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INFORMATION STORAGE APPARATUS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS USING THE SAME
This is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 09/658,189, filed Sep. 8, 2000, which is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 09/372,678, filed Aug. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,292,850 which is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 09/143,839, filed Aug. 31, 1998, and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,094,697, which is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 08/592,508, filed Jan. 26, 1996, and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,023, which application is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an information storage apparatus for sharing data among electronic devices such as information processing devices and an information processing apparatus using the information storage apparatus, and more particularly to a write prohibit mechanism for protecting internal data in an external storage apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional method of sharing data among information processing devices, an attachable/detachable external storage apparatus in which data can be written is generally used. This type of external storage apparatus is normally provided with a write prohibit mechanism for protecting precious internal storage data from being erroneously erased.
In a typical write prohibit mechanism, for example, as used in a magnetic tape or a floppy disk, the shape of a portion of a casing of the external storage apparatus is made changeable and the change in shape is optically or mechanically detected on the information processing device side.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example of the conventional write-prohibit mechanism which is employed, for example, in a 3.5 inch floppy disk.
A floppy disk 1 has, in proper places, a sliding shutter 2 for data write/read, a bearing unit 3 for rotating a built-in magnetic disk, a label attachment section 4 on which a label indicating a title, etc. is attached, and a write protect tab 5. As is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the write protect tab 5 comprises a slider 5a and an opening window 5b which is closed and opened in accordance the movement of the slider 5a.
Specifically, in the write prohibit mechanism using the write protect tab 5, the two shapes of the window 5b, i.e. the open shape and closed shape, which is determined by the movement of the slider 5a, are detected by means of a contact switch, etc. Thus, the write permit state and the write prohibit state can be discriminated on the information processing device side.
In another data write prohibit mechanism, an electric write path is cut off by a microswitch, as in a memory card in which data write is electrically effected.
In the write prohibit mechanisms, a change in physical shape is made mechanically. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the write permit state or write prohibit state can be recognized by the eye.
In each mechanism, however, the external storage apparatus needs to have certain dimensions and thickness.
On the other hand, there is a method in which a write prohibit state is stored as internal data in an external storage
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apparatus. Advantageously, this method can be applied to
any type of external storage apparatus, irrespective of the
size and thickness thereof.
In this method, however, the write permit state or write 5 prohibit state cannot be recognized until the external storage
apparatus is mounted in an information processing device
and actually operated.
As has been described above, in the prior art, the external
storage apparatus needs to have certain dimensions and 10 thickness in order that one can recognize the write prohibit
state.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
15 The object of the invention is to provide a small and thin information storage apparatus permitting one to visually recognize the write prohibit state thereof and making it possible to realize a write prohibit mechanism at low cost and an information processing apparatus using this infor20 mation storage apparatus.
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an information storage apparatus comprising:
storage medium means in which information can be 25 written;
a support member incorporating the storage medium means; and
a state-indicating conductive member provided on a surface of the supporting member, indicating a state of the 30 storage medium means in which writing of information to the storage medium means is prohibited. The storage medium means comprises a storage medium device including at least one non-volatile semiconductor memory device. 35 The support member has a recess in which the stateindicating conductive member is provided.
The support member is of non-conductive, and the stateindicating conductive member is of conductive to indicate the information write prohibit state of the storage medium 40 means.
According to the present invention, there is further provided an information storage apparatus comprising:
storage medium means in which information can be written;
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a support member incorporating the storage medium means; and
a state-indicating non-conductive member provided on a surface of the supporting member, indicating a state of 50 the storage medium means in which writing of information to the storage medium means is prohibited. The storage-medium means comprises a storage medium device including at least one non-volatile semiconductor memory device. 55 The support member has a recess in which the stateindicating non-conductive member is provided.
The support member is of conductive, and the stateindicating non-conductive member is of non-conductive to indicate the information write prohibit state of the storage go medium means.
The state-indicating non-conductive member is a seal. According to the present invention, there is still further provided an information processing apparatus comprising: an information storage device wherein information writ65 able storage medium means is incorporated in a support member and a state-indicating conductive member is visibly provided, the state-indicating conductive mem3
bers indicating a state of the storage medium means in which writing of information to the storage medium means is prohibited; and a processing device for receiving the information storage device, the processing device having discriminating means for detecting the conductivity of the stateindicating conductive member to discriminate the prohibit state of writing information to the storage medium means.
The storage medium means comprises a storage medium device including at least one non-volatile semiconductor memory device.
The support member has a recess in which the stateindicating conductive member is provided.
The state-indicating conductive member is a seal.
