Electronic apparatus and method for discriminating whether a first or second card is attached thereto

• US 6,298,388 B1
• Filed: 09/16/1994
• Issued: 10/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/12/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Taguchi, Tomishige
• Primary Examiner(s): Peikari, B. James
• Application Number:
  US08/307,494
• Time in Patent Office: 2,573 Days
• Field of Search: 364/200, 364/900, 395/425, 395/500, 395/828, 395/829, 395/872, 395/882, 395/833, 395/681, 439/946, 439/945, 396/211, 399/83, 711/115, 711/2, 710/11, 710/16, 710/62
• US Class Current: 710/12
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/4063 Device-to-bus coupling
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/038 Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/4415 Self describing peripheral devices

Abstract

An electronic apparatus having a main body includes a connector for detachably connecting a first or second electronic circuit to the main body, a discriminator for discriminating whether the first electronic circuit or the second electronic circuit has been connected to the connector in accordance with information included in the first or second electronic circuit, and a device for executing transmission and reception of information to and from a memory provided in a first electronic circuit in the case where the discriminator discriminates that the first electronic circuit has been connected. The executing device also accesses data in an external device further connected to the second electronic circuit through a control circuit provided in the second electronic circuit in the case where the discriminator discriminates that the second electronic circuit has been connected. The invention also relates to a method for controlling such an electronic apparatus.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus for performing high-speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and pseudo IC card connector comprising:

an IC and pseudo IC card connector for connecting an IC card and a pseudo IC card to said apparatus, the pseudo IC card connecting to an external device, the pseudo IC card comprising an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from the external device; and

a central processing unit,

wherein said central processing unit determines whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to said IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to said information processing apparatus through said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said central processing unit loads an IC card control driver into a second memory from a first memory, the IC card control driver being used if said central processing unit determines that an IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said central processing unit loads a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory from a first memory, the pseudo IC card control driver being used if said central processing unit determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said central processing unit Performs parallel data transmission between said information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said central processing unit determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory,

wherein the first memory is located in one of said information processing apparatus and the pseudo IC card.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between said information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector via an interface cable.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said central processing unit executes a program comprising an operating system.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the loaded driver comprises a program for controlling the external device connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said central processing unit executes a program for loading the pseudo IC card control driver or the IC card control driver for the external device connected by said IC or pseudo IC card connector from the connected external device, wherein said central processing unit executes the loaded driver to control the external device connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said central processing unit executes a program for loading the IC card control driver or the pseudo IC card control driver when said apparatus is turned on.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said central processing unit executes a program for loading the IC card control driver or the pseudo IC card control driver when the external apparatus is connected by said IC card and pseudo IC card connector.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said connector has 68 signal pins.

16. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing the loaded driver.

17. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a memory for storing a program for loading the IC card control driver or the pseudo IC card control driver.

18. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display for displaying a character.

19. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a keyboard for inputting a character.

111. A method according to claim 1, wherein said loading steps load the driver when the apparatus is turned on.

20. An information processing apparatus for performing high-speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and pseudo IC card connector comprising:

an IC and pseudo IC card connector means for connecting an IC and a pseudo IC card to said apparatus, said IC and pseudo IC card being connectable to an external device, said pseudo IC card comprising an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from the external device; and

means for determining whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to said IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to said information processing apparatus through said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said determining means loads an IC card control driver into a second memory from a first memory, the IC card control driver being used if said central processing unit determines that an IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said determining means loads a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory from a first memory, the pseudo IC card control driver being used if said central processing unit determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said determining means performs parallel data transmission between said information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said central processing unit determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory,

wherein the first memory is located in one of said information processing apparatus and the pseudo IC card.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

22. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

23. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between said information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

24. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector means via an interface cable.

25. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said determining means loads the driver in accordance with an operating system for loading the driver for the external device from the external device.

26. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the loaded driver comprises a program for controlling the external device connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector means.

27. An apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising means for executing the loaded driver to control the external device connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector means.

28. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said determining means loads the driver when said apparatus is turned on.

29. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said determining means loads the driver when the external apparatus is connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector means.

30. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

31. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

32. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

33. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

34. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said connector has 68 signal pins.

35. An apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising the second memory for storing the loaded driver.

36. An apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a display for displaying a character.

37. An apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a keyboard for inputting a character.

38. A storage medium used in an information processing apparatus for performing high speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and pseudo IC card connector for connecting an IC card and a pseudo IC card to the information processing apparatus, the pseudo IC card connecting to an external apparatus, the pseudo IC card comprising an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from an external device, said storage medium comprising storage means for storing a program for causing the information processing apparatus to determine whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to said IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to said information processing apparatus through said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said program causes the information processing apparatus to load an IC card control driver into a second memory from a first memory, the IC card control driver being used if said information processing apparatus determines that an IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein the program also causes the information processing apparatus to load a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory from the first memory, the pseudo IC card control driver being used if said information processing apparatus determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein the program also causes the information processing apparatus to perform parallel data transmission between said information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said information processing apparatus determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory,

wherein the first memory is located in one of said information processing apparatus and the pseudo IC card.

39. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

40. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

41. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between said information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

42. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector via an interface cable.

43. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the program stored in said storage means comprises an operating system.

44. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the loaded driver comprises a program for controlling the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

45. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the program stored in said storage means is executed when the information processing apparatus is turned on.

46. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the program stored in said storage means is executed when the external apparatus is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

47. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

48. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

49. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

50. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the information processing apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

51. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the connector has 68 signal pins.

52. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the information processing apparatus further comprises the second memory for storing the loaded driver.

53. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the information processing apparatus further comprises a display for displaying a character.

54. A storage medium according to claim 38, wherein the information processing apparatus further comprises a keyboard for inputting a character.

55. An information processing apparatus for performing high speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and pseudo IC card comprising:

an IC and pseudo IC card connector for connecting an IC card and a pseudo IC card to said apparatus, the pseudo IC card connecting to an external device, the pseudo IC card comprising an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from the external device; and

a memory for storing a program causing the information processing apparatus to determine whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to said IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to said information processing apparatus through said IC and pseudo IC card connector

wherein the program causes the information processing apparatus to load an IC card control driver into second memory means from first memory means, the IC card control driver being used if said information processing apparatus determines that an IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein the program also causes the information processing apparatus to load a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory means from the first memory means, the pseudo IC card control driver being used if said information processing apparatus determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and Pseudo IC card connector,

wherein the program also causes the information processing apparatus to perform parallel data transmission between said information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said information processing apparatus determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory means,

wherein the first memory means is located in one of said information processing apparatus and the pseudo IC card.

56. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

57. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

58. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between said information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

59. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector via an interface cable.

60. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the driver stored in said second memory means comprises a program for controlling the external device connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector.

61. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the driver is loaded in said second memory means when said apparatus is turned on.

62. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the device driver is loaded in said second memory means when the external apparatus is connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connector.

63. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

64. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

65. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

66. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

67. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said connector has 68 signal pins.

68. An apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising a display for displaying a character.

69. An apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising a keyboard for inputting a character.

70. A pseudo IC card detachably connected to an information processing apparatus, said card comprising:

first memory means for storing data;

an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from an external device; and

second memory means for storing a device driver for the device, which will be loaded into the information processing apparatus, the external device controller operating in response to signals generated in accordance with the loaded device driver.

71. A device according to claim 70, wherein said device comprises a random access memory card.

72. A device according to claim 70, wherein said device comprises a read only memory card.

73. A device according to claim 70, wherein said device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between the information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

74. A device according to claim 70, wherein said device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected to the information processing apparatus via an interface cable.

75. A device according to claim 70, wherein the device driver comprises a program for controlling said device and is executed in the information processing apparatus.

76. A device according to claim 70, wherein the device driver is loaded from said second memory means into the information processing apparatus when the apparatus is turned on.

77. A device according to claim 70, wherein the device driver is loaded from said second memory means into the information processing apparatus when said device is connected to the apparatus.

78. A pseudo IC card detachably connected to an information processing apparatus, said card comprising:

a data memory for storing data;

an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from an external device; and

a program memory for storing a device driver for the device which will be loaded into the information processing apparatus, the external device controller operating in response to signals generated in accordance with the loaded device driver.

