TWI231415B

TWI231415B - Portable storage device with bridge function

Info

Publication number: TWI231415B
Application number: TW92137179A
Authority: TW
Inventors: Yi-Feng Jang; Yu-Wei Tsai
Original assignee: Weltrend Semiconductor Inc
Priority date: 2003-12-26
Filing date: 2003-12-26
Publication date: 2005-04-21
Also published as: TW200521644A

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable storage device with bridge function, which comprises: a first interface for electrically connecting to a first host; a second interface for electrically connecting to a second host; a storage medium for accessing data; and, a control unit, for controlling the first interface and the second interface for bridging between the first host and the second host, and at least providing the interface control of the first host for accessing the storage medium through the first interface.

Description

五、發明說明（1) ’尤指可提供兩種相並具有儲存媒體可供之可攜式儲存裝置。同或不外接主〔發明所屬之技術領域〕本案為一種可攜式儲存裝置同介面控制以橋接兩台主機，機存取之具橋接（Bridge )功能〔先前技術〕目前隨身碟或A姆哥等USB介面的採取通用串列匯流排（USB \儲存衣置，是 1C，搭配-顆或多顆一 ash(e= 之架構。這些可攜式儲存裝置，呈有 56M bytes) 點，能夠直接插接同樣具侧介面的〜貝腦=帶方便的者得以透過電腦主機存取可攜式儲存穿置内機，讓使用外，儲存容量為144^磁碟片數倍至 2貧料。另得USB介面的可攜式儲存裝置為消費大百4的優勢，也使取代磁碟片的趨勢。、黃’乏使用，而有然而恤介面的可攜式儲存 :過5是要透過_介面橋接兩台主機：便：J多優點，枓，則必須透過USB介面的橋接裝置，傳輪大量資式儲存裝置並沒有具備橋接功能。u ^，習用的可攜 I置及橋接裝置，是現今數位時代中，用的可攜式儲存 !ϊ換的兩種相當方便的利器。很遺憾的？•存資_ 百元及千元以上台幣來分別採講此：藉消費者必男身払v，方得以隨時享用其所提供之兩種產品，並隨式，對消費者而言實在相當累贅 =。這種使用方〔本案目的〕阳且麻煩。 1231415 五、發明說明（2) 目的’乃係改善習用之可攜式裝置不具橋接存fX 種具橋接功能之可攜式錯 Ϊ : 存取裝置内的快閃記憶體等儲存媒：之連接第：2介面，可透過外部連接線或内建連接線電士，弟一 '"主機。然後，藉由裝置的控制單元，橋接兩a _人進面T對點通訊。而且第二介面之介面規格，除了 ° 面外，亦可採用IEEE1 3 94等串列或並列介面。如士，費者便毋須為了可攜式儲存和貝和攜帶兩種產品。刀引蹲〔發明内容〕二達上述目的’本案提出一種具橋接(Bridge)功能之可士式儲存裝置，其包含：一第一介面，可電連接至一第— 主機（Host)，一第二介面，可電連接至一第二主機 (Host); —儲存媒體，可供存取資料；以及:控制單元，可控制該第一介面與該第二介面以橋接該第一主機與該第 —主機，亚至少可提供該第一主機透過該第一介面存取該儲存媒體之介面控制。如所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，#中該第一介面為通用串列匯流排（USB， Universal Serial Bus)介面。如所述，具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，#中該第一介面可使用插頭機構，以插接該第一主機。如所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，纟中該第二V. Description of the invention (1) 'In particular, a portable storage device which can provide two phases and has a storage medium available. With or without an external host [Technical field to which the invention belongs] This case is a portable storage device with the same interface control to bridge two hosts, and the machine has a Bridge function [previous technology] At present, a USB flash drive or an AMCO For USB interface, a universal serial bus (USB \ storage device, 1C, with one or more one ash (e = architecture. These portable storage devices, which have 56M bytes) points, can be directly The same side interface is plugged in. ~ Bao Nao = Those who have the convenience can access the portable storage and wear-in machine through the host computer, so that the storage capacity is 144 ^ disks, which is several times to 2 materials. A portable storage device with a USB interface has the advantage of consuming one hundred four, and also makes it a trend to replace magnetic disks. Huang's lack of use, but there are portable storage with a shirt interface: over 5 is to go through the _ interface Bridge two hosts: convenient: J has many advantages, alas, you must pass the USB interface bridge device, the mass storage device does not have the bridge function. U ^, the conventional portable I device and bridge device are now In the digital age, portable Save! Two very convenient tools for exchange. Sorry? • Deposit _ NT $ 100 and over NT $ 1000 to introduce this separately: Consumers must be male and female to enjoy the provided by them at any time The two products, which are accompanying, are quite cumbersome for consumers =. This user [purpose of the case] is tedious and troublesome. 1231415 V. Description of the invention (2) The purpose 'is to improve the use of portable devices without Bridge memory fX portable error with bridge function: access to the flash memory in the device and other storage media: connection No. 2: interface, can be connected via external connection cable or built-in connection cable " Host. Then, by means of the control unit of the device, bridge the two a _ person into the T-point communication. And the interface specification of the second interface, in addition to °, can also use serial or parallel interfaces such as IEEE1 3 94 .If the taxi, the consumer does not need to carry two products for portable storage and shellfish. [Summary of the Invention] [Achievement of the Invention] Secondly to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present case proposes a briquette storage device with a bridge function. Contains: a first interface, Electrically connected to a first host, a second interface, which can be electrically connected to a second host; a storage medium, which can be used to access data; and a control unit, which can control the first interface and The second interface bridges the first host and the first host, and at least the interface control for the first host to access the storage medium through the first interface can be provided. As described in the portable storage with bridging function Device, the first interface in # is a universal serial bus (USB, Universal Serial Bus) interface. As mentioned, a portable storage device with a bridge function, the first interface in # can use a plug mechanism to insert Connect the first host. As mentioned in the portable storage device with bridging function, the second

