JPH07296920A - Adapter and data memory system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use a plurality of memory media in one device by making a driver stored in a driver memory element rewritable. CONSTITUTION:A driver is prepared in a software developing environment, for example a main device 8 is transferred to a controller 3 via a connector 6, and stored in a driver memory element 2. If the program is load the prepared driver in the memory element 2 is executed, power is fed to a slot 9 in which an adapter 1 is inserted, and all indices of the memory element 2 on the adapter 1 are read. When readable, erasure of the memory element 2 is conducted. Further the file of the driver data prepared by the main device 8 is read, transferred to the controller 3, and stored in its internal memory, and the stored data is written in the memory element 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for reading or writing data stored in a removable storage medium, or both.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, reading or writing of data stored in a removable storage medium, for example, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a hard disk, and a semiconductor memory using a flash memory, EEPROM, SRAM, DRAM, or the like, or In an apparatus that performs both, a storage medium control means installed inside the apparatus body whenever the type of storage medium is changed or a new type of medium is created.
The (driver) and the means for storing the driver (hereinafter driver storage element) are rewritten to a driver for driving the storage medium to be changed, or the driver storage element itself is added to the device to support it.

Further, the recent card type storage medium (hereinafter referred to as IC card) technology is in the process of growth, and the storage mediums used include those using semiconductor memory such as magneto-optical disk, hard disk and flash memory. Among them, an IC card which does not have a means for controlling a storage element in the storage medium has been becoming popular.
On the other hand, in devices such as digital cameras and notebook personal computers whose packages tend to be miniaturized, it goes without saying that a removable storage medium is indispensable, not to mention a built-in storage medium. From these two facts, it is expected that the IC card having no control means for the storage element is effective for further miniaturization of the above-mentioned equipment.

[0004]

However, in a device that tends to be downsized, the selection of the storage medium to be used is easily influenced by the trend of the storage medium. In addition, when a plurality of storage media that have been used in the past and a plurality of new types of storage media are used in the apparatus at the same time, or when the storage medium is upgraded to a new type of storage medium, a driver storage element that can be installed in the apparatus main body It requires an additional number and a large space for it. Therefore, it is difficult to apply it to devices such as digital cameras and notebook PCs that use IC cards these days, whose package tends to be miniaturized.

As described above, although the advantages of each of the recent storage media are varied, there is a problem in that it is not possible to easily and inexpensively select the recording medium according to the application or situation. Further, when the performance or capacity of the recording medium is improved and its form is changed, it is difficult to respond promptly, and there is a problem in that compatibility cannot be maintained depending on the equipment in which these are installed.

An object of the first invention of the present application is to make a plurality of storage media usable in one device.

A second object of the present invention is to allow a storage medium to be changed without changing the main body when the recording medium is changed.

A third object of the present invention is to make it possible to change a storage medium in a small space of one device.

A fourth object of the present invention is to maintain compatibility with a storage medium so that one device can access the data of the storage medium recorded in another device.

A fifth object of the present invention is to enable a driver storage element to be loaded from a removable storage medium storing a driver when the recording medium is changed.

A sixth object of the present invention is to enable a driver corresponding to a removable storage medium to be loaded from a device body into a driver storage element when the recording medium is changed.

A seventh object of the present invention is to enable at least one slot in the main body of the apparatus.

An eighth object of the present invention is to make it easy to judge whether the removable storage medium mounted in the apparatus is a medium which can be supported by the apparatus at present.

A ninth object of the present invention is to make it easy to determine the contents, uses and attributes of a removable storage medium attached to an apparatus.

An object of the tenth invention of the present application is that the running cost and the design and manufacturing cost of equipment including a data storage device are low.

[0016]

Means and Actions for Solving the Problems A slot for holding and electrically connecting a removable storage medium, and reading or writing of data stored in the storage medium,
Alternatively, a device (driver storage element) for storing the means (driver) for controlling the removable storage medium is mounted on an apparatus having means for electrically engaging in a device that performs both, and the storage means The control means of the storage medium stored in is rewritable. Further, the storage medium is directly driven by a driver stored in the driver storage element, and a controller having a data storage means therein is mounted in the adapter.

In the above-mentioned structure, the means for controlling the storage medium is a type of storage medium that can be driven.
(For example, semiconductor memory using flash memory, EEPROM, SRAM, DRAM, magneto-optical disk, magnetic disk,
Hard disk, etc.), application (for example, storage medium or storage medium control means, or both), total capacity,
It is also characterized in that the used capacity (storage medium, storage medium control means), user's area, and index data indicating attributes are included together with the original storage medium control means.

