US20050182974A1 - Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050182974A1 US20050182974A1 US11/099,241 US9924105A US2005182974A1 US 20050182974 A1 US20050182974 A1 US 20050182974A1 US 9924105 A US9924105 A US 9924105A US 2005182974 A1 US2005182974 A1 US 2005182974A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- storage unit
- password
- storage medium
- storage
- device bay
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/266—Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B17/00—Guiding record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor
- G11B17/02—Details
- G11B17/04—Feeding or guiding single record carrier to or from transducer unit
- G11B17/041—Feeding or guiding single record carrier to or from transducer unit specially adapted for discs contained within cartridges
- G11B17/043—Direct insertion, i.e. without external loading means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B19/00—Driving, starting, stopping record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function ; Driving both disc and head
- G11B19/02—Control of operating function, e.g. switching from recording to reproducing
- G11B19/04—Arrangements for preventing, inhibiting, or warning against double recording on the same blank or against other recording or reproducing malfunctions
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B19/00—Driving, starting, stopping record carriers not specifically of filamentary or web form, or of supports therefor; Control thereof; Control of operating function ; Driving both disc and head
- G11B19/02—Control of operating function, e.g. switching from recording to reproducing
- G11B19/10—Control of operating function, e.g. switching from recording to reproducing by sensing presence or absence of record in accessible stored position or on turntable
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B31/00—Arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/12—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules
- G11B33/121—Disposition of constructional parts in the apparatus, e.g. of power supply, of modules the apparatus comprising a single recording/reproducing device
- G11B33/122—Arrangements for providing electrical connections, e.g. connectors, cables, switches
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to peripheral equipment such as a storage unit that can be disconnected from host equipment in a computer system and can hold a storage medium. More specifically, the invention relates to a personal computer connected to a detachable storage unit, and to a method of ejecting a medium from the storage unit.
- IEEE 1394 IEEE 1394
- IEEE 1394 connectors are a general purpose interface used to transfer digital data to and from a small computer, a storage medium (e.g., magnetic disk (HDD), magnetic-optic disk (MO), magnetic tape) and a printer for personal computers (hereinafter abbreviated as “PCs”) and work stations.
- the IEEE 1394 interface is preferred because it can be used with multi-media applications which were impossible to use with the SCSI.
- the use of the IEEE 1394 interface can be roughly divided into two fields of application: an interface for PC peripheral equipment and an interface in the field of home appliances (particularly, for AV (audio-visual) applications).
- the IEEE 1394 interface can be used to connect PCs to home appliances.
- the features of the IEEE 1394 interface can be summarized as follows:
- plug-and-play did not exist in conventional interfaces.
- the equipment starts immediately and is ready for use, offering convenience.
- hot plugging since hot plugging is possible, the user can connect or disconnect the cable while the PC is still running and does not have to restart the PC each time the cable to the peripheral is disconnected and connected.
- the device bay is a new feature and includes a standard extension slot which greatly improves plug-and-play by facilitating the mechanical connection between the devices.
- a device bay With a device bay, it is possible to incorporate peripheral equipment in the PC without opening the housing of the PC or without turning off the power source of the PC. Thus, the user will find it more convenient to use.
- Various storage units can be inserted in the device bay including a hard disk unit.
- peripheral equipment since the peripheral equipment has plug-and-play and hot plugging, it is easy to move peripheral equipment by disconnecting the power source plug and connection cables.
- a user may connect cables to peripheral equipment to store or read data or execute a particular job but may then disconnect the cables when the job is finished to transport the peripheral equipment to another place. Therefore, when a removable medium such as floppy disk or magneto-optic disk remains inserted in the peripheral equipment while transporting the peripheral equipment, the actuator mounting a read/write head may move due to vibration while transporting the peripheral equipment, whereby the head may collide with the medium, often causing damage to the peripheral equipment or the medium.
- the storage units that can be inserted in a device bay without opening the housing of the PC can be easily used, removed and even replaced without authorization.
- an object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that automatically ejects the storage medium out of the storage unit when a user is likely to move the storage unit.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that automatically ejects a storage medium when a cable connecting the storage unit is disconnected from the host equipment.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that keeps the power on to automatically eject a storage medium when a power switch on the storage unit is turned to an off position.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that automatically ejects the storage medium upon receiving an instruction to end the operation of the storage unit.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that provides the option of having the storage medium automatically ejected from the storage unit during the conditions mentioned above.
- Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved detachable storage unit that automatically ejects the storage medium upon receiving information that the host equipment sent an instruction to discharge the storage unit from a device bay.
- Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved detachable storage unit with a security system.
- an additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved detachable storage unit that prevents both the removal of the storage unit, from the host equipment and the unauthorized use of the storage unit.
- Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved detachable storage unit that prevents the exchange of data between the storage unit and the host equipment without authorization.
- Still an additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that automatically discharges an unauthorized storage unit that is placed in the host equipment.
- a storage unit holding an ejectable storage medium is detachably connected to host equipment in a computer system.
- the storage unit has a connection detector for detecting whether the storage unit is connected to the host equipment and a storage medium detector for detecting the presence of a storage medium within the storage unit.
- An automatic medium ejection mechanism is provided for automatically ejecting the storage medium upon receiving a medium discharge instruction.
- a medium ejection instructor sends a medium ejection instruction to the automatic medium ejection mechanism upon receiving information that indicates that the storage unit might be moved. The ejection of the storage medium from the storage unit prevents damage caused by the storage unit colliding with internal components of the storage unit while the storage unit is being moved.
- the information indicating that the storage unit might be moved includes information about whether the storage unit is still connected to the host equipment, whether the medium is still in the storage unit, whether the power to the storage unit has been turned off, whether an end or start instruction for use of the storage unit has been transmitted, and/or whether a response is received responding to an indicator light, alarm message or query message, or any combination of these indicators.
- passwords are used to prevent unauthorized use of the storage unit and to prevent an unauthorized storage unit from being inserted into the device bay.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a personal computer connected to storage devices of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a storage unit according of the present invention.
- FIGS. 3 ( a ) to 3 ( c ) are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aspect of the storage unit of FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 4 ( a ) to 4 ( c ) are diagrams illustrating the operation of a further aspect of the storage unit of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a flow chart explaining the control procedure for the storage unit described in FIGS. 2 - 4 ( c );
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the components of another storage unit according in the present invention.
- FIGS. 7 ( a ) to 7 ( d ) are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aspect of the storage unit of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the process for the exchange of data between the storage unit shown in FIG. 6 and host equipment in the present invention
- FIG. 9 is a flow chart explaining a control procedure for the storage unit described in FIGS. 6-8 ;
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the components of another storage unit of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a flow chart explaining a process for the storage unit of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is a flow chart explaining another process for the storage unit of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 13 is a flow chart explaining yet another process for the storage unit of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 14 is a flow chart explaining still another process for the storage unit of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 15 is a flow chart explaining a security process for the storage unit of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 16 is a flow chart explaining another security process for the storage unit of FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates examples of host equipment such as a personal computer 1 (hereinafter “PC 1 ”). While personal computer (PC) 1 compiles with, and applies to, the IEEE 1394 standards in the preferred embodiment, the present invention also applies to any interface that supports plug and play, such as USB. Peripheral equipment such as detachable storage units 10 , 20 are also provided.
- the PC 1 includes a main body 2 with a device bay 2 B and a display unit 3 .
- the storage unit 20 is shaped to fit into the device bay 2 B.
- a switch 2 A is used for ejecting the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2 B, and a power source switch 2 C is also provided to turn the power to the main body 2 on or off.
- Input units such as a keyboard 4 , a mouse 5 and other peripherals such as the external storage device 10 , are connected to the PC body 2 through an IEEE 1394 standard cable 7 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ).
- the storage units 10 , 20 read and write to storage medium 11 (shown in FIG. 2 ), 21 , respectively.
- Examples of storage medium used in the storage units 10 , 20 include magneto-optical disks (MO), hard disks (HD), floppy disks (FD), CD-ROMs, DVDs, IC cards, etc.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the internal components of the storage unit 10 from FIG. 1 .
- the storage unit 10 includes a drive unit 12 for driving a storage medium 11 , a power source circuit 13 , a control circuit 131 , a power source switch 14 , an IEEE 1394 connector 15 , and a dip switch 16 which is located on the back of the storage unit 10 (not shown).
- the drive unit 12 has a head 121 for reading and writing data to and from the storage medium 11 , a drive mechanism 122 for moving the head 121 and a read-write circuit 123 connected to the head 121 .
- the read-write circuit 123 processes signals read out from, and to be written to, the storage medium 11 .
- the drive unit 12 also has a storage medium ejection mechanism 124 .
- a power source circuit 13 includes a voltage converter/rectifier circuit 132 .
- the power source switch 14 is preferably provided on the front surface of the storage unit 10 and transmits an on/off signal to the control circuit 131 .
