JP3356671B2 - Function expansion device and method in PC card system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a PC card system used for various kinds of information processing equipment such as OA equipment and personal computers. In particular, the function of a PC card device is appropriately expanded by mounting a small IC card. The present invention relates to a function expansion device and method in a PC card system capable of performing the function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, PC card devices are widely used in personal computers (particularly, notebook type) and the like, and are widely used mainly as information recording media replacing floppy disks and the like. For PC card devices,
There are memory cards, modem cards, LAN cards, etc.
These are generally called an IC card or a PC card.

Conventionally, as this kind of technology, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 233887, JP-A-06-195524 and JP-A-08-123917.

[0004] The invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 05-233887 includes a connector standardized by a standard card (for incorporating a card) and a small card (for example, a small card for a card still camera). Connector and said 2
An adapter device having a means for electrically connecting two connectors is set to have the same or smaller size as a standard card size standardized by JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association) or the like. Further, a semiconductor memory element in which at least data information indicating that the data is different from the standard type card is stored in advance, and a data signal reading method from the standard type card is JEI.
A technique is described which makes it possible to read this data information by a method standardized by DA or the like.

That is, a JEIDA having a personal computer or the like has a small card (the above-mentioned small card) having a small number of connector pins used in a card still camera or the like.
There is disclosed a technique for providing an inexpensive adapter device that can be easily mounted in a mounting slot for a standard card standardized by the above-mentioned standard.

In the invention described in JP-A-06-195524, a memory card configured to be connectable to a first device is used (connected) by a second device.
In this case, a technique for connecting the memory card via an adapter configured to be attachable is described.

According to this technique, for example, when the memory card is a small memory card smaller than the standard size and the second device is a device using the standard size memory card, the standard size memory card is used. It is possible to connect the small memory card without newly providing a connection section for the small memory card to the device (second device) using the memory card.

As described above, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H06-195524, it is sufficient to prepare only a connection portion for a memory card of a standard size for a device using a memory card. There is disclosed a memory card device in which signal input / output portions of a standard-size memory card and a small-size memory card are made compatible so as to avoid an increase in the size of the memory card.

In addition, the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-123917 allows a user to easily add a memory and expand functions even after shipment from a factory, and furthermore, according to the application. It describes an IC card and an IC card system in which the user can appropriately change the specifications of the IC card.

That is, even after shipment from the factory, the user can easily add some functions to the IC card as needed or in accordance with the environment (by inserting a key card, An IC card and an IC card system which can be added and changed are disclosed.

As described above, in the above conventional technique,
By using a PC card device having at least one pin connector for mounting a small IC card on the PC card device, a small-sized information processing device or the like in which only one PC card device can be mounted can be used. IC
By attaching the card to a PC card device having a conventional function, it is expected that expansion of the auxiliary storage capacity and expansion of functions other than expansion of the auxiliary storage capacity such as the communication function can be easily achieved together with expansion of the auxiliary storage device. You.

[0012] In the compact flash manufactured by Sundisk, the pin arrangement of the socket connector is changed to PCMCI.
By omitting while taking into account compatibility with A and by downsizing, it is possible to mount and use even a miniaturized information processing apparatus.

However, according to the above prior art,
After attaching a small IC card (corresponding to the above-mentioned small card, small memory card, and key card) to a PC card device (corresponding to the above-mentioned standard card, standard-size memory card, and IC card) type adapter There is no definition for presenting the function of the small IC card to the host computer, so that communication functions other than elements such as memory elements that can be expanded simply by being connected to a bus are not provided. There is a problem that it is not suitable for mounting the mounted small IC card.

In the above-mentioned conventional technique, insertion and ejection of a PC card device into and from a host computer can be recognized on the host computer side.
There is a problem (disadvantage) that the insertion and ejection of the small IC card into and from the card device cannot be recognized by the host computer.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, a certain number of small IC cards can be connected to one PC card device as long as space (physical space) allows, but it will be described later. As in the present invention, there is a drawback that a large number (theoretically infinite) of small IC cards cannot be connected.