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五、發明說明（3) 介面可為一串列介面或一並列介面如所述之具橋接功能之可介面可為通用串列匯流排（USB 介面或IEEE1 3 94介面。如所述之具橋接功能之可介面可使用插槽或插頭機構，連接該第二主機。攜式儲存裝置，其中該串列，Universal Serial Bus) 攜式儲存裝置，其中該第二可經由外接一第一連接線電存裝置，更可包含一二連接線電連接該第如所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲弟一^連接線’ 5亥弟一介面可透過該第一主機。、如所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，纟中二連接線可被自動或手動收納進裝置人置本體之外。衣置本體内，亦可外露於裝如所連之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，豆媒體可為一揮發性記憶體（vram， Vq ^V. Description of the invention (3) The interface can be a serial interface or a parallel interface. As described, the interface with bridging function can be a universal serial bus (USB interface or IEEE1 94 interface. As described with a bridge The functional interface can use the slot or plug mechanism to connect to the second host. Portable storage device, where the serial, Universal Serial Bus) portable storage device, where the second can be electrically connected via an external first cable The storage device may further include one or two connecting wires for electrically connecting the portable storage device with a bridging function as described above, and an interface may be passed through the first host. As mentioned in the portable storage device with bridging function, the cable can be stored automatically or manually outside the device body. The clothing can be placed inside the body, or it can be exposed outside the device. If the portable storage device with a bridge function is connected, the bean medium can be a volatile memory (vram, Vq ^

Access Memory)或一非揮發性亇 e an omAccess Memory) or a non-volatile 亇 e an om

Vnl , D ^ F 伴 ^ 5己饫體（NVRAM， Non-Vnl, D ^ F with ^ 5

Volatile Random Access Memory)。其中該非揮其中该控制如所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存發性記憶體為快閃記憶體（Flash Me_ 如所述之具橋接功能之崔單元更可提供該第二主機透過二二，其中該控牵之介面控制。 "面存取該儲存媒潑〔實施方式〕請參見第一圖為本案較佳實施例之具橋接功能之可Volatile Random Access Memory). Wherein the non-volatile storage memory with a bridge function as described above is a flash memory (Flash Me_ as described in the Cui unit with a bridge function can also provide the second host through two or two The interface is controlled by the control. &Quot; Accessing the storage medium on the surface [Embodiment] Please refer to the first figure for the bridging function of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

