JPH0935026A - Card for computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a card for computers at low cost by storing driver software in a memory for drivers on the card for computers and allowing a computer to use the driver software. SOLUTION: The memory card 10 is provided with a card connector 1, a control circuit 2, a memory 3 for driver software storage, a control circuit 4, a main memory 5, and a changeover switch 6. The memory card 10 writes and reads data in and out of the main memory 5 according to instructions made by the computer. Namely, the memory card 10 is provided with the memory 3 for driver software storage which can be controlled by standard driver software of the computer 20. Therefore, the computer 20 can securely read the dedicated driver software 11 out of the memory 3 and copy it to its own storage device. Then the computer 20 can access the main memory 5 by using the dedicated driver software 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card used in a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A PC card is a typical computer card. PC card is JEI of Japan
It is a card standardized by the DA standard and the PCMCIA standard in the United States. By inserting a PC card into the computer, various functions can be added to the computer.

The PC card can be roughly classified into the following three functions. The first one has a function as an external storage device of a computer and is generally called a memory card. For example, SRAM cards, EEPROM cards, ROM cards, mass storage cards (ATA standard), etc. have been commercialized. The computer can write data to and read data from the memory card.

Second, it has a function as an interface for connecting a computer to another device. For example, Ethernet card, LAN card, SC
An SI card or the like has been commercialized, and is a card required for connecting a network between various devices and a computer and peripheral devices such as a hard disk (HDD).
This type of PC card has an interface circuit inside, and a computer operates an interface circuit in the PC card to exchange data with another device.

Third, it has a function as a peripheral device of a computer. For example, modem card, FA
X cards, sound cards, etc. have been commercialized, and function as peripheral devices such as a modem, FAX, and sound source. This type of PC card has a built-in circuit for performing various functions such as FAX, and functions as a peripheral device of a computer.

As described above, the PC card can add various functions to the computer. Driver software is required to operate the PC card inserted in the computer. For example, since the memory card driver software controls writing and reading in units according to the memory type of the memory card, it sends unique control commands corresponding to various controls to the PC card.

There are various memory types of the memory card depending on the type of memory such as SRAM and EEPROM, the memory capacity or the access speed, and different driver software is required depending on the memory type. Further, even if the memory types are the same, different driver software may be required depending on the manufacturer and the manufacturing version.

[0008]

The driver software is stored in the memory in the computer. When using many types of cards in one computer, all the corresponding driver software must be stored in the memory.

However, if the number of driver software increases, the memory cannot be stored. Further, when using one card, the memory stores unnecessary software other than the corresponding driver software, so that the computer cannot be used efficiently.

In order to solve the above problem, the driver software is stored in the memory by the following two methods. First, using a communication means such as a serial communication port provided in the computer,
This is a method of downloading driver software from another computer.

The second method is to use a driver card that can be read by the driver software provided as standard in the computer. The standard-equipped driver software cannot necessarily control the target card. Therefore, the driver software corresponding to the card type is stored in the driver card. The computer once reads the driver software stored in the driver card and stores it in the memory. After that, the driver card can be used by pulling out the driver card and inserting the card that one originally wants to use.

However, the first method cannot be realized by a computer that does not have a communication means. Moreover, another computer for transmitting the driver software is required. The second method requires a driver card in addition to the card originally used.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a card in which a card control program (driver software) can be easily and inexpensively incorporated into a computer.

[0014]

A computer card according to the present invention includes a connector that can be electrically connected to a computer for exchanging signals with the computer, a main use area that can be electrically connected to the connector, and a connector. A memory for a driver that stores a card control program for controlling the main usage area, and a changeover switch that enables either the driver memory or the main usage area to operate. Have.

[0015]

The computer can read the driver software from the driver memory. Then, by using the driver software, it is possible to control the main usage area that fulfills the main function of the card. The computer does not need to facilitate the driver software necessary for controlling the card in advance. The required driver software is
It is stored in the driver memory in the card.

[0016]

1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a memory card 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The memory card 10 includes a card connector 1,
It has a control circuit 2, a driver software storage memory 3, a control circuit 4, a main memory 5 and a changeover switch 6.
The main function of the memory card 10 is to write and read data to and from the main memory 5 according to instructions from the computer.

The memory card 10 is inserted into a card slot of a computer. When the memory card 10 is inserted into the computer, the card connector 1 is electrically connected to the terminals of the card slot of the computer. The card connector 1 receives a signal from the computer via the card slot terminal of the computer and outputs a card control signal CTL, an address signal ADR, and a data signal DT to the control circuit 2 and the control circuit 4.

The control circuit 2 and the control circuit 4 supply signals corresponding to the driver software storing memory 3 and the main memory 5, respectively. For example, the control circuits 2 and 4 output the input signals CTL, ADR, and DT as they are. Also, the signals CTL, ADR, and DT are multiplexed to
Output via a pair of bus lines.

The main memory 5 is an essential circuit for the memory card 10 to function as a memory. The control circuit 4 supplies a control signal to the main memory 5. The main memory 5 is a memory that is accessed by a computer instruction.