[0016]

As described above, according to the above-mentioned prior art, no definition is provided for presenting the function of the small IC card to the host computer. However, there is a problem that it is not suitable for mounting a small IC card equipped with a communication function other than an element capable of expanding its capacity simply by being connected to the IC card.

Another problem is that the insertion and ejection of the small IC card into and from the PC card device cannot be recognized by the host computer. Further, there is a problem that the number of small IC cards that can be connected to one PC card device is limited.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to extend the function of the PC card device itself by mounting a small IC card on the PC card device, and to provide the PC card device with a small IC card.
An object of the present invention is to provide a means for notifying a host computer of a function extension when a C card is mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to automatically provide a PC card device equipped with a small IC card by an interface between the PC card device of the present invention and a host computer without intervention of an operator. It is an object of the present invention to provide means for mounting a small IC card and enabling use of a PC card device whose function is expanded.

[0020]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a PC card device connected to a host computer by mounting a small IC card.
In a function expansion device in a PC card system for expanding a function of a C card device itself, the PC card device includes: a mounting detection unit configured to detect that the small IC card is mounted;
Means for rewriting card attribute information, which is a description for notifying the host computer of a function expansion of the PC card device, when it is detected that the small IC card is mounted on the card device; When it is detected that the small IC card is mounted on the PC card device, means for generating the same signal change as when the PC card device is ejected and inserted, and the host computer is rewritten. Means for notifying the card attribute information and the same signal change as when the PC card device is ejected and inserted, and the PC card device itself without performing the operation of ejecting and inserting the PC card device. Is characterized by extending the functions of

According to the present invention, there is provided a function expansion method in a PC card system in which a small IC card is attached to a PC card device connected to a host computer to expand the functions of the PC card device itself.
Upon detecting that the small IC card is inserted, the PC card device rewrites card attribute information, which is a description for notifying the host computer of a function expansion of the PC card device, To generate the same signal change as when ejecting and inserting, and notify the host computer of the rewritten card attribute information and the same signal change as when ejecting and inserting the PC card device, The PC
It is characterized in that the functions of the PC card device itself are expanded without performing the operation of ejecting and inserting the card device.

According to the present invention, the function of the PC card device itself is extended by mounting the small IC card on the PC card device, and the extended function when the small IC card is mounted on the PC card device is also provided. The host computer notifies the host computer of the PC card device on which the small IC card is mounted.
It can be recognized as a single PC card device in accordance with the PC card guidelines of EIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association), and the host computer includes a small IC card for the PC card device, including the basic software to be mounted. Regardless of the mounting, the conventional one can be used as it is.

[0023]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a PC card device of the present invention and a small IC card mounted thereon. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a function expansion device in the PC card system of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a PC card device 10 is provided with a socket unit 30 provided in a host computer (not shown).
0b (for example, a female socket) and a small socket portion 303b
(Female socket).

The small IC card 11 is mounted on the PC card device 10 by moving along the guide in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The small IC card 11 has a small socket 303a (male socket) and a small socket 1
2 and the small socket portion 303 of the small IC card 11
a is connected to the socket 300b of the PC card device 10 when the PC card device 10 is mounted.

In FIG. 2, the socket section 300 includes an address bus 400, a data bus 401, and signal lines 402 to 4
07 and connected to the socket control unit 301.

The socket control unit 301 is connected to the attribute memory 302 and the small socket unit 303 via the address bus 500, and is also connected to the attribute memory 302 and the small socket unit 303 via the data bus 501. The signal line 504 is connected to the attribute memory 302 via 502, 503.
507 is connected to the small socket section 303.

The small socket section 303 includes an address bus 600, a data bus 601, and signal lines 602 to 60.
4 and connected to the socket control unit 304. Further, the socket control unit 304 is connected to the attribute memory 305 via an address bus 700, a data bus 701, signal lines 702 and 703.

