JP4334051B2 - Memory cassette memory information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a memory information processing apparatus for a memory cassette that performs at least one of reading and writing of information with respect to a memory built in the memory cassette.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an information recording apparatus for recording a video signal, an audio signal, and the like, a tape cassette is cited. As the number of tape cassettes increases, it becomes difficult to grasp what recording is performed on which tape cassette, and it is difficult to quickly search for desired recording contents.
[0003]
On the other hand, the method of managing the contents of the tape cassette has a large portion usually in the hands of the user, such as a user attaching a label or the like to the tape cassette and the user writing the recorded contents by hand.
[0004]
In addition, when the label is not attached, the tape cassette must be inserted into the recording / reproducing apparatus main body, and the recorded contents must be reproduced. Become.
[0005]
Therefore, recently, instead of tape, a semiconductor memory that records audio signals, video signals, and the like and title information related to the recorded contents, and an electric circuit for reading or writing information to the semiconductor memory And a built-in memory cassette. When this memory cassette is provided with a liquid crystal display on the surface of the case, it becomes possible to display title information relating to the recorded contents.
[0006]
In addition, a cassette with a built-in HDD (hard disk drive) is also conceivable. This is inexpensive but lacks reliability.
[0007]
By the way, in the memory cassette, it is necessary to supply power to an electric circuit in order to read or write information from or to a semiconductor memory. Therefore, if a power supply unit is provided in the memory cassette, the internal electric circuit becomes complicated, and the size of the memory cassette itself increases. In addition, a power supply unit may be provided in the cassette housing part of the recording / reproducing apparatus, but the useless space in the cassette housing part increases accordingly, leading to an increase in the size of the recording / reproducing apparatus itself. In some cases, the power supply unit and the power supply receiving unit of the memory cassette may be misaligned to supply power, and an effective countermeasure is desired.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the above measures have the problem that the power supply is supplied to the memory and the electric circuit in the memory cassette, leading to an increase in the size of the recording / reproducing apparatus itself and the low reliability of the power supply.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to enable stable power supply to a memory and an electric circuit of a memory cassette, thereby enabling writing of information to be recorded in the memory and easily recognizing the recorded contents. It is to provide a memory information processing apparatus for a cassette.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A memory information processing apparatus for a memory cassette according to the present invention includes a memory and an information processing circuit for reading or writing information to the memory, and a light transmitting portion for accessing the memory, a memory, An apparatus for supplying a power source received from the outside to an information processing circuit and handling a memory cassette having an insertion guide groove also serving as an insertion guide, the cassette accommodating portion accommodating at least a light transmitting portion forming surface of the memory cassette; A cassette guide portion that is provided in the cassette housing portion and engages with the insertion guide groove to guide the memory cassette to a fixed position when the memory cassette is housed, and an insertion guide provided in the cassette guide portion when the memory cassette is housed. A first power supply is provided to the memory cassette and the information processing circuit in electrical contact with the groove. Accessed to the information processing circuit using light with respect to the light transmitting portion in a state where power is supplied to the power supply unit and the cassette fixing position in the cassette housing unit, and the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette are supplied with power. And a memory access unit that performs at least one of reading and writing of information with respect to the memory.
[0011]
According to this configuration, the power supply unit that supplies power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette is engaged with the insertion guide groove of the memory cassette, and the memory cassette is placed at a position where the light transmitting unit is close to the memory access unit. By providing it integrally with the guiding cassette guide section, the memory cassette is simply housed in the housing section so that the information processing circuit of the memory cassette and the power supply section are connected to supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit. In addition, the light transmission part is close to the memory access part, and information can be written to and read from the memory without contact.
[0012]
For this reason, it is possible to quickly write information to be recorded in the memory without reading out a connector or the like for accessing the memory and the information processing circuit, and it is possible to read out and examine the recorded contents, which is highly reliable. Furthermore, it can contribute to reduction in size and weight and cost.
[0013]
Further, the above configuration further includes an information presentation unit that presents memory access information of the memory access unit to the user. In this way, the user can easily recognize the information content.
[0014]
In the above configuration, the information processing device further includes information transfer means for transferring memory access information between the memory access unit and the external device. By doing so, it becomes possible to read or write information from / to the memory of the memory cassette using a personal computer or the like, and it is possible to manage information contents.
[0015]
Further, in the above configuration, when a power receiving portion for supplying power to the memory and the information processing circuit is provided on the case surface of the memory cassette separately from the insertion guide groove, it is provided in the cassette housing portion, And a second power supply unit that electrically contacts the power receiving unit and supplies power to the memory of the memory cassette and the information processing circuit when the cassette is stored in the cassette storing unit. . By doing so, it is possible to reliably and stably supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette.
