Patents by Inventor Roger W. March
Roger W. March has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7062602Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method for reading data in a write-once memory device using a write-many file system. In one preferred embodiment, data traffic between a data storage device and a write-once memory device is redirected so that file system structures of a write-many file system do not overwrite previously-stored file system structures. Data traffic between the write-once storage device and a data reading device is also redirected so that a current file system structure of the write-many file system is provided to the data reading device instead of an out-of- date file system structure. In another preferred embodiment, a non-volatile write-many memory array is provided in the write-once memory device to store file system structures of a write-many file system.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Moore, J. James Tringali, Roger W. March, James E. Schneider, Derek J. Bosch, Daniel C. Steere
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Patent number: 7003619Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and method for storing and reading a file system structure in a write-once memory array. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of bits representing a file system structure is inverted and stored in a write-once memory array. When the inverted plurality of bits is read from the memory array, the bits are inverted to provide the file system structure bits in their original, non-inverted configuration. With this preferred embodiment, a file system structure can be updated to reflect data stored in the memory array after the file system structure was written. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Moore, James E. Schneider, J. James Tringali, Roger W. March
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Patent number: 6996660Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and method for storing and reading data in a write-once memory array. In one preferred embodiment, a plurality of bits representing data is inverted and stored in a write-once memory array. When the inverted plurality of bits is read from the memory array, the bits are inverted to provide the data in its original, non-inverted configuration. By storing data bits in an inverted form, the initial, un-programmed digital state of the memory array is redefined as the alternative, programmed digital state. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another. For example, the embodiments in which data bits are inverted can be used alone or in combination with the embodiments in which data is redirected.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Moore, James E. Schneider, J. James Tringali, Roger W. March
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Patent number: 6925545Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown
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Patent number: 6901549Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method for altering a word stored in a write-once memory device. In one preferred embodiment, a write-once memory device is provided storing a word comprising a plurality of data bits and a plurality of syndrome bits. The word is altered by identifying X bit(s) in the word that are in an un-programmed state and switching the X bit(s) from the un-programmed state to a programmed state, where X is sufficient to introduce an uncorrectable error in the word. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Mark G. Johnson
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Patent number: 6820185Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Moore, Roger W. March, Daniel T. Brown
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Publication number: 20040177229Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown
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Patent number: 6778974Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and method for reading data stored in a portion of a memory device unreadable by a file system of a host device. In one preferred embodiment, a memory device is provided comprising a first portion that is readable by a file system of a host device and a second portion that is unreadable by the file system of the host device. The first portion stores program code operative to enable the host device to read the second portion. In operation, after the memory device is connected with the host device, the program code is provided to the host device, and the host device reads the data stored in the second portion of the memory device. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Moore, Roger W. March, Daniel T. Brown
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Patent number: 6738883Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown
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Patent number: 6697928Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Roger W. March, Daniel T. Brown, Christopher S. Moore
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Patent number: 6694415Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown
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Patent number: 6651133Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Moore, Roger W. March, Daniel T. Brown
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Patent number: 6647471Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown
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Publication number: 20030120858Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: MATRIX SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown, Thomas H. Lee, Mark G. Johnson
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Publication number: 20030115535Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method for altering a word stored in a write-once memory device. In one preferred embodiment, a write-once memory device is provided storing a word comprising a plurality of data bits and a plurality of syndrome bits. The word is altered by identifying X bit(s) in the word that are in an un-programmed state and switching the X bit(s) from the un-programmed state to a programmed state, where X is sufficient to introduce an uncorrectable error in the word. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Mark G. Johnson
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Publication number: 20030028717Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown
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Publication number: 20030028734Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown
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Patent number: 6515904Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method and system for increasing programming bandwidth in a non-volatile memory device. In one preferred embodiment, a memory device is provided with a plurality of bits to be stored in a respective plurality of memory cells along a wordline. Some of the bits represent a programmed state, and others represent an un-programmed state. The duration of the programming pulse applied to the wordline is determined by the number of bits that represent the programmed state. In another preferred embodiment, the plurality of bits to be stored in the memory device comprises a first set of bits representing a modification to the stored data and a second set of bits representing an un-programmed state. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Matrix Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Christopher S. Moore, Bendik Kleveland, Roger W. March, James M. Cleeves, Roy E. Scheuerlein
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Publication number: 20030023820Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown
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Publication number: 20030023828Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a memory device and methods for use therewith. In one preferred embodiment, a method is presented for using a file system to dynamically respond to variability in an indicated minimum number of memory cells of first and second write-once memory devices. In another preferred embodiment, a method for overwriting data in a memory device is described in which an error code is disregarded after a destructive pattern is written. In yet another preferred embodiment, a method is presented in which, after a block of memory has been allocated for a file to be stored in a memory device, available lines in that block are determined. Another preferred embodiment relates to reserving at least one memory cell in a memory device for file structures or file system structures. A memory device is also provided in which file system structures of at least two file systems are stored in the same memory partition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Roger W. March, Christopher S. Moore, Daniel T. Brown