Next, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the function expansion device in the PC card system of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a memory map of the attribute memory 302 when the PC card device is used alone, and FIG. 5 is a memory map of the attribute memory 302 when the small IC card is mounted on the PC card device.

In FIG. 3, a socket section 300 is a contact point with a host computer (not shown). When the socket 300 is connected to the host computer (when the socket 300a and the socket 300b are connected),
The host computer sets the reset (RESET) signal 405 to true to initialize the PC card device 10 (steps 100 and 101). PC card device 1
When the reset of 0 is completed, the host computer sets the reset signal 405 to false (step 102),
The operation of the card device 10 is started. Thereafter, the host computer waits until the PC card enters the card ready state (step 103).

When the PC card device 10 starts operating (step 200), the socket control unit 301 sets the ready / busy signal 406 to false to indicate to the host computer that it is unusable, and performs a busy display (step 200). 201).

After performing initialization processing necessary for the operation of the PC card device 10 (step 202), the socket control unit 301 stores the small IC card 1 in the small socket unit 303.
1 is connected (step 203).

When the socket control unit 301 detects that the small IC card 11 is not connected to the small socket unit 303, the socket control unit 301 stores it in the attribute memory 302 of the PC card device 10 as shown in FIG. Describe the card attribute of the PC card unit function as
A description for notifying the host computer of the function expansion of the C card device) and registering the card attribute information in which the tuple chain end tuple is arranged at the end of the card attribute information (step 204), to indicate that the PC card can be operated. , Set ready / busy signal 406 to true (step 20)
6).

In step 103, the host computer issues a ready / busy signal 406 from the PC card device 10.
Is changed to a true state, the process exits from the wait state, and in step 104, the card attribute information is read (attribute memory 302 of PC card device 10).
To perform a read operation on the address bus 4
00, the address of the attribute memory 302 is set,
After the G terminal 403 is set to true, the card operation permission (CE) signal 402 is set to true.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the socket control unit 301 sets the chip selection (CS) signal 502 for causing the attribute memory 302 to appear on the memory map of the host computer to true. At the same time, when the host computer sets the output permission (OE) signal 404 to true, the socket control unit 301 sets the read (RD) signal 503 connected to the attribute memory 302 to true. This allows the host computer to access only the attribute memory 302 (steps 105, 106, 107, 207).

On the other hand, at step 203, the socket control unit 301 stores the small IC card 11 in the small socket unit 303.
Is detected, the socket control unit 301 describes the card attribute of the PC card device single function as shown in FIG. 5 (to notify the host computer of the function expansion of the PC card device). Description) and small I
A long link tuple with a relative address where the attribute memory 305 of the C card 11 should appear is placed at the end of the card attribute information. For example, the card attribute information stored in the attribute memory 305 is read out and registered in the attribute memory 302 ( Step 205), P
Ready / busy signal 4 to indicate C card operable
06 is set to true (step 206).

As a result, the host computer exits the wait state when confirming in step 103 that the ready / busy signal 406 from the PC card device 10 has truly changed.

This time, the host computer analyzes the card attribute information shown in FIG.
At step 6, the operation returns from step 106 to step 104 to read the attribute memory 305 in order to find a long link tuple, and the address bus 4
The address assigned to the long link tuple is set to 00, the REG terminal 403 is set to true, and the card operation permission (CE) signal 402 is set to true.

As a result, the socket control section 301 is connected to the REG2 terminal 505 connected to the small socket section 303.
Is set to true, and small IC card operation permission (CE
2) Set signal 504 to true. In response to this, a small IC
The card socket control unit 304 controls a chip selection (CS) signal 702 connected to the attribute memory 305.
Set to true. Further, the host computer reads the card attribute information as shown in FIG.
E) When the signal 404 is set to true, the socket control unit 30
1 sets the small IC card output permission (OE2) signal 506 connected to the small socket section 303 to true.

The socket control unit 304 of the small IC card receives this and sets the read (RD) signal 703 connected to the attribute memory 305 to true, so that the host computer can store the attribute memory 302 and the attribute memory 305. Are accessible (steps 105, 106, 107, 20).
7).

