Abstract:
According to the present invention, during identification of recording medium type, positioning of a recording medium at a measurement position for measuring the recording medium is facilitated, and the number of sensors for measuring the recording medium is reduced. In addition to identifying recording medium type, the top/reverse of the inserted recording medium can also be identified by way of a simple construction. A recording medium identification device, which identifies the type of a recording medium inserted through an insertion slot, comprises a plurality of sensors arranged in a band-like region having a predetermined width, in a depth direction, and a plurality of sensors arranged in a band-like region having a predetermined width, in a width direction. Data of two types of dimensions, combining dimensions of the recording medium in the depth direction and the width direction, is acquired by respectively arranging the a plurality of sensors in two partially overlapping band-like regions arrayed forming an L-shape. A plurality of types of recording media can be identified with increased identification precision by identifying the type of the recording medium based on such combined data of two types of dimensions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a medium identification device for identifying the type of a recording medium inserted through an insertion slot, and for connecting the identified recording medium to a corresponding connector. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Known image printing devices include printing devices that print image data by reading image data written in an inserted recording medium. Examples of such recording media include, for instance, miniSD™, SD™, SmartMedia™, Memory Stick™, MMC™, RS-MMC™, xD-Picture Card™, Compact Flash (CF)®, Microdrive (Md)® and the like. ™ stands for a trade mark, and ® stands for a registered trade mark. 
     Image printing devices have been proposed in which a single device is compatible with these various types of recording media (for instance, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open Nos. H11-321018, 2005-78192 and 2005-235063). 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. H11-321018 discloses an image printing device in which, in order to identify the type of a memory card as a recording medium, a light source and a optical sensor are arranged between which the memory card is flanked, so that the type of the memory card is identified based on the size of a region shielded by the memory card. A card slot corresponding to the inserted memory card is displaced to be connected with the memory card. 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-78192 discloses an image printing device in which, in order to identify the type of a memory card as a recording medium, segmented members are made to slide abutting the memory card, such that the type of the memory card is identified through measurement, by such sliding members, of the depth, width and thickness of the memory card. In addition, the type of the memory card is identified by infrared sensors arranged in a two-dimensional array that measure the depth, width and surface area of the memory card. 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-235063 discloses an image printing device in which an image captured by camera is compared with an image prepared beforehand for specifying a type, to identify thereby the type of a memory card as a recording medium, and discloses the features of, after type identification, selecting a corresponding connector by vertically moving the connector, and joining the connector with the memory card through further sliding of the selected connector. 
     In the ticketing device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. 2000-306124 there are arranged a plurality of sensors in a medium feed direction, such that when a reference sensor among the a plurality of sensors detects a medium, the type of the medium is identified on the basis of whether or not the other sensors detect the medium. 
     In the card discriminator disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. H01-145794, an IC chip portion or IC contacts are detected by an optical sensor in order to discriminate between an IC card and a magnetic card. 
     In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. H11-321018 the type of a memory card is identified based on the size of a region blocked by the memory card, and hence no identification is performed between the top/reverse of the memory card and/or between before and after insertion. Hence, the type of the recording medium may not be determined accurately if the recording medium is inserted in an orientation other than a predetermined orientation. 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-78192 is problematic in that, during identification of the type of a memory card through measurement, by a sliding member, of the depth, width and thickness of the memory card, defective contact between the member and the memory card may result in misdetection, while identification of the type of the memory card through measurement of the depth, width and surface area of the memory card by way of an infrared sensor requires providing multiple sensors. 
     In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-78192, the top/reverse of an inserted memory card is identified by a sensor for top/reverse detection that detects a memory card cut, and in which, when the memory card has no cut, identification of the top/reverse of the memory card is carried out by detecting insertion or non-insertion of the memory card. However, detection of the top/reverse of a memory card using a cut sensor is problematic in that positioning of the memory card to the measurement position must be precise in order to prevent misdetection. Detection and identification of memory card top/reverse on the basis of insertion or non-insertion of the memory card is also problematic in that there is required a separate means for detecting the insertion or non-insertion of the memory card. 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-235063 is likewise problematic in that it requires a camera for imaging an image of the recording medium, and requires also preparing beforehand a comparative image for identifying the type of the recording medium. Similarly to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No 2005-78192, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. 2005-235063 is problematic also in requiring positioning precision for positioning the recording medium at the measurement position. In addition to moving vertically, the connector must be displaced towards the recording medium to be joined therewith. This results in a complex connector moving mechanism, which is problematic. 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. 2000-306124 is likewise problematic in that the type of a medium is identified based on the relationship between the array pitch of a plurality of sensors and the length of the medium, and hence similar medium lengths resulting in differences close to the detection precision of the sensors may impair identification precision and/or give rise to erroneous determination, while precluding discrimination between the top/reverse of the medium. 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Laid-open No. H01-145794 is problematic in that it allows only identifying whether a card is an IC card or a magnetic card, and cannot deal hence with a wide variety of cards. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With a view to solving the above conventional problems, it is an object of the present invention to facilitate positioning of a recording medium at a measurement position for measuring the recording medium, during identification of recording medium type, and to reduce the number of sensors for measuring the recording medium. In addition to identifying recording medium type, it is a further object of the present invention to identify the top/reverse of the inserted recording medium by way of a simple construction. 
     The recording medium identification device of the present invention is a recording medium identification device for identifying the type of a recording medium inserted through an insertion slot, comprising a plurality of sensors arranged in a band-like region having a predetermined width, in the depth direction, and a plurality of sensors arranged in a band-like region having a predetermined width, in the width direction. 
     In the present invention, data of two types of dimensions, combining dimensions of the recording medium in the depth direction and the width direction, is acquired by respectively arranging the a plurality of sensors in two partially overlapping band-like regions arrayed forming an L-shape. A plurality of types of recording media can be identified with increased identification precision by identifying the type of the recording medium based on such combined data of two types of dimensions. 
