Flashtoaster for reading several types of flash-memory cards with or without a PC
First Claim
1. A memory card reader, comprising:
- an interface to have the memory card reader coupled to a host computer system;
a first memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a first format, and the first memory card slot to be assigned a first unique drive identifier;
a second memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a second format different from the first format, and the second memory card slot to be assigned a second unique drive identifier;
a first connector coupling the first memory card slot to a converter; and
a second connector coupling the second memory card slot to the converter, wherein the converter is to detect a first memory card of the first format having been inserted into the first memory card slot, detect a second memory card of the second format having been inserted in the second memory card slot, and to read data from the first and second inserted memory cards.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flash-memory-card reader reads and writes multiple types of flash-memory cards, including CompactFlash, and the smaller SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick. A converter chip converts the different card signals for transfer to a host personal computer (PC). Serial-to-parallel data conversion is performed for the smaller card formats with serial data interfaces, but not for CompactFlash with a parallel-data interface. A single slot has a 50-pin connector for CompactFlash cards or passive adapters. The passive adapters have the CompactFlash form factor and a smaller connector fitting smaller flash cards. Passive adapters have no components but simply wire the smaller connector to the CompactFlash connector. A pin mapping allows card-type detection by sensing the LSB address pins of the CompactFlash interface. A larger CompactFlash reader has multiple slots for each card type. The reader is connected to the PC by a cable, or located within the PC chassis in a drive bay. A stand-alone reader copies images from the flash-memory card to a removable disk media. Pressing a button initiates image transfer.
125 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A memory card reader, comprising:
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an interface to have the memory card reader coupled to a host computer system;
a first memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a first format, and the first memory card slot to be assigned a first unique drive identifier;
a second memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a second format different from the first format, and the second memory card slot to be assigned a second unique drive identifier;
a first connector coupling the first memory card slot to a converter; and
a second connector coupling the second memory card slot to the converter, wherein the converter is to detect a first memory card of the first format having been inserted into the first memory card slot, detect a second memory card of the second format having been inserted in the second memory card slot, and to read data from the first and second inserted memory cards. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A memory card reader, comprising:
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an interface to have the memory card reader coupled to a host computer system;
a processor and an internal storage;
a first memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a first format;
a second memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a second format different from the first format;
a first connector coupling the first memory card slot to a converter;
a second connector coupling the second memory card slot to the converter, wherein the converter is to detect a first memory card of the first format having been inserted into the first memory card slot, detect a second memory card of the second format having been inserted in the second memory card slot; and
the processor to transfer data between at least one of the first and second memory cards inserted and the internal storage, when the memory card reader is not coupled to the host computer system, and, when coupled to the host computer system, the processor to provide the host computer system access, to at least one of the first and second memory cards inserted, and the internal storage. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A system comprising:
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a processor;
a memory; and
a memory card reader, further comprising;
an interface to have the memory card reader coupled to a host computer system;
a processor and an internal storage;
a first memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a first format;
a second memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a second format different from the first format;
a first connector coupling the first memory card slot to a converter;
a second connector coupling the second memory card slot to the converter, wherein the converter is to detect a first memory card of the first format having been inserted into the first memory card slot, detect a second memory card of the second format having been inserted in the second memory card slot; and
the processor to transfer data between at least one of the first and second memory cards inserted and the internal storage, when the memory card reader is not coupled to the host computer system, and, when coupled to the host computer system, the processor to provide the host computer system access, to at least one of the first and second memory cards inserted, and the internal storage.
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32. A system comprising:
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a processor;
a memory; and
a memory card reader, further comprising;
an interface to have the memory card reader coupled to a host computer system;
a first memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a first format, and the first memory card slot to be assigned a first unique drive identifier;
a second memory card slot configured to receive a removable memory card of a second format different from the first format, and the second memory card slot to be assigned a second unique drive identifier;
a first connector coupling the first memory card slot to a converter; and
a second connector coupling the second memory card slot to the converter, wherein the converter is to detect a first memory card of the first format having been inserted into the first memory card slot, detect a second memory card of the second format having been inserted in the second memory card slot, and to read data from the first and second inserted memory cards.
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Specification