Abstract: A block management method for a flash memory of a storage system is provided, wherein the flash memory includes a plurality of physical blocks. The block management method includes grouping the physical blocks into a plurality of physical units, and grouping the physical units into a data area, a spare area, and a replacement area. The block management method further includes performing a first physical unit switch which switches the physical units between the data area and the spare area, and performing a second physical unit switch which switches the physical units between the spare area and the replacement area. Therefore, the block management method can uniformly use the physical blocks and thereby effectively prolong a lifespan of the storage system.

Abstract: The position relating to a content can be displayed on map information using a portable storage medium. With respect to a content the visual information of which is to be displayed on a display unit (19), a display control unit (control unit 21) displays the visual information of the content on the map information. If a first identification value among a plurality of identification values of the content cannot be found, a content is extracted from the contents stored in the portable storage medium (12) so that the extracted content has an identification value which matches with any of the plurality of identification values other than the first identification value. The visual information of the extracted content is displayed on the map information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a data storage device are provided for implementing data confidentiality and integrity of data stored in overlapping, shingled data tracks on a recordable surface of a storage device. A unique write counter is stored for each zone written to the recordable surface of the storage device. An encryption key is used together with the write counter information and a logical block address to encrypt each sector being written, and to decrypt all sectors being read. An individual sector is decrypted, obtaining the write counter information and reading the data sector. A message authentication code is stored for each zone. All sectors of the zone are read to perform integrity check on a sector.

Abstract: A card type peripheral apparatus connected to a host apparatus for communication therewith according to a specific protocol. The card type peripheral apparatus includes a plurality of configuration registers configured to be accessible by the host apparatus and to be set with diverse set information. At least one of the plurality of configuration registers is a special register configured to be set with data arbitrarily selected and fixedly established by a vendor that either fabricates or markets the card type peripheral apparatus. The special register is set with protocol identification information for discriminating the specific protocol.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a drive for attaching a removable storage, a reader for reading update information acquired from a network through a device having a network connection function when the removable storage is attached to the drive, the information being recorded in a predetermined directory in the removable storage, and a writer for writing device information necessary for acquiring the update information in a predetermined directory in the removable storage when the removable storage is attached to the drive. The electronic device is not provided with a function for connecting to the network.

Abstract: An embedded memory system is disclosed. A main interface is configured to communicate with an electronic system via a main bus. A memory-sharing auxiliary interface is configured to communicate with the electronic system via a memory-sharing auxiliary bus. An arbiter is configured to arbitrate among the main interface, the memory-sharing auxiliary interface, a primary memory, and a secondary memory. Accordingly, the electronic system is capable of sharing either the primary memory or the secondary memory via the memory-sharing auxiliary interface and the memory-sharing auxiliary bus, and the embedded memory system is capable of sharing a system memory of the electronic system via the memory-sharing auxiliary interface and the memory-sharing auxiliary bus.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a first part configured to receive a first and second removable memory module, a second part coupled with the first part with a hinge, and conductive terminals configured to contact the first removable memory module in a first closed position and the second removable memory module in a second closed position.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided with a storage section which stores various pieces of information and a transmitter/receiver section which transmits and receives data to and from external equipment. It is determined whether or not data paired with write data contained in a write command is stored by the storage section when the write command is received by the transmitter/receiver section, the write data is written to the storage section if it is concluded that the data paired with the write data contained in the write command is stored by the storage section, and the transmitter/receiver section is caused to transmit a result of determination on abnormality to the external equipment if it is concluded that the data paired with the write data contained in the write command is not stored by the storage section.

Abstract: A method for transmitting and dispatching data stream, which is used for transmitting data stream to a storage device having a non-volatile memory and a smart card chip from a host, is provided. The method includes: setting a key between the host and the storage device; creating a temporary file in the non-volatile memory; verifying the temporary file based on the key; recording a logical block address of the temporary file when verification of the temporary file is successful; and judging whether the data stream from the host is written at the logical block address, wherein the data stream is identified to be a command-application protocol data unit (C-APDU) and is dispatched to the smart card chip when the data stream from the host is written at the logical block address. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently distinguish a general data from a command of the smart card chip.

