JP2008059165A - Portable storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable storage device sending and receiving data between portable storage devices without requiring a device with a host controller function. <P>SOLUTION: In one embodiment, the portable storage device connectable to an information device includes a memory, a memory controller for controlling the memory, a first connector having a first shape and used for the transmission and reception of data between the memory and the information device, a second connector having a second shape engageable with the first shape and electrically connectable to a connector of the same configuration as the first connector, a connection detecting part which creates a connection detection signal upon detecting an electrical connection with the first connector, a power supply part, and a host controller controlling the memory controller. The host controller controls the transfer of data stored in the memory via the first or second connector. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable storage device, and more particularly to a portable storage device having an interface connectable to an information device such as a personal computer.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, along with the progress of high-density storage devices, portable storage devices that include a semiconductor memory or the like as storage devices, that is, portable storage devices are widely used. In comparison with a portable storage device such as a conventional flexible disk (FD), the portable storage device has a remarkably large storage capacity. Therefore, the portable storage device is used for carrying digital data having a large amount of data such as music data and moving image data. Such a large-capacity portable storage device includes a device having a USB connector for connecting to an information device such as a personal computer, a so-called USB memory.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a USB memory 902 (portable storage device conventional example) connected to a personal computer 901 (hereinafter referred to as “PC”).

  The PC 901 includes a connector 910 (receptacle) that conforms to the USB standard. The connector 910 is generally a female connector. On the other hand, the USB memory 902 has a connector 903 that conforms to the USB standard and can be connected to the connector 910. The PC 901 typically includes a female connector. Therefore, the connector 903 of the USB memory 902 is generally a male connector. In this specification, a connector conforming to the USB standard is referred to as a “USB connector”.

  By connecting the USB connector 903 and the USB connector 910, data transmission / reception between the memory 904 inside the USB memory 902 and the PC 901 becomes possible.

  The PC 901 includes a host controller (not shown) therein. The host controller recognizes the device inserted into the USB connector 910 and thereafter controls the device. When the USB connector 903 of the USB memory 902 is connected to the USB connector 910, the host controller recognizes the USB memory 902, controls the USB memory 902, and transfers data (transmission and reception) between the PC 901 and the USB memory 902. ) To control.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of power, commands, and data in the USB memory 902 connected to the PC 901. The USB memory 902 connected to the PC 901 is supplied with power from the PC 901 via the USB connector 903 and used to drive the memory controller 905 and the memory 904. A command is sent from the PC 901 to the memory controller 905. In response to the command, the memory controller 905 executes and responds to the memory 904 and the PC 901, and transmits and receives data between the memory 904 and the PC 901. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing from when the USB memory 902 is connected to the PC 901 to when data is transmitted and received. When the connection with the PC 901 is established (“YES” in step S901), power is supplied from the PC 901 and the memory controller 905 is activated (step S903). The memory controller 905 receives a command from the PC 901 and manages data transmission / reception between the memory 904 and the PC 901 (step S905).

  In a conventional portable storage device typified by a USB memory 902, a connector having a first shape and a second connector that can be connected to the first shape connector as connectors for realizing connection with other devices. A shaped connector is defined. In the case of a USB memory, the connector mounted on the USB memory side is a so-called male USB connector, and the personal computer side generally includes a female USB connector.

Further, a host controller function for controlling data transmission / reception with a connected device is generally implemented only on the personal computer side. Therefore, in order to move or copy data stored in the memory 904 of the USB memory 902 to another USB memory, or to copy data stored in another USB memory to the memory 904, a host such as a personal computer is used. It was necessary to carry out through a device having a controller function.
JP-A-10-000883 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 02-307184

  Therefore, in the conventional portable storage device, a device having a host controller function is separately required for data transmission / reception between the portable storage devices. This is one of the major factors that impair the convenience in effectively utilizing the excellent portability and large storage area of the portable storage device.

  In view of the problems of such a conventional portable storage device, the present invention is a portable storage device capable of transmitting and receiving data between portable storage devices without requiring a device having a host controller function. One of the purposes is to provide

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable storage device that can transmit and receive data not only between portable storage devices but also with other devices that do not have a host controller function.