[0016]
In the above configuration, when a tray-type loading mechanism for loading the memory cassette into the cassette housing portion in a state in which the memory cassette is housed in the tray is provided, the memory cassette is provided in the tray housing portion and engaged with the insertion guide groove. A cassette guide portion for a tray that guides the storage state, and a cassette guide portion for the tray that is provided in the tray cassette guide portion. When the memory cassette is stored in the tray, the memory cassette and the information of the memory cassette are electrically contacted with the insertion guide groove. And a third power supply unit that supplies the processing circuit.
[0017]
According to this configuration, by simply placing the memory cassette on the tray, the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette and the power supply unit can be connected to supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit.
[0018]
Further, in the above configuration, the tray memory is provided in the tray accommodating portion and accesses the information processing circuit using light to the light transmitting portion of the memory cassette, and performs at least one of reading and writing of information with respect to the memory. An access unit is provided.
[0019]
According to this configuration, by simply placing the memory cassette on the tray, the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette and the power supply unit can be connected to supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit. On the other hand, information can be written and the contents of recorded information can be confirmed.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a memory information processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part in one embodiment, showing a state in which a memory cassette is inserted. Further, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a memory cassette handled in this embodiment.
FIG. 1A shows a state before the memory cassette is inserted into the memory information processing apparatus body, and FIG. 1B shows a state after the memory cassette is inserted into the memory information processing apparatus body. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the inserted state of the memory cassette as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing the inserted state of the memory cassette as viewed from above.
[0022]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a memory information processing apparatus main body. An insertion slot 110 for inserting a part of the memory cassette 200, a button 120 for powering on the main body, and the memory cassette 200 are provided on the front surface thereof. A display unit 130 for displaying recorded information and a keyboard 140 for writing information to the memory cassette 200 are provided. Among them, the insertion slot 110 is provided with guide rails 111 and 112 on the left and right wall surfaces inside thereof, and a memory access unit 113 (shown in FIG. 2) at the back.
[0023]
The memory cassette 200 includes therein a semiconductor memory (not shown) and an electric circuit for reading and writing information from and to the semiconductor memory. And the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped, and the outside is composed of six rectangular walls, and the entire structure is sealed so that dust, dust and the like do not enter from the outside. The memory cassette 200 has guide grooves 211 and 212 formed on the left and right side surfaces along the cassette insertion direction, and a light transmitting window 220 for memory access (shown in FIG. 3) is provided on the back surface.
[0024]
Next, a configuration for supplying power to the semiconductor memory and electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 and an operation according to the configuration will be described.
The left and right guide grooves 211 and 212 of the memory cassette 200 are provided with electrodes 231 and 232 for supplying power received from the outside to the internal semiconductor memory and the electric circuit, respectively, as shown in FIG. ing. In this case, the electrode 231 is positive and the electrode 232 is negative.
[0025]
The left and right guide rails 111 and 112 are electrically in contact with the guide grooves 211 and 212 of the memory cassette 200 to supply power to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 when the memory cassette 200 is accommodated. A power supply unit (not shown) is provided. That is, the contact portions of the guide rails 111 and 112 are made of a material having good conductivity. The power supply unit is linked to the on / off operation of the button 120.
[0026]
With such a configuration, when the memory cassette 200 is inserted into the insertion port 110 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 100 from the surface on which the light transmission window 220 is formed in the direction of arrow A in FIGS. The grooves 211 and 212 are engaged with the guide rails 111 and 112. 2B, as the memory cassette 200 is inserted deeply into the insertion slot 110, the light transmission window 220 of the memory cassette 200 is brought closer to the memory access unit 113 by the guide rails 111 and 112. It is guided to the position to do. At this time, since the guide rails 111 and 112 are engaged with the left and right guide grooves 211 and 212 of the memory cassette 200, the electrodes 231 and 232 of the memory cassette 200 are in electrical contact with the power supply unit. Therefore, the semiconductor memory and electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 and the power supply unit are connected to supply power to the semiconductor memory and electric circuit.
