Detachable Memory Patents (Class 711/115)
  • Patent number: 8095747
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a memory controller configured to control first and second memory components. A point-to-point data bus configured to pass data between the memory controller and the memory components may include a direct connection from each memory component to the memory controller. A daisy chained address bus configured to pass commands between the memory controller and the memory components may include a direct connection from the first memory component to the memory controller and a daisy chain connection from the first memory component to the second memory component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Barbara, Gabriel Li, Thinh Tran, Joseph Tzou
  • Publication number: 20110320713
    Abstract: A multi-memory media adapter to read a plurality of different types of memory media cards. Signals are mapped to the contact pins depending upon the type of memory media card. In one embodiment, a controller connected to an interconnection means maps at least one signal to the contact pins depending upon the type of memory card inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: MCM PORTFOLIO LLC
    Inventors: Sreenath Mambakkam, Arockiyaswamy Venkidu, Larry Lawson Jones
  • Patent number: 8086798
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multimedia storage device comprising a cartridge and a loader. The cartridge connects to media devices of different formats, and the loader comprises a loading/ejecting device and connects to an external application device. The cartridge is loaded into and ejected out of the loader by the loading/ejecting device. When the cartridge is loaded into the loader, the external application device can play and access the files stored in media device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Horst Rumpf, Stefan Koch, Chun-Ting Wu, Chih-Kang Chen
  • Patent number: 8081536
    Abstract: A circuit is configured to be mounted on a memory module configured to be operationally coupled to a computer system. The memory module has a first number of ranks of double-data-rate (DDR) memory circuits activated by a first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is configurable to receive a set of signals comprising address signals and a second number of chip-select signals smaller than the first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is further configurable to generate phase-locked clock signals, to selectively isolate a load of at least one rank of the first number of ranks from the computer system in response at least in part to the set of signals, and to generate the first number of chip-select signals in response at least in part to the phase-locked clock signals, the address signals, and the second number of chip-select signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Solomon, Jayesh R. Bhakta
  • Patent number: 8081535
    Abstract: A circuit is configured to be mounted on a memory module connectable to a computer system so as to be electrically coupled to a plurality of memory devices on the memory module. The memory module has a first number of ranks of double-data-rate (DDR) memory devices activated by a first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is configurable to receive bank address signals, a second number of chip-select signals, and row/column address signals from the computer system. The circuit is further configurable to generate phase-locked clock signals in response to clock signals received from the computer system and to provide the first number of chip-select signals to the first number of ranks in response to the phase-locked clock signals, the received bank address signals, the received second number of chip-select signals, and at least one of the received row/column address signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayesh R. Bhakta, Jeffrey C. Solomon
  • Patent number: 8082395
    Abstract: In an IC card, an operating system manages the access order of each channel for each file using a channel management table. An application controls access to each file based on the access order managed in the channel management table. The channel management table stores, as an access order, an order that each logical channel has set a file in a current state. If current setting by a specific logical channel is canceled, a table updating function deletes the logical channel from the channel management table and moves up the access order of each logical channel next to the deleted logical channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Norio Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8081537
    Abstract: A circuit is configured to be mounted on a memory module connectable to a computer system so as to be electrically coupled to a plurality of memory devices on the memory module. The memory module has a first number of ranks of double-data-rate (DDR) memory devices activated at least in part to a first number of chip-select signals. The circuit is configurable to receive address signals and a second number of chip-select signals from the computer system. The circuit is further configurable to generate and transmit phase-locked clock signals to the first number of ranks, and to generate the first number of chip-select signals in response at least in part to the phase-locked clock signals, the address signals, and the second number of chip-select signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Netlist, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayesh R. Bhakta, Jeffrey C. Solomon
  • Patent number: 8075115
    Abstract: A mountable apparatus, which is adapted for installation in a liquid jetting device when delivering a liquid contained in a liquid container that contains a liquid to the liquid jetting device via a liquid delivery tube connected to the liquid container, includes an installation status notifier portion. In an installed state wherein the mountable apparatus is installed in the liquid jetting device, the installation status notifier portion is able to make the liquid jetting device determine that there exists the installed state, and alternatively to make the liquid jetting device determine, even in the installed state, that there exists a non-installed state wherein the mountable apparatus is not installed in the liquid jetting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Taku Ishizawa, Satoshi Shinada
  • Patent number: 8074023
