WO2019021171A1

WO2019021171A1 - Data storage support and interface device

Info

Publication number: WO2019021171A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/055492
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michele FREDIANI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-27
Filing date: 2018-07-24
Publication date: 2019-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2020-01-27
Also published as: IT201700086497A1

Abstract

L'invention comprend : un support de stockage de données (1) ayant une mémoire de données (2); un émetteur sans fil (3) adapté pour permettre un échange de données avec un dispositif d'interface (10); une unité de commande de fonctionnement de proximité (4) servant à commander le fonctionnement de l'émetteur sans fil (3) uniquement si le support de stockage de données (1) est suffisamment proche du dispositif d'interface (10); et un boîtier (6) logeant la mémoire (2), l'émetteur sans fil (3) et l'unité de proximité (4).The invention comprises: a data storage medium (1) having a data memory (2); a wireless transmitter (3) adapted to allow data exchange with an interface device (10); a proximity operation control unit (4) for controlling the operation of the wireless transmitter (3) only if the data storage medium (1) is sufficiently close to the interface device (10); and a housing (6) housing the memory (2), the wireless transmitter (3) and the proximity unit (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION

DATA STORAGE SUPPORT AND INTERFACE DEVICE

This present invention consists of a data storage support and an interface device with said data storage support.

The invention is about a removable storage support for computer data, hereinafter referred to as "data", and an interface device able to exchange data with such unit. In this document the term data identifies one or more files of any type, such as for example: text; audio; video; multimedia; image; system data; executable; configuration; log data; binary; source; object; records.

As known, these media are divided in non-removable and removable (or portable). The former are storage media units that can be removed from the device (such as computers, smartphones) does not fall into normal use. They are integrated into the device.

Whereas portable ones are memory media or media storage that can be removed from the device and falls within the normal use. They are small in size and easy to transport.

Portable media storage are CDs, DVDs, blu-ray discs, thumb drives and memory cards.

CDs, DVDs, blu-ray discs are a polycarbonate disks coupled to a metal sheet with data such as "pits" and "lands". The corresponding interface device passes a laser ray over the metal sheet, which detects the pits and lands and thus reads the stored data.

A pen drive has a USB connector which gets inserted into a USB port of the interface device.

A memory card performs data exchange using copper facets placed in contact with the copper facets of the interface device.

The technique described comprises some important drawbacks.

The well-known media data storage are easily to deteriorate, thus becoming unable to perform their functionality and causing data loss.

In fact, the USB connector of a thumb drive and the facets of a memory card are cantilevered and exposed, and therefore are easily subject to shocks and dangerous infiltration/deposit of dust and liquids.

This fragility is also typical of CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays, where scratches, even small ones, can deflect the laser and prevent data from being read.

The same problems are found in interface devices, because they have similar physical connectors.

In this situation the technical task underlying the present invention is to design a data storage support and an interface device capable of substantially removing at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Within the scope of this technical task, an important aim of the invention is to obtain a unit and a device which are long-lasting and easy to use.

The technical task and the specified purposes are achieved by a data storage and an interface device as claimed in the annexed independent claims. Examples of preferred embodiment are described in the dependent claims.

Preferred embodiment are highlighted in the dependent claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention are hereafter clarified by the detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings, where:

Fig. 1 shows a data storage support;

Fig. 2 illustrates an interface device; and Fig. 3 illustrates a unit and a device together.

In this document, measurements, values, forms, when associated with words such as "about" or other similar terms such as "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as the lesser of the errors of measurement, production or similar. For example, if associated with a value, they preferably indicate a divergence of no more than 10%.

Unless otherwise specified, as is apparent from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as "computer science", "determination", "calculation" or similar, refer to the computer action and/or processes or similar electronic computing devices that manipulate and/or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities of registers of an information system and/or memory, other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other devices for storing, transmitting or displaying information.

With reference to the Figures, the data storage support of the invention is indicated throughout the Figures by the number 1.

It is suitable for storing data of any type for example between one or more files of: text, audio, video, multimedia, image, system, configuration, log, binary, source, object, executable or record.

The data storage support 1 is adapted to perform data exchange with an interface device 10 allowing their manipulation (reproduction, copying ...) and/or their storage on the unit 1 .

