JP2000260176A - Memory information processing device for memory cassette - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To stably supply power to a memory of a memory cassette and quickly write information to be recorded in the memory. A light supply unit for supplying power to a semiconductor memory and an electric circuit of a memory cassette is engaged with left and right guide grooves, and the light transmission unit of the memory cassette accesses the memory cassette. The memory cassette 200 is simply housed in the insertion slot 110 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 100 by being provided integrally with the existing guide rails 111 and 112 for guiding the memory cassette 200 to a position close to the portion 113. In addition, the power supply unit is connected to the electric circuit so that power can be supplied to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit, and the light transmission window 220 is connected to the memory access unit 113.
And information can be read and written to and from the semiconductor memory in a non-contact manner.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a memory cassette memory information processing apparatus for performing at least one of reading and writing of information with respect to a memory built in a memory cassette.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a tape cassette has been used as an information recording apparatus for recording a video signal, an audio signal, and the like. As the number of such tape cassettes increases, it becomes difficult to grasp what kind of recording is made on which tape cassette, and it becomes difficult to quickly search for desired recording contents.

On the other hand, a method of managing the contents of a tape cassette is such that a user attaches a label or the like to the tape cassette and the user writes the recorded contents by hand on the label.
Usually, a large part is in the hands of the user.

If the label is not attached, the tape cassette must be inserted into the main body of the recording / reproducing apparatus to reproduce the recorded contents. Will spend.

Therefore, recently, instead of a tape, a semiconductor memory in which audio signals and video signals are recorded and title information and the like relating to recorded contents are recorded, and information is read from or written to the semiconductor memory. A memory cassette having a built-in electric circuit is considered. When the memory cassette is provided with a liquid crystal display on the surface of the case, it is possible to display title information and the like relating to recorded contents.

In addition, a cassette having a built-in HDD (hard disk drive) is also conceivable. This is inexpensive but lacks reliability.

In the above-mentioned memory cassette, it is necessary to supply power to an electric circuit in order to read or write information from or to a semiconductor memory. Therefore, when the power supply unit is provided in the memory cassette, the internal electric circuit becomes complicated, and the size of the memory cassette itself increases. Further, a power supply unit may be provided in the cassette accommodating section of the recording / reproducing apparatus. However, useless space is increased in the cassette accommodating section, and the recording / reproducing apparatus itself is increased in size. In some cases, power cannot be supplied due to displacement between the power supply unit and the power supply receiving unit of the memory cassette, and effective measures are desired.

[0008]

As described above, according to the above-mentioned measures, the power supply to the memory and the electric circuit in the memory cassette leads to an increase in the size of the recording / reproducing apparatus itself, and the reliability of the power supply is also reduced. It has the problem of being low.

An object of the present invention is to provide a stable power supply to a memory and an electric circuit of a memory cassette, whereby information to be recorded in the memory can be written and recorded contents can be easily recognized. It is an object of the present invention to provide a memory information processing device for a memory cassette that can be used.

[0010]

A memory information processing apparatus for a memory cassette according to the present invention has a built-in memory and an information processing circuit for reading and writing information from and to the memory, and has a memory access part of a case surface. An apparatus for handling a memory cassette in which a light transmitting portion for use and a memory and an information processing circuit are provided with an externally supplied power source and an insertion guide groove serving also as an insertion guide,
A cassette accommodating portion for accommodating at least the light transmitting portion forming surface of the memory cassette; and a cassette guide portion provided in the cassette accommodating portion and engaging the insertion guide groove to guide the memory cassette to a fixed position when the memory cassette is accommodated. ,
A first power supply section provided in the cassette guide section for electrically contacting the insertion guide groove to supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette when the memory cassette is accommodated, and a cassette in the cassette accommodation section At a fixed position, in a state where power is supplied to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette, the light transmission unit is accessed by using light to the information processing circuit, and at least one of reading and writing of information to and from the memory is performed. And a memory access unit for performing the following.

According to this structure, the power supply for supplying power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette is engaged with the insertion guide groove of the memory cassette so that the light transmitting portion of the memory cassette is close to the memory access portion. The information processing circuit of the memory cassette and the power supply unit are connected by simply housing the memory cassette in the housing unit by integrally providing the cassette in the cassette guide unit for guiding the memory cassette and the information processing circuit. Can be supplied,
In addition, the light transmitting portion is close to the memory access portion, and information can be written to and read from the memory without contact.

Therefore, the information to be recorded in the memory can be written quickly, and the recorded contents can be read and examined without requiring a connector or the like for accessing the memory and the information processing circuit. It is high in degree and can contribute to reduction in size and weight and cost.

[0013] In the above configuration, the information processing apparatus may further include an information presenting unit for presenting the memory access information of the memory access unit to a user. By doing so, the user can easily recognize the information content.