The driver storage element conventionally incorporated in the device is mounted in the removable adapter, and the driver on the driver storage element is changed so that the device main body is not changed and the adapter is mounted on the adapter. All of the above storage media can be driven. Also, compatibility with the storage medium can be maintained.

Next, in changing the driver of the driver storage element, data representing the characteristics of the driver is provided in the driver as the index data,
The device equipped with the adapter can determine the storage medium that can be driven by the driver. Further, it can be determined whether the driver is stored in the driver storage element mounted on the adapter. Furthermore, the above device equipped with the adapter is
It is possible to distinguish whether the storage medium engaged with the adapter is a storage medium that can be driven by the driver.

Further, by clarifying the structure of the internal use in the index data and dividing the used capacity as described above, the addresses in the storage medium can be relatively shifted so that the same medium can be used. It is possible to share the memory with the driver.

By utilizing these, the driver created in the software development environment of the above-mentioned device or the like is loaded from the above-mentioned device into the driver storage element of the above-mentioned device, or the driver created as described above is stored in the above-mentioned storage medium. The data can be stored in the driver storage element of the adapter by the operation of the device or the like. That is, it is possible to make at least one slot in the apparatus body.

For example, in a device that is a small package such as a digital camera or a notebook computer,
A storage medium having no means for controlling the storage element of the storage medium is extremely effective as a means for realizing the downsizing of the main body, and a device capable of directly holding and connecting the storage medium 7 can be envisioned. However, even in the above-mentioned device manufactured before that, the storage medium without the control means can be used by mounting the adapter. In addition, the small
It is easy to use various storage media without fixing the storage media that does not have the control means that can be used in the device as a package.

On the contrary, even in a desk top type personal computer or a work station which has a lot of expansion space, by installing the above-mentioned adapter in the slot or the like which has been used until then, a new type of memory as described above is stored. The medium can be used to access and use data created on another device.

[0024]

[Example] In an adapter capable of holding a storage medium, connected to a main unit, and capable of writing and reading data to and from the storage medium, a means (driver) for controlling the storage medium is stored inside the adapter. FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an adapter having a means (driver storage element) for rewriting the driver stored in the driver storage element, and a block diagram of a system using the adapter, Schematic diagrams are shown in FIGS. 2 and 1, respectively.

In the figure, 1 is the adapter of the present invention, 2 is a rewritable driver storage element mounted on the adapter which is a feature of the present invention, 3 is a controller for controlling the storage medium by the driver of the driver storage element, and 4 is storage A slot for inserting a medium, 5 is a connector for engaging a storage medium, 6 is a connector for engaging a main device, 7 is a storage medium having no means for controlling a storage element inside the storage medium, 8 is a main device for data operation, and 9 is a main device slot into which the adapter 1 is inserted.

The driver storage element 2 stores a driver for the main unit 8 to access and control the storage medium 7, and an index. For the index, the types of storage media 7 that can be driven by the above driver (for example, flash memory, hard disk, magneto-optical disk,
SRAM / DRAM), application (for example, driver 7a, driver and memory 7b, or memory 7c), total capacity, used capacity (driver capacity, memory capacity), remaining capacity, user area, attributes, etc. .

A connector 6 for connecting to the main unit
The power supply line in is common to all the media (elements shown in the types of storage media of the above index).

Further, in the present embodiment, a flash memory is used as the driver storage element 2 and the storage medium 7, but an SR and an SR having a backup power supply incorporated therein are used.
AM / DRAM may be used.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adapter has one slot for holding the removable storage medium, but there is no problem even if there are a plurality of slots.

To change the driver, a driver is created in an external software development environment, transferred to the controller 3 via the connector 6 and stored in the driver storage element 2, or the storage medium 7a or 7b storing the driver.
Can be inserted into the slot 4 and stored in the driver storage element 2 via the connector 5 by an external program.

However, the index of the storage medium itself and the index of the stored driver are different, and the type of storage medium and the type of drivable storage medium in the stored driver are not necessarily the same.

In the present embodiment, first, in the main device as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, a driver is created in the software development environment of the main device and transferred to the controller via the connector 6, and the driver storage element 2 FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of storing the data in the memory. However, as in the previous changing method, it is assumed that the storage medium 7a or 7b storing the driver and the driver storage element 2 both use a flash memory.

