JP4847674B2 - Hard disk management device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hard disk management device that manages a single hard disk or a plurality of hard disks connected to a host device such as a personal computer.

When a host device such as a personal computer is used, a fixed drive such as a hard disk is usually used as an auxiliary storage device. In order to back up the contents of the hard disk or the like, a removable device such as an MO drive or a CD-R drive is used. Often used. According to such a removable device, there is an advantage that it is possible to move only the removable medium and it is easy to store it.

  However, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-RAM, MO disk, etc., which are general removable media, are expensive in unit price per capacity, and the cost increases as the number of these removable media used increases. Inconvenience occurs.

  In addition, since the above-mentioned removable media has a lower data transmission speed and a smaller storage capacity than a hard disk, when full backup of the contents of the hard disk of the host device is performed, the work time becomes longer and one backup operation is performed. Inconveniences such as the need to replace the removable medium a plurality of times.

Therefore, in order to eliminate such inconvenience, a removable case (hard disk management device) has been developed in which an ATA-connected hard disk or the like used for built-in can be replaced as appropriate. In some cases, the ATA-connected hard disk or the like can be used as a removable medium by using it, thereby reducing the cost and capacity of the removable medium (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).
“Product Information”, [online], [searched on September 1, 2002], Internet <URL: http://www.ratocsystems.com/products/subpage/dk.html>

  However, normally, when an ATA-connected hard disk is mounted in an ATA-connected removable case, it is necessary to turn off and restart the host device every time the hard disk is replaced.

  Further, as in the case of the non-patent document 1 removable case, when the host device and the removable case are connected via the IEEE1394 interface or the USB interface, the hard disk is kept in a state where the host device or the removable case is turned on. However, the so-called hot swap can be realized, but it becomes impossible to realize a transmission speed that an ATA-connected hard disk should be able to exhibit, and the transmission speed is lowered.

  Further, as in Non-Patent Document 1, when hot swap is realized by using the functions of the IEEE1394 interface or the USB interface, the bus conversion of the interface is unavoidable, which increases the processing load.

  In addition, the conventional device that allows the hard disk to be used as a removable medium does not consider any provision of a write protect function that prevents data recorded on the hard disk from being erased or rewritten due to an erroneous operation. There was a problem that data could not be managed safely.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a hard disk management device that realizes a high-speed and low-cost removable hard disk without performing interface bus conversion.

  In addition, the present invention provides a hard disk management device that can easily set / cancel write protection for prohibiting data writing to a hard disk used as a removable medium, and can safely manage data recorded on the hard disk. The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention has the following configuration.

( 1 ) In a hard disk management device that is connected to a host device and that makes a hard disk operating with an ATA command removable,
A first interface for connecting the host device with an ATAPI interface;
A second interface for connecting the hard disk via an ATA interface;
In the management apparatus main body, a detecting means for detecting a mounting state of the hard disk as a removable medium,
Output means for outputting attribute data indicating that it is an A TAPI removable device to the host device when starting the host device, and causing the host device to recognize that the management device main body is an ATAPI removable device ;
By the attribute data before SL output means outputs, from the host device recognizes the supervisory control apparatus main body and ATAPI removable device, to input commands to verify the mounting state of the media that is regularly input, the detection in the time Response means for making a response based on the detection result of the means;
Command conversion means for performing conversion from an ATA command to an ATAPI command, and conversion from an ATAPI command to an ATA command, respectively;
And a disconnecting means for electrically disconnecting the hard disk when a request for taking out the hard disk is input from the host device .

In this configuration, the host device can be recognized as an ATAPI removable device by the attribute data output by the output means. Further, the detecting means detects the mounting state of a hard disk (ATA-connected hard disk) that operates according to the ATA command. An input command for periodically confirming the mounting state of the medium is input from the host device that has recognized the management apparatus main body as an ATAPI removable device. Response means responds to this input command based on the detection result of the detection means at that time. Further, when a hard disk removal request is input from the host device, the cutting means electrically disconnects the hard disk. As a result, even when the host device is in operation, information regarding the installation and removal of the hard disk is properly transmitted to the host device side, the hard disk is safely removed from the hard disk management device, and so-called hot swap on the IDE bus is realized. The

Furthermore, the Identify as ATAPI removable device hard disk management device to the host device by the output means, for supplying to the hard disk and converts the ATAPI command output from the host device by the command converting means ATA command. Furthermore, to supply to the host device converts the ATA command which is output from the hard disk to the ATAPI command.

