JPS6159692A - Memory card system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To protect data before the expiration of a memory by using a write permit message when the written circuit written in the memory area in access in a memory card have arrived at a predetermined number. CONSTITUTION:The area in access with a CPU11 in an incorporated controlled of an erasable and programmable EEPROM15 of memory card 1 writes the upper limit of number of writing operation together with each refreshed number of writing operation. When card 1 is inserted through the terminal unit and the main power is supplied, the upper limit of number of writing operation written in ROM15 and actual number of writing operation are read out through CPU11 and compared. At the arrival to said upper limit, the write inhibit signal is issued from card 1 to be transferred to the terminal unit. Thanks of such write inhibit signal subjected to access only by CPU11 and based in the content of memory nonerasable by the malfunction, etc., the data are protected before the expiration of memory 15 and destruction of data, etc. are prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application This invention relates to a memory card system in which a memory card having a memory in which data, programs, etc. can be written and erased is used as a groove bottom element, and in particular, the present invention relates to a memory card system in which a memory card having a memory in which data and programs can be written and erased is used as a groove bottom element. The present invention relates to a memory card system comprising a memory card that stores the number of writes, and a terminal device that notifies when the number of writes reaches a predetermined number.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, there has been some type of read-only memory (ROM) that can be written electrically by the user, and this is known as FROM.
It is called (programmable read-only memory). There are PROMs that cannot be rewritten once they have been written to and those that can be rewritten. Among the latter, those that can be electrically erased are called EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable PROMs).
A feature of a system using a memory card with a built-in ROM is that the data in the memory can be erased and replaced, so the memory capacity can be used effectively. However, if the data is repeatedly erased and rewritten, there is a possibility that the reliability of the data will decrease or the data will be destroyed due to the lifetime of the memory. In order to prevent this, a method can be considered in which the number of uses is managed by a host computer through a terminal device, but it is difficult to unify the management method when memory cards are used in many different systems. Another possible method is to store the number of writes in an area of the memory card that can be accessed from a terminal device, but the person using the terminal device may accidentally operate the device and the stored contents may be changed.
There is a risk that it will be deleted.

Problems that the invention aims to solve If the memory is repeatedly erased and written to, if the memory reaches the end of its lifespan and the stored data is destroyed, it will not only become unusable, but also destroy the data that has been stored until then. All that time and effort will be wasted. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a memory card system that reliably protects data and issues new cards before the end of the memory's lifespan.

Means for Solving the Problems This invention provides a tfl? A memory card system comprising: a first storage means for storing data; a second storage means for storing the number of times data is written; and a second storage means for storing data for each write. means for updating the number of writes stored in the storage means; means for comparing the number of writes with a preset number; and means for updating the number of writes stored in the storage means; and means for transmitting a write-unable message to the terminal device in response to the output.

The terminal device includes a write instruction input means for instructing writing to the memory card, a means for inputting data to be written to the memory card, an input from the write instruction input means, and an input from the data input means. and means for responsively transmitting write data to the memory card.

The above-mentioned memory card is provided with means for roughly controlling the WSL and the second storage means, and the first storage means has a first storage area that can only be accessed by the control means of the memory card and a terminal device. It has a 5XX2 storage area that can be accessed in response to a specific command input from the write instruction input means, and a third storage area that can be freely accessed. Further, the second storage means in which the number of writes is stored is included in the first storage area of the first storage means, and can be accessed only by the control means of the memory card.

The terminal device also has a means for displaying a message that cannot be deleted from the memory card.

action The memory card is inserted into the terminal device and activated.

A write instruction 1♀ is input from the write instruction input means of the terminal device. Further, data to be written is inputted from the data manual means of the terminal device. The transmission means responds to the input from the write instruction input means and the input from the data input means,
Transmit the write data to the memory card. The transmitted data is written to the first storage means. It is in the second storage area or the third storage area of the first storage means that data is written in response to transmission from the terminal device. The updating means updates data on the number of writes stored in the first storage area. The number of writes is updated every time writing is performed. The comparison means checks the number of writes for each write, and determines whether the number of writes exceeds a preset number. In response to an output from the comparing means indicating that the number of writes has exceeded the set number, the transmitting means transmits a 2-input impossible message to the terminal device.