Generally, when a small IC card 11 is inserted into the PC card device 10 when the PC card device 10 is inserted into a host computer and used, the operator normally removes the PC card device 10. After being ejected from the host computer, the small IC card 11 is attached to the PC card device 10, and then the PC card device 10
Is inserted into the host computer (an operation of ejecting the PC card device 10 by the operator), and thereafter, the host computer executes a procedure for setting the PC card device 10 again, whereby the PC card device 10 is set. 1
0 and the small IC card 11 can be used.

By the way, the host computer monitors the card detection (CD) signal 407 in FIG.
It recognizes that the C card device 10 has been inserted, and assumes that the PC card device 10 has been continuously inserted as long as it is true, and recognizes that the PC card device 10 has been ejected by changing to false. Therefore, by generating this signal change in the socket control unit 301, the operator
The card can be automatically ejected and inserted without performing the operation of ejecting the card device 10.

This will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a time chart when the card detection signal 407 is changed from card ejection to card insertion.

In FIG. 6, the socket control unit 301
The small IC card detection (CD2) signal 507 connected to the small socket portion is monitored, and when it is detected that this signal has changed from false to true, it is recognized that the small IC card 11 has been mounted. Here, the socket control unit 301 changes the card detection (CD) signal 407 from true to false.
When the host computer detects that the card detection signal 407 has changed from true to false, the host computer performs processing (internal processing) for the ejection of the PC card device 10 inside the host computer. It must be kept false for the time t required for the card ejection process.

After the elapse of the holding time t, the socket controller 301
Changes the card detection (CD) signal 407 from false to true, causing the host computer to detect that the PC card device 10 has been inserted. Thereby, the host computer sets the PC card device 10 to a usable state again according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In the above invention, the PC card device 1
Although the description has been made assuming that one small IC card 11 is mounted on the small IC card 0, the small IC card is sequentially connected to the small socket section 12 provided on the small IC card 11 in FIG. PC Card Devices 10
Can be connected to each other (by sequentially connecting the small IC cards).

In this case, for example, a long link tuple is registered in the card attribute information of the small IC card in the attribute memory 302 in FIG. 5, and the card attribute information of these small IC cards is additionally registered in the attribute memory 302 sequentially. Thus, the small IC card (function extension) attached to the PC card device 10 can be notified to the host computer.
02, all attribute memories of a plurality of small IC cards can be accessed.

In the above description, the small IC card is described as a memory card. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a small IC card having a communication function such as a serial interface function or a bus function, a printer or a removable disk, etc. The present invention can be applied to any device having a shape of a small IC card such as a device having a function for connecting to an external device.

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention, the function of the PC card device itself is expanded by mounting the small IC card on the PC card device,
By notifying the host computer of the function expansion when the small IC card is attached to the card device, the host computer can replace the PC card device with the small IC card with the PC card of JEIDA (Japan Electronic Industry Development Association).
It can be recognized as a PC card device that complies with the card guidelines, and the host computer can be used as it is, regardless of whether a small IC card is mounted on the PC card device, including the basic software installed. it can.

Further, by notifying the host computer of the expansion of the function when the small IC card is mounted on the PC card device, the host computer can store the attribute memory of the PC card device and all of the plurality of small IC cards. Access can be made without distinguishing from the attribute memory (as one PC card device).

Further, the PC card device equipped with the small IC card of the present invention can automatically connect the small IC card to the host computer without intervening the operation of the operator by the interface between the PC card device and the host computer. Can be mounted as one PC card device (connection recognition).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a PC card device according to the present invention and a small IC card mounted thereon.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a function expansion device in the PC card system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the function expansion device in the PC card system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a memory map of the attribute memory 302 when the PC card device is used alone.

FIG. 5 is a memory map of an attribute memory 302 when a small IC card is mounted on a PC card device.

