JPH0916475A - External recorder and information processor using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an external recorder capable of discriminating the presence/absence of write possibility/impossibility by appearances and presenting a highly reliable function while evading structural complication or the like. CONSTITUTION: This attachable and detachable external recorder for the information processor is provided with areas 5 and 5' for write possibility/impossibility discrimination display whose reflectance or luster is different from an external recorder main body surface on the prescribed surface of the external recorder main body 4. Further, the areas 5 and 5' for the write possibility/impossibility discrimination display whose reflectance or luster is different are generated by sticking corresponding seals.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an external recording device for information processing equipment, and more particularly to an external recording device which can be attached to and detached from the information processing equipment and has a writable / unwritable discrimination function. The present invention relates to an information processing device using.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, while the amount of information handled by information processing equipment has increased, it has become possible to take it out of a portable terminal or the like and operate it. It is also being used. Data sharing and use between information processing devices is generally performed by a cable or a wireless device, but by an external recording device that can be attached to and detached from the information processing device, such as a floppy disk, a memory card, an optical disk, a cassette tape, etc. Is also done. Then, the removable external recording device is provided with a function called write protection so as not to erroneously change or erase recorded data.

For example, (a) in a cassette tape or a video tape, the notch installed is cut, and in the micro-floppy disc, the main part is shown in FIG.
As shown in cross section along line AA in FIG. 7 (a) in (b),
There is a method to change the shape such as opening and closing the write protect and sealing the notch of the side with a mini floppy disk with a seal, and reading this shape change with a contact switch or an optical switch to determine whether it is writable or not writable Has been taken. Further, in the case of (b) a memory card, when it is attached to an information processing device, a method of electrically determining the presence or absence (on / off) of a contact switch provided in advance is used. Further, (c) a general-purpose method of recording writable / unwritable as data in a part of the recording unit of the external recording device is also known. Figure (a),
In (b), reference numeral 1 is a main body of a micro floppy disk, 2 is a write protect installation portion in which the main body 1 is formed in a concave shape, and a write protect 3 is attached so as to be able to move forward and backward (deformable) in the arrow direction. A part 2a of the write protect installation section 2 is configured to transmit light as it moves forward and backward.

[0004]

Since the writable / unwritable discrimination methods of (a) and (b) above are both structurally simple and easy to discern in appearance, they are portable external recording devices. It is widely used in devices, but the following problems have been raised. That is, in the portable external recording device, there is an increasing demand for simplification of the structure, miniaturization, thinning, and the like with the expansion of applications or diversification of usage forms. Assembling and mounting the contact switch or the optical switch has many disadvantages such as difficulty in thinning the external recording device and structural complexity.

To further elaborate on this point, first, the space-saving of the information processing equipment in which the external recording device is mounted is limited. In other words, when the contact switch is built-in, a protrusion is required from the function of detecting a change in shape, and in consideration of prevention (avoidance) of malfunction, it is necessary to take a wide range of movable parts of the switch. As a result, the space-saving of the information processing device equipped with the external recording device is restricted. On the other hand, in the case of the built-in mounting of the optical switch, it is necessary to arrange and set the light emitting part, the external recording device and the light receiving part on a straight line, and as a result, similarly, the space of the information processing equipment where the external recording device is mounted is also the same. Compactness is restricted.

Next, although the external recording device is structurally simple, the shape for discrimination is complicated,
Since the shape change mechanism for discrimination is complicated and the thinning is restricted from the viewpoint of strength, it cannot be said to be sufficiently satisfactory in terms of cost, reliability, and thinning.

The writable / unwritable determination method (c) can be applied to any external recording device and is excellent in versatility, but it cannot be discriminated from the outer surface.
Only after connecting / attaching to the information processing device, the writable / unwritable is discriminated, and there is a problem that handling is complicated.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and it is possible to visually judge whether or not writing is possible / not possible while avoiding structural complication, and to provide a highly reliable function. The purpose is to provide a recording device.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a removable external recording device for information processing equipment, wherein a predetermined surface of the external recording device main body has a reflectance or The external recording device is characterized in that a writable / unreadable discrimination display area having different glossiness is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detachable external recording device for information processing equipment, wherein the predetermined surface of the external recording device body is writable / impossible with a reflectance different from that of the external recording device body surface. The external recording device is characterized in that a discrimination display sticker is attached. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a removable external recording device for information processing equipment, wherein the predetermined surface of the external recording device main body is writable / impossible determination having a gloss or hue different from that of the external recording device main body surface. The external recording device is characterized in that a display sticker is attached.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an external recording device, wherein a writable / unreadable discrimination display area having a reflectance or gloss different from that of the external recording device body surface is provided on a predetermined surface of the external recording device body. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a reading device having a writable / unreadable determination unit that takes in the external recording device and determines the writable / unreadable determination display area.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the writable / unreadable determination means is an optical system, and the reflectance of the writable / unreadable determination display area is
It is characterized by distinguishing gloss or hue.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the writable / unreadable discrimination display area is formed by sticking a sticker.