The discriminating means discriminates the prohibit state of writing information to the storage medium means by detecting the conductive state of the state-indicating conductive member.
The discriminating means discriminates the prohibit state of writing information to the storage medium means by bringing two or more connection pins into contact with the state-indicating conductive member and detecting the conductivity of the state-indicating conductive member.
The processing device is a processing device including a driving mechanism for driving the information storage device.
The processing device includes a card-shaped holder detachably attached to the processing device and including a driving mechanism for driving the information storage device incorporated in the card-shaped holder.
According to the present invention, there is yet further provided an information processing apparatus comprising:
an information storage device wherein information writable storage medium means is incorporated in a support member and a state-indicating non-conductive member is visibly provided, the state-indicating non-conductive member indicating a state of the storage medium means in which writing of information to the storage medium means is prohibited; and
a processing device for receiving the information storage device, the processing device having discriminating means for detecting the non-conductivity of the state-indicating non-conductive member to discriminate the prohibit state of writing information to the storage medium means.
The storage medium means comprises a storage medium device including at least one non-volatile semiconductor memory device.
The support member has a recess in which the stateindicating non-conductive member is provided.
The state-indicating non-conductive member is a seal.
The discriminating means discriminates the prohibit state of writing information to the storage medium means by detecting the non-conductive state of the state-indicating non-conductive member.
The discriminating means discriminates the prohibit state of writing information to the storage medium means by bringing two or more connection pins into contact with the state-indicating non-conductive member and detecting the non-conductivity of the state-indicating non-conductive member.
The processing device is a processing device including a driving mechanism for driving the information storage device.
The processing device includes a card-shaped holder detachably attached to the processing device and including a driving mechanism for driving the information storage device incorporated in the card-shaped holder.
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In this invention, by virtue of the above-described structures, the write prohibit state can be discriminated on the basis of the change in electrical state and can also be recognized visually, even with use of a small and thin
5 information storage apparatus.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention
10 may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
15 The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to
20 explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. 1A schematically shows a plan pattern of a memory module according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. IB is a cross-sectional view taken along line IB—IB in FIG. 1A;
25 FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the sealed surface side of a semiconductor memory package built in a memory module;
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the terminal surface side of the memory package shown in FIG. 2A;
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FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIC— IIC in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 3 illustrates a case where a memory module is inserted in a card-shaped holder prepared separately from an 35 electronic device and the holder is mounted in the electronic device;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of a main part of the card-shaped holder; and FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic plan views of a floppy 4q disk, for describing prior art and problems thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of the present invention will now be
45 described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1A and IB schematically show the structure of a memory module 11 of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the memory module 11, and FIG. IB is a cross-sectional view taken along line IB—IB in FIG. 1A.
50 The memory module 11 is used as an external storage apparatus such as a floppy disk. A semiconductor memory package 13 (described later in detail) serving as storage medium is mounted in a small card-shaped support member 12 formed of, e.g. plastic material.
55 The support member 12 has a label attachment section 14 on which an indication label for indicating an index of data stored in the semiconductor memory package 13, and a seal attachment section 15 on which a conductive seal serving as means for prohibiting inadvertent data write in the semicon
60 ductor memory package 13.
The size of the support member 12 is, for example, 37 mmx45 mm (less than half the size specified in IS07813) and the thickness thereof is 0.76 mm ±0.08 mm specified in IS07813.
65 In the present embodiment, the size of the memory module 11 is set to be less than half the size specified in IS07813 so that it can be used as floppy disk.
One corner of the support member 12, for example, one corner of a side to be inserted into a drive apparatus, is cut out. Thereby, reverse insertion into the drive apparatus is prevented.
The cut-out portion serves not only as means for prevent- 5 ing reverse insertion but also as limiting the use of the memory module 11. For example, if the semiconductor memory package 13 operable at 5 V and the semiconductor memory package 13 operable at 3.3 V are prepared, the former alone may be provided with the cut-out corner 10 portion. Thus, the insertion of the memory package 13 operable at 3.3 V into the drive apparatus can be prevented, and the memory chip within the memory module 11 can be protected against electric destruction due to a variation in power voltage. 15
The label attachment section 14 has a recess with a depth corresponding to the thickness of a label to be attached. The label attachment section 14 extends from the upper surface to the lower surface so as to cover one side edge of the support member 12. 20
The seal attachment section 15 has a circular recess with a diameter of, e.g. 10 mm. The seal attachment section 15 indicates an attachment position of a conductive seal and prevents the conductive seal from projecting upwards from the upper surface of the support member 12, thereby main- 25 taining the flatness of the surface of the memory module 11. Thus, when the memory module 11 is pulled out from or inserted into the drive apparatus, the seal is prevented from being peeled off or scratched.