     To carry out positioning between a recording medium and a plurality of sensors arranged in two band-like regions, the recording medium identification device of the present invention comprises a depth direction positioning member for determining a reference position of the recording medium in the depth direction, and a width direction positioning member, at a plane parallel to the surface of the recording medium, for determining a reference position in the width direction. 
     In the present invention, carrying out two-direction positioning by way of the depth direction positioning member and the width direction positioning member allows positioning the recording medium, without plane-surface offset, while affording accurate detection by a plurality of sensors arranged in the two band-like regions. 
     The recording medium identification device of the present invention has a plurality of sensors comprising a plurality of transmission type photosensors and at least one reflective type photosensor. 
     The transmission type photosensors are arranged at positions for detecting the corners of the recording medium positioned at a predetermined position. For instance, the vertical-direction or horizontal-direction corners of the recording medium are arranged at the position for detection, then there is detected transmission or non-transmission of light on account of the recording medium arranged at the predetermined position, so that the type of the recording medium and the top/reverse of the recording medium are identified by combining the detection results of the transmission type photosensors arranged the respective positions. 
     The reflective type photosensor is arranged at a position for detecting an electric terminal of the recording medium positioned at a predetermined position. The reflective type photosensor is arranged at a position corresponding to that of the electric terminal of the recording medium when the latter is arranged at a predetermined position, so that the top/reverse of the inserted recording medium is identified on the basis of whether or not light is reflected by the electric terminal. The electric terminal of the recording medium is formed of a metallic member and hence possesses a higher reflectance than the cover portions of the recording medium. The reflective type photosensor utilizes this difference in reflectance, which allows determining whether the recording medium is inserted with the top or the reverse facing up, on the basis of the presence or absence of the electric terminal. 
     The type of the recording medium, or the type of the recording medium and the top/reverse of the recording medium are identified based on a detection signal of the transmission type photosensors. The top/reverse of the recording medium is identified based on the detection signal of the reflective type photosensor. 
     In addition to such a sensor mechanism for identifying media based on sensor output, the medium identification device of the present invention can also comprise a recording medium insertion/ejection unit for inserting the recording medium into the device and ejecting the recording medium out of the device; a recording medium transport unit for transporting the recording medium between the recording medium insertion/ejection unit and a recording medium identification unit; and a recording medium setting/removing unit for setting into a connector the recording medium inserted in the device and for removing the recording medium from the connector. The recording medium identification device of the present invention allows thus identifying the type of recording media of a plurality of types, and guiding connection between the recording medium and a connector corresponding to the identified type. 
     The recording medium identification unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention allows reducing the number of sensors for measuring the recording medium during identification of the type of recording medium. In addition to identifying recording medium type, the top/reverse of the inserted recording medium can also be identified by way of a simple construction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of a medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic constitution diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of a medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an operation diagram for explaining an operation example of the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an operation diagram for explaining an operation example of the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an operation diagram for explaining an operation example of the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an operation diagram for explaining an operation example of the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating the schematic constitution of a recording medium insertion/ejection unit of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart for explaining an operation during insertion of a recording medium in the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an operation during insertion of a recording medium in the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an operation during insertion of a recording medium in the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart for explaining an operation during ejection of a recording medium in the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an operation during ejection of a recording medium in the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining an operation during ejection of a recording medium in the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram for explaining the relationship between levers and a driven roller in the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of a recording medium identification unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of sensors comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of sensors comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of sensors comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of a recording medium setting/removing unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of the recording medium setting/removing unit of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is an operation diagram for explaining the operation of the recording medium setting/removing unit of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a diagram for explaining a control system of the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart for explaining a series of operations by the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart for explaining a series of operations by the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is an operation diagram for explaining a series of operations by the medium identification device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is an operation diagram for explaining a series of operations by the medium identification device of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 28  is a diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of the recording medium identification unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The medium identification device of the present invention is explained in detail next with reference to accompanying drawings. 
     The schematic constitution and schematic operation of a medium identification device, and a recording medium transport unit provided in the medium identification device are explained first with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 7 . The schematic constitution and schematic operation of a recording medium insertion/ejection unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention are explained with reference to  FIGS. 8 to 15 . The schematic constitution and schematic operation of a recording medium identification unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention are explained with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 19 . The schematic constitution and schematic operation of a recording medium setting/removing unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention are explained with reference to  FIGS. 20 to 22 . A series of operations by the medium identification device of the present invention is explained next with reference to  FIGS. 23 to 26 . A control system of the medium identification device of the present invention is explained with reference to  FIG. 27 . 
     The schematic constitution and schematic operation of a medium identification device, and the recording medium transport unit provided in the medium identification device are explained first. 
       FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are a block diagram and a schematic diagram, respectively, for explaining the schematic constitution of a medium identification device of the present invention. In  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a medium identification device  1  of the present invention comprises a recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  for inserting a recording medium  2  into the device and ejecting the recording medium out of the device; a recording medium identification unit  30  for identifying the type of the recording medium  2  inserted in the device; a recording medium transport unit  20  between the recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  and the recording medium identification unit  30 , for transporting the recording medium  2 ; and a recording medium setting/removing unit  40  for readably setting the recording medium  2 , by inserting into a connector  3  the recording medium  2  inserted in the device, and for releasing and removing, out of the connector  3 , the recording medium  2  set into in the connector  3 . 