- the control circuit 131 is connected to an IEEE 1394 connector 15 which is attached to the back surface of the storage unit 10 , and is connected to the PC 1 shown in FIG. 1 through an IEEE 1394 connector 6 and a cable 7 .
- the setting of the dip switch 16 is also transmitted to the control circuit 131 .
- the read-write circuit 123 is connected to the control circuit 131 through a bus 17 .
- the voltage converter/rectifier circuit 132 is connected to an AC power source using a plug 133 , and converts the AC power into DC power, which is then supplied to the drive unit 12 and to the control circuit 131 .
- the control circuit 131 receives a medium present/absent signal from the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 and transmits an ejection signal back to the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 at predetermined times, but only while the storage medium 11 is within the drive unit 12 .
- FIGS. 3 ( a ) to 3 ( c ) illustrate the operation of the storage unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 .
- the power source switch 2 C of the PC 1 is turned on, and the power source switch 14 (not shown) is turned on which causes the power source circuit 13 to supply power to the drive unit 12 .
- the PC 1 is connected to the storage unit 10 through the IEEE 1394 connectors 6 and 15 , and exchanges data with the storage medium 11 in the storage unit 10 through the cable 7 (as indicated by the arrows above and below cable 7 ).
- the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 automatically ejects the storage medium 11 as shown in FIG. 3 ( c ).
- the storage medium 11 preferably will not stay in the storage unit 10 when the storage unit is moved. This prevents damage or other problems that stem from the storage medium 11 staying in the unit when the storage unit 10 is moved.
- FIGS. 4 ( a ) to 4 ( c ) illustrate a further aspect of the storage unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 .
- the power for both the PC 1 and the storage unit 10 is turned on so that the PC 1 exchanges data with the storage medium 11 through the cable 7 (as indicated by the arrows above and below cable 7 ).
- a user may turn off the power to the storage unit 10 without disconnecting the IEEE 1394 connector (as shown in FIG. 4 ( b )) in order to move the storage unit 10 a short distance within the reach of the cable 7 .
- the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 in the storage unit 10 operates to automatically eject the storage medium 11 as shown in FIG. 4 ( c ) even though the power source switch 14 is turned off. This prevents damage to the disk or head since the storage medium 11 does not stay in the storage unit 10 when the unit 10 is moved.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the control procedure executed by the control circuit 131 shown in FIG. 2 to execute the two aspects of the present invention mentioned above.
- the storage medium ejection mechanism 134 detects whether or not the storage medium 11 is held in the storage unit 10 and transmits the finding to control circuit 131 .
- the control circuit 131 detects whether or not the power for the storage unit 10 is turned off.
- the process proceeds to step 504 .
- step 503 the control circuit 131 determines whether or not the IEEE 1394 connector 15 is connected to the connector 6 . If the IEEE 1394 connector 15 is still connected, the routine ends. If the IEEE 1394 connector 15 is disconnected, however, the program proceeds to the step 504 .
- step 504 the control circuit 131 determines whether or not the automatic ejection mode for the storage medium 11 is turned on or off by determining whether the dip switch 16 is set to turn the ejection mode on or off.
- the power source of the storage unit 10 is off, indicated by a YES answer in step 502
- the automatic ejection mode is on or when the connectors 6 , 15 are disconnected, indicated by a NO answer in step 503
- the storage medium 11 is automatically ejected from the storage unit 10 . If, however, the automatic ejection mode is off, no ejection occurs and the routine ends at step 504 .
- the routine proceeds to a step 505 where an ejection signal is transmitted to the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 in the drive unit 12 .
- the control circuit 131 determines whether or not the ejection of the storage medium 11 is complete. If the ejection of the storage medium 11 is not complete, the routine returns to step 505 and the eject signal is continuously output to the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 . On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the ejection of the storage medium 11 is complete during step 506 , the routine proceeds to a step 507 which cuts off the output from the power source circuit 13 of the storage unit 10 .
- the output from the power source circuit 13 is not cut off until step 507 , and the storage medium 11 will be, completely ejected even after the power source switch 14 is shut off.
- Setting the automatic ejection mode on or off is not limited to a method that waits for a user to set the dip switch 16 . It may also be carried out by, for example, providing a memory in the control circuit 131 of the storage unit 10 with a bit for controlling the automatic ejection mode, and by writing a flag into the bit from the host equipment or by erasing the flag. With this configuration, the control circuit 131 will determine that the automatic ejection mode is on when the flag is raised on the bit and determine that the mode is off when no flag is raised. This determination can be made by the control circuit 131 during the step 504 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates the internal components of the storage unit 10 from FIG. 1 regarding other aspects of the present invention.
- the features in FIG. 6 that are similar or the same as features depicted in FIG. 2 have the same number as the features from FIG. 2 and will not be redescribed.
- the mode for automatically ejecting the storage medium 11 set by the dip switch 16 , is input into the control circuit 131 and is stored in a nonvolatile memory 134 .
- the control circuit 131 is connected through a bus 17 to the read-write circuit 123 in the drive unit 12 and is further connected to the IEEE 1394 connector 15 .
- the medium present/absent signal from the storage medium discharge mechanism 124 is transmitted to the control circuit 131 and then to the host equipment through the IEEE 1394 connector 15 .
- a signal for ejecting the storage medium 11 from the host equipment is transmitted to the storage medium discharge mechanism 124 at a predetermined time through the IEEE 1394 connector 15 and control circuit 131 .
- the front surface of the storage unit 10 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with an indicator 18 for indicating that the storage medium 11 in the storage unit 10 is in operation or that the storage medium is being ejected.
- the indicator 18 may have two indicator elements, such as two light-emitting diodes, to separately indicate the storage medium 11 operation or ejection. One diode turns on upon receiving a start instruction or a log-in signal and turns off upon receiving an end instruction or a log-out signal, and the other diode indicates that the storage medium 11 is being ejected.
- the indicator 18 may also be a single indicator element such as a two-color-light-emitting diode to indicate that the storage medium I 1 is in operation or is being ejected. Other types of indicators are also contemplated as being within the scope of the invention.
- FIGS. 7 ( a ) to 7 ( d ) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the storage unit 10 shown in FIG. 6 according to further aspects of the present invention.
- the power source switch 2 C of the PC 1 is turned on, and the power for the storage unit 10 is turned on.
- PC 1 is connected to the storage medium 11 through the IEEE 1394 connectors 6 and 15 , and is exchanging data with the storage medium 11 through the cable 7 .
- the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 in the storage unit 10 operates to automatically eject the storage medium 11 (as shown in FIG. 7 ( c )), and the indicator 1 8 A provided on the front surface of the storage unit 10 turns on to indicate that the storage medium 11 is being ejected (as shown in FIG. 7 ( d )).
- the log-out signal prevents the storage medium 11 from remaining in the storage unit 10 . While the storage medium 11 is being ejected, furthermore, the indicator 18 is turned on so that a user can also confirm the eject operation.
- Another indicator 18 B shown in FIG. 7 ( d ) indicates that the storage medium 11 is operating, and turns on upon receiving a log-in signal from the PC 1 and turns off upon receiving a log-out signal.
- FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the exchange of data between the storage unit 10 of the present invention and the host equipment, PC 1 .
- PC 1 is indicated as an initiator.
- the initiator sends a query to the storage unit 10 asking what kind of unit it is and what kind of connection is being used.
- a log-in signal is transmitted to the storage unit 10 from the initiator, and the exchange of data starts after the storage unit 10 has responded to the login signal.
- the initiator forms a command list X (map format). Then processes A, B and C, based on the maps, are executed by a map finish trigger in the initiator and in the storage unit 10 . When these processes are finished, the storage unit 10 assumes a standby state, and a next command list Y (map format) is formed in the initiator. Then, the processes D, E based on the maps are executed by the map finish trigger in the initiator and the storage unit 10 . When these processes are finished, the storage unit 10 assumes a standby state. After the exchange of data is complete, the initiator transmits a log-out signal to the storage unit 10 . Once the log-out signal is received, the storage unit 10 executes the procedure for ejecting the recording medium 11 shown in FIGS. 7 ( a ) to ( d ).
- FIG. 9 illustrates a control procedure executed by the control circuit 13 1 , explained with reference to FIG. 6 , in order to execute the operation of yet another aspect of the invention.
- the control procedure of FIG. 9 includes the procedure for turning the indicator 18 B on and off, as shown in FIG. 7 ( d ), and relates to the process of exchanging data illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- a first step 901 the control circuit 131 determines whether or not the storage unit 10 has received a log-in signal from the PC 1 . When no log-in signal has been received, the process proceeds to a step 903 . When the log-in signal has been received, the process proceeds to a step 902 which turns on the log-in indicator 18 B, and then proceeds to step 903 . This ensures that the log-in indicator 18 B turns on after the long-in signal is received.
