JPH06337736A - Cassette type information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the parallel processor which operates in parallel with plural cassettes by connecting the cassettes which perform specific processings to a cassette rack which is used generally. CONSTITUTION:A cassette 1 which contains a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM is connected to a connector 3 of the cassette rack 2 and then the processing which is stored in the ROM and characteristic to the cassette can be executed. When processings are performed in parallel, plural cassettes 1 are connected. The cassettes 3 can be connected to each other on conditions that they can be connected to free connectors 3 of the cassette rack 2. The shapes of the cassettes 3 are made different in shape according to the processing contents of the cassettes 1 and then they can be prevented from being misconnected.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cassette type information processing apparatus, and more particularly to a cassette type information processing apparatus applicable to a small-scale office processing system for inputting slips and automatically printing forms and a cassette type game machine. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A small-sized information processing device requires a small occupation area for installation and is generally easy to handle, so that it is widely used in a field that does not require a high processing speed or a large amount of data processing. . In such a small-sized information processing device, since particularly portable information processing device components are easily broken by the influence of static electricity, etc., a cassette that can be stored in a container such as a plastic in order to prevent this and increase mechanical strength. The formula was taken. Examples of such a cassette type information processing apparatus include home game machines typified by Nintendo family computers, notebook type computers typified by Sharp electronic system notebooks, and ICs in cash cards. There is an IC card embedded with.

[0003]

In the conventional apparatus as described above, the CPU for processing is provided only on the main body side, and only the ROM or the RAM is provided on the cassette side. Therefore, the CPU can be freely changed. However, there is a problem that it is not possible to give flexibility to the type of processing. Also, the part that connects the cassette on the main body side
Since there was only one (body-side connector), it was possible to perform only independent processing for each cassette, and it was not possible to perform combined processing combining the processing of multiple cassettes. For this reason, there is a problem that the processing speed is slow because it is not suitable for realizing complicated processing and all the processing has to be performed by one cassette.

Further, since the shape of the cassette connector (cassette side connector) is the same for all cassettes,
There is a problem that it is not possible to prevent accidental connection of a cassette that should not be connected or that is meaningless even if connected. Also, the cassette side connector is 1
Since there is only one cassette, there is a problem that one cassette cannot be connected to another cassette. Further, in the conventional cassette, if the cassette is removed while the cassette is in operation, the cassette may be broken or malfunction, so that the cassette cannot be removed until the operation is completed. An object of the present invention is to solve all of the above problems and to provide a cassette type information processing apparatus capable of freely changing the processing mode by changing the combination of cassettes.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a portable cassette having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and a connector for specific processing, and a portable cassette for connecting the cassette. A cassette-type information processing device is composed of a connector and a cassette rack having a power source.
Further, the cassette rack is provided with a plurality of connectors, and a communication means for connecting the connectors is provided for communicating data between the plurality of cassettes connected to the connectors. Further, the connector of the cassette has a shape defined according to the type of processing content in the cassette, and the connector of the cassette rack can be connected only to the cassette that realizes the processing to be connected thereto. It has a specified shape according to the type. Also, each cassette is equipped with a plurality of connectors.

Further, at least one of the cassette and the cassette rack is provided with a removal switch and a busy lamp, which lights up when the cassette cannot be removed because the cassette is being processed, and according to the operator's instruction. When the operator receives a removal instruction from the removal switch, it is configured to turn off the light after finishing the processing required for removal.

[0007]

By separating the cassette rack, the terminal, and the external storage device, which can be used for all kinds of processing, from the cassette that realizes a specific processing, the processing can be changed only by exchanging the cassette. Also, when a plurality of cassettes are used in combination, they can be replaced in units of individual cassettes.
An operator who uses the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can construct an information processing apparatus that performs desired parallel processing by selecting and purchasing necessary cassettes in an arbitrary combination and using them in an appropriate combination. . Moreover, because the construction method is a very simple method, it is only necessary to connect an appropriately selected cassette to the cassette rack, so there is no complicated impression like the conventional information processing equipment, and it is as if the video deck equipment is a video recorder. The information processing device can be easily used by the general public just like inserting a tape.

Further, since a plurality of cassettes execute the processing in cooperation with each other while communicating data between the cassettes, the processing can be shared among the cassettes so that high-speed processing is possible, and various combinations can be adopted. Therefore, various processes can be realized. It is also possible to improve processing by replacing some of the cassettes on a cassette-by-cassette basis.

[0009] Moreover, since the connectors do not fit to each other and those that are meaningless even if they are connected, they cannot be connected even if an attempt is made to connect them. Therefore, malfunction due to connection error can be prevented. Further, since a plurality of cassettes can be connected to each other, a plurality of cassettes can be combined without consuming the connector of the cassette rack. Moreover, at this time, the state of the processing can be easily understood because it can be seen from the outside as the state of connecting the cassettes. Moreover, since each processing can be shared by each cassette by directly connecting without passing through communication means, high-speed operation becomes possible.