    Abstract: In-system programming to switch memory access from one area to another in memory cards is disclosed. A command to access a first area of a memory card is received. Access is switched from the first area of the memory card to a second area of the memory card if specified data follows the received command allowing for the memory access switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Lu, Chao-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 8074022
    Abstract: A computer system is disclosed including a printed circuit board (PCB) including a plurality of traces, at least one processor mounted to the PCB to couple to some of the plurality of traces, a heterogeneous memory channel including a plurality of sockets coupled to a memory channel bus of the PCB, and a memory controller coupled between the at least one processor and the heterogeneous memory channel. The heterogeneous memory channel includes a plurality of sockets coupled to a memory channel bus of the PCB. The plurality of sockets are configured to receive a plurality of different types of memory modules. The memory controller may be a programmable heterogeneous memory controller to flexibly adapt to the memory channel bus to control access to each of the different types of memory modules in the heterogeneous memory channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Virident Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Alan Okin, George Moussa, Kumar Ganapathy, Vijay Karamcheti, Rajesh Parekh
  • Patent number: 8074024
    Abstract: An electronic flash memory external storage method and device for data processing system includes firmware which directly controls the access of electronic storage media and implements standard interface functions, adopts particular reading and writing formats of the external storage media, receives power via USB, externally stores data by flash memory and access control circuit with the cooperation of the firmware and the driver with the operating system, and has write-protection so that the data can be safely transferred. The method according to present invention is highly efficient and all parts involved are assembled as a monolithic piece so that it has large-capacity with small size and high speed. The device operates in static state and is driven by software. It is plug-and-play and adapted to data processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Netac Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guoshun Deng, Xiaohua Cheng
  • Patent number: 8073987
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tamaki Konno, Kenichi Satori, Junko Nagata, Noriyuki Hosoe, Naohiro Adachi, Kenichi Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20110296106
    Abstract: A system for realizing multi-port storage media based on a UASP protocol of a USB specification version 3.0 includes a Universal Serial Bus, at least one storage media, and a storage device, where the storage device stores a mapping table. The Universal Serial Bus is used for transmitting at least one write data command. Each storage media is used for replying a write ready command to the Universal Serial Bus after receiving a write data command. When the Universal Serial Bus transmits a data including a command tag according to the write ready command, the storage device finds a number mapping to the command tag according to the command tag and the mapping table, and transmits the data to a storage media mapping to the number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Hsieh-Huan Yen, Teng-Chuan Hsieh, Yu-Chiun Lin
  • Publication number: 20110296100
    Abstract: To migrate data from a first storage system to a second storage system, the second storage system detects a migration of a persistent storage media from the first storage system to the second storage system. In response to detecting the migration of the persistent storage media, write information from a write cache in the first storage system is copied to a write cache in the second storage system, where the write caches in the first and second storage systems were not maintained synchronously before the write information from the write cache in the first storage system is copied to the write cache in the second storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: JEFFREY A. PLANK, Joseph E. Foster, Vincent Nguyen, Robert E. Van Cleve
  • Publication number: 20110295926
    Abstract: A monitor (10) for capturing audience research data from a computer (2-8) having AV presentation capability is attached to the computer by a connector (12). The connector (12) allows to download software stored in the monitor (10), The software watches AV signals played back by the computer and furnishes data the AV signals to the monitor (12). Optionally, or instead of the software, the data detectable on the connector (10) may be analyzed if they relate to AV signals played back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Battiston, Olivier Staub, Christian Clément
  • Publication number: 20110296061
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer-code are disclosed where an impending decoupling between a peripheral device and a host is detected. In some embodiments, in response to the detected impending disconnection, a user alert signal is generated. In some embodiments, an ‘onboard detector’ that is associated with housing of the peripheral device and operative to detect the impending disconnection is provided. In some embodiments, the user alert signal is generated in accordance with inter-device data flow between the host and the peripheral device. Exemplary peripheral devices include but are not limited to transient storage devices such as a USB flash drives (UFD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Yehuda Hahn, Mordechai Teicher, Itzhak Pomerantz
  • Patent number: 8069307
    Abstract: Systems and processes may be used to retrieve metadata from a nonvolatile memory of a portable device and transmit the retrieved metadata to an external host. Metadata may be analyzed using the external host and/or at least a portion of the metadata may be modified based on the analysis. Modified metadata may be transmitted from the external host to a memory controller of the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Cornwell, Christopher P. Dudte, Nir Jacob Wakrat
  • Patent number: 8067911
    Abstract: An interface module is operable to download data from an electrical machine. The interface module includes a cable for transferring data, the cable having a first connector at a first end thereof, a circuit board having a programmable device electrically coupled in circuit to the cable, and a memory connected to the circuit board and configured to store data related to the operating characteristics of the electrical machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Steven Mullin
  • Patent number: 8067912
