JPH04233681A - Terminal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the equipment having slots for a recording medium to guarantee operations even when the storage medium is unloaded/loaded in the state of turning on the power source to the equipment and to simultaneously use the plural storage medium by task control in that case. CONSTITUTION:The terminal equipment has plural slots 10 for loading the storage media. For the storage medium, the length of a pin for connection confirmation is made shorter than that of another signal pin. When a processing means 12 of the terminal equipment discriminates it by a loading/unloading judging means 11 that the storage medium storing a program is inserted to the slot 10, a program registering and executing means 13 registers the program to a task and executes the program registered on the task. On the other hand, when the processing means 12 discriminates it by the loading/unloading discriminates means 11 that the storage medium is pulled out from the slot 10, a program deleting means 14 deletes the program from the task.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a terminal device, and more particularly to a terminal device having a slot for connecting a storage medium.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional terminal devices that use memory cards and ROM cartridges that store information such as programs are provided with a slot at one location on the device for setting a storage medium. Memory cards and ROMs with built-in programs such as memory cards in these devices
When a cartridge is set in the slot, the microprocessing unit (hereinafter referred to as MPU) operates according to the program on the memory card, and when the storage medium is not set, it operates according to the program in the device's built-in memory. do. Also, the data supplied from the device
Among the data, the data to be recorded is stored by inserting a memory card into the slot and writing. moreover,
These devices read data recorded on a memory card and display it on the screen of the device.

[0003] Also, when handling storage media such as memory cards and ROM cartridges, when removing the storage media used for replacing the memory card from the slot, turn off the power. , then remove the storage medium and insert the storage medium to be used next into the slot.

Next, FIG. 8 shows the pin configuration of a conventional memory card. General Japan Electronic Industry Development Association (JEIDA)
) Compliant with standards. In the figure, the power pin a of the memory card 81 is longer than the connection confirmation pin b and other signal pins c, which means that the power pin a connects to the slot 80 earlier than the connection confirmation pin b when connecting. This prevents the memory card 81 from being destroyed by static electricity or the like. Furthermore, the memory card 81 compliant with the JEIDA standard has a connection confirmation pin b for checking the presence or absence of the card. In the figure, since the connection confirmation pin b is short-circuited within the memory card 81, the presence or absence of the card can be determined by checking the continuity of the pin.

[0005]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, conventional terminal devices using memory cards and ROM cartridges have only one slot for inserting and removing these media. When using this medium, you cannot use other memory cards or ROM cartridges. For example, if a program for teletext broadcasting is stored on a certain memory card, and the memory card is inserted into a slot and a program is selected, the data of the selected program will be transferred to the memory card. It is impossible to memorize it in memory.

[0006] Also, it is possible to connect the memory card and RO while the power is on.
If the M cartridge is removed or inserted, the device may run out of control, so operation is not guaranteed. For this reason, be sure to insert or remove the memory card with the power turned off, and turn on the power and use it while the memory card is inserted in the slot. Since a plurality of media cannot be used at the same time, troublesome work must be performed. In addition, because the user inadvertently omitted turning off the power once, there was a problem that accurate information could not be obtained.

[0007] Furthermore, since the pins of the conventional memory card conforming to the JEIDA standard have the same length as the connection confirmation pin b shown in FIG. 8 as other signal pins c, the connection confirmation signal pin b
It is not possible to determine whether the other signal pin c is conductive at the moment it is connected or disconnected. Furthermore, since the connection confirmation signal pin b and the other signal pin c have the same length, they are connected and disconnected at the same time, which poses a problem that there is a risk of a momentary runaway.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the operation is guaranteed even if the memory card and ROM cartridge are inserted and removed while the power is on, and furthermore, the operation is guaranteed even if the memory card and ROM cartridge are inserted and removed while the power is on. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device having a slot for a storage medium in which cartridges can be used simultaneously.