The external recording apparatus and the information processing apparatus using the same according to the present invention can record (or store) magnetically or electrically required data such as a floppy disk, a cassette tape, an optical disk or a memory card. A thin layer that includes a writable medium and that discriminates writable / unwritable is integrally arranged on a predetermined surface. Further, the present invention provides a method for determining relative reflectance and gloss of an external information recording device when mounted on an information processing device or a writable / unreadable discriminating device by an optical system incorporated in the information processing device or the discriminating device. While ensuring compactness of information processing equipment by detecting differences,
On the other hand, the main point is to be able to reliably determine whether writing is possible or not while avoiding the structure of the main body of the external recording device from becoming complicated and complicated. Here, the difference in reflectance and glossiness is relative, and the external recording device body surface is provided with reflectivity and glossiness, and the writable / impossible discrimination display sticker is non-reflective or non-glossy. May be provided, or the relationship may be reversed.

[0015]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the predetermined surface is provided on the external recording apparatus main body surface, and a part of the external recording apparatus main body surface is subjected to a treatment such as matting to provide areas having different reflectance or glossiness. Therefore, it is possible to visually judge whether writing is possible or not depending on the presence or absence of this matte area.Also, even when the necessary optical system is installed in the information processing device that has been built in beforehand, the reflection or gloss of the sticker sticker Whether or not writing is possible can be reliably determined based on the degree of light reception due to the property.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the writable / unreadable discrimination display seal having a reflectance different from that of the external recording device main body surface is attached to the predetermined surface, the external recording device main body surface is attached. Whether or not writing is possible can be visually discerned by the presence or absence of the light.In addition, even when the necessary optical system is installed in an information processing device that has a built-in optical system in advance, the degree of light reception due to the reflectance of the adhesive sticker Writable
It is possible to distinguish the impossible with high accuracy.

According to the third aspect of the invention, a writable / impossible discrimination display sticker having a gloss (or hue) different from that of the external recording apparatus main body surface is attached to the predetermined surface on the external recording apparatus main body surface. Therefore, it is possible to visually judge whether writing is possible or not depending on the presence or absence of this sticker. In addition, even when the necessary optical system is installed in an information processing device that has a built-in optical system in advance, it is caused by the glossiness of the sticker sticker. Whether or not writing is possible can be determined with high accuracy based on the degree of light reception.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the writable / unreadable discrimination display area having a reflectance or gloss different from that of the external recording apparatus main body surface is provided on the predetermined surface of the external recording apparatus main body. Since the reading device incorporates an external recording device and has a writable / unreadable determination unit that determines the writable / unreadable determination display area, the difference in reflectance or gloss is automatically determined, Be sure to determine whether writing is possible or not.

In the invention of claim 5, the writable / unreadable determination means is an optical system, and the determination is made by the reflectance, glossiness or hue of the writable / unreadable determination display area. Is performed more accurately.

In the invention of claim 6, since the writable / unreadable discrimination display area is formed by sticking a seal, the operation of claim 5 is performed more simply and accurately.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Embodiment 1 FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b) are perspective views showing different structural examples of the memory card of this embodiment, in which 4 is provided with input / output terminals (not shown), and recording Element (memory element)
A memory card body 5 having built-in components such as the above is a non-reflective (or non-glossy) area provided on a predetermined area surface of the memory card body 4. Further, 5'is the area 5
A glossy seal, affixed on top, 6 is a memory card containing a non-reflective area 5 and a glossy area 5 '.
The surface of the non-reflective area 5 is set so as to correspond to an optical system provided in advance when the memory card 6 is attached to a reading device (for example, a reading device incorporated in an information processing device). As the non-reflective area 5, for example, a sticker that has been subjected to a matte treatment or a predetermined area surface of the memory card body 4 is selectively matte-treated to make it non-glossy or have a low reflectance. The form is taken.