  In one aspect, the present invention is a portable storage device that can be connected to an information device, and is used for transmitting and receiving data between a memory, a memory controller that controls the memory, and the memory and the information device. A first connector having a shape, a second shape engageable with the first shape, a second connector capable of electrical connection with a connector having the same configuration as the first connector, and the first connector A connection detection unit that detects that an electrical connection has been made and generates a connection detection signal, a power supply unit, and a host controller that can control the memory controller. The host controller includes a first connector or a second connector. This is a portable storage device that can control the transfer of data stored in the memory via the storage device.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the connection detection unit includes a third connector having a third shape, and a fourth connector having a fourth shape that can be engaged with the third shape. It is preferably generated at the fourth connector.

  In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the host controller starts operation when the connection detection signal is generated.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the connection detection signal is preferably generated also in the third connector.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a setting switch that can be set by a user is further provided, and when the setting switch is set to a predetermined state, power supply from the power supply unit to the host controller may be cut off. preferable.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the host controller further includes an interface that accepts input by a user and an interface controller that controls the interface, and when the connection detection signal is generated and input via the interface by the user is received. It is preferable to start operation and perform data transfer.

  In another aspect of the present invention, a portable storage device storage data transfer system having a first portable storage device and a second portable storage device that can be connected to an information device, the first portable storage device Is used for transmission / reception of data between the first memory, the first memory controller for controlling the first memory, the first memory and the information device, and the first connector having the first shape and the first connector are electrically connected to each other. Including a first connection detection unit that detects that a general connection has been made and generates a first connection detection signal, a first power supply unit, and a first host controller that can control the first memory controller, and second portability The storage device has a second memory, a second memory controller that controls the second memory, a second shape that can be engaged with the first shape, and a second that can be electrically connected to the first connector. Connector and first connection test A second connection detection unit that causes the first connection detection unit to start generating a first connection detection signal by approaching the first connection controller, and the first host controller is configured to generate a first memory controller based on the first connection detection signal. And a portable storage device storage data transfer system for starting control of the second memory controller and transferring data stored in the first memory to the second memory.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the first connection detection unit includes a third connector having a third shape, and the second connection detection unit has a fourth shape engageable with the third shape. Preferably, the first connection detection signal is generated at the third connector.

  In another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first host controller starts the operation when the first connection detection signal is generated.

  In another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the second connection detector further detects that an electrical connection has been made to the second connector and generates a second connection detection signal.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the first portable storage device further includes a first setting switch that can be set by a user, and the second portable storage device can be set by a user. A second setting controller, a second power supply unit, and a second host controller capable of controlling the second memory controller, and when the first setting switch is set to a predetermined state, the first power supply unit for the first host controller When the power supply from is cut off and the first setting switch is not set to a predetermined state, the first host controller generates the first connection detection signal and generates the first memory controller and the second memory controller. When the control is started and the second setting switch is set to a predetermined state, the power supply from the second power supply unit to the second host controller is cut off. When the second setting switch is not set to a predetermined state, the second host controller starts control of the first memory controller and the second memory controller when the second connection detection signal is generated, and the first memory Is preferably transferred to the second memory, or the data stored in the second memory is preferably transferred to the first memory.

  In another aspect of the present invention, the first portable storage device further includes a first interface that receives an input by a user, a first interface controller that controls the first interface, and further a second portable storage device. The apparatus includes a second interface that receives an input from a user and a second interface controller that controls the second interface, and when the first connection detection signal is generated and the input from the user via the first interface is received. The first host controller starts controlling the first memory controller and the second memory controller, generates a second connection detection signal, and receives an input from the user via the second interface. The controller includes a first memory controller and a first memory controller. Start the control of the memory controller, it transfers the data stored in the first memory to the second memory, or, it is preferable to transfer the data stored in the second memory to the first memory.

  The portable storage device according to the present invention can directly send and receive data to / from other devices without using a device having a separate host controller function when sending / receiving data to / from other devices. There is an effect of further improving the convenience of the excellent portable storage device.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a USB memory 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The USB memory 101 has a USB connector (male) 103 as in the conventional USB memory, and further has a USB connector (female) 105 on the side opposite to the USB connector (male) 103. The USB connector (male) 103 and the USB connector (female) 105 are both USB connectors capable of USB connection with other devices.

