Method and apparatus for ejecting a recording medium from a storage unit detachable from host equipment

Abstract

A detachable storage unit is connected to host equipment in a computer system and holds an ejectable storage medium. The storage unit has a connection detector that detects whether or not the storage unit is connected to the host equipment, and a storage medium detector that detects the presence of a storage medium within the storage unit. A medium ejection instructor sends a medium ejection instruction to an automatic medium ejection mechanism upon receiving information that indicates that the storage medium might be moved. The storage medium is then ejected from the storage unit which prevents damage caused by the storage medium colliding with internal components of the storage unit while the storage unit is being moved.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A computer system having host equipment provided with a device bay for loading a detachable storage unit, comprising: 
 a password storage element for storing a password of the storage unit that is loaded in the device bay;    a password requestor for requesting the storage unit to send a password when the storage unit is loaded in the device bay;    a password comparator for comparing a password input from the storage unit with said password stored in said password storage element; and    a storage unit discharger for automatically ejecting the storage unit loaded in the device bay when the passwords are not in agreement.    
   
   
       17 . A computer system having host equipment provided with a display unit and a device bay for loading a storage unit used for a system capable of connecting and separating peripheral equipment to and from said host equipment, comprising: 
 a discharge instruction detector for detecting a storage unit discharge instruction input to the host equipment when the storage unit is being loaded in the device bay;    a password input request indicator means for displaying on said display unit a message requesting the input of a password when said discharge instruction detector has detected a storage unit discharge instruction;    a password reader for reading a password specific to the storage unit;    a password comparator for comparing a password that is input with said specific password; and    a storage unit discharge instructor for driving a storage unit discharge mechanism in the device bay to discharge the storage unit from the device bay when the passwords are in agreement.    
   
   
       18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . (canceled)