Embodiment FIG. 1 does not show a memory card system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Memory card 1 is an EEFR card that allows you to erase stored data and programs, and write new data.
Has OM. The terminal device 2 has an insertion slot into which the memory card 1 is inserted and contacts for communicating with the card. The terminal device 2 is connected to the host-1 viewer 3 via a communication line.

Terminal device 2 is an Ir4 device that can also be used to issue new cards.
It has become a reality.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the memory card 1 of FIG. 1. Memory card 1 has 1 chip 'CPtJ1
1 and EE controlled and accessed by CPUII
PROM15 is included. CPU11,! :EEP
ROM15. ! = is connected by an address bus used when the cPU specifies address EIJ (7) and a data bus used for data communication. Also, C.P.
tJll includes a mask ROM 12 in which operating programs for the CPU 11 and the like are stored, and a RAM 13 in which data can be read and written. Also, C.P.
U11 includes an I10 port 14 which is an input/output terminal between the CPU and the outside. The ■/○ boat 14 has a J/○ terminal which is an input/output signal line for communicating data between terminal devices, a reset terminal for supplying a reset signal to the CPU 11, and a clock for supplying a reset signal to the CPU 11. A Vcc terminal for supplying 5 volt power to the CPU 11, a PP terminal for supplying power for loading the ROM, and a ground terminal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the memory area of the EEPROM 15. The first area is a system area, which can be accessed only by the CPU 11 of the memory card. Normally, this system area shows the number of writes, the upper limit of the number of writes set according to the memory capacity, the card manufacturing date (lot number), the type of card, and the J-code J3 and new cards. Individual card information such as symbols is stored. No J-do l! ! ! '/, :, Sometimes, 'Only the date of manufacture is stored in this area, and individual information of the card that is compatible with each system is recorded at the time of card issuance. 10 areas) and the third area (user area) are also performed in accordance with the system.

In the ID area, item data that is constantly used in the operation of the system, for example, in the case of a banking system, information such as account number, password, and deposit balance is formatted and stored. The user area is an area that the memory card user can use freely, and is used as an area for storing personal information.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 1.

The terminal device 2 includes, for example, a display 21 for displaying non-writable messages and data, a keyboard 22 for the user of the memory area to input processing details and data, and a memory card insertion slot. 23 and a printer 24 for printing processing results and the like. Also,
Connected to the terminal device 2 is an input device equipped with a numeric keypad 25 for the user of the memory card to input an ID code.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 4.

When the memory card 1 is inserted into the memory card insertion slot 23 of the terminal device 2 of FIG. 4, each terminal of the memory card interface (not shown in FIG. 5) comes into contact with each terminal of the memory card (not shown in FIG. 2). This is the terminal for The oscillator 31 that generates a clock signal also supplies a clock signal to the CPU 26 of the terminal device. Terminals other than the clock terminal and the ground terminal are connected to the I10 boat 32. I10 boat 32 is under the control of CPU 26. The CPU 26 also includes a printer 24 shown in FIG. 4, a ROM 27 that stores the operating program of the CPU 26, a RAM 28 that stores data, an R8232C interface 29 for communicating with the host computer, and a specific time interval. A timer 30 that informs the CPU 26 and an I10 boat 33 to which input/output devices provided in the terminal device are connected are connected and are under the control of the CPU 26. The display 21, keyboard 22 and numeric keypad 25 shown in FIG. 4 are connected to the I10 board 33. Further, control signals for the operation of the memory card reader/writer are communicated between the I10 boat 33 and a memory card reader/writer (not shown) provided in the terminal device 2.

Figures 6A to 6D show the memory card 1 and the terminal device 2.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of FIG.

In the figure, the correspondence between the operations of the terminal device 2 and the memory card 1 is indicated by arrows. Note that since the terminal device is connected to the host computer through a communication line, online processing is possible, but in this embodiment, an example of operation in offline processing will be shown.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B, the operation when writing to the ID area of the memory card will be described in detail.

