U.S. patent application number 11/099241 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJITSU LIMITED. Invention is credited to Inoue, Kazuhiko, Ito, Masahiro, Ohtsuka, Masaaki.
Application Number | 20050182974 11/099241 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26577541 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050182974 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Inoue, Kazuhiko ; et
al. |
August 18, 2005 |
Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage
unit detachable from host equipment
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.
Inventors: |
Inoue, Kazuhiko;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) ; Ito, Masahiro;
(Higashine-shi, JP) ; Ohtsuka, Masaaki;
(Kawasaki-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patrick G. Burns, Esq.
GREER, BURNS & CRAIN, LTD.
Suite 2500
300 South Wacker Drive
Chicago
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJITSU LIMITED
|
Family ID: |
26577541 |
Appl. No.: |
11/099241 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11099241 |
Apr 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
09460073 |
Dec 14, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
726/19 ;
G9B/19.016; G9B/33.028 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 19/04 20130101;
G11B 33/122 20130101; G11B 17/043 20130101; G11B 31/00 20130101;
G06F 1/266 20130101; G11B 19/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
713/202 |
International
Class: |
F25B 015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 14, 1998 |
JP |
10-354608 |
Dec 2, 1999 |
JP |
11-343474 |
Claims
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)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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:
[0004] (1) multi-media transfer (isochronous transfer) support;
[0005] (2) speed corresponding to dynamic pictures (cable versions,
800 Mbps, 1600 Mbps, 3200 Mbps);
[0006] (3) automatic configuration (plug-and-play);
[0007] (4) host PC is not always needed;
[0008] (5) use of a device bay rather than cable connections;
[0009] (6) peer-to-peer connections;
[0010] (7) hot plugging possible;
[0011] (8) topology (tree structure) with a high degree of
freedom;
[0012] (9) termination unnecessary; and
[0013] (10) generally usable for packet communication.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide an improved detachable storage unit with a security
system.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] These and other objects of the present invention are
discussed or will be apparent from the detailed description of the
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a personal computer connected
to storage devices of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a
storage unit according of the present invention;
[0036] FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) are diagrams illustrating the operation
of an aspect of the storage unit of FIG. 2;
[0037] FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams illustrating the operation
of a further aspect of the storage unit of FIG. 2;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a flow chart explaining the control procedure for
the storage unit described in FIGS. 2-4(c);
[0039] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the components of
another storage unit according in the present invention;
[0040] FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) are diagrams illustrating the operation
of an aspect of the storage unit of FIG. 6;
[0041] 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;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a flow chart explaining a control procedure for
the storage unit described in FIGS. 6-8;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the components of
another storage unit of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a flow chart explaining a process for the storage
unit of FIG. 10;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a flow chart explaining another process for the
storage unit of FIG. 10;
[0046] FIG. 13 is a flow chart explaining yet another process for
the storage unit of FIG. 10;
[0047] FIG. 14 is a flow chart explaining still another process for
the storage unit of FIG. 10;
[0048] FIG. 15 is a flow chart explaining a security process for
the storage unit of FIG. 10; and
[0049] FIG. 16 is a flow chart explaining another security process
for the storage unit of FIG. 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0050] 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 2B and
a display unit 3. The storage unit 20 is shaped to fit into the
device bay 2B. A switch 2A is used for ejecting the storage unit 20
from the device bay 2B, and a power source switch 2C 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c) illustrate the operation of the storage
unit 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the power source
switch 2C 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. In this mode, 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).
[0056] Once the exchange of data is finished and the user removes
the IEEE 1394 connector 6 from the IEEE 1394 connector 15 while the
power is supplied to the storage unit 10 (as shown in FIG. 3(b)),
the storage medium ejection mechanism 124 automatically ejects the
storage medium 11 as shown in FIG. 3(c). Thus, 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.
[0057] FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) illustrate a further aspect of the
storage unit 10 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4(a), similar to
FIG. 3(a), 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).
[0058] Once the exchange of data is finished, 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. In this
situation, 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.
[0059] 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. In a first step 501, 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. When no storage medium 11 is in the
storage unit 10, the ejection is not needed, and the routine ends.