  Further, the USB memory 101 has a connection recognition jack 107 which is a connector (female) different from the USB connector on the side where the USB connector (male) 103 is arranged. The connection recognition plug 109 which is a connector (male) different from the USB connector is provided at a position corresponding to the connected side portion and the connection recognition jack 107. The “corresponding position” means that a USB memory 101 separate from the left side of the USB memory 101 shown in the figure, a USB connector (female) 105 of the USB memory 101 shown in the figure, and a separate USB memory. When connected via the USB connector (male) 103 of 101, the connection recognition plug 109 of the USB memory 101 and the connection recognition jack 107 of the separate USB memory 101 shown in FIG. ).

  In addition to the above, the USB memory 101 includes a display 111 for displaying a data file name 119, a transfer file selection button 113 for selecting a file to be transferred, a transfer file determination button 115 for determining a file to be transferred, A file transfer button 117 for executing transfer is provided. The display 111 and the buttons 113, 115, and 117 constitute a user interface of the USB memory 101.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the USB memories 101. Both the first USB memory 101a and the second USB memory 101b are equivalent to the USB memory 101 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first USB memory 101a and the second USB memory 101b includes a substrate 121 therein. On the board 121, a memory 123 for storing data such as a data file, a memory 123, a memory & user I / F controller 125 for controlling a user interface, and a host controller 127 are arranged. A battery 129 for supplying the battery is also provided. The battery 129 and each component are connected by a power line 131, and it is also possible to supply power to the outside via a USB connector (male) 103 and a USB connector (female) 105. The USB connector (male) 103, the memory 123, the host controller 127, the memory & user I / F controller 125, and the USB connector (female) 105 are connected by a signal line 133.

  The first USB memory 101 a and the second USB memory 101 b are connected by a USB connector (male) 103 and a USB connector (female) 105. When both USB memories 101a and 101b are connected, the connection recognition plug 109 of the first USB memory 101a is fitted with the connection recognition jack 107 of the second USB memory 101b. The connection recognition plug 109 is made of, for example, a conductive material. When the connection recognition jack 107 is engaged with the connection recognition jack 107, the connection recognition jack 107 becomes conductive, and the second USB memory 101b is connected to the first USB memory. The connection of 101a can be recognized. At this time, the first USB memory 101a may also be able to recognize the connection with the second USB memory 101b.

  When the connection recognition jack 107 becomes conductive, an electrical signal, which is a connection detection signal, is input to the host controller 127 of the second USB memory 101b, the host controller 127 is activated, and the host controller 127 is activated by the first USB memory 101a and the second USB. The memory & user I / F controller 125 of the memory 101b can be controlled.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the host controller 127. The host controller 127 includes a power supply controller block 127ps and a memory & user I / F controller control block 127m. When the host controller 127 is activated, the power supply controller block 127ps and the memory & user I / F controller control block 127m both supply power to not only the included USB memory but also another connected USB memory. As well as memory and user interface control.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power, command, and data transmission system in a state where the USB connector (female) 105 of the first USB memory 101a and the USB connector (male) 103 of the second USB memory 101b are connected. . In this figure, the power system is indicated by a solid line, the command signal system is indicated by a broken line, and the data signal system is indicated by a one-dot chain line. In the USB memory 101 according to the present embodiment, the second USB memory 101b in which the connection recognition jack 107 is in a conductive state is a host that sends data, and the USB memory 101a in which the connection recognition jack 107 is not in a conductive state is Becomes the slave that receives data. The battery 129b of the host (101b) is connected to the host controller 127b of the host (101b) and the memory & user I / F controllers 125b and 125a and the memories 123b and 123a of the host (101b) and the slave (101a) via the connector. In contrast, power is supplied. The host controller 127b of the host (101b) controls the memory & user I / F controllers 125b and 125a of the host (101b) and slave (101a). The memory & user I / F controllers 125a and 125b control the memories 123a and 123b under the control of the host controller 127b.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the data transfer process of the USB memory 101 of this embodiment. The flow of data transfer processing from the host (second USB memory 101b) to the slave (first USB memory 101a) will now be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows the subsequent processing from the time when the connection recognition jack 107 of the host (USB memory 101b in FIG. 2) becomes conductive.

