Abstract: Data storage devices and methods for updating firmware are disclosed. For example, one such data storage device includes a device firmware and a controller, where the controller operates in accordance with the device firmware. The controller determines whether or not the device firmware can be updated with new firmware at least partially based on whether or not the new firmware meets a criterion related to a configuration profile of the device firmware.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for a user removable memory or a device for communication with a user removable memory, the apparatus comprising interface circuitry configured to provide for power transmission signalling between a user removable memory and a device for communication with the user removable memory, the interface circuitry comprising at least one reactive coupling element to provide for the power transmission signalling, via reactive coupling.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting the look, feel, and function of one's personalized computer preferences across multiple host computers, including the appearance, settings, programs, and user data. This system and method uses a portable memory device and a data management system that maintains a consistent interface and data file structure on multiple host computers, including a common visual desktop interface. The portable memory solution also provides mobile access to the user's applications and personal data files. The memory device is capable of being connected to multiple host computers via a standard interface such as a USB port.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing dismount time for a peripheral device connected to an external host device are presented. Instead of waiting for a dismount procedure to complete, a reply message indicating that dismount operations have been completed is sent to the external host device. This triggers a message from the external host device that the peripheral device is ready to be safely removed. The peripheral device completes the dismount operations including cache and memory cleanup after the reply message indicating that dismount operations have been completed is sent to the external host device. The dismount operations may be completed under battery power if necessary. This enables quicker unplugging of the peripheral device from the external host device and can allow the peripheral device to transition from a first mode into a second mode faster.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus include a program for performing a process concerning image formation by using a hardware resource, and a slot which a recording medium is inserted into and removed from. A status monitoring part monitors whether or not a recording medium is inserted or removed; a recording medium starting part starts the recording medium inserted into said slot into a state in which said recording medium is assessable; and a program starting part reads a program from said recording medium started into the accessible state, and starting said program.

Abstract: A removable recording medium having an area for storing a content and, when attached to a reproducing apparatus, allowing the content recorded in the area to be reproduced is arranged so as to include, separately from the area for storing the content, an area for storing one or more conditions that allow the content to be reproduced by the reproducing apparatus. With this arrangement, by pre-recording on the recording medium, information for allowing the reproducing apparatus to reproduce a content, the recording apparatus can automatically perform processing such as encoding to a content in accordance with the information recorded on the recording medium and then record the content on the recording medium; and the reproducing apparatus can unconditionally reproduce a content recorded on the recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a single memory device providing data storage, a controller for controlling data transfer to and from the data storage, and first and second bus connector plugs, wherein each plug has contacts for connecting with the power, ground, and data contacts of a port of a host system. The power and ground contacts of the first and second plugs are coupled together to provide power to the apparatus through either or both plugs. Data from either or both plugs is communicated with the controller depending upon which plugs are coupled to a port. The controller is responsible for controlling the read and write operations of the data storage. The apparatus may be any type of external memory device, such as a flash drive, or a peripheral device having a high data transfer rate, such as a digital video camera.

Abstract: An apparatus including first and second memory devices, wherein each memory device includes data storage, a controller for controlling data transfer to and from the data storage, and a plug with contacts for connecting with the power, ground, and data contacts of an independent port of a host system. Additionally, the first and second memory devices are interconnected to share power and communicate data directly between the first and second memory devices. The memory devices may be any type of external memory device, such as a flash drive, or a peripheral device having a high data transfer rate, such as a digital video camera.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system and program for effecting a processor operating mode change to execute device code. A processor receives a call while the processor is operating in a first mode, wherein the call is made to effect execution of device code to control a device. The processor determines whether the call is intended to change a processor operating mode from the first mode to a second mode. The state of the processor is selectively changed to a second mode in which the processor executes second mode instructions loaded in a protected section of memory inaccessible to an operating system in response to determining that the call is intended to change the processor operating mode. The second mode instructions execute the device code to control the device.

