Detecting device and method for determining type and insertion of flash memory card

Abstract

A detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card is provided, which comprises a flash memory card interface which comprises a plurality of flash memory card slots, a control module detecting signals transmitted from the plurality of flash memory card slots and a bus which comprises a plurality of detecting wires and a plurality of signal wires, wherein one side of each detecting wire is respectively connected to detect pin of each flash memory card slot, and the other side is respectively connected to the control module, one side of each signal wire is connected to all data pins of those flash memory card slots in a predetermined corresponding way, and the other side is connected to the control module. A detecting method for determining type and insertion of flash memory card is provided, which comprises detecting the voltage level transitions of wires connected to pins of a plurality of flash memory card slots, wherein the wires are described above, and determining type of inserted flash memory card by the voltage level transitions of those wires.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a detecting device and method for determining insertion and type of flash memory card.

2. Description of the Related Art

Flash memory has DRAM (DRAM, dynamic random access memory) which has a characteristic of directly changing data by current and ROM (ROM, read-only memory) which has a characteristic of keeping data after power-down. In addition, the information of the wireless mobile multimedia are popularize progressively, many new products, such as digital camera, PDA (PDA, personal digital assistant), mobile phone and MP3 player, etc., are needed portable memories such as flash memory card which has advantages of small size, big capacity, fast read/write speed, power saving and anti-shock properties, etc. Compare flash memory card with other portable storage interface like disk and optical disk, the capacity of disk is too small, and the size is too big, and it is easy to be damaged. Optical disk is sensitive to vibration and needed more power. For this reason, flash memory card gradually becomes a mainstream product of portable memory device. However, flash memory card specifications are not unified at present, there are five specifications of flash memory cards: Compact Flash Card (CF Card), Smart Media Card (SM Card), Secure Digital Card (SD Card), Multi Media Card (MMC Card), and Memory Stick Card (MS Card). All kinds of specifications of flash memory cards are produced by worldwide mainstream manufacturers, and these mainstream manufacturers have their own organized associations which have their own members supporting their manufacturers. Currently various specifications are well developed and incompatible with each other. Therefore, a unified specification is not likely in the near future. In respect of reading flash memory card, it is not difficult to support a unitary specification of flash memory card technique. However, to satisfy the need of all kinds of specifications of flash memory cards, it is needed to develop a storage device with multiple flash memory cards interface to integrate and read different flash memory cards with different specifications in sizes and pins.

A detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card in prior art is illustrated as FIG. 1, which comprises a flash memory card interface 100, a bus 110 and a control module 120. The flash memory card interface 100 comprises a plurality of flash memory card slots. These flash memory card slots can be corresponded to at least two flash memory cards and to at least two different kinds of flash memory cards. The pins of each flash memory card slot can be divided into detect pin (as shown in FIG. 1, CD1 is detect pin of a first flash memory card slot, CD2 is detect pin of a second flash memory card slot and CDn is detect pin of a n-th flash memory card slot) and data pins (as shown in FIG. 1, X11˜X1n are data pins of a first flash memory card slot, X21˜X2n are data pins of a second flash memory card slot and Xn1˜Xnn are data pins of a n-th flash memory card slot). The bus 110 comprises a plurality of wires which can be divided into a plurality of detecting wires and a plurality of signal wires. One side of each detecting wire is respectively connected to detect pin of each flash memory card slot, and the other side is respectively connected to the control module 120. Each data pin of each flash memory card slot is respectively connected a signal wire to the control module 120. Signals are transmitted to the control module 120. The control module 120 determines which slots are inserted flash memory cards by these detecting wires and access the data of the inserted flash memory card. The more are the numbers of flash memory card slots integrated in the flash memory card interface 100, the more are the wires connected to the control module 120, and the cost and the size of the device will be increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A detecting method and a detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card are provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method and device are used for detecting whether flash memory card is inserted or not and determining type and numbers of inserted flash memory cards. It is suitable for the device with multiple flash memory card slots in one flash memory card interface, wherein the wires of data pins of the different flash memory card slots are connected in a predetermined corresponding way which will be described in detail according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A detecting method for determining type and insertion of flash memory card according to an embodiment of the present invention includes detecting the voltage level transitions of a plurality conductive wires connected to pins of a plurality of flash memory card slots, wherein the conductive wires comprise detecting wires and signal wires, wherein each detecting wire is respectively connected to detect pin of each flash memory card slot and one side of each signal wire is connected to all data pins of these flash memory card slots in a predetermined corresponding way which will be described in detail according to an embodiment of the present invention. Determining type and numbers of at least one inserted flash memory card by the signals of these detecting wires. If more than one flash memory card are inserted, then at least one warning message is provided to users, and if only one flash memory card is inserted, then a corresponding type of flash memory card program is executed.

A detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card according to an embodiment of the present invention at least includes a flash memory card interface which provides a plurality of flash memory card slots, a control module detecting the signals transmitted from these flash memory card slots and a bus which comprises a plurality of detecting wires and a plurality of signal wires, wherein one side of each detecting wire is respectively connected to detect pin of each flash memory card slot, and the other side is respectively connected to the control module. One side of each signal wire is connected to all data pins of these flash memory card slots in a predetermined corresponding way, and the other side is connected to the control module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The benefits, features, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card in prior art;

FIG. 2 is a detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a predetermined corresponding mapping table illustrating the connections of five flash memory card slots according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of determine execution and step analysis according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present invention as provided within the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will, however, be apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features herein disclosed.

FIG. 2 is a detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which comprises a flash memory card interface 200, a control module 220 and a bus 210. The flash memory card interface 200 includes a plurality of flash memory card slots 210˜20n. These flash memory card slots can be corresponded to at least two different kinds of flash memory cards and to at least two flash memory cards. The pins of each flash memory card slot can be divided into detect pin (as shown in FIG. 2, CD1 is detect pin of a first flash memory card slot 201, CD2 is detect pin of a second flash memory card slot 202 and CDn is detect pin of a n-th flash memory card slot 20n) and data pins (as shown in FIG. 2, X11˜X1n are data pins of a first flash memory card slot 201, X21˜X2n are data pins of a second flash memory card slot 202 and Xn1˜Xnn are data pins of a n-th flash memory card slot 20n). The control module 220 detects the signals transmitted from the pins of those flash memory card slots. The bus 210 comprises a plurality of wires which can be divided into a plurality of detecting wires and a plurality of signal wires. Wherein one side of each detecting wire is respectively connected to detect pin of each flash memory card slot, and the other side is respectively connected to the control module 220. One side of each signal wire is connected to all data pins of these flash memory card slots in a predetermined corresponding way, and the other side is connected to the control module 220. As shown in FIG. 2, the wires of data pins of those flash memory card slots can be respectively connected outside the flash memory card interface 200 in a predetermined corresponding way and become a plurality of single signal wires connected to the control module 220. Or as shown in FIG. 3, the wires of data pins of those flash memory card slots can be respectively connected inside the flash memory card interface 300 in a predetermined corresponding way and become a plurality of single signal wires connected to the control module 320. The former is to extend the plurality of wires of data pins of those flash memory card slots outside the flash memory card interface 200 and then respectively connected in a predetermined corresponding way and become a plurality of single signal wires, wherein the flash memory card interface 200 can be compatible with the slots and disposal of conductive wires of the slots of the past flash memory card interface. So that the past flash memory card interface can be used to extend the signal wires of the data pins of each flash memory card slot outside the past flash memory card interface, and then respectively connected the wires in a predetermined corresponding way and become a plurality of single signal wires. The later is to connect the plurality of wires of data pins of each flash memory card slot inside the flash memory card interface 300 in a predetermined corresponding way and become a plurality of single signal wires, and then connected to the control module 320 and it can save more cost in this manner. Both of connections have their own advantages, and it can be implemented by one of each connections.

