Abstract: A data storage device includes one or more electrical contacts and one or more data paths through the electrical contacts. The one or more electrical contacts enable bits to be transferred into and out of the data storage device via the one or more data paths. The data storage device also includes a memory that stores an indication of a number of the one or more data paths. The data storage device is configured to provide the indication via at least one of the one or more data paths while the data storage device is operatively coupled to a host device to indicate to the host device the number of the one or more data paths.

Abstract: A multimedia storage card system includes a memory card; a dynamic switch coupled electrically and communicatively to the memory card; a first accessor coupled electrically and communicatively to the dynamic switch for accessing to the memory card, thereby storing data into and retrieving data from the memory card; and a second accessor coupled electrically and communicatively to the dynamic switch. Upon receipt of a first access signal transmitted from the second accessor, the dynamic switch determines whether the first accessor is in an idle condition. Upon detecting the first accessor is in the idle condition, the dynamic switch is switched to and in communication link with the second accessor, thereby transmitting the first access signal to the memory card and enabling the second accessor to access the memory card in order to store data into and retrieving data from the memory card.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information recording apparatus, such as a digital camera, arranged to record information on a detachably mountable storage medium, such as for example to record video data on the storage medium. In one version of the apparatus, when a connection of an AC adapter is cancelled, the storage medium is detected by a storage medium detection unit, and in a case where the storage medium is not mounted to the mounting unit, a warning is issued, for example in an audio output unit or a display unit. Accordingly, the user can find out that the storage medium is not mounted before the digital camera has been brought outside for use. Thus, it may be possible to prevent a failure in which the user first realizes that they forgot to mount the storage medium only when they are already away from home.

Abstract: Described are systems that employ configurable on-die termination elements that allow users to select from two or more termination topologies. One topology is programmable to support rail-to-rail or half-supply termination. Another topology selectively includes fixed or variable filter elements, thereby allowing the termination characteristics to be tuned for different levels of speed performance and power consumption. Termination voltages and impedances might also be adjusted.

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 that includes both 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 for 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 system and method controls dual memory cards of an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first memory card and a second memory card. The method sets a first trigger command for connecting the first memory card to a processor, and a second trigger command for connecting the second memory card to the processor. The first memory card is set as a default memory card to connect to the processor. If the electronic device has received the second trigger command, the method controls a processor to communicate with the second memory card through an analog switch and a second connector. If the electronic device has received the first trigger command, the method further controls the processor to communicate with the first memory card through the analog switch and a first connector.

Abstract: A sequence of programs enable execution of a guest operating system (OS) (116) installed on virtual hard disks (VHDs), one storing system, one storing user data (210, 212). The VHDs are stored on a storage device as for example a USB flash drive (216). The storage device is connected to a host system (110). Virtual machine monitor (VMM) (118) type, available RAM and an access path to an internal storage device (220) are detected. The guest OS (116) configuration is modified to support hardware emulated by the detected VMM. A virtual machine (VM) configuration for this VMM is created allocating a portion of the detected RAM for the VM (112). Both VHDs are attached as copy-on-write VHDs, and VM write operations to VHDs (210, 212) are redirected to overlay files (228, 230) on the host's internal storage device. After shutdown overlay files can be merged with corresponding VHD base files.

Abstract: A cartridge storage system has at least one peripheral device that controls access to a system component of the storage system and memory storing configuration data indicative of a configuration of the peripheral device. The system further has logic that automatically configures a replacement peripheral device of the at least one peripheral device based upon the stored configuration data.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a removable storage media unit that facilitates the easy and quick transfer of data from one unit into another. By addressing the need to transfer data between two instances of removable storage media units, such as flash based removable memory, (and between removable mobile storage devices in general) without the use of a PC or PDA, the present invention makes it possible to disseminate or share data more easily and efficiently.