Abstract: A host apparatus communicates with a server that stores binary data containing a host apparatus supporting program that is necessary when the host apparatus is used with a predetermined one of a plurality of devices and a download program that downloads the host apparatus supporting program to the predetermined device, recognizes the predetermined device when the predetermined device is connected to the host apparatus, outputs a request to acquire the binary data to the server, stores the binary data in a storage unit of the host apparatus when the server inputs the binary data, executes the download program contained in the binary data stored in the storage unit to download the host apparatus supporting program to the predetermined device, and deletes the binary data from the storage unit after the download program is executed or when the use of the predetermined device is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Wireless Broadband (WiBro) Universal Serial Bus (USB) modem device having a storage device and a WiBro communication device. A USB hub is connected to the USB interface of the WiBro communication device and the USB interface of the storage device, and configured to relay data to a user terminal through a USB connector. A switching mode power supply unit is configured to have a DC-DC switching mode, receive power from the user terminal, and apply the power by performing high-speed switching so that the WiBro communication device and the storage device are simultaneously driven. The switching mode power supply unit includes a dual output switching mode power supply unit and a single output switching mode power supply unit.

Abstract: An operation parameter determination apparatus (101) has an ID detecting unit (107) to detecting a plurality of ID codes by using a non-contact ID reader (102), an ID/operation parameter table (105) describing correspondence between ID codes and operation parameters, an operation parameter retrieval unit (106) to refer to the ID/operation parameter table (105) to retrieve operation parameters corresponding to the respective detected ID codes, and an operation parameter integration unit (109) to, if there are operation parameters inconsistent with each other among the retrieved operation parameters, adjust the parameters to consistent with each other to solve inconsistency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stand-alone portable device equipped with: a universal serial bus (USB) port (1) enabling the device to be temporarily connected to a personal computer (PC); a transmission system (emitter and receiver) (4) (with or without contact that ensures the confidentiality function); a memory (20) compartmentalized into a minimum of two areas (the emitting area (22) that secures the transmission and the receiving area (33) that ensures the storage function); a power supply system (40) that renders the device autonomous for the mobile mode, and; a voluntary system for controlling the transmission. The device permits the exchange of a computer file (222) between two physical people each having a compatible device.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for resuming from a suspend-to-memory (S3) state thereof are provided. The electronic device comprises a detecting circuit, a storage unit and a booting module. The detecting circuit outputs a state change value when detecting a state variation of any non-hot plug device. The storage unit is used for storing the state change value output from the detecting circuit. When the electronic device is resumed from the S3 state to the working state, a normal booting procedure is performed on the electronic device if the state change value is detected by the booting module.

Abstract: Methods and systems for customizing information in a memory associated with a SAS host bus adapter (“HBA”). A SAS HBA typically includes a memory component that stores information common to all SAS HBA's manufactured by a particular vendor (e.g., common instructions and data). In addition, each HBA memory component typically includes some information unique to each HBA (e.g., board trace number, SAS address, configuration page, boot record, etc.). Features and aspects hereof permit pre-programmed memory components to be integrated with a SAS HBA to eliminate a step to program an assembled HBA through a specialized, one-time interaction to add required unique information. Thus a manufacturer may simply integrate a pre-programmed memory component to an otherwise completed HBA assembly to complete the product manufacturing without need for a special programming step. Or a design or test engineer may simply replace a memory component to change unique information on the HBA.

Abstract: A system and method to control a device having at least one configurable parameter. Enumerating the device as a first peripheral device and as a second peripheral device wherein the first peripheral device corresponds to a first microcontroller connected to a storage medium and the second peripheral device corresponds to a second microcontroller. Controlling the at least one configurable parameter of the first microcontroller with respect to the storage medium by the second microcontroller. On initialization of the device, transmitting the at least one configurable parameter from the second microcontroller to the first microcontroller. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique to improve the data transmission efficiency which allows correct reception of the data at the same time.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that performs washing using a new washing course employed in the latest washing machine without any change in the mechanical components of the washing machine, by providing a means to update operational data related to the operation of the washing machine. The washing machine may include a controller that controls the washing machine using electric signals, and an internal storage device that stores operational data of the controller. An external device that stores upload operational data, which is distinguished from the operational data may be electrically connected to the controller so that a function of the operational data may be replaced with the upload operational data.