The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

When a program for loading the driver created in the main device into the driver storage element 2 is executed,
First, power on slot 9 with adapter 1 inserted.
(S201), all the above indexes of the driver storage element 2 on the adapter 1 are read (S202). Next, if it is readable, the data in the driver storage element 2 is erased (S20
3, S204), and waits for a load instruction (S205). Furthermore, the driver data file created in the main unit is read (S20
6) The data is transferred to the controller 3, temporarily stored in the memory built in the controller 3 (S207), and the data stored in the memory is written to the driver storage element 2 (S208). Finally, the adapter
Turn off the power to slot 4 in which 1 is inserted (S209), and end.

Further, the adapter is manufactured by the method shown in the above embodiment.
When a new driver is loaded into the driver storage element 2 of 1 or an existing driver is changed, the driver in the driver storage element 2 can be changed using the storage medium 7a or 7b storing the driver 1. .

In the second embodiment, first, in the main device as shown in FIGS. 1-a and 2, the adapter 1 in which the storage medium 7a or 7b storing the driver is inserted in the slot 9 is inserted,
The driver stored in the storage medium 7a or 7b is stored in the driver storage element via the connector 5 by the program of the main unit.
Explain how to suck up to 2. The flow is briefly shown in FIG. However, a flash memory is used as both the storage medium 7a or 7b storing the driver and the driver storage element 2.

The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

When the main device executes a program for sucking up the driver stored in the storage medium 7a or 7b into the driver storage element 2, first, the power is turned on to the slots 4 and 9 in which the adapter 1 is inserted (S101), Read all the above indexes of the driver storage element 2 on 1 (S
102, 103S). Next, all the indexes of the storage medium 7a or 7b that stores the driver inserted into the slot 4 of the adapter 1 are read (S104, S105). Further, the processing (S
From the index data read in (102, S104), it is confirmed whether the type of medium that can be driven by the driver and the type of the storage medium 7a or 7b itself are the same. However, when it is determined that the above-mentioned indexes cannot be read or the types of media are not the same (S103, S105, S10).
6), all errors (S114) Slot where the adapter is inserted
Turn off the power of 9 (S115).

Next, what is the content of the storage medium, that is, what is the purpose (driver only 7a, driver and memory 7b, memory only)
7c) is determined (S107), and the application is for a driver
Only (7a or 7b) waits for the load instruction (S108), and the data in the driver storage element 2 is erased (s109). Also storage media
The driver data (including the index) stored in 7a or 7b detects the stored position and causes the controller 3 to read the data from that position (S110). Next, the transferred data is temporarily stored in the memory built in the controller 3 (S111), and the data periodically stored in the memory is written in the driver storage element 2 (S112). Finally, the power of the slots 4 and 9 in which the adapter 1 is inserted is cut off (S113), and the process is finished.

In a small package device such as a digital camera or a notebook personal computer, the storage medium 7 having no means for controlling the storage element described above has a smaller body. It is extremely effective as a means for realizing it, and a device capable of directly holding and connecting the storage medium 7 can be envisioned. However,
If you want to realize the use of the above storage medium 7 in a device that has used a storage medium having a means for controlling a storage element inside the conventional storage medium, or if you want to use various storage media 7 according to an upgrade In the case of, or in a plurality of types of equipment in which the types of usable storage media 7 are fixed, the adapter 1 is used so that all the data on the plurality of types of created storage media 7 can be used by one device. It is valid.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a digital camera in which the adapter 1 can be mounted, as one of the concrete examples of the above-mentioned three utilization methods in the third embodiment.

In the figure, 28 is an image pickup lens, 20 is an image pickup means, 19 is a means for converting an imaged analog signal into a digital signal, 14 is a memory for temporarily storing the digital signal converted by 19, and 24 is a subject. Means for measuring the distance of
25 is a strobe, 26 is a subject brightness measuring means, 27 is a strobe light adjusting means, 21 is various switches, 22 is a display panel,
Reference numeral 23 is a display LED, 17 is an arithmetic processing unit including 21, 22, and 23 control programs, and 18 is a driver for driving the distance measuring means, the light measuring means, the light adjusting means, and the strobe. In the present embodiment, the adapter has one slot for holding the removable storage medium, but there may be a plurality of slots.