Abstract: A network device may include an off-chip memory to store a free-list of buffer pointers. The network device may further include an on-chip controller that includes a prefetch buffer. The prefetch buffer may store unallocated buffer pointers that point to available memory locations in a different off-chip memory. The on-chip controller may receive an unallocated buffer pointer, determine, in response to receiving the unallocated buffer pointer, whether the prefetch buffer is full, store the unallocated buffer pointer in the prefetch buffer when the prefetch buffer is determined not to be full, and store the unallocated buffer pointer in the free-list, in the off-chip memory, when the prefetch buffer is determined to be full.

Abstract: A detachable storage device can comprise a memory, circuitry, and a user interface. The memory may comprise a storage partition. The circuitry may be configured to authorize access to the storage partition to a digital device when the detachable storage device is coupled to the digital device based, at least in part, on a user code. The user interface may be configured to receive the user code while the detachable storage device is within a detached state and provide the user code to the circuitry to allow access to the storage partition.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided, including a first data storage device electrically storing write data, a second data storage device magnetically storing write data, and a controller partitioning write data into first and second write data portions. The first write data portion is programmed to the first data storage device and the second write data portion if magnetically written to the second data storage device at the same time.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically sharing a tape drive in a heterogeneous computing environment that includes a first computer and second computer. The first computer receives a message that includes a shared tape drive identifier, a source port identifier of the second computer, and a reservation status change for the tape drive. Based on the tape drive identifier, the first computer determines that the tape drive is connected to the first computer. The source port identifier is determined to not identify any host bus adapter installed in the first computer. In response to the first computer determining that the reservation status change indicates a reservation or a release of the tape drive for the second computer, the first computer sets the tape drive offline or online, respectively, in an application executing in the first computer.

Abstract: A system to access information about a deceased individual includes a memory device and a mobile unit. The memory device contains a non-volatile computer readable medium to store the information on the deceased individual. The mobile unit interfaces with the memory device to access the information. The memory device may include a memory tube or a microchip. In some versions, the memory device may be mounted to a headstone or associated with the gravesite. The mobile unit may include a viewing screen to display information about the deceased individual via a user interface. In another version, a computer may host the information and an identifier is used by a mobile unit to access the information. The identifier may be associated with a burial site. In some versions, the identifier is an electronic identifier that communicatively couples to the computer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are provided that display memory statistics for a keydrive that do not require the keydrive to be plugged into another device. Displaying memory statistics according to embodiments of the present invention include receiving a command resulting in a change to the memory usage of the keydrive, calculating memory statistics describing the current state of memory usage of the keydrive, storing the memory statistics in memory on the keydrive, and displaying the memory statistics on a display on the keydrive. Calculating memory statistics describing the current state of memory usage of the keydrive may be carried out by calculating a total memory usage of the keydrive. Calculating memory statistics describing the current state of memory usage of the keydrive may also be carried out by calculating a percent of total memory used.

Abstract: A computing device and method for managing security of a memory or storage device without the need for administer privileges. To access the secure memory, a host provides a data block containing a control command and authentication data to the memory device. The memory device includes a controller for controlling access to a secure memory in the memory device. The memory device identifies the control command in the data block, authenticates the control command based on the authentication data, and executes the control command to allow the host device to access the secure memory.

Abstract: A secure, dual server electronic data maintenance system and associated removable memory storage devices (e.g., smartcards). The system includes a first remote server that stores card holder identification information associated with multiple card holders, and a second remote server that stores electronic data associated with the card holders. The electronic data maintained on the second remote server cannot be correlated to the card holder identification information maintained on the first remote server based on the information contained in the first and second remote servers. To permit correlation of the files, the removable memory storage devices store correlation information sufficient to uniquely associate particular card holder identification information stored on the first remote computer server with associated card holder's electronic data stored on the second remote server. The removable memory storage device also allows the card holder to engage in monetary transactions.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for secure document processing. A removable storage, such as a flash drive, magnetic storage, IC card, is installed in document processing device. A selected document processing operation, such as copying, scanning, and the like, is then performed. Data files resultant from the selected document processing operations are directed to the removable storage for being stored temporary, instead of being sent to the storage inherent to the document processing device. Data files temporary stored in the removable storage are then deleted.