Storage support 1 is removable/portable. In detail, it is easy to carry in the hand and may be smaller than 10 cm, preferably 5 cm, and even more preferably 3 cm. The unit 1 can comprise at least one memory 2 for data storage and optionally a software for the operation of unit 1 .

Memory 2 can be a non-volatile memory capable of storing data without a power supply. Preferably, it is in a solid state.

The capacity of memory 2 is at least 1 MByte, in detail 100 MByte, and more in detail 1 GByte.

Data storage support 1 may include a wireless transmitter 3 suitable for carrying out a data exchange between the unit 1 (in detail memory 2) and interface device 10.

Preferably, the wireless transmitter 3 is the only data connection of the support 1. The wireless transmitter 3 may be adapted to provide a short-range data connection. This range of action may be substantially less than 10 m, preferably at 5 m, more preferably at 1 m, more preferably still at 0.5 m, and if possible - at 0.1 m.

The said data connection has a speed substantially at least equal to 0.1 MB/s, in particular to 1 MB/s, and more particularly to 10 MB/s, and preferably to 30 MB/s. To summarise, the data connection has a speed substantially at least equal to 0.1 Mb/s and a range of action substantially less than 3 m; preferably, the speed is substantially at least equal to 1 MB/s (in detail at 10 MB/s) and the radius of action substantially less than 1 m; and more preferably still, the speed is substantially at least 10 MB/s (in detail at 50 MB/s) and the radius of action is substantially less than 0.5 m and preferably at 0.1 m.

For example, the data connection can be Wireless USB or (WUSB).

The connection speed can be selected according to the use foreseen for the data storage support 1 . For example, in the case of unit 1 for audio files, the connection may have a speed substantially at least equal to 0.1 MB/s, preferably substantially lower than 5 MB/s; in the case of support 1 for video files or games, the data connection speed may be substantially equal to at least 1 MB/s at least equal to 10 MB/s.

It should be noted that activation and deactivation of the wireless transmitter 3 coincide with activation and deactivation of the unit 1.

The data storage support 1 may comprise a proximity operation unit 4 commanding the operation of the wireless transmitter 3 according to the distance between the unit 1 and the interface device 10.

The proximity operation unit 4 controls the operation of the wireless transmitter 3 according to the distance between the data storage support 1 and the interface device 10 defining, as a function of said distance, an active condition and an inactive condition.

The proximity unit 4 defines an active condition in which the wireless transmitter 3 is active and can perform data exchange, and an inactive condition in which the wireless transmitter 3 is switched off and does not exchange data.

The active condition is obtained if the distance between medium 1 and device 10 is not higher, and preferably less, than a maximum operating distance of unit 4; inactive condition is obtained when the said distance is greater than said maximum operating distance.

The maximum operating distance may be less than the radius of action of the wireless transmitter 3.

It may be less than 5 m, preferably at 3 m, more preferably at 1 m, advantageously at 0.5 m, and even more advantageously at 0.1 m.

Unit 4 can be of various types and below are non-limiting examples.

In a first example, it can comprise a wireless charge receiver defining the active condition supplying energy to the medium 1 by activating the transmitter 3 and the inactive one interrupting the said supply; and optionally a transformer (such as a battery) adapting the parameters of the energy exiting the receiver to those necessary for the unit 1 .

The wireless charge receiver is adapted to receive an energising emission, that is, an emission which, when intercepted by the receiver, is transformed by it into an energy supply for the unit 1 . It can be induction-based.

Preferably, the wireless charging receiver is the only power supply of the data storage support 1 and the transmitter 3 creating the data exchange exclusively when powered by the receiver.

Optionally, the receiver and the transmitter 3 can coincide.

In a second example, the proximity operating unit 4 can be magnetic and define the active and inactive conditions by exploiting a magnetic force.

It may comprise a magnetic body (ferromagnetic or a magnet) movable between an operating position in which it defines the active condition, for example by closing a circuit and a non-operating position in which it defines the inactive condition, such as by not closing a circuit; and a spring adapted to keep the mobile body in a non-operating position.

