JPS63285691A - Coupling inspection device for memory cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To easily check the coupling between a memory cartridge and an electronic device by providing a means which inspects an inspection code sent from an inspection code generating means through 1st and 2nd coupling means and decides whether or not the coupling is normal. CONSTITUTION:A memory card is provided with the means which generates the inspection code. When the memory cartridge 20 is mounted on an electronic device 10, the predetermined inspection code generated by the memory cartridge 20 is transferred to the side of the electronic device 10 through the 1st and 2nd coupling means 24 and 14 and the electronic device 10 decides whether or not the code is a specific code. When it is known that the code is the specific code, it is judged that the physical coupling between the memory cartridge 20 and electronic device 10 is normal and when not, it is judged that the coupling is abnormal. Thus, it is checked whether or not the memory cartridge 20 and electronic device is coupled normally by the relatively simple processing in a relatively short time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Summary of the Invention It is directly checked whether there is a connection failure between an electronic device and a memory cartridge installed therein. A test code generating means is provided in the memory cartridge, and the test code generated when the memory cartridge is attached to the electronic device is checked on the electronic device side to determine whether the coupling state is good or bad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an electronic device that can be coupled to a memory cartridge by physical signals (electrical signals, magnetic signals, optical signals, etc.) when the memory cartridge is installed in a predetermined location.

ICs with built-in semiconductor elements or semiconductor devices such as ICs
Cards, CPU cards or memory cards have a wide range of applications, on the one hand as a replacement for traditional magnetic cards, on the other hand as a replacement for external memories such as floppy disks, and also as new electronic media or control means. It is being explored and, in some cases, put into practical use. When this type of card is installed in a predetermined location of an automatic machine, control device, or other electronic device, it can be coupled to the electronic device by means of a physical signal (electrical signal, magnetic signal, optical signal, etc.).

That is, the connection terminal of the card is connected to the connector of the electronic device, or a magnetic or optical coupling is achieved. In this state, the electronic device and the card communicate with each other, and the electronic device performs card processing such as writing data into the memory of the card.

Since IC cards, CPU cards, and memory cards are generally handled by hand, dirt, dust, and other foreign substances tend to adhere to their connection terminals, which can cause connection failures.

If the connection terminal is in a poor connection state, the above-mentioned normal card processing will not be performed. That is, an error may occur in the communication between the electronic device and the card, or it may not be possible to write correct data to the memory of the card.

By the way, memory with a relatively large capacity
One possible use of the card is as a medium for recording image data taken with a digital electronic still camera. Since this type of camera is used not only indoors but also outdoors, moisture tends to adhere to the connection terminals of the memory card, which tends to cause oxidation and corrosion of the connection terminals. If this happens, a connection failure will occur and video data will not be recorded properly. It is expected that as the memory capacity of a memory card becomes larger, the number of connection terminals will also increase. If even one terminal has a poor connection, reliable recording cannot be expected.

The possibility that normal recording will not be performed increases.

Not only cards that can be coupled by electrical contact between the connecting terminal of the card and the connector of the electronic device, but also cards that are coupled magnetically or optically can be caused by dust adhesion and the like to cause poor coupling.

Further, if the card is not properly mounted (for example, inserted) into the electronic device, normal card processing cannot be expected.

Summary of the invention This invention allows IC cards to be created with relatively simple processing.

It is an object of the present invention to enable a connection check between a CPU card, a memory card, etc. (collectively referred to as a memory cartridge) equipped with a memory, and an electronic device.

A device for inspecting the coupling state of a memory cartridge and an electronic device according to the present invention includes a memory cartridge including a memory and a first coupling means, and a second coupling means, which detects the first coupling state when the memory cartridge is installed. and an electronic device that can be coupled to the memory cartridge by a physical signal through a second coupling means.

The memory card is provided with means for generating a test code and switching means for switching the connection between the first coupling means and the memory or the test code generating means.

Either the memory cartridge or the electronic device includes a means for detecting that the memory cartridge is installed in a predetermined position of the electronic device, and a means for generating a test code when the above detection is made. Means are provided for controlling the switching means to connect to the coupling means.

The electronic device is provided with means for inspecting the test code sent from the test code generation means via the first and second coupling means to determine whether or not the coupling by the first and second coupling means is good or bad. It will be done.

