JPH04114219A - External storage device for computer or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reproduce key input data even without artificially inputting the data again by extremely effective operations against the distinguishment of data due to power failure or the run-away of a software by transmitting the key input data stored in a backup RAM to a processor part in a restorage mode. CONSTITUTION:When the power failure occurs, all the data in a processor part 2 are distinguished. However, the key input data stored in a backup RAM 8 are not distinguished since they are preserved by a backup power source 9. Then, after waiting for the recovery of the power failure and turning on the power source of the processor part 2 again, the processor part 2 is turned to the state of enabling the reinput of the key input data. In this state, an external storage device 4 is switched to the restorage mode by a mode changeover switch 12. Thus, all the desired key input data can be reproduced without artificially inputting them again.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an external storage device δ in a computer or the like.

(Prior art and its problems) Conventionally, so-called problems with computers include the loss of data due to power outages and the loss of data due to wing running of software.

Although some models are able to cope with the power outage by using a backup power supply, it is often not possible to install one in inexpensive computers.

Further, even if it is possible to install the power supply device, it may not be possible to install it because the power supply device is expensive.

Also, there is no countermeasure against software runaway other than saving input data frequently.
In reality, if you save in rough increments like morning and afternoon, there is nothing you can do if the game goes out of control.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention operates extremely effectively in the event of data loss due to a power outage or software runaway, and can reproduce key input data without having to manually re-enter the data.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an external storage device that is easy to connect and inexpensive.

(Means for Solving the Problems) Therefore, the present invention has a keyboard-side connector 6 connected to an input device section 3 consisting of a keyboard or a mouse for inputting data such as characters, numbers, symbols, etc., and a central processing unit built therein. It consists of a processing device side connector 7 connected to the processed processing device section 2, a backup RAM 8, a mode changeover switch 12 for switching between storage mode and restoration mode, and a central processing section 5 in charge of overall control. In the remote, the key input data inputted from the input device section 3 is stored in the backup RAM 8 and sent to the processing device section 2 via the processing device side connector 7, and in the restorer The key input data stored in the backup ram 8 by the operation of the device section 3 can be sent to the processing device section 2 via the side connector 7 of the processing bag as an external storage device in a computer or the like. It is.

(Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Reference numeral 1 is a so-called computer that can operate as a single unit, and includes a processing unit 2 that has a built-in central processing unit and input data such as letters, numbers, and symbols. and an input device section 3 consisting of a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

4 is an external storage device which is the gist of the present invention.

The external storage device 4 is connected in series between the processing device section 2 and the input device section 3, and basically stores the key input data output from the input device section 3 internally, and at the same time stores the key input data output from the input device section 3. 4 to the processing device section 2, and if necessary, the stored key input data is reproduced and outputted to the processing device section 2. With this reproducing output mechanism, even if the key input data input to the processing device section 2 disappears due to a power outage, runaway of the computer, etc., the key input data can be reproduced and output to the processing device section 2 very easily. This point is the main gist of the present application.

FIG. 2 shows a block circuit diagram of the external storage device 4. As shown in FIG. Reference numeral 5 denotes a central processing unit that controls the entire external storage device 4, and provides a communication interface for connection with the processing unit 2 and input device unit 3 through two channels, a memory interface bus, an I10 port for connecting the display unit, etc. Built-in.

A keyboard side connector 6 is connected to the connector of the input device section 3, and a processing device side connector 7 is connected to the connector of the processing device section 2.

At this time, the input device section 3 is connected to the connector of the processing device section 2.
Since a power supply terminal is provided for the external storage device 4, the power supply circuit for the external storage device 4 can be omitted by connecting the external storage device 4 so that the power can be obtained from this power supply terminal.

The central processing section 5 sends the key input data input from the input device section 3 to the processing device section 2 via the processing device side connector 7 (in this sense, the external storage device 4 is a buffer amplifier). be stored in the backup RAM 8.

The key input data stored in the backup ram 8 is read out by a predetermined operation and sent to the processing bag section 2 via the processing device side connector 7, but at this time, the sending speed is too fast. The processing bag may not be input in part 2. Therefore, in addition to the key input data, the backup RAM 8 stores the elapsed time for each key input as a time tag, and reproduces and outputs the key input data in accordance with the time tag.

If the backup RAM 8 has a capacity of about 128 bytes, it can store all key input data and time tags when the computer 1 is used continuously for about 1 to 2 days. Note that the buffer for holding key input data in the par/up ram 8 uses a ring buffer format, and when the memory capacity is exceeded, the oldest data is rewritten.

A pack-up power source 9 consisting of a dry battery or the like is attached to the backup ram 8. 10 is a display unit, 11 is a program ROM, and 12 is a mode changeover switch, which switches the external storage device 4 between "storage mode j" and "restoration mode".

In the storage mode, key input data input from the input device section 3 is sent to the processing device section 2 via the processing device side connector 7, and is also stored in the backup RAM 8.