79. A device according to claim 78, wherein said device comprises a random access memory card.

80. A device according to claim 78, wherein said device comprises a read only memory card.

81. A device according to claim 78, wherein said device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between the information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

82. A device according to claim 78, wherein said device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected to the information processing apparatus via an interface cable.

83. A device according to claim 78, wherein the device driver comprises a program for controlling said device and is executed in the information processing apparatus.

84. A device according to claim 78, wherein the device driver is loaded from said second memory means into the information processing apparatus when the apparatus is turned on.

85. A device according to claim 78, wherein the device driver is loaded from said program memory means to the information processing apparatus when said device is connected to the apparatus.

86. An information processing method for performing high speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and pseudo IC card carried out in an information processing apparatus comprising the IC and pseudo IC card connector, the pseudo IC card connecting to an external device, the pseudo IC card including an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from the external device, said method comprising the steps of:

determining whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to the IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to the information processing apparatus through the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

loading an IC card control driver into a second memory from a first memory, the IC card control driver being used if said determining step determines that an IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

loading a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory from the first memory, the pseudo IC card control driver being used if said determining step determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

performing parallel data transmission between the information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said determining step determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory,

wherein the first memory is located in one of the information processing apparatus and the pseudo IC card.

87. A method according to claim 86, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

88. A method according to claim 86, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

89. A method according to claim 86, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between the information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

90. A method according to claim 86, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector via an interface cable.

91. A method according to claim 86, wherein said loading steps are performed in accordance with a program, wherein the program comprises an operating system.

92. A method according to claim 86, wherein the loaded driver comprises a program for controlling the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

93. A method according to claim 86, further comprising the step of operating the loaded driver to control the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

94. A method according to claim 86, further comprising the step of loading the driver when the apparatus is turned on.

95. A method according to claim 86, further comprising the step of loading the driver when the external device is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

96. A method according to claim 86, wherein the apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

97. A method according to claim 86, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

98. A method according to claim 86, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

99. A method according to claim 86, wherein the apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

100. A method according to claim 86, wherein the IC and pseudo IC card connector has 68 signal pins.

101. A method according to claim 86, further comprising the step of displaying a character.

102. A method according to claim 86, further comprising the step of inputting a character.

103. An information processing method for performing high speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and pseudo IC card carried out in an information processing apparatus having an IC and pseudo IC car connector, the pseudo IC card including an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from the external device, said method comprising the steps of:

determining whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to the IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to the information processing apparatus through the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

loading an IC card control driver into a second memory from a first memory, the IC card control driver being used if said determining step determines that an IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

loading a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory from the first memory, the pseudo IC card control driver being used if said determining step determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

performing parallel data transmission between the information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said determining step determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory,

wherein the first memory is located in the pseudo IC card.

104. A method according to claim 103, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

105. A method according to claim 103, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

106. A method according to claim 103, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between the information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

107. A method according to claim 103, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector via an interface cable.

108. A method according to claim 103, wherein said loading steps load the driver in accordance with an operating system for loading the driver for the external device from the external device.

109. A method according to claim 103, wherein the loaded driver comprises a program for controlling the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

110. A method according to claim 103, further comprising the step of operating the loaded driver to control the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

112. A method according to claim 103, wherein said loading steps load the driver when the external device is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

113. A method according to claim 103, wherein the apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

114. A method according to claim 103, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

115. A method according to claim 103, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

116. A method according to claim 103, wherein the apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

117. A method according to claim 103, wherein the IC and pseudo IC card connector has 68 signal pins.

118. A method according to claim 103, further comprising the step of displaying a character.

119. A method according to claim 103, further comprising the step of inputting a character.

120. An information processing apparatus for performing high speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and pseudo IC card comprising:

IC and pseudo IC card connecting means for connecting an IC card and a pseudo IC card to said apparatus, the pseudo IC card connecting to an external device, the pseudo IC card comprising an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from the external device;

means for determining whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to said IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to said information processing apparatus through said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said determining means loads an IC card control driver into a second memory from a first memory, the IC card control driver being used if said central processing unit determines that an IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said determining means loads a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory from the first memory, said pseudo IC card control driver being used if said central processing unit determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector,

wherein said determining means performs parallel data transmission between said information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said central processing unit determines that a pseudo IC card is connected to said IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory,

wherein the first memory is located in one of said information processing apparatus and the pseudo IC card; and

the second memory into which the IC card control driver and the pseudo IC card control driver are loaded.

121. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

122. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

123. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between said information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

124. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connecting means via an interface cable.

125. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the driver stored in said second memory comprises a program for controlling the external device connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connecting means.

126. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the driver is loaded into said second memory when said apparatus is turned on.

127. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the driver is loaded into said second memory when the external apparatus is connected by said IC and pseudo IC card connecting means.

128. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein said apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

129. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein said apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

130. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein said apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

131. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein said apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

132. An apparatus according to claim 120, wherein said IC and pseudo IC card connecting means has 68 signal pins.

133. An apparatus according to claim 120, further comprising display means for displaying a character.

134. An apparatus according to claim 120, further comprising input means for inputting a character.

135. A computer usable storage medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing a computer of an information processing apparatus to perform high speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and pseudo IC card and having an IC and pseudo IC card connector for connecting an IC card and a pseudo IC card to the apparatus, the pseudo IC card connecting to an external device the apparatus, the pseudo IC card including an external device controller controlling input/output operations to/from the external device, the computer readable program code means comprising:

first computer readable program code means for causing the computer to determine whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to the IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to the information processing apparatus through the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

second computer readable program code means for causing the computer to load an IC card control driver into a second memory from a first memory, the IC card control driver being used if said first computer readable program code means causes the computer to determine that an IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

third computer readable program code means for causing the computer to load a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory from the first memory, the pseudo IC card control driver being used if said first computer readable program code means causes the computer to determine that a pseudo IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

fourth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to perform parallel data transmission between the information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said first computer readable program code means causes the computer to determine that a pseudo IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory,

wherein the first memory is located in one of said information processing apparatus and the pseudo IC card.

136. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

137. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

138. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between the information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

139. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector via an interface cable.

140. A medium according to claim 135, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means comprise an operating system.

141. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the loaded driver comprises a program for controlling the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

142. A medium according to claim 135, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means control the computer to operate the loaded driver to control the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

143. A medium according to claim 135, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means cause the computer to load a driver when the computer is turned on.

144. A medium according to claim 135, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means cause the computer to load a driver when the external device is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

145. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

146. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

147. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

148. A storage medium according to claim 135, wherein the apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

149. A medium according to claim 135, wherein the IC and pseudo IC card connector has 68 signal pins.

150. A medium according to claim 135, further comprising fifth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to display a character.

151. A medium according to claim 135, further comprising fifth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to input a character.

152. A computer usable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein for causing a computer of an information processing apparatus to perform high speed parallel data transmission with an external device through an IC and Pseudo IC card and having an IC and pseudo IC card connector connecting an IC card and a pseudo IC card to the apparatus, the pseudo IC card connecting to an external device, the pseudo IC card including an external device controller controlling the input/output operation to/from the external device, the program performing the steps of:

first computer readable program code means for causing the computer to determine whether an IC card or a pseudo IC card is attached to the IC and pseudo IC card connector by reading and discriminating directory management data stored in the card attached to the information processing apparatus through the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

second computer readable program code means for causing the computer to load an IC card control driver into a second memory from a first memory, the IC card control driver being used if said first computer readable program code means causes the computer to determine that an IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

third computer readable program code means for causing the computer to load a pseudo IC card control driver into the second memory from the first memory, the pseudo IC card control driver being used if said first computer readable program code means causes the computer to determine that a pseudo IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector,

fourth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to perform parallel data transmission between the information processing apparatus and the external device through the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card when said first computer readable program code means causes the computer to determine that a pseudo IC card is connected to the IC and pseudo IC card connector and the pseudo IC card control driver is loaded into the second memory,

wherein the first memory is located in the pseudo IC card.

153. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the external device comprises a random access memory card.

154. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the external device comprises a read only memory card.

155. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the external device comprises an input/output card for inputting or outputting information between the information processing apparatus and another information processing apparatus.

156. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the external device comprises another information processing apparatus which is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector via an interface cable.

157. A medium according to claim 152, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means cause the computer to load a driver in accordance with an operating system for loading the driver for the external device from the external device.

158. A medium according to claim 152, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means comprise a program for controlling the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

159. A medium according to claim 152, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means cause the computer to operate the loaded driver to control the external device connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

160. A medium according to claim 152, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means cause the computer to load the driver when the computer is turned on.

161. A medium according to claim 152, wherein said second and third computer readable program code means cause the computer to load the driver when the external device is connected by the IC and pseudo IC card connector.

162. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the apparatus comprises a notebook personal computer.

163. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic pocket book.

164. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the apparatus comprises an electronic camera.

165. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the apparatus comprises a facsimile apparatus.

166. A medium according to claim 152, wherein the IC and pseudo IC card connector has 68 signal pins.

167. A medium according to claim 152, further comprising fifth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to display a character.

168. A medium according to claim 152, further comprising fifth computer readable program code means for causing the computer to input a character.

169. An information processing apparatus for performing data transmission with an external apparatus, said information processing apparatus comprising:

connection means for connecting a first IC card and a second IC card to said information processing apparatus, the second IC card connecting to the external apparatus;

determination means for determining whether the first IC card or the second IC card is attached to said connection means by reading and discriminating data stored in the first or second IC card;

loading means for loading an IC card control driver from a first memory into a second memory if said determination means determines that the second IC card is attached to said connection means; and

control means for performing data transmission between said information processing apparatus and the external apparatus through said connection means and the second IC card using the IC card control driver loaded by said loading means if said determination means determines that the second IC card is attached to said connection means.

170. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein the IC card control driver comprises a program for controlling the second IC card.

171. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said control means controls data transmission with a memory provided in the first IC card if said determination means determines that the first IC card is attached to said connection means.

172. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein the second IC card connects to the external apparatus via a cable.

173. An apparatus according to claim 169, herein said information processing apparatus is a notebook personal computer.

174. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said information processing apparatus is a portable data terminal.

175. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein said information processing apparatus is an electronic camera.

176. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein the first memory comprises a non-volatile memory.

177. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein the second memory comprises a RAM.

178. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein the external apparatus comprises a storage device.

179. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein the external apparatus comprises a printer.

180. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein the data stored in the first or second IC card indicates an IC card type.

181. An apparatus according to claim 169, herein the second IC card stores data which indicates the IC card control driver corresponding to the second IC card.

182. An apparatus according to claim 169, wherein the second IC card comprises an external apparatus controller for controlling data transmission with the external apparatus.

183. An information processing method for performing data transmission between an information processing apparatus and an external apparatus, said information processing method comprising the steps of:

connecting a first IC card and a second IC card to the information processing apparatus with connection means, the second IC card connecting to the external apparatus;

determining whether the first IC card or the second IC card is attached to the connection means by reading and discriminating data stored in the first or second IC card;

loading an IC card control driver from a first memory into a second memory of the information processing apparatus if said determining step determines that the second IC card is attached to the connection means; and

performing data transmission between their formation processing apparatus and the external apparatus through the connection means and the second IC card using the IC card control driver loaded by said loading step if said determining step determines that the second IC card is attached to the connection means.

184. A method according to claim 183, wherein said loading step comprises the step of loading an IC card control driver comprising a program for controlling the second IC card.

185. A method according to claim 183, wherein said performing step controls data transmission with a memory provided in the first IC card if said determining step determines that the first IC card is attached to the connection means.

186. A method according to claim 183, further comprising the step of connecting the second IC card to the external apparatus via a cable.

187. A method according to claim 183, wherein the information processing apparatus is a notebook personal computer.

188. A method according to claim 183, wherein the information processing apparatus is a portable data terminal.

189. A method according to claim 183, wherein the information processing apparatus is an electronic camera.

190. A method according to claim 183, wherein the first memory comprises a non-volatile memory.

191. A method according to claim 183, wherein the second memory comprises a RAM.

192. A method according to claim 183, wherein the external apparatus comprises a storage device.

193. A method according to claim 183, wherein the external apparatus comprises a printer.

194. A method according to claim 183, wherein said determining step comprises the step of reading data stored in the first or second IC card indicating an IC card type.