  Accordingly, when the hard disk management device is properly recognized as a removable ATAPI device, a hard disk that is originally recognized as an ATA device is recognized as a removable medium used for the removable ATAPI device. For example, a logical unit number (LUN) It is possible to make practical use, such as making it possible to connect a plurality of hard disks to the hard disk management device by using.

( 2 ) A write protect notification that detects the state of a write protect switch that switches between setting / canceling write protection that prohibits data writing to the installed hard disk and notifies the host device whether or not write protection is set. Means are provided.

  In this configuration, by switching the write protect switch, it is possible to easily set / cancel write protection that prohibits writing data to the hard disk used as a removable medium, and to safely manage the data recorded on this hard disk. be able to.

  Further, a host device (such as a personal computer) that has been widely used is a signal that indicates whether or not write protection is set for a mounted medium in a signal exchanged with a removable device, a so-called write protect bit, Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a signal line for notifying whether or not write protection is set between the host device and the management device.

( 3 ) When the write protect switch is switched, the write protect notification means waits for the host device to release the lock of the medium if the host device locks the medium. This is means for notifying the setting / canceling of write protection in accordance with switch switching.

  In this configuration, when the host device locks the medium, for example, even if the write protect switch is switched while data is being written, the write protect is set / released until the lock is released. Is not switched. Therefore, even if a write protect switch switching operation for setting the write protection is performed during the data writing, the data writing being executed is not interrupted in the middle.

( 4 ) It is characterized by comprising status display means for displaying whether or not write protection for prohibiting data writing to the installed hard disk is set.
In this configuration, since the status display means displays whether or not write protection is set, it is possible to easily check whether or not write protection is set.

According to the present invention, the mounting state of the hard disk mounted on the hard disk management device can be reliably transmitted to the host device side by a response to the command for confirming the mounting state of the medium, and cannot be inserted or removed. Even when the ATA interface of the fixed ATA disk is used, it is possible to prevent the host apparatus from having to be restarted every time the hard disk is replaced in the hard disk management apparatus. Further, it can be safely removed from the hard disk management device without damaging the hard disk or the like while the host device is operating. Furthermore, since it can be reliably transmitted to the host device that the medium is removed from the hard disk management device before the hard disk is removed from the hard disk management device, the host device can Inconveniences such as malfunction can be prevented. Therefore, hard in Dodisuku management apparatus, the exchange of hard disk properly ATA connections while operating the host device can be performed, it is possible to realize a so-called hot swap on the IDE bus.

  In addition, since a hard disk originally recognized as an ATA device can be recognized as a removable medium used for a removable ATAPI device, for example, a plurality of hard disks can be connected to a hard disk management device using a logical unit number (LUN). For example, it is possible to achieve practical conveniences. Therefore, it is possible to provide a hard disk management device that realizes a high-speed and low-cost removable hard disk without performing interface bus conversion.

  Further, by switching the write protect switch, it is possible to set / cancel the write protect that prohibits data writing to the hard disk, and to safely manage the data recorded on the hard disk.

  Hereinafter, a removable case which is a first embodiment of the hard disk management device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, hard disks include not only 3.5-inch hard disks but also 2.5-inch hard disks, iVDRs based on 2.5-inch hard disks, and the like. In the present invention, the term ATA-connected hard disk is used to mean a hard disk compatible with the ATA standard.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a personal computer to which the removable case of the present invention is applied, and shows a use state of the removable case. As shown in the figure, the removable case 1 is housed and fixed in a predetermined bay formed in the housing of the personal computer 20, in this embodiment, a 5-inch bay. The removable case 1 is connected to the personal computer 20 by an ATA interface. In this state, an ATA-connected hard disk (hereinafter simply referred to as a hard disk) attached to the removable case 1 can be attached or removed from the front side (front side) of the personal computer 20. It will be described later.