The magnetic body is adapted to be moved, in opposition to the spring, into the operating position by a magnet external to the unit 1 (and integral with the device 10) when the unit 1 is connected to the external magnet (i.e. the device 10) and brought by the spring into the non-operating position if removed from it.

In a third example, the operating unit 4 can define the active condition if the unit 1 is in contact with the device 10, and inactive if not in contact. It may comprise a piezoelectric adapted to provide an input usable for controlling the change of condition.

In a fourth example, the proximity operating unit 4 may comprise a functioning code and define the active condition with its reception via wireless transmitter 3, appropriately within a wireless transmitter 3 activation time.

In this case, if the unit 1 receives within the activation time the operating code (device 10 in said range of action), the unit 4 commands the activation of the transmitter 3 beyond the activation time. If the unit 1 does not receive the operating code within the activation time, unit 4 commands the return to inactive condition.

The activation time is preferably less than 30 s, preferably at 10, and precisely at 5 s.

In this example unit 4 can comprise an activator through which an operator commands the activation of the wireless transmitter 3 for at least, and preferably exclusively, the said activation time.

This activator can be a device for converting human energy into electrical energy and preferably a shaking charging device.

In this example the maximum distance is equal to the radius of action; the inactive condition occurs when the data connection is interrupted.

The proximity operating unit 4 can supply power to the unit 1 for its operation.

In the first example, this function can be performed through the said wireless charge receiver, while in the other examples the unit 4 can comprise a power supply.

The power supply may comprise a battery and/or the wireless charge receiver described above. Preferably, the power supply comprises only the receiver defining a passive unit 1 (functioning only if it is supplied wirelessly from the outside).

The data storage support 1 may comprise a command card 5 of unit 1.

Optionally, the unit 1 can comprise a buffer battery suitable exclusively to avoid deleting data from the data storage support 1 when not powered by the unit 4. The data storage support 1 may comprise a casing 6, preferably exclusively, memory 2, wireless transmitter 3, proximity operating unit 4, and if present the card 6 and possibly the buffer battery.

The casing 6 fully houses the said components.

It defines the entire external profile/form of the data storage support 1 .

Preferably, the casing 6 is non-deformable (i.e. it does not undergo appreciable deformations or breakage), preferably up to a force of 100 N and in detail 1000 N.

More specifically, it is non-deformable up to 1 kPa and in detail 10 KPa.

The data storage support 1 is preferably free of peripherals and in detail - of any user interface means such as screens, keyboards.

It is preferably free of physical connectors (USB, LAN, etc.) and can be connected

(data and/or power supply) with the outside only wirelessly.

It would be especially advantageous if the unit 1 consists only of memory 2, transmitter 3, unit 4, casing 6, if card 6 is present, and in some cases buffer battery.

The interface device 10 may comprise a complementary proximity operating unit 11 able to interact with the unit 4 by commanding the passage to an active condition when the said distance between unit 1 and device 10 is not greater than the maximum operating distance, and into an inactive condition when the said distance is greater than the maximum distance.

The distance between unit 1 and device 10 is to be calculated as the distance between unit 1 and device 10 and preferably between units 4 and 1 1 .

The complementary unit 1 1 can be of various types; below we provide some non- limiting examples.

Therefore, the complementary proximity operating unit 1 1 comprises a wireless charge emitter suitable for feeding, preferably by induction, the unit 1 in the case of unit 4 comprising a wireless charging receiver; a magnet suitable for placing the magnetic body in the operating position in the case of magnetic unit 4; the said operation code and wireless data transmission means for the operating code in the case of unit 4 comprising an operating code. Finally, if the unit 4 controls the operation of the unit 1 by contact, the complementary unit 1 1 can be inserted in any type of surface.

It should be noted that in all these cases the complementary unit 1 1 can comprise the wireless charge emitter, feeding the unit 1 in wireless (preferably by induction), if possible in an exclusive manner.

The interface device 10 can comprise physical connectors (for example USB) adapted to allow its data connection with a data processor (computer, smartphone, etc.) suitable for carrying out the data exchange with the unit 1.

Alternatively, the interface device 10 can be called a computer and thus comprises an antenna 12 able to connect to the transmitter 3 allowing data exchange with the unit 1 ; and preferably at least one peripheral 13 suitable for allowing data manipulation in the data storage support 1 .