  When the connection recognition plug 109 is fitted to the connection recognition jack 107, the connection recognition jack 107 becomes conductive. When the connection state is established, power supply to the USB memory (101b) including the connection recognition jack 107 is started (step S101).

  Simultaneously with the power supply, the host-side host controller (host controller 127b in FIG. 4) is activated (step S103).

  The host controller 127b starts supplying power to the slave (first USB memory 101a) (step S105). The slave memory & user I / F controller 125a is placed under the control of the host controller 127b.

  The host controller 127b controls the host memory & user I / F controller 125b and waits for an input from the user via the user interface (display 111) (steps S107 and S109).

  When the user selects a data file to be transferred using the transfer file selection button 113 and the transfer file determination button 115 and then presses the file transfer button 117 (“YES” in step S109), the host controller 127b displays the memory & user A data transfer command for transferring the file selected by the user from the host (101b) to the slave (101a) is transmitted to the I / F controllers 125a and 125b (step S111).

  The memory & user I / F controller 125b reads a desired data file from the memory 123b and transmits it to the memory & user I / F controller 125a. The memory & user I / F controller 125a stores the received data file in the memory Write to 123a (step S113).

  The host controller 127b receives a data transfer completion signal from the memory & user I / F controller 125a or 125b (step S115), and displays a message on the display 111 informing that the data file transfer is completed (step S117). ).

  When the connection recognition jack 107 is still in the conductive state (“YES” in step S119), the host controller 127b and the memory & user I / F controller 125b accept input from the user. When the connection recognition jack 107 is not in the conductive state (“NO” in step S119), the host controller 127b stops and the power supply from the battery 129b also stops (step S123).

  Thereafter, the host (second USB memory 101b) functions as a conventional USB memory until the connection recognition jack 107b becomes conductive again.

  The USB memory 101 according to the present embodiment includes a battery 129 that is a power supply unit and a host controller 127 therein. The operation of the battery 129 and the host controller 127 can be stopped and started by the connection recognition function of the connection recognition jack and the connection recognition plug included in the USB memory 101. Therefore, when the connection to the other USB memory 101 is changed such that the state of the connection recognition jack is changed from the non-conductive state (OFF state) to the conductive state (ON state), the battery 129 and the host controller 127 are connected. As a result, data transfer only between the USB memories 101 is possible. At this time, the USB memory 101 and the other USB memory 101 can constitute a new portable storage device storage data transfer system. With this function of the USB memory 101, the convenience of the USB memory 101 is further improved.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the connection of the USB memories 201 according to the second embodiment. Components equivalent to those of the USB memory 101 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In addition to the elements included in the USB memory 101, the USB memory 201 further includes a host setting changeover switch 201 on the back surface. The host setting changeover switch 201 only needs to be a switch that allows the user to select the state in an alternative manner. Further, the connection recognition jack 107 and the connection recognition plug 109 of the USB memory 201 may have the same specifications as those of the USB memory 101. Alternatively, the connection recognizing plug 109 of the USB memory 201 is connected to the connection recognizing jack 107 by an electrical signal as a connection detection signal, like the connection recognizing jack 107 in the first embodiment. The information may be transmitted to the USB memory 201.

  In the USB memory 101 according to the first embodiment, the USB connector (male) 103 is connected to the USB connector (female) 105 of the separate USB memory 101, and the connection recognition jack 107 is connected to the separate USB memory 101. The USB memory 101 in which the plug 109 is fitted serves as a host, and controls the separate USB memory 101 to realize data transfer. On the other hand, the USB memory 201 according to the present embodiment uses a host setting changeover switch 201 to connect a USB memory to which a user arbitrarily sends data to the other as a host regardless of the connection form with the separate USB memory 201. Can be determined.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the user can connect the USB memories 201 without being aware of the sender and the receiver when performing data transfer. Further, even when the sender and receiver of data transfer are exchanged after connection, data transfer is possible in the connected state, and the convenience as a portable storage device is further improved.

