JPH06195524A - Memory card device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a memory card device having a small-sized memory card which can be connected to memory card using equipment using a memory card of standard size without newly providing a connection part for the small- sized memory card. CONSTITUTION:The memory card device consists of the small-sized memory card 1 and a card type adapter 2 which is so constituted as to store the memory card 1 and of the same size with the standard size memory card 4 as large as a credit card; and the small-sized memory card 1 can be connected directly to small-sized memory card interface mounted equipment 3 and also usable while connected to standard size memory card interface mounted equipment 5 through the adapter 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a memory card which is a card-shaped storage medium including a semiconductor memory device and a device to which the memory card is connected, and more particularly to a connection system between the memory card and the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional IC card or memory card having a semiconductor element (hereinafter collectively referred to as a memory card including an IC card), its size has a plurality of thicknesses. The size of the so-called credit card size is the mainstream.
However, for a card-shaped storage medium of a system aiming at downsizing and weight reduction, the size of a credit card may be an obstacle to downsizing. Looking at the transition of the storage capacity of the semiconductor memory element, the capacity tends to increase four times in a few years. If the memory cards have the same memory storage capacity, it is possible to reduce the card size by the appearance and use of a storage element having a large capacity per chip.

On the other hand, there are systems that do not necessarily require a large storage capacity, and it may be possible to adopt a small-sized card. However, credit card-sized IC cards and memory cards have already been adopted in many systems and some have been standardized. If a small memory card is adopted in the system and two types are used together, a connection terminal for the small card is added to the system body, which leads to an increase in cost. In addition, it is conceivable that there will be a demand for making the signal input / output units of the credit card-sized card-shaped recording medium and the small-sized memory card compatible.

[0004]

As described above, when the memory card is miniaturized, in addition to the connection portion for the standard size memory card having a large credit card size, the memory card using device can be used for a small memory card. Providing a new connection part raises the problem of increasing the cost of the device using the memory card and hindering the downsizing of the device itself. In addition, it is desired that the standard size memory card and the small size card have compatible signal input / output units.

The present invention provides a memory card device having a small memory card which can be connected to a memory card using device using a standard size memory card without newly providing a connecting portion for the small memory card. To aim.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a card-shaped adapter having the same size as a standard memory card with a small credit card size and capable of mounting a small memory card. The small memory card has a standard size connection part available.

That is, the memory card device according to the present invention is configured so that the memory card can be directly connected to the first device and the memory card can be attached to the memory card and the device other than the first device. And a card-shaped adapter for connecting to the second device.

The present invention also includes (a) connecting means for connecting a first connector for connecting a memory card and a second connector for connecting a second device to the adapter; Connection state changing means for changing the connection state of the connecting means; (c) data converting means for converting data exchanged between the memory card and the second device; and (d) memory card. Via signal processing means for processing a signal transmitted and received to and from the second device, (e) data or image display means, (f) audio data stored in the memory card, or the adapter Sound producing means for producing sound data outputted from the second device, and (g)
A switching means for time-divisionally switching a signal line to and from the memory card so as to send and receive a plurality of different kinds of signals, and (h) the memory card by converting the potential of the power supply supplied from the second device. Power supply potential conversion means for generating a potential of a power supply to be used, and (i) at least one of signal level conversion means for performing mutual conversion between the signal level in the second device and the signal level in the memory card. To do. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the adapter is configured so that a plurality of memory cards can be attached.

[0009]

As described above, according to the present invention, the memory card configured to be connectable to the first device can be connected to the second device through the adapter configured to mount the memory card. I am trying.

Therefore, for example, when the memory card is a small memory card smaller than the standard size and the second device is a device using the standard size memory card, the memory card using device using the standard size memory card is used. This small memory card can be connected without newly providing a connecting portion for the small memory card. As a result, the device using the memory card only needs to have the standard-size memory card connection portion, and it is possible to avoid the increase in cost and the increase in size of the device due to the provision of the new connection portion. Further, it is possible to make the signal input / output section compatible with the standard size memory card and the small size memory card.