The control circuit 2 supplies a control signal to the memory 3 for storing driver software. The memory 3 stores driver software for controlling the memory card 10 itself. When the computer actually accesses the main memory 5, the driver software of the memory 3 must be stored in the computer.

The change-over switch 6 is, for example, a manually operated mechanical switch, and outputs a change-over signal SEL for enabling either the control circuit 2 or the control circuit 4 in response to the switch operation. The switching signal SEL is supplied to the control circuit 2 and the control circuit 4. One of the control circuit 2 and the control circuit 4 operates effectively according to the switching signal SEL. The other control circuit enters a high impedance input state, ignores the input signals CTL, ADR, DT, and enters an operation stop state.

Since only one of the control circuit 2 and the control circuit 4 operates in response to the operation of the changeover switch 6, the computer operates the driver software storage memory 3 via the signal lines CTL, ADR and DT. And main memory 5
Electrically connected to either.

The main memory 5 is a large capacity memory,
For example, the capacity is several megabytes. The driver software storage memory 3 is sufficient if it has a capacity necessary to store the driver software, and has a capacity of several tens of Kbytes, for example.

The driver software storage memory 3 is
Since it is necessary to always store the driver software, it is necessary that the driver software is a memory that is not erased even if the memory card 10 is pulled out from the computer. For example, it is a nonvolatile memory or an SRAM having a backup battery. The main memory 5 can be composed of various memories, and may be ROM or RAM.

The computer is equipped with at least one standard driver software. If the computer can access the main memory by using the standard driver software, the changeover switch 6 may be operated to put the control circuit 4 into an operating state. The computer can access the main memory 5 via the control circuit 4. In this case, the driver software stored in the driver software storage memory 3 is not necessary.

Next, a case where the standard driver software installed in the computer cannot access the main memory 5 will be described. Computer
The standard driver software cannot be used to access the main memory 5, but the driver software storage memory 3 can be accessed. In other words, the control circuit 2 and the driver software storage memory 3 have a circuit configuration operable with standard driver software of a computer.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a preparatory operation for using the memory card 10 by using the computer 20. The memory card 10 is inserted into the card slot of the computer 20. The computer 20 has a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The standard driver software 21 is stored in this storage device.

The standard driver software 21 is driver software capable of controlling the memory 3 in the memory card 10.
The computer 20 can access the memory 3 via the control circuit 2 using the driver software 21.

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the first preparation operation. The operator tilts the changeover switch 6 to the A side and inserts the memory card 10 into the computer 20.
When the selector switch 6 is tilted to the A side, the selection signal SEL
Selects the control circuit 2 and activates the control circuit 2.
The computer 20 is electrically connected to the control circuit 2 and the memory 3 via signal lines CTL, ADR, and DT.

The memory 3 stores the dedicated driver software 11. The standard driver software 21 cannot control the main memory 5, but the dedicated driver software 11 can control the main memory 5.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the second preparation operation. The computer 20 uses standard driver software 2
1, the dedicated driver software 11 is read from the memory 3 via the control circuit 2. Then, the read driver software 11 is written in its own storage device.

As described above, the computer 20 copies the dedicated driver software 11 stored in the memory 3 to its own storage device, thereby completing the preparation operation. When the preparation operation is completed, the memory card can be used as usual in the following manner.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation when the memory card 10 is normally used. The operator selects the changeover switch 6
To the B side and insert the memory card 10 into the computer 20.
Plug in. In addition, the memory card 10 is connected to the computer 2
The change-over switch 6 may be switched in the state of being inserted into 0. When the changeover switch 6 is tilted to the B side, the selection signal SEL selects the control circuit 4 and activates the control circuit 4.

The computer 20 has signal lines CTL and AD.
It is electrically connected to the control circuit 4 and the main memory 5 via R and DT. The special driver software 11 as well as the standard driver software 21 is stored in the storage device of the computer 20 by the above-described preparation operation.

The dedicated driver software 11 is driver software capable of controlling the memory 5 in the memory card 10.
The computer 20 uses the dedicated driver software 11,
The main memory 5 can be accessed via the control circuit 4.

As described above, with the standard driver software 21, even if the main memory 5 cannot be accessed, the dedicated driver software 1 from the memory 3 is used as a preparatory operation.
By reading 1, the memory card 10 can be used. After the preparatory operation, the operator can write and read data in the main memory 5 in the same manner as a normal memory card.

Next, a method of using the changeover switch 6 as a write protect (write inhibit) switch will be described. When the write protect switch is turned on, writing to the main memory 5 is prohibited, and when the write protect switch is turned off, writing to the main memory 5 is permitted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a memory card 10 having a write protect switch 6 '. The write protect switch 6 ′ is, as described above, the changeover switch 6 ′.
May also be used as a single switch, or a switch may be provided separately.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the state of write enable (write permission). The operator can put the memory card 10 into the write enable state by turning off the write protect switch 6 '.