Further, a removal switch and a busy lamp are provided on at least one of the cassette and the cassette rack. When the cassette cannot be removed because the cassette is being processed, the busy lamp is turned on and the removal switch is operated according to the operator's instruction. When the removal instruction from the operator is received, the processing required for removal is performed, and after that, the busy lamp is turned off. By doing so, it is possible to see at a glance whether the cassette can be removed by looking at the busy lamp, and thus it is possible to prevent malfunction and electrical breakdown. If you want to remove it, you can push it out safely and quickly. Moreover, the number of parts of the cassette can be reduced, the manufacturing cost of the cassette can be reduced, and the cassette can be supplied inexpensively.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall construction of a cassette type information processing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG.
Reference numeral 1 is a cassette in which electronic components are housed in a container, which will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 2 denotes a cassette rack into which a cassette is inserted, which will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 3 is a cassette rack 2 for connecting with the cassette 1.
Connector provided in the. Reference numeral 4 denotes a terminal for displaying and outputting a processing screen and the like, and for inputting data using a keyboard or the like. 5 is a cassette 1 or a cassette rack 2
It is an external storage device for storing a large amount of data that cannot be stored in.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the cassette 1. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 6 is a CPU (central processing unit) that processes data. Reference numeral 7 is a ROM (read-only memory) that can retain the contents of data even if power is not supplied from the outside. 8 is a RAM that can temporarily store data
(Writable / readable memory at any time). ROM7 is R
It goes without saying that it can be realized by a combination of AM8 and a backup battery. Reference numeral 9 denotes a cassette side connector for connecting to the cassette rack 2. Cassette rack 2
Connector 3 of the same type, or more generally, the connector 9 of the cassette may be a male connector and the connector 3 of the cassette rack may be a female connector corresponding to the male connector. Reference numeral 10 denotes a container for accommodating the CPU 6, the ROM 7, the RAM 8, and the connector 9 which form the cassette 2, and is generally made of, for example, plastic. It goes without saying that the connector 9 may have a shape exposed to the outside of the container 10.

Reference numeral 72 is an interface for controlling communication between the circuit inside the cassette and the outside of the cassette. For example, the function of electrically disconnecting the inside and the outside of the cassette,
It has the function of amplifying the electrical signal inside the cassette and sending it to the outside. Although it can be configured without the interface 72, in general, the interface 72 is often required as the number of cassettes increases. It goes without saying that the interface 72 can be provided on the cassette rack side. The interface 72 has a function of receiving a message sent from another cassette via the connector 9 and interrupting the CPU 6. The message here refers to data when data is communicated from one cassette to another cassette via the communication unit 73 (see FIG. 3). When interrupted, the CPU 6 interrupts the processing that has been performed up to that point and starts the interrupt processing. Similarly, an interrupt is generated by a signal from the removal switch 14 of FIG. 3 which will be described later.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, this interrupt is used to control the communication with another cassette and the removal of the cassette. Therefore, the interface 72 is required in this case.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the cassette rack. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 11 is a power supply for supplying electric power to the cassette rack 2. The power supply 11 may have a structure in which a battery is built in, or may have a structure in which electric power taken from the outside is converted into an appropriate voltage. The cassette 1 itself does not need to have a power source, and in that case, the power of the power source 11 is supplied to the cassette 1 via the connector 3. Reference numeral 12 is a locking mechanism for preventing the connector 9 of the cassette 1 connected to the connector 3 from coming off due to an unexpected accident. The locking mechanism 12 can be opened and closed electrically. A busy lamp 13 indicates whether or not the cassette 1 can be removed. The cassette cannot be removed while the busy lamp 13 is on. Reference numeral 14 is a removal switch for instructing removal of the cassette. Locking mechanism 1
2. The busy lamp 13 and the removal switch 14 can be used to implement the cassette removal method of the present invention. This method will be described later as a fourth embodiment.

Reference numeral 73 is a communication means for communicating data among the cassette 1, the terminal 4, and the external storage device 5. It should be noted that it is possible to have a plurality of connectors 3 (two in FIG. 3), and at this time, even when communication is performed between a plurality of cassettes 1 connected to those connectors 3, the communication means 7 is used.
3 is required. It is also possible to connect a plurality of cassette racks 2. To connect a plurality of cassette racks 2, a dedicated connector can be prepared separately, or the connector 3 for connecting the cassette 1 can also be used for connecting the cassette rack 2. By using a plurality of cassette racks 2, the total number of connectable cassettes can be further increased.

Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The embodiment will be described in detail. 4 to 7 are flowcharts showing the general processing procedure of the cassette. 8 and 9 show the format of data when data is communicated between cassettes. FIG. 8 shows an example of a data format generally used when transmitting a message from one cassette to another cassette. FIG. 9 shows another cassette from FIG.
Or when the message shown in Fig. 9 is sent,
The data format when responding to this is shown.
8 and 9, SIZE 51 represents the size of the entire communication data in bytes. MSGTYPE52
Represents the type of communication data format. For example, 1 is designated in the first example of the communication data format shown in FIG. 8, and 2 is designated in the second example of the communication data format shown in FIG. MS
The GID 53 represents a message number assigned to a message to identify a specific message.

SRCID 54 represents the ID of the cassette that sent the message. The DSTID 55 represents the ID of the cassette that should receive the message. As a special case, when sending a message to all cassettes, for example, 0 is specified in DSTID55.
Therefore, 0 should not be assigned to the ID of the cassette. CMD59 represents an instruction to the cassette by a message. The CMD 59 has a fixed length here, and has a size of 6 bytes in this embodiment. RPLID57 is the second of the communication data format shown in FIG.
Only in the example of. When a cassette receives a message and then responds to it, the message number specified by MSGID53 of the received message is RP.
It is designated as LID57. As a result, the side receiving this response can determine which message the response is for. DATA56 represents the main body of communication data, and CMD
Insufficient information is designated by the information designated in 59.

10 to 17 are views for explaining the first embodiment more specifically, and show an example in which the present invention is applied to a salary calculation system. FIG. 10 is a diagram when a plurality of cassettes are connected. 11 to 15 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure of processing unique to each cassette. 16 and 17 are examples of communication data corresponding to FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively.