Abstract: A data writing method for writing data from a host system into a flash memory chip having a plurality of physical blocks is provided. The method includes configuring a plurality of logical access addresses and recording address centers and address radiuses for the physical blocks. The method also includes receiving data to be written in logical access addresses, determining opened physical blocks among the physical blocks, and writing the data into the flash memory chip based on the logical access addresses, and the address centers and the address radiuses of the opened physical blocks. Accordingly, the method can effectively reduce the degree of data dispersion of each of the physical blocks, reduce the time for organizing valid data, and increase the speed for writing data.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for implementing partitioning in memory cards and modules where conventional memory cards or modules have only a single partition. A representative memory card/module in accordance with the invention includes a memory devices), and a memory interface which includes a data bus, a command line and a clock line. The memory card/module further includes a memory controller coupled to the memory device(s) and to the memory interface. The memory card/module includes means for controlling the partitioning of the memory device(s), and the memory controller is configured to operate the memory device(s) in accordance with the partition information.

Abstract: A credential caching system includes receiving a set of authentication credentials, storing the set of authentication credentials in a credential cache memory, wherein the credential cache memory is coupled with a management controller, and supplying the set of authentication credentials for automatic authentication during a reset or reboot. In the event of a security breach, the credential caching system clears the set of authentication credentials from the credential cache memory so that the set of authentication credentials may no longer be used for a reset or reboot.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory information storage apparatus includes a storage unit using a nonvolatile memory, a write number manager counting each of numbers of times of writing of all blocks, a list manager classifying the blocks in the nonvolatile memory by in-use/unused, managing in an in-use list a block of the in-use, managing in a first unused list a block with the number of times of writing equal to a maximum value, and managing in a second unused list a block with the number of times of writing less than the maximum value, and a controller writing and erasing information data to and from the storage unit.

Abstract: The approach is for protecting a solid state memory including a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the requests for access to the physical blocks of the memory and transfers one or more requested files from a requesting device only subsequently to a comparison of a predetermined sequence of requests for access to the physical blocks. The predetermined sequence of requests for access to physical blocks corresponds to a predetermined sequence of requests for access to file(s) of the memory that can be selected by the device. If the sequence of requests for access does not occur, the microprocessor does not transfer the data requested or transfers them in a non readable format, for example in cryptographic form.

Abstract: A combination terminal includes a first logic circuit that is configured to interface with a first device using a first protocol. The combination terminal also includes a second logic circuit configured to interface with a second device using a second protocol. The combination terminal includes a retractable portion that includes a first plurality of contacts and retracts based upon an insertion of the second device; connects a first portion of the first device with the first logic circuit; and selects an active logic circuit. The combination terminal includes a static portion comprising a second plurality of contacts and connects the second device with the second logic circuit; and connects a second portion of the first device with the first logic circuit using the second plurality of contacts. The first device is connected to the first logic circuit using the first plurality of contacts and the second plurality of contacts.

Abstract: A print-order receiving apparatus includes a first memory unit for storing an administrator password used to determine whether or not to allow access to administrative information, a second memory unit for storing an order-confirmation password used to determine whether or not to perform printing, a first data-reading unit for reading image data from a first portable recording medium, a password requesting unit for requesting input of the order-confirmation password during an operation of receiving a print-order regarding the read image data, a second data-reading unit for reading password data from a second portable recording medium when the order-confirmation password is requested, and a print-determination unit for checking whether the read password data and the order-confirmation password match and for determining whether or not to print the image data.

Abstract: Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising coupling a first device to a client device, the first device having a virtual storage drive, the virtual storage drive storing a device driver; installing the device driver in the client device; and subsequent to installation of the device driver in the client device, installing a filter driver in the client device, the filter driver configured to prevent the client device from detecting the virtual storage drive of the first device whenever the first device is subsequently re-coupled to the client device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A peripheral device includes a connection portion which is connectable to an information processing device and a storage medium. The connection portion is configured to allow data transfer between the storage medium and the information processing device. The peripheral device further includes a function execution portion that performs a function according to data transferred from the information processing device. The peripheral device still further includes a detection portion that detects a state of the data transfer between the function execution portion and the information processing device.