    Abstract: An interface cord is operable to connect an external controller to an electrical machine. The interface cord includes a first connector having a first pin configuration, a cable coupled to the first connector, a second connector coupled to the cable and having a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration, and a circuit board with a programmable electrically coupled in circuit between the first connector and the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Steven Mullin
  • Patent number: 8063593
    Abstract: An interface cord is operable to connect an external controller to an electrical machine. The interface cord includes a first connector having a first pin configuration, a cable coupled to the first connector, a second connector coupled to the cable and having a second pin configuration different from the first pin configuration, and a circuit board with a programmable electrically coupled in circuit between the first connector and the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Regal Beloit EPC Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Steven Mullin
  • Publication number: 20110283050
    Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a memory device, and a method of operating same, including a memory buffer to maintain information to be available after a failure to program the information to a memory array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Cimmino Pasquale, Falanga Francesco, Massimo Iaculo, Minopoli Dionisio, Marco Ferrara, Campardo Giovanni
  • Patent number: 8060890
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and program accesses a USB memory in accordance with a request from a PC on a network using a USB host interface, a USB device interface, a network interface, a network manager which inputs, via the network interface, a file access command which requests access to a memory card connected to the USB host interface, a memory manager which inputs the file access command generated inside an apparatus, a file access controller which performs exclusive access control between the file access commands input by the network and memory managers, a SCSI analyzer which converts the file access command selected by the file access controller into a SCSI command, and a memory card access controller which performs exclusive access control between the SCSI command generated by the conversion, and a SCSI command input via the USB device interface and requests access to the memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Odaira, Fumio Shoji, Takao Ikuno, Yoshiaki Katahira, Toru Fujino, Kenji Kasuya, Noritsugu Okayama, Yasuhito Niikura
  • Patent number: 8055844
    Abstract: A memory card and a memory storage device using the memory card may be provided. The memory card may include a host connector, a memory controller connected to the host connector and enabled or disabled in response to a capacity expansion signal, a non-volatile memory connected to the memory controller, a memory connector configured to connect to the memory controller and the non-volatile memory, and a capacity expansion switch configured to generate the capacity expansion signal. Accordingly, when the memory cards are connected to increase storage capacity, only a memory controller of one memory card may operate, thereby reducing power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-Seok Lee, Jong-Keun Ahn
  • Publication number: 20110271053
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile data memory (1) comprising a data memory module (2) and a holding and/or carrying device (3), wherein the data memory module (2) has a non-volatile, re-writable semiconductor memory (4) and an access controller (5) with a communications module (7), wherein furthermore the communications module (7) is connected to a communications interface (8). The holding and/or carrying device (3) has a contact detection unit (16); the data memory module (2) furthermore has an allocation monitoring module (6) which is designed to evaluate the contact detection unit (16) and which is connected to the semiconductor memory (4) and/or to the access controller (5). The invention further relates to a method for person-based saving of information in a mobile data memory, wherein a remote communications station can access information saved in the data memory via a communications interface, and wherein a loss of the allocation of the mobile data memory to a person is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: ASMAG-Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Schroeter, Ho B. Chang
  • Publication number: 20110271054
    Abstract: A mobile network access device, system and method are disclosed. The method includes sending data or a command to a storing unit or a baseband processing unit according to a logical address in a Secure Digital (SD) command, where the SD command is a result of converting a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) Command Descriptor Block (CDB) after a terminal device encapsulates the received data or command into the SCSI CDB. In the embodiments of the present invention, the wireless Internet access function is integrated into an SD card. The mobile network access device determines to send the data or command to the baseband processing unit or storing unit according to the logical address in the SD command, which reduces the size of the mobile network access device and enables developers to design smaller terminal products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Meiwen Yang, Haibo Liu, Keqiang Gao, Jinjun He
  • Patent number: 8051245
    Abstract: It is recognized that an attached USB memory is an unanalyzable USB memory. Then, disconnect setting is made. A USB connection process is performed. A PC is instructed through a connection line to establish USB connection. The PC recognizes that the attached device is a USB-connected MFP. The PC acquires data control information of the MFP. The MFP then transfers, through the connection line, the data control information output from the USB memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Minako Kobayashi, Takehisa Yamaguchi, Katsuhiko Akita, Kazuya Anezaki
  • Publication number: 20110264714
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that creates situations in which insufficient memory is available to store a file created by a computer game device on an SD memory card, or exactly enough memory is available to store a file or sufficient memory is available to store a file. Depending upon the memory condition that is created, software that is being tested behaves in a particular manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Nintendo of America Inc.
