Flash memory disk with detection functionality

• US 20070073496A1
• Filed: 09/29/2005
• Published: 03/29/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: RITEK Corporation
• Original Assignee: RITEK Corporation
• Inventors: Lin, Yu-Chuan, Chen, Chun-Chieh, Chen, Chang-Yi
• Application Number:
  US11/238,713
• Publication Number:
  US 20070073496A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 22/006 Pedometers

Abstract

A detection functionality of any type sensor is integrated into a flash memory disk. The sensor detects its environment and generates signals constantly. A microcontroller, connected with the sensor, saves all signals into a flash memory. A connection port, connected with the microcontroller, enables the flash memory disk to transfer its data to and from a computer when the connection port is coupled with the computer. A battery supplies power to the flash memory, the sensor and the microcontroller.

Claims

1. A flash memory disk, having detection functionality, said flash memory disk comprising:

a flash memory;

a sensor, detecting its environment and generating a signal;

a microcontroller, coupled with said sensor, the signal being stored in said flash memory under control of said microcontroller;

a connection port, coupled with said microcontroller, said flash memory transferring data to and from a computer when said connection port is coupled with the computer; and

a battery, supplying power to said flash memory, said sensor and said microcontroller.

2. The flash memory disk of claim 1, further comprising a display module coupled with said microcontroller, said display module outputting what said sensor detects under control of said microcontroller.

3. The flash memory disk of claim 1, wherein said connection port is an IEEE 1394 port, an RS-232 serial port, a printer port or a USB port.

4. The flash memory disk of claim 1, wherein said connection port is a wireless protocol port.

5. The flash memory disk of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a platinum resistance thermometer.

6. The flash memory disk of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a polymer moisture sensor.

7. The flash memory disk of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a reed switch, an accelerometer, or a piezoelectric sensor.

8. The flash memory disk of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a gravity meter.

9. The flash memory disk of claim 1, wherein said sensor is a draw-wire displacement sensor, a laser displacement sensor, an eddy-current displacement sensor, an angle sensor, or a GPS receiver.

10. A flash memory disk, having step-count functionality, said flash memory disk comprising:

a flash memory;

a vibration sensor, detecting repeated movements of a person'"'"'s walk and generating a signal;

a counter, coupled with said vibration sensor, receiving and accumulating the signal to calculate steps;

a microcontroller, coupled with said counter, said signal being stored in said flash memory under control of said microcontroller;

a USB port, coupled with said microcontroller, said flash memory transferring data to and from a computer when said USB port is coupled with the computer; and

a battery, supplying power to said flash memory, said sensor, said counter and said microcontroller.

11. The flash memory disk of claim 10, wherein said vibration sensor is a reed switch, an accelerometer, or a piezoelectric sensor.

12. The flash memory disk of claim 10, further comprising an input module, coupled with said microcontroller, wherein personal data is input into said microcontroller by means of said input module.

13. The flash memory disk of claim 10, further comprising a display module coupled with said microcontroller, said display module outputting what said sensor detects under control of said microcontroller.