KR101117345B1 - Memory card converting adaptor, and system thereof, and operation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention connects a micro SD card inserted into a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone to perform wireless communication to a conversion adapter in which a protocol and software for the AP are incorporated, and thus utilized as a micro SD memory card in a portable device such as a camera or a PMP. The present invention relates to a memory card conversion adapter, a system, and a method of operating the same, capable of performing relay functions such as a wireless LAN, a WPAN, a gateway, and the like.

The SD memory card to which the present invention is applied includes an SD interface connected to a terminal, a flash memory in which stored information is not erased even when power is cut off, a wireless communication chip for exchanging data with the SD interface and communicating with an external device, and the SD interface. And an SD controller for controlling data exchange between the flash memory and the wireless communication chip, and storing and controlling data exchanged between the SD interface and the wireless communication chip.

Memory card conversion adapter according to the invention, the connection for connecting to the memory card; A memory unit for storing a protocol and software for performing an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function for wireless communication with the external device; And a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling a relay function for wireless communication with the external device through the protocol and software when connected to the memory card through the connection unit. In this case, the relay function may include an access point (AP) function, a WPAN AP function, a wireless LAN (WLAN) function, a gateway function, and the like.

According to the present invention, by inserting a memory card conversion adapter to which a memory card is connected to a portable terminal such as a camera or a PMP, the portable terminal can easily perform a WLAN or WPAN operation. Therefore, the user can wirelessly transfer data such as a photo, music, video, or the like to a device such as a computer wirelessly from a mobile terminal such as a camera or a PMP. Further, according to the present invention, by connecting and using a conversion adapter to the SD card, it is possible to perform a wireless LAN, AP, WPAN function through the SD card.

SD card, memory card, conversion adapter, AP, camera, PMP, mobile terminal, WPAN, gateway, relay, near field communication

Description

Memory card converting adapter, its system, and its operation method

The present invention relates to a SD (Secure Digital) memory card conversion adapter, a system thereof, and a method of operating the same, and more particularly, a micro SD card inserted into a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone and performing wireless communication for an AP. Connected to a conversion adapter with built-in protocol and software, it can be used as a micro SD memory card for portable devices such as cameras and PMPs, and can be used for relays such as APs, wireless LANs, wideband personal area networks, and gateways. A memory card conversion adapter, a system thereof, and a method of operating the same are provided for performing a function.

In general, small electronic devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, digital cameras, and notebook-type personal computers have various types of cards, such as memory cards and input / output cards, in order to increase memory or expand functions. There are also slots for exchanging mounting devices such as PC card slots, SD (Secure Digital) card slots, and the like.

Here, the PC card slot is a slot into which any PC card having a memory or IO (Input / Output) function conforming to the PC Card standard established in the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) or the like can be mounted.

In addition, the SD card slot conforms to the SD card conforming to the SD standard or the SDIO standard, which is a storage device of a portable information terminal (for example, a digital camera). This slot accepts a Secure Device Input / Output (SDIO) card.

On the other hand, a mobile phone generally uses a memory card in the form of a small micro (SD) card, and a camera or a PMP uses a memory card in the form of an SD card. When wireless LAN or WPAN parts are embedded in a micro SD card and inserted into a mobile phone, when operated as an AP function, data signals transmitted from a wireless network such as a mobile phone or WiBro are transmitted through a wireless LAN or WPAN. Etc., multiple terminals can receive data service. In this case, the protocol and software (S / W) for the AP function are installed in the mobile phone terminal. However, in the camera or PMP, it is not easy to install the AP protocol and software (S / W) in the terminal. This is because it is difficult to install protocols and software (S / W) for the AP due to various OSs of the terminals and limitations in the processing speed of the terminals. Since cameras and PMPs mainly use SD-type memory cards, a technology for converting from micro SD to SD memory cards is required.

An object of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is, by connecting a micro SD card inserted into a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone to perform wireless communication to a conversion adapter with a built-in protocol and software for the AP as a micro SD memory card The present invention provides a memory card conversion adapter, a system, and a method of operating the same, which can be used in a portable device such as a PMP to perform a relay function such as an AP, a wireless LAN, a WPAN, and a gateway.

The memory card conversion adapter system according to the present invention for achieving the above object, the SD interface connected to the terminal, the flash memory that does not erase the stored information even if the power is cut, exchanges data with the SD interface and communicates with external devices A memory card including a wireless communication chip configured to control data exchange between the SD interface, the flash memory and the wireless communication chip, and store and control data exchanged between the SD interface and the wireless communication chip; And a memory for storing a connection unit for connecting to the memory card, a protocol and software for performing an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function for wireless communication with the external device, and the memory through the connection unit. A conversion adapter coupled to the card and having a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function for wireless communication with the external device by the protocol and software. .