The conductive seal functions as write protector for constituting a write prohibit mechanism. The conductive seal is formed inexpensively, for example, by coating an adhesive on one surface of paper sheet and coating a conductive material such as aluminum on the other surface
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thereof. The conductive seal has a circular shape with a diameter of, e.g. 8 mm so that it can be attached within the seal attachment section 15 on the support member 12.
Specifically, the conductive seal is attached on the seal attachment section 15 on the support member 12, thereby visually indicating that data write in the semiconductor memory package 13 is prohibited.
In addition, the write prohibit mechanism is easily achieved since the data write prohibit state can be automatically recognized on the basis of the conductive state effected by the conductive seal.
FIGS. 2A to 2C schematically show the structure of the semiconductor memory package 13. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the sealed surface side of the package 13, FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the terminal surface side of the 50 package, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIC—IIC in FIG. 2A.
The semiconductor memory package 13 is constituted such that a 16 Mbit NAND type flash EEPROM chip 13b functioning as storage medium or non-volatile semiconduc- 55 tor memory device is mounted on a resin-based substrate 13a. Input/output terminals (not shown) of the chip 13fc are connected to wiring on a major surface of the substrate 13a by means of bonding wires 13c. The chip 13fc, as well as the bonding regions, is resin-sealed by a sealing resin 13d by a 60 one-side transfer mold method.
The wiring on the major surface of the resin-based substrate 13a is exposed to the non-sealed side (bottom side) of the substrate 13a via through-holes and led out as flat external connection terminals 13e. 65
In the present embodiment, the semiconductor memory package 13 has a size of 16.62 mmx27.59 mm on the
terminal surface side, which is less than half the area of the support member 12 in its longitudinal direction.
The memory package 13 is attached to the support member 12 such that the supper surfaces of the external connection terminals 13e are substantially flush with the surface of the support member 12 on which the seal attachment section 15, etc. are formed.
When the memory module 11 having the above structure is used as external storage apparatus such as a floppy disk, a drive apparatus such as a floppy disk drive is needed.
FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the memory module 11 is mounted in a mounting unit of an electronic device such as an information processing device, by using a drive apparatus prepared separately from the electronic device.
For example, when the memory module 11 is used as floppy disk, the memory module 11 is first inserted into a card-shaped holder 21, and the card-shaped holder 21 is then mounted in the mounting unit of the electronic device.
The card holder 21 has a size specified, for example, in PCMCIA (e.g. type 11), has an input/output interface and incorporates a memory controller (not shown) functioning as drive apparatus for writing and reading data.
FIG. 4 schematically shows the structure of a main part of the card-shaped holder 21.
Specifically, the holder 21 has a connector unit 22. A connector pin holder section 23 is provided inside the connector unit 22 in which the memory module 11 is mounted. The connector pin holder section 23 is provided with a plurality of connector pins 24 to be put in contact with the external connection terminals 13e of the semiconductor memory package 13, and connector pins 25 to be put in contact with the seal attachment section on the support member 12.
The connector pins 24 are connected to the memory controller incorporated in the card-shaped holder 21.
Although FIG. 4 shows only one connector pin 25, the number of connector pins 25 is at least two and the two connector pins 25 are arranged at a distance of 1 mm or more from each other. The connector pins 25 are connected to a discriminating circuit (not shown) provided within the electronic device or card-shaped holder 21. The discriminating circuit discriminates the data write permit state and the data write prohibit state on the basis of the conductive state and non-conductive state between the connector pins 25.
For example, when the conductive seal 16 is not attached to the memory module 11, the connector pins 25 are put in contact with a non-conductive part (seal attachment section 15) on the support member 12. In this case, since the support member 12 has no electrical conductivity, electrical conduction between the connector pins 25 is not effected. Thus, the write permit state is discriminated by the discriminating circuit.
On the other hand, when the conductive seal 16 is attached to the memory module 11, the connector pins 25 are put in contact with the conductive seal 16. Since the conductive seal 16 is electrically conductive, electrical conduction between the connector pins 25 is effected by the conductive seal 16. Thus, the write prohibit state is discriminated by the discriminating circuit.
As has been described above, the memory module 11 is set in the write prohibit state by attaching the conductive seal 16 to the seal attachment section 15 on the support member 12. If the conductive seal 16 is attached, the user can visually recognize the write prohibit state of the memory module 11. In addition, if the memory module 11 is mounted in the
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