     The recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  takes the recording medium  2  into the device. The recording medium transport unit  20  transports the recording medium  2  thus taken in towards the recording medium identification unit  30 , whereupon the front end of the recording medium  2  abuts the end face of a connector rack  4 . The recording medium  2  is thus always positioned at a predetermined position in the recording medium identification unit  30 . 
     The recording medium identification unit  30  identifies the type of the recording medium  2 , and selects the connector  3  in accordance with the type of the recording medium  2 . The connector rack  4  moves vertically, and aligns the position of the selected connector  3  to the same height as that of the recording medium  2 . 
     The recording medium setting/removing unit  40  pushes the rear end of the recording medium  2  towards the connector  3 , thereby setting the recording medium  2  into the connector  3  and connecting the recording medium  2  with the connector  3 . Transport of the recording medium  2  into the connector  3  is effected by a pressure roller  24  provided on a side guide  23  and a medium transport roller  22 . The recording medium  2  is transported by being pinched between the medium transport roller  22  constituting a driving roller, and the pressure roller  24  constituting a driven roller. In the side guide  23  there is provided at least one pressure roller  24  on the connector  3  side, in such a way that the pressure roller  24  is urged towards the medium transport roller  22  by means of a spring or the like. 
     Upon insertion of the recording medium  2  into the connector  3 , the pressure roller  24  comes into contact with the side face of the recording medium  2 , whereupon the latter is moved while pinched between the rotating medium transport roller  22  and the pressure roller  24 , to be inserted into the connector  3 . Once the end of the recording medium  2  has moved away from the pressure roller  24  and the medium transport roller  22 , the recording medium  2  is pushed into the connector  3  by a push lever  41  provided in the recording medium setting/removing unit  40 . Once the recording medium  2  is set into the connector  3 , the data recorded in the recording medium  2  is read by the connector  3  and an image is printed. 
     When data reading is over, the recording medium setting/removing unit  40  pushes the rear end of the recording medium  2  to remove the recording medium  2  from the connector  3 . Employing a push-push connector  3  allows setting and removing the recording medium  2  simply by pushing the rear end of the recording medium  2 . 
     The recording medium transport unit  20  transports the recording medium  2  removed from the connector  3  to the recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10 . The push lever  41  pushes the recording medium  2  for removing the recording medium  2  from the connector  3 . As a result, the recording medium  2  is released and pushed out of the push-push connector  3 . When the recording medium  2  is pushed out of the slot of the connector  3 , the pressure roller  24  comes into contact with the front end side of the recording medium  2  pushed out of the connector  3 . The recording medium  2  becomes pinched between the medium transport roller  22  and the pressure roller  24 . Through roller rotation, the medium transport roller  22  and the pressure roller  24  cause the recording medium  2 , pinched therebetween, to be transported out of the connector  3 . The recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  ejects the transported recording medium  2  out of the device. 
     The above constitution is not limited to only one pressure roller  24 , provided in the side guide  23 , being arranged on the connector  3  side, and thus a plurality of pressure rollers  24  may be provided along the side guide  23 , in addition to the roller on the side of the connector  3 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  comprises a roller driving unit  15  for inserting and ejecting the recording medium  2 , the roller driving unit  15  comprising a swingably supported shutter  11  that is urged to an angular position where it blocks an insertion slot; an insertion roller  13  driven by a driving motor (not shown); and a driven roller  14  for pushing the recording medium  2  against the insertion roller  13 . 
     The roller driving unit  15  determines the height position of the driven roller  14  according to the swinging of the shutter  11 , and determines the gap between the insertion roller  13  and the driven roller  14  in accordance with the thickness of the inserted recording medium  2 . 
     The recording medium transport unit  20  has a table  21  on which the recording medium  2  is slidably supported; the medium transport roller  22  fixed to the table  21 , for transporting the recording medium  2  in the insertion direction of the recording medium  2 ; and the pressure roller  24 , movable across the table  21  in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the recording medium  2 , for pushing the recording medium  2  towards the medium transport roller  22 . The recording medium transport unit  20  comprises also a side guide  23  for aligning the recording medium  2  in the width direction through the action of the pressure roller  24 . 
     The pressure roller  24  pushes the recording medium  2  against the medium transport roller  22  to align the recording medium  2  in the width direction. In this state, the medium transport roller  22  moves the recording medium  2  in the insertion direction. 
     By having the pressure roller  24  push the recording medium  2  against the medium transport roller  22 , one side of the recording medium  2  can be positioned at the position of the medium transport roller  22  even for dissimilar width dimensions of the recording medium  2 , while preventing idle transport by the medium transport roller  22 . 
     The medium transport roller  22  is driven, together with the insertion roller  13 , by a medium feed motor (not shown), while the side guide  23  is driven by a side guide motor (not shown). 
     The recording medium identification unit  30  comprises a plurality of transmission type photosensors  31  and at least one reflective type photosensor  32 . The transmission type photosensors  31 , which are arranged at positions for detecting the corners of the recording medium  2  that is transported and positioned at a predetermined position, identify the type of the recording medium  2 , or the type of the recording medium and the top/reverse of the recording medium  2 , on the basis of a detection signal. Meanwhile, the reflective type photosensor  32 , which is arranged at a position for detecting an electric terminal of the recording medium  2  at a predetermined position, discriminates between the top/reverse of the recording medium  2  on the basis of a detection signal. 
     In such recording medium identification, the recording medium transport unit  20  causes the recording medium  2  to abut a rack end face  4   a  of the connector rack  4  where a plurality of connectors  3  are arranged, thereby positioning the recording medium  2  using the rack end face  4   a  as an indicator for positioning. Other than the above-described rack end face  4   a  of the connector rack  4 , a stopper  4   b  provided on the insertion slot side of the connector rack  4  may also be used as an indicator for positioning. Whatever the indicator used for positioning, the end position of the insertion slot side of the connector rack  4  can be made into a reference position for positioning, so that simple abutting of the front end of the recording medium  2  allows positioning the latter always at the same position in the depth direction of the recording medium. 
     Also, simple vertical motion of the connector rack  4  allows releasing the contact of the recording medium  2  against the rack end face  4   a  or the stopper  4   b  while positioning the recording medium  2  at the insertion height of the connector  3 . The type of recording medium can be easily identified by positioning the recording medium at a reference position. 
     The stopper  4   b  is provided at any position around the insertion slot that does not interfere with the insertion of the recording medium  2 , including a position between adjacent connectors  3 . When a stopper  4   b  is provided, the front end position of the stopper  4   b  becomes a reference position for positioning. 