On the other hand, when the storage medium 11 is held in the
storage unit 10, the process proceeds to step 502 where the control
circuit 131 detects whether or not the power for the storage 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 a
step 503 where 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.
[0060] In 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. When the power source of the storage
unit 10 is off, indicated by a YES answer in step 502, while 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.
[0061] When the automatic ejection mode is on, 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. In a
step 506, 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.
Thus, despite the power source switch 14 in the storage unit 10
being turned off at step 502, 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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. In this configuration, 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] In addition, 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.
[0066] 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. In FIG. 7(a), the power source switch 2C
of the PC 1 is turned on, and the power for the storage unit 10 is
turned on. In addition, 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.
[0067] When the exchange of data is finished and a log-out signal
is received by the storage unit 10 from the PC 1 through the cable
7 (as shown in FIG. 7(b)), 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 8A
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)). Thus, when the exchange of data from PC 1 has finished,
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.
[0068] Another indicator 18B 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.
[0069] 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. In this diagram, PC 1 is indicated as an
initiator. First, 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. After a response is received from the storage unit 10,
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.
[0070] 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, 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).
[0071] 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 18B on and off, as shown in FIG. 7(d), and relates to
the process of exchanging data illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0072] In 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 18B, and then proceeds to step 903. This ensures that the
log-in indicator 18B turns on after the long-in signal is
received.
[0073] In 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 18B and then proceeds
to a step 905. This ensures that the log-in indicator 18B turns off
after the log-out signal has been received.
[0074] In 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. When no storage medium 11 is in the storage unit 10, no need
to execute the discharge operation exists and the routine ends.
When the storage medium 11 is held in the storage unit 10, however,
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. When-the control circuit 131 finds
that the mode for automatically ejecting the medium is off during
step 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.
[0075] In 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 18A is turned on. In a
subsequent 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 18A is turned off to end the routine. According
to this aspect of the invention, when the log-out signal is
received by the storage unit 10 from the PC 1 while the automatic
ejection mode is turned on, the storage medium 11 is ejected from
the storage unit 10 while the ejection indicator 18A is turned
on.
[0076] In another aspect of the present invention, FIG. 10 depicts
the components of the detachable storage unit 20 with the storage
unit 20 in device bay 2B. 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. However, as mentioned above,
other interface systems with plug and play are possible. 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 2B when the storage unit 20 is loaded
in the device bay 2B. Furthermore, a unique password assigned to
the storage unit 20 is stored in the memory 35 in the control
circuit 23.
[0077] 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.
[0078] In addition, 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 2B. 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.
[0079] 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 2B. 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.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 11, at a step 1101, 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 2B. 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.
[0081] In 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.
[0082] With this procedure, the discharge mechanism (not shown) in
the PC 1 is able to immediately start discharging the storage unit
20 from the device bay 2B right after it receives an instruction
for discharging the storage unit 20 from the device bay 2B. 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. Thus, the medium 21 can be
ejected even though the storage unit 20 may already be discharged
from the PC 1. When 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 2B, the storage
medium 21 is ejected from the storage unit 20 using battery
power.
[0083] In a second aspect of the storage unit 20, upon receiving a
message that the storage unit 20 will be discharged, the storage
unit 20 sends an alarm message to the PC 1 that indicates that the
storage medium 21 is in the storage unit 20. A display unit 3 of
the PC 1 then displays the alarm message before the device bay 2B
discharges the storage unit 20. FIG. 12 illustrates the control
procedure according to this aspect, and explains the operation of
the control circuit 23.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, 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.
In this second aspect of the invention, the control circuit 23
confirms that a message is received and that the storage unit 20
will be discharged from the device bay 2B in step 1101. In step
1102 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.
[0085] In 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. When the
instruction is received stating there is no 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 2B. On
the other hand, when no instruction to keep the storage medium 21
in the storage unit 20 is received, the routine proceeds to the
step 1103 and to the subsequent steps to eject the storage medium
21 from the storage unit 20.
[0086] In a third aspect of 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 2B discharges the storage unit 20.