The restoration mode is a mode used when reproducing key input data, and when switched to the restoration mode, a command menu is displayed on the display section 10, and the command menu can be selected by operating the input device section 3. Then,
The storage contents of the backup RAM 8 can be displayed and output to the simple editing/processing unit 2. Note that the command signal from the input bag δ section 3 is neither stored in the backup RAM 8 nor sent to the processing device section 2.

Note that although the external storage device 4 has been described as a single unit in the above, it may be integrated into the input device section 3, and there are no restrictions on the mounting location.

(effect) Next, we will discuss the effect.

When installing the external storage device 2I4, remove the existing connection cable between the processing device section 2 and the input device section 3, and connect the keyboard side connector 6 to the input device section 3 and the processing device side connector 7 to the processing device section 2. Just do it.

In actual use, when the power of the processing device section 2 is turned on, the input device section 3 and the external storage device 4 are supplied with power from the connected processing device section 2 and enter a standby state.

Therefore, when the mode selector switch 12 is switched to "memory mode" and input is made using the input device section 3, the key input data is input to the central processing section 5 via the keyboard side connector 6, and the central processing section 5 processes it. It is sent to the processing device section 2 via the device-side connector 7, and is also stored in the backup RAM 8 together with a time tag for each key input. Thereby, the processing device section 2 performs a predetermined process based on the key input data input from the external storage device 4.

In the event of an unexpected power outage, all data in the processing unit 2 will be lost, but the key input data stored in the backup RAM 8 will be saved by the back-up power supply 9.
Therefore, wait for the power outage to become widespread, turn on the power to the processing device section 2 again, and then put the processing device section 2 into a state where key input data can be re-entered (for example, after starting the application software) ).

In this state, a command menu is displayed on the display section 10 of the external storage device by the mode changeover switch 12, and the command menu is selected by operating the input device section 3, and the necessary key input data in the backup RAM 8 is selected. When the range is set and read, the data is read out via the processing device side connector 7.
The data is output to the processing device section 2 according to a predetermined time tag, and all desired key input data can be reproduced without manual re-input.

Furthermore, the operations when the software goes out of control are basically the same as the operations described above. However, if the cause of the runaway is the key input data itself, the runaway will occur again even if the exact same key input data is reproduced, so the display unit 10 should be used to find the part that causes the runaway and delete or correct it. Therefore, it is necessary to output the key input data of the backup ram 8 to the processing unit 2.

(Effects) Conventionally, so-called computer problems include data loss due to power outage and data loss due to runaway software.

Although some models are able to cope with the power outage by using a backup power supply, it is often not possible to install one in inexpensive computers.

Furthermore, even if it is possible to install it, it may not be possible to install it in the end because the power supply device is expensive.

Also, there is no countermeasure against software runaway other than saving input data frequently.
In reality, if you save in rough increments like morning and afternoon, there is nothing you can do if the game goes out of control.

However, the present invention has a keyboard-side connector 6 connected to an input device section 3 consisting of a keyboard or a mouse for inputting data such as letters, numbers, symbols, etc., and a keyboard-side connector 6 connected to a processing device section 2 containing a central processing unit. It consists of a processing unit side connector 7, a backup RAM 8, a mode changeover switch 12 for switching between storage mode and restoration mode, and a central processing unit 5 that controls the entire system. 3 is stored in the backup RAM 8 and sent to the processing device section 2 via the processing device side connector 7, and in the restoration mode, the key input data input from the input device section 3 is The key input data stored in the RAM 8 is transferred to the processing device section 2 via the processing device side connector 7.
Since the external storage device in a computer, etc. is configured to be able to send data to other computers, it is extremely effective against data loss due to runaway software, and key input data can be saved without having to manually re-enter data. can be played, and an external storage device that is easy to connect and inexpensive can be obtained.

In addition, since the backup RAM 8 is used as an external storage device in a computer or the like equipped with a back-up power source 9 in the event of a power outage, it operates extremely effectively against data loss due to a power outage, and To provide an easily connectable and inexpensive external storage device which can reproduce key input data without having to re-input the data.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram, and FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of an external storage device. Explanation of symbols 1...Computer, 2...Processing unit, 3...
Input device section, 4...External storage device, 5...Central processing unit, 6...Keyboard side connector, 7...Processing device side connector, 8...Tsupram, 9... Packac power supply, 10...Display section, 11...Program ROM, 12...Mode selection switch. Figure 1

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A keyboard side connector 6 connected to the input device section 3 consisting of a keyboard or mouse for inputting data such as letters, numbers, symbols, etc., and a processing device connected to the processing device section 2 containing a central processing unit. It consists of a side connector 7, a backup RAM 8, a mode changeover switch 12 for switching between storage mode and restoration mode, and a central processing unit 5 that controls the entire system. The key input data is stored in the backup RAM 8 and the processing device side connector 7
In the restoration mode, the key input data stored in the backup RAM 8 by the operation of the input device section 3 is sent to the processing device section 2 via the processing device side connector 7. an external storage device in a computer or the like configured to be able to send data to the section 2; (2) An external storage device for a computer or the like according to claim (1), in which the backup ram 8 is provided with a backup power supply 9 in case of a power outage. (3) An external cylindrical storage device in a computer or the like according to claim (1), in which the external storage device is integrated into the input device section 3.