JP2006184977A - Information storage device and radio communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information storage device, which is prevented from erroneous removal from an information processing terminal, and a radio communication device. <P>SOLUTION: This information storage device constructed of an insertion part 4 positioned inside a card slot 2 and a projection part 5 positioned on the outside of the card slot 2 is provided with an interface 6, a CPU 7, a modem part 8, and a memory part 9, and a sensor 12 arranged in the outer circumference of the projection part 5. A sound buzzer part 14 and an LED display part 15 are arranged in the upper part of the projection part 5, and when a user presses a sensor 12 in removal of a PC card 3, an alarm is given by the sound buzzer part 14 and the LED display part 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information storage device and a wireless communication device that are detachably attached to an information processing terminal such as a notebook computer.

When working with an information processing terminal such as a laptop computer, for example, data is transferred using an information storage device, or information is exchanged by connecting to an external communication network using a wireless communication device equipped with wireless communication means. is doing. Such a device is used by being inserted into an insertion slot such as a card slot provided in the information processing terminal, and can be pulled out when not in use. Conventionally, there has been considered an information processing terminal that can prevent a program runaway, a system reset, and the like when a device is accidentally pulled out during the program execution of such a device (Patent Document 1 and 2).
JP-A-5-28327 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-4852

  By the way, in the case of an information storage device, if data is not extracted after performing a predetermined process (device operation stop process) in the information processing terminal, data for storage or the like is not written to the memory. The device may become unstable and the data stored in the memory may be destroyed. Further, such illegal processing also causes the OS of the information processing terminal to become unstable, which may cause a failure of the information processing terminal.

  In the case of a wireless communication device, for example, the wireless communication device is pulled out while rewriting PRL (roaming area information) or writing ID information such as a telephone number by OTA (Over The Air). If this happens, the information that has been rewritten or written becomes invalid. For this reason, when the wireless communication device is inserted again into the insertion slot of the information processing terminal and information is rewritten or written as described above, the information is rewritten from the beginning. It will be useless. In addition, in such a case, since the device becomes unstable, problems such as malfunction may occur, and further, the load on the base station side increases, so the communication state is poor. The problem of becoming will arise.

  Furthermore, in the case of a wireless communication device, session information with the base station is held at the time of communication, but if the wireless communication device is pulled out before such session information is held, the next communication connection In this case, since session information must be held again, there is a problem that it takes time to connect.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an information storage device and a wireless communication device that can prevent an information processing terminal from being accidentally pulled out.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information storage device of the present invention is provided with an interface that can be connected to an information processing terminal, storage means, and can be pushed or touched when being pulled out. When detecting by the detecting means for detecting the state, the notifying means, and the detection means, if the extraction is inappropriate, control is performed so that the notifying means can perform the notification. And a control means. The notification by the notification means is made for the purpose of warning the user so that the information storage device is not accidentally extracted from the information processing terminal.

  Further, the information storage device of the present invention comprises an insertion part located in the information processing terminal and a protruding part located outside the information processing terminal when the interface is connected to the information processing terminal. In order to make a notification that reliably alerts the user, a notification means is provided, for example, on the protruding portion.

  In the information storage device of the present invention, the case where it is inappropriate to perform extraction refers to a case where power is supplied to the information storage device, that is, a case where the power supply is in an ON state.

  Further, in the information storage device of the present invention, the case where it is inappropriate to perform extraction refers to the case where the information processing terminal does not stop the operation of the information storage device. A state where safe removal of the storage device is not permitted, that is, a state in which a power-off request is received from the information processing terminal and power-off processing is being performed (writing of storage data at the time of termination, etc.) Means the state is being performed).

  Furthermore, in the information storage device of the present invention, the case where it is inappropriate to perform extraction refers to a case where information is written in the storage means, which means writing of data (memory) from the information processing terminal. Is.

  In general, when the user tries to pull out the information storage device from the information processing terminal, the outer peripheral portion (for example, the upper or lower portion or both sides) of the protruding portion is held (picked) with the thumb and the index finger or the like. Therefore, in the present invention, in order to perform detection in the flow of such an extraction operation, the detection means is constituted by a sensor that detects pressing or contact, and the outer peripheral portion (for example, the upper and lower portions) of the protruding portion. Alternatively, it is provided on both sides.