     The recording medium setting/removing unit  40  has the push lever  41  for pushing the rear end of the recording medium  2 . Herein, an arm provided in the push lever  41  is made to move along a guide rod (not shown), the arm end being guided along a guide groove, to cause thereby the push lever to abut the rear end of the recording medium, to cause thereby the recording medium  2  to be set into, and removed from, the connector  3 . 
     An operation example of the medium identification device of the present invention is explained next with reference to the operation flowchart illustrated in  FIG. 3  and the operation diagrams illustrated in  FIGS. 4 to 7 .  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate the operation of recording medium setting into the connector, while  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the operation of removing the recording medium from the connector and out of the medium identification device. 
     The operation of setting the recording medium into the connector will be explained first. The front end portion of the recording medium  2  (terminal side end portion where electrodes are provided) is pushed against the shutter  11  of an insertion slot  19  of the medium identification device  1 , whereupon the shutter  11  swings and opens ( FIG. 4A ), (S 1 ). 
     In response to the swinging of the shutter  11 , the recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  causes the driven roller  14  to move upward, whereby the recording medium  2  becomes nipped by the driven roller  14  and the insertion roller  13 . The recording medium  2 , nipped between the driven roller  14  and the insertion roller  13 , which is driven by a driving motor (medium feed motor), is pulled in towards the table  21  ( FIG. 4B ), (S 2 ). 
     In the recording medium transport unit  20 , a driving motor (side guide motor) drives the side guide  23 , whereby the pressure roller  24  is pressed against one side of the inserted recording medium  2 , pushing thus the recording medium  2  towards the medium transport roller  22 . The medium transport roller  22  is fixed to the table  21 , and hence the other side of the recording medium  2  pushed by the pressure roller  24 , across the width direction, is aligned by becoming positioned at the position of the medium transport roller  22  ( FIG. 4C ), (S 3 ). 
     The recording medium  2  aligned at the medium transport roller  22  is driven by the latter to be fed along the depth direction. The connector rack  4 , in which the connectors  3  are arranged stacked in the vertical direction, is provided freely movable up-and-down at the back of the table  21 . The height of the connector rack  4  is adjusted in such a way that the rack end face  4   a  of the connector rack  4  or the stopper  4   b  provided in the insertion slot of the connector  3  becomes positioned at a prolongation of the transport direction of the recording medium  2 . As a result, when the recording medium  2  is transported in the direction of the connector  3 , the front end of the recording medium  2  in the depth direction abuts the rack end face  4   a  or the stopper  4   b , whereby the recording medium  2  becomes positioned in the depth direction. The front end of the recording medium  2  fed by the medium transport roller  22  abuts the rack end face  4   a  of the connector rack  4 , and stops. The recording medium  2  becomes aligned thereby in the depth direction. 
     Through the above-described alignment in the width direction and the depth direction, the recording medium  2  becomes positioned at the position for medium identification ( FIG. 5A ), (S 4 ). 
     The type and the top/reverse of the inserted recording medium  2  are determined after positioning of the recording medium  2  at a predetermined position of the medium identification unit ( FIG. 5B ), (S 5 ). 
     A corresponding connector  3  is selected in accordance with the type of the recording medium identified by medium identification (S 6 ). The connector rack  4  is raised by a driving motor, not shown, in such a way that the selected connector  3  reaches a level at the same height as the recording medium  2  (S 7 ). 
     After positioning so that the height of the connector  3  is identical to the height of the recording medium  2  on the table  21 , the recording medium  2  is inserted by the medium transport roller  22  and the pressure roller  24  into the connector  3 , whereafter the push lever  41  pushes the recording medium  2  into the connector  3 , to connect the recording medium  2  ( FIG. 5C ), (S 8 ). The connector  3  reads data by becoming electrically connected to the set recording medium  2  (S 9 ). 
     The operation for removing the recording medium is explained next. The push lever  41  pushes the rear end of the recording medium  2  ( FIG. 6B ), to remove the recording medium  2  from the push-push connector and bring the recording medium  2  back onto the table  21  ( FIG. 6C ), (S 10 ). 
     The medium transport roller  22  is driven in the reverse direction, to transport thereby, towards the recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10 , the recording medium  2  brought back onto the table  21 . The push lever  41  is flipped up then to avoid interfering with the recording medium  2  being transported ( FIG. 7A ), (S 11 ). 
     The recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  ejects the recording medium  2  through the medium insertion slot  19  by reversely rotating the insertion roller  13 . The driven roller  14  that had been raised up during insertion of the recording medium  2  is kept herein at the same height as during insertion, and hence the recording medium  2  brought back by the recording medium transport unit  20  becomes inserted again, without change, between the insertion roller  13  and the driven roller  14 , and is propelled by the insertion roller  13  towards the medium insertion slot  19 . 
     Herein, the rear end of the recording medium  2  pushes the shutter  11  in the reverse direction to that during insertion, so that the shutter  11  swings in the reverse direction. In response to the swinging of the shutter  11  in the reverse direction, the driven roller  14  returns to the original position ( FIG. 7B , (S 12 ). 
     The schematic constitution and schematic operation of the recording medium insertion/ejection unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention are explained next with reference to  FIGS. 8 to 15 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating the schematic constitution of the recording medium insertion/ejection unit. The recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  in  FIG. 8 , which is provided adjacent to the rear of the medium insertion slot  19 , carries out the operations of inserting the recording medium  2  into the device and ejecting the recording medium  2  out of the device. 
     The recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  comprises a shutter  11  (indicated in  FIG. 8  by broken lines) pivotably supported at a position in front of the medium insertion slot  19 . The shutter  11  is urged by a shutter spring member  18 A into a position for closing the medium insertion slot  19 . The restoring force with which the shutter spring member  18 A restores the position of the shutter  11  is set to be smaller than the force with which the recording medium  2  is inserted into the device. As a result, the shutter  11  can be opened easily through pushing of the front end of the recording medium  2  against the shutter  11 . Shutter gears  12   a ,  12   b , provided at both ends of the shutter  11 , are pivotably supported together with the shutter  11 . 
     The recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10  comprises a roller driving unit  15  for carrying out recording medium insertion and ejection of the recording medium  2  by pinching the latter. The roller driving unit  15  comprises the insertion roller  13  driven by an MF motor (medium feed motor)  52  and the driven roller  14  that is driven in response to the movement of the insertion roller  13 . 
     The insertion roller  13  is mounted to a driving shaft  13 A that is driven by the MF motor  52 . Meanwhile, the driven roller  14  is supported, facing the insertion roller  13 , on a support shaft that can move vertically. The driven roller  14  is normally urged toward the insertion roller  13  by a driven roller spring member  18 B. The driven roller  14 , urged by the driven roller spring member  18 B, pushes the recording medium  2  against the insertion roller  13 . This prevents idle running of the insertion roller  13  during transport of the recording medium  2 . In  FIG. 8  the driven roller  14  positioned in the vicinity of the insertion roller  13  is depicted with solid lines, and with broken lines when at a position resulting from upward displacement. 
     The driven roller  14  moves upward in concert with the swinging of the shutter  11 . The shutter gears  12   a ,  12   b  mounted at both ends of the shutter  11  engage with cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  that swing in response to the opening and closing of the shutter  11 . Levers  17   a ,  17   b  are mounted on the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  in a way that they are freely rotatable coaxially with the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b . Swinging of the levers  17   a ,  17   b  is effected through interlocking with the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b . The cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  and the levers  17   a ,  17   b  can be provided coaxially with, and free relative to, the driving shaft  13 A of the insertion roller  13 . 