Abstract: A CPU of an image forming apparatus, such as a color electrophotographic copying apparatus, reads print step information from a memory, such as a USB memory, that stores print image data and print step information relating to a plurality of print steps for producing a print of the print image data and a progress state of the print steps. The CPU updates the progress state of the print steps stored in the memory subsequent to the print step being performed by a printer in the image forming apparatus, displays a next print step to perform based on the read print step information, and controls the printer. The image forming apparatus thus avoids leaks of the print data, and prevents useless printing and erratic job processing. Thus, even an inexperienced operator can provide sophisticated high quality print service using the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A storage device is removably connectable to a host computer. The storage device includes: a storage unit on which one or more storage areas are allocatable to a plurality of users; and a control unit. The control unit is operable to, when the storage deice receives authentication success information indicating that authentication for one of the users is succeeded from the host computer or other external device, simulatively mount the storage area allocated to the authenticated user and unmount the storage area allocated to another user.

Abstract: Systems for performing bare machine computing are disclosed. A system may include a bare machine computing platform that includes a processor, one or more input/output devices, and a storage medium. The bare machine computing platform does not include an operating system. The system may further include a processor readable storage medium including one or more instructions for implementing an application object. The application object may contain data and one or more instructions for enabling an operating environment and executing an application within the operating environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for customizing information in a memory associated with a SAS host bus adapter (“HBA”). A SAS HBA typically includes a memory component that stores information common to all SAS HBA's manufactured by a particular vendor (e.g., common instructions and data). In addition, each HBA memory component typically includes some information unique to each HBA (e.g., board trace number, SAS address, configuration page, boot record, etc.). Features and aspects hereof permit pre-programmed memory components to be integrated with a SAS HBA to eliminate a step to program an assembled HBA through a specialized, one-time interaction to add required unique information. Thus a manufacturer may simply integrate a pre-programmed memory component to an otherwise completed HBA assembly to complete the product manufacturing without need for a special programming step. Or a design or test engineer may simply replace a memory component to change unique information on the HBA.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for supporting hardware devices that are connected to the computer via a network. The existence of any hardware device connected on the network is detected in the method. Information descriptive of the connected device is then obtained, either from the device or from the user. Based upon the obtained information, a logical representation of the connected device is created. The driver for the detected device is then located and installed. From this point on, the network-connected hardware device appears to the computer in the same manner as a locally connected hardware device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, the individual components thereof, and to a method for executing an electronic data transfer, particularly of authorization-relevant or otherwise privileged or sensitive data. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions with which it is possible, while resorting to, in particular, established or conventional mobile telephone mobile storage devices, to effect or coordinate, in a particularly advantageous manner, a provision of data or recording of data. According to a first aspect of the invention, this aim is achieved by a mobile data provision system with a storage unit and with an interface unit. The interface unit has a standard interface for executing a data transfer over a standard interface system and, in addition to this standard interface, an additional interface is provided for executing a data transfer based on a modulated electrical field.

Abstract: A control method for controlling a recording/reproducing apparatus having plural storage units and an equipment to which the recording/reproducing apparatus is connected. The recording/reproducing apparatus has first and second storage units in which data and management data are stored. The equipment, to which is connected the recording/reproducing apparatus, has a third storage unit in which are stored the data and the management data. It is detected whether the equipment to be connected to the recording/reproducing apparatus has been connected to the recording/reproducing apparatus. If such connection is detected, the management data are read out from the first and second storage units. Based on the read-out management data and the management data stored in the third storage unit of the equipment, connected to the recording/reproducing apparatus, new management data, supervising the first to third storage units as one storage unit, is generated.

