Interface apparatus operable by using floppy disk drive

Abstract

An interface apparatus is inserted into a floppy disk drive unit so as to establish an infrared data communication between a desk top type personal computer and a digital still camera even when this desk top type personal computer is not equipped with an infrared communication port. This interface apparatus is arranged by employing: a casing unit having an entire shape substantially identical to that of a floppy disk and having a head window portion; a magnetic interface provided in the head window portion of the casing unit,and abutting against a magnetic head of a floppy disk drive so as to transmit/receive data to/from the magnetic head; a projected portion projected from a floppy disk insertion port of the floppy disk drive when the interface apparatus is loaded on the floppy disk drive; an infrared port arranged in the projected portion; an infrared port controller for controlling the infrared port to establish an infrared communication between the infrared port and an external electronic appliance; and a data converting circuit for converting the data used between the external electronic appliance connected via the connection mechanism to the interface apparatus, and the magnetic interface.