  Note that when the user tries to pull out the information storage device from the information processing terminal, it is almost always pulled out by gripping the upper and lower portions of the protruding portion with the thumb and forefinger or the like, or holding both sides. Therefore, in order to perform reliable detection corresponding to such an extraction operation, in the present invention, a pair of detection means is provided on each of the upper and lower portions or both side portions of the protruding portion. It is also characterized in that the notification means can make a notification when a set of detection means provided on the upper and lower parts or both sides of the battery is pressed or when a set of detection means is touched. .

  The present invention is also characterized in that the detection means is constituted by a pressure sensor and is provided on both sides of the insertion portion, and when the interface is connected to the information processing terminal, the detection means is in contact with the inside of the information processing terminal. It is said. With this configuration, when the information storage device is pulled out, the pressure at the time of pulling can be detected by the pressure sensor, and in this case as well, detection can be reliably performed in the flow of the pulling operation.

  Further, the information processing terminal is usually provided with a takeout button for moving the information storage device to the outside, and the user moves the information storage device to the outside by pushing the takeout button and pulls it out. Therefore, in order to perform the detection corresponding to the flow of the conventional extraction operation, in the present invention, the detection means moves in the extraction direction when the extraction button provided in the information processing terminal is pressed. It is characterized in that it is provided at a position opposite to the pushing member in the information processing terminal provided in.

  By the way, in this invention, in order to notify to a user reliably, an alerting | reporting means is comprised by an acoustic means and a display means, for example. In this case, for example, the sound means is configured to sound a piezoelectric buzzer or to reproduce a synthesized sound from a speaker, and the display means is configured to flash an LED lamp or the like, for example. In the present invention, it is desirable to use both the sound means and the display means in order to more reliably warn the user of the pull-out prevention.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the notification means is a screen display on the information processing terminal. In this case, in order to perform a display for preventing the withdrawal on the screen of the information processing terminal, a predetermined program, that is, a display for preventing the withdrawal on the screen of the information processing terminal can be performed on the information processing terminal. However, such a program can be easily obtained by including it in the driver software (device driver) of the information storage device installed in the information processing terminal. It can be input to the processing terminal.

  In the present invention, the interface that can be connected to the information processing terminal, the wireless communication means, the storage means, and provided so that it can be pushed or touched when it is pulled out to detect the pressed state or the touched state. When the detection means, the notification means, and the detection means perform detection, if the wireless communication means is used to perform an operation that requires writing of information to the storage means, the notification The wireless communication device is configured by control means for controlling so that notification can be performed by the means.

  In this case, as an operation requiring writing, for example, rewriting of PRL (roaming area information) by OTA (Over The Air), writing of ID information such as a telephone number, firmware of the modem unit, Function updates are included, and standby operations and handover (handoff) are also included.

  According to the information storage device and the wireless communication device of the present invention configured as described above, when the user accidentally tries to pull out from the information processing terminal, a notification is made to prevent the pulling out. Can be reliably prevented.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The information storage device and the wireless communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to an example of a PC card.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a state in which a PC card as a wireless communication device according to the present invention is inserted into an insertion slot (a card slot in the present embodiment) of an information processing terminal, as viewed from the plane side. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PC card as a wireless communication device according to the present invention.

  A generally used information processing terminal 1 such as a notebook personal computer is usually provided with a card slot (insertion slot) 2 into which a PC card or the like is inserted. The PC card 3 of the present invention is inserted in the card slot 2. Can be plugged in. When the PC card 3 is inserted into the card slot 2, the PC card 3 includes an insertion portion 4 positioned in the card slot 2 and a protruding portion 5 positioned outside the card slot 2. An interface 6 connected to a connector portion (not shown) in the card slot 2, a CPU (control means) 7 for controlling the entire device, a modem portion 8, and a memory portion (storage means) 9. Is provided. Reference numeral 10 denotes a foldable antenna for wireless communication provided on the protruding portion 5.

  The insertion portion 4 is formed so as to be inserted between a pair of card guide rails 11 provided on both side portions in the card slot 2 of the information processing terminal 1. Is provided with a pair of sensors (detecting means) 12 provided so as to protrude outward from both side portions of the protruding portion 5. The pair of sensors 12 are provided so as to be slightly pushed toward the center side of the protrusion 5 and are configured to detect the pushed state. The sensor 12 may be configured to detect this state when the sensor 12 is touched.