Abstract: An automated data library system employing a plurality of cartridges, one or more cartridge storage slots and an inventory controller. Each cartridge includes a cartridge memory. The cartridge storage slot(s) is(are) physically configured to store the cartridges. The inventory controller is operable to generate an inventory of the cartridges as stored within the cartridge storage slot(s). A generation by the inventory controller of the inventory of the cartridges as stored within the cartridge storage slot(s) involves the inventory controller simultaneously accessing cartridge identification information on two or more cartridge memories, and generating the inventory including two or more cartridges corresponding to the cartridge identification information.

Abstract: A multi-ring memory controller sends request packets to multiple rings of serial flash-memory chips. Each of the multiple rings has serial flash-memory chips with serial links in a uni-directional ring. Each serial flash-memory chip has a bypassing transceiver with a device ID checker that bypasses serial packets to a clock re-synchronizer and bypass logic for retransmission to the next device in the ring, or extracts the serial packet to the local device when an ID match occurs. Serial packets pass through all devices in the ring during one round-trip transaction from the controller. The average latency of one round is constant for all devices on the ring, reducing data-dependent performance, since the same packet latency occurs regardless of the data location on the ring. The serial links can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express bus. Packets have modified-PCI-Express headers that define the packet type and data-payload length.

Abstract: A recoverable data storage apparatus includes a hand-portable housing configured with an input/output (I/O) port presented outwardly therefrom, a data storage means retained within the housing and operatively coupled with the input/output port, and a client agent embodied as device-executable code residing on the data storage device and configured. When executed on a network-linked host computing device, the client agent is configured to establish communication with a remote server and receive data indicating a possession status of the data storage apparatus. A device tracking system includes a data network means, a hardware portion, and a software portion. The hardware portion includes at least, (1) a server device operatively coupled with the network means, and (2) a data storage device with an externally presented input/output port configured to operatively couple with a host device.

Abstract: A program for a setting device for setting a memory control device which, in part, acquires memory attribute information indicating an attribute of the memory module, a data transfer rate setting value as a rate of an upper limit value of a data transfer rate relative to a maximum data transfer rate, an upper limit value of the data transfer rate being at which the memory control device accesses the memory module, and the maximum data transfer rate being at which the memory control device is able to access the memory module. The setting device can appropriately control the heating value and the upper limit temperature for each of the plurality of memory modules mutually different in type though mutually compatible.

Abstract: A PC card control device includes a PC card identifying part configured to identify a type of a card connected with the connector. An identification information acquisition part of the PC card identifying part acquires identification information of the connected card from the connected card with a method conforming to a standard. A first recording part records pieces of first card information and pieces of first identification information of one or more types of PC cards conforming to the standard, and a second recording part records pieces of second card information and pieces of second identification of one or more types of expansion cards not conforming to the standard.

Abstract: A PCI Express-compatible flash device can include one or more flash memory modules, a controller, and an ExpressCard interface. The controller can advantageously provide PCI Express functionality as well as flash memory operations, e.g. writing, reading, or erasing, using the ExpressCard interface. A PIO interface includes sending first and second memory request packets to the flash device. The first memory request packet includes a command word setting that prepares the flash device for the desired operation. The second memory request packet triggers the operation and includes a data payload, if needed. A DMA interface includes sending the second memory request from the flash device to the host, thereby triggering the host to release the system bus for the DMA operation.

Abstract: An USB removable memory with replaceable storage medium for optional upgrade and extension of the storage capacity, including an USB connector, a controller and a flash memory; said USB connector and said controller are integrated as a memory body; the flash memory as the physically-independent storage component is attached to the body, and is electrically connected to the controller. A dismountable back cover is provided in the rear of the housing of the body; a chamber for flash memory part is provided in the body; a flash memory is placed in the chamber; the electrical connection between said flash memory part and said controller is elastic tip-touch connection or plug-in connection. The flash memory is a independent part according to the present invention, which can be mounted/unmounted conveniently onto/from the body, so the memory can be optionally upgraded and extended in its storage capacity, it is convenient for user, the cost is reduced, and the resource is saved.