As mentioned above, the term "memory cartridge" refers to one in which a memory is housed in a case such as a card-like case or a box-like case. Memory cartridges include not only those equipped with a CPU and memory, but also those equipped with a liquid crystal display and keyboard, as well as those equipped with only memory without a CPU, or those equipped with the necessary power supply and some other circuits in addition to memory. Needless to say, it is included in the concept of Furthermore, as mentioned above, the coupling form of the memory cartridge and the electronic device is not limited to the electrical contact between the connection terminal of the memory cartridge and the connector of the electronic device, but also the electrical contact between the connection terminal of the memory cartridge and the connector of the electronic device. This includes optical coupling made up of a plurality of light emitting elements and one or more light receiving elements provided on the other side, and magnetic coupling made up of means including a coil or the like.

According to the present invention, when the memory cartridge is installed in an electronic device, the predetermined test code generated in the memory cartridge is detected by the first test code. Second
The data is transferred to the electronic device through the coupling means, and checked on the electronic device to see if it is a predetermined one. If it is found to be a predetermined code, it is determined that the physical connection between the memory cartridge and the electronic device is normal, and if they do not match, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

In this way, it is possible to determine whether the coupling between the memory cartridge and the electronic device is normal in a relatively short time and with a relatively simple process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows the state of connection between an electronic device IO and a memory cartridge 20. As shown in FIG.

The electronic device IO is one that requires a memory cartridge 20 as a medium for storing predetermined data, such as the digital electronic still camera mentioned above. Electronic device 1
0 is provided with a recess or guide 15 for mounting (eg, inserting) a memory cartridge 20 therein.

A large number of connection terminals 24 are formed in the portion inserted into the four parts 15 of the memory cartridge 20. In each of the four parts 15 of the electronic device IO, a connector 14 is provided which has the same number of terminals as the terminals 24 that make electrical contact with each connection terminal 24 when the memory cartridge 20 is installed. Further, a limit switch 1B is disposed within the recess 15 to detect whether the memory cartridge 20 is properly installed in the recess 15. The detection signal of the limit switch 16 is given to the system controller 11 including the CPU.The attachment of the memory cartridge 20 can be detected by a number of sensors such as an optically detecting photoelectric switch, a magnetically detecting switch, etc. It is possible. Furthermore, it is possible to detect the attachment of the memory cartridge 20 by using an electrical detection means as shown in FIG. Connector 14 of electronic device 10
One terminal 14a of is connected to its ground, and the other terminal 14b is connected to the system controller 11 via an amplifier if necessary. On the other hand, terminals 24a and 24b to be connected to the terminals 14a and 14b of the memory cartridge 20 are connected to each other and to the ground of the card 20. When the memory card 20 is inserted into the electronic device IO, terminals L4a, 24a, 24
b, 14b, a medium-ground level signal is given to the system controller 11, so the controller 1
1 detects that the card 20 is installed.

The electronic device IO is provided with a system controller II including a CPU that controls various operations of the electronic device and performs memory cartridge connection check processing, which will be described later. In addition, an alarm device (not shown) consisting of a buzzer, a light emitting diode, etc., is provided in the electronic device IO and is connected to the system controller 11 to notify when an abnormality is determined in the connection check. . When the electronic device 10 is a digital electronic still camera, the video data to be written into the memory 21 of the memory cartridge 20 is sent from the imaging device (not shown) in the form of an analog signal to an A/D conversion and signal processing circuit. given to I2. Image data created by A/D conversion and predetermined signal processing in this circuit 12 is provided to a 3-state buffer 13 via a data bus.

A three-state buffer is a buffer that can be made to have a high output impedance by a control signal input by one person, and at this time, input of a signal from the output side to the buffer is prohibited. Three-state buffers typically have low output impedance, and the signal on the input side is routed unchanged to the output side. An address e bus and a control bus from the system φ controller 11 are connected to this three-state buffer 13. The output side of three-state buffer 13 is connected to connector 14 and also to system controller 11.

Memory cartridge 20 includes memory 21. which includes one or more memory chips. Predetermined test code generation circuit 22. Memory 21 or generation circuit 2
multiplexer 2 for switching the connection between 2 and terminal 24;
A power source (not shown) (battery) for supplying operating power to the test code generation circuit 22 and the test code generation circuit 22 is provided. The multiplexer 23 normally connects the terminal 24 and the memory 21 (a side). When a switching control signal is applied from terminal 24A, multiplexer 23 connects the output side of test code generation circuit 22 to terminal 24 for a certain period of time (side b). If the memory 21 is volatile, power is also supplied to the memory 2I from the power supply.