First, the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2 performs normal processing such as reading, writing, and erasing data, and when the memory card 1 is inserted into the memory card insertion slot 23 shown in FIG. It is determined whether the inserted card is a memory card (step 83).If it is determined that it is not a memory card, an error is displayed on the display 21 (step 515), and the card is returned, but it is determined that it is a memory card. If so, power is supplied to the memory card (step 34). 1 for memory card! When power is supplied, the CPU 11 of the memory card 1 performs a card initial operation (step 531). Card initial operation is a self-test of the memory card itself.
The card's CPU 11 reads the data in the system area of the EEPROM 15 shown in FIG. 3, and checks the number of writes and card individual information. CPtJll of the memory card transmits the initial data of the check result to the terminal device 2 (step 532), and in response, the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2 receives the initial data (
Step S5). In the card initial operation, if the number of writes exceeds a predetermined setting value, the card's CP
If U11 determines, the information to be sent is a non-writable message. The CPU 26 of the terminal device determines whether the received initial data is normal (step S6), and if abnormal, displays an error message in step 816.
), if there is no abnormality, the system will wait for command input. Here, a write-unable message is sent from memory card 1.
If it is transmitted, the terminal device 2 can only perform reading processing. The CPU 26 displays on the display 21 that the number of writes has exceeded. In step S7, when the card user inputs a command to access the ID area of the memory area from the keyboard 22, the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2
sends commands to the memory card. In response, the CPU 11 of the memory card 1 receives the command in step 5.
33), the received command is stored in the second area of the memory card.
It is determined whether the ID command accesses only the ID command (step 534).

If it is an ID command, it will be special until the ID code that identifies the user is input. User is 9ii terminal device 2
Enter the ID code using the numeric keypad 25 connected to the .

In response, the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2 transmits the input ID code to the CPU 11 of the memory card 1 (step 38). The CPU 11 of the memory card determines whether the received ID code matches the ID code stored in the ID area of the memory area (step $35). C
The PU 11 transmits the determination result to the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2. If they do not match, error processing is performed, and if they do match, the second area of the memory area is continuously processed in step 83.
6) The second area becomes writable. CP of terminal device 2
If the transmitted judgment result indicates a mismatch, the U26 displays on the display 21 a request to input the 10 code again. For example, if the ID code still does not match even after the input is repeated three times, , it is deemed unusable (step S9). Commands for processing contents, such as commands specifying write processing, and data are input from the keyboard 22 (
In response to step 510), the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2 transfers the input command and data to the CPU of the memory card 1.
11 (step 510). When the CPU 11 of the memory card 1 receives the command and data (step 537), it determines the type of command (step 8).
38). Now, the command is a write command, so CP
U11 checks the write count data stored in the system area (step 839), and if the B write count is equal to or greater than the set value, sends a message indicating that the write is not possible to the terminal device 2 (step 543).

Do not perform win-or-miss processing. If the number of writes has not reached the set value, the data write process is performed (step 540),
The number of writes is updated (step 541). step, S
40, if a data write error occurs, C
The PU 11 transmits to the terminal device that an error has occurred. ,
The CPU 11 checks the number of writes again in step S.
42) When the Mu fixed value is reached, a write-disabled message is sent to the terminal device 2 in the same manner as described above. After the writing process is completed, the CPU 11 waits until the next command is received. When the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2 receives a message from the memory card in step S11, it displays the received message on the display 21. In other words, when the number of writes exceeds the set value, a message indicating that the number of production has exceeded is displayed (step 812), and when the number of writes becomes equal to the set value, a message indicating that the next write cannot be performed is displayed. (step 513), and if a write error occurs, a transfer error is displayed (step 514). If no message is sent from the memory card, the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2 performs a special search until the next command is input.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6A and FIG. 60, a detailed description will be given of the specific operation when writing into the user area of the memo card.

Until the memory card user inserts the card into the terminal device V:12 and inputs a command, that is, steps 81 to S7 of the operation of the terminal device are the same as described above. ζ, corresponding operation steps S31 to S of the memory card 1
33 is also the same as above).

Here, in step $7, the user inputs a command to access the user area, which is the third area of the memory area. The CPU II of the memory card 1 determines that the command received in step 334 is not an ID command (step 534). The fact that it is not an ID command means that the user area of the memory area can be accessed freely. Subsequently, the process proceeds from step 334 to step S44 shown in FIG. 6C, and waits until the command and data are received. The user area is freely readable and writable, so there is no need to enter an ID code. On the other hand, the CPU 26 of the terminal device 2 performs step S7.
Since a command to access the user area is input in step S7 to step 31 shown in FIG. 6C,
7, a command for processing contents and data to be written are input from the keyboard 22 (step 517).