Abstract: The present invention enables a USB device to provide its own vendor-specific device driver and invoke and install vendor-specific installation software stored on the USB device itself. In one embodiment of the invention, the present invention enables communication between a USB device and a host by receiving a USB device into a USB connection port embedded within the host, enumerating the USB device as a device belonging to a first class, providing a user with access to the USB device wherein the access permits a user to find a program for the USB device and invoke the program, installing the stored program; and recognizing and/or enumerating the USB device as a device from a second class, different from the first class, upon any successive connection of the USB device into the USB connection port of the host.

Abstract: There is provided a portable storage device which makes it possible to largely reduce time that is taken to remove the storage cartridge that is inserted and cannot be handled. A removable hard disk cartridge contains a hard disk and a control circuit for control of writing and reading of data in and from the hard disk in a casing thereof. A main unit includes an automatic loading/ejecting mechanism that receives the hard disk cartridge into a predetermined inner position within the main unit and ejects the same out from the position, and a microprocessor that controls storage operation for storing data in the hard disk cartridge. Before the automatic loading/ejecting mechanism performs a receiving operation, it is determined whether access to contents recorded on the hard disk can be gained, and when the access cannot be gained, the receiving operation by the automatic loading/ejecting mechanism is inhibited.

Abstract: A storage device executes a program matching a removable storage medium. The device has a drive unit for reading the storage medium, a program memory for storing a program module required for processing of a storage device and a module list, a random access memory, and a processor for performing access processing of the data of the storage medium by referring to the module list and executing the program module. The processor reads the program module stored in the storage medium, develops the program module in the random access memory, and registers the read module in the module list.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording multimedia data includes a removable storage device and a controller. The controller records multimedia data onto the removable storage device without modifying a file system of the removable storage device when the removable storage device having free space is attached and detected. Therefore, no data is flushed into the removable storage device when the removable storage device is removed, and the time-shifting function can be stopped easily.

Abstract: A computing platform may comprise a flash memory that may operate as a cache to the transactions targeting the hard disk. The flash memory may increase the speed of fulfilling the transactions (or reduce the latency) and may consume lesser power compared to the hard disk fulfilling the transactions. The latency and higher power consumption of the hard disk may be associated with the physically moving parts of the hard disk. A host device and a chipset may send the transactions to the flash memory if the I/O routing is enabled, which otherwise may be routed to the hard disk.

Abstract: A portable storage medium is provided with a connection unit which is connectable to an external device and enables data communication between the portable storage medium and the external device connected to the connection unit, a data storage unit which stores data received from the external device via the connection unit, and a data conversion unit capable of applying data conversion from print data into display data to the data stored in the data storage unit.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a data storage medium, for example one or more flash memory modules, and a direct interface, to the data storage medium, that supports a file system protocol. Preferably, the data storable device also includes a physical communication interface such as a USB interface or a wireless interface, a user interface and a power source. The scope of the invention also includes appliances that include such data storage devices.

Abstract: A content data storage apparatus that enables content data on a plurality of client apparatuses to be individually updated according to the preferences or the like of users. Content data on a memory card is stored in association with client content management information for managing the content data and client content identification information for identifying the content data in management units. When client content identification information stored on a memory card connected to an input/output unit matches any storage content identification information stored on a hard disk, a control unit updates the content data of the memory card based on content data included in management units identified by this storage content identification information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting and receiving digital data are disclosed. One method includes aligning the secondary communication interface of a first USB memory device with the secondary communication interface of a second USB memory device. The method further includes triggering communication between the first and second communication devices. The method also includes retrieving information from a memory of a first USB memory device, and transmitting the information from the first USB memory device to the second USB memory device via the secondary communication interface.

Abstract: A memory card comprising a first modular component that comprises a first interface and first conductors and a data mover that comprises second conductors coupled to the first conductors. The first modular component is replaceable with a second modular component that comprises a second interface that differs from the first interface and third conductors that are configured to couple to the second conductors.