Switching of the main mode of the digital camera
SW is detected (S301), and the operation shown in Figs. 7 to 12 is performed by switching the mode.

The detection of the main power mode switching switch (S301)
The sequence is as shown in FIG. 7 (detailed description is omitted).

First, the operation when the main power mode switching sw is switched to the "standby mode" (S303) will be described with reference to FIG.

First, it is confirmed whether the driver is loaded in the driver storage element 2 by checking that the status flag "exi_prot" is not set (S401). Status flag "e
If "xi_prot" is not standing, the adapter 1 is powered on, the index of the driver storage element 2 is read, and the content is confirmed (S402) (described in FIG. 10).

Next, it is confirmed that the system has been started up by checking that the status flag "sys_init" is not set (S403).

If "sys_init" is not set, the adapter
The content of the storage medium 7 inserted in the slot 4 of 1 is detected by reading the index (S404) (described in FIG. 11). When it is determined in the preprocessing (S403) that the system startup has already been completed, and after the contents of the storage medium 7 and the system startup have been completed, the main power mode is switched again.
Confirm that the SW is in "standby mode" (S40
Five). If it is not "standby mode", the mode is returned to search (S301). In the case of "standby mode", it is detected whether the release SW is pressed halfway (S406), and only when all the release SWs are pressed (S407), the contents of the storage medium 7 inserted in the slot 4 again are detected. To confirm
(S404). If it is determined that the driver is included in the data stored in the storage medium 7, the driver can be changed and the system can be restarted.

In the digital camera, a flash memory is used as the driver storage element 2 and its contents are held. Besides, an EEPROM can be considered in the same manner, and in the case of SRAM and DRAM, the contents can be held by a secondary battery.

In the "standby mode",
Fig. 11 shows the confirmation of the driver description of the driver storage element 2 mounted on the adapter 1. First, turn on the power to slot 9 of the digital camera in which adapter 1 is inserted (S
701) and the index of the driver in the driver storage element 2 is read (S702). If it is stored, set the status flag "exi_prot" and return (S703, S704, S705). If not stored, turn off the power to the slot 9 of the digital camera in which the adapter 1 is inserted and turn off all. LE for display
Flashes D23 (S707), displays an error on the display panel 22 (S708), and returns to the main power mode SW search (S301).

Detection of the storage medium 7 is shown in FIG.
First, the slot 9 of the main device and the slot 4 of the adapter 1 are turned on (S801), the index of the inserted storage medium 7 is read, and it is determined whether the storage medium 7 includes a driver (S802, S803, S804, S805).

When the storage medium 7 includes a driver (S80
The case 1 and case 2 of 5) and the index of the driver in the storage medium 7 are read, and the display LED 23 indicating the type of the driver stored in the storage medium 7 is blinked (S807). Furthermore, storage medium
Check if the type of driver stored in 7 is the same as the driver in driver storage element 2 installed in adapter 1.
(S808), and if different, the driver in the storage medium 7 is loaded into the driver storage element 2 (S809). The power supply to both slots is cut off after the drivers are the same or after the loading of the drivers is completed (S810). Next, start up the system inside the digital camera (S811), set the system start-up completion flag "sys_init" (S812), and display the completion of loading.
22 is displayed (S813), and the display LED 23 showing the type of the loaded driver is turned on (S814). If the storage medium cannot be read or is not inserted, all the display LEDs 23 are periodically blinked (S825) and the power supply to both slots is cut off (S824).

When the storage medium 7 does not include a driver (S
First, it is confirmed whether the status flag "exi_prot" is set (S815).

When "exi_prot" is set, the display LED 23 indicating the type of driver is blinked (S816). After that, check if the status flag "sys_init" is set.
(S817), the system inside the digital camera is started up and the startup completion flag "sys_init" is set only when "sys_init" is not set up (S819). If the system has already been booted or after booting is completed, the display LED 23 indicating the driver type is turned on (S820), and it is confirmed whether the data storage medium 7 is the same as the driver type (S821).
If the type is the same, set the status flag "drv-mtch"
(S823), if they are different, the mismatch is displayed on the display panel 22 (S822).

If "exi_prot" is not set, all the display LEDs 23 are blinked at a constant cycle (S825), and power supply to both slots is cut off (S824).

In this mode, it is mainly used for system switching for changing the type of the recording medium 7 and for changing to another recording medium 7 of the same type as before.