[0009]

[Means for Solving the Problems] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of the basic configuration of the present invention. In the figure, a slot 10 is a connector for inserting and connecting a storage medium such as a memory card;
A loading/unloading determination means 11 for determining whether a storage medium is inserted into or removed from the slot 10; and a processing means 12 for processing a program on the storage medium when the loading/unloading determination section 11 determines that the storage medium is inserted into the slot 10. a program registration execution means 13 that registers and executes the program in the processing means 12; and program deletion means 14 for generating an interrupt.

0010

[Operation] The present invention provides a plurality of slots on the device for setting a plurality of memory cards and ROM cartridges, and a storage medium cartridge for programs, a memory card for data, and a ROM cartridge. A plurality of storage media such as the above are inserted into the slots at the same time to store and process data. Additionally, if it is determined that a memory card or the like containing a program has been inserted into the slot, the MP
The signal connection between U and the terminal device is established, and the processing means registers the program on the memory card as a task and executes it. When it is determined that the memory card has been removed from the slot, the program is deleted from the task, the signals from the slot and the terminal device are separated by a buffer provided between the slot and the MPU, and an interrupt is generated in the MPU. This transfers control to another program. This reduces the possibility that the device will run out of control even if a storage medium is attached or removed while the device is powered on. Furthermore, multiple programs can be executed simultaneously, and storage media can be inserted and removed at any time.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a case will be described in which two slots are provided for a memory card and a ROM cartridge. FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of a teletext terminal device having a plurality of slots according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This teletext broadcast terminal device 20 includes an MPU 21 that controls the teletext broadcast terminal device 20, an operating system composed of ROM/RAM, a built-in memory 22 that stores a teletext reception program, and an antenna for receiving teletext. The signal is extracted by a tuner unit 27 which is a teletext receiving unit, a character signal extraction unit 23 which extracts a character signal for displaying the signal from the tuner unit 27 on the screen, and a character signal extraction unit 23 A phonetic/display control unit 24 that controls the display of character signals on the screen and also controls the control code for additional sounds defined as part of the character code to produce additional sounds; and for inserting and removing the memory card. two memory card slots 25 and 26, and a light receiving section 29 that receives light from an external infrared remote control 31.
, a channel selection control section 28 that selects a channel based on the signal from the light receiving section 29 and the programs on the memory card and ROM cartridge;
It is comprised of a power source 30 that supplies power to the entire circuitry of the teletext broadcasting terminal device 20.

First, the operation when both memory cards 15 and 16 are not inserted into the memory card slots 25 and 26 will be explained in the same figure. First, the power supply 30 is turned on. The MPU 21 is controlled to operate according to a program stored in the built-in memory 22. MPU21 is tuner section 2
The text broadcasting data extracted by the text signal extracting section 23 from the video signal received in step 7 is temporarily recorded in the built-in memory 22. Then, the MPU 21 loads the data on the built-in memory 22.
The user operates the infrared remote control 31 to supply the specified program number to the tuning control section 28, and the tuner section 2
7 selects the signal of the program corresponding to the program number and supplies it to the character signal extraction section 23. The character signal extraction section 23 extracts the character signal, transfers it to the phonetic/display control section 24, and converts the character signal into a phonetic/display control section 24.
The display control unit 24 displays teletext data on the television screen.

On the other hand, the operation when the memory card 15 storing a program is inserted into the memory card slot 25 and the memory card 16 is further inserted into the memory card slot 26 will be explained. At this time, MPU2
1 operates according to a program in a memory card 15. For example, if the memory card 15 contains a program that has the function of recording/playing teletext data,
The PU 21 records on the memory card 16 the text broadcast data extracted by the text signal extractor 23 from the video signal received by the antenna. Memory card 1 was later received from the user.
When there is an instruction to play back the data recorded in 6, the MP
U21 selects the program number specified by the user from the memory card 16 via the channel selection control section 28, and displays it on the phonetic/display section 24.
control to transfer the teletext data to the TV screen and display it on the TV screen.