Abstract: Apparatus having a file generator which assigns a file name for information to be recorded so that the information is formatted as a file for storage in a recording medium. The file generator automatically assigns the file name which has a part thereof which is a serial number stored and managed in the recording medium and associated with the file. The file generator, in one embodiment, increments the last stored file number and stores it in readiness for use to identify the next file to be created. The file generator also creates characters forming an arbitrary position of the file name. The file generator also provides a character which identifies the apparatus with the file number. The arbitrary characters, the character which identifies the apparatus and the serial number are combined to form the file name.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing configuration information to terminals and network components within a network. In particular, a specialist is no longer necessary in order to exchange a terminal or a component for the network. The network user simply exchanges the terminal or the network component and places a configuration storage adapter in a serial interface of the replaced terminal or component, whereby the newly inserted terminal or network component is automatically provided with stored configuration information and the network can then be started.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency converter (1) comprising: a processor (2), a memory (3) containing software, which during operation of the frequency controller (1) is executed by said processor for controlling the operation of the frequency converter, and a serial interface (7). In order to provide a solution for retrieving and analyzing parameters available from the frequency converter in an easy and cost efficient way, said frequency converter is configured to store during use of the frequency converter parameters relating to the operation of said frequency converter to a detachable memory (8) attached to said serial interface (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides a memory card for use with an electronic device. The memory card comprises an input/output (I/O) interface for coupling the memory card to the electronic device and a card controller electrically coupled to the I/O interface. In particular, the card controller comprises a plurality of engines configured to operate in different formats. The card controller further comprises a means for detecting the format of the electronic device and generating a response signal containing the format of the electronic device. A micro-controller is electrically coupled to the plurality of engines, wherein the micro-controller activates an appropriate engine from the plurality of engines to transfer data based on the response signal. Furthermore, the memory comprises a memory module electrically coupled to the plurality of engines for storing data. One advantage of the memory card is that it enables a user to store and transfer data in various formats.

Abstract: The present invention permits registry settings and other pertinent shared artifacts to be distributed across many different computing devices. More specifically, the invention permits applications installed on an external drive to be activated, when the external drive is connected to a main computing device. When connected, a drive agent can detect registry settings stored on the external drive and can synchronize these settings with a main registry of the main computing device. Further, interface elements, such as icons for the new applications can be added to a GUI of the main computing device. Once the registry settings are included in the main registry, applications on the external drive can used from the main computing device. When the external drive is detached from the main computing device, the device agent can automatically remove all registry settings, shared artifacts, and interface elements.

Abstract: In a picture management and printing system, a game-console-accessible memory is provided with a set of instructions for a game console including or having communicatively connected thereto at least a display, a game controller, a second game-console-accessible memory, and a printer. The set of instructions at least causing the game console to assemble a picture repository from digital pictures, at least some of which are retained by the second game-console-accessible memory; and, responsive to input received from the game controller cause the game console to display a digital picture from the picture repository on the display and/or cause the game console to instruct the printer to print a digital picture from the picture repository.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of motor vehicle safety systems. Specifically, this invention creates a horntones audio player device, a new and useful method and a system that allows a user to sound custom motor vehicle horntones for alerting, locating and other purposes. The main elements of the system are a horntones audio player, a portable memory device and a remote computer. The player enables the user to sound custom horntones while the remote computer and the portable memory device operate together to both download new horntones files from a horntones website and transport the new horntones files to the horntones audio player.

Abstract: A memory card is disclosed and includes an adaptor comprising a card controller controlling operations of the memory card, and a memory package capable of being electrically/mechanically connected to and separated from the adaptor via a connection structure. A method of using a memory card is also disclosed and includes connecting the adaptor to the memory package via the connection structure, identifying a memory card type in relation to the functional nature of the card controller upon connection of the memory package with the adaptor, and communicating data between the card controller and memory package.