  On the other hand, the personal computer 20 has general functions such as an input device, an output device, a storage device, an arithmetic device, a control device, an ATA interface, and the like. No function is required.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the removable case 1. As shown in the figure, the removable case 1 is provided with a canister 2 a and a canister 2 b for accommodating a hard disk attached to the removable case 1. At this time, a single hard disk 3 is accommodated for each canister 2 (2a, 2b).

  The canister 2 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the removable case 1. Therefore, when the hard disk 3 is mounted in the removable case 1, the canister 2 is slid and pulled out to the front side of the apparatus, and after the hard disk 3 is accommodated in the canister 2, the canister 2 is moved to the rear side of the removable case 1. Push in.

  Here, on the removable case 1 side, the ATA interface connector and the power connector used for connection to the hard disk 3 are arranged so as to face the connectors of the hard disk 3 housed in the canister 2, so that the user can connect the canister 2. Is fully pushed into the rear side of the removable case 1, the connection of the hard disk 3 and the removable case 1 are connected, and the connection between the hard disk 3 and the removable case 1 is completed. Needless to say, the positions of the ATA interface connector and the power connector are not limited to the above-described configuration, and the method of connecting the hard disk 3 and the removable case 1 does not particularly affect the implementation of the present invention. .

  Further, each canister 2 (2a, 2b) has a lock portion 4 (4a, 4b) and an eject button 5 (5a, 5b), a write protect switch 6 (6a, 6b), and a write protect indicator lamp 7 (7a, 7b) is provided. A key used when pulling out the canister 2 is inserted into the lock unit 4, and the canister 2 is unlocked by inserting an appropriate key into the lock unit 4. The eject button 5 is used to notify the removable case 1 by the user when it is necessary to remove the currently used hard disk 3. The write protect switch 6 is a switch operated when switching the setting / canceling of write protection that prohibits data writing to the stored hard disk 3. The write protect indicator lamp 7 is an LED that lights up when the write protect is set.

  In this embodiment, the removable case 1 has two canisters 2, but the number of canisters 2 is not particularly limited to two, and may be one. There may be three or more. Furthermore, the hard disk may be fixed to the removable case 1 without having a canister structure. Further, a drive mechanism such as a motor can be mounted so that the canister 2 automatically moves as necessary. Furthermore, the lock / unlock configuration of the canister 2 is not limited to the above-described configuration.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection state of the removable case 1. As shown in the figure, the removable cases 1, CPU 11, and the canister detection unit 12, RAM13, ROM14, I / F section 15 (15a, 15b), removal detection unit 16, the cutting circuit 17, the power supply unit 18, A write protect detector 19 is provided.

  The canister detection unit 12 detects the state of the hard disk 3 accommodated in the canister 2. In the present embodiment, it is electrically detected whether or not the hard disk 3 in the canister 2 is properly connected to the ATA connector of the removable case 1. For this reason, the removable case 1 can automatically recognize that the hard disk 3 is mounted by the canister detection unit 12.

  The RAM 13 is an ATA device that includes the manufacturer name, format, firmware revision, serial number, maximum transfer rate information, the number of sectors, and the like of the hard disk 3 input to the removable case 1 from the hard disk 3 via the I / F unit 15b. This is a memory for storing the identity data indicating the attribute information. The ROM 14 stores programs necessary for operating the CPU 11 of the removable case 1. The ROM 14 also stores Identify data indicating that the removable case 1 is an ATA removable device.

  The I / F unit 15 a manages communication between the personal computer 20 and the removable case 1. In this embodiment, the personal computer 20 and the removable case 1 are connected by an ATA interface. The I / F unit 15 b manages communication between the removable case 1 and the hard disk 3.

  The take-out detection unit 16 detects that the take-out button 5 has been pressed. Further, since the hard disk can be removed by inputting to that effect to the OS of the personal computer 20, the removal detection unit 16 also detects a hard disk removal request input from the personal computer 20.

  The power supply unit 18 supplies power to the hard disk 3. The cutting circuit 17 electrically disconnects the data transmission path from the removable case 1 to the hard disk 3 based on a command from the CPU 11, for example, in a high impedance state. Further, the cutting circuit 17 stops the supply of power from the power supply unit 18 to the hard disk 3 as the data transmission is stopped. The write protect detector 19 detects the state of the write protect switch 6 and turns on the write protect indicator lamp 7 when the write protect is set.