195. A method according to claim 183, wherein the second IC card stores data which indicates the IC card control driver corresponding to the second IC card.

196. A method according to claim 183, wherein the second IC card comprises an external apparatus controller for controlling data transmission with the external apparatus.

197. A storage medium storing a program used in an information processing apparatus for performing data transmission with an external apparatus and for connecting a first IC card and a second IC card to the information processing apparatus with connection means, the second IC card connecting to the external apparatus, the pro gram instructing the information processing apparatus to perform the steps of:

determining whether the first IC card or the second IC card is attached to the connection means by reading and discriminating data stored in the first or second IC card;

loading an IC card control driver from a first memory into a second memory of the information processing apparatus if said determining step determines that the second IC card is attached to the connection means; and

performing data transmission between the information processing apparatus and the external apparatus through the connection means an IC the second IC card using the IC card control driver loaded by said loading step if said determining step determines that the second IC card is attached to the connection means.

198. A medium according to claim 197, wherein said loading step comprises the step of loading an IC card control driver comprising a program for controlling the second IC card.

199. A medium according to claim 197, wherein said performing step controls data transmission with a memory provided in the first IC card if said determining step determines that the first IC card is attached to the connection mean.

200. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the second IC card is connected to the external apparatus via a cable.

201. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the information processing apparatus is a notebook personal computer.

202. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the information processing apparatus is a portable data terminal.

203. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the information processing apparatus is an electronic camera.

204. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the first memory comprises a non-volatile memory.

205. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the second memory comprises a RAM.

206. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the external apparatus comprises a storage device.

207. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the external apparatus comprises a printer.

208. A medium according to claim 197, wherein said determining step comprises the step of reading data stored in the first or second IC card indicating an IC card type.

209. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the second IC card stores data which indicates the IC card control driver corresponding to the second IC card.

210. A medium according to claim 197, wherein the second IC card comprises an external apparatus controller for controlling data transmission with the external apparatus.

211. A program used in an information processing apparatus for performing data transmission with an external apparatus and for connecting a first IC card and a second IC card to the information processing apparatus with connection means, the second IC card connecting to the external apparatus, the program instructing the information processing apparatus to perform the steps of:

determining whether the first IC card or the second IC card is attached to the connection means by reading and discriminating data stored in the first or second IC card;

loading an IC card control driver from a first memory into a second memory of the information processing apparatus if said determining step determines that the second IC card is attached to the connection means; and

performing data transmission between the information processing apparatus and the external apparatus through the connection means and the second IC card using the IC card control driver loaded by said loading step if said determining step determines that the second IC card is attached to the connection means.

212. A program according to claim 211, wherein said loading step comprises the step of loading an IC card control driver comprising a program for controlling the second IC card.

213. A program according to claim 211, wherein said performing step controls data transmission with a memory provided in the first IC card if said determining step determines that the first IC card is attached to the connection means.

214. A program according to claim 211, wherein the second IC card is connected to the external apparatus via a cable.

215. A program according to claim 211, wherein the information processing apparatus is a notebook personal computer.

216. A program according to claim 211, wherein the information processing apparatus is a portable data terminal.

217. A program according to claim 211, wherein the information processing apparatus is an electronic camera.

218. A program according to claim 211, wherein the first memory comprises a non-volatile memory.

219. A program according to claim 211, wherein the second memory comprises a RAM.

220. A program according to claim 211, wherein the external apparatus comprises a storage device.

221. A program according to claim 211, wherein the external apparatus comprises a printer.

222. A program according to claim 211, wherein said determining step comprises the step of reading data stored in the first or second IC card indicating an IC card type.

223. A program according to claim 211, wherein the second IC card stores data which indicates the IC card control driver corresponding to the second IC card.

224. A program according to claim 211, wherein the second IC card comprises an external apparatus controller for controlling data transmission with the external apparatus.