Next, the determination as to whether or not the memory card 6 having the above structure can be written will be described. Although it can be primarily determined by whether or not the seal 5'is attached to the surface of the predetermined area, it is optically performed, for example, as schematically shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.
3 is a perspective view and FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an embodiment. The reading device 7 includes a card insertion hole 7a for inserting and mounting the memory card 6, and a memory inserted and mounted in the card insertion hole 7a. Light-emitting element (for example, light-emitting diode) 7b for illuminating the non-reflective area 5 surface of the card 6, said light-emitting element
The configuration is provided with a light receiving element (for example, a photodiode) 7c that receives the reflected light due to the irradiation of 7b. In addition,
The light emitting element 7b and the light receiving element 7c are provided in the card insertion hole.
It is attached to the main body portion 7d of the reading device so as to form a required optical path with respect to 7a, and is provided with means for measuring and comparing the signal output of the light receiving element 7c.

Card insertion hole 7a in the reading device 7
Can write to the memory card 6 that has been inserted into
The determination as impossible is made as follows. That is, depending on the presence or absence of the seal 5 ', the reflectivity (or glossiness) of the area 5
When the seal 5'is high, writing is not possible, and when the seal 5'is low in reflectivity (or gloss), it is possible to write, and the corresponding light receiving element is reflective or non-reflective.
Whether the memory card 6 is writable or not can be reliably determined by the amount of light received by the 7c within a certain area.

In the above, the case of the memory card has been exemplified, but the same effect can be obtained by applying the same to the case of the floppy disk, the optical disk or the cassette tape. However, as the reading device 7, a device having an optical system having a configuration corresponding to each external recording device is prepared.

Embodiment 2 FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are perspective views showing different structural examples of the memory card of this embodiment. Reference numeral 4 denotes an input / output terminal (not shown) and recording. Element (memory element)
A memory card main body 5'having built-in components such as the above is a reflective (or glossy) sticker attached to a predetermined area surface of the memory card main body 4. Here, the reflectivity (or glossiness) of the sticker 5'is as compared with the reflectivity (or glossiness) of the surface of the memory card body 4 when exposed to light.
A difference occurs in the degree of reflection of the reflected light.
Further, the sticking area surface of the sticker 5'is set in correspondence with an optical system provided in advance when the memory card 6 is attached to a reading device (for example, a reading device incorporated in an information processing device). There is. The reflective or glossy seal 5'may be a silver foil, a colored tape, or the like in which a predetermined area of the memory card body 4 is selectively made glossy or reflective. next,
The determination as to whether the memory card 6 having the above configuration is writable or not will be described. Although it can be primarily determined by whether or not the seal 5'is attached to the surface of the predetermined area, it is optically performed as shown in the schematic view of the embodiment in FIGS. 5 and 6, for example. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view and FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the embodiment.
Is a card insertion hole 7 for inserting and installing the memory card 6.
a, a blue light emitting element (for example, a light emitting diode) 7b for irradiating the seal 5'side of the memory card 6 inserted / installed in the card insertion hole 7a, and a light receiving element for receiving the reflected light by the irradiation of the light emitting element 7b ( For example, a photodiode) 7c is adopted. The light emitting element
7b and the light receiving element 7c are attached to the main body portion 7d of the reading device so as to form a required optical path with respect to the card insertion hole 7a, and a blue filter 7e is arranged on the front surface of the light receiving element 7c. Also, measure the signal output of the light receiving element 7c.
Equipped with means for comparison.

Card insertion hole 7a in the reading device 7
Can write to the memory card 6 that has been inserted into
The determination as impossible is made as follows. That is, when the sticker 5'is not attached, the reflected light is attenuated by the blue filter 7e except for the blue color, so that the light receiving amount of the light receiving element 7c is small (in this case, writing is possible). On the other hand, when the sticker 5'is attached, a blue component is added to the reflected light, and the light reduction by the blue filter 7e is reduced, so that the light receiving amount of the light receiving element 7c is large (in this case, writing is not possible. Possible). in this way,
Whether the memory card 6 is writable or unwritable is reliably determined by the amount of light received by the corresponding light receiving element 7c having a reflective or non-reflective property within a certain area.

