Computer systems typically have a processor that receives and generates data and executes instructions, and have one or more storage devices that are coupled to the processor. The processor typically includes circuitry, such as a central processing unit, for performing various computing functions, such as executing programs to perform specific tasks. The one or more storage devices read data stored on a storage medium to provide the processor data that it needs to execute programs, and may write data to the medium to allow data generated by the processor to be stored for future use. The storage medium may be removable from the storage device to allow one to provide the processor a large amount of data, and thus the one or more storage devices typically include a mechanism for inserting and removing the storage medium.
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To insert the compact disc 13 into the device 10, one pushes the button 22 to close the switch 16. When closed, the switch 16 generates a signal in the circuitry that causes the motor to extend the tray 14 through the opening 24. One then places the compact disc 13 on the tray 14. One then pushes the button 22, again, to cause the switch 16 to generate another signal in the circuitry that causes the motor to retract the tray 14. With the compact disc 13 in the interior 11, the device 10 can read the data stored on the compact disc 13. To remove the compact disc 13 from the device 10, one pushes the button 22 again to cause the motor to extend the tray 14 through the opening 24.
Unfortunately, the location of the switch 16, and thus button 22, makes one's use of the button 22 awkward. The tray 14 is typically located above the switch 16 and button 22. When the tray 14 is extended through the opening 24, the tray 14 typically extends about 5 inches (approximately the diameter of a compact disc). Thus, one typically cannot see the button 22 to push it to retract the tray 14 back through the opening 24. And thus, one has to reach around the tray 14 and feel for the button 22 to retract the tray 14. This can cause one to inadvertently knock the tray 14 and damage it or the motor that moves the tray 14.
A common way to avoid having to reach around the tray 14 and blindly feel for the button 22 is to have the processor of the computer system that is coupled to the device 10 generate a signal to retract or extend the tray 14. But this presents some problems too. For example, because the processor requires a software operating system to function as desired, and the storage device requires a software driver accessible by the operating system, one's ability to extend or retract the tray 14 depends on the operating system and driver functioning properly. If the operating system crashes, the processor would not be able to generate a signal to extend or retract the tray 14 in response to one's input. Also, if the operating system is busy it may take a relatively long time for the processor to generate a signal to extend or retract the tray 14 in response to one's input.
Another common way to avoid having to reach around the tray 14 and blindly feel for the button 22 is to locate the button 22 above the opening 24. But this also presents some problems. Because the switch 16 is mounted to the circuit board 12 and located below the tray 14 when the tray is disposed in the interior 11, a mechanical coupler (not shown) is mounted to the cover plate 20. The coupler mechanically transfers the movement of a button located above the tray 14 to the switch 16 that is located below the tray 14. Unfortunately, the coupler is more apt to bind or wear out because of the additional moving parts. Also, the coupler alters the tactile feel of the switch 16 and thus removes some certainty about closing the switch 16 before the tray 14 moves.
In one aspect of the invention, an electronic device for reading data from a removable storage medium includes a switch to generate a signal that circuitry of the device receives. The switch is connected to the circuitry and disposed outside a housing of the device. The circuitry of the device can read data stored on a removable storage medium. The housing protects the circuitry and has a plurality of sides that define an interior in which the circuitry is disposed. With the switch disposed outside the housing, the switch may be located where it will be easier to see and reach. Thus, one can more easily avoid damaging the device when one inserts and removes storage media from the device.
In another aspect of the invention, an electronic device for reading data from a removable storage medium includes a switch to generate a signal that circuitry of the device receives. The switch is connected to a circuit board of the device and disposed in the interior of the device, but not mounted to the circuit board. The circuitry of the device can read data stored on a removable storage medium. The housing protects the circuitry and has a plurality of sides that define an interior in which the circuitry is disposed. With the switch disposed in the interior of the housing but not mounted to the circuit board, the switch may be located where it can be easily contacted by a button mounted on the housing and located where it will be easier to see and reach. Thus, one can more easily avoid damaging the device when one inserts and removes storage media from the device.
The following discussion is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
The storage device 30 may be any type of storage device that reads data from a removable storage medium. For example, in one embodiment the device 30 is an optical disc drive that includes a laser (not shown) and a circuit board 42, each disposed in the interior 40. The laser generates and directs light toward the compact disc 36, and the circuit board 42 includes circuitry (not shown) for converting the light reflected from the compact disc 36 into an electrical signal. The device 30 also includes a cable 39 that connects the switch 32 to the circuitry, a tray 44 to carry the compact disc 36 into and out of the interior 40, and a motor (not shown) that moves the tray 44 into and out of the interior 40.
Other embodiments of the device are contemplated. For example, the storage device 30 may be a floppy disk drive that reads data stored on a magnetic disk that is removable from the device 30.
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For example, in one embodiment the input circuit 62 includes a circuit 66 that typically exists on conventional storage devices and includes a connector 70 in the interface 58. The circuit 66 is typically designed to provide a signal that is generated by the controller 64 to a component that is connected to the connector 70. However, the controller 64 may be programmed to receive a signal through the circuit 66. For example, the switch 32 may be connected to the connector 70 and the circuit 66 may provide the controller 64 the signal generated by the switch 32. The connector 70 is a conventional connector that includes two pins 76. The cable 39 includes a conventional connector 78 that has two receptacles (not shown) each sized to receive a respective one of the pins 76. When the pins 76 are inserted into the receptacles, cable 39 is connected to the input circuit 62 and the controller 64 can receive a signal generated by the switch 32. Thus, the switch 32 may be easily added to a conventional storage device that was originally designed to include only the second switch 46.
Other embodiments are contemplated. For example, the input circuit 62 may include another circuit 75 that connects the second switch 46 to the controller 64 (see
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For example, in one embodiment the system 108 includes a processing unit 118 for processing data read by the device 110. The system 108 also includes a casing 114 that defines an interior 120 in which the device 110 and the processing unit 118 are disposed, and that protects the device 110 and processing unit 118. The cable 122 connects the switch 112 to the circuitry (not shown) of the device 110 via an interface (not shown) of the device 110, and is also disposed in the interior 120. The cable 124 connects the device 110 to the processing unit 118 to allow the processing unit 118 to receive signals generated by the device 110.
Many of the specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the above description and accompanying figures to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the present invention may be practiced without some of the details described with regard to these embodiments. Moreover, one skilled in the art will understand that the figures related to the various embodiments are not to be interpreted as conveying any specific or relative physical dimensions, and that specific or relative physical dimensions, if stated, are not to be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Further, illustrations of the various embodiments when presented by way of illustrative examples are intended only to further illustrate certain details of the various embodiments, and shall not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.