Abstract: A method of executing a wear leveling operation within a non-volatile memory including a single-level memory cell block (SLC) and a multi-level memory cell block (MLC) is disclosed. The method includes calculating an average erase point in relation to a number of programming/erase (P/E) operations applied to a logical block address (LBA), a SLC mode usage point in relation to a number of the P/E operations applied to the SLC, a MLC mode usage point in relation to a number of the P/E operations applied to the MLC, and a wear value in relation to the average erase point, the SLC mode usage point, and the MLC mode usage point; and then if the wear value exceeds a defined threshold value, performing the wear leveling operation.

Abstract: A distribution medium (20) for providing an application to a host system (4) includes an interface element (21) for interfacing with the host (4), a memory or storage module (22) that stores application code representing the application and a hardware element (23). The hardware element (23) directly accesses application content stored in the memory (22), processes that application content to transform it to another form, and then provides the transformed content to the host system (4).

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.

Abstract: A method of managing memory storage space and a computer system using the same uses a computer including a storage device and an expansion slot. The method has the steps of: detecting whether there is a memory card in the expansion slot; combining the storage space of the storage device and the memory card to form a combined storage space; and using application software to manage the combined storage space. At least one file stored in the combined storage space may be selected to move between the storage device and the memory card via the application software.

Abstract: A data storage device (DSD) tester for testing a DSD is disclosed. The DSD tester comprises a plurality of bays, a screen, and control circuitry operable to detect when a first DSD has been inserted into a first bay. Independent of operator input, a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the screen is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been inserted into the first bay. Independent of operator input, a DSD test is automatically executed on the first DSD. When the first DSD is removed from the first bay, independent of operator input, the GUI is automatically updated to reflect the first DSD has been removed from the first bay.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for maintaining immutable data in an archiving system using random access memory. To ensure data is immutable, novel pointers are maintained in the hardware/firmware of the drive ports and on the removable disk drives. For example, a hardware/firmware in a modular drive bay maintains a pointer to a memory address in the removable disk drive memory that cannot write to a memory block that precedes the pointer. Data may only be stored after the pointer in the removable disk drive. As such, once data is written to the removable disk drive, the data cannot be overwritten although the removable disk drive employs random access memory.

Abstract: A method and system for specifying at least one read-only partition and at least one read/write partition in a storage device to provide a convenient user experience. Upon initial connection to a computing system, a read-only partition is specified to execute an autorun file. After completion of the autorun file and upon subsequent connections to the computing system, a read/write partition is specified and the read-only partition is invisible to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a unique and novel archiving system that includes two or more network storage systems, each network storage system including removable hard disk drives embedded in removable disk cartridges, referred to simply as removable disk drives. The removable disk drives allow for expandability and replacement such that the archiving system need not be duplicated to add new or more storage capacity. In embodiments, the archiving system accesses, writes, reads, or performs functions on data from one network storage system to another remote network storage system.

Abstract: A unique system and method for ordering commands may reduce disc access latency while giving preference to pending commands. The method and system involves giving preference to pending commands in a set of priority queues. The method and system involve identifying a pending command and processing other non-pending commands in route to the pending command if performance will not be penalized in doing so. The method and system include a list of command node references referring to a list of sorted command nodes that are to be scheduled for processing.