Abstract: A system and method for removable storage content transfer. A removable storage medium is passed between a terminal and a device, and a device file stored on the removable storage medium is used to communicate media content and other information between the terminal and the device. The device file may include “session information,” such as information that can be used to represent a network or direct connect session between the terminal and the device file. The session information may include, for example, media content and header information. The device file may allow the terminal to treat the removable storage medium as a locally connected device in some situations. For example, the terminal may create a device stack using device parameters stored on the removable storage medium, and use the device stack to communicate with the device via the removable storage medium.

Abstract: In a method in a portable data carrier for executing an additional functionality in the data carrier, whereby the data carrier comprises a memory and whereby the additional functionality is called up by means of the one access of a conventional read command ordered from outside the data carrier to the memory of the data carrier, the additional functionality is further specified by a respective further access of at least one further conventional read command to the memory of the data carrier.

Abstract: A method of and system for enhanced storage allows more data to be backed up than would otherwise be possible. Instead of storing uncompressed base images and incremental images, differentials of non-current base images are compressed and stored. Furthermore, incremental images that are older than the current base image are removed. By only saving differential base images that are compressed, aside from the newest base image, and deleting older incremental images, a significant amount of space is saved. A removable drive is used as temporary storage in the process of generating a compressed differential base for previous base images. Additionally, a process ensures that previous base images are differentials of the most recent base image and not each other.

Abstract: A source device is initially enabled to maintain data synchronization with a host server over a wireless communication network via a first wireless transceiver for user data of an application program associated with a user account. To enable a target device, the source device is operative to establish a programming session with the target device via a second wireless transceiver. During the programming session, the source device causes user account data (e.g. an encryption/decryption key for the data-synchronized communications) for the user account to be transmitted to the target device via the second wireless transceiver. The user data associated with the application program may be transferred from the source device to the target device via a removable memory card such as a secure digital (SD) card.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a medium mounting unit operable to mount a removable recording medium which stores data, a storage unit operable to store an uploader for providing a function of uploading data to an external server via a network, the uploader being software executed by an external apparatus, and a recording controller operable to record, in the recording medium, list information for specifying data to be uploaded to the external server out of data stored in the recording medium, and the uploader stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improved identification of removable storage media. A scanner may be used to read an identifier, such as a barcode, on a removable storage media. In the event that the scanner reads the identifier incorrectly due to a defect in the barcode, such as a damaged label, misaligned identifier, or because the scanner is incapable of reading the identifier type or the scanner's field of view is incorrect, a media management component receives the scanned identifier data and matches it to a known set of media identifiers to create a subset of matching identifier data. A closest matching media identifier may be identified from the subset of matching identifier data. An index may be updated with information indicating the closest matching media identifier and a location of the removable storage media.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that are related to controlling the visibility of a portion of memory in a hardware device. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a hardware device comprising a communications interface configured to connect to a complementary communications interface on a computing device. The hardware device further comprises a portion of memory having a first ID configured to cause the portion of memory to be visible to a user of the computing device to which the hardware device is connected. Further still, the hardware device comprises instructions stored in the portion of memory which are executable by and transferable to the computing device to cause the installation of a computer program related to the hardware device, and to cause the portion of memory to be hidden from the user of the computing device upon transferring of the instructions to the computing device.

Abstract: A method is provided for enabling electronic representation of a removable or fixed data storage device having a non-volatile memory as an operating system-standard disk directly accessible to a main bus of a computing appliance having a peripheral component interface connector and a motherboard. The method includes the acts (a) providing a peripheral component interface ported to a memory controller on the device, the memory controller for controlling host access to the non-volatile memory, (b) providing disk control registers and or bus control registers including appropriate disk and or bus protocols and commands in the peripheral component interface on the device, and (c) connecting the device to the peripheral component interface connector of the computing appliance.