The present invention is characterized in that the contents to be processed can be changed by exchanging the cassettes. Generally, the contents of processing of the cassettes are different for each cassette. It is divided into a part common to all cassettes and a part unique to each cassette. 4 to 7 show processing parts that all cassettes have in common. What kind of processing is different for each cassette will be specifically described later with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15.

The processing procedure of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 show the control process of the cassette, which is started by connecting the cassette 1 to the connector 3 of FIG. 3 and turning on the power. Alternatively, if the cassette 1 is connected to the connector 3 while the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is already turned on and the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is operating, the processing is similarly started. 6 and 7 show the interrupt processing of the cassette.
When a message is sent from another cassette or when the removal switch 14 is pressed, the interface 72 detects it and causes an interrupt. When an interrupt occurs, the CPU 6 interrupts the processing up to that point and starts the interrupt processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. When the interrupt process is completed and the process returns, the process that was being performed immediately before the interrupt occurred is restarted.

In FIG. 4, first, interruption is prohibited so that an interruption does not occur during the initialization processing, the busy lamp 13 is turned on to indicate that the cassette 1 is being processed, and the cassette is identified. The ID of the cassette, which is the number, is substituted for M (step 101). Next, a variable B indicating whether or not processing is in progress, a variable E indicating whether or not the processing needs to be terminated, and a variable R for storing the IDs of other cassettes when processing is requested by another cassette. Initialize (step 102). The variable E means that it is not necessary to suspend the process when 0, and means that the process currently being executed should be suspended when the variable E is 1,
In the case of 2, it is defined to mean that the processing of the entire cassette should be completed. Here, the process is not in progress (B = 0), and it is not necessary to end the process (E =
0), there is no other cassette that has requested processing (R = 0). Then the message send buffer,
Initialize the reception buffer and the buffer for storing the generated error (step 103). Next, the main process of the cassette 1 is initialized (step 104). The processing content of the main processing will be described later using an example. Since the initialization process is completed as described above, the interrupt is permitted (step 10).
5).

When a transmission error is detected in the interrupt process, the error is stored in the error buffer, and this is checked (step 107). If there is an error, the error processing of steps 108 to 112 is performed. Although different for each cassette, there is a subroutine for error processing in the cassette, and if it is registered, the error processing is executed (step 109) and then the process returns to step 107. Otherwise, check which message caused the error, and if the corresponding message remains in the send buffer (step 110), wait until the cause of the error is removed (step 111),
The message left in the transmission buffer is transmitted again (step 112), and the process returns to step 107.

If there is no error, proceed to FIG. In FIG. 5, it is checked if a message is registered in the reception buffer, and if not registered, the registration is waited for (step 120), and the registered message is taken out (step 106). When a message is transmitted from another cassette, an interrupt occurs and the interrupt described later is executed. There, the message is stored in the receive buffer. Therefore, step 120 and message retrieval step 106 simply wait for the message to be stored in the receive buffer and retrieve it. The received message is, for example, data in the format shown in FIG. 6 or 7. The contents of the instruction from the other cassette can be understood by the CMD 59 therein. For example, if it is START___, it is arranged to be an instruction to start processing.

In accordance with such an agreement, it is judged whether or not the instruction content indicates the start of processing (step 11
3) In the case of an instruction other than the processing start, since such an instruction cannot be dealt with, an error is returned (step 114) and the process returns to step 107. As a result of the judgment in 113, if it is the instruction to start the process, 1 is substituted into the variable B to store the fact that the process is in progress, and the I of the cassette instructed to start the process is set.
After D is stored in the variable R (step 115), the main processing peculiar to the cassette is executed (step 116). As described above, the main process is the main body of the process that differs for each cassette. When the main process ends, it is determined whether the cassette process should be ended (step 117),
If the processing should be ended (E = 2), the interruption is prohibited (step 201), the busy lamp 13 is turned off and the processing completion of the cassette is displayed (step 118), and the processing is stopped. Otherwise (E ≠ 2), initialize variables (B = 0, E =
0, R = 0), the process returns to step 107 and the same process is repeated.

Next, the interrupt processing of the cassette will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6, when an interrupt occurs, the interrupt is first prohibited (step 20).
1). Interrupts occur when the remove switch 14 is pressed and when a message is sent from another cassette. It is determined which one (step 202),
When the removal switch is pressed, it is determined whether or not the process is being performed by referring to the variable B (step 203). If the process is not being performed (B = 0), the busy lamp 13 is turned off (step 11).
8) After that, stop. If processing is in progress (B ≠ 0), 2 is assigned to the variable E (step 205) and it is stored that the processing should be ended. If the result of determination in step 202 is that a message was transmitted as the cause of interruption, the message is stored (step 206). It is determined whether the DSTID 55 (the cassette ID that should receive the message) in the message is equal to 0 or the value of the variable M (step 207). If the DSTID 55 is equal to 0 or the value of the variable M, the message has been sent to the cassette. The determination result of step 207,
If the message is unrelated to your cassette (DSTID
≠ 0 or M), enable interrupt (step 1051)
After that, it returns to the processing that was being executed before the interrupt occurred. If the message was sent to your cassette (D
(STID = 0 or M), the process branches as follows according to the contents instructed by the CMD59.