Furthermore, in the present invention, the adapter can be used more effectively as follows by providing the above-mentioned various functions in the adapter. That is,
If the connection means for connecting the first connector for connecting the memory card and the second connector for connecting the second device is provided, the first connector between the memory card and the adapter / memory card can be provided. Second between second device and adapter
If the connectors are exactly the same, or if the number and type of signal lines on both connectors are the same and the pitch and pin order are different, then the adapter can simply connect both connectors by extending the signal lines. Good.

If connection state changing means for changing the connection state between the memory card and the second device is provided,
Even if the connector between the device and the adapter is different from the connector between the adapter and the memory card, and the number of pins is different,
Both connectors can be connected.

If data conversion means for converting data exchanged between the memory card and the second device is provided, the device side can look the same regardless of the type of the memory card attached to the adapter. be able to.

By providing the signal processing means for processing the signal transmitted and received between the memory card and the second device, the function of the memory card is simplified, which is advantageous for downsizing the memory card.

If the signal lines to and from the memory card are switched in a time-division manner so as to send and receive different kinds of signals, the number of signal lines of the memory card 1 of the adapter, that is, the number of terminals of the connector of the memory card 1 Can be reduced, which is advantageous for further miniaturization of the memory card.

If a power supply potential converting means for converting the potential of the power supply supplied from the second device to generate the potential of the power supply used by the memory card is provided, the potential of the power supply supplied from the second device is Even if the power supply potential used in the memory card is different, the user can use the memory card without considering it.

If signal level conversion means for performing mutual conversion between the signal level in the second device and the signal level in the memory card is provided, the difference in signal voltage between the second device and the memory card due to the conversion of the power supply potential. Also, it is possible to operate the memory card correctly regardless of the difference in logical level.

[0018]

1 is a diagram showing an outline of one embodiment of the present invention, showing a usage example of a small memory card 1 and an adapter 2 thereof. The small memory card 1 can be directly connected to the device (first device) 3 equipped with the small memory card interface. The standard size memory card 4 can be directly connected to the device (second device) 5 equipped with the standard size memory card interface.

The standard size memory card 4 is, for example, a memory card having a so-called credit card size in its outer shape (excluding thickness), and a memory card having 68 pins, which is being standardized by JEIDA, is a typical example. To be On the other hand, the small-sized memory card 1 is a memory card whose long side, short side and thickness do not exceed the long side, short side and thickness of a standard size memory card.

There is no shape compatibility between the small memory card 1 and the standard size memory card 4. However, by using the adapter 2 having the same size as the standard size memory card 4 and capable of accommodating the small size memory card 1, the connection between the small size memory card 1 and the standard size memory card interface mounted device 5 can be established via this adapter 2. It becomes possible and data can be passed. By adopting the small memory card 1, the small memory card interface-equipped device 3 using the small memory card 1 can be downsized.

FIG. 2 shows a small memory card 1 and an adapter 2.
A specific example of is shown. The adapter 2 is of a standard memory card specification size, has a storage section 6 for the small memory card 1, and has a standard memory card specification connector 7 on one short side. In addition, a connector to the small memory card 1 is provided in the storage portion 6, and the small memory card 1 is inserted from the direction of the arrow to make an electrical connection.

FIG. 3 shows a small memory card 1 and an adapter 2.
The block diagram of an example of an internal structure of is shown. The small memory card 1 includes a semiconductor memory device 11, a control unit 12, an interface unit 13 and a power supply unit 14.

On the other hand, the adapter 2 has two interfaces 21 and 22 between the small memory card 1 and a second device (hereinafter referred to as a standard memory card using device) which uses the standard size memory card 4 of FIG. 1, and data processing. The unit 23 and the power supply unit 24. The adapter 2 has a function of transmitting data from the device using the standard memory card to the small memory card 1 and conversely passing a signal from the small memory card 1 to the device using the standard memory card. Power supply units 14 and 2 in the small memory card 1 and the adapter 2, respectively
4 receives a power supply from a device using a standard memory card and creates a necessary power supply potential inside each. Adapter 2
Can perform data processing in the data processing unit 23.