The input commands and data are sent to memory card 1 (step 818). CP of memory card 1
U11 receives command data (step 544)
. Since this is a write command, CPIJll checks the number of writes (step 545). The following operations are the same as those described above. In other words,
Memory card operation step 345 to step S4
9 +,+corresponds to step 339 to step S43 described above, and step 318 to step 322 of the operation of the terminal device corresponds to step 810 to step S14 described above.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6A and 6D,
The operation when a new card is issued using the same 9-end terminal device 2 when the number of entries into the second and third areas of the memory area of the memory card exceeds the set value will be described.

Cards are issued by a staff member. The clerk inserts a new memory card into the terminal device 2. Only the date of manufacture of the card is stored in the system area of the inserted memory card. Since this is a new card issuing process and not a normal process, steps from step $1 to step 323
Proceed to. In step S23, when the clerk key of the terminal device 2 is pressed manually or the entered ID code of the clerk is checked, the terminal device 2 operates as a card reader and performs card issuing processing (step 524
). CPU 1 of memory car 1 inserted into terminal device 2
1 performs the same punch card initial operation as described above and becomes a command attendant (steps 831 to 533). Step S34
In step 850, CPU il is determined to be a new card issue command, so the process proceeds to step 850. CP of memory card 1 [J 1.1 is the first memory area
The individual information in the area is checked (step 550), and it is determined whether the inserted card is an fr7J2 card (step 551). If data other than the date of manufacture is stored in the individual information, it is not a ¥rr standard card, so it is determined as a command error (step 554), and the card becomes the command receiver (step 533). If it is a new Le2 card, initialize the first area of the memory area in step 8.
52), Register the ID code (step $53)
. At the same time, formatting of the D area and user area is performed in accordance with the system used.

The above description has been made of the case where a write command is input, but when an erase command is input as well, the number of writes is updated to indicate that data is being erased.

Furthermore, in a -active erase type EEPROM, only additional reading and writing is performed, so there is no need to update the number of 3 writes at the time of writing. In this case, if the number of writes is updated when erasing is performed, the number of times corresponding to the lifetime of the memory will be increased by 10.

Effects of the Invention According to the present invention, the number of times of writing to the memory is written to the memory itself every time a write is made, and the number of times of writing is converted into a number corresponding to a preset lifespan of the memory each time a write is made. In this case, the use of the card can be stopped before the data written in the memory is destroyed, and the data can be protected. Since the write count data can only be accessed by the control means of the memory card, it cannot be erased if it is unnecessary.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows a memory card system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a memory card used in the memory card system. Figure 3 shows the EEPROI provided in the memory card.
The configuration of the VI memory area is shown. FIG. 4 shows a terminal device used in the memory card system. FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the terminal device. 6Δ, FIG. 6B, FIG. 6C, and FIG. 6D are flowcharts for explaining the operation of a memory card system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a memory card, 2 is a terminal device, 3 is a host computer, 11 is a CPU, and 12 is a mask ROM.
113 is RAM, 1=NyuI, 10.15 is EEPRO
M, 21 is a display, 22 is a keyboard, 23 is a memory card slot, 24 is a printer, 25 is a numeric keypad, and 26 is a CPU (not shown). (Boka 2 people) Figure 1 Figure 2121 Body 3 Figure (Umine 1) Figure 6A

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A memory card system comprising a memory card having a memory in which data can be written and erased, and a terminal device to which the memory card can be detachably connected and which communicates with the memory card. , the memory card comprises: a first storage means for storing data; a second storage means for storing the number of times data is written; means for updating the number of writes; a comparison means for comparing the number of writes with a preset number of times; and a means for comparing the number of writes with a preset number of times; , means for transmitting a write prohibition message to the terminal device, the terminal device comprising: write instruction input means for instructing writing to the memory card, and inputting data to be written to the memory card. A memory card system comprising: means for transmitting write data to the memory card in response to an input from the write instruction input means and an input from the data input means. (2) The memory card further includes the first and second memory cards.
The first storage means includes: a first storage area that is accessible only by the control means; The memory card system according to claim 1, further comprising: a second storage area that is accessible; and a third storage area that is freely accessible. (3) The memory card system according to claim 2, wherein the second storage means is included in the first storage area of the first storage means. (4) The memory card system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal device further includes means for displaying the writable message.