FIG. 6 is a time chart when the card detection signal 407 is changed from card ejection to card insertion.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 PC card device 11 Small IC card 12, 303 Small socket unit 300 Socket unit 301, 304 Socket control unit 302, 305 Attribute memory 400, 500, 600, 700 Address bus 401, 501, 601, 701 Data bus 402, 602 Card Operation permission signal (CE) 403, 603 REG signal (REG) 404, 604 Output permission signal (OE) 405 Reset signal (RESET) 406 Ready / busy signal (RDY / BSY) 407 Card detection signal (CD) 502, 702 chip Selection signal (CS) 503, 703 Read signal (RD) 504 Small IC card operation permission signal (CE2) 505 REG2 signal (REG2) 506 Small IC card output permission signal (OE2) 507 Small IC card detection No. (CD2)

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-8-55661 (JP, A) JP-A-9-134232 (JP, A) JP-A-6-195524 (JP, A) Kyoko Kiyota, Takanori Koike, “ Overview of the latest standard PC Card Standard ", Interface, CQ Publishing (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06K 17/00 G06K 19/00-19/077

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A small-sized IC card is mounted on a PC card device connected to a host computer.
In a function expansion device in a PC card system for expanding a function of the card device itself, the PC card device includes: a mounting detection unit that detects that the small IC card is mounted; and the PC card by the mounting detection unit. When it is detected that the small IC card is mounted on the device, the P
Means for rewriting card attribute information, which is a description for notifying the host computer of the function expansion of the C card device, and the mounting detecting means detecting that the small IC card has been mounted on the PC card device. And the P
Means for generating the same signal change as when the C card device is ejected and inserted; and for the host computer, the rewritten card attribute information and the same signal change as when the PC card device is ejected and inserted. Means for notifying the PC card device and expanding the functions of the PC card device itself without performing operations of ejecting and inserting the PC card device. 2. The small IC card has first and second small socket portions, respectively, and the plurality of small IC cards are mutually interposed between the first and second small socket portions, and 2. The function expansion device in the PC card system according to claim 1, wherein the function expansion device is sequentially connected. 3. The PC card device itself has a function as an auxiliary storage device, and the storage capacity of the PC card itself is increased or a function other than the auxiliary storage function is added by a small IC card to be mounted. 3. The function expansion device in a PC card system according to claim 1, wherein 4. The small IC card includes a first attribute memory, and the PC card device transmits a second attribute memory and card attribute information recorded in the second attribute memory to the small IC. 3. The function expansion device according to claim 1, further comprising a socket control unit that rewrites the long link tuple in the first attribute memory of the card so that the description content continues. 5. The PC card system according to claim 4, wherein when the small IC card is mounted, an attribute memory provided inside the small IC card is accessible from the host computer. Function expansion device. 6. A PC card device mounted on a PC card device connected to a host computer.
In a function expansion method in a PC card system for expanding a function of a card device itself, the PC card device, when detecting that the small IC card is mounted, notifies the host computer of the function expansion of the PC card device. To rewrite the card attribute information, which is a description for performing the above operation, and further, creates a signal change similar to that when the PC card device is ejected and inserted, and notifies the host computer of the rewritten card attribute information and the PC A PC card for notifying the same signal change as when the card device is ejected and inserted, and extending the functions of the PC card device itself without performing the operation of ejecting and inserting the PC card device. How to extend functions in the system. 7. The small IC card has first and second small sockets, respectively, and a plurality of the small IC cards are mutually interposed between the first and second small sockets, and 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the functions are sequentially connected. 8. The PC card device itself has a function as an auxiliary storage device, and the storage capacity of the PC card itself is increased or a function other than the auxiliary storage function is added by a small IC card to be mounted. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the function is extended. 9. The rewriting of card attribute information, which is a description for notifying the host computer, includes rewriting card attribute information recorded in an attribute memory provided inside the PC card device in the small IC card. 8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising rewriting the long link tuple in the attribute memory so that the description content continues. 10. The PC card system according to claim 9, wherein when the small IC card is mounted, an attribute memory provided inside the small IC card is accessible from the host computer. Function expansion method.