    Inventors: Sayaka Sogabe FOURCADE, Michael Carl Leslie, Randy Lee Shoemake, Brian Robert Silvola, Alexander Abram Youells
  • Publication number: 20110258390
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to methods, systems and devices for maintaining data integrity of a removable media card of a handheld electronic device, particularly when such media card is removed from such device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Henderson Wood, Jacek Pawel Nawrot, Michael Andrew Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 8041907
    Abstract: A method and system for efficient space management for single-instance-storage volumes is provided. A backup module storing data within a collection of containers according to access locality and retention time of the data, wherein the retention time defines an amount of time the data is stored within the collection of containers before deletion of the data, and the access locality comprises an order in which the data is to be accessed is further provided. A compaction module compacting the stored data by selecting at least two containers among the collection of containers, wherein the selection is performed using a predetermined criteria that includes access locality and retention time of the data is also provided. The compaction module distributes the data among the at least two containers. The compaction criteria creates an imbalance among the containers to create more empty, full, or nearly full containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Symantec Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Weibao Wu, Xianbo Zhang
  • Patent number: 8037248
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Phani Gopal V. Achanta, Riaz Y. Hussain, Scott Thomas Jones
  • Patent number: 8037247
    Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems for providing an upgradeable hard disk. The system includes a plurality of memory card slots and a controller. The controller includes a host interface in communication with a host computer, a memory card interface in communication with one or more memory cards located in one or more of the memory card slots, and a detection mechanism. The detection mechanism monitors the memory card slots for newly added memory cards; and in response to detecting a newly added memory card determines characteristics of the newly added memory card and updates the data placement strategy in response to the characteristics of the newly added memory card. The data placement strategy is utilized by the controller to determine write locations for write data received from the host computer via the host interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Barrett Kreiner, Jonathan L. Reeves
  • Patent number: 8037269
    Abstract: Versatility of a memory card is improved by providing a memory card where data protection mode and normal mode can be selected at discretion. A portable auxiliary storage device includes a mode setting section, a mode detecting section and a memory access control section. The mode setting section allows a user to set a normal mode permitting reading data stored in a memory section or writing the data to the memory section without restriction and a data protection mode for restricting the reading or writing. The mode detecting section detects a mode set in the mode setting section. The memory access control section controls the read or write according to a state of the mode setting section detected by the mode detecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Okamoto, Taiho Nakazawa, Sadatoshi Chozui, Koichi Morioka
  • Patent number: 8032705
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a dongle is configured for communication with an electronic device. The dongle includes a connector, a controller, a first memory and a second memory. The connector is for interfacing with the electronic device. The controller is for controlling the interface between the connector and the electronic device. The first memory includes a file system. The controller is configured to provide automatic recognition of the dongle and mounting of the file system to the electronic device by using the connector when the dongle interfaces with the electronic device. The second memory has data for automatic navigation to a predetermined location. The dongle is configured for automatic execution of an element of the file system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kid Group LLC
    Inventors: Dan Klitsner, Gary Levenberg, Brian Clemens, Joe Forest
  • Patent number: 8032007
    Abstract: The application manager 37 conducts “application signaling” when a first disc is replaced with a second disc. At this point, an application is continued if it is written in an application management table assigned to a Title played last on a first disc and also written in an application management table assigned to a Title to be played first on a second disc. On the other hand, an application is ended is it is written in the application management table assigned to the Title played last on the first disc but not written in the application management table assigned to the Title to be played first on the second disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8032696
    Abstract: When an external recording medium connected to an interface is removed therefrom and a new external recording medium is connected to the interface, a processor selects either first file analysis information read from a memory or second file analysis information generated based on analysis of data recorded on the new external recording medium as file analysis information to be used for decoding a file stored in the new external recording medium, and the processor makes such selection based on comparison between first recording medium management information and second recording medium management information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Takayama, Akihiro Shibata