Abstract: A memory system with a semiconductor memory device, in which a physical block of n-bits serves as an erase unit, wherein the address management of the memory device is performed by a logical block with m-bits, “m” being larger than “n” and expressed by a power of two, and wherein a n-bit portion continued from the head address in the logical block is defined as a first management unit corresponding to one physical block of the memory device, and a number of the remaining fraction portions each defined as a second management unit are gathered so as to correspond to one physical block of the memory device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining contents information corresponding to a Rights Object (RO) by transmitting information on contents together when the RO is moved from a mobile device to a memory card or a smart card or when the RO is moved from the memory card or the smart card to the mobile device are provided. The apparatus includes a meta information manager for determining information on contents corresponding to the RO when the RO is moved, and for generating meta information containing the determined contents information, and a controller for providing control to transmit the RO and the meta information generated by the meta information manager to a portable storage device. Accordingly, the conventional problem can be solved in which information on contents cannot be determined by using a Contents IDentifier (CID) if the RO does not exist together with the contents.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device having a USB connector with a USB controller, and a wireless antenna with a wireless controller. The USB controller and the wireless controller are both operatively connected to the non-volatile memory. When the non-volatile memory device is operatively connected to a host using the USB connector, the USB controller has priority over the wireless controller for read from, and write to, functions with the non-volatile memory. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Data in less than all of the pages of a non-volatile memory block are updated by programming the new data in unused pages of either the same or another block. In order to prevent having to copy unchanged pages of data into the new block, or to program flags into superceded pages of data, the pages of new data are identified by the same logical address as the pages of data which they superceded and a time stamp is added to note when each page was written. When reading the data, the most recent pages of data are used and the older superceded pages of data are ignored. This technique is also applied to metablocks that include one block from each of several different units of a memory array, by directing all page updates to a single unused block in one of the units.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing an application service using an external flash memory is provided. More specifically, the apparatus and method that enables a user to receive provisions of an application service without installing a corresponding application program on an application service providing device (such as an audio-display module) by directly executing a corresponding application program from a USB memory device in which an application program such as a navigation program or an electronic book program is connected therewith to provide an application service to a user.

Abstract: A method to speed up access to an external storage device for accessing to the external storage device comprises the steps of: (a) during startup of a computer, setting up part of a physical memory of the computer as a cache memory for use by the external storage device, in the form of a continuous physical memory area outside the physical memory area that is managed by an operating system of the computer; (b) upon detection of a request to write data to the external storage device, writing the data to the cache memory; and (c) sending the data written in the cache memory to the external storage device to be saved therein.

Abstract: Improves ease of operation by making it easier for the operator to view and select storage media devices connected to a computer unit. Provides a computer unit with a USB root hub and running an operating system that has the function of managing a storage media device connected to the root hub directly or indirectly via a hub. The unit includes a topology configuration portion that, when the hub is connected to a port of the root hub and the storage media device is connected to the hub, configures the hub as a virtual drive and sets up a connection whereby a folder corresponding to the storage media device is placed in the virtual drive; and a display controller that displays on a display device a directory list DP of the connections that were configured by the topology configuration portion.

Abstract: A system and method for determining media to be exported out of a media library is described. In some examples, the system determines a media component to be exported, determines the media component is in the media library for a specific process, and exports the media component after the process is completed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, articles, and removable storage devices for pre-boot recovery of a locked computer system. In one instance, the method includes determining on pre-boot whether a removable storage device is attached to a computer system, determining whether the computer system is in a locked state and, if the removable storage device is detected, transferring control to a pre-boot authentication module (PBA) stored on the removable storage device to interact with a manageability engine to restore the computer system from the locked state to an unlocked state. If the removable storage device is not detected, the computer system shuts down if the system is determined to be in the locked state and no other PBA is detected. The computer system comprises a host operating environment and a manageability engine that operates independent of the host operating environment. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for controlling a flash memory using a descriptor array, which may maximize a performance of a flash memory based-storage system. The system includes a descriptor array receipt unit for receiving, from a processor, a descriptor array including, at least one descriptor corresponding to at least one operation; and a flash memory control unit for verifying the descriptor included in the descriptor array and executing a flash memory control command included in the verified descriptor, wherein the flash memory control unit executes the flash memory control command independent from the operation of the processor.

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: System and methods for assembling electronic devices (110) using removable programmable active processing modules (120) are provided. An active processing module includes a first input/output (I/O) interface (202) and a second I/O interface (204). The active processing module also includes a controller (206) communicatively coupled to the first and the second I/O interfaces, where the controller is configured for selectively operating the active processing module in a programming mode or at least one component mode. In the programming mode, the active processing module is enabled to receive a plurality of operating parameters from a first electronic device via the first I/O interface to configure the active processing module to provide a functionality of a component for a second electronic device via at least one of the first and the second I/O interfaces. In the component mode, the active processing module is configured to operate according to the plurality of operating parameters.