In this case, the relay function may include an access point (AP) function, a WPAN AP function, a wireless LAN (WLAN) function, a gateway function, and the like.

On the other hand, the memory card conversion adapter according to the present invention for achieving the above object, in the memory card conversion adapter connected to the memory card for exchanging data through the interface with the terminal and transmitting and receiving the data by wireless communication to an external device A connection unit for connection with the memory card; A memory unit for storing a protocol and software for performing an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function for wireless communication with the external device; And a central processing unit (CPU) connected to the memory card through the connection unit and controlling an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function for wireless communication with the external device through the protocol and software. Include.

On the other hand, the memory card conversion method according to the present invention for achieving the above object, a memory card for exchanging data through an interface with a terminal and transmitting and receiving the data by wireless communication to an external device, and the conversion is connected to the memory card A method of converting a memory card in a system including an adapter, the method comprising: (a) connecting the memory card to the conversion adapter; (b) the conversion adapter driving a protocol and software for wireless communication with the external device; (c) the conversion adapter performing an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function according to the operation of the protocol and software; And (d) the memory card performing wireless communication with the external device through an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function of the conversion adapter.

In the step (d), the memory card transmits and receives the data through the conversion adapter with the external device in file units.

On the other hand, the memory card conversion method of the conversion adapter according to the present invention for achieving the above object, of the conversion adapter connected to the memory card for exchanging data through the interface with the terminal and transmitting and receiving the data to the external device by wireless communication A memory card conversion method, comprising: (a) detecting a connection of the memory card; (b) driving a protocol and software for wireless communication with the external device; And (c) converting a function of the memory card by performing an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function according to the driving of the protocol and software; And (d) relaying the data between the memory card and the external device so as to transmit and receive the data in file units.

According to the present invention, by inserting a memory card conversion adapter to which a memory card is connected to a portable terminal such as a camera or a PMP, the portable terminal can easily perform a WLAN or WPAN operation.

Therefore, the user can wirelessly transfer data such as a photo, music, video, or the like to a device such as a computer wirelessly from a mobile terminal such as a camera or a PMP.

In addition, according to the present invention, by connecting and using a conversion adapter to the SD card, it is possible to perform a wireless LAN, AP, WPAN function through the SD card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a view showing the overall configuration of a memory card conversion adapter system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the memory card conversion adapter system 100 according to the present invention includes an SD memory card 110, a memory card conversion adapter 120, a mobile terminal 130, and an external device 140.

The SD memory card 110 is inserted into the mobile terminal 130 to exchange data with the mobile terminal 130 through an interface, and transmit and receive the exchanged data to the external device 140 by wireless communication.

The memory card conversion adapter 120 is inserted into a portable device such as a digital camera or a PMP while connected to the SD memory card 110 and wirelessly transmits data stored in the portable device to an external device 140 such as a computer. It performs a relay function such as an access point (AP), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wideband personal area network (WPAN), and a gateway. That is, the SD memory card 110 is connected to the memory card conversion adapter 120 to perform a relay function such as an AP, a wireless LAN, a WPAN, a gateway, and the like. The function is transformed.

The mobile terminal 130 may be a mobile phone, a portable device such as a digital camera or PMP.

The external device 140 may be a computer terminal or a printer device that receives data such as music, an image, a video, or the like through the relay function of the memory card conversion adapter 120 from the mobile terminal 130.

In the embodiment of the present invention, for convenience of description, the SD memory card 110 will be referred to as a memory card 110 and the memory card conversion adapter 120 will be referred to as a conversion adapter 120.

2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a memory card and a memory card conversion adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

With the development of semiconductor technology, it is possible to miniaturize large-capacity semiconductor memories. Miniaturized semiconductor memories are also provided as portable storage media by various types of interface methods. For example, a compact flash, a smart media, a memory stick, a secure digital card, a multimedia card, and the like.

Such various types of portable semiconductor memory devices have unique interface methods and are widely used as mass storage media of portable electronic devices such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, and mobile phones. In particular, the SD card and its interface system are also compatible with multimedia cards, and portable electronic devices employing the same are increasing.