     The levers  17   a ,  17   b  have steps  17 B of dissimilar distance relative to the center of the support shaft. The steps  17 B function as a support for supporting the driven roller  14  at predetermined heights. 
     When the shutter  11  swings by being pushed by the recording medium  2 , the shutter gears  12   a ,  12   b  mounted on the shutter  11  swing, whereupon the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  engaging with the shutter gears  12   a ,  12   b  swing as well. Upon swinging, the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  push the levers  17   a ,  17   b , causing the latter to swing and push up the driven roller  14 . The height to which the driven roller  14  is pushed up is determined by the swinging angle of the shutter  11 . The swinging angle of the shutter  11  corresponds to the thickness of the recording medium  2 , and hence the height to which the driven roller  14  is pushed up corresponds also to the thickness of the recording medium  2 . 
     The levers  17   a ,  17   b  are free-mounted by way of shaft holes  17 A that are not fixed to the support shaft. Hence the driven roller  14  is held at a hold position until pushed from the reverse direction through swinging of the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  in the reverse direction. 
     During ejection of the recording medium  2 , on the other hand, the recording medium  2  pushes the shutter  11  from the reverse direction causing the latter to swing in a reverse direction. The shutter  11  swinging in the reverse direction causes the shutter gears  12   a ,  12   b  and the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  to swing in the reverse direction, releasing the driven roller  14  from the step  17 B of the levers  17   a ,  17   b  where the driven roller  14  was supported. Upon leaving the step  17 B of the levers  17   a ,  17   b , the driven roller  14  is pushed towards the insertion roller  13  by the driven roller spring member  18 B that urges the driven roller  14  in a push-down direction, and the driven roller  14  returns to the initial position. 
     In the recording medium insertion/ejection unit  10 , the operation of inserting the recording medium  2  into the device and the operation of ejecting the recording medium  2  out of the device are substantially identical, except that, for instance, the driving directions are the reverse of each other, and that, during ejection, the driven roller  14  is returned from the hold position to the initial position. 
     The operation for recording medium insertion is explained with reference to the flowchart of  FIG. 9  and the operation explanatory diagrams of  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     When the recording medium  2  is inserted through the medium insertion slot  19  ( FIG. 10A ), (S 21 ), the recording medium  2  pushes the shutter  11 , causing the latter to swing (S 22 ). In response to the swinging of the shutter  11 , shutter gears  12   a ,  12   b  swing (S 23 ), causing the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  that engage with the shutter gears  12   a ,  12   b  to swing as well (S 24 ). 
     As a result of the swinging of the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b , the cams provided in the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  come into contact with the levers  17   a ,  17   b , causing the latter to swing ( FIG. 10B ), (S 25 ). The levers  17   a ,  17   b  push up a driven shaft  14 A of the driven roller  14 , causing the latter to rise ( FIG. 10B ), (S 26 ). 
     The levers  17   a ,  17   b  swing up to a position where the steps  17 B thereof support the driven shaft  14 A. The driven roller  14  becomes supported thus by the steps  17 B and is held at the height determined by the steps  17 B ( FIG. 10C ), (S 27 ). 
     The driven roller  14  is held at the height position of the recording medium  2  passing through the shutter  11  by setting, in mutual agreement, the angular position at which the step  17 B is provided, the thickness of the recording medium  2 , and the angle to which the shutter  11  swings in accordance with that thickness. 
     As the recording medium  2  passes by the shutter  11  ( FIG. 11A ), (S 28 ), the shutter  11  is returned to the original position thereof by the spring member  18 A ( FIG. 11B ), (S 29 ). 
     The operation for recording medium ejection is explained with reference to the flowchart of  FIG. 12  and the operation explanatory diagrams of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
     During recording medium ejection, the recording medium  2  pushes the shutter  11  in the reverse direction. Herein the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  and the driven roller  14  are held at the positions they occupied when the recording medium  2  was inserted passing through the roller driving unit  15  ( FIGS. 13A ,  13 B), (S 31 ). 
     When the shutter  11  is pushed in the reverse direction, the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  swing in the reverse direction ( FIG. 13C ), (S 32 ). The protruding portions provided in the cam gears  16   a ,  16   b  come immediately into contact with the levers  17   a ,  17   b , causing the latter to swing in the reverse direction ( FIG. 14A ), (S 33 ). 
     The cam gears are gear-coupled to the shutter. Hence, the cams return to the original position when the shutter returns to the original position as the recording medium passes by the shutter during insertion. At this time, there is virtually no gap between cams and levers in the return direction. Therefore, the protruding portions of the cams push the levers as soon as the shutter is pushed in the reverse direction. On the other hand, the looseness provided between the cams and levers is absorbed during insertion of the recording medium, as a result of which the shutter returns to the original position while the position of the levers is held. As a result of the swinging of the levers  17   a ,  17   b , the levers  17   a ,  17   b  move away from the driven roller  14 , and the driven roller spring member  18 B pushes the driven roller  14  back towards the insertion roller  13  ( FIG. 14B ), (S 34 ). 
       FIG. 15  is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the levers and the driven roller.  FIG. 15A  illustrates a constitution example of the lever  17 . The lever  17  is rotatably supported by a shaft  13 A in a shaft hole  17 A. The lever  17  comprises a step  17 B that temporarily holds the driven roller  14 . There can be provided a plurality of steps  17 B, in which case the respective steps  17 B 1 ,  17 B 2  have a different distance relative to the central position of the shaft hole  17 A, so that the driven roller  14  can be held at different heights. 
     When the lever  17  stops at the holding angle at which the driven roller  14  is held, the step surface of the steps  17 B 1 ,  17 B 2  form a tilt of a predetermined angle ? relative to the horizontal plane, thus preventing the driven roller  14  from slipping off the step surface in case of vibration of the lever  17  and/or the driven roller  14 . 
       FIG. 15B  and  FIG. 15C to 15E  illustrate the relationship between the swinging angle of the lever  17  and the height of the driven roller  14 .  FIG. 15B  illustrates three angle constitutions in a single diagram.  FIG. 15C  illustrates the situation prior to recording medium  2  insertion,  FIG. 15D  illustrates insertion of a thin recording medium  2 , while  FIG. 15E  illustrates insertion of a thick recording medium  2 . 
     When the recording medium  2  is thin the driven roller  14  is held by the step  17 B 1  of the lever  17 . The driven roller  14  can be held at a low height position, corresponding to a thin recording medium  2 , by setting a short distance between the step  17 B 1  and the central position of the shaft hole  17 A. 
     When the recording medium  2  is thick, on the other hand, the driven roller  14  is held by the step  17 B 2  of the lever  17 . The driven roller  14  can be held at a high height position, corresponding to a thick recording medium  2 , by setting a long distance between the step  17 B 2  and the central position of the shaft hole  17 A. 
     The step that holds the driven roller  14 , among the steps provided in the lever  17 , can be determined by the correspondence established between the swinging angle of the shutter  11  and the swinging angle of the lever  17 , as described above. 