- step 903 the control circuit 131 determines whether or not a log-out signal is input to the storage unit 10 from the PC 1 . When no log-out signal has been received, the routine ends. When the log-out signal has been received, the routine proceeds to a step 904 which turns off the log-in indicator 18 B and then proceeds to a step 905 . This ensures that the log-in indicator 18 B turns off after the log-out signal has been received.
- step 905 the storage medium discharge mechanism 124 detects whether or not the storage medium 11 is being held in the storage unit 10 and transmits its finding to the control circuit 131 .
- the routine proceeds to a step 906 where the control circuit 131 determines whether or not the mode for automatically ejecting the storage medium 11 has been turned on.
- the mode for automatically ejecting the medium is set by the dip switch 16 described with reference to FIG. 6 , or is set by setting a flag on a predetermined bit in the memory 134 in the control circuit 131 , depending on the input from the host equipment.
- the control circuit 131 finds that the mode for automatically ejecting the medium is off during step 906 , the routine ends.
- the program proceeds to a step 907 .
- step 907 the control circuit 131 transmits an eject signal to the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 of the drive unit 12 , and the ejection indicator 18 A is turned on.
- step 908 the control circuit 131 determines whether or not the ejection of the storage medium 11 from the storage unit 10 is complete. If the ejection of the storage medium 11 is not finished, the program returns to step 907 where the ejection signal is continuously output to the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 . Then in step 908 , the control circuit 131 confirms that the ejection of the storage medium 11 from the storage unit 10 is complete, and the routine then proceeds to a step 909 where the ejection indicator 18 A is turned off to end the routine.
- the storage medium 11 is ejected from the storage unit 10 while the ejection indicator 18 A is turned on.
- FIG. 10 depicts the components of the detachable storage unit 20 with the storage unit 20 in device bay 2 B.
- the storage unit 20 includes a drive unit 22 for driving a storage medium 21 , a control circuit 23 , a battery 24 and an IEEE 1394 connector 25 .
- the drive unit 22 includes a head 31 , a drive mechanism 32 for the head 31 , a read-write circuit 33 connected to the head 31 , and a storage medium discharge mechanism 34 .
- the control circuit 23 includes a memory 35 .
- the IEEE 1394 connector 25 is attached to the back surface of the storage unit 20 , and is connected to an IEEE 1394 connector 8 in the device bay 2 B when the storage unit 20 is loaded in the device bay 2 B. Furthermore, a unique password assigned to the storage unit 20 is stored in the memory 35 in the control circuit 23 .
- the control circuit 23 is connected to the host equipment, PC 1 , through the IEEE 1394 connectors 25 and 8 , and a bus 26 connects the control circuit 23 to the read-write circuit 33 .
- the storage medium ejection mechanism 34 transmits a medium present/absent signal to the PC 1 through the control circuit 23 and the IEEE 1394 connectors 25 , 8 . Furthermore, a signal for ejecting the storage medium 21 from the PC 1 is received by the control circuit 23 through the IEEE 1394 connectors 8 , 25 , and is then transmitted to the storage medium ejection mechanism 34 from the control circuit 23 .
- the battery 24 serves as a power source for the drive unit 22 , the control circuit 23 and the storage medium ejection mechanism 34 . Therefore, the storage medium 21 can be ejected from the storage unit 20 even after the storage unit 20 is discharged from the device bay 2 B.
- the battery 24 may have an ordinary cell or a rechargeable cell. When the rechargeable cell is utilized, it may be charged through the control circuit 23 by using the DC power from the PC 1 .
- the storage unit 20 preferably has a number of ejection features relating to the ejection of medium 21 from within the storage unit 20 when the storage unit 20 receives a message that the PC 1 will instruct a discharge mechanism (not shown) to discharge the storage unit 20 from the bay 2 B. When this message is received, the storage unit 20 ejects the storage medium 21 before the PC 1 discharges the storage unit 20 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates the control procedure for this feature and explains the operation of the control circuit 23 in the storage unit 20 .
- the control circuit 23 determines whether or not it has received a message that the memory unit 20 will be discharged from the device bay 2 B. If no discharge message has been received, the routine ends. If the discharge message has been received, the routine proceeds to a step 1102 where the storage medium ejection mechanism 34 determines whether or not the storage medium 21 is held in the storage unit 20 and transmits the finding to the control circuit 23 . When no storage medium 21 is in the storage unit 20 , the routine ends. When the storage medium 21 is held in the storage unit 20 , the routine proceeds to a step 1103 where the control circuit 23 transmits an ejection signal to the storage medium ejection mechanism 34 of the drive unit 22 .
- a step 1104 the control circuit 23 determines whether or not the ejection of the storage medium 21 from the storage unit 20 has been completed. When the ejection of the storage medium 21 is not complete, the routine returns to step 1103 where an ejection signal is continuously transmitted to the storage medium ejection mechanism 34 of the drive unit 22 . When the control circuit 23 confirms that the ejection of the storage medium 21 from the storage unit 20 is complete, the routine ends.
- the discharge mechanism (not shown) in the PC 1 is able to immediately start discharging the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2 B right after it receives an instruction for discharging the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2 B.
- This routine can occur because the storage medium 21 can be ejected from the storage unit 20 independent of PC 1 operations because the storage unit 20 has its own battery 24 .
- the medium 21 can be ejected even though the storage unit 20 may already be discharged from the PC 1 .
- the control circuit 23 detects the disconnection of the IEEE 1394 connector 25 on the storage unit 20 from the IEEE 1394 connector 8 on the device bay 2 B, the storage medium 21 is ejected from the storage unit 20 using battery power.
- FIG. 12 illustrates the control procedure according to this aspect, and explains the operation of the control circuit 23 .
- the control procedure for the alarm adds steps 1201 and 1202 between steps 1102 and 1103 from the first aspect. Therefore, the steps already described will be summarized.
- the control circuit 23 confirms that a message is received and that the storage unit 20 will be discharged from the device bay 2 B in step 1101 .
- the control circuit 23 confirms that the storage medium 21 is held in the storage unit 20 , and then proceeds to step 1201 and transmits an alarm message to the PC 1 to indicate that the storage medium 21 is still held in the storage unit 20 .
- the alarm message is processed in the PC 1 so that it can be displayed on the display unit 3 .
- a subsequent step 1202 after the alarm is displayed, the control circuit 23 looks for a response that indicates whether or not there is a need to eject the storage medium 21 .
- the routine ends. In this case, therefore, the storage medium 21 is not ejected from the storage unit 20 even though the storage unit 20 is discharged from the device bay 2 B.
- the routine proceeds to the step 1103 and to the subsequent steps to eject the storage medium 21 from the storage unit 20 .
- the storage unit 20 when a message is received that the storage unit 20 will be discharged, the storage unit sends a query message to the PC 1 asking whether or not the storage medium 21 should be ejected before discharging the storage unit 20 . The question is then displayed on the display unit 3 before the device bay 2 B discharges the storage unit 20 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates a control procedure according to this third aspect, and explains the operation of the control circuit 23 .
- This control procedure adds steps 1301 and 1302 between the steps 1102 and 1103 of the first aspect. Therefore, the description of the steps already described will not be repeated.
- the routine proceeds to a step 1301 where a message is sent to the PC 1 asking whether or not the storage medium 21 held in the storage unit 20 is to be ejected before discharging the storage medium 20 .
- the inquiry message is processed by the PC 1 and is displayed on the display unit 3 .
- a subsequent step 1302 after the inquiry is displayed, the control circuit 23 looks for an instruction for ejecting the storage medium 21 before the discharge of the storage unit 20 .
- the routine ends when an instruction is received stating that it is not necessary to eject the storage medium 21 before the discharge of the storage unit. In this case, the storage unit 20 is discharged from the device bay 2 B without ejecting the medium.
- the routine proceeds to the step 1103 and to the subsequent steps to eject the storage medium 21 before the storage unit 20 is discharged from the device bay 2 B.
- the storage unit 20 also has a fourth aspect that occurs when the storage unit 20 is going to be discharged from the PC 1 .
- the storage unit 20 sends a message to the PC 1 requesting a password.
- the message is displayed on the display unit 3 of the PC 1 before the device bay 2 B discharges the storage unit 20 .
- the storage unit is not ejected from the device bay 2 B.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a control procedure according to the fourth aspect of the storage medium 20 , and illustrates the operation of the control circuit 23 in the control unit 20 .
- the control circuit 23 determines whether or not an instruction for discharging the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2 B is received. When the discharge instruction has not been received, the routine ends. When the discharge instruction has been received, the routine proceeds to a step 1402 that has the storage unit 20 transmitting a message to the PC 1 requesting the input of a unique password assigned to the storage unit 20 . The PC 1 processes the message that requests the password and displays it on the display unit 3 .
- step 1403 after the message has been displayed, the control circuit 23 determines whether or not the password has been received.
- the routine proceeds to a step 1406 which clears a value of a counter N, which is then used to count the number of times the requesting message is displayed.
