Abstract:
This document discusses, among other things, quantification of hemoglobin content, and therefore blood volume, of muscle. An analysis of the optical spectra can determine the ratio of hemoglobin (Hb) to myoglobin (Mb) content in intact muscle. The peak position of the in vivo optical spectra from intact tissue is used to determine the ratio of Hb to Mb contributing to the optical signal. The wavelength of the peak is a linear function of the percent contribution of Hb to the optical spectra. Such analysis in combination with known Mb concentrations yields a non-invasive measure of the Hb content for in vivo muscle.
Abstract:
Data are encoded using convolutional coding prior to storage in a nonvolatile memory array, so that errors that occur when the data are read may be corrected even where there is a large number of such errors. Coding rates of less than one increase the amount of data to be stored but allow correction of large numbers of errors.
Abstract:
A system and methods are given for providing information on the amount of life remaining for a memory having a limited lifespan, such as a flash memory card. For example, it can provide a user with the amount of the memory's expected remaining lifetime in real time units (i.e., hours or days) or as a percentage of estimated initial life. An end of life warning can also be provided. In a particular embodiment, the amount of remaining life (either as a percentage or in real time units) can be based on the average number of erases per block, but augmented by the number of spare blocks or other parameters, so that an end of life warning is given if either the expected amount of remaining life falls below a certain level or the number of spare blocks falls below a safe level.
Abstract:
A portable media encoder with a remote setup management interface is disclosed. The encoder provides a video input port configured to receive a video input from a video input source, an audio input port configured to receive an audio input from an audio input source, and a digital output port for providing a digital output stream corresponding to the received video input and audio input. An encoding processor converts the video input and the audio input into a streamable digital output format for transmitting through the digital output port, and a digital control input port for receives commands from a remote management computer over the Internet using a web browser and provides the commands to the encoding processor. A housing encloses the processor and provides at least one access panel providing user access to the video input port, the audio input port, the digital output port, and the digital control input port. The housing has a size and configuration that allows the encoder to be hand carried by a single individual.
Abstract:
A memory module is interposed between a host and a disk drive. The memory module includes a solid-state nonvolatile memory used for caching data sent by the host for storage in the disk drive. Caching takes place under the control of a memory controller in the memory module and may be transparent to the host. The disk drive may remain spun-down when data is cached, saving power. The destination for host data may be determined based on desired speed, power consumption and expected need for that data. A host may send specific commands to the memory module to enable additional functions.
Abstract:
A portable memory storage device (“device”) is provided. The device includes a microphone for receiving a user voice input; a controller that receives the voice input and creates a template; and a plurality of non-volatile memory cells for storing the template, wherein the template is used to authenticate the user for any subsequent user request for accessing the device and an application is launched when the device interfaces with a host system to enroll the user as an authorized user to access device functionality and/or access host system functionality.
Abstract:
An improved flash EEPROM memory-based storage subsystem includes one or more flash memory arrays, each with three data registers and a controller circuit. During a flash program operation, one data register is used to control the program operation, a second register is used to hold the target data value, and a third register is used to load the next sector's data. Subsequent to a flash program operation, a sector's data are read from a flash array into the first data register and compared to the target data stored in the second register. When the data is verified good, the data from the third register is copied into the first and second registers for the next program operation. This creates an improved performance system that doesn't suffer data transfer latency during program operations that require data verification after the program operation is complete. Alternate embodiments perform the comparison using two register implementations and a single register implementations. The post-writer verification can be repeated and use different bias conditions for reading the data. The process can be automatic or executed by command that can specify the read conditions.
Abstract:
In a memory array having redundant columns, a scheme allows defective cells to be individually remapped to redundant cells in a redundant column. Redundant cells in one redundant column replace defective cells in multiple non-redundant columns. Remapping is done as part of initial test and configuration. Specific hardware can be used for the scheme or firmware in the memory controller can implement the scheme.
Abstract:
The present invention allows for an increase in programming parallelism in a non-volatile memory system without incurring additional data transfer latency. Data is transferred from a controller to a first memory chip and a programming operation is caused to begin. While that first memory chip is busy performing that program operation, data is transferred from the controller to a second memory chip and a programming operation is caused to begin in that chip. Data transfer can begin to the first memory chip again once it has completed its programming operation even though the second chip is still busy performing its program operation. In this manner high parallelism of programming operation is achieved without incurring the latency cost of performing the additional data transfers. Two sets of embodiments are presented, one that preserves the host data in a buffer until successful programming of that data is confirmed and one that does not require that success be achieved and that does not preserve the data thus achieving a higher rate of data programming throughput.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for performing wear leveling in a non-volatile memory system are disclosed. Included is a method for performing wear leveling in a memory system that includes a first zone, which has a first memory element that includes contents, and a second zone includes identifying the first memory element and associating the contents of the first memory element with the second zone while disassociating the contents of the first memory element from the first zone. In one embodiment, associating the contents of the first memory element with the second involves moving contents of a second memory element into a third memory element, then copying the contents of the first memory element into the second memory element.