Hereinafter, assuming an agreement having the meaning of CMD59, the interrupt processing will be described in detail while explaining the content of the agreement. Note that this arrangement is only an example, and unnecessary items may be omitted or other items may be added. If CMD59 is ABORT_ (step 20)
9) It means that another cassette has instructed to interrupt the processing currently being executed, and 1 is substituted into the variable E.
As described above, the variable E = 0 means that the process does not need to be interrupted, E = 1 means that the process currently being executed should be interrupted, and E = 2. Means that the processing of the entire cassette should be completed. In step 209, if CMD59 is not ABORT_, the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 7, C
If MD59 is ON_______ (step 211), it means that the cassette that sent the message has been powered on. As a result, SRCID 54 (transmission cassette ID)
It can be seen that the cassette indicated by has started processing and is ready for operation. This is stored as needed (step 212). In order to notify other cassettes that the cassette has been powered on, a step of designating 0 for SRCID 54 and designating ON____ for CMD59 and transmitting a message between steps 104 and 105. Just add it.

If CMD59 is OFF (step 2
13) Means that the cassette that sent the message has been powered off. Similarly, this is stored as needed (step 214). In order to notify other cassettes that the cassette has been powered off, it is not possible to send a message after the power is actually switched off. Therefore, immediately before the busy lamp 13 is stopped in step 118 of FIG. Specify OFF___ in CMD59 and send the message.

If CMD59 is ST-REQ (step 2)
15) means that there is an inquiry from the other cassette to the cassette regarding the state of the cassette. Therefore, the status of the cassette is designated and notified to DATA 56 (step 216). If CMD59 is ST-RPT (step 217), it means that the status of another cassette has been notified to the cassette. This state is D
Shown in ATA56. Therefore, the contents of DATA 56 are stored as necessary (step 218).

If CMD59 is SV-REQ (step 2)
19) means that there was an inquiry about the name of the service provided by the cassette. The information processing apparatus according to the present invention can simultaneously operate a plurality of cassettes, that is, parallel processing is possible. Some of these cassettes provide services such as data processing to other cassettes. The service has a unique name, and other cassettes can receive the service by searching for a cassette that processes the service based on the name of the required service and requesting the processing to the cassette. When the SV-REQ is received, the cassette ID and the name of the service are notified if any service is provided by the cassette, and that there is no service provided (step 2).
20). If CMD59 is SV-RPT (step 22)
1) On the contrary, it means that there is a notification of the service provided by another cassette, and in this case, the service name shown in DATA 56 is stored in association with the other cassette ID (step 222).

If CMD59 is E-BFL_ (step 2)
23) means that an error has occurred because the receiving cassette was not ready to receive a message that the cassette previously sent to another cassette. In this case, the content of the error is stored in the error buffer (step 224). Messages that are none of the above will store this in the receive buffer (step 2).
26). However, when the receive buffer is full, CM
E-BFL_ is designated in D59, and an error is returned to the cassette that has transmitted the message (step 227).

In the above process, step 20 in FIG.
5, 210, steps 212, 214, 216 of FIG.
After the processing of 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 227, the processing returns to step 1051 of FIG. As described above, according to the processing procedure shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, it is possible to realize the basic control processing of the cassette while coping with the message transmitted from the removal switch 14 or another cassette by using the interrupt.

Since the processing contents of the cassettes differ from one cassette to another, the main processing part of the cassette, which is the different part, has not been described so far. Below,
The operation of the apparatus for advancing the processing in parallel while the plurality of cassettes communicate messages with each other will be described by taking the processing of performing payroll processing while interacting with the user through the terminal as an example. The first embodiment of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 shows the first described above.
An example in which the above embodiment is applied to a payroll calculation system is shown. In FIG. 10, the payroll cassette (assuming ID = 3) is for performing payroll processing. The salary calculation cassette can also perform statistical processing related to salary. In that case, another statistical calculation cassette (ID = 5) that provides a statistical calculation service is used to perform statistical calculation, and the result is calculated by the terminal 4 (ID = 2). The statistical calculation cassette provides a statistical calculation service. The terminal control cassette (assuming ID = 1) is for displaying a list of processing names on the terminal 4 and activating a specific processing based on a user's instruction.

The processing procedure of the terminal control cassette (ID = 1) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This processing procedure shows step 116 of the control processing peculiar to the cassette in FIG. 5 among the processing of the terminal control cassette. In FIG. 11, first, a process name list is displayed on the terminal 4 (step 301). The processing name is displayed by using the information on the operable cassette stored in step 212 of the cassette interruption processing in FIG. 7 and the service name information stored in step 222. Next, the user input from the terminal 4 is accepted and the instruction content is analyzed (step 302). Next, based on the information on the cassette and the information on the service name, the ID of the cassette for performing the process instructed by the user is acquired and substituted into the variable J (step 303). Here, it is assumed that the user instructs the payroll calculation process. As described in the description of FIG. 10, since the ID of the payroll calculation cassette is 3, 3 is substituted for J in step 303. Next, according to the first example of the communication data format shown in FIG. 8, communication data as shown in FIG. 16 is transmitted (step 304).

In FIG. 16, each number column has 2 bytes, and the total size is 18 bytes.
Specify 18 in the 1 column. Further, since FIG. 16 follows the first example of the communication data format shown in FIG. 8, MSGTYPE52
Is set to 1. The terminal control cassette may assign any number to the MSGID 53. Here, 7 is specified on the assumption that this message is the 7th. SR
The ID 1 of the terminal control cassette is designated as the CID 54, and the value of the variable J, namely 3, is designated as the DSTID 55. START_ is specified in the CMD59 column to instruct the start of processing. In the column of DATA 56, the ID of the terminal for displaying the result, that is, 1 is designated.