Next, the operation when the main power mode switching sw is switched to the "reproduction / mode" (S305) will be described with reference to FIG.

First, it is confirmed whether the driver has been loaded in the driver storage element 2 by setting the status flag "exi_prot", and by confirming that the status flag "sys_init" is set (S501, S50
2).

Only when both of the above status flags are set, slot 9 of the main unit and slot of adapter 1
The power source of 4 is turned on (S503), the index of the inserted storage medium 7 is read, and it is confirmed whether the storage medium 7 is the same as the type of driver (S504).

If the index cannot be read, or if the type is different and the drive is not possible, an error is displayed on the panel 22 (S511), the power supply to both slots is shut off (S512), and the main power mode switch SW is detected (S301). Return.

Even if the storage medium 7 is the same as the type of the driver, the use of the storage medium 7 is determined from the index, and if the content is only the driver (case 3 of S507), an error is displayed on the panel 22. Display (S511), turn off the power to both slots (S512), and detect the main power mode switch (S30
Return to 1).

Therefore, the driver is loaded in the driver storage element 2 of the adapter 1, the system startup is completed, the type of the storage medium 7 matches the driver, and the contents of the storage medium 7 are replayed. Is included. If this condition is met, check again that the main mode switching switch is in "playback / mode" (S508).
After that, reproduction (S509) and search (S510) can be performed.

If either of the above status flags is not set, all the display LEDs 23 are made to blink periodically.
(S513), and again it is confirmed that the main mode switching switch is in the "playback / mode" (S514). If it is not "playback / mode", search for the main mode switch SW (S
Return to (301) and in the case of "playback / mode", release SW
It is detected whether or not is pressed halfway (S515), and then only when all the release SWs are pressed (S516), the power is turned on again to both slots and the detection of the inserted storage medium 7 (S404) is performed again.

In this mode, the recording medium 7 is mainly reproduced, and it can be used for loading a driver or changing another recording medium 7 of the same type as before depending on the state of system activation.

Next, the operation when the main power mode switching sw is switched to the "recording mode" will be described with reference to FIG.

First, it is confirmed whether the driver has been loaded in the driver storage element 2 by setting the status flag "exi_prot", and by confirming that the status flag "sys_init" is set (S601, S60
2).

Only when both of the above status flags are on, power is turned on to both slots (S603), the index of the inserted storage medium 7 is read (S604), and power to both slots is shut off (S605). ).

After that, whether the storage medium 7 is the same as the type of the driver (S606) or whether it is a write-protected storage medium (S607),
Whether there is remaining memory capacity (S608) is determined from the read index information, and if the main power mode switching sw is "recording mode" again, the recording mode is entered (S609).

When the recording mode is entered, it is detected whether or not the release SW has been pressed halfway (S610), and photometry, distance measurement, light control and shooting preparation are performed (S611). Further, it is detected whether all the release SWs have been pressed (S612), and only when they are pressed, the image is taken and recorded (S61).
3, S614).

When either of the above status flags is not set, all the display LEDs 23 are blinked at a constant cycle (S617), and the process returns to the detection of the main power mode switch SW (S301).

In this mode, the recording medium 7 is mainly used for recording on the recording medium 7, and when the driver is not installed or the system is not in the activated state, or when the recording medium 7 and the write-protected recording medium of a different type from the driver are used. In the case of 7, the recording mode will not be entered.

The fourth embodiment is the second specific example of the above-mentioned three usages, and FIGS. 1 (b)-(b) and (2) stores a plurality of types of memory created by a plurality of unspecified devices or apparatuses. The case where the data on the medium 7 is expanded or operated in a single device such as a desk top type personal computer or a workstation will be described.

In this case, first, all the driver storage elements that drive all the storage media 7 are not added to the inside of the device or apparatus, but all the drivers that drive all the storage media 7 are used as data. Store in the equipment or device. Next, the adapter to which the target storage medium is connected is connected to the device or the apparatus main body.

The device or apparatus main body loads the driver selected in accordance with the type of the connected storage medium 7 into the driver storage element 2 of the adapter 1 on the driver loading program.

As described above, the driver originally needs to change the contents every time the storage medium 7 is changed, but according to the present invention, the driver stored in the driver storage element 2 is rewritable, By providing an index inside the driver, the driver can be loaded into the driver storage element 2 from the storage medium 7 storing the driver or from an external main device.