Referring to FIG. 2, the SD memory card 110 may include an SD interface 210 connected to the mobile terminal 130, a flash memory 212 and an SD interface 210 that do not erase stored information even when power is cut off. Control the data exchange between the wireless communication chip 214 and the SD interface 210 and the flash memory 212 and the wireless communication chip 214 to exchange and communicate with the external device 140, and the SD interface 210 The SD controller 216 stores and controls data exchanged between the wireless communication chips 214.

The SD interface 210 may write and read data only in units of files. The terminal connected through the SD interface 210 also provides a function for reading, writing, and updating data in units of files and directories, as a result of the API used in a running application. Data is exchanged in units.

The flash memory 212 has a characteristic of low power consumption, and stored information does not disappear even when the power is turned off. In other words, unlike DRAM, it can not only preserve the stored information but also freely input / output information, so it can be widely used in digital television, digital camcorder, mobile phone, digital camera, personal digital assistant (PDA), game machine, MP3 player, etc. Is used. There are two main types: data storage type (NAND) with large storage capacity and code storage type (NOR) with fast processing speed. The former is highly integrated and can replace a hand disk, so it is used for storing highly integrated voice and images.

The flash memory 212 communicates with the mobile terminal 130 through the SD interface 210 to receive and store data from the mobile terminal 130 or transmit the stored data to the mobile terminal 130.

NAND flash memory including the NAND gate of the flash memory has a high capacity or a low speed and has a lifetime of approximately 100,000 input / outputs per sector.

The wireless communication chip 214 is a chip that supports wireless communication such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, etc., and the device can be equipped with a flash memory on a memory card due to the development of semiconductor technology. The wireless communication chip may communicate with a device other than a terminal, thereby enabling a terminal connected by an SD interface to wirelessly communicate with an external device. For normal operation of the wireless communication chip 214, an element for generating a frequency waveform like a crystal, an antenna, or the like is added.

The SD controller 216 is basically an element that controls the flash memory 212. Therefore, the mobile terminal 130 connected to the SD interface 210 by processing data exchange between the wireless communication chip 214 and the SD interface 210 through the SD controller 216 is externally connected through the wireless communication chip 214. It was impossible to communicate with. Of course, a separate controller capable of controlling the wireless communication chip may be provided, but when the memory card is small, such as a microSD card, there is a problem of space limitation and cost increase due to the addition of a separate element. In addition, even when a controller for controlling a wireless communication chip is installed in the memory card, communication is not easy due to the limitation of the terminal. That is, since most terminals including the mobile communication terminal do not support the SDIO (Secure Digital Input Output) interface for wireless communication, the wireless communication chip 214 can be used even when the wireless communication chip 214 is installed in the memory card. There was no. To improve this problem, a method of reading a file from a wireless communication chip after storing the file in the flash memory 212 has appeared.

Meanwhile, the memory card conversion adapter 120 may include an access unit 220 for connecting to the SD memory card 110 and an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function for wireless communication with the external device 140. When the protocol and software to be connected are stored in the memory unit 222 and the connection card 220 through the memory unit 110, the access point (AP) function for wireless communication with the external device 140 by the protocol and software Or a central processing unit (CPU) 224 for controlling a WLAN function.

The SD controller 216 controls data exchange between the SD interface 210, the flash memory 212, and the wireless communication chip 214. Among them, the buffer unit 320 is embedded as shown in FIG. 3 to exchange data between the SD interface 210 and the wireless communication chip 214.

The buffer unit 320 is an element that stores data exchanged between the SD interface 210 and the wireless communication chip 214. The SD interface 210 or the wireless communication chip 214 reads and writes data to the buffer unit 320 instead of reading and writing data to the flash memory 212 when exchanging data between the SD interface 210 and the wireless communication chip 214. Read and write. That is, when data is exchanged between the SD interface 210 and the wireless communication chip 214, the SD interface follows the path through the SD controller-wireless communication chip, so that the data of the conventional SD controller is exchanged between the SD interface and the wireless communication chip. The difference is that you can't save it and transfer it to flash memory.

Therefore, in the wireless communication process in which a large number of data exchanges are performed per second, access to the flash memory is not performed, thereby reducing the problem of reducing the wireless communication speed and reducing the flash memory life due to the flash memory. As a result, it is possible to provide a wireless communication memory card capable of reliable wireless communication.

