Abstract: A method for soft configuring communication a memory device to act as a Key Card that can switch on or off some particular functions of either an application program or the memory device itself. The method comprising the steps of: connecting the memory device to an external device; running a specific application program on the external device, the application program writing and storing a specific data into the memory device, the specific data including at least a command and a key; the memory device generating a response value according to the command and key of the specific data; and the external device reading the response value from the memory device and checking a status of the response value; if the response value is checked to be valid, then the application program will be able to access the memory device by using functions defined by the command; if the response value is checked to be invalid, then functions of the application program will be restricted.

Abstract: A memory card and a non-volatile memory controller thereof are provided. The non-volatile memory controller includes a firmware download port group, a memory interface unit, a processing unit, and a host interface unit. The firmware download port group is used for coupled to a firmware update fixture. The memory interface unit includes at least one tri-state buffer component, and the memory interface unit is coupled to a non-volatile memory and the firmware download port group through the tri-state buffer component, wherein the tri-state buffer component determines whether to operate in a high-impedance mode or a normal mode according to a mode single. The processing unit accesses the non-volatile memory through the memory interface unit. When the tri-state buffer component operates in the high-impedance mode according to the mode single, the firmware update fixture writes a new firmware into the non-volatile memory through the firmware download port group.

Abstract: A method is used for operating a memory card, which comprises following steps: (1) a file is preloaded in the first sector of the file allocation table and the second sectors of the description block, wherein the file at least including first data, second data and third data, wherein the first sector is filled up with the first data, only one of the second sectors is not filled up with the second data and the other second sectors are filled up with the third data. (2) A command is received, where the command is capable of updating the file. (3) The command for the first sector is ignored. (4) The only one of the second sectors is updated according to the command. (5) The command for the other second sectors is ignored. (6) The second data of the only one of the second sectors are recovered.

Abstract: A memory device preloads a command file and a plurality of response files. Whenever a host sends a command to the memory apparatus, the command assigns one of the response files; thereby the host can receive response of the memory apparatus by reading the assigned response file.

Abstract: A memory card and a non-volatile memory controller thereof are provided. The non-volatile memory controller includes a firmware download port group, a memory interface unit, a processing unit, and a host interface unit. The firmware download port group is used for coupled to a firmware update fixture. The memory interface unit includes at least one tri-state buffer component, and the memory interface unit is coupled to a non-volatile memory and the firmware download port group through the tri-state buffer component, wherein the tri-state buffer component determines whether to operate in a high-impedance mode or a normal mode according to a mode single. The processing unit accesses the non-volatile memory through the memory interface unit. When the tri-state buffer component operates in the high-impedance mode according to the mode single, the firmware update fixture writes a new firmware into the non-volatile memory through the firmware download port group.

Abstract: A memory card and a non-volatile memory controller thereof are provided. The non-volatile memory controller provides a process interface to allow a host to access a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory controller includes a mode setting port group, a firmware download port group, a host access port group, a memory port group, a control unit, a processing unit, an interface unit, and a switch unit. When a firmware in the non-volatile memory is to be updated, the switch unit switches to the firmware download port group and then connects it to a fixture to obtain a new firmware. The control unit writes the new firmware into the non-volatile memory directly on a printed circuit board according to an instruction of the process unit. Thereby, in the present invention, firmware updating can be carried out directly on a printed circuit board therefore is made more convenient.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for upgrading an execution code of a portable memory device. The apparatus stores the execution code in a programmable unit of the portable memory device. While this portable memory device is connected to an external host, an execution code upgrading mechanism stored in the external host will check if there is a newer version of the execution code stored in the external host. If there is, the external host will generate an upgrading signal, delete the original execution code stored in the portable memory device, and overwrite the execution code at the same memory location of the portable memory device with the new version of execution code stored in the external host. Then, the portable memory device will operates by using this new version of execution code.

Abstract: A package assembly and method for permitting the activation and deactivation of prepaid debit cards, such as prepaid telephone calling cards, at a point of sale. The package assembly has a prepaid debit card with a particular identification number and is contained within a cavity formed between a backing material and a sheath. A machine readable marking is disposed on the package assembly and is detectable by machine reading apparatus currently used in the industry. The machine readable marking is encoded with information identifying the package assembly as a prepaid debit card and with the identification number of the prepaid debit card. When the machine readable marking is scanned by a machine reading apparatus at the point of sale, the identification number of the prepaid debit card, along with an activation or deactivation request, is communicated to a host computer.

Abstract: A word game has a set of tiles each formed on one face with a letter and the frequency of occurrence of the letters in the set corresponds to that occurring in the American language. Rules are provided by which a word formed by a player during the progress of the game is taken by the player but may subsequently be taken by another player who incorporates that word into another word. The tiles may be kept in alignment by interlocking formations along their side edges or by fitting them into a rectangular slot in a playing frame.