  The upper surface portion of the protruding portion 5 is provided with notifying means 13 for notifying the user of the extraction, and this notifying means 13 is a ringing buzzer portion (acoustic means) 14 provided on the upper surface portion of the protruding portion 5. And an LED display part (display means) 15 provided on the upper surface part of the protruding part 5. The notification means 13 configured as described above is controlled by the CPU 7 so that when the pair of sensors 12 is pushed in, a warning sound is emitted from the ringing buzzer section 14 and the LED display section 15 blinks. It is configured. In particular, in the present invention, by configuring the ringing buzzer unit 14, even if the user does not notice the blinking by the LED display unit 15, the warning sound from the ringing buzzer unit 14 is surely received by the user. Can alert you.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the PC card as the wireless communication device according to the present invention. In addition, (S1) to (S6) in the flowchart show each step processing of the operation.

  When the information processing terminal 1 is turned on when the PC card 3 is inserted into the card slot 2 when the information processing terminal 1 is in the ON state, or when the PC card 3 is inserted into the card slot 2 of the information processing terminal 1, The PC card 3 is also turned on (PowerON: S1). At this time, the CPU 7 of the PC card 3 has a setting for prohibiting erroneous pull-out, more specifically, when the pair of sensors 12 are pushed, a warning sound is emitted from the ringing buzzer unit 14, Settings are made so that the LED display unit 15 blinks (unplugging prohibition setting: S2).

  When the removal prohibition is set, for example, when the communication process by the modem unit 8 is being performed (modem process: S3), whether or not there is a request for the extraction process from the information processing terminal 1, that is, the information processing terminal 1 In step S4, the CPU 7 determines whether or not processing for stopping the operation of the PC card 3 has been performed.

  When the user performs a process for stopping the operation of the PC card 3 in the information processing terminal 1, the PC card 3 is subjected to a power-off process (power-off process: S5) and is turned off (PowerOff: S6). ). Therefore, in this state, the PC card 3 can be safely pulled out. When the user has not performed the process for stopping the device operation of the PC card 3 in the information processing terminal 1, the communication process by the modem unit 8 is performed (S3).

  The operation shown in FIG. 3 can also be performed by an information storage device. However, when the information storage device is configured with, for example, a flash memory, an influence caused by an erroneous extraction is performed. It occurs only while data is written to the flash memory (memory unit) (during data transfer). Therefore, in the case of an information storage device having a flash memory, it is only necessary to make a setting that prohibits erroneous extraction (extraction) only while data is written to the flash memory.

  Then, next, operation | movement of the information storage device based on this invention provided with such a flash memory is demonstrated based on the flowchart shown in FIG. In this case, (S7) to (S14) in the flowchart show each step processing of the operation. The PC card 16 as an information storage device according to the present invention includes an insertion portion 4 and a protruding portion 5 as with the PC card 3. The interface 6 and a pair of sensors (detection means) 12 as with the PC card 3. Are provided with a memory unit 17 (not shown) in which a flash memory is configured and a CPU (control means) 18 (not shown) for controlling the entire device.

  When the PC card 16 is inserted when the information processing terminal 1 is in the ON state, or when the information processing terminal 1 is in the ON state with the PC card 16 being inserted into the card slot 2 of the information processing terminal 1 As in step 1, the PC card 16 is also turned on (PowerON: S7). Then, whether or not data is written from the information processing terminal 1 to the memory unit 17 (whether or not data is transferred) is determined by the CPU 18 (S8). If data is being written, the CPU 18 In the same manner as in step 2, the removal prohibition setting is made (extraction prohibition setting: S9).

  After such a removal prohibition setting is made, this setting is continued until the data writing from the information processing terminal 1 is completed, and when the data writing is completed (data writing process: S10). The CPU 18 cancels the removal prohibition setting and makes a setting for permitting extraction (extraction permission setting: S11). Therefore, the PC card 16 can be pulled out by such an extraction permission setting.

  Further, when data is not written, whether or not there is a request for extraction processing from the information processing terminal 1, that is, processing for stopping the operation of the PC card 16 at the information processing terminal 1 is performed. If the CPU 18 determines whether or not the information processing terminal 1 performs processing for stopping the operation of the PC card 16, the PC card 16 is subjected to power-off processing (power-off processing). : S13), the power is turned off (PowerOff: S14). Therefore, it can be safely pulled out also in this case.

  The above-described operation is performed by an information storage device provided with a flash memory. However, the present invention is not limited to the case of such an information storage device, and is a wireless communication device having a wireless communication means provided with a flash memory. It can also be done in a communication device. When the wireless communication device in this case performs an operation that requires writing of information to the flash memory using wireless communication means, specifically, for example, according to OTA (Over The Air) (1) When rewriting PRL (roaming area information), (2) When writing ID information such as a telephone number, (3) When updating firmware and functions of the modem unit, etc. It is assumed that the above-described removal prohibition setting is made during standby operation or during handover (handoff).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of pulling out the information storage device and the wireless communication device according to the present invention. In addition, (S15) to (S17) in the flowchart show each step processing of the operation.