  • Publication number: 20110238905
    Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a tape cartridge, the tape cartridge comprising: a housing; a magnetic recording tape in the housing; and a non-tape nonvolatile memory coupled to the housing, the nonvolatile memory being for storing therein an index comprising file system information for a plurality of files stored on the magnetic recording tape. A method for storing data on a tape cartridge according to one embodiment includes writing a plurality of files to a magnetic recording tape of a tape cartridge; and writing an index to a non-tape nonvolatile memory of the tape cartridge, the index including information about locations of data of the plurality of files on the magnetic recording tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Arnon Amir, Wayne I. Imaino, David A. Pease, Rainer Richter
  • Patent number: 8028102
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus in which a memory unit containing a memory and a controller to access the memory in response to an externally input command can be installed. The electronic apparatus comprises a first acquiring section which acquires identification information from the memory unit, a second acquiring section which, on the basis of the identification information acquired by the first acquiring section, acquires one from a plurality of control programs to control the controller of the memory unit, and a setting section which sets an operating environment so as to apply the control program acquired by the second acquiring section to the process of inputting and outputting data to and from the memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Minoru Fukunaga, Shinya Kurishima, Keiji Okuhata, Yoshihide Katsuse
  • Patent number: 8028144
    Abstract: A memory module having reduced access granularity. The memory module includes a substrate having signal lines thereon that form a control path and first and second data paths, and further includes first and second memory devices coupled in common to the control path and coupled respectively to the first and second data paths. The first and second memory devices include control circuitry to receive respective first and second memory access commands via the control path and to effect concurrent data transfer on the first and second data paths in response to the first and second memory access commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: RAMBUS Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Hampel, Frederick A. Ware
  • Patent number: 8027054
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus and a method thereof include a scanning unit scanning a document and outputting a scanned result, at least one external storage unit detachably attached to the apparatus, at least one internal storage unit, and a controller detecting an attachment state of the external storage unit and storing the scanned result in one of the external storage unit and the internal storage unit according to the attachment state of the external storage unit. The scanning unit of the scanning apparatus is combined with a user scanning unit and a user printing unit into a combination apparatus, and the scanned result is printed in a printing apparatus spaced-apart from the scanning apparatus by a distance, thereby removing cables between the scanning or printing apparatus and a personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyung-jong Kang, Jung-soo Seo
  • Publication number: 20110231638
    Abstract: One or more removable storage devices inserted into a computing device store a number of different preinstalled operating system instances. The computing device has a number of logical partitions. Each logical partition is independently executed on the computing device. Each logical partition is mapped to and uses one of the different preinstalled operating system instances. As such, a given preinstalled operating system instance to which a given logical partition is mapped is used by the given logical partition without ever having to be installed on the given logical partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ismael N. Castillo
  • Publication number: 20110231607
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method that enables an operation relative to a removable storage medium connected with a computer includes, obtaining an erasing flag to be set to the removable storage medium on the basis of a predetermined rule when the removable storage medium being connected, obtaining a connection time when the removable storage medium is connected, and identifying whether a program being activated on the computer is an erasing program for erasing data stored in the removable storage medium. The computer-implemented method enables concealing, upon the erasing flag is being on and the program being activated being other than the erasing program, data to be erased classified on the basis of the connection time included in the data stored in the removable storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Jie GAO, Toshihiro Sonoda, Shigehiro Idani, Hiroshi Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20110231608
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a memory card are provided. The system may include a memory card and a host. The memory card may have a plurality of data transceiving channels, and the host may selectively activate the data transceiving channels in the memory card and transmit a plurality of commands to the activated data transceiving channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Sang-Wook Kang, Sang-Bum Kim