Abstract: An adapter apparatus has a function of determining the type of a memory card, by communicating with the memory card at plural communication speeds and determining whether or not there is a response therefrom. A communication speed setting unit has a function of setting plural communication speeds for communication with the memory card, and a response determining unit determines whether or not there is a response to a type determination signal. A type determining unit determines the type of the memory card based on the communication speed set by the communication speed setting unit and whether or not there is a response to the type determination signal sent at the communication speed.

Abstract: A method and a removable device for backing up/restoring a host device are disclosed. A portable application is resident in a removable device, which is external to the host device and is capable of being electrically coupled to the host device. The portable application is launched to the host device after the removable device is coupled to the host device. If a backup function is selected, a backup process begins by moving data to be backed up from the host device to the removable device; and if a restore function is selected, a restore process begins by moving data to be restored from the removable device to the host device.

Abstract: A memory configuring method for a memory storage apparatus is provided, wherein a rewritable non-volatile memory module of the memory storage apparatus has a plurality of physical blocks. The method includes recording pattern information corresponding to a plurality of various operation system platforms in an initial session table. The method also includes receiving a plurality of handshaking query commands from a host system, identifying a pattern corresponding to the handshaking query commands and recognizing a type of an operation system executed on the host system according the pattern corresponding to the handshaking query commands and the patter information stored in the initial session table. The method further includes configuring the rewritable non-volatile memory module according to the type of the operation system and announcing a configuration of the memory storage apparatus to the host system.

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 method of extending memory card data storage capacity to a remote data store includes storing an initial data item received from a host device in a local memory cache, and wirelessly transmitting the initial data item from the local memory cache to the remote data store via a network interface that includes at least one wireless communication transceiver. The method also includes substituting a corresponding, smaller transcoded data item received from the remote data store for the initial data item in the local memory cache.

Abstract: A storage device has two connectors for transferring data files: a first connector through which data files can be transferred at an accelerated speed, and a second connector through which data files can be transferred at a conventional speed. According to the present disclosure a user can select the speed (i.e., “normal speed” or “accelerated speed”) at which s/he wants to transfer a data file from a host to the storage device, and vice versa, by connecting the host to the proper connector of the storage device. The first connector is internally connected to a plurality of controllers that facilitate data transfers at the accelerated speed, and the second connector is internally connected to a controller that facilitates data transfers at the normal speed.

Abstract: A data processing system, a controller, and a method for searching for a specific logical block are provided. Logical blocks are searched out from a peripheral unit, where data of the searched logical blocks are not yet stored in a cache memory of a master control unit. During searching for the logical blocks, a plurality of read commands are executed. The read commands are set to read data of a plurality of separated logical blocks of the peripheral unit respectively.

Abstract: A multiple application smart card (102) uses hardware firewalls (130) and an internal communications scheme to isolate applications from different service providers. A first application (116) from a first service provider is stored within a first supplemental security domain (SSD) (126) of a memory device on the multiple application smart card (102). A second application (116) from a second service provider is stored within a second SSD (128) of the memory device. A hardware firewall (130) is located between the first and second applications (116) of the first and second SSDs (128). The hardware firewall (130) prevents direct data access between the first and second applications (116) of the first and second SSDs (128).

Abstract: The invention provides a data storage system. In one embodiment, the data storage system comprises a host and a flash storage device. The host sends a series of first access commands for accessing a plurality of special files to the flash storage device. The flash storage device having the stored plurality of special files and a command-symbol mapping table, sequentially generates a plurality of first digits respectively corresponding to the special files accessed by the first access commands to obtain a first data stream, converts the first data stream to a plurality of first special commands according to the command-symbol mapping table, and performs operations according to the first special commands. Each of the special files corresponds to a digit, the command-symbol mapping table records a corresponding relationship between a plurality of symbols and a plurality of special commands, and each of the symbols comprises a plurality of digits.

Abstract: A method and communication system is provided to identify a calling/called party when the call is being set up but before the call is answered. In the method, a first terminal and a second terminal are respectively provided with opposing terminal's image data before the call is answered. The image data of the first and second terminals can be registered in a media server disposed between the first and second terminals, and the image data can be transmitted between the first terminal and the media server and between the second terminal and the media server in accordance with an SIP protocol.