Thereafter, the terminal control cassette checks if a message other than start is registered, and if not registered, waits for registration (step 305), and when registered, takes out the message (step 10).
6). If the SRCID 54 of the retrieved message is equal to J (step 306), then the message is a response from the payroll cassette, and CMD59 sends END_.
If it is __ (step 307), the salary calculation is completed, so the main process is ended and the process returns. Since the message in this case is a response to the message shown in FIG. 16 which gives an instruction to start the process first, it is a response message as shown in FIG. 17 according to the second example of the communication data format shown in FIG.

In FIG. 17, the RPLID 57 (sixth column) indicates the message to which the response is given by designating the same number as the message number designated in the MSGID 53 of FIG. 16, that is, 7. Also S
The RCID 54 and DSTID 55 are just the opposite of the data shown in FIG. END to CMD59
Is designated to indicate the end of processing. If the response from the payroll cassette is not a termination message, DATA5
6 is transferred to the terminal 4 and displayed (step 30).
8). If the SRCID 54 is 1, the user has input to the terminal, and the contents are transferred to the payroll cassette (step 310). Step 308 and step 31
After 0, the process returns to step 305. As described above, in the terminal control cassette, the processing name is displayed on the terminal, and the processing start is instructed to the corresponding cassette based on the user's instruction from the terminal.

FIG. 12 shows an example of initialization processing in the terminal control cassette, for example, error processing for E-EXEC is registered. When the processing becomes impossible, information indicating that is displayed on the terminal (for example, when there is a response of E-EXEC in step 402 of FIG. 13 described later).

Next, the processing procedure of the payroll calculation cassette will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS.
The process of the payroll cassette is the initialization process of FIG. 14 and the process of FIG.
It is divided into the main processing of. Since the payroll cassette requires a statistical calculation service, a message is sent in the initialization process (see FIG. 14) to search for a cassette that can provide this service. in this case,
Specify SV_REQ in CMD59 to request service,
In DATA 56, the statistical calculation which is the required service name is designated. At this point, since it is not known which cassette should be sent, the DSTID 55 is set to 0 to specify that all the cassettes should be sent (step 408). If there is a cassette that provides statistical calculation services, CMD59
Since SV_RPT is designated to notify the service name, the cassette ID and its service name are stored in step 222 of the cassette interruption process shown in FIG.

Main processing of payroll cassette (FIG. 13)
In step 1, first, it is checked whether or not the cassette for statistical calculation is stored (this storage is performed in step 222 of FIG. 7) (step 401). If it is not stored, statistical calculation cannot be performed, and an error is returned (step 402). If it is stored, the salary calculation is executed (step 403). Next, in order to receive the statistical calculation service, 3 is designated as the SRCID (indicating that the transmission cassette is a payroll cassette), the ID of the cassette for statistical calculation is designated in the DSTID 55, and the processing is started in the CMD59. Specify START_ to instruct, and specify DATA5
The data to be statistically calculated is put in 6 and a message is transmitted (step 404). After that, the payroll cassette
Determine whether the message is registered in the receive buffer,
If not registered, wait for registration (step 4
05), retrieve the response from the registered statistical calculation cassette (step 106). Further, the rest of the payroll calculation process is continued (step 406). Then, the calculation result is displayed on the terminal, the process start is instructed, the CMD59 is designated as END___, and the process end message is returned (step 407) to return from the main process. . As described above, in the payroll cassette, a message for searching a cassette that provides the statistical calculation service is transmitted in the initialization process, and the payroll is calculated using the statistical calculation service.

Next, the processing procedure of the statistical calculation cassette will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, first, statistical calculation is executed (step 501) and the calculation result is returned (step 407). Since the service inquiry from the payroll cassette is answered by the cassette interrupt process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
In the main process, the statistical calculation is simply performed in this way.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to realize an extremely simple information processing system in which processing can be performed by inserting a cassette. In addition, the cassette is easy to handle and is less likely to be destroyed by static electricity or mechanical stimulus, unlike conventional printed circuit boards. Due to such a feature of the cassette, the information processing apparatus, which was conventionally regarded as a special apparatus, can be used as a familiar and easy-to-use apparatus like a television and a video.

Further, even if the same cassette is used, the contents of the processing can be freely changed by changing the contents of the ROM 7, so that the cassette can be mass-produced at a low cost and various kinds of processing can be performed.

Further, by devising the shape of the connector, the cassette 1 and the cassette rack 2 can be made waterproof. In addition, the cassette can be exchanged in water by using a connector that can be detached even in water. For example, you can make a computer that can be used in factories built under the sea. When you want to change the processing of the computer, you can do it by replacing the cassette in water.

Further, since the program is stored in the ROM, it is difficult to copy the program. When selling programs and data as products, conventionally, they were delivered or sold using a portable storage medium such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic floppy disk. At this time, if the processing is executed directly on these storage media, there is a problem that the processing speed is slow or a device for reading and writing the storage media is occupied. Therefore, it is generally practiced to copy the data in the storage medium to the main storage device or the auxiliary storage device of the computer and then execute the copy. However, this method is premised on copying of programs and data, so that there is a problem in that the programs and data that are products are illegally copied. According to the present invention, a program or data, which is a product, is stored in the ROM 7 and sold in units of the cassette 1, so that duplication is difficult. Illegal copying is one of the obstacles to the software industry, so the cassette industry can be expected to develop the software industry.

Further, unlike the conventional sales of software only, cassettes will be sold including hardware. Even nowadays, computer programs and music software are widely distributed, and even now, there is a tendency to often hesitate to pay for software. The problem of illegal duplication mentioned above is also relevant in this respect. In this respect, the cassette system has a merit that it has a good shape as a product because it is shaped, and it is cheap to be accepted by the general public.