     The schematic constitution and schematic operation of the recording medium identification unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention are explained next with reference to  FIGS. 16 to 19 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , the recording medium identification unit  30  comprises transmission type photosensors  31  and a reflective type photosensor  32 . The transmission type photosensors  31  are optical sensors for identifying the type and the top/reverse of a recording medium to be identified. The type and the top/reverse of the recording medium are identified by combining the outputs of respective sensors arranged in accordance with the dimensions and/or shape of the recording medium. The reflective type photosensor  32 , which is an optical sensor for discriminating between the top/reverse of a recording medium to be identified, is arranged in accordance with the electrode terminals of the recording medium. The top/reverse of the recording medium is identified on the basis of the difference between the intensity of light reflected by the electrode and the intensity of light reflected by portions other than electrode portions. 
     The transmission type photosensors  31  and the reflective type photosensor  32 , provided in the table  21 , detect the type and top/reverse of the transported recording medium  2 . The transmission type photosensors  31  and the reflective type photosensor  32  provided at a predetermined position of the table  21  identify the recording medium  2 . To achieve accurate identification, therefore, the recording medium  2  must be positioned relative to the table  21 . 
     As described above, the recording medium  2  is positioned in the width direction by means of the pressure roller  24  that pushes the recording medium  2  against the medium transport roller  22 . 
     Meanwhile, positioning of the recording medium  2  in the depth direction is effected by causing the front end of the recording medium  2  to abut the rack end face  4   a  or the stopper  4   b  of the connector rack  4 , taking the rack end face  4   a  or the stopper  4   b  as a positioning reference. To carry out such positioning, the height of the connector rack  4  is adjusted in such a way that the rack end face  4   a  or the stopper  4   b  reaches a level at the same height as the recording medium  2  on the table  21 . 
     Since the recording medium  2  is positioned in the width direction and the depth direction as described above, the positional relationship between the recording medium  2 , the transmission type photosensors  31  and the reflective type photosensor  32  can be set to a same position at all times based on identification information. 
     After detection of type and top/reverse at the position of  FIG. 16A , the connector  3  is selected in accordance with the type, and as shown in  FIG. 16B , the connector rack  4  is raised and set in such a way that the selected connector  3  is at the same height level as the recording medium  2  on the table  21 . 
     The arrangement of the transmission type photosensors  31  and the reflective type photosensor  32  provided in the recording medium identification unit  30  is explained next with reference to  FIGS. 17 to 19 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an example where the type and top/reverse of two types of recording media are identified. 
       FIG. 17A  illustrates an arrangement example of the transmission type photosensors  31  and the reflective type photosensor  32 . The sensors provided in the recording medium identification unit  30  include a plurality of sensors  31   a ,  31   d ,  31   e  arranged in a band-like region R 1  of predetermined width, in the depth direction, and a plurality of sensors  31   a ,  31   b ,  31   c  arranged in a band-like region R 2  of predetermined width, in the width direction. The sensor  31   a  is provided at a position where the band-like region R 1  and the band-like region R 2  overlap. The sensor provided at a position where the band-like region R 1  and the band-like region R 2  overlap is not limited to one sensor, and may be provided as a plurality of sensors. 
     In  FIG. 17A , the arrangement of the reflective type photosensor  32  in the band-like region R 2  of predetermined width in the width direction allows detecting reflective portions such as contacts, and/or a cut provided in the recording medium. 
       FIG. 17B  illustrates two types of recording media a, b identified by the recording medium identification unit  30 . The recording medium a and the recording medium b have both a cut out on the corner at the front end. 
     Transmission type photosensors A to E are arranged at positions corresponding to respective corners of the recording media a, b. Among the transmission type photosensors A to E, the transmission type photosensors A, B and D correspond to the recording medium a, and the transmission type photosensors A, C and E correspond to the recording medium b. The transmission type photosensors A to E correspond to the sensors  31   a ,  31   b ,  31   c ,  31   d  and  31   e  of  FIG. 17A . 
     Herein, the output of the transmission type photosensors A and D is detected for the recording medium a in a top state ( FIG. 17C ), while the output of the transmission type photosensors B and D is detected for the recording medium a in a reverse state ( FIG. 17D ). The output of the transmission type photosensors A, B, D and E is detected for the recording medium b in a top state ( FIG. 17E ), while the output of the transmission type photosensors B, C, D and E is detected for the recording medium b in a reverse state ( FIG. 17F ). 
     Combining the two sensor outputs of the transmission type photosensor A and the transmission type photosensor E on the basis of the above output relationship allows identifying the type and top/reverse of the recording media a, b. The relationships between sensors and outputs are given in Table 1. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 A 
                 E 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 a 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                 b 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Similarly to the example of  FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18  illustrates an example where the type and top/reverse of two types for recording media are identified.  FIG. 18A  illustrates two types of recording media a, c. The recording medium a and the recording medium c have both a cut out on the corner at the front end. 
     Transmission type photosensors A to E are arranged at positions corresponding to respective corner portions of the recording media a, c. Among the transmission type photosensors A to E, the transmission type photosensors A, B and D correspond to the recording medium a, and the transmission type photosensors A, C and F correspond to the recording medium c. 
     Herein, the output of the transmission type photosensors A and D is detected for the recording medium a in a top state ( FIG. 18B ), while the output of the transmission type photosensors B and D is detected for the recording medium a in a reverse state ( FIG. 18C ). The output of the transmission type photosensors A, B and F is detected for the recording medium c in a top state ( FIG. 18D ), while the output of the transmission type photosensors B, C and F is detected for the recording medium c in a reverse state ( FIG. 18E ). 
     Combining the two sensor outputs of the transmission type photosensor A and the transmission type photosensor D on the basis of the above output relationship allows identifying the type and top/reverse of the recording media a, c. The relationship between sensors and outputs is given in Table 2. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 A 
                 D 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 a 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 c 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       FIG. 19  illustrates an example where the type and top/reverse of three types of recording media are identified.  FIG. 19A  illustrates three types of recording media a, b and c. The recording media a to c have all a cut out on the corner at the front end. 
     Combining four sensor outputs among those of transmission type photosensor A through transmission type photosensor F allows identifying the type and top/reverse of the recording media a, b and c. The relationship between sensors and outputs is given in Table 3. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 a 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 b 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 c 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 E 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 a 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                 b 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 c 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
                 E 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 a 
                 Top 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                 b 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 c 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
                 F 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 a 
                 Top 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
               
