Storage apparatus including a USB connector

• US 8,041,864 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2006
• Issued: 10/18/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Sony Corporation (Sony Group Corp.)
• Inventors: Deguchi, Yuichiro, Matsuoka, Akiko
• Primary Examiner(s): Sorrell; Eron J
• Application Number:
  US11/610,276
• Publication Number:
  US 20070086748A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,770 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 710/74
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 9/005 Solid-state data loggers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/24575 using context
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/248 Presentation of query results
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/64 Browsing; Visualisation therefor generation of a list or set of audio data G06F16/638
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/68 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/687 using geographical or spatial information, e.g. location
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9535 Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9538 Presentation of query results
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9562 Bookmark management
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/40 for identifying broadcast time
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/44 for identifying broadcast stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/64 for providing detail information
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching

Abstract

A storage apparatus is provided, including a USB connector configured to communicate with an external device, a storage device including a cap for covering the USB connector, and an interface to control a communication with the external device via the USB connector. A memory stores data transferred from the external device via the USB connector and the interface. A controller manages the interface and the memory. A portable case is configured to contain the interface, the memory, and the controller. A user input button on an external surface of the portable case receives a user input so that the controller may control the memory to store different information based on how many times, or how long, the user actuates the button.

Claims

1. A storage apparatus comprising:

a USB connector configured to communicate with an external device;

a cap configured to cover the USB connector;

an interface configured to control a communication with the external device via the USB connector;

a memory configured to store data transferred from the external device via the USB connector and the interface;

a controller configured to control the interface and the memory;

a portable case configured to contain the interface, the memory, and the controller; and

a user input button on an external surface of the portable case to receive a user input of pressing the button, and wherein the controller is configured to control the memory to store different information based on how many times or for how long the user presses the button.

2. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory stores a unique ID that can identify the storage apparatus.

3. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, while the storage apparatus is connected to the external device, a symbol associated with the storage apparatus is displayed on the external device.

4. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cut portion is formed on the storage apparatus, such that a string or a chain may be connected to the cut portion.

5. The storage apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cut portion is formed on the cap.

6. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the USB connector directly protrudes from the portable case when the cap is separated from the portable case.

7. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the USB connector can connect to a cradle connected to the external device.

8. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the controller controls the display according to an amount of data stored in the memory.

9. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable case includes a slide-proof portion composed of a rubber.

10. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a ring disposed to the cap.

11. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory can store audio data transferred from the external device.

12. The storage apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the audio data is compressed, and the storage apparatus further comprising a decoder configured to decode the audio data.

13. The storage apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the audio data is compressed in an MP3 format.

14. The storage apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the audio data is encrypted.

15. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a radio receiver.

16. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is a hardware controller.

17. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is a software controller.

18. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory is configured to store music data and at least one other type of data.

19. The storage apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to operate with a radio receiver receiving the data to be stored in the memory in a subscription support system.

20. A storage apparatus comprising:

a USB connector configured to communicate with an external device;

a cap configured to cover the USB connector;

an interface configured to control a communication with the external device via the USB connector;

a memory configured to store data transferred from the external device via the USB connector and the interface;

a controller configured to control the interface and the memory; and

a portable case configured to contain the interface, the memory, and the controller, and

wherein the memory stores time information and an indication of a radio broadcast when the user presses the input button once, stores time information and an indication of a television broadcast when the user presses the input button twice, and stores time information and an out-of-area indication when the user continuously presses the input button for a predetermined time or longer.