Next, a more specific embodiment of the internal structure of the adapter 2 will be described. FIG. 4 shows a first connector for connecting the small memory card 10 to the adapter 2,
When the number of signal pins of the second connector for connecting the device using the standard memory card to the adapter 2 is different, the signal line changing unit 25 between the interfaces 21 and 22 in the adapter 2
Is an example of the adapter 2 in which the corresponding signal pins are connected to each other.

In the adapter 2 of the example of FIG. 4, the signal line changing by the signal line changing unit 25 is fixed, but when the small memory card 1 has a plurality of types of pin arrangements, the interface 21 as shown in FIG. After the type of the small memory card 1 is discriminated by the small memory card type discriminating unit 26 via, the wiring of the signal line is changed.

Of course, the first connector between the adapter 2 and the small memory card 1 and the device using the standard memory card
It is also possible that the second connector between the adapters 2 is exactly the same. It is also possible that the number and type of signal lines are the same, but the pitch and the order of pins are different. In such a case, the adapter 2 may be one that simply connects (extends) the signal line between the corresponding connectors 27 and 28 as shown in FIG. That is, the connector 2 of FIG. 6 corresponds to the signal line extending means.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the adapter 2 in the case where the access time differs depending on the semiconductor memory element used in the small memory card 1, and the small memory card type judging unit 26 makes it possible to reduce the size as in the embodiment of FIG. The type of the memory card 1 is determined, and the write / read / erase speed conversion unit 29 and the buffer memory 30 are used to implement the write / read / erase speed conversion based on the result of the judgment.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which an adapter 2 is provided with a data length conversion unit 31 for performing mutual conversion of data lengths between a small memory card 1 and a device using a standard memory card. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the data length conversion unit 31 performs mutual conversion between 16 bits and 8 bits.
If the data length on the small memory card 1 side is shortened with such a configuration, the number of connector pins of the small memory card 1 can be reduced, which is advantageous in manufacturing the small memory card 1.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which an address generator 32 and a read / write signal unit 33 for the storage element 11 in the small memory card 1 are incorporated in the adapter 2. By providing the control part of the small memory card 1 in the adapter 2, more storage elements can be incorporated in the small memory card 1.

By performing various data processing in the adapter 2 as described above, whichever kind of the small memory card 1 is mounted in the adapter 2, it looks the same from the device side.

As a method of discriminating the type of the small memory card 1 and changing the setting of data processing in the adapter 2 based on it, there is a method of providing a setting switch 8 on the surface of the adapter 2 as shown in FIG. As a method for automatically performing this setting, the adapter 2 itself converts the setting by classifying the shape of the small memory card 1 or providing a dedicated pin indicating the type of the connecting connector pin of the small memory card 1. To do.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when there are different system A, B, etc. as standard memory card using devices, the difference in the system of the devices can be absorbed in the adapter 2. In FIG. 10, a designated file discriminating unit 35 and a file type converting unit 36 are built in the adapter 2 to discriminate a designated file sent from various device sides of the system, and the file type is converted based on the result. . For example, the file format of image data is TI
There are types such as FF format and PICT format. According to this embodiment, the image data recorded in the small memory card 1 can be converted into these file formats in the adapter 2 and vice versa.

Similarly, the adapter 2 can be used for bridging data between devices having different OSs (operating systems). FIG. 11 shows an example of the adapter 2 having an OS discrimination unit 37 that discriminates the OS of the device and a data conversion unit 38 that performs data conversion based on the discrimination result.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which the data compression / expansion circuit 39 is built in the adapter 2. The data compression / expansion circuit 39 compresses the data from the device side to reduce the data amount, so that the memory capacity of the storage element in the small memory card 1 can be effectively used. Conversely, the data compression / expansion circuit 39 can restore the compressed data recorded in the small memory card 1 to the original and transfer it to the device side.