  • Publication number: 20110231609
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Takafumi ITO
  • Patent number: 8023998
    Abstract: A wireless-enabled memory module provides host devices access to a memory via a standard memory expansion interface and further incorporates embedded processing capability and a wireless network capability. The wireless-enabled memory module can be used in any host device providing a compatible memory card controller and interface. Host devices so equipped become wireless-memory enabled devices and can provide memory access to any other remote device enabled for compatible wireless communications. It is thereby possible for a remote device to access the memory content of the memory module, and cause transfers of either full-size or scaled versions of the content to the remote device through a first network, and optionally further transfer the content from the remote device through a second network to the Internet in the form of an e-mail message or MMS attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Socket Mobile, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Croome
  • Patent number: 8024520
    Abstract: To transfer a memory module between controllers, an external power source is connected to a memory module mounted to a first controller. The memory module is removed from the first controller with the external power source connected to the memory module to maintain data stored in volatile memory of the memory module. The memory module is mounted to a second controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Luke L. Wardensky, Lindall W. Gay, Jr., Everett R. Salinas, Jeffery M. Giardina
  • Publication number: 20110225365
    Abstract: A removable storage device with a processor and a non-volatile memory, and a method for using a removable storage device, are provided to emulate the computer system. The storage device stores in the non-volatile memory data it obtained from a first computer system, the data containing computer applications. When the storage device is removably connected to a second computer system and the second computer system is associated with a computer peripheral device, the processor in the storage device is instructed to emulate the original process environment of the first computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SANDISK IL LTD.
    Inventors: ARI DANIEL FRUCHTER, JUDAH GAMLIEL HAHN
  • Patent number: 8019942
    Abstract: A memory card of one published standard, such as the Multi-Media Card (MMC) or Secure Digital Card (SD), is modified to include the function of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) according to another published standard. The controller of the memory card communicates between electrical contacts on the outside of the card and both the memory and the SIM. In one specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current Plug-in SIM card with a few external contacts added to accommodate the memory controller and data memory. In another specific form, the memory card has the physical configuration of the current SD card, including external contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eliyahou Harari, Yoram Cedar, Wesley G. Brewer, Yosi Pinto, Reuven Elhamias, Michael Holtzman
  • Patent number: 8020056
    Abstract: Memory apparatus and methods utilizing multiple bit lanes may redirect one or more signals on the bit lanes. A memory agent may include a redrive circuit having a plurality of bit lanes, a memory device or interface, and a fail-over circuit coupled between the plurality of bit lanes and the memory device or interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Pete D. Vogt, Dennis W. Brzezinski, Warren R. Morrow
  • Publication number: 20110219184
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving metadata corresponding to data on a removable storage device/medium, storing the metadata to a metadata repository that is not on the removable storage device/medium, associating an identifier with the stored metadata (the identifier corresponding to the removable storage medium/device), and storing the identifier to the metadata repository. According to another embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied therewith. The computer readable program code comprises computer readable program code configured to: receive metadata corresponding to data on a removable storage device/medium, store the metadata to a metadata repository, associate an identifier corresponding to the removable storage device/medium with the stored metadata, and store the identifier to the metadata repository. Other methods, systems, and devices are presented as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Glen A. Jaquette, Leonard G. Jesionowski, Wolfgang Mueller-Friedt
  • Patent number: 8015340
    Abstract: A method of transmitting a stream of data bits from a memory card to a host device includes determining, at the memory card, a first number of data lines between the memory card and the host device, from one to a plurality of data lines. If the first number of data lines is determined to be a plurality of data lines, the method includes switching, at the memory card, the data stream between one of the first number of data lines and another of the first number of data lines after each occurrence of a second number of one or more bits of the data stream having passed toward the host device. The method also includes, if the first number of data lines is determined to be one data line, transmitting, from the memory card, the stream of data bits over the one data line to the host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sandisk Corporation
    Inventors: Yoram Cedar, Micky Holtzman, Yosi Pinto