               
                   
                 b 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 c 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The schematic constitution and schematic operation of the recording medium setting/removing unit comprised in the medium identification device of the present invention are explained next with reference to  FIGS. 20 to 22 . 
     The recording medium  2  is set into the connector  3  after identification of the type of the recording medium  2  by the recording medium insertion/ejection unit  30 , and selection of the connector  3  in accordance with the type of the recording medium. To set the recording medium  2  into the connector  3 , the recording medium  2  is transported by the transport roller  21  toward the connector ( FIG. 20A ), after which the push lever  41  provided in the recording medium setting/removing unit  40  pushes the rear end of the recording medium  2 . The connector  3  is of push-push type. The recording medium  2  is thus set by pushing the recording medium  2  into the insertion slot of the connector  3  and is removed by pushing again the rear end of the recording medium  2  set into the connector  3  ( FIG. 20B ). 
       FIG. 21  is a diagram for explaining the schematic constitution of the recording medium setting/removing unit. In  FIG. 21A , the recording medium setting/removing unit  40  comprises a push lever  41 , a push guide  42 , a guide rod  43 , a guide groove  44 , an arm  45  and a pin  46 . The arm  45  is slidable relative to the guide rod  43  in the axial direction and is mounted to be swingable around the axis. The pin  46  is provided at one end of the arm  45 , and the pin  46  is slidable along the guide groove  44 . The push lever  41  is provided at the other end of the arm  45 . The push lever  41  and the pin  46  are arranged symmetrically with respect to the guide rod  43 , so that the push lever  41  moves vertically as a result of the up-and-down movement of the pin  46  along the guide groove  44 . 
     The push lever  41 , which is a member that pushes the rear end of the recording medium  2 , is provided at one end of the arm  45 . The push guide  42  and the guide rod  43  are arranged along the transport direction of the recording medium  2 . In the push guide  42  there is provided the guide groove  44  that guides the other end of the arm  45 , while in the guide rod  43  there is provided a driving mechanism (not shown) whereby the arm  45  moves freely in the guide axial direction, the driving mechanism being mounted to be swingable around the axis of the guide rod  43 . 
     The push lever  41  is a member for connecting the recording medium  2  with the connector  3 , by pushing further back the recording medium  2  inserted into the connector  3  at a position in the vicinity of the insertion slot of the connector  3 . In order to carry out such an operation, the push lever  41  must be brought to a height level identical to that of the recording medium  2 . 
     The push lever  41 , which can move along the transport direction of the recording medium and can swing in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, sets and removes the recording medium  2  through an operation of pushing the recording medium  2  into the connector  3 . 
       FIG. 21A to 21C  and  FIG. 22A to 22C  illustrate the push lever  41  in various situations. The left side in the figures denotes the connector side, while the right side denotes the insertion slot side of the medium identification device  1 .  FIG. 22  illustrates the positional relationship between the push lever  41  and the recording medium  2 . 
       FIG. 21A  and  FIG. 22A  illustrate the initial position, while  FIGS. 21B ,  21 C and  FIG. 22B  illustrate the state of the operation after insertion of the recording medium  2 , as the push lever  41  is displaced to the rear end position of the recording medium  2  in the depth direction.  FIG. 22C  illustrates the state of the operation as the push lever  41  pushes the rear end position of the recording medium  2  in the depth direction towards the connector. 
     In order to carry out the above operation, the pin  46  at one end of the arm  45  moves freely inserted in the guide groove  44 , while the midway portion of the arm  45  is rotatably supported by the guide rod  43 . The guide groove  44  forms a loop in the vertical direction, with different heights (P 1 , P 2 , P 3 ) along the transport direction. The initial position is herein the lowermost position of that loop groove. The arm  45  moves thus freely along the guide rod  43 . As a result of that movement, the pin  46  at one end of the arm  45  moves along the guide groove  44 , thereby modifying the height of the push lever  41 . 
     At the initial position of  FIG. 21A  and  FIG. 22A , the pin  46  of the arm  45  is at the lowermost position of the guide groove  44 , and hence the push lever  41  is raised up to a position higher than the travel path of the recording medium. Raising the push lever  41  to that position prevents the push lever  41  from interfering with the recording medium, thereby the transport of the recording medium is not impeded. As a result, nothing hampers the transport operation of the recording medium  2  while the recording medium  2  is being transported on the table  21  towards the connector  3 . A sensor arranged in accordance with the initial position, for detecting the arm  45  and so forth, allows checking whether or not the arm  45  is at the initial position. 
     The recording medium is transported towards the connector while the push lever  41  is raised up. In order to connect the recording medium by pushing the latter into the insertion slot of the connector, the push lever  41  must trail the recording medium at the same height as the rear end of the recording medium. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 21B , therefore, the guide rod  43  is operated to bring the pin  46  back to the insertion side, after which it is raised up to the upper groove of the loop groove, moving the towards the connector. As a result, the push lever  41  is brought from a raised state to a lowered state, to a position behind the recording medium and at the same height as the rear end of the recording medium. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 21C  and  FIG. 22B , the guide  43  is operated to displace the pin  46  along the groove  44  towards the connector, whereupon the push lever  41  pushes the recording medium  2  against the connector (towards the right in  FIG. 22 ), thereby setting the recording medium into the connector  3  and connecting both. 
     The control system of the medium identification device of the present invention is explained next with reference to  FIG. 23 . The medium identification device  1  in  FIG. 23  comprises a control circuit  61  for controlling the operation of the device as a whole, and comprises also a recording medium discrimination circuit  62  for identifying the type and the top/reverse of the recording medium  2  on the basis of the detection output of a sensor (the transmission type photosensors  31  or the reflective type photosensor  32 ), as well as a data reading circuit  63  for reading data stored in the recording medium  2  connected to the connector. 
     The control circuit  61 , into which there is inputted the detection output of the shutter switch  33 , outputs a control signal for controlling the drive of various motors including an SG motor (side guide motor)  51 , an MF (medium feed motor)  52 , a push lever motor  53  and a connector rack motor  54  for raising and lowering the connector rack  4 . The control circuit  61  outputs also a control signal for initiating the driving of the sensors  31 ,  32 . The MF (medium feed motor)  52  can double as a motor for driving the insertion roller  13  and as a motor for driving the medium transport roller  22 . 
     Recording medium type signals, obtained as a result of identification by the recording medium discrimination circuit  62 , are inputted to the control circuit  61 , which controls then driving of the connector rack motor  54 , selects a connector corresponding to the type, and moves the recording medium to a predetermined position for insertion. 
     A series of operations by the medium identification device of the present invention is explained next with reference to  FIGS. 24 to 27 .  FIGS. 24 and 25  are flowcharts for explaining the series of operations, and  FIGS. 26 and 27  are operation diagrams for explaining the series of operations. 
     The shutter switch  33  for detecting the start of the opening operation of the shutter  11  is provided in the vicinity of the shutter  11 . The shutter switch  33  is switched on when the shutter  11  is pushed upon insertion of the recording medium  2  ( FIG. 26A ), (S 41 ), and the operation of the shutter  11  is detected (S 42 ). On the basis of the detection signal of the shutter switch  33 , the control circuit  61  inputs the MF motor  52  and starts driving the insertion roller  13  and the medium transport roller  22  (S 43 ). 
     As the recording medium  2  passes by the shutter  11  ( FIG. 26B ), the shutter  11  is returned to the original position thereof by the spring member  18 A. The shutter switch  33  is switched off as the shutter  11  returns to the original position (S 44 ). 
     After sufficient time has elapsed for the recording medium  2  to be transported on the table  21  by the medium transport roller  22  (S 45 ), the control circuit  61  starts the SG motor  51 , and the recording medium is pushed against the medium transport roller  22  ( FIG. 26C ), (S 46 ). 
     Simultaneously with the start of the SG motor  51 , the control circuit  61  begins driving the sensors  31 ,  32 , to elicit input of the detection signals from the sensors (S 47 ). 
     On the basis of the detection signals, the control circuit  61  detects whether or not the front end position of the recording medium  2  is positioned at the stopper position ( FIG. 26D ), (S 48 ). 
     The control circuit  61  stops driving the MF motor  52  and the SG motor  51  upon acknowledging that the recording medium is positioned at the stopper position (S 49 ). After the recording medium discrimination circuit  62  determines that the type and top/reverse of the inserted recording medium  2  are correct, on the basis of the detection outputs of the sensors  31 ,  32 , the control circuit  61  ceases driving the sensors  31 ,  32  (S 50 ). The control circuit  61  can be set so as to reverse the medium transport roller  22  and eject the recording medium  2  when the top/reverse of the inserted recording medium  2  is incorrect. 
     The control circuit  61  selects a corresponding connector on the basis of the type of the recording medium identified by the recording medium discrimination circuit  62 , and raises or lowers the connector rack  4  by controlling the driving of the rack motor  54  in such a way that the selected connector attains a predetermined position (a height at the same level as that of the recording medium on the table) (S 51 ). 
     The control circuit  61  drives the push lever motor  53 , whereupon the push lever  41  is displaced up to the rear end of the recording medium  2  ( FIG. 26E ), (S 52 ). The operation time can be shortened by raising or lowering the connector rack  4  simultaneously with the displacement of the push lever  41  up to the rear end of the medium. The control circuit  61  drives the push lever motor  53 , whereupon the push lever  41  pushes the rear end of the recording medium  2 , setting the latter into the connector  3  ( FIG. 26F ), (S 53 ). After setting of the recording medium  2 , the push lever  41  backs away and stops, leaving a predetermined clearance to the recording medium  2  (S 54 ). 
     The data reading circuit  63  reads data stored in the recording medium  2  connected to the connector  3  (S 55 ). 
     After data reading, the control circuit  61  drives the push lever  53 , whereupon the rear end of the recording medium  2  is pushed to a prescribed extent to elect the recording medium  2  from the connector  3 . The recording medium  2  can be ejected from the connector  3  by using a push-push connector  3  ( FIG. 27A ), (S 56 ). 
     The push lever  41  is withdrawn thereafter to a position where it does not impede the transport of the recording medium, moving for instance to the initial position, where it stops. (S 57 ). 
     The control circuit  61  drives next the MF motor  52  to cause the recording medium  2  to be transported by the medium transport roller  22  ( FIG. 27B ), (S 58 ). The operation time can be shortened by carrying out simultaneously the operation of withdrawing the push lever  41  and transport of the recording medium  2  by the medium transport roller  22 . The transported recording medium  2  pushes the opposite side (device side) of the shutter  11 , switching on thereby the shutter switch  33  ( FIG. 27C  (S 59 ), whereupon the control circuit  61  drives the MF motor  52 , causing the recording medium  2  to be transported a prescribed stretch by the insertion roller  13  (S 60 ), after which the MF motor  52  is stopped. As a result, the recording medium  2  stops partially protruding through the medium insertion slot  19 . In that situation, the shutter  11  is open, with the shutter switch remaining switched “on” ( FIG. 27D ), (S 61 ). 
     When the user pulls the recording medium  2  out of the medium insertion slot  19  ( FIG. 27E ), (S 62 ), the shutter switch becomes switched “off” (S 63 ). Thereupon, the control circuit  61  controls the driving of the SG motor  51  to return the side guide to the initial position (S 64 ), stopping thereafter all operations in the device (S 65 ). 
     Table 4 displays the relationship between the above operations and the state of the various elements. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Connector 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Device 
                 Shutter 
                 MF 
                 SG 
                 Push 
                 selection 
                 Photo- 
               
