Abstract: A system for random number generation includes a digital oscillator circuit, which has a set of available configurations and is operative to generate a random number sequence in accordance with a current configuration selected from the set. The system further includes a randomization circuit, which is operative to produce a pseudo-random stream of values corresponding to the available configurations of the digital oscillator circuit, and to control the digital oscillator circuit to alternate among the available configurations in accordance with the pseudo-random stream of values.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein generally relate to a local mass storage device that provides a suggested read list of digital data to a host device. In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a local mass storage device receives a request from a host device for a suggested read list of digital data stored in the local mass storage device. The local mass storage device creates the suggested read list and provides the suggested read list to the host device. In this embodiment, the local mass storage device is managed by the host device using a logical block addressing protocol.

Abstract: Holders for portable memory cards and methods for manufacturing such holders are provided. A holder for a portable memory card described herein is configured to attach to a host device such that a portable memory card can travel with a host even when the portable memory card is not being used with the host. A holder for a portable memory card described herein may have a low profile design compatible with host electronic devices of increasingly small form factor, such as mobile phones and portable media players. A holder for a portable memory card may also include a lock for locking a portable memory card in a compartment formed by the memory card holder to prevent accidental removal of the portable memory card from the compartment.

Abstract: A method includes exchanging information between a local web-server of a local storage device and a remote web-server through a network. The exchange of the information is initiated autonomously by the local storage device upon a determination by the local web server that the information is not stored at the local storage device.

Abstract: A data storage apparatus includes a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. The primary storage device includes a first non-volatile memory to store a content item. The secondary storage device includes a second non-volatile memory to store a command received from a first content appliance. The command indicates an operation to be performed with respect to the content item stored at the primary storage device. The secondary storage device is configured to send the command to a second content appliance for execution.

Abstract: A memory device includes an executable flash memory partition and a non-executable partition, both partitions being fabricated on a common die. Preferably, both partitions are fabricated using the same flash memory technology. Most preferably, the flash cells of both partitions have insulating floating gates.

Abstract: A data-processing system includes a storage device for running a local web-server residing in the storage device; a host device for connecting to the storage device; and an exchanging mechanism, residing in the host device, for exchanging information autonomously between the local web-server and a remote web-server connected to the host device. Preferably, the local web-server serves a host application, upon a host-application request for information when the local web-server cannot obtain the information, by retrieving the information autonomously from the remote web-server via an LWSA. Preferably, the exchanging mechanism exchanges data packets between the local web-server and the remote web-server. Preferably, the storage device initiates the exchanging of the information upon indication of available bandwidth for network communication.

Abstract: Access control for a memory device is provided. In one embodiment, a portable memory device is provided comprising a storage medium comprising a private area and circuitry operative to (a) receive, from a host device, a password to unlock the host device, (b) compare the password with a password stored in the portable memory device, and (c) if the passwords match, allow the host device to access the private area. In another embodiment, a portable memory device is provided comprising a storage medium comprising a private area and a public area. The public area stores computer-readable program code to facilitate interaction with the access control features of the portable memory device. Methods for use with such memory devices are also provided. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A host device is provided comprising an interface configured to communicate with a storage device having a public memory area and a private memory area, wherein the public memory area stores a virtual file that is associated with content stored in the private memory area. The host device also comprises a cache, a host application, and a server. The server is configured to receive a request for the virtual file from the host application, send a request to the storage device for the virtual file, receive the content associated with the virtual file from the private memory area of the storage device, wherein the content is received by bypassing the cache, generate a response to the request from the host application, the response including the content, and send the response to the host application.

Abstract: A method and system for printing graphical content onto a plurality of memory devices and for providing a visually distinguishable memory device are provided. In one embodiment, graphical content to be printed onto a plurality of memory devices is identified. A graphical image is then created from the identified graphical content, wherein the graphical image comprises a plurality of sub-areas, wherein each sub-area contains graphical content and corresponds to at least one memory device of the plurality of memory devices. The graphical image is then printed onto the plurality of memory devices, wherein the plurality of memory devices are positioned to substantially correspond with positions of the plurality of sub-areas in the graphical image. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A first storage device provides a host device with access to a private memory area by communicating a password between the first storage device and a second storage device via the host device using a double-encryption scheme. In one embodiment, a host device receives a twice-encrypted password from a first storage device, sends the twice-encrypted password to a second storage device, receives a once-encrypted password from the second storage device, decrypts the once-encrypted password to obtain the password, and sends the password to the first storage device. In another embodiment, a first storage device sends a twice-encrypted password to a host device, receives the password from the host device after the twice-encrypted password is decrypted by a second storage device and the host device, and provides the host device with access to the private memory area only if the password matches one that is stored in the first storage device.