Since the SD interface 210 generally accesses data on a file basis, data exchange between the SD interface 210 and the wireless communication chip 214 is also performed on a file basis. At this time, the SD controller 216 generates a file name of the data exchanged in units of files, stores it in the flash memory 212, and transmits the file name to the wireless communication chip 214 so that the wireless communication chip 214 updates the file list. . If data having a file name stored in the flash memory 212 is transmitted from the SD interface 210 or the wireless communication chip 214, the data is stored in the buffer unit 320 instead of the flash memory 212. In another view, when the SD controller 216 receives data having a file name stored in the flash memory 212, the SD controller 216 recognizes the data exchanged between the SD interface 210 and the wireless communication chip 214 to the buffer unit 320. Will be saved. To this end, the data transmitted from the SD interface 210 and the wireless communication chip 214 must have a file name stored in the flash memory 212, which is a wireless communication with the mobile terminal 130 to which the SD interface 210 is connected. This means that the chip 214 must know the file name.

To this end, the SD controller generates a file name and stores it in the flash memory, and transmits the file name to the wireless communication chip. In addition, the SD controller may inform the terminal connected to the SD interface by transmitting the file name to the SD interface. However, instead of being arbitrarily determined in the present system, the file name is determined to be a preset file name, and the terminal knows the file name in advance. For example, when data having the file name 'A' is exchanged between the SD interface and the wireless communication chip, the terminal knows the file name 'A' according to the SD interface standard. Therefore, when there is data to be transmitted to the wireless communication chip, the terminal only needs to give a file name 'A' and transmit it through the SD interface. The SD controller analyzes the file received from the terminal, extracts the file name 'A', and generates the file name 'A' accordingly, and like the terminal, the file name already stored in the ROM (this is the file name promised) You can also create A '. Therefore, the SD controller can inform the file name generated only by the wireless communication chip.

3 is a block diagram showing an SD controller according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the SD controller 216 checks whether the data transmitted from the outside is communication data exchanged between the secure digital (SD) interface 210 and the wireless communication chip 214 and the communication. And a buffer unit 320 for storing data and allowing access of the SD interface 210 or the wireless communication chip 214.

The data checking unit 310 checks whether the data received from the outside is the data exchanged between the SD interface and the wireless communication chip. For reference, the data exchanged between the SD interface and the wireless communication chip is referred to as communication data. That is, the data checking unit is an element for confirming whether the data received from the outside is communication data. When the received data is communication data, the data transmitting unit becomes an SD interface or a wireless communication chip.

The buffer unit 320 stores data received from the outside, that is, communication data when the data received from the outside in the data confirming unit 310 is confirmed as the communication data. At this time, the data stored in the buffer unit 320 should be transmitted to the SD interface (communication to the terminal, which can be viewed as a terminal) or a wireless communication chip to which the communication data is targeted. Thus, the buffer unit 320 allows access to the SD interface 210 or the wireless communication chip 214.

The SD interface 210 or the wireless communication chip 214 checks the buffer unit 320 in real time in order to receive the communication data stored in the buffer unit 320 in real time. You can check it. Alternatively, the SD controller stores the communication data in the buffer unit and notifies the fact to the SD interface or the wireless communication chip to induce access to the buffer unit.

If the SD interface and the wireless communication chip exchange data in file units according to the current SD interface standard, a file name may be generated and used. To this end, the data checking unit may generate a file name of data to be exchanged in units of files, store it in a flash memory, and transmit the file name to a wireless communication chip. Thereafter, data is transmitted from the outside, and when the transmitted data has the same file name as the file name stored in the flash memory, it can be processed as communication data. That is, if data transmitted from the outside has a file name stored in the flash memory, it is determined as communication data and stored in the buffer unit.

In this process, the data checker must extract the stored file name by accessing the flash memory at least once in order to compare the file name of the data transmitted from the outside with the file name stored in the flash memory. After that, by storing the file name extracted from the flash memory in the buffer unit, access to the flash memory can be minimized.

4 is an overall flowchart illustrating a memory card conversion method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the memory card 110 is physically connected to the conversion adapter 120 (S410).

Accordingly, the conversion adapter 120 drives a protocol and software for wireless communication with the external device 140 (S420).

Subsequently, the conversion adapter 120 performs a relay function such as an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function according to the driving of the protocol and software (S430).

Therefore, the memory card 110 performs wireless communication with the external device 140 through a relay function such as an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function of the conversion adapter 120 (S440). That is, the memory card 110 transmits data such as an image, a music file, and a video stored in the flash memory 212 to the external device 140 through the conversion adapter 120, and further, the external device 140. The data transmitted from the receiver may be received through the conversion adapter 120 and stored in the flash memory 212.

In this case, the memory card 110 transmits and receives data through the external device 140 and the conversion adapter 120 in units of files.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a memory card conversion method of a conversion adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, when the memory card 110 is connected through the connection unit 220, the conversion adapter 120 detects the connection of the memory card 110 (S510).