五、發明說明（4) 搞式儲存裝4。如圖所示’具橋接功能之可攜式儲 11主要包含控制單元111、快閃記憶體〗]2(Flas g人面113及USB介面114。其中，記憶體! S“ USB介面U3係第一介面，為插頭機構，可插接，介面’.USB介面114係第二介面，為插座機構枝可透過外接一π條—USB連接線〗4電連接第二主機〗3之以6介面 13: ’控制：凡ni更包含串列介面引擎lin⑻e，&rial n erface Engine)、先進先出佇列 1U2(FiF〇， ^V. Description of the invention (4) Engaging storage equipment 4. As shown in the figure 'Portable storage 11 with bridge function mainly includes control unit 111, flash memory]] 2 (Flasg human face 113 and USB interface 114. Among them, memory! S "USB interface U3 is the first One interface is the plug mechanism, which can be plugged in and the interface '. The USB interface 114 is the second interface, and the socket mechanism can be connected by an external π-USB connection cable 4 electrically connected to the second host 3 to 6 interfaces 13 : 'Control: Where ni also includes serial interface engine lin⑻e, & rial n erface Engine), first-in-first-out queue 1U2 (FiF〇, ^

First Out Queue)、先進先出佇列1 1 1 3、串列介面引轚 1Π4及直接記憶存取單元U15(DMA，Me㈣First Out Queue), FIFO queue 1 1 1 3, serial interface interface 1 1 4 and direct memory access unit U15 (DMA, Me)

Access)。 J 功能之可攜式儲存裝置"，擁有式儲存裝置之資料儲存功能。當具橋接功月匕之可攜式儲存裝置丨丨透過USB介面丨丨3插接第一主機i2 二’第=機12即可利用USB通訊協定，透過控制單元⑴ n 2 $ /M 1 FIF〇 11 12 及DMA 1 115，將資料儲存到Flash 1 1 2或從其中提取資料。除了具有儲存媒體可供資料儲存外，本荦之主要特 :丄：ίϊί有橋接功能。已經插接第-主機12的具橋接接：u ^儲存裝置11 ’可以再利用—條外接的USB連接線4 (弟—連接線）電連接第二主機13。W匕，第-主主機13，即可透過控制單川1的sie 1111、Access). J-function portable storage device " has data storage function of the portable storage device. When a portable storage device with bridging function 丨丨 via USB interface 丨丨 3 plug in the first host i2, second, and second device 12 can use the USB communication protocol through the control unit ⑴ n 2 $ / M 1 FIF 〇11 12 and DMA 1 115 to store data in Flash 1 12 or extract data from it. In addition to the storage media available for data storage, the main features of this book: 丄: ίϊί has a bridge function. The bridge connection of the first host 12 has been plugged in: u ^ The storage device 11 ′ can be reused—an external USB connection 4 (brother-connection cable) is electrically connected to the second host 13. W dagger, the first-master host 13, can control sie 1111 of Shan Chuan 1 through