- the routine then proceeds to a step 1407 where the received password is compared with a password unique to the storage unit 20 that is stored in the memory 35 of the storage unit 20 .
- the control circuit 23 determines whether or not the password that is received is in agreement with the password unique to the storage unit 20 .
- step 1408 the routine proceeds to a step 1409 where the control circuit 23 transmits an instruction to the PC 1 instructing it to unlock the storage unit 20 so that the PC 1 can discharge the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2 B.
- the PC 1 unlocks the storage unit 20 in the device bay 2 B, and carries out the operation to discharge the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2 B.
- step 1411 the control circuit 23 sends an instruction to the PC 1 to prevent the storage unit 20 from being unlocked.
- the PC 1 does not unlock the storage unit 20 in the device bay 2 B, and the storage unit 20 is not discharged from the device bay 2 B.
- an instruction for inhibiting the use of the storage unit 20 in the device bay 2 B also may be continuously sent to the PC 1 until a password is received that agrees with the password in memory 34 .
- step 1403 the routine proceeds to a step 1404 where a value of the counter N, having an initial value of 0, is increased by one. Then, the control circuit 23 determines whether or not the value of the counter N has exceeded five in a step 1405 . If the value of the counter N is not larger than five at the step 1405 , the routine returns to step 1402 where the message requesting the password is continuously sent to the PC 1 .
- step 1405 the routine proceeds from step 1405 to step 1410 where the counter N is cleared.
- the routine then proceeds to a step 1411 .
- step 1411 the control circuit 23 sends an instruction to the PC 1 to keep the storage unit 20 locked in the device bay 2 B, just as if the passwords did not agree, as in step 1408 .
- FIG. 15 explains a control procedure by PC 1 rather than a control circuit 23 or 131 . This example uses the procedure for preventing discharge of the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2 B unless the correct password for the storage unit 20 is received.
- the PC 1 determines whether an instruction for discharging the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2 B exists. If the discharge instruction has not been detected, the routine ends. If the discharge instruction has been received, the routine proceeds to a step 1502 where the PC 1 displays a message requesting an operator to enter a password to unlock the storage unit 20 on the display unit 3 . Subsequent steps 1503 to 1506 and 1510 correspond to the steps 1403 to 1406 and 1410 described with reference to FIG. 14 , and therefore, are summarized as follows. As in the procedure of FIG. 14 , when a password is received, it is compared to the password already stored in a memory 35 in the storage unit 20 .
- the routine proceeds to a step 1509 to unlock the storage unit 20 for discharge from the device bay 2 B. If the passwords are not in agreement the routine proceeds to a step 1511 which maintains the lock on the storage unit 20 so that it cannot be discharged from the device bay 2 B. In this case, too, use of the storage unit 20 in the device bay 2 B may be prevented until the correct password is received.
- step 1503 When no password is received in the step 1503 , the routine proceeds to steps 1504 and 1505 to repeat the request for a password on the display five times.
- steps 1504 and 1505 When no password is received after displaying the password request message five times, the routine proceeds to step 1511 after the counter N is cleared at step 1510 .
- step 1511 the storage unit 20 is kept locked and the storage unit 20 is not discharged. The PC 1 will not unlock the storage unit 20 for discharge unless the passwords are in agreement.
- the PC 1 prevents a user from exchanging data with the PC by inserting a storage unit into device bay 2 B without authorization. To accomplish this, the PC 1 will forcibly discharge an unauthorized storage unit from the device bay 2 B so that data cannot be exchanged with the PC 1 . In this case, the unique passwords assigned to specific peripheral equipment, such as storage unit 20 , that can be used in the device bay 2 B must be registered in advance in the memory of the PC 1 .
- FIG. 16 explains a process controlled by the PC 1 to accept an authorized storage unit 20 from FIG. 10 when it is inserted in the device bay 2 B.
- the PC 1 determines whether or not the storage unit 20 is inserted in the device bay 2 B. If the storage unit 20 is not inserted, the routine ends. If the storage unit 20 is inserted in the device bay 2 B, the routine proceeds to a step 1602 where a message is displayed on the display unit 3 to request that the operator enter the password for the storage unit 20 .
- steps 1603 to 1606 and 1610 correspond to the steps 1403 to 1406 and 1410 described with reference to FIG. 14 , and are therefore summarized.
- the program proceeds to a step 1607 where the received password is compared with the unique password that has been registered in advance in the memory of the PC 1 .
- the PC 1 determines whether or not the password that is received is in agreement with the registered password. If they are in agreement, the routine proceeds to a step 1609 permitting the use of the storage unit 20 that is inserted in the device bay 2 B.
- step 1608 on the other hand, if no registered password is received, the routine proceeds to a step 1611 where the storage unit 20 is unlocked and is forcibly discharged from the device bay 2 B.
- step 1603 If no password is received during step 1603 and even after displaying the message five times by executing steps 1604 and 1605 , the routine proceeds to step 1611 after having cleared the counter N at the step 1610 .
- step 1611 the storage unit 20 is unlocked and is forcibly discharged from the device bay 2 B.
- peripheral equipment other than the one registered in advance with the PC 1 , is forcibly discharged from the device bay 2 B despite being inserted in the device bay. Therefore, security is maintained without permitting a person other than an authorized user to use the PC by inserting peripheral equipment in the device bay 2 B.
Abstract
A detachable storage unit is connected to host equipment in a computer system and holds an ejectable storage medium. The storage unit has a connection detector that detects whether or not the storage unit is connected to the host equipment, and a storage medium detector that detects the presence of a storage medium within the storage unit. A medium ejection instructor sends a medium ejection instruction to an automatic medium ejection mechanism upon receiving information that indicates that the storage medium might be moved. The storage medium is then ejected from the storage unit which prevents damage caused by the storage medium colliding with internal components of the storage unit while the storage unit is being moved.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to peripheral equipment such as a storage unit that can be disconnected from host equipment in a computer system and can hold a storage medium. More specifically, the invention relates to a personal computer connected to a detachable storage unit, and to a method of ejecting a medium from the storage unit.
- Computer technology is advancing in many fields, including home appliances, and from compact disks (CDs) to devices recording still pictures and video onto disks and tapes. Under such circumstances, an interface complying with IEEE 1394 standards (hereinafter written as “IEEE 1394”) is drawing attention as a popular high-speed serial interface as a substitute for a SCSI (small computer system interface). IEEE 1394 connectors are a general purpose interface used to transfer digital data to and from a small computer, a storage medium (e.g., magnetic disk (HDD), magnetic-optic disk (MO), magnetic tape) and a printer for personal computers (hereinafter abbreviated as “PCs”) and work stations. The IEEE 1394 interface is preferred because it can be used with multi-media applications which were impossible to use with the SCSI.
- The use of the IEEE 1394 interface can be roughly divided into two fields of application: an interface for PC peripheral equipment and an interface in the field of home appliances (particularly, for AV (audio-visual) applications). The IEEE 1394 interface can be used to connect PCs to home appliances. The features of the IEEE 1394 interface can be summarized as follows:
-
- (1) multi-media transfer (isochronous transfer) support;
- (2) speed corresponding to dynamic pictures (cable versions, 800 Mbps, 1600 Mbps, 3200 Mbps);
- (3) automatic configuration (plug-and-play);
- (4) host PC is not always needed;
- (5) use of a device bay rather than cable connections;
- (6) peer-to-peer connections;
- (7) hot plugging possible;
- (8) topology (tree structure) with a high degree of freedom;
- (9) termination unnecessary; and
- (10) generally usable for packet communication.
- Among these features, plug-and-play did not exist in conventional interfaces. When the power source plug is connected to an outlet for an IEEE 1394 interface, the equipment starts immediately and is ready for use, offering convenience. In addition, since hot plugging is possible, the user can connect or disconnect the cable while the PC is still running and does not have to restart the PC each time the cable to the peripheral is disconnected and connected.
- The device bay is a new feature and includes a standard extension slot which greatly improves plug-and-play by facilitating the mechanical connection between the devices. With a device bay, it is possible to incorporate peripheral equipment in the PC without opening the housing of the PC or without turning off the power source of the PC. Thus, the user will find it more convenient to use. Various storage units can be inserted in the device bay including a hard disk unit.
- However, whether the peripheral is connected to the PC by cable or device bay, the systems capable of disconnecting peripheral equipment without turning off the power of the host equipment, as with the IEEE 1394 interface, have a number of problems.
- First, since the peripheral equipment has plug-and-play and hot plugging, it is easy to move peripheral equipment by disconnecting the power source plug and connection cables. A user may connect cables to peripheral equipment to store or read data or execute a particular job but may then disconnect the cables when the job is finished to transport the peripheral equipment to another place. Therefore, when a removable medium such as floppy disk or magneto-optic disk remains inserted in the peripheral equipment while transporting the peripheral equipment, the actuator mounting a read/write head may move due to vibration while transporting the peripheral equipment, whereby the head may collide with the medium, often causing damage to the peripheral equipment or the medium.