  In the above configuration, when the user activates the personal computer 20, the personal computer 20 outputs an Identify command for acquiring attribute information of the ATA device connected to the ATA interface when the OS is activated to each ATA device. On the other hand, in the removable case 1, Identity data indicating that the device is an ATA removable device is output to the personal computer 20.

Therefore, the personal computer 20 recognizes the removable case 1 as an ATA removable device at the time of startup. The removable case 1 then operates as an ATA removable device based on a program stored in the ROM 14. For example, the ATA removable device is information indicating the state of the removable medium in the return value of the “GET MEDIA STATUS command” for confirming the state of the removable medium mounted on the removable device periodically input from the personal computer 20. , But the removable case 1 is a “GET”
Each time a “MEDIA STATUS command” is input, it properly responds to this command.

  FIG. 4 shows the input / output status of commands between the personal computer 20 and the removable case 1 in the present embodiment. As described above, when the personal computer 20 recognizes the removable case 1 as an ATA removable device, it outputs a “GET MEDIA STATUS command” to the removable case 1.

  On the other hand, in the removable case 1, the canister detection unit 12 always monitors whether or not the hard disk 3 is accommodated in the canister 2, that is, whether or not the hard disk 3 in each canister 2 is properly attached to the removable case 1. Therefore, the mounting state of the hard disk 3 at the time when the “GET MEDIA STATUS command” is input can be transmitted to the personal computer 20.

  At this time, the response to the “GET MEDIA STATUS command” output from the removable case 1 to the personal computer 20 is “no medium” in which the hard disk 3 is not accommodated in the canister 2, and the new hard disk 3 is removable. “Media replacement” indicating a state of being attached to the case 1, “Write protection” in which writing processing to the hard disk 3 is prohibited, or “Eject request is present” indicating that an input to remove the hard disk 3 has been input. is there. The removable case 1 makes this response for each canister 2.

  As described above, between the removable case 1 and the personal computer 20, as the information on the removable media attached to the removable case 1, the mounting state of the hard disk 3 attached to the removable case 1 is transmitted to the personal computer 20 side. Even when the hard disk 3 is mounted after the personal computer 20 is started up, the removable case 1 confirms the attribute of the mounted hard disk 3 and stores the attribute in an appropriate area of the RAM 13 before being input from the personal computer 20. In response to the first “GET MEDIA STATUS” command, a “media exchange” response is made, and the attributes of the mounted hard disk 3 are transmitted to the personal computer 20. For this reason, it is possible to cause the personal computer 20 to accurately recognize that the hard disk 3 is mounted and the attributes of the hard disk 3.

  Next, an operation of removing the hard disk 3 from the removable case 1 after the personal computer 20 is started will be described.

  FIG. 5 shows an operation when removing the hard disk 3. In the description relating to the figure, the numbers given to the commands in the figure correspond to the heading numbers in the following description.

  (1). As shown in the figure, when the hard disk 3 attached to the removable case 1 is removed, the user inputs that fact by operating on the OS of the personal computer 20 or an eject button provided on the canister 2. Press 5. When any of these operations is performed, a removal request is notified to the removable case 1.

  (2). In the removable case 1, in response to the removal request notification (eject command), the OS of the personal computer 20 is notified that the hard disk 3 is to be removed in order to stop communication between the personal computer 20 and the removable case 1.

  (3). Upon receiving notification that the hard disk 3 is to be removed, the personal computer 20 side stops communication between the personal computer 20 and the removable case 1 and the hard disk 3 is removed from the removable case 1 so that the personal computer 20 is in operation. Prevent malfunction. Then, when the preparation for removing the hard disk 3 is completed, the personal computer 20 outputs a message to that effect to the removable case 1. When the personal computer 20 is writing data to the hard disk 3 or the like, a notification of completion of preparation for removal is output to the removable case 1 after the processing is completed.

  (4). When the removable case 1 receives a notification from the personal computer 20 that preparation for removal has been completed, it first causes the cutting circuit 17 to electrically disconnect the data line between the removable case 1 and the hard disk 3.