The antenna 12 is adapted to connect to the wireless transmitter 3 exclusively when the unit 1 is powered, preferably exclusively, by the wireless charging emitter through the wireless charging receiver.

The antenna 12 is the only data connection between interface device 10 and data storage support 1 .

The antenna 12 is suitable for making a data connection similar to that of the wireless transmitter 3 and therefore having a speed and/or range equal to the values shown above for the wireless transmitter 3.

Optionally, the antenna 12 and the wireless charge emitter can coincide.

The peripheral 13 is suitable for manipulating the data on the memory 2 and for example storing, modifying, reproducing or using data on the unit 1.

The peripheral 13 may comprise input means 13a in the data storage support 1 through the interface device 10 such as keyboard, microphone and/or sensors (such as environmental, temperature, optical).

The peripheral 13 can comprise output means 13b data reproduction such as a screen, a speaker and/or a light emitter.

The interface device 10 can comprise a cover 14.

The covering 14 houses at least complementary unit 1 1 and antenna 12.

Preferably, the covering 14 defines a casing 14a for data storage support 1 and an opening 14b through which the unit 1 is inserted/extracted from the casing 14a.

The interface device 10 can comprise means for expelling the unit 1 from the casing 14a, such as for example those of the CD players.

The interface device 10 may comprise a control unit 15 for the operation of the device 10; and/or power supply means 16 for the device 10, such as a battery and/or a connection cable to a power supply network.

The operation of the data storage support 1 and of the interface device 10 described above defined as a new data exchange procedure.

The data exchange procedure comprises a move of the data exchange procedure consisting of an activation step in which the data storage support 1 passes from the inactive condition to the active one by connecting to the device 10; and a phase of wireless data exchange between device 10 and unit 1 .

In the activation phase, the unit 1 reaches a distance from the device 10 lower than the maximum operating distance, and preferably within the radius of action. Thus, the unit 4, preferably interacting with the complementary unit 1 1 , controls the passage into the active condition.

For wireless charging units 4 and 1 1 , the emission from the wireless charge emitter is intercepted by the receiver and transformed into energy for the unit 1 ; unit 4 controls the transition to the active condition.

For magnetic units 4 and 1 1 , the approach between unit 1 and device 10 brings the moving body to the operating position, while for unit 4 and 1 1 operated via contact, the unit 1 is brought into contact with the device 10. In response to these actions, the proximity unit 4 controls the transition to an active condition.

In the case of operating code, the wireless transmitter 3 is activated only for the activation time. Therefore, if the said operating code is received, the unit 4 commands the transition to an active condition; otherwise it commands the transition to an inactive condition.

Preferably, the approach of the data storage support 1 to the device 10 allows the unit 1 to be fed wirelessly.

When the device is in active condition, the connection between unit 1 and device 10 is obtained; namely, between antenna 12 and wireless transmitter 3, terminating the activation phase.

This leads to the data exchange phase between unit 1 and device 10.

Once the data exchange is complete, the procedure provides for the deactivation phase of the unit by switching it to an inactive condition. In the deactivation phase, the data storage support 1 is brought to a distance from the device 10 greater than the maximum distance. Thus, the unit 4, preferably interacting with the complementary unit 1 1 , controls the passage into the inactive condition.

This invention brings considerable advantages in terms of the construction and operation of the data storage support 1 and the interface device 10.

In fact, being free of physical connectors, the unit 1 is resistant to shocks, corrosion or other agent and therefore has a longer life compared to the known media, as well as providing a lasting and more reliable data connection.

Another advantage is that in order to have a data connection it is sufficient to move the unit 1 to the device 10 without a particular orientation or constraint or mutual commitment.

Moreover, the presence of the casing 14a in which to insert the unit 1 makes such an operation as intuitive as that of CDs and cassettes.

An advantage is that the casing 6, being the data storage support 1 without connectors, represents a hermetically sealed housing volume which is impermeable to water, dust, and therefore is washable.

These advantages can also be found in the device 10.

The invention can be modified to create different versions falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims. In this context all the details can be substituted by equivalent elements and materials; the shapes and dimensions can be any.