  FIG. 7 shows a power, command, and data transmission system in a state where the USB connector (female) 105 of the first USB memory 201a and the USB connector (male) 103 of the second USB memory 201b are connected, as in FIG. FIG. In this figure, the host setting changeover switch 201a of the first USB memory 201a is in the ON state, and the host setting changeover switch 201b of the second USB memory 201b is in the OFF state. In the USB memory 201 according to the present embodiment, the first USB memory 201a in which the host setting changeover switch 201a is in the ON state functions as a host, and the USB memory 201b in which the host setting changeover switch 201b is in the OFF state functions as a slave. The battery 129a of the host (first USB memory 201a) is connected to the host controller 127a of the host (201a) and the memory & user I / F controllers 125a, 125b of the host 201a and the slave (second USB memory 201b) via connectors. Power is supplied to the memories 123a and 123b. The host controller 127b of the host (101b) controls the memory & user I / F controllers 125b and 125a of the host (101b) and slave (101a). The memory & user I / F controllers 125a and 125b control the memories 123a and 123b under the control of the host controller 127b.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of data transfer processing of the USB memory 201 of this embodiment. The flow of data transfer processing from the host (201a) to the slave (201b) will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the step similar to FIG. 5, the same reference number is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows subsequent processing from the time when the connection recognition jack 107 or the connection recognition plug 105 of the USB memory 201 becomes conductive. As described above, when the connection recognition plug 109 is fitted to the connection recognition jack 107, the USB memory 201 according to the present embodiment can be used not only for the USB memory including the connection recognition jack 107 but also for the connection recognition. Even in a USB memory including the plug 109, the fitting is transmitted internally by an electrical signal.

  The subsequent processing is branched depending on the state of the host setting changeover switch 203 of the USB memory 201 (step S201). When the host setting changeover switch 203 is in the ON state (“YES” in step S201), the processing after step S101 is executed. If the host setting changeover switch 203 is in the OFF state (“NO” in step S201), the processing after step S101 is skipped to step S203, the host controller is stopped (step S121), and the power supply is stopped (step S123). And the process ends.

  Step S203 is a step corresponding to step S119 in FIG. 5, and in this step, it is determined whether the connected state of the USB memories 201 is continued or released.

  As described above, in the USB memory 201 according to the present embodiment, one USB memory is not automatically set as the host at the time of connection, but the host side (data transmission side) is set by the user by the host setting changeover switch 203. Set. By doing so, the host controller chip on the host-configured side operates and controls the other device. Therefore, by switching the host setting changeover switch 203, the user can perform data transmission bidirectionally.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

  The USB memory 301 according to the present embodiment is a USB memory having the same components as the USB memory 101 according to the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the data transfer process is performed according to a flow different from the data transfer process flow in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, when the separate USB memory 301 is connected to the USB connector (male) 103 or the USB connector (female) 105, the USB memory 301 is connected to the connection recognition jack 107 or the connection recognition plug 109. When the memory 301 is engaged with the connection recognition plug 109 or the connection recognition jack 107, an electrical signal for notifying the connection state is transmitted internally, and the memory & user I / F controller 125 is supplied with power and started. Then, control on the memory 123 is started.

  Then, when the user enters a state of accepting data file selection and determination by the transfer file selection button 113 and the transfer file determination button 115 and the user presses the file transfer button 117, the USB memory including the file transfer button 117 is provided. 301 host controller 127 is activated.

  The activated host controller 127 controls the memory & user I / F controller 125 of the connected and separate USB memory 301 and performs the same processing as the data transfer processing in the first embodiment or the like. , Complete the data transfer.

  FIG. 9 shows the power when the USB connector (female) 105 of the first USB memory 301a and the USB connector (male) 103 of the second USB memory 301b are connected and the file transfer button 117a of the first USB memory 301a is pressed. It is a figure which shows the transmission system of a command and data. In the USB memory 301 according to the present embodiment, the first USB memory 301a in which the file transfer button 117 is pressed functions as a host, and the second USB memory 301b functions as a slave.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of data transfer processing of the USB memory 301 of this embodiment. The flow of data transfer processing from the host (301a) to the slave (301b) will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the step similar to FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the same reference number is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 10 shows the subsequent processing from the time when the connection recognition jack 107 of the USB memory 301 or the connection recognition plug 105 becomes conductive, as in FIG. Similar to the second embodiment, when the connection recognition plug 109 is fitted to the connection recognition jack 107, the USB memory 301 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the USB memory provided with the connection recognition jack 107. Even in a USB memory including the connection recognition plug 109, the fitting is transmitted internally by an electrical signal.