- Second, the storage units that can be inserted in a device bay without opening the housing of the PC can be easily used, removed and even replaced without authorization. Currently, no measures exist to prevent unauthorized use or theft of these types of storage units.
- Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved detachable storage unit that prevents damage to itself and a storage medium located in the storage unit by preventing collisions between components within the storage unit and the storage medium while the storage unit is being moved.
- More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that automatically ejects the storage medium out of the storage unit when a user is likely to move the storage unit.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that automatically ejects a storage medium when a cable connecting the storage unit is disconnected from the host equipment.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that keeps the power on to automatically eject a storage medium when a power switch on the storage unit is turned to an off position.
- Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that automatically ejects the storage medium upon receiving an instruction to end the operation of the storage unit.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that provides the option of having the storage medium automatically ejected from the storage unit during the conditions mentioned above.
- Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved detachable storage unit that automatically ejects the storage medium upon receiving information that the host equipment sent an instruction to discharge the storage unit from a device bay.
- Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved detachable storage unit with a security system.
- More specifically, an additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved detachable storage unit that prevents both the removal of the storage unit, from the host equipment and the unauthorized use of the storage unit.
- Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved detachable storage unit that prevents the exchange of data between the storage unit and the host equipment without authorization.
- Still an additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage unit that automatically discharges an unauthorized storage unit that is placed in the host equipment.
- These and other objects of the present invention are discussed or will be apparent from the detailed description of the invention.
- In one aspect of the invention, a storage unit holding an ejectable storage medium is detachably connected to host equipment in a computer system. The storage unit has a connection detector for detecting whether the storage unit is connected to the host equipment and a storage medium detector for detecting the presence of a storage medium within the storage unit. An automatic medium ejection mechanism is provided for automatically ejecting the storage medium upon receiving a medium discharge instruction. A medium ejection instructor sends a medium ejection instruction to the automatic medium ejection mechanism upon receiving information that indicates that the storage unit might be moved. The ejection of the storage medium from the storage unit prevents damage caused by the storage unit colliding with internal components of the storage unit while the storage unit is being moved.
- In another more specific aspect of the invention, the information indicating that the storage unit might be moved includes information about whether the storage unit is still connected to the host equipment, whether the medium is still in the storage unit, whether the power to the storage unit has been turned off, whether an end or start instruction for use of the storage unit has been transmitted, and/or whether a response is received responding to an indicator light, alarm message or query message, or any combination of these indicators.
- In yet another aspect of the invention, passwords are used to prevent unauthorized use of the storage unit and to prevent an unauthorized storage unit from being inserted into the device bay.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a personal computer connected to storage devices of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a storage unit according of the present invention; - FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aspect of the storage unit of
FIG. 2 ; - FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of a further aspect of the storage unit of
FIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a flow chart explaining the control procedure for the storage unit described in FIGS. 2-4(c); -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the components of another storage unit according in the present invention; - FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) are diagrams illustrating the operation of an aspect of the storage unit of
FIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the process for the exchange of data between the storage unit shown inFIG. 6 and host equipment in the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a flow chart explaining a control procedure for the storage unit described inFIGS. 6-8 ; -
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the components of another storage unit of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a flow chart explaining a process for the storage unit ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a flow chart explaining another process for the storage unit ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 13 is a flow chart explaining yet another process for the storage unit ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 14 is a flow chart explaining still another process for the storage unit ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 15 is a flow chart explaining a security process for the storage unit ofFIG. 10 ; and -
FIG. 16 is a flow chart explaining another security process for the storage unit ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 1 illustrates examples of host equipment such as a personal computer 1 (hereinafter “PC 1”). While personal computer (PC) 1 compiles with, and applies to, theIEEE 1394 standards in the preferred embodiment, the present invention also applies to any interface that supports plug and play, such as USB. Peripheral equipment such asdetachable storage units PC 1 includes amain body 2 with adevice bay 2B and adisplay unit 3. Thestorage unit 20 is shaped to fit into thedevice bay 2B. Aswitch 2A is used for ejecting thestorage unit 20 from thedevice bay 2B, and apower source switch 2C is also provided to turn the power to themain body 2 on or off. Input units, such as akeyboard 4, amouse 5 and other peripherals such as theexternal storage device 10, are connected to thePC body 2 through anIEEE 1394 standard cable 7 (shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ). Thestorage units FIG. 2 ), 21, respectively. Examples of storage medium used in thestorage units -
FIG. 2 illustrates the internal components of thestorage unit 10 fromFIG. 1 . Thestorage unit 10 includes adrive unit 12 for driving astorage medium 11, apower source circuit 13, acontrol circuit 131, apower source switch 14, anIEEE 1394connector 15, and adip switch 16 which is located on the back of the storage unit 10 (not shown). Thedrive unit 12 has ahead 121 for reading and writing data to and from thestorage medium 11, adrive mechanism 122 for moving thehead 121 and a read-write circuit 123 connected to thehead 121. The read-write circuit 123 processes signals read out from, and to be written to, thestorage medium 11. Thedrive unit 12 also has a storagemedium ejection mechanism 124. - A
power source circuit 13 includes a voltage converter/rectifier circuit 132. Thepower source switch 14 is preferably provided on the front surface of thestorage unit 10 and transmits an on/off signal to thecontrol circuit 131. Thecontrol circuit 131 is connected to anIEEE 1394connector 15 which is attached to the back surface of thestorage unit 10, and is connected to thePC 1 shown inFIG. 1 through anIEEE 1394connector 6 and acable 7. The setting of thedip switch 16 is also transmitted to thecontrol circuit 131. - The read-
write circuit 123 is connected to thecontrol circuit 131 through abus 17. The voltage converter/rectifier circuit 132 is connected to an AC power source using aplug 133, and converts the AC power into DC power, which is then supplied to thedrive unit 12 and to thecontrol circuit 131. - The
control circuit 131 receives a medium present/absent signal from the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124 and transmits an ejection signal back to the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124 at predetermined times, but only while thestorage medium 11 is within thedrive unit 12. - FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) illustrate the operation of the
storage unit 10 shown inFIG. 2 . As shown inFIG. 3 (a), thepower source switch 2C of thePC 1 is turned on, and the power source switch 14 (not shown) is turned on which causes thepower source circuit 13 to supply power to thedrive unit 12. In this mode, thePC 1 is connected to thestorage unit 10 through theIEEE 1394connectors storage medium 11 in thestorage unit 10 through the cable 7 (as indicated by the arrows above and below cable 7). - Once the exchange of data is finished and the user removes the
IEEE 1394connector 6 from theIEEE 1394connector 15 while the power is supplied to the storage unit 10 (as shown inFIG. 3 (b)), the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124 automatically ejects thestorage medium 11 as shown inFIG. 3 (c). Thus, thestorage medium 11 preferably will not stay in thestorage unit 10 when the storage unit is moved. This prevents damage or other problems that stem from thestorage medium 11 staying in the unit when thestorage unit 10 is moved. - FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) illustrate a further aspect of the
storage unit 10 shown inFIG. 2 . As shown inFIG. 4 (a), similar toFIG. 3 (a), the power for both thePC 1 and thestorage unit 10 is turned on so that thePC 1 exchanges data with thestorage medium 11 through the cable 7 (as indicated by the arrows above and below cable 7). - Once the exchange of data is finished, a user may turn off the power to the
storage unit 10 without disconnecting theIEEE 1394 connector (as shown inFIG. 4 (b)) in order to move the storage unit 10 a short distance within the reach of thecable 7. In this situation, the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124 in thestorage unit 10 operates to automatically eject thestorage medium 11 as shown inFIG. 4 (c) even though thepower source switch 14 is turned off. This prevents damage to the disk or head since thestorage medium 11 does not stay in thestorage unit 10 when theunit 10 is moved. -