               
                 User operation 
                 operation 
                 SW 
                 motor 
                 Motor 
                 lever 
                 mechanism 
                 sensor 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Medium insertion 
                   
                 ON 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 through medium 
               
               
                 insertion opening 
               
               
                   
                 Medium 
                 ↓ 
                 ON: + 
                 ON: + 
                   
                   
                 ON 
               
               
                   
                 loading 
                 OFF 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                   
                   
                 ↓ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 OFF 
                 OFF 
                   
                   
                 ↓ 
               
               
                   
                 Medium 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 OFF 
               
               
                   
                 identification 
               
               
                   
                 Connector 
                   
                   
                   
                 ON: + 
                 ON 
               
               
                   
                 selection 
                   
                   
                   
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 OFF 
                 OFF 
               
               
                   
                 Connector 
                   
                   
                   
                 ON: + 
               
               
                   
                 insertion 
                   
                   
                   
                 ON: − 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 OFF 
               
               
                   
                 Data reading 
               
               
                   
                 Medium 
                 ON 
                 ON: − 
                   
                 ON: + 
               
               
                   
                 removal 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                   
                 ON: − 
               
               
                   
                 (Except 
                   
                 OFF 
                   
                 OFF 
               
               
                   
                 CF/MD) 
               
               
                   
                 Medium 
                 ON 
                 ON: − 
                 ON: + 
                 ON: − 
               
               
                   
                 removal 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 ↓ 
                 OFF 
               
               
                   
                 (CF/MD) 
                   
                 OFF 
                 OFF 
               
               
                 Medium removal 
                   
                 OFF 
                   
                 ON: − 
               
               
                 through medium 
                   
                   
                   
                 OFF 
               
               
                 insertion opening 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Examples of recording media identified by the medium identification device of the present invention are explained next with reference to  FIG. 28  and Table 5. 
     Media that can be used as the recording medium include, for instance, miniSD™, SD™, SmartMedia™ (SM3.3, SM5), Memory Stick™, MMC™, RS-MMC™, xD-Picture Card™, Compact Flash (CF)®, Microdrive (Md)® and the like. ™ stands for a trade mark, and ® stand for a registered trade mark. 
     For instance, when transmission type photosensors are arranged at positions a to h illustrated in  FIG. 28  in accordance with the dimensions of the respective recording media, the type and top/reverse of the recording media can be determined by combining (as in Table 5) the outputs detected by the transmission type photosensors. 
     XD discrimination can be carried out through detection of contact portions with the medium by a reflective type photosensor. CF can be identified through detection of the cut portion of the medium by a mechanical switch, while MD can be identified based on the shape of the medium insertion slot. MD is the medium having the largest cross section, while the top/reverse of the medium are shaped asymmetrically. MD can thus be identified on the basis of such shape characteristics. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 miniSD 
                 Terminal 
                 a 
                 b 
                 c 
                 d 
                 e 
                 f 
                 g 
                 h 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 SD 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 SM3.3 
                 Top 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 SM5 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 CF/MD 
                 Top 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 Memory Stick Duo 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 Memory Stick 
                 Top 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 MMC 
                 Top 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 RS-MMC 
                 Top 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 ◯ 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                 XD-Picture Card 
                 Top 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
               
               
                   
                 Reverse 
                 X 
                 X 
                 X 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯ 
                 ◯