[0027]
Next, a configuration for writing information to the semiconductor memory of the memory cassette 200 and an operation according to the configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
With the memory cassette 200 inserted into the insertion slot 110, the memory access unit 130 accesses the electrical circuit using an optical signal to the light transmission window 220 and writes information. That is, the text information such as the title and recording date input by the keyboard 140 is information to be recorded by the information processing unit 150 by determining whether or not the information should be recorded in the memory cassette 200. The data is converted into an optical signal by the interface unit 160, converted into character information by the interface unit 201 constituting the electric circuit, and written into the semiconductor memory 203 by the information processing unit 202. The information recorded in the semiconductor memory 203 is read by the information processing unit 202 when a read command is issued by the keyboard 140 and displayed on the display unit 130 by the information processing unit 150 via the interfaces 160 and 201. The
[0028]
The information processing unit 150 transfers information recorded in the semiconductor memory 203 to an external device via the interface unit 170, and also writes information transferred from the external device to the memory 203. ing. In this way, information can be read or written to the semiconductor memory 203 of the memory cassette 200 using a personal computer or the like, and information contents can be managed.
[0029]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the power supply unit that supplies power to the semiconductor memory 203 of the memory cassette 200 and the electric circuit including the interface unit 201 and the information processing unit 202 is provided with the guide rails 111 and 112. By simply providing the memory cassette 200 in the insertion slot 110 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 100, the semiconductor memory 203 of the memory cassette 200, the electric circuit, and the power supply unit are connected to each other. In addition, power can be supplied to the electric circuit, and the light transmission window 220 is close to the memory access unit 113, so that information can be written to the semiconductor memory 203 without contact. That is, since the guide rails 111 and 112 support the memory cassette 200, if a power supply unit is provided on the guide rails 111 and 112, the guide rails 111 and 112 are sufficiently stable with respect to the semiconductor memory 203 and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200. Power supply can be performed.
[0030]
For this reason, it is possible to quickly write information to be recorded in the semiconductor memory 203 without requiring a connector or the like for accessing the semiconductor memory 203 and the electric circuit, and it is possible to easily check the recorded contents by reading them out. Therefore, the memory information processing apparatus main body 100 with high reliability can be provided. Further, since it is not necessary to separately provide a power supply unit for supplying power to the semiconductor memory 203 and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200, the memory information processing apparatus main body 100 itself can contribute to reduction in size and weight and cost.
[0031]
Further, by displaying the recorded contents of the memory cassette 200 on the display unit 130, the user can easily recognize the recorded contents.
[0032]
Furthermore, by providing a function of transferring memory access information between the memory access unit 113 and an external device, information can be written into the semiconductor memory of the memory cassette 200 using a personal computer or the like. In addition, the information contents of the memory cassette 200 can be managed.
[0033]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the main part of the second embodiment of the present invention as seen from above. In FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG. 2B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
That is, the memory cassette 200 is provided with power receiving portions 231 and 232 for supplying power to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit in addition to the guide grooves 211 and 212. In addition, power supply units 181 and 182 corresponding to the power receiving units 231 and 232 are provided in the insertion port 110 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 100.
[0034]
When the memory cassette 200 is inserted into the insertion port 110 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 200, the power receiving portions 231 and 232 are in electrical contact with the power supply portions 181 and 182. Power is supplied to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit via the units 231 and 232.
[0035]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the memory cassette 200 is accommodated, in addition to the power supply from the guide rails 111 and 112, the power supply units 181 and 182 also supply power from the cassette fixing position in the insertion port 110. Therefore, the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 can be reliably and stably supplied with power, and the reliability can be improved as compared with the previous embodiment.
[0036]
(Third embodiment)
According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a memory information processing apparatus main body includes a tray-type loading mechanism that loads a memory cassette into a cassette housing portion in a state where the memory cassette is housed in the tray.
[0037]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the third embodiment.
In the figure, reference numeral 300 denotes a tray accommodating portion, and an opening 310 is opened on the upper surface thereof, and the memory cassette 200 is accommodated in the opening 310. The opening 310 is provided with guide rails 321 and 322 on the left and right side walls. Further, guide grooves 241 and 242 are also formed on the left and right side surfaces of the memory cassette 200 along the cassette thickness direction.
[0038]
Similarly to the guide rails 211 and 212, a power supply unit (not shown) is integrally provided on the guide rails 321 and 322. The guide grooves 241 and 242 are also provided with electrodes for supplying power supplied from the outside to a semiconductor memory and an electric circuit (not shown).
[0039]
With such a configuration, when the memory cassette 200 is inserted in the arrow B direction with respect to the opening 310 of the tray accommodating portion 300, the guide grooves 241 and 242 are engaged with the guide rails 321 and 322. Then, the memory cassette 200 is accommodated in the tray accommodating portion 300 by the guide rails 321 and 322. At this time, since the guide grooves 241 and 242 are engaged with the guide rails 321 and 322, the power supply unit is in electrical contact with the electrodes. The electric circuit and the power supply unit are connected to supply power to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit. Thereafter, the tray accommodating portion 300 is pulled into the cassette accommodating portion of the memory information processing apparatus main body, the light transmitting window 220 of the memory cassette 200 and the memory access portion are brought close to each other, and information reading or writing to the semiconductor memory is performed. It will be.