FIG. 13 shows an example in which an audio reproducing section is built in the adapter 2. Audio data from the device or the small memory card 1 is processed by the audio signal processing unit 41, and D
Built-in speaker 44 through A / A converter 42 and amplifier 43
To play the sound. The voice reproduction instruction is given by a reproduction command signal from a device using a standard memory card or a reproduction switch 40 for a reproduction trigger of the adapter 2 itself. By using the adapter 2 of this embodiment, it is possible to output audio even in a system having no audio output unit.

FIG. 14 shows an example in which a display memory 45 for displaying characters and numbers, a display circuit 46 and a display unit 47 are mounted on the adapter 2. The contents of the small memory card 1 cannot be distinguished from its appearance. Usually, in order to know the contents of the small memory card 1, the small memory card 1 is incorporated into the adapter 2, connected to the device using the memory card, the device reads the data representing the contents from the small memory card 1, and then the device This is done by displaying on the display unit.

By mounting such a display function on the adapter 2 as shown in FIG. 14, the contents can be known without connecting the small memory card 1 and the adapter 2 to the device using the memory card. By pressing the reproduction switch 50 of the adapter 2, the data processing unit 2 in the adapter 2
3 reads the data representing the contents in the small memory card 1 and sends it to the display memory 45. Display memory 4
The data of 5 passes through the display circuit 46 and is displayed on the display unit 4 such as a liquid crystal display.
Displayed at 7. This is useful for promptly grasping the contents when there are a plurality of small memory cards 1 and for grasping the contents when there is no device body.

In this embodiment, the power supply circuit 48 and the battery 49 are provided for the case where the adapter 2 is used independently from the memory card using device. Figure 15
Is an embodiment in which the image data in the small memory card 1 can be displayed by the adapter 2, and the image signal processing unit 51, the frame memory 52, and the liquid crystal drive circuit 53 as a display unit and the liquid crystal monitor 54 are provided. I have it.

The image signal processing unit 51 not only transfers data between the small memory card 1 and the device using the memory card, but also discriminates the image data from the data in the small memory card 1 and reads it out to perform signal processing. . This image data is sent to and stored in the frame memory 52, and is reproduced by the liquid crystal monitor 53 via the liquid crystal drive circuit 53. The image signal processing unit 51 handles a moving image or a still image.
By using the adapter 2 having such an image display function, it becomes possible to quickly grasp the contents of the small memory card 1 and display an image when there is no device using the memory card.

Also in this embodiment, similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 14, the power supply circuit 48 and the battery 4 are used for the case where the adapter 2 is used independently from the memory card using device.
9 is equipped.

The interface between the small memory card 1 and the adapter 2 is not limited to electrical contact. FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are mounted on both the small memory card 1 and the adapter 2 and data is connected by an optical signal. However, when there is no power supply means such as a battery in the small memory card 1, it is conceivable that only the power supply means is electrically contacted.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment in which the small memory card 1 and the adapter 2 are electromagnetically coupled to each other to transmit data. Further, in this embodiment, the power supply Vcc is obtained by electrical contact.
However, it is also possible to supply power by electromagnetic coupling instead of electrical contact.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of an adapter 2 and a small-sized memory card 1 provided with a mechanism for preventing reverse insertion and pin alignment. A protrusion 61 formed along both sides of the small memory card 1 along the longitudinal direction and a recess 62 formed in the small memory card 1 mounting opening of the adapter 2 are engaged with each other according to the shape of the protrusion 61. As a result, the small memory card 1 is prohibited from being attached to the adapter 2 from the reverse direction of the back side.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment in which a cover portion 63 is provided on the adapter 2 of FIG. 16 to protect the connector portion.
FIG. 20 shows an embodiment in which the adapter 2 is covered so as to cover the entire mounting portion of the small memory card 1. However, a part of the insertion portion of the small memory card 1 is cut out so that the inserted small memory card 1 can be grasped by a finger when detached from the adapter 2.