In a small package device such as a digital camera or a notebook personal computer, the storage medium 7 having no means for controlling the storage element inside the storage medium is extremely useful as a means for realizing the downsizing of the main body. Although effective, by using the adapter 1, the driver and the storage medium 7 can be easily matched with each other. That is, by changing the driver with one adapter,
Supports many storage media 7.

For the same reason, in the conventional device or apparatus, the adapter 1 is used and the driver storage element 2 is made to correspond to the storage medium 7, that is, the storage medium having no means for controlling the storage element inside the storage medium. Is available.

Furthermore, when it is necessary to expand or manipulate data on a plurality of types of storage media 7, it is not possible to add driver storage elements of the number corresponding to the plurality of types of storage media 7 to the equipment or the apparatus main body. Instead, by using the adapter, it is possible to easily select the storage medium 7 to be driven in a small space.

[0079]

As described above, the driver is originally a storage medium.
However, according to the present invention, the driver stored in the driver storage element 2 is rewritable, and the storage medium 7 is provided with an index inside the driver. The driver can be loaded into the driver storage element 2 from the one in which the driver is stored in the or the external main device. Therefore, it is to deal with the change of the storage medium 7 without changing the main body.

In a small package device such as a digital camera or a notebook personal computer, the storage medium 7 having no means for controlling the storage element inside the storage medium is extremely useful as a means for realizing the miniaturization of the main body. Although effective, by using the adapter 1, the driver and the storage medium 7 can be easily matched with each other. That is, by changing the driver with one adapter,
Supports many storage media 7.

For the same reason, in the conventional device or apparatus, the adapter 1 is used and the driver storage element 2 is made to correspond to the storage medium 7, that is, the storage medium having no means for controlling the storage element inside the storage medium. Is available.

Further, when it is necessary to expand or manipulate data on a plurality of types of storage media 7, it is not possible to add driver storage elements of the number corresponding to the plurality of types of storage media 7 to the equipment or device body. Instead, by using the adapter, it is possible to easily select the storage medium 7 to be driven in a small space.

From the above, it is necessary to maintain compatibility with a storage medium so that one device can access the data of the storage medium recorded in another device. It is also possible to make the number of slots in the apparatus body at least one. Further, the running cost and the design and manufacturing cost of the equipment including the data storage device are low.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a device using an adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an adapter of the present invention and a device using the adapter.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of loading driver data on a storage medium into a driver storage element.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of loading driver data from a main device into a driver storage element.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an adapter of the present invention and a digital camera using the adapter.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation of the digital camera shown in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation of the digital camera shown in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation of the digital camera shown in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the digital camera shown in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the operation of the digital camera shown in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the operation of the digital camera shown in the embodiment.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An adapter having means for holding and electrically connecting a removable storage medium, and means for electrically connecting to a device for reading and / or writing data stored in the storage medium. 2. An adapter, comprising means for storing a method for controlling the removable storage medium, wherein the storage medium control method stored in the storage means is rewritable. 2. The adapter according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the storage medium by a method of controlling the storage medium stored in the storage means. 3. A method of controlling the storage medium stored in the storage means, the type of storage medium mounted, application,
The adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein index data including at least one of capacity, attribute, and user's area information can be added. 4. The adapter according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a flash memory is used as a means for storing a method for controlling a removable storage medium. 5. The adapter according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein an EEPROM is used as a means for storing a method for controlling a removable storage medium. 6. The adapter according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein an SRAM is used as a means for storing a method for controlling a removable storage medium and a storage holding power source is provided inside. 7. The adapter according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 3, wherein a DRAM is used as a means for storing a method for controlling a removable storage medium, and a memory holding power supply is provided inside. 8. A method for holding a removable storage medium, storing means for controlling the storage medium, and controlling the storage medium stored in the storage means is rewritable. A data storage system comprising an adapter characterized by the above and a storage medium characterized by not having a control means for the storage element in the storage medium. 9. A method of controlling the storage medium stored in the storage means, the type of storage medium mounted, application,
9. The data storage according to claim 8, wherein index data including at least one of capacity, attribute, and user's area information is added and stored in the storage means, and the index data is stored in the storage medium. system. 10. A method of controlling the storage medium stored in the storage means and data comprising the index data are stored in the storage means, and index data different from the index data is stored in the storage medium. 9. The data storage system according to claim 8, wherein the data is stored, and the data including the method of controlling the storage medium and the index data and the data to be stored can be shared in the storage medium.