[0040]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, simply by storing the memory cassette 200 in the tray storage unit 300, the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 and the power supply unit are connected to each other. Power can be supplied to the circuit.
[0041]
In the third embodiment, an electrical circuit is accessed using an optical signal for the light transmission window 220 of the memory cassette 200 in the opening 310 of the tray accommodating portion 300, and information is written to the semiconductor memory. A tray memory access unit may be provided. By doing in this way, simply by placing the memory cassette on the tray, the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette and the power supply unit are connected, and power can be supplied to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit. Information can be written to the semiconductor memory, and the contents of the recorded information can be read and confirmed.
[0042]
(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, a liquid crystal display may be provided in the memory cassette. By doing so, it is possible to immediately confirm the recorded information contents of the semiconductor memory simply by accommodating the memory cassette in the memory information processing apparatus main body.
[0043]
Also, the method of inserting the memory cassette into the memory information processing apparatus main body may be, for example, a kangaroo pocket method. Further, a memory other than the semiconductor memory may be built in the memory cassette.
[0044]
As for the guide rail and the guide groove, the memory cassette may be provided with a guide rail, and the guide groove may be provided in the insertion port of the memory information processing apparatus main body.
[0045]
In addition, the configuration of the memory information processing apparatus main body, the configuration of the memory cassette, the type of guide rail, the power supply method for the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette, the memory access method, and the like are variously within the scope of the present invention. It can be implemented with deformation.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to stably supply power to the memory of the memory cassette while reducing the size and weight of the device and reducing the price thereof, and this should be recorded in the memory. It is possible to provide a memory information processing apparatus of a memory cassette that can be easily recognized by writing information and reading recorded contents.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a memory information processing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a memory cassette handled in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram for explaining a processing structure inside the memory cassette and the memory information processing apparatus main body according to the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the main configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100: Memory information processing apparatus body,
110 ... insertion slot,
111, 112 ... guide rails,
113: Memory access unit,
120 ... button,
130 ... display section,
140 ... Keyboard,
150, 202 ... Information processing section,
160, 170, 201 ... interface section,
200 ... memory cassette,
211, 212, 241, 242, guide grooves,
220 ... light transmission window,
231, 232 ... Electrodes,
300 ... Tray housing part,
310 ... opening,
321, 322 ... guide rails.

Claims (5)

A memory and an information processing circuit for reading or writing information from / to the memory; a display for displaying information on the recorded contents of the memory on a part of the case surface; a light transmitting portion for accessing the memory; Memory information provided with a tray-type loading mechanism for supplying a power supply received from the outside to the information processing circuit and loading a memory cassette formed with an insertion guide groove serving also as an insertion guide into the cassette housing portion while being accommodated in the tray In the processing device,
A cassette guide portion for a tray, which is provided in the storage portion of the tray and engages with the insertion guide groove to guide the memory cassette to a storage state;
Provided in the tray cassette guide portion, when the memory cassette is accommodated in the tray, the power is supplied to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette by being in electrical contact with the insertion guide groove and to the display. A power supply unit for displaying information on the recorded contents of the memory;
The light transmission is performed in a state where the memory cassette housed in the tray is loaded in the cassette housing portion and the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette are supplied with power. A memory information processing apparatus for a memory cassette, comprising: a memory access unit that accesses the information processing circuit using light to the unit and performs at least one of reading and writing of information to and from the memory .   2. The memory information processing apparatus for a memory cassette according to claim 1, further comprising an information presentation unit for presenting memory access information of the memory access unit to a user.   2. The memory information processing apparatus for a memory cassette according to claim 1, further comprising information communication means for exchanging memory access information between the memory access unit and an external device. Further, when a power receiving part for supplying power to the memory and the information processing circuit is provided separately from the insertion guide groove on the case surface of the memory cassette,
A cassette housing portion that is provided in the cassette housing portion and supplies power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette by electrically contacting the power receiving portion when the memory cassette is housed in the cassette housing portion. The memory information processing apparatus for a memory cassette according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit for a memory. Further, a tray memory access unit that is provided in the tray storage unit and accesses the information processing circuit using light to the light transmission unit of the memory cassette, and performs at least one of reading and writing of information with respect to the memory. The memory information processing apparatus for a memory cassette according to claim 1, further comprising:

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