  (5). Subsequently, the removable case 1 causes the cutting circuit 17 to stop supplying power from the removable case 1 to the hard disk 3.

  (6). Then, when the removable case 1 confirms that communication and power supply have stopped, it then returns a “no media” command to the “GET MEDIA STATUS command” from the personal computer 20 that is input first.

  (7). Thereby, even if the canister 2 is subsequently pulled out and the hard disk 3 is taken out, the hard disk 3 is not damaged. Furthermore, since the personal computer 20 can properly recognize that the removable medium is not attached to the removable device, that is, that the hard disk 3 has been removed from the removable case 1 by the response to the “GET MEDIA STATUS command”, Even if the hard disk 3 is removed after the personal computer 20 is started, the personal computer 20 can accurately recognize that fact. When a “no media” command is returned in response to the “GET MEDIA STATUS command” from the personal computer 20 and the hard disk can be safely removed, this is communicated to the user via an LCD (not shown) or the like. .

  As described above, by using the removable case 1, it is possible to make the personal computer 20 recognize the hard disk 3 connected after the personal computer 20 is started up, and to safely store the hard disk even when the personal computer 20 is operating. 3 can be removed and the personal computer can recognize that the hard disk 3 has been removed. Therefore, by using the removable case 1, it is possible to appropriately replace the hard disk 3 during the operation of the personal computer, that is, hot swap.

  In this way, the removable case 1 mainly uses a conversion technique for making an ATA-connected hard disk, which is originally a fixed disk, removable. To be precise, the plug-and-play function is realized by hardware processing in which the removable case 1 is recognized as an ATA removable device on the personal computer side and each hard disk 3 attached to the removable case 1 is recognized as a removable medium. In addition, hot swap is realized in an ATA interface or an ATAPI interface that does not have a hot plug function.

  Moreover, since the hot swap in the removable case 1 described above is realized mainly by hardware processing, a dedicated driver or the like for causing the removable case 1 to perform a specific operation is not necessary. As a result, since the operation of the removable case 1 does not depend on the OS used on the personal computer 20, the removable case 1 can be highly versatile.

  As described above, ATA-connected hard disks, which tend to increase the number of hard disks that are not currently in use every time they are added due to the nature of being used as an auxiliary storage device built in the host device, are made removable. Can be reused as removable media and resources can be used effectively.

  Next, functions related to write protection will be described. Write protect setting (data writing prohibition) and release (data writing permission) for the hard disk 3 can be performed by operating a write protect switch 6 provided for each canister 2. In other words, it is possible to individually set / cancel write protection for the hard disk 3 accommodated in each canister 2. Each canister 2 monitors the state of the write protect switch 6 (whether it is switched to the side where the write protection is set or the side where the write protection is released) by the write protect detector 19. The write protect detection unit 19 turns on the write protect indicator lamp 7 when the write protect switch 6 is switched to the write protect setting side, and writes the write protect display when the write protect switch 19 is switched to the write protect canceling side. Light 7 is turned off.

  Therefore, the user can easily confirm whether the write protect is currently set or released depending on whether the write protect indicator lamp 7 is turned on or off.

  In general interfaces such as IDE, USB, and IEEE 1394, it is determined whether or not the write protection is set for the mounted media in the media parameter header exchanged between the personal computer 20 and the removable case 1. The write protect bit shown in FIG. 2 is included, so that by using this write protect bit, the removable case 1 can be connected to the personal computer 20 without providing a new signal line between the personal computer 20 and the removable case 1. Thus, it is possible to notify whether or not the write protection is set for the installed hard disk 3. In other words, there is no need to provide a signal line between the personal computer 20 and the removable case 1 for notifying whether or not the write protection is set, and it is not necessary to incorporate a special program in the personal computer 20, so that the personal computer is widely used. 20 can be used as it is.