In the above description, the case of the memory card is illustrated, but the same effect can be obtained by applying the same to the case of the floppy disk, the optical disk or the cassette tape. However, as the reading device 7, a device having an optical system having a configuration corresponding to each external recording device is prepared. Further, in the above description, the blue filter is attached as a color filter to the central portion of the surface of the adhesive sticker 5 ', but the present invention is not limited to the blue filter, and other color filters such as the hue of the adhesive sticker 5'and the light emitting element 7b can be used. Corresponding to the above, for example, a red filter may be arranged, and the arrangement of the color filters is not limited to the surface of the sticker sticker 5 '. That is, the same result can be obtained even if it is inserted between the light receiving element 7c and the light receiving element 7c.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. That is, a method or means other than the above examples, such as a non-reflective or non-glossy seal material, a reflective or glossy seal material, or a means instead of sticking a non-reflective or non-glossy seal, may be used. it can.

[0030]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the predetermined surface is integrally provided with the main surface of the external recording device, the areas having different reflectances or glossiness capable of discriminating whether the writing is possible or not. Not only is it possible to make a visual distinction, but it is only necessary to install the required optical system path on one main surface side for optical discrimination, so the structure of the reading mechanism can be simplified,
Furthermore, it can be made compact. In other words, it is possible not only to make the external recording device itself compact and thin, and to reduce costs, but also to make the external recording device function with high reliability, while making the reading mechanism compact and costly. Become.

Claims 2, Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5
Also in the case of the invention of claim 6, the writable / impossible determination is made on the main surface of the external recording device that has a predetermined surface with a reflectance or gloss different from that of the external recording device surface, which is different from the external recording device surface. Since the display sticker is attached,
Not only is it possible to make a visual distinction, but it is also possible to install the required optical system path on one main surface side for optical discrimination, so the structure of the reading mechanism can be simplified and further made compact. Is also planned. In other words, it is possible not only to make the external recording device itself compact and thin, and to reduce costs, but also to make the external recording device function with high reliability, while making the reading mechanism compact and costly. Become.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1A and 1B are perspective views showing configuration examples of different external recording devices of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an embodiment in which a reading device discriminates whether the external recording device shown in FIG. 1 is writable or not writable.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an embodiment in which a reading device determines whether the external recording device shown in FIG. 1 is writable or not writable.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an external recording device according to a second embodiment.

5 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an embodiment in which a reading device determines whether the external recording device shown in FIG. 4 is writable or not writable.

6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an embodiment in which a reading device discriminates whether the external recording device shown in FIG. 4 is writable or not writable.

7A and 7B show an example of a writable / unwritable determination mechanism of a conventional external recording device, in which FIG.
Sectional drawing along the AA line in (a).

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Micro floppy body 2 ... Recessed part for mounting light protesc 2a ... Translucent hole in recessed part for mounting light protesk 3 ... Light protesc 4 ... Memory card body 5 ... Non-reflective Or non-glossy seal 5 '... Reflective or glossy seal 6 ... Memory card (external recording device) 7 ... Reading device 7a ... Card insertion hole 7b ... Light emitting element 7c..Light receiving element 7d ........ device Main unit 7e …… Color filter

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A removable external recording device for information processing equipment, wherein a writable / unreadable display having a reflectance or gloss different from that of the external recording device body surface is provided on a predetermined surface of the external recording device body. An external recording device having a use area. 2. A removable external recording device for information processing equipment, wherein a writable / impossible determination display sticker having a reflectance different from that of the external recording device body surface is provided on a predetermined surface of the external recording device body. An external recording device characterized by being attached. 3. A detachable external recording device for information processing equipment, for displaying writable / impossible discrimination of glossiness or color different from the surface of the external recording device main body on a predetermined surface of the external recording device main body. An external recording device having a sticker attached. 4. An external recording device, comprising: a predetermined surface of the external recording device main body; a writable / unreadable discrimination display area having a reflectance or gloss different from that of the external recording device main body surface; And a reader having a writable / unreadable discriminating means for discriminating the writable / unreadable discriminating display area. 5. The writable / unreadable determination means is an optical system, and the reflectance of the writable / unreadable determination display area is
The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the glossiness or the hue is determined. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the writable / unreadable determination display area is formed by sticking a sticker.