Further, in the above configuration, the information processing apparatus further comprises information transfer means for transferring memory access information between the memory access unit and the external device. By doing so, it becomes possible to read or write information from or to the memory of the memory cassette using a personal computer or the like, and it is also possible to manage information contents.

In the above configuration, when a power receiving portion for supplying power to the memory and the information processing circuit is provided separately from the insertion guide groove on the surface of the case of the memory cassette, And a second power supply unit for electrically supplying power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette when the memory cassette is housed in the cassette housing unit, the power supply unit being in electrical contact with the power receiving unit. Features. By doing so, it is possible to reliably and stably supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette.

In the above configuration, when a tray-type loading mechanism for loading the memory cassette into the cassette accommodating portion with the memory cassette accommodated in the tray is provided, the tray is provided in the accommodating portion of the tray and engages with the insertion guide groove. A tray cassette guide for guiding the memory cassette into a housed state, and provided in the tray cassette guide. When the memory cassette is housed in the tray, the memory cassette comes into electrical contact with the insertion guide groove to supply power to the memory cassette. A third power supply unit for supplying the memory and the information processing circuit.

According to this configuration, simply by placing the memory cassette on the tray, the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette and the power supply unit are connected to supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit.

In the above structure, the information processing circuit is further provided in the tray accommodating portion and using a light to the light transmitting portion of the memory cassette, and at least one of reading and writing of information to and from the memory is performed. A memory access unit for a tray is provided.

According to this configuration, the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette can be connected to the power supply unit to supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit simply by placing the memory cassette on the tray. Thus, information can be written to the memory, and the contents of the recorded information can be confirmed.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a memory information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part in one embodiment, and shows a state where a memory cassette is inserted.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a memory cassette handled in this embodiment. FIG. 1A shows a state before the memory cassette is inserted into the main body of the memory information processing apparatus, and FIG. 1B shows a state after the memory cassette is inserted into the main body of the memory information processing apparatus. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the insertion state of the memory cassette as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion state of the memory cassette as viewed from above.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a main body of a memory information processing apparatus. An insertion slot 110 for inserting a part of a memory cassette 200, a button 120 for turning on the main body, and a memory A display unit 130 for displaying information recorded on the cassette 200 and a keyboard 140 for writing information to the memory cassette 200 are provided. Of these, the insertion slot 110 is provided with guide rails 111 and 112 on the left and right wall surfaces inside thereof, and a memory access unit 113 (shown in FIG. 2) at the back.

The memory cassette 200 contains therein a semiconductor memory (not shown) and an electric circuit for reading or writing information from / to this semiconductor memory. It has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is formed of six walls having a rectangular parallelepiped outside, and has a completely sealed structure so that dust and dirt do not enter from the outside. Further, the memory cassette 200 has guide grooves 211 and 212 formed on the left and right side surfaces along the cassette insertion direction, and has a light transmitting window 220 (shown in FIG. 3) for memory access on the back surface.

Next, a configuration for supplying power to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 and an operation by the configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 2A, the left and right guide grooves 211 and 212 of the memory cassette 200 have electrodes 231 and 232 for supplying power received from outside to the internal semiconductor memory and the electric circuit, respectively.
Is provided. In this case, the electrode 231 is positive and the electrode 232 is negative.

The left and right guide rails 111, 112
A power supply unit (not shown) for supplying power to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 by electrically contacting the guide grooves 211 and 212 of the memory cassette 200 when the memory cassette 200 is stored. Is provided. That is, the guide rails 111 and 112 are
The contact portion is formed of a material having good conductivity. Further, the power supply unit is linked to the on / off operation of the button 120.

With such a configuration, the memory cassette 2
Reference numeral 00 denotes an arrow A in FIGS. 1 and 3 from the surface on which the light transmitting window 220 is formed to the insertion port 110 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 100.
When inserted in the direction, first, the left and right guide grooves 211,
212 engages the guide rails 111 and 112. Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, as the memory cassette 200 is deeply inserted into the insertion slot 110, the light transmission window 220 of the memory cassette 200 is moved closer to the memory access unit 113 by the guide rails 111 and 112. You will be guided to the position where you will. At this time, the guide rails 111 and 11
2 are left and right guide grooves 211, 2 of the memory cassette 200.
12, the memory cassette 200
The electrodes 231 and 232 of the memory cassette 200 are in electrical contact with the power supply unit. Therefore, the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 are connected to the power supply unit, and power is supplied to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit. It becomes possible to supply.