Next, the pins of the memory card will be explained. FIG. 3 shows the pins of the memory card 81 of the present invention. The types of pins of the memory card 81 include a power supply pin a, a connection confirmation pin d for checking the presence or absence of a memory card, and other signal pins c as shown in the figure. As shown in the figure, the connection confirmation signal pin d for checking the presence or absence of a card in the slot is shorter than the power supply pin a and other signal pins c. This allows the memory cards 15 and 16 to be inserted into the slots 25 and 16.
26, the connection confirmation pin d is disconnected before the other signal pins c are disconnected. Therefore, the moment the connection confirmation pin d is connected or disconnected, it is guaranteed that the other signal pins c are conductive.

Information as to whether the connection confirmation pin d is connected to the slot 25 or the slot 26 is provided by the attachment/detachment determination unit 3.
3, and the insertion/removal determining section 33 determines whether or not the memory cards 15, 16 are present in the slots 25, 26.

[0016] As a result, the MPU 21 is installed in the slot 25,
When the memory cards 15, 16 are inserted into the slots 26, signals are connected to the device, and when the memory cards 15, 16 are removed from the slots 25, 26, the signal connection with the device is disconnected, as described below. Control for interrupting the MPU 21 can be reliably executed.

Next, control of the MPU 21 will be explained. FIG. 4 shows the slots 25, 2 in the first embodiment of the present invention.
6 shows the state when no memory card or ROM cartridge is inserted.

The teletext terminal device 20 always receives teletext data signals and stores the received teletext data in the RAM of the built-in memory 22. As shown in FIG. 4, when the memory cards 15, 16 are not inserted into the slots 25, 26, the MPU 21 executes the operating system in the ROM of the built-in memory 25 and the teletext receiving program. At this time, the operating system monitors the slots 25 and 26 and waits until a card is inserted. At this time, the buffer separates the signals between the slots 25 and 26 and the teletext terminal device 20.

Next, FIG. 5 shows the program execution state of the MPU 21 when the memory cards 15 and 16 are inserted into both slots 25 and 26 in the first embodiment of the present invention. At this time, three-state buffers are provided for the slots 25 and 26, the address/data bus, and the control signals so that the MPU 21 can control them. In addition, this three-state buffer is connected to the memory card 15 by the MPU 21.
, 16 is not read or written, the MPU 21
Since the buffer is invalidated by the memory card 15,
Even if 16 is removed and inserted, it does not affect the bus signal of MPU 21.

FIG. 5 shows the state in which the memory card 15 is inserted into the slot 25 at the point indicated by the broken line h. At this time, the operating system registers the program in the memory card 15 as a task and executes it. When the attachment/detachment determining section 33 confirms that the connection confirmation pin d of the memory card 15 is connected to the slot 25, the buffer connects the signal between the slot 25 and the teletext terminal device 20. Further, the operating system of the ROM in the built-in memory 22 registers the program in the memory card 25 as a task and executes it. At this time, the MPU 21 operates the operating system, the teletext receiving program, and the memory card.
The three programs in code 15 are executed alternately.

[0021] Although the registered programs are executed in sequence, if there is a key input from the infrared remote controller 31, insertion/removal of the memory cards 15, 16, reception of teletext data, etc. The program execution order changes.

Further, at the point indicated by the broken line i in FIG. 5, when it is confirmed that the memory card 16 is inserted into the slot 26 and the connection confirmation pin d of the memory card 16 is connected, the buffer is connected to the slot 26 and the character. Broadcasting terminal device 20
Connect the signals between. Further, the operating system of the ROM in the built-in memory 22 registers the program in the memory card 16 as a task and executes it. At this time, the MPU
21 alternately executes four programs: an operating system, a teletext reception program, a program on the memory card 15, and a program on the memory card 16.

