Abstract: A method and system for increasing read and write performance of flash-based storage systems, by using RAM buffers with multiple accesses. The increase of read and write performance of flash-based storage system is achieved by performing “from RAM” and “to RAM” transfer operations simultaneously. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the invention provides a system for enabling simultaneous data transfer from a host interface to flash media and from flash media to a host interface. It also provides for a system for synchronizing memory-to-host and flash-to-memory transfers, during the host read operation. There is further provided a system of synchronizing host-to-memory and memory-to-flash transfers, during the host write operation.

Abstract: A data storage and processing device is reversibly attachable to a selected member of a set of appliances. The device includes a data storage medium and a processor. Each appliance includes appropriate functional components, a power source and a user interface. The device receives power from the attached appliance. Commands for operating the attached appliance are stored in the data storage medium and are executed by the processor in response to user instructions received from the attached appliance in order to operate the functional components. Preferably, the device receives power only from the attached appliance, and the functional components are operated, in response to the user instructions, only by the device's processor.

Abstract: A system and method for managing flash devices that are limited to performing only sequential write operations. After a write request has been received, a physical portion of the flash device is located for writing the data, according to the location of a previously written physical portion which was the last such portion to be written in the same block, such that the physical portion is physically at a higher address within the block than the previously written physical portion. In other words, the write operation is performed in a place that does not violate the sequential write limitation, rather than being performed at a randomly chosen location. This portion is preferably a location in a block, such as a page for example, such that if a page is available for writing in the same block, the data is written to that page. Again, this page is preferably at a higher address than any previously written page in that block.

Abstract: This invention discloses a system for safe collection of payment in return for goods, values or services, the system including a multiplicity of electronic system elements wherein each individual one of the elements has a purse storing an amount of credit for value receivable granted to the individual system element, each purse including a purse monitor operative to sign and authenticate a transaction record of each transaction in which the purse uses some of the credit for value receivable which it has been granted, and a purse control unit operative to prevent the purse, off-line, from exceeding the credit for value receivable which it has been granted.

Abstract: A ruggedized file system, which provides ruggedness to non-volatile storage media at the device driver level. The ruggedized block device driver implementation provides ruggedness at the device driver level, thereby allowing atomic sequences of operations by the file system. Accordingly, the device driver is told that the current data state is a “fall-back” consistent state, into which the system should wake up if interrupted prior to completion of the sequence, following which operations are executed as required by the file system, including erasing, writing or overwriting blocks. The device driver is further told when the atomic sequence is complete, such that a new consistent state is thereby defined. It is, accordingly, the responsibility of the device driver to ensure that either the sequence completes and the file system reaches the target consistent state, or if power is lost or any other failure occurs in the middle, the file system will wake up in the initial fallback state.

Abstract: A processor that executes boot code in its cache memory, and a computer that includes the processor. The processor includes a download boot machine for retrieving the boot code from a sequential access memory device, such as a flash memory or a mass storage device, or from a random access memory such as a serial EEPROM.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the performance of a flash-based storage system, using specialized flash memory controller(s). Several methods of performance improvement are suggested such as adding DMA capability to flash memory controller to reduce the data transfer time; connecting flash chips to a multitude of flash memory controllers, which allow continuation of the data transfer to the system, even after the page programming operation has started; and connecting flash chips to a multitude of DMA-capable flash memory controllers to allow data transfer directly from one flash chip to another. In addition, a multi-controller design is suggested, which efficiently combines these performance-improving methods. In its best mode of operation, the present invention is a Flash-based storage system with several flash controllers or a multi-controller with DMA interface, organized in a way that reduces the page programming, page fetch and page copy time.

Abstract: A pocket-size computer peripheral system includes a computer peripheral device made up of at least two separable portions and an attachment bracket. The attachment bracket forms a sliding interconnection between the system and pocketable personal articles. Additionally, or alternatively, the attachment bracket selectively assumes one of two different attachment states with the separable portions of the device.

Abstract: A data storage and exchange device includes a non-volatile memory, a first interface for exchanging data between the non-volatile memory and a computer, and a second interface for exchanging data between the non-volatile memory and a mass storage device. The data storage and exchange device is operative only to exchange data between the non-volatile memory and the computer, between the computer and the mass storage device, and possibly between the non-volatile memory and the mass storage device even in the absence of the computer.

Abstract: A system for safe collection of payment by a vehicle operator from riders, the system including a multiplicity of electronic payment receipt generators, each operable by a vehicle operator, wherein each individual one of the payment receipt generators includes an electronic purse storing an amount of electronic cash, each electronic purse including an electronic cash loader operative to use some of the electronic cash to generate a payment receipt to be given by the vehicle operator to a rider, and an electronic purse control unit operative to prevent said electronic cash loader from exceeding said amount of electronic cash, thereby limiting the vehicle operator's entitlement to collect payments from riders, and an electronic cashier purse operative to increment the electronic purse of each electronic payment receipt generator by the amount of payment collected by the vehicle operator to whom the electronic payment receipt generator is assigned.