Next, a configuration for writing information to the semiconductor memory of the memory cassette 200 and an operation by the configuration will be described with reference to FIG. When the memory cassette 200 is inserted into the insertion slot 110, the memory access unit 130 accesses an electric circuit using an optical signal with respect to the light transmission window 220 and writes information. That is, it is determined whether the character information such as the title and the recording date input by the keyboard 140 is information to be recorded in the memory cassette 200 by the information processing unit 150,
If the information is to be recorded, the interface unit 160
Is converted into an optical signal, converted into character information by an interface unit 201 constituting an electric circuit, and written into a semiconductor memory 203 by an information processing unit 202. When a read command is issued from the keyboard 140, the information recorded in the semiconductor memory 203 is read by the information processing unit 202 and displayed on the display unit 130 by the information processing unit 150 via the interfaces 160 and 201. You.

The information processing unit 150 transfers information recorded in the semiconductor memory 203 to an external device via the interface unit 170, and writes the information transferred from the external device into the memory 203. I also do things. In this way, the semiconductor memory 20 of the memory cassette 200 can be
3 can read or write information, and can also manage information contents.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the power supply unit for supplying power to the semiconductor memory 203 of the memory cassette 200 and the electric circuit including the interface unit 201 and the information processing unit 202 is provided with the guide rail. 11
1, 112, the memory cassette 200 can be simply inserted into the insertion slot 1 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 100.
10, the power supply unit is connected to the semiconductor memory 203 and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200, so that power can be supplied to the semiconductor memory 203 and the electric circuit. The information can be written to the semiconductor memory 203 in a non-contact manner close to the unit 113. That is, the guide rail 11
Since the guide rails 111 and 112 are provided with a power supply unit, the semiconductor memory 2 of the memory cassette 200 is supported.
03 and the electric circuit can be supplied with a sufficiently stable power supply.

Therefore, information to be recorded in the semiconductor memory 203 can be quickly written without requiring a connector or the like for accessing the semiconductor memory 203 and the electric circuit, and the recorded contents can be easily read out. Since it can be checked, it becomes possible to provide the memory information processing apparatus main body 100 with high reliability. Further, since it is not necessary to separately provide a power supply unit for supplying power to the semiconductor memory 203 and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in size, weight, and cost of the memory information processing apparatus main body 100 itself.

By displaying the recorded contents of the memory cassette 200 on the display unit 130, the user can easily recognize the recorded contents.

Further, by providing a function of transferring memory access information between the memory access unit 113 and an external device, information can be written into the semiconductor memory of the memory cassette 200 using a personal computer or the like. In addition, the information content of the memory cassette 200 can be managed.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.
In FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG. 2B are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. That is, the memory cassette 200 is provided with power receiving portions 231 and 232 for supplying power to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit, separately from the guide grooves 211 and 212. The power supply receiving unit 2 is provided in the insertion slot 110 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 100.
Power supply units 181 and 182 corresponding to 31 and 232 are provided.

When the memory cassette 200 is inserted into the insertion slot 110 of the memory information processing apparatus main body 200, the power receiving portions 231 and 232
1 and 182, and thereafter, power is supplied to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit via the power receiving units 231 and 232.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the memory cassette 200 is accommodated, the guide rails 111, 1
In addition to the power supply from the power supply 12, the power can be received from the power supply units 181 and 182 at the cassette fixing position in the insertion slot 110, so that the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 can be reliably and stably provided. Power can be supplied, and the reliability can be increased as compared with the previous embodiment.

(Third Embodiment) In a third embodiment of the present invention, a main body of a memory information processing apparatus is provided with a tray-type loading mechanism for loading a memory cassette in a tray while the memory cassette is housed in a tray. Things.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a main part in the third embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 300 denotes a tray accommodating portion, in which an opening 310 is opened on the upper surface, and the memory cassette 200 is accommodated in the opening 310. In addition, the guide rail 32 is provided on the left and right side walls in the opening 310.
1, 322 are provided. Further, the memory cassette 200 also has guide grooves 241 and 242 formed on the left and right side surfaces thereof along the cassette thickness direction.

The guide rails 321 and 322 are integrally provided with a power supply unit (not shown), similarly to the guide rails 211 and 212. Also, the guide groove 24
The electrodes 1 and 242 are also provided with electrodes for supplying a power supplied from the outside to the semiconductor memory and an electric circuit (not shown).

With such a configuration, the memory cassette 2
00 indicates an arrow B with respect to the opening 310 of the tray housing unit 300.
When inserted in the direction, the guide grooves 241 and 242 engage the guide rails 321 and 322. Then, the memory cassette 200 is housed in the tray housing unit 300 by the guide rails 321 and 322. At this time,
Guide grooves 241 and 242 are guide rails 321 and 322
, The power supply unit is in electrical contact with the electrodes. Therefore, the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 are connected to the power supply unit, and the semiconductor memory and the power supply unit are connected. Power will be supplied to the electric circuit. Thereafter, the tray accommodating section 300 is pulled into the cassette accommodating section of the memory information processing apparatus main body, and the light transmitting window 220 of the memory cassette 200 and the memory access section come close to each other, so that information reading or writing to the semiconductor memory is performed. Will be.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, merely by accommodating the memory cassette 200 in the tray accommodating section 300, the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette 200 are connected to the power supply section, and Power can be supplied to the memory and the electric circuit.