In this embodiment, the small memory card 1 is also used.
As shown in the figure, the type of the small memory card 1 can be discriminated even when it is inserted in the device with the adapter 2 attached, as shown in the figure. For example, a display indicating the memory capacity or memory type of the semiconductor memory element used is printed.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment in which the knob portion for taking out the small memory card 1 shown in FIG. 20 is realized by making a hole 65 in the adapter 2. A recess 66 is provided in the portion of the memory card 1 that abuts the hole 65 so that the small memory card 1 can be easily taken out.

FIG. 22 shows an embodiment in which the small memory card 1 is mounted from the plane direction of the adapter 2. A hole 65 for taking out the small memory card 1 is provided at the bottom of the small memory card mounting portion of the adapter 2.

When the adapter is inserted in a device using a standard memory card and the short side without the connector of the adapter can be seen from the outside, as shown in FIGS.
In the embodiment, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the small memory card 1 is installed in the adapter 2, but in the embodiment of FIG. 22, only the short side of the adapter 2 can be seen, and the existence of the small memory card 1 is presumed. Can not. For this reason, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the light emitting element 67 is attached to the short side portion where there is no connector, and the light emitting element 67 is inserted into a device using a standard memory card, for example, with the adapter 2 inserted thereinto.
It emits light when is not attached or when it is attached oppositely. In addition, the buzzer sound of the adapter 2 or the device using the standard memory card,
There is also a way to give a warning. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the buzzer 68 is also attached to the adapter 2.

Such light emission and buzzer sound can be used as other warnings. For example, when the small memory card 1 is not completely attached to the adapter 2 or when there is a hardware defect in the adapter 2 or the small memory card 1.

Further, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 18 to 22, the small memory card 1 is ejected from the adapter 2 by pinching the small memory card 1 with a finger. It is also possible to install it in The small memory card eject switch 9 shown in FIG. 2 is a switch for ejecting the small memory card 1, and is provided in the adapter 2.

Further, FIGS. 20 to 22 also show another example of the reverse insertion prevention or connector positioning mechanism between the adapter 2 and the small memory card 1 shown in FIG. In the above embodiments, an example in which the small memory card 1 does not include a battery has been taken up, but when the semiconductor memory element 11 is volatile, it may include a backup battery or the like.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the small memory card 1 having the battery 15 built therein. When the device of the system using the small memory card 1 does not have a power supply means, the battery 15 in the card 1 can be used as a power supply means of the device.

24 and 25, covers 71 and 72 are provided on the mounting space of the small memory card 1 of the adapter 2.
It is an example attached with. In this case, it can be checked whether the small memory card 1 is properly attached by checking whether the covers 71 and 72 are fitted into the adapter 2 properly, and dust can be prevented from entering the unused adapter 2. .

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, the cover 7
By making part or all of 2 transparent, it is possible to determine whether the small memory card 1 is mounted or not mounted. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the edge portion of the cover 72 is attracted by the magnet 73 to fix the position of the cover 72 and to form the recess 74 for allowing the cover 72 to be opened smoothly when pulled. have.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 25, the cover portion is used to eject the small memory card 1. The memory card ejecting mechanism 75 shown in this example is connected to the cover 72, and when the cover 72 is tilted in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. The small memory card 1 is lifted and ejected by entering the depressions 76 provided on both sides of the.

In FIG. 27, a signal line switching circuit 81 is provided inside the adapter 2, and the small memory card 1 and the adapter 2 are provided.
Signal line between (interface 13 to interface 2
This is an embodiment in which a plurality of types of signals are transmitted and received by using the signal line between 1 to the switching circuit 81 in a time division manner.
In the example of FIG. 27, this signal line is shared by the data signal line and the address signal line required for the storage element 11 in the small memory card 1. The signal switching circuit 81 receives the switching timing signal supplied from the interface 22 via the switching control line, and receives the interface 21.
And the signal line between the interface 21, that is, the signal line between the interface 21 and the interface 13 in the small memory card 1 are switched to the data signal line and the address signal line.

According to this embodiment, by sharing one signal line for transmitting and receiving a plurality of types of signals in a time-division manner, the number of signal lines on the small memory card 1 side of the adapter 2 can be reduced. it can. As a result, the number of terminals of the connector of the small memory card 1 can be reduced, and as a result, it is possible to contribute to further downsizing of the small memory card 1.