FlF〇 1113及SIE 11 14橋接，而得以利用USB 通汛協疋進行點對點（peer t〇 peer)通訊。甚至更進一步 1231415 五、發明說明（5) 的，第二主機1 3亦可和第一主機丨2 一樣，利用USB通訊協疋’透過控制單元111存取piash 112的資料。另外，jjSB 連接線1 4除了外接之外，亦可如第二圖所示，採取内建的 USB連接線1 1 5 (第二連接線），直接將USB連接線做在具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置n上。内建的⑽^連接線u 5可以外露於裝置本體之外，更可以採用類似吸塵器自動回捲電源線的機構，將内建的USB連接線115收納在裝置本體内部。如此，不僅在橋接兩台主機時，毋須再藉助一條的USB連接線，而且也較為方便攜帶。上述之本案較佳實施例，係揭露以USB介面為第二面”例。而在實務應用i，更可擴展至以其 =列介面（如IEEE 1 394等），作為第二介面以橋接 = =讓使用者得以USB及其他介面橋接兩台使用 — 規格之主機。t然相對的，本案 |面裝置亦必須具備第二介面的介面引擎。了心式儲存上所述’本案係針對習用技術提出改 :種相同或不同介面控制以橋接兩台主機， = =接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，除了二細本^ 接插接第一台主機，提供今 110 ΊΓ直等儲存媒體之外更；取裝置内的快閃記憶體内建連接線電連接第二台：：：：後可；：;卜=接線或元，橋接兩台主機進行點對點通；後而的控制單規格，除了 USB介面外，亦可採一"面之介面兀了如用IEEE1 394等串列或並列FlF0 1113 and SIE 11 14 are bridged, and peer-to-peer (peer t0 peer) communication can be performed by using the USB communication protocol. Even further 1231415 5. In the description of the invention (5), the second host 1 3 can use the USB communication protocol 疋 ′ to access the data of the pash 112 through the control unit 111 in the same way as the first host 丨 2. In addition, in addition to the external connection of the jjSB cable 1 4, as shown in the second figure, the built-in USB cable 1 1 5 (second cable) can be used to directly connect the USB cable with a bridge function. On the portable storage device n. The built-in ⑽ ^ u cable u 5 can be exposed outside the device body, and a mechanism similar to a vacuum cleaner to automatically rewind the power cable can be used to store the built-in USB cable 115 inside the device body. In this way, not only is there no need to use a USB cable when bridging two hosts, but it is also more convenient to carry. The above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the present case is to expose the "USB interface as the second side" example. In practical application i, it can be extended to its = interface (such as IEEE 1 394, etc.) as a second interface to bridge = = Let users use USB and other interfaces to bridge two sets of use—specified hosts. By contrast, the case | face device must also have an interface engine with a second interface. In terms of heart-shaped storage, this case is for conventional technology Propose a change: a portable storage device with the same or different interface control to bridge two hosts, = = connection function, in addition to two books ^ plug and connect to the first host, provide 110 直 Γ direct storage media, etc. ; Take the built-in flash memory in the device to connect the second one electrically :::: after ;;; == wiring or yuan, bridging two hosts for point-to-point communication; later control sheet specifications, except USB In addition to the interface, you can also use a "face" interface, such as using IEEE1 394, etc.

1231415 五、發明說明（6) 介面。如此，消費者便毋須為了可攜式儲存和橋接功能分別購買和攜帶兩種產品，而只要使用本案之裝置即可符合需求。甚至使用内建的連接線來連接第二台主機時，更可再省下一條外接的連接線，實在非常方便而實用。本案所揭露之技術，得由熟習本技術人士據以實施，而其前所未有之作法亦具備專利性，爰依法提出專利之申請。惟上述之實施例尚不足以涵蓋本案所欲保護之專利範圍，因此，提出申請專利範圍如附。1231415 V. Description of Invention (6) Interface. In this way, consumers do not need to purchase and carry two products separately for portable storage and bridging functions, but only use the device in this case to meet their needs. Even when using the built-in cable to connect the second host, you can save an external cable, which is very convenient and practical. The technology disclosed in this case may be implemented by those skilled in the art, and its unprecedented approach is also patentable, and it is necessary to file a patent application in accordance with the law. However, the above embodiments are not enough to cover the scope of patents to be protected in this case. Therefore, the scope of application for patents is attached as follows.

第9頁 !231415Page 9! 231415

〔圖示簡單說明〕本案得藉由下列圖示及詳細第一圖：本案較佳實施裝置。說明，俾得一更深入之暸解·· 例之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存連接線之本案另一圖不主要7L件之圖號如下：、6列 11 :具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置… ,丨1":率列介面引擎⑻E)1112 :先進先=早， (FIFO) 史无出佇列 Π13 :先進先出佇列（FIF0)1114 :串 (SIE) 甲歹I彳丨面引擎 11 1 5 :直接記憶存取單元（DMA)丨丨2 :快 (Flash) 决閃把憶體 113 .USB 介面 114 .USB 介面 1 1 5 :内建的U SB連接線1 2 :第一主機 121 :USB介面13 :第二主機 131 : USB介面14 : USB連接線[Brief description of the icon] This case can be illustrated by the following icon and details. Explanation, I got a deeper understanding ... Example of a portable storage connection cable with a bridging function The other figure in this case is not mainly 7L The figure numbers are as follows:, 6 rows 11: Portable storage with a bridging function Device…, 丨 1 ": Rate interface engine⑻E) 1112: first in first = early, (FIFO) no history in history queue 1313: first in first out queue (FIF0) 1114: string (SIE) Engine 11 1 5: Direct Memory Access Unit (DMA) 丨丨 2: Flash (Flash) Memory 113. USB Interface 114. USB Interface 1 1 5: Built-in USB SB cable 1 2: First Host 121: USB interface 13: Second host 131: USB interface 14: USB cable