Abstract: A portable storage device including a microprocessor and a secure user data area, the microprocessor operable to perform on-the-fly encryption/decryption of secure data stored on the storage device under a user password, the microprocessor also operable to exclude access to the secure user data area unless the user password is provided.

Abstract: Data storage devices and methods are disclosed that provide a status indication when a maintenance operation is to be performed prior to completion of a write command. A method includes receiving a write command from a host device to write data to the non-volatile memory while the data storage device is operatively coupled to the host device. In response to determining that a maintenance operation is to be performed prior to the completion of the write command, an indication is sent to the host device that the write command has a status of incomplete.

Abstract: A host-peripheral adaptor includes a host adaptor and a portable peripheral adaptor. The host adaptor includes a substantially flat peripheral-adaptor-side interface. The peripheral-adaptor-side interface is designed in a way that it is not easy to tamper with. The portable peripheral adaptor includes a host-adaptor-side interface that is designed to operatively connect to the peripheral-adaptor-side interface of the host adaptor. The portable peripheral adaptor also includes one or more peripheral-side interfaces for accommodating one or more peripheral devices such as a storage media. The portable peripheral adaptor and the host adaptor include a set of data lines and the host adaptor also includes circuitry for recognizing the specific type of a peripheral device and, based on its specific type, for setting a suitable communication path to transfer data between a host and the peripheral device.

Abstract: A plurality of memory cells are managed by obtaining values of one or more environmental parameters of the cells and adjusting values of one or more reference voltages of the cells accordingly. Alternatively, a statistic of at least some of the cells, relative to a single reference parameter that corresponds to a control parameter of the cells, is measured, and the value of the reference voltage is adjusted accordingly. Examples of environmental parameters include program-erase cycle count, data retention time and temperature. Examples of reference voltages include read reference voltages and program verify reference voltages. Examples of statistics include the fraction of cells whose threshold voltages exceed initial lower bounds or initial medians.

Abstract: A method executed by a circuit for counting electrons in storage cells in an array of at least two storage cells is provided. The method includes providing a storage array of at least two storage cells, and each of said at least two storage cells containing an unknown amount of electrons. A receiving array of at least two receiving cells is provided, where said at least two receiving cells initially contain no electrons. Then, extracting a layer of said electrons from said storage array of cells and inserting said layer into corresponding locations in said receiving array. The method then repeats said steps of extracting and inserting while at least one of said at least two storage cells is not empty. The method counts, for each said storage cell in said storage array, a productive-extraction amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods of overlapping error correction operations are disclosed. A method at an encoder device includes receiving data to be encoded, including a first data group and a second data group. The first data group includes a first subgroup that contains a first plurality of bits and a second subgroup that contains a second plurality of bits. The second data group includes the second subgroup and a third subgroup that includes a third plurality of bits. A first encode operation encodes the first data group to generate a first codeword and a second encode operation encodes the second data group.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing flash memory without dedicated parity area and with reduced array size. The memory size of a multi level cell (MLC) flash is reduced and controller operation is simplified. Simplified operation includes the controller being able to program each host data page to an integer number of flash pages. A maximal available information bits per cell (IBPC) is maintained in a flash device while also maximizing the programming throughput of the flash. Features include the ability to dynamically select which number of cell states is used by flash memory cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems for managing files according to an application. A method for accessing files in a digital storage device, the method including steps of: providing an application having an application identity; and adjusting a storage mode of a file according to the application identity upon the application accessing the file. Preferably, the step of providing includes providing a process identifier (PID) that is an indicator of the application identity. Preferably, the step of adjusting includes adjusting the storage mode according to a storage command associated with an application scenario of the application. Preferably, the step of adjusting is performed using a storage attributes table (SAT). Preferably the step of adjusting is performed using an application scenario table (AST).

Abstract: A storage unit made of flash array and a USB controller, is implemented to be compatible with then USB specification. The unit includes memory modules which can accept write commands and read commands and are erasable and non-volatile herein referred to as flash modules. The USB/flash controller is configured to provide USB functionality and compatibility alone with common flash operations such as programming reading and erasing the above mentioned components. A USB flash memory device includes at least one flash memory module, a USB connector, a USB controller, and an identification structure for holding memory size and manufacturing type information of the flash memory module.