  Next, an operation when a data write request is sent from the personal computer 20 in the removable case 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation when a data write request is sent from the personal computer. In the removable case 1, when there is a data write request from the personal computer 20 (s1), whether the hard disk 3 into which data is written is accommodated in the canister 2 (s2), and if it is accommodated, write protection is set in the hard disk 3 It is determined whether it has been performed (s3). If the hard disk 3 is not accommodated in the canister 2, the removable case 1 notifies the personal computer 20 of an error related to no media (s 4), and if write protection is set, notifies the error related to write prohibition ( s5). If the hard disk 3 is accommodated in the canister 2 and the write protection is released, the removable case 1 then writes the data sent from the personal computer 20 to the hard disk 3 (s6).

  When the hard disk 3 is built (fixed) in the removable case 1, the processing relating to s2 can be made unnecessary.

Further, the general personal computer 20 has a function of locking the medium and restricting the removal of the medium when the data is written to or read from the removable medium. This function prevents the data recorded on the medium from being destroyed by removing the medium while data is being written to or read from the medium. In the removable case 1 of this embodiment, write protection is set in the middle of data writing to the hard disk 3 (the write protect switch 6 is operated) using the medium lock function by the OS, and the data being executed is stored. The situation that writing is stopped in the middle is prevented. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation when the write protect switch in the removable case of this embodiment is operated. When the write protect switch 6 is operated (s11), the removable case 1 determines whether the medium is currently locked by the OS (s12). If it is determined that the medium is locked in s12, the removable case 1 waits for the lock to be released (s13). As described above, the OS locks the medium while data is being written to or read from the medium. Removable case 1, if the medium is determined not to be locked in s12, or waiting for a lock to be released by s13, in response to the current operation of the write protect switch 6, the setting / releasing the write protection Switching (s14). At this time, the light protect indicator lamp 7 is switched on / off.

  As described above, the removable case 1 of this embodiment is a medium because even when the OS locks the medium, even if the write protect switch 6 is operated, the setting / canceling of the write protection is not switched immediately. Write protect is set in the middle of data writing to the hard disk 3 (the write protect switch 6 is operated), and writing of data being executed is not interrupted. Can be performed properly.

  In addition, setting / canceling the write protection for the hard disk 3 can be easily performed by operating the write protect switch 6, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which data recorded on the hard disk 3 is erased by an erroneous operation. The data recorded on the hard disk 3 can be managed safely.

  Next explained is the second embodiment of the invention. Normally, the hard disk 3 is recognized as an ATA device, and the hard disk 3 used in the personal computer cannot communicate with the personal computer by the ATAPI command.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, communication by the ATAPI command is realized between the personal computer 20 and the hard disk 3 by the removable case 1 arranged between the personal computer 20 and the hard disk 3.

  The basic configuration of the removable case 1 in the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the removable case 1 in the first embodiment. However, the removable case 1 in the second embodiment is connected to the personal computer 20 via the ATAPI interface, and has a function of appropriately converting the ATA command and the ATAPI command accordingly. It differs from the removable case 1 in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 shows the command input / output status in the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the removable case 1 includes a command conversion unit 10 that performs ATA-ATAPI command conversion.

  Normally, the ATA command and the ATAPI command are greatly different in command code and protocol. However, by performing the ATA-ATAPI command conversion by the command conversion unit 10, proper data transmission between the personal computer 20 and the hard disk 3 is performed. Is realized.

  For example, the command conversion unit 10 acquires ATA_Identify data of the hard disk 3, converts this ATA_Identify to ATAPI_Identify data, and stores it in the RAM 13. When the ATAPI_Identify command is issued from the personal computer 20, the ATAPI_Identify data stored in the RAM 13 is returned to the personal computer 20.

Further, the ATAPI device notifies the personal computer 20 of the device attributes by using the inquiry data separately from the identify data. However, since the ATA device does not support the inquiry command, the command conversion unit 10 artificially relates to the inquiry related to the hard disk 3. Data is created and stored in the RAM 13, and the inquiry data is supplied to the personal computer in response to a request from the personal computer 20.

  In addition to the above, the command conversion unit 10 creates commands that are not supported by ATA devices such as ATAPI_Read_Capacity, Read / Write commands, Request_Sense, etc., by appropriate command conversion. It is possible to properly communicate between the two.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the effect of ATA-ATAPI command conversion. FIG. 9A shows a connection state of a hard disk as an ATA device. As shown in the figure, only one conventional hard disk can be connected to each master and slave.