In one embodiment, above described flash memory slots 201˜20n (and 301˜20n) can be designed as five kinds of flash memory card slots respectively corresponded to five kinds of flash memory cards in one flash memory card interface. Five kinds of flash memory cards include Compact Flash Card (CF Card), Smart Media Card (SM Card), Secure Digital Card (SD Card), Multi Media Card (MMC Card), and Memory Stick Card (MS Card). The conductive wires used to transmitted data of these five flash memory cards are respectively connected in a predetermined corresponding way for reducing size and saving more cost, wherein the predetermined corresponding way is illustrated in FIG. 4 which is a predetermined corresponding mapping table illustrating the connections of five flash memory card slots according to the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the part of mark 3 is presented the connection of pin 3 of the flash memory card interface. It presents that the wires of pin SDD1 of SD/MMC Card, pin CFD2 of CF Card and pin SMD4 of SM Card are connected together.

The connected conductive wires as described above are the wires of data pins of each flash memory card slot. The detecting wires of these flash memory card slots are not connected with any other conductive wires and directly connected to the control module. If the detecting wires are connected to other data pin wires, when a first flash memory card are being accessing the data, the data will be transmitted through collectively connected wires. If a second flash memory card is inserted, then the signal of detecting wires of the second flash memory card slot is transmitted to the control module. That is, the collectively connected conductive wires are also used by the second flash memory card slot, and it is easy to result in disorder of the transmitted data. The detecting wires are designed to directly connect to the control module. The control module detects the voltage level transitions of the wires of these flash memory card slots, and compares the database of corresponding transitions of pins of each flash memory card (as shown in FIG. 4), then determines the insertion, type and numbers of flash memory cards, and then access the data.

Above described control module 220 and 320 detects the signals transmitted from the plurality of flash memory card slots and determines type of inserted flash memory card by the voltage level transitions of the signals. The predetermined corresponding mapping table of detecting and determining five kinds of flash memory cards is listed below:

• • Determining CF Card inserted by pin CFCD0_ and pin CFCD1_ both are transited to low;
  • Determining SM Card inserted by pin SMCD_ is transited to low;
  • Determining SD Card inserted by pin SDD3_CD is transited to high or by pin SDCD is transited to low;
  • Determining MMC Card inserted by pin SDCD is transited to low; and
  • Determining MS Card inserted by pin MSINS is transited to low.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of determine execution and step analysis according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Operations begin at a first block 31 to detecting the voltage level transitions of the signals transmitted from pins of a plurality of flash memory card slots. At the next block 32 to determine insertion, type and numbers of flash memory cards by the voltage level transitions of the signals. At the next block 33 to determine whether more than one kind of flash memory card are inserted. If it is, then jump to the block 34, if it is not, then jump to the block 35. At the block 34 to provide at least a warning message to users for choosing one flash memory card to use. At the block 35 to execute the corresponding flash memory card program to access the data of the flash memory card.

Consequently, a detecting method for determining type and insertion of flash memory card is provided, more particularly suitable for the device with multiple flash memory card slots in one flash memory card interface. The control module detects the voltage level transitions of wires connected to pins of a plurality of flash memory card slots and compares the database of corresponding transitions of pins of each flash memory card, then determines the insertion, type and numbers of flash memory cards, and then access the data. The detecting method further comprises the functions of warning users. If more than one kind of flash memory card are inserted in one time, then at least a warning message is showed to users to tell users to choose one flash memory card to use and to remove other disused flash memory card. If at least two flash memory cards are inserted, then at least a warning message is showed. If only one flash memory card is inserted, then starting to execute the corresponding flash memory card program.

Finally, those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A detecting method for determining type and insertion of flash memory card, comprising: detecting the voltage level transitions of wires connected to pins of a plurality of flash memory card slots, wherein the wires are divided into detecting wires and signal wires, and one side of each detecting wire is respectively connected to detect pin of each flash memory card slot, and the other side is respectively connected to a control module, one side of each signal wire is connected to all data pins of those flash memory card slots in a predetermined corresponding way, and the other side is connected to the control module; and determining insertion, type and numbers of at least one flash memory card by the voltage level transitions of those wires.