Some of the terminals of the connector I4 and the corresponding connection terminals 24 of the memory cartridge 20 are for transmitting address signals for specifying addresses of the memory 21 of the memory cartridge 20, and others are for transmitting address signals for specifying addresses of the memory 21 of the memory cartridge 20. Some of them are for data transfer. Furthermore, there are also control signals such as a chip select signal, a read/write command R/W, and the above-mentioned switching control signal (terminal 24A). Therefore, memory cartridge 2
o is attached to the electronic device 10, the address bus, data bus, and control bus in the electronic device 10 are connected to the electronic device 10.
The lines are connected to corresponding buses and lines in the memory cartridge 20 via connectors 14 and terminals 24, and are connected to the C of the system controller 11 of the electronic device 10.
The PU can now directly access the memory 21 of the memory cartridge 20. All these terminals 24. Since the test code is used to test the connection state of the terminals of the connector 14, the test code generated from the 2 generation circuit 22 is applied to all the terminals 24 (except the terminal 24A) via the multiplexer 23.

In some cases, a connection terminal for connecting a power line for supplying power from the electronic device 10 to the memory cartridge 20 is also provided.

An outline of the procedure of the connection check process performed by the CPU of the electronic device 10 is as follows.

Limit font switch 16 to memory cartridge 20
When the attachment detection signal of controller U is given, CP of controller U
U outputs a switching control signal. This control signal is at terminal 24
A and the corresponding terminal of the connector 14 to the multiplexer 23 and the test code generation circuit 22. Therefore, the output side of the test code generation circuit 22 is connected to the terminal 24, and the 1 generation circuit 22 generates and outputs a predetermined test code. At the same time, a control signal is applied from the controller 11 to the 3-state buffer 13.

Its output side becomes high impedance. The test code generated from the generation circuit 22 is sent to the multiplexer 23 and terminal 2.
4. It is provided to system controller 11 via connector 14. Since the buffer 13 has a high output impedance (high human power impedance for the test code), the test code is not input to the buffer 13.

The CPU of the system fist controller 11 checks whether the input inspection code is a predetermined one. This check can also be done by storing a test code in advance in the controller 11 and comparing it with the test code to be input to see if they match.
If the generated check code has a certain regularity (for example, 1 and 0 are repeated alternately with 1 at the beginning, such as 1010), this can be done by checking this regularity. It is preferable to sequentially generate two or more types of test codes from the generating circuit 22 so that signals of 1 and 0 are transmitted to all the terminals 24 and the terminals of the connector 14. If all of these test codes are checked and there is no abnormality, the CPU stops outputting the switching control signal, switches the multiplexer 23 to the memory 21 side, and stops the generation of the test code from the 1 generation circuit 22. The program then proceeds to predetermined processing for the memory cartridge 20, such as writing video data into a predetermined memory area. As a result of checking the inspection code, if there is an error in even one bit, a command is given to the alarm device to notify that fact.

In some cases, after repeating this inspection process multiple times, O
An alarm may be generated only when the determination result of K cannot be obtained. In addition, for those equipped with an autoloading mechanism that automatically loads the cartridge,
When an NG determination result is obtained in the inspection code checking process, the cartridge may be temporarily removed and reloaded.

If the memory cartridge has a CPU, the CPU may generate the check code. Alternatively, a cartridge attachment detection switch may be provided in the memory cartridge, and the CPU within the cartridge may respond to this attachment detection by instructing switching of the multiplexer 23 and starting generation of the test code.

Furthermore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined voltage is applied to the terminal 14a, and when the cartridge is installed, the terminal 14a
The voltage appearing at 4a may trigger the switching of multiplexer 23 and the generation of the test code. In this case, either reduce the voltage applied to the terminal 24a to ground after the test is completed, or provide a timer in the cartridge to manage 1fJ during the test, and then switch the multiplexer 23 to the memory side when the time is up. It may also be possible to stop the generation of return inspection codes.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a connection state between an electronic device and a memory card and an outline of its electrical configuration. FIG. 2 shows another example of detecting card attachment. 10...Electronic device. 11...System controller. 14... Connector. 1B...Limit switch for attachment detection. 20...Memory cartridge. 21...Memory. 23...Multiplexer. 24... Connection terminal. Patent applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Agent
Patent attorney Asamichi Kato (1 other person) Figure 2

Claims (1)

Claims: A memory cartridge comprising a memory and a first coupling means, and a second coupling means for connecting the memory cartridge through the first and second coupling means when the memory cartridge is installed. The memory card is comprised of an electronic device that can be coupled by a physical signal, and the memory card is provided with means for generating a test code and switching means for switching the connection between the first coupling means and the memory or the test code generation means. , a means for detecting that the memory cartridge is installed in a predetermined location of the electronic device, and a test code generating means coupled to one of the memory cartridge and the electronic device in the first manner. Means is provided for controlling said switching means to connect to said means, the electronic device being configured to test a test code sent from said test code generating means via said first and second coupling means, Also provided is means for determining whether the coupling by the second coupling means is good or bad. Memory cartridge bonding inspection device.