As a result, a situation in which a long time is required for data transfer occurs. In particular, when the data amount of each data file is small, the writing load of management information (FAT data, DIR data) becomes relatively large.

  Therefore, the time required for data transfer can be shortened by installing a non-generic data transfer application program or the like from the USB memory 100 to the PC 9 and executing the transfer method shown in FIG.

  In the NAND flash memory 51 shown in FIG. 8, writing or reading is performed on consecutive addresses of several kilobits at a time. For this reason, the buffer memory 111 is used when a small amount of data or non-continuous address data is written or read.

  Since the buffer memory 111 can transfer data at a higher speed than the NAND flash memory 51, the CPU 4 uses the buffer memory 111 when performing data transfer with the PC 9 exceeding the maximum operating speed of the NAND flash memory 51. Improve data transfer efficiency.

  Next, a processing procedure example of the non-generic data transfer application program according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG.

  (A) In ST11 of FIG. 11, for example, a data file to be transferred (copied) to the USB memory 100 is selected by a user operation on the keyboard 11 shown in FIG. Here, when a plurality of files are selected at once, the non-generic data transfer application is activated. When the non-generic data transfer application is activated, the CPU 14 of the PC 9 executes processing by the non-generic data transfer application program.

  (B) In ST12, the transfer destination folder in the USB memory 100 for the transfer (copy) target file is selected by the user's operation on the keyboard 11, for example.

  (C) In ST13, the CPU 14 of the PC 9 analyzes the FAT file system in the non-generic data storage unit 7 and transfers the plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n shown in FIG. Determine the cluster placement of file data.

  (D) In ST14, the CPU 14 of the PC 9 creates management information M1 after the transfer of the plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n.

  (E) In ST15, the CPU 14 of the PC 9 reads each of the plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n from the main memory 16, and transfers them to the non-generic data storage unit 7. Each of the plurality of file data FD_1 to FD_n is written in an increasing direction of the LBA of the non-general-purpose data storage unit 7, for example.

  (F) In ST16, the CPU 14 of the PC 9 transfers the management information M1 created in ST14 to the non-generic data storage unit 7.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, by installing a non-generic data transfer application program or the like from the USB memory 100 to the PC 9, the PC 9 can execute optimal data transfer to the USB memory 100. . Therefore, it is possible to provide the USB memory 100 that can easily construct a data transfer connection environment of a non-generic transfer protocol.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, the present invention has been described according to the first to third embodiments. However, it should not be understood that the description and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the third embodiment, an example in which the USB memory 100 is used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the USB memory 100, and a PC card or the like may be used. In the first to third embodiments, an example in which a NAND flash memory is used has been described. However, a nonvolatile memory such as a ferroelectric memory (FeRAM) or a magnetic memory (MRAM) may be used. .

The block diagram of the information terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The memory block diagram of the information terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the data hierarchy between the information terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and a computer. The flowchart of the information terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The block diagram of the memory device used for the information terminal of a 1st embodiment. The block diagram of the information terminal and computer which concern on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart of the information terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram of the USB memory which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Schematic for demonstrating the non-general purpose data transfer application program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the comparative example for demonstrating the non-generic data transfer application program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence example of the non-generic data transfer application program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information terminal 2 ... Cable 3 ... Interface 4 ... Central processing unit 6 ... Data transfer information storage part 7 ... Non-general-purpose data storage part 8 ... File management part 9 ... Computer 9 ... Personal computer 13 ... Bus 14 ... CPU
15 ... Interface 16 ... Main memory 17 ... General purpose transfer protocol 18 ... Non-generic transfer protocol

Claims (5)

A data transfer information storage unit from which data transfer information can be read out by accessing from an external computer using a general-purpose transfer protocol;
A non-generic data storage unit capable of writing or reading data by access using a non-generic transfer protocol;
A file management unit that communicates with the computer using the general-purpose transfer protocol, reads data from the non-general-purpose data storage unit using the non-generic transfer protocol, and transfers data to the computer using the non-generic transfer protocol. An information terminal characterized by that. An interface to connect to an external computer;
A data transfer information storage unit connected to the interface and capable of reading data transfer information by accessing the computer by a general-purpose transfer protocol;
A non-generic data storage unit connected to the interface and capable of reading or writing data by accessing the computer with a non-generic transfer protocol;
An information terminal comprising: a file management unit connected to the interface, reading data from the non-generic data storage unit using the non-generic transfer protocol, and transferring the data to the computer.   The data transfer information storage unit transfers pre-stored data transfer information to the computer during communication of the general-purpose transfer protocol with the computer, and non-generic data transfer different from the general-purpose data transfer environment setting of the computer The information terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a non-generic data transfer application program for adding an environment setting is stored.   The file management unit detects access of the non-generic protocol from the computer, and writes and reads data from the non-generic data storage unit using the non-generic transfer protocol. 2. The information terminal according to 2. An interface detecting access from a general purpose transfer protocol from an external computer;
Transmitting data transfer information read from the data transfer information storage unit by the general-purpose transfer protocol to the computer through the interface, and adding a non-generic data transfer environment setting different from the general-purpose data transfer environment setting of the computer;
If the access from the computer is determined to be a non-generic protocol, the file management unit permits the computer to write or read data to the non-generic data storage unit by accessing the non-generic transfer protocol. A data transfer method for an information terminal.

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