Abstract: A memory system is provided includes a host processor, and a plurality of cascade connected memory cards connected to the host processor. Each of the memory cards stores a same default relative card address (RCA) prior to initialization of the memory system. The host processor is configured to sequentially access each memory card using the default RCA, and to change the default RCA to a unique RCA upon each sequential access.

Abstract: An electronic device for associating at least one memory card and data therein with itself and a method thereof are provided. The device includes a storage unit storing a relationship between one or more identity codes and corresponding associated information. The association information corresponding to each identity code records relationship between at least one application capable of being run by the device and associated data stored in a memory card having the identity code. A processor determines the identity code of a memory card connected to the electronic device, determines the corresponding association information based on the determined identity code and the stored relationship, and associates the at least one application with the associated data according to the determined association information.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for processing parallel data storage and authentication and a terminal. In this case, the method comprises: a data processing thread of a terminal storing data into a corresponding cache area according to a type of the data, wherein the type of the data comprises authentication type and storage type, data of the authentication type is stored in a first cache area, and data of the storage type is stored in a second cache area; a scheduling processing thread of the terminal reading data from the first cache area and the second cache area alternately according to a reading rule associated with the data type, and sending the read data to a smart card of the terminal; and the smart card performing storage or authentication according to the type of the received data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the host controller includes a transmission circuit that encodes transmission data, according to a serial transfer format, a reception circuit that decodes received data, according to the serial transfer format, a variable frequency clock generator that generates a card clock and a transfer clock, a card clock output unit that outputs the card clock to the memory card, an interface unit includes a transmission interface that transfers the transmission data from the transmission circuit to the memory card in synchronization with the transfer clock, and a reception interface that transfers received data from the memory card to the reception circuit in synchronization with the transfer clock, and a setting register circuit that holds setting information concerning an input/output method of the memory card, and controls frequency of the transfer clock generated by the variable frequency clock generator, based on the setting information.

Abstract: A storage control system monitors storage operations directed to storage blocks in a storage device. The storage control system uses arrays of counters to track a number of the storage operations, sizes of the storage operations, types of transitions between the storage operations, and time durations between different types of successive storage operations. The storage blocks are classified into different behavioral groups based on the access pattern history of the individual blocks. The behavioral group classifications are then used by the storage control system to determine when to access the storage blocks from the storage device, when to load the storage blocks into a tiering media, or when to time out the storage blocks from the tiering media.

Abstract: A method for controlling icon display corresponding to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Mass Storage is provided. The USB Mass Storage is electrically connected to a USB port of a personal computer. The method includes: when it is detected that there is nothing inserted into any memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, preventing the USB Mass Storage from triggering a specific icon to be displayed, wherein the specific icon is selectively utilized for indicating that at least one USB device is electrically connected to the personal computer; and when it is detected that a memory card is inserted into any of at least one memory card slot of the USB Mass Storage, allowing the specific icon to be displayed. An associated personal computer and a storage medium storing an associated USB Mass Storage driver for controlling icon display corresponding to the USB Mass Storage are further provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an identifier generation module, an identifier write module, an identifier storage, and a removable media control module. The identifier generation module generates a media identifier for a removable medium connected to the information processing apparatus. The identifier write module writes the generated media identifier in a predetermined area in the removable medium. The identifier storage stores the generated media identifier in an identifier list. The removable media control module permits use of a removable medium which is newly connected to the information processing apparatus if a media identifier included in the identifier list is written in a predetermined area in the newly connected removable medium.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for collecting and exchanging data are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a non-volatile memory device, which includes an interface for coupling the non-volatile memory device to a host system; non-volatile memory for storing data, including a plurality of executables at least two of which are executable on different operating systems or devices. The plurality of executables includes a data collection executable and a data transfer executable. The non-volatile memory device also includes a controller to cause execution of at least one executable in the plurality of executables, including the data collection executable and the data transfer executable, where execution of the data collection executable causes data to be collected and stored in the non-volatile memory, and execution of which causes the collected data to be transferred to a location external to the non-volatile memory device.