  When the user presses the pair of sensors 12 (or touches the pair of sensors 12) and tries to remove the PC cards 3 and 16 from the information processing terminal 1 (extraction detection interrupt process: S15), the removal prohibition setting (S16: In this case, it means S2 or S11 (the same applies hereinafter)), and it is recognized by the CPUs 7 and 18 that the pair of sensors 12 has been pressed (touched). Based on this, a warning sound is emitted from the ringing buzzer unit 14, and the LED display unit 15 blinks (extraction warning: S17). Therefore, since the user can stop the pulling-out operation by such notification, no erroneous pulling out is performed.

  When the PC cards 3 and 16 are pulled out from the information processing terminal 1 by pressing the pair of sensors 12 (S15), if the removal prohibition setting (S16) is not made, the PC cards 3 and 16 are safely pulled out. Can do.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PC card which is another wireless communication device according to the present invention.

  Similar to the PC card 3, the PC card 19, which is another wireless communication device, includes an insertion portion 4 and a protruding portion 5, and includes an interface 6, a CPU 7, a modem portion 8, a memory portion 9, an antenna portion 10, and a pair of sensors 12. Are provided, and only the ringing buzzer portion (sound means) 14 is provided on the protruding portion 5. The PC card 19 not only emits a warning sound from the ringing buzzer unit 14 but also displays a warning character or the like (not shown) for preventing pulling out on the screen (not shown) of the information processing terminal 1. (Informing means 20). In the case where such a notification means 20 is provided, a program for displaying a warning character or the like on the screen in response to detection by the pair of sensors 12 of the PC card 19 is input to the information processing terminal 1 side. Software shall be installed.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a PC card as another wireless communication device according to the present invention.

  Similar to the PC card 3, the PC card 21 as another wireless communication device includes an insertion portion 4 and a protruding portion 5, and includes an interface 6, a CPU 7, a modem portion 8, a memory 9, an antenna portion 10, and a notification means 13. In addition, a pair (one set) of sensors 22 and 23 are provided on the upper and lower portions or both side portions of the protrusion 5. When the PC card 21 is turned on and the pair of sensors 22 and 23 disposed on the upper and lower portions or both sides of the protruding portion 5 is pressed, a warning sound is emitted from the ringing buzzer portion 14. Furthermore, the LED display unit 15 is configured to blink. In the PC card 21 configured in this manner, the pair of sensors 22 and 23 are provided on the upper and lower portions or both sides of the protruding portion 5, so that when the user tries to pull out the PC card 21, a pair of sensors inevitably exist. Since the sensor 22 or the pair of sensors 23 is touched, detection is performed more reliably.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a state in which a PC card as still another wireless communication device according to the present invention is inserted into an insertion slot (a card slot in the present embodiment) of an information processing terminal as viewed from the plane side.

  Further, the PC card 24 as another wireless communication device includes an insertion portion 4 and a protruding portion 5, as with the PC card 3, and includes an interface 6, a CPU 7, a modem portion 8, a memory portion 9, an antenna portion 10, and an informing means. 13, and pressure sensors (detection means) 25 are provided on both sides of the insertion portion 4. The pressure sensor 25 is provided so as to protrude slightly outward from the center of both side portions of the insertion portion 4, and when the PC card 24 is inserted into the card slot 2, the pressure sensor 25 slightly extends to the inner wall portion of the card guide rail 11. It is configured to be pressed (pressed). Therefore, when the PC card 24 inserted into the card slot 2 is pulled out, the pressure sensor 25 can detect the pressure in the pulling direction, so detection is inevitably performed.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a state in which a PC card as still another wireless communication device according to the present invention is inserted into an insertion slot (a card slot in the present embodiment) of an information processing terminal as viewed from the plane side.

  Further, the PC card 26 as another wireless communication device includes an insertion portion 4 and a protruding portion 5, as with the PC card 3, and includes an interface 6, a CPU 7, a modem portion 8, a memory portion 9, an antenna portion 10, and a notification means 13. Is provided at both ends of the insertion portion 4 on the side where the protruding portion 5 is not formed, that is, at a portion facing the card push-out member 28 connected to the ejection button 27 of the information processing terminal 1. Is provided with a sensor 29. The sensor 29 is configured in the same manner as the sensor 13 of the PC card 3, and is configured such that when the eject button 27 is pressed, the sensor 29 is pushed by the card pushing member 28 in the pulling direction. In this case, the detection by the sensor 29 is performed before the eject button 27 is completely pushed (at least when the interface 6 and the connector are connected).