Further, by incorporating a CPU in the cassette, for example, a high-performance CPU is incorporated for processing requiring a high processing capacity, and an inexpensive CPU is incorporated for simple processing. The type of CPU can be appropriately selected according to the target process. On the other hand, for example, in the cassette system found in home game machines, the CPU is fixed,
Therefore, even if it is sufficient for game processing, it cannot meet the expectations of clerical processing. Similarly, it goes without saying that an appropriate RAM or ROM can be selected according to the application field and content.

Further, in a cassette rack having a plurality of connectors 3, parallel processing can be performed by connecting a plurality of cassettes. Conventionally, most computers have only one CPU. Therefore, all processing is performed by one CPU
Had to do in. Further, some computers have a plurality of CPUs, but they are expensive, and it is technically difficult to appropriately divide the processing into each CPU. According to the invention, the cassette can be manufactured inexpensively by mass production. Also, since it has a CPU for cassettes, it has only one CPU
By allocating the processing within the range to be performed to one cassette, the processing can be appropriately distributed.

By combining a plurality of cassettes, more complicated processing can be realized than when one cassette is used. Also, one cassette can be used for multiple purposes. For example, the cassette for performing the statistical processing described above may be combined with the cassette for performing the salary processing, or may be combined with the cassette for managing the customer. Further, since the cassettes can be exchanged in units, the purchaser of this apparatus can reduce the cost by exchanging only the cassette of the processing portion to be exchanged. As a result, the purchase will be increased and the commercial value of the cassette can be increased.

The information processing apparatus of the above embodiment can be applied to toys such as so-called personal computer games. For example, processing programs and data for battle-type games such as war simulation games and role-playing games are terrain data for battle, battle parameters such as weapons and tools for battle, battle conditions and their display form, battle processing. It can be divided into parts such as programs and overall control programs. For example, if separate cassettes are provided for these parts, the parts can be freely combined. This allows the user of the toy to select the desired configuration, and if he / she is tired of playing one configuration, he / she can play another combination configuration.
Interest will double.

In the past, one game had to be sold separately. Even if a single product that is not divided into pieces, for example, the above terrain data is changed is released as a separate product, it is not possible to easily win the sales competition with a new product released by another company in the same industry by the difference. . On the other hand, if you lower the price of this other product, consumers will not buy the product that was the basis for it, but will buy only another cheap product that is partially different, so it will be the basis. The products that are sold will not sell. In this case, if the present embodiment is applied and divided and sold for each part, an appropriate price can be set for each part, so that, for example, only a plurality of types of terrain data cassettes can be sold. Generally, developing a processing program takes more time than data such as topographical data, and thus topographical data can be produced at a lower cost. Therefore, by adding a wide variety of types of terrain data that can be priced inexpensively, it is possible to increase the added value at a low development cost.

Further, as the RAM 8 (see FIG. 2), a non-volatile one (the property of being able to retain the stored data without a power source) is used, or a battery is built in the cassette to connect from the connector 9. If the data can be retained even if power is not supplied, the data can be stored in the cassette. Thereby, for example, the data stored by inserting the cassette into one cassette rack can be used on the side of another cassette rack.

Further, a combination of the above-mentioned application to a personal computer game and the method of holding data in a cassette can be used for game data communication. For example, in a battle-type game as described above, data such as battle record, possessed weapons, tools, and battle conditions is stored in a cassette. A plurality of users bring their own cassettes and insert them into the same cassette rack, so that the users can enjoy the battle game with each other under the condition based on the data stored in each cassette.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 shows an example of the shape of the male connector. The male connector can be applied to the connector 9 of FIG. 2, for example. The male connector can be connected to the corresponding female connector, and the female connector can be applied to, for example, 3 in FIG. In FIG. 18, reference numeral 21 is a signal pin for transmitting an electric signal. Reference numeral 23 is a convex claw that characterizes the shape of the connector. FIG. 19 shows an example of the shape of the female connector. In FIG. 19, reference numeral 22 is a signal pin receiver which is connected to the signal pin 21 and transmits an electric signal. Reference numeral 24 is a concave claw that characterizes the shape of the connector. If the positions and shapes of the convex and concave claws are the same, the male connector and female connector can be connected. Figure 1
In FIG. 8 and FIG. 19, the positions of the convex claws and the concave claws are the same and the shapes are also the same, so the male connector of FIG. 18 can be turned over and overlapped with the female connector of FIG. However, if the positions of the claws are different, the connection cannot be made.

Since the cassette realizes a specific processing, the type of processing can be specified based on the shape of the connector by changing the shape of the connector according to the type of processing.
Suppose you want to connect only a cassette for a particular process, for example a payroll process, on the connector 3 of the cassette rack. First, the connector shape corresponding to the type of payroll processing is determined. The connector 3 is provided with a female connector according to this shape. The cassette is also provided with a male connector according to this shape. As a result, the cassette for payroll processing can be connected, but other cassettes cannot be connected.

According to the present embodiment, when it is desired to connect only a certain type of processing cassette, the connector shape can be made to have a specific shape to prevent connection of other types of cassettes. As a result, for example, it is possible to make it impossible to connect a cassette that does not operate even if it is connected, so that it is possible to prevent accidentally connecting the wrong cassette. Also, if the cassettes have different electrical specifications, electrical damage may occur if they are mistakenly connected, but this can also be prevented by the connector shape. When using a combination of cassettes,
It may not work if the program version does not match, but it can be prevented by the connector shape as well. In this way, the operation can be guaranteed by a very clear method of whether or not the cassette can be connected, so that the reliability is improved and the handling is easy.