Abstract: A system for deduplicating data comprises a card operable to receive at least one data block and a processor on the card that generates a hash for each data block. The system further comprises a first module that determines a processing status for the hash and a second module that discards duplicate hashes and their data blocks and writes unique hashes and their data blocks to a computer readable medium. In one embodiment, the processor also compresses each data block using a compression algorithm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for delaying execution of input/output (I/O) requests for solid state drives are contemplated. Some embodiments comprise receiving I/O requests for a solid state drive and calculating amounts of time based on characteristics of the requests, such as differences of the logical block addresses (LBAs) of the requests. The embodiments may then delay responses by the solid state drive for the requests. Calculating the amounts of time and delaying the responses by the amounts of time may allow the solid state drives to emulate the responses of various types of hard disk drives. Some embodiments comprise an apparatus for delaying execution of the I/O requests for solid state drives. The apparatuses may have numerous modules, such as a request receiver to receive the I/O requests, a calculation module to calculate the amounts of delay times, and a delay module to delay the responses of the I/O requests.

Abstract: A flash-card reader improves transmission efficiency by using bulk streaming of multiple pipes. A bulk data-out pipe carries host write data to the card reader and can operate in parallel with a bulk data-in pipe that carries host read data that was read from a flash card attached to the card reader. Status packets do not block data packets since the he status packets are buffered through a separate status pipe, and commands are buffered through a command pipe. Flash data from multiple flash cards are interleaved as separate endpoints that share the bulk data-in pipe. A data in/out streaming state machine controls streaming bulk data through the bulk data-in and data-out pipes, while a status streaming state machine controls streaming status packets through the status pipe. Transaction overhead is reduced using bulk streaming where packets for several commands are combined into the same bulk streams.

Abstract: Transfer of data blocks between a host and a multi-media card (“MMC”) are performed in a pre-defined mode. In pre-defined mode, the host sets a pre-determined number of blocks, a “multiblock,” to be transferred. Use of pre-defined mode results in faster transfers than those performed using an open-ended mode incorporating a stop command. Furthermore, corruption errors resulting from delays in providing the stop command which may occur in an open-ended mode are avoided. Pre-defined multiblock transfers are supported by existing operating systems through trapping open-ended mode transfers in the MMC stack, leaving existing device drivers unaffected.

Abstract: A smart card determines if the smart card has been inserted into a device, and retrieves a device identifier and at least one application configuration value from the device if the smart card has been inserted into the device. The smart card compares the retrieved device identifier and the at least one application configuration value with a device identifier and at least one application configuration value previously stored in the smart card. The smart card causes the retrieved device identifier and the at least one application configuration value to be sent to an Over The Air (OTA) server if the comparison indicates that the retrieved device identifier or the at least one application configuration value is different than the previously stored device identifier or the at least one application configuration value, so that the OTA server can supply application parameter changes to the mobile device for future device operation.

Abstract: A storage medium adapter 200 includes storage medium interfaces 230, 240, to which multiple storage media 250, 260 are to be connected, a host interface 210, which is to be connected to an external device, and a control section 220, which is electrically connected to the storage medium interfaces 230, 240 and the host interface 210. The control section 220 determines whether or not the same data can be written on those storage media 250, 260 simultaneously. If the answer is YES, the control section 220 writes data that has been received by way of the host interface 210 on the respective storage media.

Abstract: A mass storage system comprising multiple memory cards, each with non-volatile memory components, a system bus interface for communicating with a system bus of a host system, and at least one ancillary interface. The ancillary interface is configured for direct communication of commands, addresses and data between the memory cards via a cross-link connector without accessing the system bus interface.

Abstract: A storage device includes a plurality of interfaces for connection to an external device, a storage unit that stores data, an effective interface setting unit, and a switching instruction receiving unit. The effective interface setting unit sets one of the plurality of interfaces as an effective interface that may access the storage unit. The switching instruction receiving unit receives an effective interface switching instruction during operation of the storage device. The effective interface setting unit switches the interface set as the effective interface based on the effective interface switching instruction.