  When the USB memory 301 is connected to a separate USB memory 301, power is supplied from each battery 129 to each memory & user I / F controller 125 (step S301), and each memory & user I / F controller is supplied. 125 is activated (step S303).

  The activated memory & user I / F controller 125 waits for an input from the user via the user interface (display 111) (steps S107 and S109).

  When the user presses the file transfer button 117 (“YES” in step S109), power is supplied to the host controller 127 of the USB memory 301 including the file transfer button 117 (step S305), and the host controller 127 is Start (step S103).

  The activated host controller 127 puts the USB memory 301 including itself and the memory & user I / F controller 125 of the separate USB memory 301 connected to the USB memory 301 into control, and selects the file selected by the user for them. A data transfer command for transferring data from the USB memory 301 included therein to a separate USB memory 301 connected thereto is transmitted (step S111).

  As in the first embodiment, data is transferred, and when the data transfer is completed, a message is displayed on the display 111 (steps S113, S115, and S117).

  When the data transfer is completed, the host controller 127 is temporarily stopped (step S121).

  When the USB memory 301 recognizes that the connected state has been released, the USB memory 301 substantially stops supplying power from the battery 111 to each component (S123).

  Thus, the user does not need to determine the connection order in consideration of the direction of data transfer, and does not need to set the host-side USB memory prior to execution of the data transfer process. If the user connects two USB memories 301 in an arbitrary order of connection and presses the file transfer button 117 of the USB memory 301 on the sender side without setting a host in advance as in the second embodiment. The desired data can be transferred, and the data can be transferred bidirectionally at any time. Therefore, the convenience as a portable storage device is further improved.

  The portable storage device according to the present invention is a device having excellent convenience that allows information to be transmitted and received between portable storage devices without using an information device. Therefore, the present invention is useful as a portable storage device such as a USB memory.

It is a top view of USB memory 101 by a 1st embodiment concerning the present invention. It is a figure which shows the connection of the USB memories 101 by 1st Embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a host controller 127. FIG. It is a figure which shows the transmission system of electric power, a command, and data of the 1st and 2nd USB memories 101a and 101b in a connection state. It is a flowchart of the data transfer process of the USB memory 101 by 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the connection of the USB memories 201 by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the transmission system of electric power, a command, and data of the 1st and 2nd USB memories 201a and 201b in a connection state. It is a flowchart of the data transfer process of the USB memory 201 by 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the transmission system of electric power, a command, and data of 1st USB memory 301a, 301b in a connection state in the state by which the file transfer button 117a of the 1st USB memory 301a was pressed down. It is a flowchart of the data transfer process of the USB memory 301 by 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the portable storage device prior art example connected to PC901. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of power, commands, and data in a USB memory 902 connected to a PC 901. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing from when the USB memory 902 is connected to the PC 901 to when data is transmitted and received.

Explanation of symbols

101 ... USB memory 101a ... USB memory 101b ... USB memory 201 ... USB memory 201a ... USB memory 201b ... USB memory 301 ... USB memory 301a ... USB memory 301b .... USB memory 103 ... USB connector (male)
105 ・ ・ ・ USB connector (female)
107: Connection recognition jack 109 ... Connection recognition plug 111 ... Display 113 ... Transfer file selection button 115 ... Transfer file determination button 117 ... File transfer button 117a ... File transfer Button 117b ... File transfer button 119 ... Data file name 121 ... Substrate 123 ... Memory 123a ... Memory 123b ... Memory 123 ... Memory & user I / F controller 125a ... Memory & user I / F controller 125b ... Memory & user I / F controller 127 ... Host controller 127a ... Host controller 127b ... Host controller 129 ... Battery 129a ... Battery 129b ... Battery 13 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Power line 133 ... Signal line 127ps ... Power supply controller block 127psa Power supply controller block 127psb Power supply controller block 127m ... Memory & user I / F controller control block 127ma ... Memory & user I / F controller control block 127 mb. Memory & user I / F controller control block 203 ... Host setting switch 203a ... Host setting switch 203b ... Host setting switch 901 ... Personal computer 902 ... USB memory 903 ... USB connector (male)
905 ... Memory controller 910 ... USB connector (female)