In this embodiment, the male connector is provided with the convex claws and the female connector is provided with the concave claws. However, it goes without saying that the male connector may be provided with the concave claws and the female connector may be provided with the convex claws. It is also possible to provide a convex claw and a concave claw on both the male connector and the female connector by combining the convex and concave claws. Also, the shape of the entire connector can be realized by a method of rounding the corners, for example. Further, by manufacturing a connector into which a claw can be inserted at a free position, and by inserting the claw into an appropriate position of this connector to manufacture the connector, mass production of connectors having the same shape can be achieved, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. You can also

Even if one connector has a concave claw and the other connector does not have a claw at a corresponding position, connection can be performed. Therefore, even with a male connector without any convex claws,
It can be connected to a meta connector such as 9. If this is a problem, it can be solved by providing a convex claw and a concave claw on both the male connector and the female connector as described above. On the contrary, if this property is utilized, for example, a connector that can be connected only to a cassette for payroll processing or a connector that can be connected for both payroll processing and statistical processing can be manufactured. In this way, by grouping the types of processing and providing a connector that can be commonly connected in each group, malfunction can be easily prevented.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 20, the cassette 1 is provided with two connectors 9. As a result,
As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of cassettes can be sequentially connected. When the connector shape has male and female, one of the two connectors 9 provided on the cassette 1 may be a male connector and the other may be a female connector.

In FIG. 21, for example, when this embodiment is applied to the payroll calculation system of the first embodiment, the terminal control cassette is at the bottom, the payroll cassette is at the middle, and the statistical processing cassette is at the top. Put in the upper row. The state of this connection is shown in FIG. Terminal control cassette (ID
= 1) is connected to the cassette rack 2. When performing payroll processing, the terminal control cassette in the lowermost stage instructs the payroll processing cassette (ID = 3) to start processing as necessary. Similarly, the payroll cassette can be used for statistical calculation cassette (I
Statistical calculation is performed using D = 5). In this way, the processing can be shared by a plurality of cassettes.

According to the present embodiment, since these three cassettes directly communicate data with each other, the processing speed becomes faster than in the case of adopting the format of FIG. 1 in which each of them is connected to the cassette rack. Further, by connecting the cassettes to each other, only one connector of the cassette rack is required, so that the remaining connectors can be used for other purposes. Also,
For example, assume that data of an English document is input, and this is divided into words, the words are rearranged in a dictionary order, the duplicate words are combined into one, and the result is output. This process creates a word dictionary of the input document as a result, and can be used as an index or the like. This process is divided into a process for dividing each word, a process for rearranging words according to a dictionary order, and a process for collecting duplicate words into one. Therefore, these processes are realized by three cassettes, respectively, as shown in FIG. Connect in order. When an English document is input to the uppermost cassette, the uppermost cassette performs word segmentation processing and sends the result to the middle cassette. The middle cassette rearranges the words in lexicographical order and sends the result to the bottom cassette. The bottom cassette collects duplicate words into one and displays the result on the terminal. In this series of processes, the direction of data flow is fixed in one direction, and each cassette can operate without waiting for the completion of the processes of the other cassettes, so that they can operate in parallel at the same time.
Therefore, assuming that the time required for these three processes is the same, it is possible to expect a processing speed that is about three times faster than that achieved with one cassette.

In this embodiment, the cassette is provided with two connectors, but a more complicated structure can be taken by increasing the number. This allows more advanced processing to be processed in parallel. For example, when there are two inputs, it is possible to check each input data in two cassettes and input these cassettes into another cassette to perform, for example, a matching process. .

According to the present embodiment, the type of processing and the state of the combination of processing can be seen from the outside, so that the system can be intuitively understood. In the past, the inside of a computer could only be known to an engineer. This was a factor that hinders general users' understanding. In the present embodiment, for example, according to the above-mentioned matching process, the state of connection of the three cassettes is the same as the process flow, which is easy to understand.

Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 23.
An example will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the cassette removing method according to the present invention. An operator using the parallel processing apparatus according to the present invention connects the cassette 1 to the cassette rack 2 and starts processing. At this time, according to the instruction from the cassette 1, the busy lamp 13 is displayed in order to indicate to the operator that the process is being performed.
Is turned on (step 31). As can be seen from FIG. 3, when the busy lamp 13 is turned on, the locking mechanism 12 is operated at the same time to lock the connector 3 and the cassette 1 cannot be removed. Next, the process is started (step 32). Then, it is determined whether the removal switch 14 has been pressed (step 3).
3). If it has not been pressed, the process is further continued (step 34). When the processing is divided, the processing is interrupted and it is determined again whether the removal switch 14 has been pressed (step 33). If it is pressed, to end the process,
For example, the data in the RAM 8 is stored in the external storage device 5 to make the cassette removable (step 35). Thereafter, the busy lamp 13 is turned off, and the operator is informed that the cassette can be removed by displaying it on the terminal (step 36).