FIG. 28 shows an embodiment in which the power supply potential converter 82 is provided in the adapter 2. This power supply potential converter 82
Is an interface 22 from a device using a standard memory card.
By converting the power supply potential supplied to the power supply unit 24 via the, the power supply potential used in the small memory card 1 is generated and supplied to the small memory card 1 via the interface 21.

According to the present embodiment, the potential of the power source supplied from the standard memory card using device and the small memory card 1 are used.
Even if the power supply potential used inside is different, the user can use the small memory card 1 without considering it. When the latter potential is lower than the former potential, a step-down circuit is used for the power supply potential conversion unit 82. Conversely, when the latter potential is higher than the former potential, the power supply potential conversion unit 82 is used. A booster circuit 82 is used. Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the power supply unit in the small memory card 1 is unnecessary.

In FIG. 29, a power supply potential converter 82 similar to that of FIG. 27 is provided in the adapter 2, and the level of a signal (high voltage level) transmitted and received between the small memory card 1 and the adapter 2 accompanying the conversion of the power supply potential. , A low voltage level), a signal level conversion unit 83 is provided in this embodiment. The signal level converter 83 is for converting the input / output voltage of a signal, and is composed of a level shift circuit.

FIG. 30 shows an embodiment in which the adapter 2 is provided with a signal level converting section 84 for coping with the case where the standard memory card using device and the small memory card 1 have different signal levels. The signal level conversion unit 84 mainly performs conversion of logical level such as conversion between TTL level and CMOS level. Even if the power supply potentials of the standard memory card and the small memory card 1 are the same, the signal levels may differ, and in such a case, the signal level conversion unit 84 is required.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the small memory card 1 can be operated without any problem even if the signal levels for operating the standard memory card using device and the small memory card 1 are different.

FIG. 31 shows a memory card type determination unit 85, a power supply potential conversion unit / selection unit 86, and a signal level conversion unit / selection unit, which are similar to the small memory card type determination unit 26 in the embodiment of FIG. This is an example in which 87 is provided.
That is, for example, the shape of the small memory card 1 is distinguished according to the type of the small memory card 1, and the type is judged by the small memory card type judging unit 26 via the interface 21. Different power supply potentials and signal levels are determined. Then, the power supply potential converter / selector 86 and the signal level converter / selector 87 are controlled based on the result of this determination, so that the power supply potential and the signal level suitable for the small memory card 1 are converted. Be seen. The power supply potential converter / selector 86 and the signal level converter / selector 87 may each include a plurality of converters and select one converter based on the determination result of the small memory card type determiner 85. However, the conversion level of one conversion circuit may be changed based on the determination result of the small memory card type determination unit 85.

As described above, according to this embodiment, optimum power supply potential conversion and signal level conversion can be automatically performed according to the type of the small memory card 1. FIG. 32 shows an embodiment in which the adapter 2 is configured so that a plurality of small memory cards 1 can be mounted therein. In this embodiment, the adapter 2 is 2
Each small memory card 1 can be mounted. In this way, a plurality of small memory cards 1
The operability is greatly improved by mounting it on the device and connecting it to a device using a standard memory card at the same time.

For example, when data is transferred from a device using a standard memory card to a small memory card 1 or when data is transferred between a plurality of small memory cards 1 by allowing the device using a standard memory card to act as a host, According to the embodiment, it is not necessary to reattach the small memory card 1 to the adapter 1 or the number of reattachments is reduced, so that the operability is improved and the time required for a series of data transfer procedures is also increased. Greatly shortened.

The adapter 2 may be capable of mounting a plurality of small memory cards having different types such as shape and specifications (power supply potential, signal level). In that case, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 29 to 31, it is effective to appropriately incorporate a power supply potential converter and a signal level converter in the adapter 2.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of the adapter 2 in the embodiment of FIG.
In addition to the various processes described above, the data processing unit 23 in the plurality of small memory cards 1 mounted on the adapter 2
One of the two is selected, and the signal line connected to the interface 21 is selected.