FIG. 5 illustrates the control procedure executed by thecontrol circuit 131 shown inFIG. 2 to execute the two aspects of the present invention mentioned above. In afirst step 501, the storagemedium ejection mechanism 134 detects whether or not thestorage medium 11 is held in thestorage unit 10 and transmits the finding to controlcircuit 131. When nostorage medium 11 is in thestorage unit 10, the ejection is not needed, and the routine ends. On the other hand, when thestorage medium 11 is held in thestorage unit 10, the process proceeds to step 502 where thecontrol circuit 131 detects whether or not the power for thestorage unit 10 is turned off. When the power is off, the process proceeds to step 504. When the power is on, however, the process proceeds to astep 503 where thecontrol circuit 131 determines whether or not theIEEE 1394connector 15 is connected to theconnector 6. If theIEEE 1394connector 15 is still connected, the routine ends. If theIEEE 1394connector 15 is disconnected, however, the program proceeds to thestep 504. - In
step 504, thecontrol circuit 131 determines whether or not the automatic ejection mode for thestorage medium 11 is turned on or off by determining whether thedip switch 16 is set to turn the ejection mode on or off. When the power source of thestorage unit 10 is off, indicated by a YES answer instep 502, while the automatic ejection mode is on or when theconnectors step 503, thestorage medium 11 is automatically ejected from thestorage unit 10. If, however, the automatic ejection mode is off, no ejection occurs and the routine ends atstep 504. - When the automatic ejection mode is on, the routine proceeds to a
step 505 where an ejection signal is transmitted to the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124 in thedrive unit 12. In astep 506, thecontrol circuit 131 determines whether or not the ejection of thestorage medium 11 is complete. If the ejection of thestorage medium 11 is not complete, the routine returns to step 505 and the eject signal is continuously output to the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the ejection of thestorage medium 11 is complete duringstep 506, the routine proceeds to astep 507 which cuts off the output from thepower source circuit 13 of thestorage unit 10. Thus, despite the power source switch 14 in thestorage unit 10 being turned off atstep 502, the output from thepower source circuit 13 is not cut off untilstep 507, and thestorage medium 11 will be, completely ejected even after thepower source switch 14 is shut off. - Setting the automatic ejection mode on or off is not limited to a method that waits for a user to set the
dip switch 16. It may also be carried out by, for example, providing a memory in thecontrol circuit 131 of thestorage unit 10 with a bit for controlling the automatic ejection mode, and by writing a flag into the bit from the host equipment or by erasing the flag. With this configuration, thecontrol circuit 131 will determine that the automatic ejection mode is on when the flag is raised on the bit and determine that the mode is off when no flag is raised. This determination can be made by thecontrol circuit 131 during thestep 504. -
FIG. 6 illustrates the internal components of thestorage unit 10 fromFIG. 1 regarding other aspects of the present invention. The features inFIG. 6 that are similar or the same as features depicted inFIG. 2 have the same number as the features fromFIG. 2 and will not be redescribed. In this configuration, the mode for automatically ejecting thestorage medium 11, set by thedip switch 16, is input into thecontrol circuit 131 and is stored in anonvolatile memory 134. - The
control circuit 131 is connected through abus 17 to the read-write circuit 123 in thedrive unit 12 and is further connected to theIEEE 1394connector 15. The medium present/absent signal from the storagemedium discharge mechanism 124 is transmitted to thecontrol circuit 131 and then to the host equipment through theIEEE 1394connector 15. A signal for ejecting thestorage medium 11 from the host equipment is transmitted to the storagemedium discharge mechanism 124 at a predetermined time through theIEEE 1394connector 15 andcontrol circuit 131. - In addition, the front surface of the
storage unit 10 shown inFIG. 6 is provided with anindicator 18 for indicating that thestorage medium 11 in thestorage unit 10 is in operation or that the storage medium is being ejected. Theindicator 18 may have two indicator elements, such as two light-emitting diodes, to separately indicate thestorage medium 11 operation or ejection. One diode turns on upon receiving a start instruction or a log-in signal and turns off upon receiving an end instruction or a log-out signal, and the other diode indicates that thestorage medium 11 is being ejected. Theindicator 18 may also be a single indicator element such as a two-color-light-emitting diode to indicate that thestorage medium I 1 is in operation or is being ejected. Other types of indicators are also contemplated as being within the scope of the invention. - FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the
storage unit 10 shown inFIG. 6 according to further aspects of the present invention. InFIG. 7 (a), thepower source switch 2C of thePC 1 is turned on, and the power for thestorage unit 10 is turned on. In addition,PC 1 is connected to thestorage medium 11 through theIEEE 1394connectors storage medium 11 through thecable 7. - When the exchange of data is finished and a log-out signal is received by the
storage unit 10 from thePC 1 through the cable 7 (as shown inFIG. 7 (b)), the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124 in thestorage unit 10 operates to automatically eject the storage medium 11 (as shown inFIG. 7 (c)), and theindicator 1 8A provided on the front surface of thestorage unit 10 turns on to indicate that thestorage medium 11 is being ejected (as shown inFIG. 7 (d)). Thus, when the exchange of data fromPC 1 has finished, the log-out signal prevents thestorage medium 11 from remaining in thestorage unit 10. While thestorage medium 11 is being ejected, furthermore, theindicator 18 is turned on so that a user can also confirm the eject operation. - Another
indicator 18B shown inFIG. 7 (d) indicates that thestorage medium 11 is operating, and turns on upon receiving a log-in signal from thePC 1 and turns off upon receiving a log-out signal. -
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the exchange of data between thestorage unit 10 of the present invention and the host equipment,PC 1. In this diagram,PC 1 is indicated as an initiator. First, the initiator sends a query to thestorage unit 10 asking what kind of unit it is and what kind of connection is being used. After a response is received from thestorage unit 10, a log-in signal is transmitted to thestorage unit 10 from the initiator, and the exchange of data starts after thestorage unit 10 has responded to the login signal. - To exchange the data, the initiator forms a command list X (map format). Then processes A, B and C, based on the maps, are executed by a map finish trigger in the initiator and in the
storage unit 10. When these processes are finished, thestorage unit 10 assumes a standby state, and a next command list Y (map format) is formed in the initiator. Then, the processes D, E based on the maps are executed by the map finish trigger in the initiator and thestorage unit 10. When these processes are finished, thestorage unit 10 assumes a standby state. After the exchange of data is complete, the initiator transmits a log-out signal to thestorage unit 10. Once the log-out signal is received, thestorage unit 10 executes the procedure for ejecting therecording medium 11 shown in FIGS. 7(a) to (d). -
FIG. 9 illustrates a control procedure executed by thecontrol circuit 13 1, explained with reference toFIG. 6 , in order to execute the operation of yet another aspect of the invention. The control procedure ofFIG. 9 includes the procedure for turning theindicator 18B on and off, as shown inFIG. 7 (d), and relates to the process of exchanging data illustrated inFIG. 8 . - In a
first step 901, thecontrol circuit 131 determines whether or not thestorage unit 10 has received a log-in signal from thePC 1. When no log-in signal has been received, the process proceeds to astep 903. When the log-in signal has been received, the process proceeds to astep 902 which turns on the log-inindicator 18B, and then proceeds to step 903. This ensures that the log-inindicator 18B turns on after the long-in signal is received. - In
step 903, thecontrol circuit 131 determines whether or not a log-out signal is input to thestorage unit 10 from thePC 1. When no log-out signal has been received, the routine ends. When the log-out signal has been received, the routine proceeds to astep 904 which turns off the log-inindicator 18B and then proceeds to astep 905. This ensures that the log-inindicator 18B turns off after the log-out signal has been received. - In
step 905, the storagemedium discharge mechanism 124 detects whether or not thestorage medium 11 is being held in thestorage unit 10 and transmits its finding to thecontrol circuit 131. When nostorage medium 11 is in thestorage unit 10, no need to execute the discharge operation exists and the routine ends. When thestorage medium 11 is held in thestorage unit 10, however, the routine proceeds to astep 906 where thecontrol circuit 131 determines whether or not the mode for automatically ejecting thestorage medium 11 has been turned on. The mode for automatically ejecting the medium is set by thedip switch 16 described with reference toFIG. 6 , or is set by setting a flag on a predetermined bit in thememory 134 in thecontrol circuit 131, depending on the input from the host equipment. When-thecontrol circuit 131 finds that the mode for automatically ejecting the medium is off duringstep 906, the routine ends. When the mode for automatically ejecting the medium is on, on the other hand, the program proceeds to a step 907. - In step 907, the
control circuit 131 transmits an eject signal to the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124 of thedrive unit 12, and theejection indicator 18A is turned on. In asubsequent step 908, thecontrol circuit 131 determines whether or not the ejection of thestorage medium 11 from thestorage unit 10 is complete. If the ejection of thestorage medium 11 is not finished, the program returns to step 907 where the ejection signal is continuously output to the storagemedium ejection mechanism 124. Then instep 908, thecontrol circuit 131 confirms that the ejection of thestorage medium 11 from thestorage unit 10 is complete, and the routine then proceeds to astep 909 where theejection indicator 18A is turned off to end the routine. According to this aspect of the invention, when the log-out signal is received by thestorage unit 10 from thePC 1 while the automatic ejection mode is turned on, thestorage medium 11 is ejected from thestorage unit 10 while theejection indicator 18A is turned on. - In another aspect of the present invention,