  However, as shown in FIG. 9B, the ATA-ATAPI command conversion enables communication of the ATAPI command between the removable case 1 and the personal computer 20, thereby using the logical unit number (LUN). It becomes possible to connect a plurality of hard disks to each of the master and the slave. In this way, the removable case 1 is shown as an ATAPI device, and each hard disk to be mounted is shown on the host side, that is, the personal computer 20 with a logical unit number (LUN), thereby properly connecting a plurality of hard disks. It becomes possible to do.

  Also in the removable case 1 according to the second embodiment, the write protect function for prohibiting data writing to the hard disk 3 functions in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Further, in the above embodiment, in order not to cause a decrease in data transfer speed between the removable case 1 and the personal computer 20, the removable case 1 and the personal computer 20 are connected by the ATA interface or ATAPI interface. Even if the removable case 1 is connected to the personal computer 20 through an interface such as IEEE1394, the data recorded on the hard disk 3 may be erased by an erroneous operation by providing the write protect function according to the present invention. Therefore, data recorded on the hard disk 3 can be managed safely. FIG. 10 shows a configuration of the removable case 1 connected to the personal computer 20 through the USB interface. In FIG. 10, the hard disk 3 is built in the removable case 1. The emulation unit 21 shown in this figure performs ATA-USB interface conversion. The personal computer 20 and the hard disk 3 exchange data via the emulation unit 21. The interface 22 is a USB, and the personal computer 20 recognizes the removable case 1 containing the hard disk 3 as a removable device. The emulation unit 21 detects the state of the write protect switch 6 and controls turning on / off of the write protect indicator lamp 7.

  The interface 22 is not limited to USB, but may be another interface such as IEEE1394.

It is a front view of the personal computer to which the hard disk management device is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a hard disk management apparatus. It is a block diagram of a hard disk management device. It is a figure which shows the state of the command etc. which are input / output in a hard disk management apparatus in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the removal operation | movement of the hard disk in a hard disk management apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the write-in request | requirement of data is sent from the personal computer in the removable case of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement when the write-protect switch is operated in the removable case of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the states of the command etc. which are input / output in a hard disk management apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect of ATA-ATAPI command conversion. The structure of the removable case connected with a personal computer with a USB interface is shown.

Explanation of symbols

1-Hard Disk Management Device 2 (2a, 2b) -Canister 3-Hard Disk 4 (4a, 4b) -Lock 5 (5a, 5b) -Eject Button 6 (6a, 6b) -Write Protect Switch 7 (7a, 7b) - write protection indicator light 12-canister detection unit 17-cutting circuit 20-PC

Claims (4)

In the hard disk management device that makes the hard disk that operates with the ATA command connected to the host device removable,
A first interface for connecting the host device with an ATAPI interface;
A second interface for connecting the hard disk via an ATA interface;
In the management apparatus main body, a detecting means for detecting a mounting state of the hard disk as a removable medium,
Output means for outputting attribute data indicating that it is an A TAPI removable device to the host device when starting the host device, and causing the host device to recognize that the management device main body is an ATAPI removable device ;
By the attribute data before SL output means outputs, from the host device recognizes the supervisory control apparatus main body and ATAPI removable device, to input commands to verify the mounting state of the media that is regularly input, the detection in the time Response means for making a response based on the detection result of the means;
Command conversion means for performing conversion from an ATA command to an ATAPI command, and conversion from an ATAPI command to an ATA command, respectively;
A hard disk management device comprising: a disconnecting means for electrically disconnecting the hard disk when a request for taking out the hard disk is input from the host device. Write protect notifying means for detecting the state of a write protect switch for switching between setting / releasing write protection for prohibiting data writing to an installed hard disk and notifying the host device whether or not write protection is set. The hard disk management device according to claim 1, wherein: If the host device has locked the medium when the write protect switch is switched, the write protect notification means waits for the host device to release the lock of the medium, and then switches the current write protect switch. The hard disk management device according to claim 2 , wherein the hard disk management device is a means for notifying the setting / canceling of write protection according to. 4. The hard disk management device according to claim 2, further comprising status display means for displaying whether or not write protection for prohibiting data writing to the installed hard disk is set.

Images