In the third embodiment, an electric circuit is accessed by using an optical signal to the light transmitting window 220 of the memory cassette 200 in the opening 310 of the tray accommodating section 300, and the information is transmitted to the semiconductor memory. A tray memory access unit for writing data may be provided. By doing so, the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette are connected to the power supply unit simply by placing the memory cassette on the tray, and power can be supplied to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit. Information can be written to the semiconductor memory, and the content of the recorded information can be read and confirmed.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, a liquid crystal display may be provided in the memory cassette. By doing so, it is possible to immediately confirm the recorded information content of the semiconductor memory simply by housing the memory cassette in the main body of the memory information processing apparatus.

The method of inserting the memory cassette into the main body of the memory information processing apparatus may be, for example, a kangaroo pocket type. Further, a memory other than the semiconductor memory may be built in the memory cassette.

As for the guide rail and the guide groove, a guide rail may be provided in the memory cassette, and a guide groove may be provided in the insertion opening of the main body of the memory information processing apparatus.

In addition, the configuration of the memory information processing device main body,
The configuration of the memory cassette, the type of guide rails, the method of supplying power to the semiconductor memory and the electric circuit of the memory cassette, the method of accessing the memory, and the like can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to supply stable power to the memory of the memory cassette while reducing the size and weight of the device and reducing the price. This makes it easy to write information to be recorded in the memory and read the recorded contents. It is possible to provide a memory information processing device of a memory cassette which can be recognized by the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a memory information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view of a memory cassette handled in the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram for explaining a processing structure inside a memory cassette and a memory information processing apparatus main body in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100: memory information processing device main body, 110: insertion slot, 111, 112: guide rail, 113: memory access unit, 120: button, 130: display unit, 140: keyboard, 150, 202: information processing unit, 160, 170 Reference numeral 201 201 Interface unit 200 Memory cassette 211 121 212 24 1 242 Guide groove 220 Light transmitting window 231 232 Electrode 300 Tray receiving unit 310 Opening 321 322 Guide rail.

Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Masaru Kogure 1, Komukai Toshiba-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Inside the Toshiba Komukai Plant (72) Inventor Norihege Fukuoka 1-1-1, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo F-term in Toshiba head office (reference) 5B058 CA03 CA13 CA22 KA12 YA16

Claims (6)

[Claims] An information processing circuit for reading or writing information from or to the memory;
An apparatus for handling a memory cassette in which a light transmitting part for memory access and an insertion guide groove which also serves as an insertion guide for supplying power received from outside to a memory and an information processing circuit is formed on a part of a case surface. A cassette accommodating portion accommodating at least the light transmitting portion forming surface of the memory cassette; provided in the cassette accommodating portion; engaging the insertion guide groove to accommodate the memory cassette when accommodating the memory cassette; And a first power source provided in the cassette guide portion and electrically connected to the insertion guide groove to supply power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette when the memory cassette is accommodated. A supply unit and a cassette fixing position provided in the cassette accommodating unit;
In a state where power is supplied to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette, the information processing circuit is accessed by using light for the light transmitting portion, and at least one of reading and writing of information is performed to the memory. A memory information processing device for a memory cassette, comprising: a memory access unit. 2. The memory information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an information presenting unit that presents memory access information of the memory access unit to a user. 3. The memory information processing device for a memory cassette according to claim 1, further comprising information communication means for exchanging memory access information between said memory access unit and an external device. 4. When the power receiving portion for supplying power to the memory and the information processing circuit is provided separately from the insertion guide groove on the surface of the case of the memory cassette, the power receiving portion is provided in the cassette accommodating portion. A second power supply unit for supplying power to the memory and the information processing circuit of the memory cassette by electrically contacting the power receiving unit when the memory cassette is housed in the cassette housing unit. 2. The memory information processing device for a memory cassette according to claim 1, wherein: 5. In a case where a tray-type loading mechanism is provided for loading the memory cassette into the cassette accommodating portion with the memory cassette accommodated in the tray, the memory cassette is provided in the accommodating portion of the tray and engages with the insertion guide groove. A tray cassette guide portion for guiding the memory cassette to a housed state, and provided in the tray cassette guide portion, and when the memory cassette is housed in the tray, makes electrical contact with the insertion guide groove. 2. The memory information processing device for a memory cassette according to claim 1, further comprising a third power supply unit that supplies power to a memory and an information processing circuit of the memory cassette. 6. The information processing circuit provided in a storage portion of the tray and using light to a light transmitting portion of the memory cassette to perform at least one of reading and writing of information to and from the memory. 6. The device according to claim 5, further comprising a tray memory access unit.
A memory information processing device for a memory cassette according to claim 1.