FIG. 10 depicts the components of thedetachable storage unit 20 with thestorage unit 20 indevice bay 2B. Thestorage unit 20 includes adrive unit 22 for driving astorage medium 21, acontrol circuit 23, abattery 24 and anIEEE 1394connector 25. However, as mentioned above, other interface systems with plug and play are possible. Thedrive unit 22 includes ahead 31, adrive mechanism 32 for thehead 31, a read-write circuit 33 connected to thehead 31, and a storagemedium discharge mechanism 34. Thecontrol circuit 23 includes amemory 35. TheIEEE 1394connector 25 is attached to the back surface of thestorage unit 20, and is connected to anIEEE 1394connector 8 in thedevice bay 2B when thestorage unit 20 is loaded in thedevice bay 2B. Furthermore, a unique password assigned to thestorage unit 20 is stored in thememory 35 in thecontrol circuit 23. - The
control circuit 23 is connected to the host equipment,PC 1, through theIEEE 1394connectors bus 26 connects thecontrol circuit 23 to the read-write circuit 33. The storagemedium ejection mechanism 34 transmits a medium present/absent signal to thePC 1 through thecontrol circuit 23 and theIEEE 1394connectors storage medium 21 from thePC 1 is received by thecontrol circuit 23 through theIEEE 1394connectors medium ejection mechanism 34 from thecontrol circuit 23. - In addition, the
battery 24 serves as a power source for thedrive unit 22, thecontrol circuit 23 and the storagemedium ejection mechanism 34. Therefore, thestorage medium 21 can be ejected from thestorage unit 20 even after thestorage unit 20 is discharged from thedevice bay 2B. Thebattery 24 may have an ordinary cell or a rechargeable cell. When the rechargeable cell is utilized, it may be charged through thecontrol circuit 23 by using the DC power from thePC 1. - The
storage unit 20 preferably has a number of ejection features relating to the ejection of medium 21 from within thestorage unit 20 when thestorage unit 20 receives a message that thePC 1 will instruct a discharge mechanism (not shown) to discharge thestorage unit 20 from thebay 2B. When this message is received, thestorage unit 20 ejects thestorage medium 21 before thePC 1 discharges thestorage unit 20.FIG. 11 illustrates the control procedure for this feature and explains the operation of thecontrol circuit 23 in thestorage unit 20. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , at astep 1101, thecontrol circuit 23 determines whether or not it has received a message that thememory unit 20 will be discharged from thedevice bay 2B. If no discharge message has been received, the routine ends. If the discharge message has been received, the routine proceeds to astep 1102 where the storagemedium ejection mechanism 34 determines whether or not thestorage medium 21 is held in thestorage unit 20 and transmits the finding to thecontrol circuit 23. When nostorage medium 21 is in thestorage unit 20, the routine ends. When thestorage medium 21 is held in thestorage unit 20, the routine proceeds to astep 1103 where thecontrol circuit 23 transmits an ejection signal to the storagemedium ejection mechanism 34 of thedrive unit 22. - In a
step 1104, thecontrol circuit 23 determines whether or not the ejection of thestorage medium 21 from thestorage unit 20 has been completed. When the ejection of thestorage medium 21 is not complete, the routine returns to step 1103 where an ejection signal is continuously transmitted to the storagemedium ejection mechanism 34 of thedrive unit 22. When thecontrol circuit 23 confirms that the ejection of thestorage medium 21 from thestorage unit 20 is complete, the routine ends. - With this procedure, the discharge mechanism (not shown) in the
PC 1 is able to immediately start discharging thestorage unit 20 from thedevice bay 2B right after it receives an instruction for discharging thestorage unit 20 from thedevice bay 2B. This routine can occur because thestorage medium 21 can be ejected from thestorage unit 20 independent ofPC 1 operations because thestorage unit 20 has itsown battery 24. Thus, the medium 21 can be ejected even though thestorage unit 20 may already be discharged from thePC 1. When thecontrol circuit 23 detects the disconnection of theIEEE 1394connector 25 on thestorage unit 20 from theIEEE 1394connector 8 on thedevice bay 2B, thestorage medium 21 is ejected from thestorage unit 20 using battery power. - In a second aspect of the
storage unit 20, upon receiving a message that thestorage unit 20 will be discharged, thestorage unit 20 sends an alarm message to thePC 1 that indicates that thestorage medium 21 is in thestorage unit 20. Adisplay unit 3 of thePC 1 then displays the alarm message before thedevice bay 2B discharges thestorage unit 20.FIG. 12 illustrates the control procedure according to this aspect, and explains the operation of thecontrol circuit 23. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , the control procedure for the alarm addssteps steps control circuit 23 confirms that a message is received and that thestorage unit 20 will be discharged from thedevice bay 2B instep 1101. Instep 1102 thecontrol circuit 23 confirms that thestorage medium 21 is held in thestorage unit 20, and then proceeds to step 1201 and transmits an alarm message to thePC 1 to indicate that thestorage medium 21 is still held in thestorage unit 20. The alarm message is processed in thePC 1 so that it can be displayed on thedisplay unit 3. - In a
subsequent step 1202, after the alarm is displayed, thecontrol circuit 23 looks for a response that indicates whether or not there is a need to eject thestorage medium 21. When the instruction is received stating there is no need to eject thestorage medium 21, the routine ends. In this case, therefore, thestorage medium 21 is not ejected from thestorage unit 20 even though thestorage unit 20 is discharged from thedevice bay 2B. On the other hand, when no instruction to keep thestorage medium 21 in thestorage unit 20 is received, the routine proceeds to thestep 1103 and to the subsequent steps to eject thestorage medium 21 from thestorage unit 20. - In a third aspect of the
storage unit 20, when a message is received that thestorage unit 20 will be discharged, the storage unit sends a query message to thePC 1 asking whether or not thestorage medium 21 should be ejected before discharging thestorage unit 20. The question is then displayed on thedisplay unit 3 before thedevice bay 2B discharges thestorage unit 20. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a control procedure according to this third aspect, and explains the operation of thecontrol circuit 23. This control procedure addssteps steps - In this third aspect, after the
control circuit 23 confirms that an instruction to discharge thestorage unit 20 exists and that thestorage medium 21 is held in thestorage unit 20, the routine proceeds to astep 1301 where a message is sent to thePC 1 asking whether or not thestorage medium 21 held in thestorage unit 20 is to be ejected before discharging thestorage medium 20. The inquiry message is processed by thePC 1 and is displayed on thedisplay unit 3. - In a
subsequent step 1302, after the inquiry is displayed, thecontrol circuit 23 looks for an instruction for ejecting thestorage medium 21 before the discharge of thestorage unit 20. The routine ends when an instruction is received stating that it is not necessary to eject thestorage medium 21 before the discharge of the storage unit. In this case, thestorage unit 20 is discharged from thedevice bay 2B without ejecting the medium. On the other hand, when an instruction is received at thestep 1302 indicating that thestorage medium 21 must be ejected before thestorage unit 20 is discharged, the routine proceeds to thestep 1103 and to the subsequent steps to eject thestorage medium 21 before thestorage unit 20 is discharged from thedevice bay 2B. - The
storage unit 20 also has a fourth aspect that occurs when thestorage unit 20 is going to be discharged from thePC 1. For this aspect, thestorage unit 20 sends a message to thePC 1 requesting a password. The message is displayed on thedisplay unit 3 of thePC 1 before thedevice bay 2B discharges thestorage unit 20. When a password is received by thestorage unit 20 and it is not in agreement with the password assigned to the storage unit, the storage unit is not ejected from thedevice bay 2B. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a control procedure according to the fourth aspect of thestorage medium 20, and illustrates the operation of thecontrol circuit 23 in thecontrol unit 20. In astep 1401, thecontrol circuit 23 determines whether or not an instruction for discharging thestorage unit 20 from thedevice bay 2B is received. When the discharge instruction has not been received, the routine ends. When the discharge instruction has been received, the routine proceeds to astep 1402 that has thestorage unit 20 transmitting a message to thePC 1 requesting the input of a unique password assigned to thestorage unit 20. ThePC 1 processes the message that requests the password and displays it on thedisplay unit 3. - In
step 1403, after the message has been displayed, thecontrol circuit 23 determines whether or not the password has been received. When the password is received, the routine proceeds to astep 1406 which clears a value of a counter N, which is then used to count the number of times the requesting message is displayed. The routine then proceeds to astep 1407 where the received password is compared with a password unique to thestorage unit 20 that is stored in thememory 35 of thestorage unit 20. In astep 1408, thecontrol circuit 23 determines whether or not the password that is received is in agreement with the password unique to thestorage unit 20. - If it is determined that the passwords are in agreement in
step 1408, the routine proceeds to astep 1409 where thecontrol circuit 23 transmits an instruction to thePC 1 instructing it to unlock thestorage unit 20 so that thePC 1 can discharge thestorage unit 20 from thedevice bay 2B. In response to this instruction, thePC 1 unlocks thestorage unit 20 in thedevice bay 2B, and carries out the operation to discharge thestorage unit 20 from thedevice bay 2B. - If, on the other hand, the
control circuit 23 determines that the passwords are not in agreement instep 1408, the routine proceeds to astep 1411 where thecontrol circuit 23 sends an instruction to thePC 1 to prevent thestorage unit 20 from being unlocked. In response to this instruction, thePC 1 does not unlock thestorage unit 20 in thedevice bay 2B, and thestorage unit 20 is not discharged from thedevice bay 2B. In addition, at thestep 1411, an instruction for inhibiting the use of thestorage unit 20 in thedevice bay 2B also may be continuously sent to thePC 1 until a password is received that agrees with the password inmemory 34. - If no password is received during