Abstract: A method of controlling a semiconductor memory card system including a host device incorporating a semiconductor memory card and communicating information with a user of the host device to warn the imminent end of the life of the memory card in the system is provided. According to one aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a semiconductor memory card, the method comprising creating end-of-life index data of the semiconductor memory card, reading the end-of-life index data in response to a command from a host device to the semiconductor memory card, creating an end-of-life warning status of the semiconductor memory card from the end-of-life index data based on a life control limit value, and sending a response containing the end-of-life warning status to the host device as a response to the command through the same communication line as that for the command.

Abstract: A data backup system is provided for backing up data files from a data source and for securing those data files against accidental modification or deletion. The system comprises storage and a data protection component that includes an application programming interface defining a command set. The system can also comprise a backup application that is configured to use the commands of the command set. The data protection component allows applications that use the commands of the command set, such as the backup application, to access the storage of the system. The data protection component prevents operating systems and applications that do not use the commands of the command set from accessing the storage. The data protection function of the data protection component can optionally be disabled to allow open access to the storage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request to read data stored in a first memory cell associated with a first word line, and performing a first read operation on at least one memory cell associated with a second word line in response to the request. The second word line follows the first word line in a word line programming order, and the first read operation is performed over a first time period. The method further includes performing a second read operation on the first memory cell based on output from the first read operation. The second read operation is performed for a second time period, and the first time period is shorter than the second time period if output from performing the first read operation indicates the first memory cell is not coupled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method couples memory devices in a memory module to a memory hub on the module such that signals traveling from the hub to the devices have the same propagation time regardless of which device is involved. The hub receives memory signals from a controller over a high speed data link which the hub translates into electrical data, command and address signals. These signals are applied to the memory devices over busses having equivalent path lengths. The busses may also be used by the memory devices to apply data signals to the memory hub. Such data signals can be converted by the memory hub into memory signals and applied to the controller over the high speed data link. In one example, the memory hub is located in the center of the memory module.

Abstract: Memory devices, connectors and methods for terminating an operation are provided, including a memory device configured to terminate an internal operation such as a programming or erase operation responsive to receiving a signal during removal of the memory device from a connector, such as a socket. The memory device may be specially configured to generate the removal signal, such as by including a dedicated removal terminal. The memory card may respond to the signal by terminating a programming or erase operation before power is lost. The removal terminal may have a dimension that is different from a dimension of a power terminal through which the memory device receives power. Alternatively, the connector may be specially configured to generate a signal that causes a host to terminate programming or erase operations in the memory device prior to memory card removal, such as by including a switch that is actuated when the memory device moves to a pre-power loss position.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a powerless lockable UFD system and a method for securely protecting information stored and retrieved on UFDs (USB flash drives) that does not require electric power in order to enter a password to the UFD. The system also features an alarm and reset mechanism for clearing entered passwords. Passwords are concealed from the sight of a viewer for further protection. The system can be similarly incorporated into peripheral devices such as hard-disk drives (HDDs), printers, scanners, cameras, and portable memory devices.

Abstract: A memory system including ROM and RAM in which reading and writing are enabled. A memory system includes a non-volatile memory (FLASH), DRAM, a control circuit, and an information processing device. Data in FLASH is transferred to SRAM or DRAM in advance. Data transfer between the non-volatile memory and the DRAM can be performed in the background. The memory system including these plural chips is configured as a memory system module in which each chip is mutually laminated and each chip is wired via a ball grid array (BGA) and bonding wire between the chips. Data in FLASH can be read at the similar speed to that of DRAM by securing a region in which the data in FLASH can be copied in DRAM and transferring the data to DRAM in advance immediately after power is turned on or by a load instruction.

Abstract: A system may comprise multiple master/slave devices coupled to a common bus, where one of the devices may operate as the current master device and the other devices may operate as current slave devices. Current slave devices may embed bus ownership request information within response packets transmitted in response to standard bus operations, such as reads and writes, issued by the current master device. When the current master device is idle, its bus interface may continually poll the current slave devices at regular intervals, according to a specified protocol, to ascertain whether any of them are requesting bus ownership. A response to a request for bus ownership received by the current master device may be configured according to desired system functionality. In one system, ownership may always be transferred to the requesting device.