FIG. 34 shows an embodiment in which a signal processing module 101 having the same shape as the small memory card 1 is prepared and can be connected to the adapter 2 via the interface 102 as appropriate. The signal processing module 101 is a module having a function as the data processing unit 23 described in the above embodiments, and various types of modules can be exchanged and mounted on the same adapter 2. Therefore, the content of data processing can be easily changed by replacing the signal module 101.

FIG. 35 shows an embodiment in which the card-shaped battery 103 having the same shape as the small memory card 1 can be removably attached to the adapter 2 via the interface 104. The card-shaped battery 103 serves as a power source unit for the small memory card 1.

According to the present embodiment, in the form of the card-shaped battery 103 attached to the adapter 2, the small memory card 1
By using the external power supply for the small memory card 1
Small memory card 1 compared to the case where a power supply is built in
Of smaller memory card or small memory card 1
The functions can be increased by increasing the internal mounting space.

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to downsize the device by adopting the small memory card, and it is possible to connect with the device using the standard memory card by using the adapter. Therefore, the device using the standard memory card does not need to newly provide a connection portion for the small memory card, and the cost for dealing with the small memory card can be reduced.

Further, in the adapter, signal line extension, signal line change, data conversion, signal processing, data or image display, sound of audio data, signal line switching for switching signal lines in time division, power supply potential conversion, By providing functions such as mutual conversion of signal levels, there are advantages that the range of use is further expanded, new functions can be easily added, and usability of a small memory card is improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a small memory card and an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of internal configurations of a small memory card and an adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a data processing unit in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the data processing unit in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the data processing unit in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the data processing unit in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the data processing unit in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the data processing unit of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the data processing unit of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the data processing unit of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment in which an audio output unit is incorporated in an adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an embodiment having a display unit in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an embodiment having an image monitor in the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an embodiment using optical coupling for data connection between a memory card and an adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an embodiment using electromagnetic coupling for data connection between a memory card and an adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an embodiment having a reverse insertion preventing mechanism at the joint between the memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which FIG. 18 is modified.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which FIG. 18 is modified.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which FIG. 18 is modified.

FIG. 22 is a view showing another embodiment having a reverse insertion preventing mechanism at the joint between the memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an embodiment in which a battery is provided in the memory card according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a view showing another embodiment of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a view showing another embodiment of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a view showing another embodiment of the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 32 is an external view of a small memory card and an adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the internal configurations of the small memory card and the adapter according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Small memory card 2 ... Adapter 3 ... Small memory card interface-equipped device (first device) 4 ... Standard size memory card 5 ... Standard size memory card interface-equipped device (second device) 23 ... Data processing unit 25 ... Signal line changing unit 38 ... Data conversion unit 82 ... Power supply potential conversion unit 83 ... Signal level conversion unit 84 ... Signal level conversion unit 86 ... Power supply potential conversion unit / selection unit 87 ... Signal level conversion unit / Selection unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A memory card configured to be directly connectable to a first device, and a memory card mountable to connect the memory card to a second device other than the first device. And a card-shaped adapter for use in the memory card device. 2. The connection means for connecting the first connector for connecting the memory card and the second connector for connecting the second device, and the connection state of the connection means. Between the memory card and the second device, a connection state changing device for changing the data, a data converting device for converting data exchanged between the memory card and the second device, It outputs a signal processing means for processing a signal transmitted and received, a data or image display means, audio data stored in the memory card, or audio data output from the second device via the adapter. Supplied from the second device, a sound producing means for making a sound, a switching means for switching the signal line between the memory card and the memory card in time division so as to exchange different types of signals. Power supply potential conversion means for converting the potential of the power source to generate the potential of the power supply used by the memory card, and signal level conversion means for performing mutual conversion between the signal level in the second device and the signal level in the memory card. 2. At least one of the above is included.
The memory card device described. 3. The memory card device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured so that a plurality of memory cards can be mounted therein.