According to the present embodiment, when the operator wants to remove the cassette 1, the removal switch 14 is pushed, and the cassette 1 is removed after the busy lamp 13 is turned off. The cassette can be quickly and safely removed without causing a trouble and more easily than instructing the end of the process from the terminal without waiting for the end of the process. It has been difficult for a conventional computer to change the hardware configuration without turning off the power supply 11. According to the present invention, by providing the removal switch 14, it is possible to safely replace the cassette even while the apparatus is operating. Therefore, for example, even when the cassette needs to be replaced during important processing, another cassette can be replaced. The process being executed can be replaced without interrupting the process of the cassette to be replaced without interrupting the process being executed. Further, for example, when it is desired to replace a new payroll processing cassette during the payroll processing, first connect the new payroll processing cassette to the empty connector 3 of the cassette rack and remove the old cassette, so that the old cassette can be processed. Can be exchanged for a new one.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the fifth embodiment of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 24, reference numeral 1 is a cassette, but this cassette is not provided with a CPU or RAM. Reference numeral 71 denotes a unit processing device including a CPU and a RAM, which is inside the cassette rack 2.
As can be seen by comparing FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 with FIG. 24, the present embodiment provides the cassette rack with the CPU 6 and the RAM 8 provided in the cassette 1 in the first embodiment. Therefore, some of the devices and methods described in the first to fourth embodiments can be similarly applied to this embodiment.

According to this embodiment, the number of parts of the cassette can be reduced, so that the cassette can be manufactured at a lower cost. on the other hand,
Although the number of parts of the cassette rack increases, the number of cassettes required is larger because one cassette rack is used by exchanging cassettes. Therefore, the cheaper the cassette, the lower the overall cost.

In the first embodiment, since the CPU is provided in the cassette, there is an advantage that an appropriate CPU can be prepared according to the processing of the cassette. When the cassette rack has a plurality of connectors, the same number of unit processing devices 71 are required. When only one cassette is used, only one unit processing device 71 is used and the rest is wasted.
In this case, the total cost is higher than in the first embodiment.
Thus, comparing the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment, there are advantages and disadvantages, respectively, and it is preferable to select them according to need.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention, by connecting a cassette rack that can be used for general purposes and a cassette that realizes a specific process in an arbitrary combination, a parallel processing apparatus that operates in parallel with a plurality of cassettes is provided. Is obtained. In addition, by defining the shape of the connector, it is possible to prevent improper cassettes from being connected, and since it is possible to confirm whether or not the cassette can be removed by providing a busy lamp and a disconnect switch, malfunctions due to connecting and disconnecting the cassette can be prevented. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of a parallel processing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a cassette 1 of the parallel processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cassette rack 2 of the parallel processing apparatus according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a cassette control processing of the parallel processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of control processing of the cassette of the parallel processing apparatus according to the present invention (continuation of FIG. 4).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of interrupt processing of the cassette of the parallel processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of interrupt processing of the cassette of the parallel processing apparatus according to the present invention (continuation of FIG. 6).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first example of a communication data format.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second example of a communication data format.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing connection of cassettes in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the terminal control cassette in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of initialization of the terminal control cassette in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a payroll cassette in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of initialization of the payroll calculation cassette according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the statistical calculation cassette in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first example of communication data corresponding to the first example of the communication data format.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second example of communication data corresponding to the second example of the communication data format.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of a male connector.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of a female connector.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of a cassette.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an example of connection between a plurality of cassettes.

22 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an operation in the connection example of the cassettes of FIG. 21. FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a cassette removing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram of a fifth embodiment of the parallel processing device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 cassette 2 cassette rack 3 connector 4 terminal 5 external storage device 6 CPU 7 ROM 8 RAM 9 connector 10 cassette container 11 power supply 12 locking mechanism 13 busy lamp 14 removal switch 21 signal pin 22 signal pin receiving 23 convex claw 24 concave claw 71 Unit processing device 72 Interface 73 Communication means

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical display location G06K 19/077 (72) Inventor Yoshihito Tamagawa 12 890 Kashimada, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor, Etsushi Oku Etsushi, Hitachi, Ltd. Business System Development Center, 12-89 Kashimada, Sachi-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A cassette type information processing apparatus comprising: a portable cassette having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a connector; and a cassette rack having a connector for connecting the cassette and a power source. 2. The cassette type information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cassette rack has at least two of the connectors, and the connector is used for communicating data between cassettes connected to the connector. A cassette-type information processing device having a communication means for connecting between them. 3. The cassette-type information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector of the cassette has a shape defined according to the type of processing contents in the cassette, and the connector of the cassette rack is the same. A cassette-type information processing device characterized in that the connector has a shape defined according to the type of processing content so that only a cassette that realizes processing to be connected thereto can be connected. 4. The cassette type information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cassette has at least two connectors. 5. The cassette type information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the cassette and the cassette rack is provided with a removal switch and a busy lamp, and the busy lamp is being processed by the cassette. It is configured to turn on when it is not possible to remove it because of, and to turn off after finishing the processing required for removal when accepting the removal instruction of the operator from the removal switch according to the instruction of the operator. A cassette type information processing device. 6. The cassette type information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one identification number is assigned to the cassette, and the cassette is assigned the identification number in the data received from the connector of the cassette rack. A cassette-type information processing device characterized in that processing is performed only when there is. 7. The cassette type information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cassette rack further has a storage device, and the storage device has data received from the cassette and the identification number assigned to the cassette. A cassette type information processing device characterized by storing and associating with each other. 8. The cassette-type information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ROM of the cassette stores the name of a process that allows the cassette to process a request from another cassette, and the other cassette stores the name of the process. A cassette type information processing apparatus, which executes a corresponding process when a process having a specific process name is requested. 9. The cassette type information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the cassettes has an office work processing program, a calculation processing program, or a game processing program incorporated therein, and each of the plurality of cassettes is processed. A cassette-type information processing device characterized in that a program is interlocked to perform processing in parallel. 10. A portable cassette having a ROM and a connector, a plurality of unit processing devices each having a connector for connecting to the cassette, a CPU and a RAM, and data between the plurality of unit processing devices. A cassette type information processing device, comprising: a communication unit for communicating with each other.