  It should be noted that the above-described changes to the PC card 19, 21, 24, 26 with respect to the PC card 3, that is, the configuration of each sensor, are employed in the PC card 18 as an information storage device provided with a flash memory. Is also possible.

  Examples of the information storage device and wireless communication device other than the interface PC card of the present invention include USB type, CF type, and SD type memories and wireless devices.

It is the schematic which looked at the state where the PC card as a wireless communication device concerning the present invention was inserted in the insertion slot of an information processing terminal from the plane side. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PC card as a wireless communication device according to the present invention. It is the flowchart shown about operation | movement of the PC card as a radio | wireless communication device which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the PC card | curd as an information storage device based on this invention provided with the flash memory. It is the flowchart shown about the process at the time of extraction of the information storage device which concerns on this invention, and a radio | wireless communication device. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the PC card as another radio | wireless communication device which concerns on this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the PC card as another radio | wireless communication device which concerns on this invention. It is the schematic which looked at the state by which the PC card as another radio | wireless communication device which concerns on this invention was inserted in the insertion slot of the information processing terminal from the plane side. It is the schematic which looked at the state by which the PC card as another wireless communication device which concerns on this invention was inserted in the insertion slot of the information processing terminal from the plane side.

Explanation of symbols

1: Information processing terminal,
2: Card slot
3, 19, 21, 24, 26: PC card (wireless communication device),
4: Insertion part,
5: Protruding part,
6: Interface
7, 18: CPU (control means),
8, Modem part,
9, 17: Memory unit (storage means),
10: Antenna,
11: Card guide rail,
12, 22, 23, 29: sensor (detection means),
13, 20: Notification means,
14: Sound buzzer part (acoustic means),
15: LED display part (display means),
16: PC card (information storage device),
25: Pressure sensor (detection means),
27: Eject button,
28: Card pushing member.

Claims (17)

An interface connectable to the information processing terminal, a storage means, a detection means provided so that it can be pushed or touched when pulled out, a detection means for detecting a pressed state or a touched state, a notification means, and a detection means And when the detection is performed, if it is inappropriate to perform the extraction, the control unit is configured to control so that the notification can be performed by the notification unit. Information storage device. The information storage device comprises an insertion part located in the information processing terminal and a protruding part located outside the information processing terminal when the interface is connected to the information processing terminal,
The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is provided in the protruding portion. The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the case where the extraction is inappropriate is a case where power is supplied to the information storage device. The information storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the case where it is inappropriate to perform the extraction refers to a case where the operation of the information storage device is not stopped at the information processing terminal. . The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the case where the extraction is inappropriate is a case where information is written in the storage unit. The information storage device according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit includes a sensor that detects pressing or contact, and is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the protruding portion. The detection means is composed of a sensor that detects pressing or contact, and is provided on each of the upper and lower portions or both side portions of the protruding portion,
When the set of the detection means provided on the upper and lower parts or both sides of the protruding portion is pushed or when the set of the detection means is touched, the control means performs notification by the notification means. 6. The information storage device according to claim 2, wherein the information storage device is controlled. The detection means is configured by a pressure sensor and provided on both sides of the insertion portion, and is configured to contact the inside of the information processing terminal when connected to the information processing terminal. The information storage device according to claim 2, wherein the information storage device is an information storage device. The detection means is provided at a position facing a push-out member in the information processing terminal provided to move in the pulling direction when a take-out button provided in the information processing terminal is pressed. The information storage device according to claim 2, wherein the information storage device is an information storage device. The information storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the notification unit includes an acoustic unit and a display unit. The information storage device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a screen display on the information processing terminal. An interface connectable to the information processing terminal, a wireless communication means, a storage means, a detection means provided so that it can be pushed or touched when pulled out, a detection means for detecting the pressed state or the touched state, and an informing means; When the detection by the detection means is performed and the operation requiring the writing of information to the storage means is being performed using the wireless communication means, the notification means notifies And a wireless communication device characterized by comprising: a control means for performing control so that 13. The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the operation that requires writing means rewriting of PRL (roaming area information) by OTA (Over The Air). 13. The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the operation requiring writing means writing of ID information such as a telephone number by OTA (Over The Air). The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the operation requiring writing means updating of firmware or functions of a modem unit by OTA (Over The Air). The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the operation that requires writing means a standby operation. The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the operation requiring writing means handover (handoff).

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