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.

Flashtoaster for Reading Several Types of Flash-Memory Cards, With or Without a PC

A digital image reading system including an image sensor and a computer that is programmed to adjust the frame rate of the image sensor, and to obtain a maximum frame rate of the image sensor for obtaining an acceptable image. An algorithm for adjusting the frame rate evaluates image parameters and calculates new exposure times, gain values, and exposure settings to support a maximum frame rate of the image sensor. A process for obtaining an acceptable image with an image reader evaluates an image signal level and adjusts the frame rate if the signal level is outside of a predetermined range. The process adjusts the image sensor to run at a maximum operational frame rate. A digital image reading system including multiple separate digitizers for use in various read environments and under various read conditions.

Adaptive optical image reader

A method for recovering data from corrupted flash media and regenerated damaged flash media have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises accessing data on a flash media, searching the data for file indicia corresponding at least one predetermined file type, reading the data based on information in the file indicia, the data including a recovered file, and storing the recovered file on a storage medium. Other embodiments have been claimed and described.

Field-operable, stand-alone apparatus for media recovery and regeneration

Methods and apparatus provide multiple input voltage regulation in which one regulator is selected for operation based on input power conditions. In one example, a dual input voltage regulator system in a combination smart card selects between contact and contactless (e.g., RF) operation based on which power source provides the highest available voltage level. A single transistor drop architecture provides low drop-out voltage regulation capability without substantially increased transistor size. In some implementations, multiplexed control of the regulators for each of a number independent power source inputs may be arranged to substantially reduce or prevent reverse current flow through regulators connected to inactive power inputs.

Detector Based Combination Regulator

Methods and apparatus may provide for multiple input voltage regulation in which a current supplied to an output node divides among voltage regulators according to their respective input voltages when the difference in input voltages falls within a voltage range. When the difference in input voltages falls outside of the voltage range, then the current to the output node is supplied substantially through the voltage regulator with the highest input voltage. In some implementations, the voltage range may be determined, at least in part, by a transistor gate-to-source threshold voltage characteristic. In one example, a dual input voltage regulator system in a combination smart card supplies current from contact and/or contactless (e.g., inductively coupled) power sources based on a relative voltage between the respective input voltages.

Analog Combination Regulator

A reading head able to process both inductive debit cards and chip cards comprising two dissimilar complementary portions, the internal surfaces of the portions defining the channel housing the data card inserted in the head, the first portion (80) having inductive sensors (83) for the reading of inductive credit cells and the second portion (140) having a magnetic metal plate (142) which completes the magnetic circuit of the inductive sensors, as well as contact pins (162) engaging the terminal pads on the surface of the card. The portions remain normally kept apart by a first set of mechanical coupling devices (84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 93, 94, 95, 144) placed between the two portions, the opening thus provided being substantially wider than the thickness of the card, the mutual approximation of the portions being provided by the mechanical devices at the final part of the card's insertion travel.

Dos Santos Pato Manuel Augusto

Papers

Reading head arrangement for two data card types