When the write protect switch 6'is turned off, the computer 20 causes the signal lines CTL, ADR, D
The control circuit 4 and the main memory 5 are electrically connected via T. The computer 20 is a dedicated driver software 1
1 can be used to write data to the main memory 5 via the control circuit 4.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the state of write protect (write prohibition). The operator can put the memory card 10 into the write protect state by turning on the write protect switch 6 '.

When the write protect switch 6'is turned on, the computer 20 causes the signal lines CTL, ADR, D
It is electrically connected to the control circuit 2 and the memory 3 via T, and is electrically disconnected from the main memory 5. The computer 20 cannot write data to the main memory 5 because the main memory 5 is electrically disconnected.

As described above, the protect switch 6 '
Can also be used as the changeover switch 6 described above.
If both switches 6 and 6'are combined into one switch, two functions can be realized by providing only one switch on the memory card 10, and the mounting space of the memory card 10 can be effectively utilized. can do.

The computer 20 can access both the driver software memory 3 and the main memory 5 by switching the changeover switch 6. At this time, different drive numbers can be assigned to the driver software memory 3 and the main memory 5. For example, the driver software memory 3 is the drive A and the main memory 5 is the drive B. Computer 20
Can access the driver software memory 3 by tilting the changeover switch 6 to the A side and designating the drive A. By tilting the changeover switch 6 to the B side and designating the drive B, the main memory can be accessed. 5 can be accessed.

The memory card 10 according to this embodiment has a driver software storage memory 3 which can be controlled by the standard driver software 21 of the computer 20. Therefore, the computer 20 can surely read the dedicated driver software 11 from the memory 3 and copy it to its own storage device. The computer 20 can access the main memory 5 by using the dedicated driver software 11.

The type of the dedicated driver software 11 may change depending on the type of the computer 20 and the like. Therefore,
The appropriate dedicated driver software 11 is stored in the driver software storage memory 3 according to the type of the computer 20.

In the present embodiment, the computer need not be provided with a communication means and a driver software card is not separately required, so that the memory card can be used easily and at low cost.

Further, the memory card of this embodiment exerts a great effect when used in a pocket type computer or a small computer such as an electronic notebook. Since a small-sized computer has a small storage capacity of a storage device, it is not possible to store various types of driver software. Using the memory card of this embodiment, the small computer need only store standard driver software.

The memory card 10 of this embodiment can be applied to various computer cards such as other PC cards. For example, it can be applied to a SCSI card, a modem card, a sound card and the like.
In that case, the main memory 5 of this embodiment replaces the SCSI interface, the modem, the sound source, and the like.

The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments.
The present invention is not limited to these. For example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, and the like can be made.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the driver software is stored in the driver memory in the computer card, the computer can use the computer card easily and at low cost by using the driver software.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a memory card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a preparatory operation for using a memory card with a computer. FIG. 2 (A)
FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a first preparation operation and is shown in FIG.
[Fig. 7] is a diagram showing a second preparation operation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation when the memory card is normally used.

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a memory card provided with a write protect switch. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a state of write enable (write permission).
(B) is a diagram showing a state of write protection (write protection).

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Card Connector 2 Control Circuit 3 Driver Software Storage Memory 4 Control Circuit 5 Main Memory 6 Changeover Switch 6'Write Protect Switch 10 Memory Card 11 Dedicated Driver Software 20 Computer 21 Standard Driver Software CTL Card Control Signal ADR Address Signal DT Data Signal SEL Selection signal

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A connector (1) that can be electrically connected to a computer for exchanging signals with the computer, and a main use area (5) that can be electrically connected to the connector.
A driver memory (3) capable of being electrically connected to the connector and storing a card control program for controlling the main usage area; and one of the driver memory and the main usage area. A computer card having a changeover switch (6) for enabling operation. 2. The main use area is a main memory that reads or writes data according to a signal received by the connector, and the changeover switch is a switch that also serves as a write prohibition switch. The computer card according to claim 1, wherein the driver memory becomes operable when turned on, and the main memory becomes operable when a write-protect switch is turned off. 3. A connector (1) electrically connectable to the computer for receiving a signal supplied from the computer, a main use area (5) electrically connectable to the connector, and the connector. Electrical connection is possible,
A driver memory (3) for storing a card control program for controlling the main usage area, and a changeover switch (6) for enabling either one of the driver memory and the main usage area to operate. A method of using the computer card, comprising the steps of: enabling a driver memory by using a changeover switch and reading driver software from the driver memory; and enabling a main use area by using a changeover switch And a method of controlling a main usage area by using driver software. 4. A connector (1) electrically connectable to a computer for receiving a signal supplied from the computer, and electrically connectable to the connector, and data corresponding to the signal received by the connector. A main memory (5) for reading or writing data, a driver memory (3) that can be electrically connected to the connector, and stores a card control program for controlling the main memory, and a main memory. A method of using a computer card having a write-protect switch (6) for prohibiting the write of, wherein the driver memory is enabled when the write-protect switch is turned on, and the write-protect switch is turned off. A method of using a computer card, including the step of enabling a main memory.