Abstract: A system and method for more flexibly managing flash memory devices, such that these devices can be more efficiently used to store data as flash disks. The present invention provides an improvement by enabling erase units of different sizes to be erased. Preferably, the present invention is also operative with flash memory devices which are capable of erasing the memory in a plurality of different erase unit sizes, and more preferably, is able to select the most efficient erase unit size for erasing. The present invention is able to optionally and more preferably use a plurality of different decision rules in order to select the most efficient method for erasing and/or reading/writing data to the flash memory device. Most preferably, the present invention is able to detect the capabilities of the flash memory device, in order to be automatically operative with a plurality of different types of flash memory technologies.

Abstract: A method of managing the erasure of units of a flash memory. An indication is provided that an erasure of one or more units is pending, either before the units are erased or, in case of power loss, during the erasure. Subsequent to a completed erasure, an indication provided before an erasure is either erased or offset by an indication of a completed erasure. Upon powering up, or, in some embodiments, also prior to writing, the indications are inspected and units not completely erased are erased again. The present invention may be implemented in hardware, in firmware, in software, or in any combination of the three. In embodiments not totally reliant on software, appropriate non-volatile registers are provided, for storing the indications as erase pending flags and erase completed flags, and also for storing corresponding unit numbers.

Abstract: A ruggedized file system, which provides ruggedness to non-volatile storage media at the device driver level. The ruggedized block device driver implementation provides ruggedness at the device driver level, thereby allowing atomic sequences of operations by the file system. Accordingly, the device driver is told that the current data state is a “fall-back” consistent state, into which the system should wake up if interrupted prior to completion of the sequence, following which operations are executed as required by the file system, including erasing, writing or overwriting blocks. The device driver is further told when the atomic sequence is complete, such that a new consistent state is thereby defined. It is, accordingly, the responsibility of the device driver to ensure that either the sequence completes and the file system reaches the target consistent state, or if power is lost or any other failure occurs in the middle, the file system will wake up in the initial fall-back state.

Abstract: A ruggedized file system, which provides ruggedness to non-volatile storage media at the device driver level. The ruggedized block device driver implementation provides ruggedness at the device driver level, thereby allowing atomic sequences of operations by the file system. Accordingly, the device driver is told that the current data state is a “fall-back” consistent state, into which the system should wake up if interrupted prior to completion of the sequence, following which operations are executed as required by the file system, including erasing, writing or overwriting blocks. The device driver is further told when the atomic sequence is complete, such that a new consistent state is thereby defined. It is, accordingly, the responsibility of the device driver to ensure that either the sequence completes and the file system reaches the target consistent state, or if power is lost or any other failure occurs in the middle, the file system will wake up in the initial fallback state.

Abstract: A device, a method and a system for providing control of access to data which is stored in an electronic data storage device. The device, method and system enable various types of permissions to be set for determining access to the stored data, such that if an attempt is made to access particular data which does not have a suitable permission type, access is denied. Preferably, the present invention is implemented as an access control device, such as a chip for example, which more preferably controls all access to the data storage device. This implementation is preferred, since such electronic devices are more difficult to “hack” for access by an unauthorized user.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a fast wake-up of a flash memory system, without compromising the integrity of the flash data structures and without risking loss of data. This is achieved by storing translation tables in the flash, but adding some means for the software to invalidate them in a way that is detectable whenever reading them. Possible implementations include adding a checksum value that makes the sum of all entries equal some fixed known value, or adding a validity flag to the stored tables, enabling the tables to be invalidated at will. In addition, one should ask the application software to call a specific function in the translation layer before shutting the system down. The present invention enables fast wake-ups when the application software made an orderly exit and made us store the tables. In the case an orderly exit was not made, the present invention commands a regular wake-up procedure, thereby ensuring data intengrity.

Abstract: A method for increasing information capacity in nominally m-bit-per-cell Flash technology, using advanced coding techniques and changes in the Flash array interface, without increasing the basic cell size or the bit read failure rate. The increase in information capacity is obtained by using a number n, greater than 1, of memory cells, each cell having a respective adjustable parameter, setting the parameters to collectively represent a binary number of b bits, b being greater than nm, measuring the parameters and decoding the measured parameters collectively to recover the number.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing read and write performance of flash-based storage systems, by using RAM buffers with multiple accesses. The increase of read and write performance of flash-based storage system is achieved by performing “from RAM” and “to RAM” transfer operations simultaneously. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the invention provides a system for enabling simultaneous data transfer from a host interface to flash media and from flash media to a host interface. It also provides for a system for synchronizing memory-to-host and flash-to-memory transfers, during the host read operation. There is further provided a system of synchronizing host-to-memory and memory-to-flash transfers, during the host write operation.