Claims

CLAI M S

1. Data storage support (1 ) for carrying out data exchange with an interface device (10) and comprising

- a memory (2) for storing the said data;

in particular, it comprises:

- a wireless transmitter (3) for carrying out a data exchange between the data storage support (1 ) and the interface device (10);

- a proximity operating unit (4) commanding the operation of the wireless transmitter (3) according to the distance between the data storage support (1 ) and the interface device (10), defining

o an active condition in which the wireless transmitter (3) is active so as to be adapted to perform the data exchange when the distance is not greater than a maximum operating distance, and

o an inactive condition in which the wireless transmitter (3) is not active and is thus unable not to perform the data exchange when the distance is greater than the maximum operating distance; and

- a casing (6) housing the memory (2), the wireless transmitter (3) and the proximity operating unit (4).

2. Data storage support (1 ) according to the claim 1 , wherein when the proximity operation unit (4) defines the active condition the proximity operating unit

(4) activates the wireless transmitter (3), which is therefore able to perform the said data exchange; and, wherein when the proximity operation unit (4) defines the inactive condition the proximity operation unit (4) switches off the wireless transmitter (3), which therefore does not perform the said data exchange.

3. Data storage support (1 ) according to at least one previous claim, wherein the proximity operation unit (4) comprises a wireless charge receiver; and wherein the wireless transmitter (3) performs the said data exchange only when powered by the wireless charge receiver.

4. Data storage support (1 ) according to at least one previous claim without physical peripherals and connectors and consists of the memory (2), the wireless transmitter (3), the proximity operation unit (4) and the casing (6).

5. Interface device (10) for carrying out data exchange with the data storage support (1 ) according to at least one previous claim; the interface device (10) being adapted to exchange data with at least one peripheral device (13) suitable for allowing manipulation of the data stored in the said data storage support (1 )

- in particular, it comprises:

- an antenna (12) suitable for allowing the said data exchange between the data storage support (1 ) the interface device (10); and

- a complementary proximity operating unit (1 1 ) interacting with the proximity operating unit (4) for controlling the passage into an active condition when the distance between the data storage support (1 ) and the interface device (10) is not greater than a maximum operating distance; and into an inactive condition when the distance is greater than the maximum operating distance.

6. Interface device (10) according to the previous claim, wherein the proximity operation unit (4) comprises a wireless charge receiver; and wherein the complementary proximity operating unit (1 1 ) comprises a wireless charge emitter suitable for feeding the data storage support (1 ) through the wireless charging receiver so that the data storage support (1 ) is powered exclusively by the said device interface (10), exclusively by wireless charging.

7. Interface device (10) according to at least one of the claims 5-6, comprising a housing (14) that provides a shell for at least the complementary proximity operating unit (1 1 ); and wherein the housing (14) represents a casing (14a) for the data storage medium (1 ) and an opening (14b) for inserting the data storage support (1 ) into the said casing (14a).

8. Interface device (10) according to at least one of the claims 5-6, comprise the peripheral device (13); wherein the peripheral device (13) comprises at least one of the input means (13a) suitable for inserting data into the data storage support (1 ) through the interface device (10), and the output means (13b) adapted to reproduce the data stored in the said data storage support (1 ).

9. Data exchange procedure comprises the interface device (10) according to at least one of the claims 5-8 and the data storage support (1 ) according to at least one of the claims 1 -4; the data exchange procedure comprises

- a data storage support (1 ) activation phase, where the data storage support (1 ) is positioned at a distance from the interface device (10) not higher than the maximum operating distance, the proximity operating unit (4) controls the passage of the wireless transmitter (3) into the active condition and therefore establishes a data connection between the data storage support (1 ) and the interface device (10);

- a phase of data traffic between the interface device (10) and the data storage support (1 ); and

- a deactivation phase of said data storage support (1 ), where the data storage support (1 ) is positioned at a distance from the interface device (10) higher than the maximum operating distance, and the proximity operating unit (4) sends the wireless transmitter (3) into the inactive condition.

10. Data exchange procedure according to the previous claim, where during the activation phase and during the data traffic phase the data storage support (1 ) is powered exclusively by the interface device (10), exclusively by wireless charging.