[0087] 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.
[0088] In this third aspect, after the control circuit 23 confirms
that an instruction to discharge the storage unit 20 exists and
that the storage medium 21 is held in the storage unit 20, 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.
[0089] In 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 2B without ejecting the medium. On the other
hand, when an instruction is received at the step 1302 indicating
that the storage medium 21 must be ejected before the storage unit
20 is discharged, 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 2B.
[0090] 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.
For this aspect, 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 2B discharges the storage unit
20. When a password is received by the storage unit 20 and it is
not in agreement with the password assigned to the storage unit,
the storage unit is not ejected from the device bay 2B.
[0091] 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. In a
step 1401, the control circuit 23 determines whether or not an
instruction for discharging the storage unit 20 from the device 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 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.
[0092] In step 1403, after the message has been displayed, the
control circuit 23 determines whether or not the password has been
received. When the password is 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. In a step
1408, 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.
[0093] If it is determined that the passwords are in agreement in
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 2B. In response to this
instruction, the PC 1 unlocks the storage unit 20 in the device bay
2B, and carries out the operation to discharge the storage unit 20
from the device bay 2B.
[0094] If, on the other hand, the control circuit 23 determines
that the passwords are not in agreement in step 1408, the routine
proceeds to a step 1411 where the control circuit 23 sends an
instruction to the PC 1 to prevent the storage unit 20 from being
unlocked. In response to this instruction, the PC 1 does not unlock
the storage unit 20 in the device bay 2B, and the storage unit 20
is not discharged from the device bay 2B. In addition, at the step
1411, an instruction for inhibiting the use of the storage unit 20
in the device bay 2B also may be continuously sent to the PC 1
until a password is received that agrees with the password in
memory 34.
[0095] If no password is received during 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.
[0096] If no password is received after repeating the procedure
from steps 1402 to 1405 five times to request the password, the
routine proceeds from step 1405 to step 1410 where the counter N is
cleared. The routine then proceeds to a step 1411. At step 1411,
the control circuit 23 sends an instruction to the PC 1 to keep the
storage unit 20 locked in the device bay 2B, just as if the
passwords did not agree, as in step 1408. When this occurs, the
storage unit 20 is not discharged from the device bay 2B until a
password is received that matches the unique password for the
storage unit 20, which prevents the storage unit 20 from being
taken by one that does not have authority to do so While the
procedures for the storage unit 10 and the storage unit 20 above
have the control circuit 23 or 131 making the detections, making
the determinations and transmitting instructions or messages, these
operations can also be carried out by the PC 1 instead. 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 2B unless the correct
password for the storage unit 20 is received.
[0097] At a step 1501, the PC 1 determines whether an instruction
for discharging the storage unit 20 from the device 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 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. If the passwords match, the routine proceeds to a
step 1509 to unlock the storage unit 20 for discharge from the
device bay 2B. 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 2B. In
this case, too, use of the storage unit 20 in the device bay 2B may
be prevented until the correct password is received.
[0098] 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. 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. At 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.
[0099] In yet another aspect of PC 1, the PC 1 prevents a user from
exchanging data with the PC by inserting a storage unit into device
bay 2B without authorization. To accomplish this, the PC 1 will
forcibly discharge an unauthorized storage unit from the device bay
2B 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 2B must
be registered in advance in the memory of the PC 1.
[0100] 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 2B. In a step 1601, the PC 1 determines whether or
not the storage unit 20 is inserted in the device bay 2B. If the
storage unit 20 is not inserted, the routine ends. If the storage
unit 20 is inserted in the device bay 2B, 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.
[0101] Subsequent 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. When the password is received, 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. In a step 1608, the PC 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 a step 1609 permitting the use of the
storage unit 20 that is inserted in the device bay 2B. In 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 2B.
[0102] 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. At step 1611, the storage unit 20 is unlocked
and is forcibly discharged from the device bay 2B.
[0103] With this procedure, peripheral equipment, other than the
one registered in advance with the PC 1, is forcibly discharged
from the device 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 the device bay 2B.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
appended claims.
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