US 6,145,046 A · Universal memory card interface apparatus

Abstract

A removable memory card interface apparatus enables a removable memory card to communicate with a number of peripheral devices directly without the need for the memory card's host or a host computer. The interface apparatus includes a micro-controller operating with an internal bus to control, process and route signals between the removable memory and a peripheral device via a series of memory and device interfaces. A control panel and/or remote control allows a user to interact with the interface apparatus. In one embodiment, the interface apparatus also allows a host computer to communicate with the memory card via one of the peripheral device ports. In other embodiments, the interface apparatus serves as a memory card printer controller or as a memory card player and/or recorder when interfaced with consumer electronics.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A memory card interface apparatus comprising:

an external memory connector for coupling to a removable memory card;
a memory port connected to said external memory connector;
a plurality of external device connectors, each for coupling to a device that operates with said memory card;
a device port connected to each external device connector;
a digital signal processor coupled to process one or more multimedia files after retrieving from or before storing to the removable memory card;
a control panel for specifying an operation mode of the interface apparatus;
and
a interface controller responsive to said control panel for enabling communication between said memory card and one or more devices coupled to said plurality of external device connectors.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Universal memory card interface apparatus

Life of this patent

Universal memory card interface apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19