step 1403, the routine proceeds to astep 1404 where a value of the counter N, having an initial value of 0, is increased by one. Then, thecontrol circuit 23 determines whether or not the value of the counter N has exceeded five in astep 1405. If the value of the counter N is not larger than five at thestep 1405, the routine returns to step 1402 where the message requesting the password is continuously sent to thePC 1. - If no password is received after repeating the procedure from
steps 1402 to 1405 five times to request the password, the routine proceeds fromstep 1405 to step 1410 where the counter N is cleared. The routine then proceeds to astep 1411. Atstep 1411, thecontrol circuit 23 sends an instruction to thePC 1 to keep thestorage unit 20 locked in thedevice bay 2B, just as if the passwords did not agree, as instep 1408. When this occurs, thestorage unit 20 is not discharged from thedevice bay 2B until a password is received that matches the unique password for thestorage unit 20, which prevents thestorage unit 20 from being taken by one that does not have authority to do so While the procedures for thestorage unit 10 and thestorage unit 20 above have thecontrol circuit PC 1 instead.FIG. 15 explains a control procedure byPC 1 rather than acontrol circuit storage unit 20 from thedevice bay 2B unless the correct password for thestorage unit 20 is received. - At a
step 1501, thePC 1 determines whether an instruction for discharging thestorage unit 20 from thedevice bay 2B exists. If the discharge instruction has not been detected, the routine ends. If the discharge instruction has been received, the routine proceeds to astep 1502 where thePC 1 displays a message requesting an operator to enter a password to unlock thestorage unit 20 on thedisplay unit 3.Subsequent steps 1503 to 1506 and 1510 correspond to thesteps 1403 to 1406 and 1410 described with reference toFIG. 14 , and therefore, are summarized as follows. As in the procedure ofFIG. 14 , when a password is received, it is compared to the password already stored in amemory 35 in thestorage unit 20. If the passwords match, the routine proceeds to astep 1509 to unlock thestorage unit 20 for discharge from thedevice bay 2B. If the passwords are not in agreement the routine proceeds to astep 1511 which maintains the lock on thestorage unit 20 so that it cannot be discharged from thedevice bay 2B. In this case, too, use of thestorage unit 20 in thedevice bay 2B may be prevented until the correct password is received. - When no password is received in the
step 1503, the routine proceeds tosteps step 1510. Atstep 1511, thestorage unit 20 is kept locked and thestorage unit 20 is not discharged. ThePC 1 will not unlock thestorage unit 20 for discharge unless the passwords are in agreement. - In yet another aspect of
PC 1, thePC 1 prevents a user from exchanging data with the PC by inserting a storage unit intodevice bay 2B without authorization. To accomplish this, thePC 1 will forcibly discharge an unauthorized storage unit from thedevice bay 2B so that data cannot be exchanged with thePC 1. In this case, the unique passwords assigned to specific peripheral equipment, such asstorage unit 20, that can be used in thedevice bay 2B must be registered in advance in the memory of thePC 1. -
FIG. 16 explains a process controlled by thePC 1 to accept an authorizedstorage unit 20 fromFIG. 10 when it is inserted in thedevice bay 2B. In astep 1601, thePC 1 determines whether or not thestorage unit 20 is inserted in thedevice bay 2B. If thestorage unit 20 is not inserted, the routine ends. If thestorage unit 20 is inserted in thedevice bay 2B, the routine proceeds to astep 1602 where a message is displayed on thedisplay unit 3 to request that the operator enter the password for thestorage unit 20. -
Subsequent steps 1603 to 1606 and 1610 correspond to thesteps 1403 to 1406 and 1410 described with reference toFIG. 14 , and are therefore summarized. When the password is received, the program proceeds to astep 1607 where the received password is compared with the unique password that has been registered in advance in the memory of thePC 1. In astep 1608, thePC 1 then determines whether or not the password that is received is in agreement with the registered password. If they are in agreement, the routine proceeds to astep 1609 permitting the use of thestorage unit 20 that is inserted in thedevice bay 2B. Instep 1608, on the other hand, if no registered password is received, the routine proceeds to astep 1611 where thestorage unit 20 is unlocked and is forcibly discharged from thedevice bay 2B. - If no password is received during
step 1603 and even after displaying the message five times by executingsteps 1604 and 1605, the routine proceeds to step 1611 after having cleared the counter N at thestep 1610. Atstep 1611, thestorage unit 20 is unlocked and is forcibly discharged from thedevice bay 2B. - With this procedure, peripheral equipment, other than the one registered in advance with the
PC 1, is forcibly discharged from thedevice bay 2B despite being inserted in the device bay. Therefore, security is maintained without permitting a person other than an authorized user to use the PC by inserting peripheral equipment in thedevice bay 2B. - Although the above-mentioned embodiment has described the storage unit as the peripheral equipment, it should be noted that any type of peripheral equipment can be used for this security procedure.
- While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it should be understood that other modifications, substitutions and alternatives are apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications, substitutions and alternatives can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which should be determined from the appended claims.
- Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (5)
1-15. (canceled)
16. A computer system having host equipment provided with a device bay for loading a detachable storage unit, comprising:
a password storage element for storing a password of the storage unit that is loaded in the device bay;
a password requestor for requesting the storage unit to send a password when the storage unit is loaded in the device bay;
a password comparator for comparing a password input from the storage unit with said password stored in said password storage element; and
a storage unit discharger for automatically ejecting the storage unit loaded in the device bay when the passwords are not in agreement.
17. A computer system having host equipment provided with a display unit and a device bay for loading a storage unit used for a system capable of connecting and separating peripheral equipment to and from said host equipment, comprising:
a discharge instruction detector for detecting a storage unit discharge instruction input to the host equipment when the storage unit is being loaded in the device bay;
a password input request indicator means for displaying on said display unit a message requesting the input of a password when said discharge instruction detector has detected a storage unit discharge instruction;
a password reader for reading a password specific to the storage unit;
a password comparator for comparing a password that is input with said specific password; and
a storage unit discharge instructor for driving a storage unit discharge mechanism in the device bay to discharge the storage unit from the device bay when the passwords are in agreement.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/099,241 US20050182974A1 (en) | 1998-12-14 | 2005-04-05 | Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP35460898 | 1998-12-14 | ||
JP10-354608 | 1998-12-14 | ||
JP11343474A JP2000235459A (en) | 1998-12-14 | 1999-12-02 | Storage device and its host device and medium extracting method from storage device |
JP11-343474 | 1999-12-02 | ||
US09/460,073 US6928557B1 (en) | 1998-12-14 | 1999-12-14 | Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment |
US11/099,241 US20050182974A1 (en) | 1998-12-14 | 2005-04-05 | Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/460,073 Division US6928557B1 (en) | 1998-12-14 | 1999-12-14 | Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment |
Publications (1)
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US20050182974A1 true US20050182974A1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
Family
ID=26577541
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/460,073 Expired - Fee Related US6928557B1 (en) | 1998-12-14 | 1999-12-14 | Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment |
US11/099,241 Abandoned US20050182974A1 (en) | 1998-12-14 | 2005-04-05 | Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/460,073 Expired - Fee Related US6928557B1 (en) | 1998-12-14 | 1999-12-14 | Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment |
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US (2) | US6928557B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2000235459A (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
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KR100503479B1 (en) * | 2003-01-24 | 2005-07-28 | 삼성전자주식회사 | a cradle of portable terminal and locking method of portable terminal using thereof |
EP1669834A4 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2009-02-04 | Panasonic Corp | Security system for electronic device |
US8281114B2 (en) * | 2003-12-23 | 2012-10-02 | Check Point Software Technologies, Inc. | Security system with methodology for defending against security breaches of peripheral devices |
JP2006216123A (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-17 | Funai Electric Co Ltd | Optical disk reproduction device with function which automatically opens tray |
JP4844448B2 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2011-12-28 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Network device and network device control program |
US8219727B2 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2012-07-10 | Datatronics Technology, Inc. | Bridge device for a disk drive |
GB2458441B (en) * | 2008-02-26 | 2010-03-10 | Datatronics Technology Inc | Bridge device for a disk drive |
CN101616169B (en) | 2008-06-23 | 2013-03-13 | 华为技术有限公司 | Method for selecting service providing entities, system, service selecting entity and service managing entity |
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- 1999-12-14 US US09/460,073 patent/US6928557B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Also Published As
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JP2000235459A (en) | 2000-08-29 |
US6928557B1 (en) | 2005-08-09 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |