Expandable capacity storage device
First Claim
1. A storage device, comprising:
- a memory module; and
a controller in communication with the memory module, the controller being configured to selectively enable previously inaccessible free space of storage device memory to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Expandable capacity storage devices are disclosed. In one arrangement, a storage device includes a memory module and a controller that is in communication with the memory module, the controller being configured to selectively enable previously inaccessible free space of storage device memory to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the available storage capacity of a storage device having an initial available storage capacity. In one arrangement, a method includes providing identification of the amount of storage capacity that is needed, receiving a memory enablement code that identifies how much free space to enable on the storage device, and enabling additional free space of the storage device based upon the amount of memory identified by the memory enablement code so as to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device.
55 Citations
38 Claims
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1. A storage device, comprising:
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a memory module; and
a controller in communication with the memory module, the controller being configured to selectively enable previously inaccessible free space of storage device memory to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A storage device, comprising:
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a solid-state memory module; and
a controller that is configured to selectively enable previously inaccessible free space of storage device memory to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device, the controller including a decoder that is configured to decode an encrypted passphrase that identifies how much free space is to be enabled. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A removable storage card for use with a host electronic device, comprising:
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an atomic resolution storage (ARS) module; and
a controller that is configured to selectively enable previously inaccessible free space of storage device memory to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device, the controller including an embedded decoder program that is configured to, using a private key stored within the storage card, decode a passphrase that has been encoded with a public key associated with the private key, to thereby selectively enable the previously inaccessible free space based in part on the decoded passphrase.
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15. An electrical device, comprising:
a storage device including a memory module and a controller, the controller being configured to selectively enable previously inaccessible free space of storage device memory to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for increasing the available storage capacity of a storage device having an initial available storage capacity, comprising:
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providing identification of the amount of storage capacity that is needed;
receiving a memory enablement code that identifies how much new free space to enable on the storage device; and
enabling additional free space of the storage device based upon the amount of free space identified by the memory enablement code so as to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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26. A method for increasing the available storage capacity of a storage device having an initial available storage capacity, comprising:
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notifying a memory enablement agency of a need for increased storage capacity;
receiving a memory enablement code from the enablement agency that identifies how much free space to enable on the storage device; and
enabling additional free space of the storage device based upon the amount of memory identified by the memory enablement code so as to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method for increasing the available storage capacity of a storage device having an initial available storage capacity, comprising:
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receiving identification of a need for increased storage capacity;
providing a memory enablement code that identifies how much free space to enable on the storage device and which is configured to enable a controller of the storage device to enable the additional free space. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35)
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36. A system for increasing the available storage capacity of a storage device having an initial available storage capacity, comprising:
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a host device;
a memory enablement agency; and
a storage device associated and in communication with the host device including a memory module and a controller that is configured to selectively enable previously inaccessible portions of storage device free space in response to information received from the memory enablement agency to increase the available storage capacity of the storage device. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38)
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Specification