Removable memory storage device having a display

• US 7,451,262 B2
• Filed: 12/02/2005
• Issued: 11/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Meraloc LLC (IP Edge LLC)
• Original Assignee: Nagarjun V. Yetukuri
• Inventors: Yetukuri, Nagarjun V
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Hiep T
• Application Number:
  US11/293,601
• Publication Number:
  US 20070130413A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,075 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 711/103
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2206/1008 Graphical user interface [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0605 by facilitating the interaction with a user or administrator
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0659 Command handling arrangements, e.g. command buffers, queues, command scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0679 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device, e.g. flash memory, one time programmable memory [OTP]

Abstract

A flash drive is disclosed. The flash drive can be removably connected to a computing device for storing files transferred from the computing device. The flash drive includes at least one flash memory chip operable to store files transferred from the computing device. The flash drive also includes a display operable to display information related to files stored on the flash memory chip. The flash drive also includes an input device that is operable for providing input for managing files stored on the flash drive.

Claims

1. A flash drive that can be removably connected to a computing device for storing files transferred from the computing device, the flash drive comprising:

at least one flash memory chip operable to store files transferred from the computing device;

a display operable to display information related to files stored on the at least one flash memory chip; and

an input device operable for providing input for managing files stored on the flash drive.

2. The flash drive of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a touch sensitive device operable for providing input for managing files stored on the at least one flash memory chip.

3. The flash drive of claim 2, wherein the touch sensitive device is disposed at least partially over the display such that the information can be selected by touching the display adjacent the information.

4. The flash drive of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a movable device which can be moved to thereby provide input for managing files stored on the at least one flash memory chip.

5. An external memory storage device that can be removably connected to a computing device for storing files transferred from the computing device, the memory storage device comprising:

a connector that allows files to be transferred between the computing device and the memory storage device;

a solid-state memory component operable to store files transferred to the memory component from the computing device;

a display operable to display file names stored on the memory component and operable for providing input for managing files stored on the memory component; and

a touch sensitive device for providing input for managing files stored on the memory component.

6. The memory storage device of claim 5, wherein the memory component includes at least one flash memory chip.

7. The memory storage device of claim 5, wherein the connector is chosen from a group consisting of a USB connector and an infrared wireless connector.

8. The memory storage device of claim 5, further comprising a circuit board, and wherein the connector is rigidly fixed to the circuit board.

9. The memory storage device of claim 5, wherein the display includes an LCD screen.

10. The memory storage device of claim 5, further comprising a switch operable to turn the touch screen display on and off.

11. The memory storage device of claim 10, wherein the switch is operable to turn the display off automatically after the memory storage device remains idle for a predetermined amount of time.

12. The memory storage device of claim 5, further comprising a main body portion and a cover that is movable with respect to the main body portion between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover substantially covers the display when in the closed position, and wherein the display is substantially exposed when in the open position.

13. The memory storage device of claim 12, wherein the display is disposed entirely on the cover.

14. The memory storage device of claim 12, wherein the display is disposed on both the cover and the main body portion.

15. The memory storage device of claim 5, wherein the touch sensitive device and the display are disposed in spaced relationship so as to define a touch sensitive area, which is operable for providing input for managing files stored on the memory component, and a display area, which is operable to display file names stored on the memory component.

16. The memory storage device of claim 5, further comprising an operating system that allows a user to manage files stored on the memory component, the operating system providing at least one function chosen from a group consisting of a view file function, a view file properties function, a delete file function, a copy file function, a paste file function, a rename file function, and a create new file function.

17. The memory storage device of claim 5, further comprising a power source for supplying power to the display, wherein the power source is automatically recharged when the memory storage device is connected to the computing device.

18. The memory storage device of claim 5, further comprising a sliding member and a main body portion, wherein the sliding member is slidingly coupled to the main body portion, and wherein the display is disposed on the sliding member.

19. A flash drive that can be connected to a computing device for storing files transferred from the computing device, the flash drive comprising:

a housing;

a circuit board encapsulated within the housing;

a connector operable to allow files to be transferred between the computing device and the flash drive;

at least one flash memory chip operable to store files and file names transferred from the computing device;

an LCD touch screen display operable to display file names on the flash memory chip and operable for providing input for managing the files stored on the flash memory chip; and

an operating system that allows a user to manage files stored on the at least one flash memory chip, the operating system providing at least one function chosen from a group consisting of a view file function, a view file properties function, a delete file function, a copy file function, a paste file function, a rename file function, a create new file function, and a combination thereof.

20. The flash drive of claim 19, further comprising a main body portion and a cover that is movable with respect to the main body portion between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover substantially covers the touch screen display when in the closed position, wherein the touch screen display is substantially exposed when in the open position, and wherein the touch screen display is disposed on the main body portion and the cover.

21. A flash drive that can be removably connected to a computing device for storing files transferred from the computing device, the flash drive comprising:

a main body portion;

at least one flash memory chip operable to store files transferred from the computing device;

a touch screen display operable to display information related to files stored on the at least one flash memory chip and operable for providing input for managing the files stored on the flash memory chip; and

a cover that is movable with respect to the main body portion between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover substantially covers the touch screen display when in the closed position, wherein the touch screen display is substantially exposed when the cover is in the open position, and wherein the touch screen display is disposed on the main body portion and the cover.