Claims

1231415 六、申請專利範圍 1 ' 一種具橋接（Br idge)功能之可攜式儲存裝置，其包含：一第一介面，可電連接裏一第一主機（H〇st); 一第二介面’可電連接i 一第二主機（H〇 st); 一儲存媒體’可供存取資料；以及一控制單元’可控制該第一介面與該第二介面以橋接該第一主機與該第二主機，旅至少可提供該第一主機透過該第一介面存取該健存媒體之介面控制。 2、如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，其中該第一介面為通用串列匯流排（USB， Universal Serial Bus)介面。 3、如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，其中該第一介面可使用插頭機構，以插接該第一主機。 4、如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置’其中該第二介面可為〆串列介面或一並列介面。 5、如申請專利範圍第4項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置’其中該串列介面可為通用串列匯流排（U S b， Universal Serial Bus)介面或IEEE1394 介面。 6/如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，其中該第二介面可使用插槽或插頭機構，可經由外接一第一連接線電連接該第二主機。裝置如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲，更可包含一第二連接線，該第二介面可透過該第1231415 VI. Scope of patent application 1 'A portable storage device with bridging function, which includes: a first interface, which can be electrically connected to a first host (Host); a second interface' Can be electrically connected to a second host (H0st); a storage medium 'accessible data; and a control unit' can control the first interface and the second interface to bridge the first host and the second Host, at least, the brigade can provide interface control for the first host to access the storage media through the first interface. 2. The portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the first interface is a universal serial bus (USB) interface. 3. The portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the first interface can use a plug mechanism to plug in the first host. 4. The portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the second interface may be a serial interface or a parallel interface. 5. The portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the serial interface may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE1394 interface. 6 / The portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the second interface can use a slot or plug mechanism, and the second host can be electrically connected through an external first connection cable. Device The portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application may further include a second connection line, and the second interface may pass through the first

第11頁 1231415 六、申請專利範圍 '^〜連接線電連接該第二主機。 8壯、如申請專利範圍第7項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存 I置’其中該第二連接線可被自動或手動收納進裝置本妒内，亦可外露於裝置本體之外。足 9、如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置’其中該儲存媒體可為一揮發性記憶體（VRAM， Volatile Random Access Memory)或一非揮發性記憶體 (N V R A Μ，Ν ο η - V ο 1 a t i 1 e R a n d o m A c c e s s M e m o r y )。 1 〇、如申請專利範圍第9項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式_ 存裝置’其中該非揮發性記憶體為快閃記憶體（F丨a sh Memory ) 〇 11、如申請專利範圍第1項所述之具橋接功能之可攜式儲存裝置，其中該控制單元更可提供該第二主機透過該第二介面存取該儲存媒體之介面控制。Page 11 1231415 6. Scope of patent application '^ ~ The connection cable is electrically connected to the second host. 8 strong, portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 7 of the scope of patent application, wherein the second connection line can be automatically or manually stored in the device, or it can be exposed outside the device body . 9. The portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the storage medium may be a volatile memory (VRAM, Volatile Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory ( NVRA Μ, Ν ο η-V ο 1 ati 1 e R andom A ccess M emory). 1 〇 The portable storage device with bridging function as described in item 9 of the scope of patent application, wherein the non-volatile memory is flash memory (F 丨 a Sh Memory) 〇11, as described in the scope of patent application The portable storage device with bridging function according to item 1, wherein the control unit can further provide interface control for the second host to access the storage medium through the second interface.