2. The detecting method of claim 1, further comprising: comparing the database of corresponding transitions of pins of each flash memory card, determining insertion, type and numbers of flash memory cards, and accessing data.

3. The detecting method of claim 1, further comprising: showing at least a warning message when more than one kind of flash memory card are inserted; and executing the corresponding flash memory card program when only one kind of flash memory card is inserted.

4. The detecting method of claim 1, further comprising: executing the corresponding flash memory card program when only one inserted flash memory card is detected; and showing at least a warning message when at least two inserted flash memory cards are inserted.

5. The detecting method of claim 1, wherein those flash memory card slots are combinations of the following five flash memory cards: Compact Flash Card (CF Card), Smart Media Card (SM Card), Secure Digital Card (SD Card), Multi Media Card (MMC Card) and Memory Stick Card (MS Card).

6. The detecting method of claim 1, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Compact Flash Card (CF Card) when pin CFCD0_ and pin CFCD1_ both are transited to low.

7. The detecting method of claim 1, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Smart Media Card (SM Card) when pin SMCD_ is transited to low.

8. The detecting method of claim 1, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Secure Digital Card (SD Card) when pin SDD3_CD is transited to high.

9. The detecting method of claim 1, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Secure Digital Card (SD Card) when pin SDCD is transited to low.

10. The detecting method of claim 1, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Multi Media Card (MMC Card) when pin SDCD is transited to low.

11. The detecting method of claim 1, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Memory Stick Card (MS Card) when pin MSINS is transited to low.

12. A detecting device for determining type and insertion of flash memory card, comprising: a flash memory card interface which comprises a plurality of flash memory card slots; a control module detecting at least one signal transmitted from the plurality of flash memory card slots; and a bus which comprises a plurality of detecting wires and a plurality of signal wires, wherein one side of each detecting wire is respectively connected to detect pin of each flash memory card slot, and the other side is respectively connected to the control module, one side of each signal wire is connected to all data pins of those flash memory card slots in a predetermined corresponding way, and the other side is connected to the control module.

13. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein the wires of data pins of those flash memory card slots can be respectively connected inside the flash memory card interface in the predetermined corresponding way and become a plurality of single signal wires connected to the control module.

14. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein the wires of data pins of those flash memory card slots can be respectively connected outside the flash memory card interface in the predetermined corresponding way and become a plurality of single signal wires connected to the control module.

15. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of flash memory card slots are corresponded to at least two different kinds of flash memory cards.

16. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of flash memory card slots are corresponded to at least two flash memory cards.

17. The detecting device of claim 12, when detecting at least two different kinds of flash memory cards inserted in those flash memory card slots, then at least a warning message is showed to users.

18. The detecting device of claim 12, when detecting at least two flash memory cards inserted in those flash memory card slots, then at least a warning message is showed to users.

19. The detecting device of claim 12, when detecting only one flash memory card inserted in those flash memory card slots, then executing the corresponding flash memory card program.

20. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein the signal wires are connected to pins of each flash memory card slot for accessing data and address.

21. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein the control module having the functions of accessing data of flash memory card.

22. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein the control module having the functions of detecting type and numbers of inserted flash memory card.

23. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein those flash memory card slots are combinations of the following five flash memory cards: Compact Flash Card (CF Card), Smart Media Card (SM Card), Secure Digital Card (SD Card), Multi Media Card (MMC Card) and Memory Stick Card (MS Card).

24. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Compact Flash Card (CF Card) when pin CFCD0_ and pin CFCD1_ both are transited to low.

25. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Smart Media Card (SM Card) when pin SMCD_ is transited to low.

26. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Secure Digital Card (SD Card) when pin SDD3_CD is transited to high.

27. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Secure Digital Card (SD Card) when pin SDCD is transited to low.

28. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Multi Media Card (MMC Card) when pin SDCD is transited to low.

29. The detecting device of claim 12, wherein determining the inserted flash memory card is Memory Stick Card (MS Card) when pin MSINS is transited to low.