Subsequently, the conversion adapter 120 is stored in the memory unit 222 and drives a protocol and software for wireless communication with the external device 140 (S520).

The conversion adapter 120 converts a function of the memory card 110 by performing a relay function such as an access point (AP) function, a wireless LAN (WLAN) function, a gateway function, etc. according to driving of a protocol and software (S530). .

Subsequently, the conversion adapter 120 relays the data between the memory card 110 and the external device 140 so as to transmit and receive data in units of files (S540).

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the SD memory card 110 is connected to the memory card conversion adapter 120 and inserted into a portable device such as a digital camera or a PMP, a picture or an image stored in the SD memory card 110, File data may be transmitted to an external device 140 such as a computer device through a relay function such as an AP function, a wireless LAN function, a WPAN function, and a gateway function of the video data and music.

As described above, according to the present invention, a micro SD card inserted into a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone and performing wireless communication is connected to a conversion adapter in which protocol and software for the AP are built, and as a micro SD memory card, such as a camera or a PMP. It is possible to realize a memory card conversion adapter, a system, and a method of operating the same, which can be used in a portable device to perform relay functions such as an AP, a wireless LAN, a WPAN, a gateway, and the like.

As those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement the present invention in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects. Should be. The scope of the present invention is shown by the following claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

The present invention can be applied to a technology for embedding the WPAN function in a microSD or SD memory card.

In addition, it can be applied to a device that needs to implement an AP or gateway function by using a microSD card having a WPAN communication function such as WLAN, ZigBee, or Bluetooth.

In addition, the present invention can be applied to a device that needs to transmit and receive data through short-range communication in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a camera, or a PMP.

1 is a view showing the overall configuration of a memory card conversion adapter system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a memory card and a memory card conversion adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram showing an SD controller according to the present invention.

4 is an overall flowchart illustrating a memory card conversion method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a memory card conversion method of a conversion adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of Symbols for Main Parts of Drawings>

100: memory card conversion adapter system 110: SD memory card

120: memory card conversion adapter 130: mobile terminal

140: external device 210: SD interface

212 flash memory 214 wireless communication chip

216: SD controller 310: data confirmation unit

320: buffer section

Claims (6)

An SD (Secure Digital) interface connected to a terminal, a flash memory in which stored information is not erased even when the power is cut off, a wireless communication chip for exchanging data with the SD interface and communicating with an external device, the SD interface and the flash memory, and A memory card including an SD controller for controlling data exchange between the wireless communication chips and storing and controlling data exchanged between the SD interface and the wireless communication chip; And A connection unit for connecting to the memory card, a memory unit storing a protocol and software for performing a relay function for wireless communication with the external device, and a connection unit connected to the memory card through the connection unit, A conversion adapter having a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling a relay function for wireless communication with an external device; Memory card conversion adapter system comprising a. The method of claim 1, The relay function includes an access point (AP) function, a WPAN AP function, a wireless LAN (WLAN) function, and a gateway function. A memory card conversion adapter connected to a memory card for exchanging data through an interface with a terminal and transmitting and receiving the data by wireless communication to an external device, A connection unit for connection with the memory card; A memory unit for storing a protocol and software for performing an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function for wireless communication with the external device; And A central processing unit (CPU) connected to the memory card through the connection unit and controlling to perform an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function for wireless communication with the external device through the protocol and software; Memory card conversion adapter including. A memory card converting method of a system comprising a memory card for exchanging data through an interface with a terminal and transmitting and receiving the data via wireless communication to an external device, and a conversion adapter connected to the memory card. (a) connecting the memory card to the conversion adapter; (b) the conversion adapter driving a protocol and software for wireless communication with the external device; (c) the conversion adapter performing an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function according to the operation of the protocol and software; And (d) the memory card performing wireless communication with the external device through an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function of the conversion adapter; Memory card conversion method comprising a. The method of claim 4, wherein In the step (d), the memory card converts and transmits the data through the conversion adapter and the external device in file units. A memory card conversion method of a conversion adapter connected to a memory card that exchanges data through an interface with a terminal and transmits and receives data by wireless communication to an external device, (a) detecting a connection of the memory card; (b) driving a protocol and software for wireless communication with the external device; (c) converting a function of the memory card by performing an access point (AP) function or a wireless LAN (WLAN) function according to the driving of the protocol and software; And (d) relaying the data to and from the memory card and the external device in a file unit; Memory card conversion method of the conversion adapter comprising a.

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