FIG. 6 shows how both memory cards 15, 16 are inserted from both slots 25, 26 in the first embodiment of the invention.
The program execution state of the MPU 21 is shown when the MPU 21 is removed. In the figure, when indicated by a broken line j, memory card 1
5 is removed from the slot 25, an interrupt occurs in the MPU 21. The buffer separates the signal between slot 25 and teletext terminal 20. Further, when the memory card 15 is removed from the slot 25, the insertion/removal determining section 33 determines that the connection confirmation pin d has been disconnected from the slot. As a result, the MPU 21 deletes the program in the memory card 15 from the tasks. Further, control of the MPU 21 is transferred to a program other than the card memory 15.

Furthermore, if the memory card 16 is removed from the slot 26 at the point indicated by the broken line k in the figure, the MPU
An interrupt occurs at 21. The buffer separates the signal between slot 26 and teletext terminal 20. Further, when the memory card 46 is removed from the slot 39, the insertion/removal determining section 33 determines that the memory card 46 is disconnected from the slot. As a result, the MPU 21 deletes the program in the memory card 16 from the task and shifts to a program other than the card memory 26.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a home voting terminal device having a plurality of slots according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Components that are the same as those in FIG. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations will be omitted. The at-home voting terminal 35 is connected to a telephone line, and is a system in which a user uses the telephone to input voting data into a host computer connected to the telephone line.

In the same figure, when no memory card is inserted into the memory card slots 25, 26 of the at-home voting terminal device 35, the MPU 21 uses the built-in memory as in the case of the teletext terminal device of FIG. 22.

On the other hand, the operation in the case where the memory card 15 (with a built-in at-home voting program) is inserted into the memory card slot 25 and the memory card 16 is inserted into the memory card slot 26 will be described. At this time, the MPU 21 transmits the voting data inputted by the infrared remote controller 31 to the host computer via the telephone line via the channel selection control section 28 and the line control section 32. Then, the at-home voting terminal device 35 receives the voting results returned from the host computer via the telephone line by the line control unit 32. M
The PU 21 writes the voting data and voting results into the memory card 16 and displays them on the television screen via the display/sound control section 24.

[0028] Therefore, these terminal devices can use a plurality of memory cards and ROM cartridges at the same time, so that a memory card storing a program can be inserted into one slot, and the necessary program can be inserted into the other slot. By inserting a data memory card into which various data can be written, these data can be executed simultaneously.

Furthermore, by making the length of the memory card connection confirmation pin shorter than other pins, it is connected or disconnected before other signal pins, which prevents runaway operations. Therefore, the data on the memory card and the control of the device are stable, and the memory card and ROM cartridge can be replaced while the power is turned on.

[0030]

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, memory cards and ROM cards can be inserted while the device is powered on.
Since the operation of the device is guaranteed even if the cartridge is removed and inserted, the memory card and ROM cartridge can be removed and replaced at any time. In addition, since the task is controlled by replacing the media that is inserted into and removed from this slot, there is no need for complicated operations, and even people without operating system knowledge can easily operate it, making it extremely useful in practice. be.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the principle configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a teletext terminal device having a plurality of slots according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the pin lengths of the memory card of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a program execution state of the MPU when no memory card is inserted into the slot in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a program execution state of the MPU when memory cards are inserted into both slots in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the program execution state of the MPU when memory cards are removed from both slots in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an at-home voting terminal device having a plurality of slots according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing pins of a conventional memory card.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 25, 26 slots 11 Mounting/detaching determination means 12 Processing means 13 Program registration execution means 14 Program deletion means 15, 16 Memory card 20 Teletext broadcasting terminal equipment 21 MPU 22 Built-in memory 23 Signal extraction section 33 Loading/unloading determination section

Claims (2)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A slot that is a connector for inserting and connecting a storage medium such as a memory card; an attachment/detachment determining means for determining whether the storage medium is inserted into or removed from the slot; and an attachment/detachment determination device. program registration execution means for registering and executing a program on the storage medium in the processing means when the means determines that the storage medium is inserted into the slot; A terminal device comprising program deletion means for deleting a program in the storage medium registered in the processing means and generating an interrupt in the processing means when it is determined that the terminal device has left the processing means. 2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the terminal of the storage medium for confirming the connection when inserted into the slot is shorter than the terminal for other signals. Device.