Claims (12)

A portable storage device connectable to an information device,
Memory,
A memory controller for controlling the memory;
A first connector having a first shape and used for transmitting and receiving data between the memory and the information device;
A second connector having a second shape engageable with the first shape and capable of electrical connection with a connector having the same configuration as the first connector;
A connection detection unit that detects that an electrical connection has been made to the first connector and generates a connection detection signal;
A power supply,
A host controller capable of controlling the memory controller;
The host controller is a portable storage device that can control transfer of data stored in the memory via the first connector or the second connector. The connection detection unit
A third connector having a third shape;
A fourth connector having a fourth shape engageable with the third shape;
The portable storage device according to claim 1, wherein the connection detection signal is generated in the fourth connector.   The portable storage device according to claim 2, wherein the host controller starts an operation when the connection detection signal is generated.   The portable storage device according to claim 2, wherein the connection detection signal is also generated in the third connector. Furthermore, it has a setting switch that can be set by the user,
The portable storage device according to claim 4, wherein when the setting switch is set to a predetermined state, power supply from the power supply unit to the host controller is cut off. And an interface that accepts user input,
An interface controller for controlling the interface;
The portable storage device according to claim 4, wherein when the connection detection signal is generated and an input by the user via the interface is received, the host controller starts an operation and executes the data transfer. A portable storage device storage data transfer system having a first portable storage device and a second portable storage device connectable to an information device,
The first portable storage device is
A first memory;
A first memory controller for controlling the first memory;
A first connector having a first shape and used for transmitting and receiving data between the first memory and the information device;
A first connection detection unit that detects that an electrical connection has been made to the first connector and generates a first connection detection signal;
A first power supply unit;
A first host controller capable of controlling the first memory controller;
The second portable storage device is
A second memory;
A second memory controller for controlling the second memory;
A second shape that is engageable with the first shape and capable of electrical connection with the first connector;
A second connection detection unit that causes the first connection detection unit to start generating the first connection detection signal by approaching the first connection detection unit;
The first host controller may start control of the first memory controller and the second memory controller based on the first connection detection signal, and may transfer data stored in the first memory to the second memory. Portable storage device storage data transfer system. The first connection detection unit includes a third connector having a third shape,
The second connection detection unit includes a fourth connector having a fourth shape engageable with the third shape,
The portable storage device stored data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein the first connection detection signal is generated in the third connector.   The portable storage device storage data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein when the first connection detection signal is generated, the first host controller starts an operation.   The portable storage device stored data transfer system according to claim 7, wherein the second connection detection unit further detects that an electrical connection has been made to the second connector and generates a second connection detection signal. Furthermore, the first portable storage device is
Including a first setting switch that can be set by the user;
Further, the second portable storage device is
A second setting switch that can be set by the user;
A second power supply unit;
A second host controller capable of controlling the second memory controller;
When the first setting switch is set to a predetermined state, power supply from the first power supply unit to the first host controller is cut off,
When the first setting switch is not set to the predetermined state, the first host controller starts controlling the first memory controller and the second memory controller when the first connection detection signal is generated. And
When the second setting switch is set to a predetermined state, power supply from the second power supply unit to the second host controller is cut off,
When the second setting switch is not set to the predetermined state, the second host controller starts controlling the first memory controller and the second memory controller when the second connection detection signal is generated. And
The portable storage device storage data transfer system according to claim 10, wherein data stored in the first memory is transferred to the second memory, or data stored in the second memory is transferred to the first memory. Furthermore, the first portable storage device is
A first interface that accepts user input;
A first interface controller for controlling the first interface;
Further, the second portable storage device is
A second interface for accepting user input;
A second interface controller for controlling the second interface;
When the first connection detection signal is generated and an input from the user via the first interface is received, the first host controller starts control of the first memory controller and the second memory controller;
When the second connection detection signal is generated and an input from the user via the second interface is received, the second host controller starts control of the first memory controller and the second memory controller,
The portable storage device storage data transfer system according to claim 10, wherein data stored in the first memory is transferred to the second memory, or data stored in the second memory is transferred to the first memory.

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