Method for partitioning memory mass storage device

Abstract

A method for partitioning a memory mass storage device is disclosed. The partition task is performed by the controller within the memory mass storage device. Firstly, the controller partitions the logical space of the memory storage device into multiple areas, each area belonging to a particular drive. Secondly, the controller partitions the logical space of the memory storage device into a public area and a security area, both areas belonging to the same drive. Finally, the controller partitions the logical space of the memory storage device into multiple areas, which include public areas and security areas and belong to multiple drives.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to mass storage device, and particularly to a method for partitioning a memory mass storage device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Although hard disk drives are widely used in current computer system, there are still a variety of deficiencies regarding such rotating, magnetic mass storage devices, like an inherent latency during accessing the hard disk drives, high power consumption, being unable to withstand the physical shock, and having a large weight for portable computer devices. [0003] A non-volatile memory mass storage device, like a flash memory disk drive, is a nice choice for replacing a hard disk. Each memory mass storage device always comprises two portions; one is a controller part, and the other is a memory module. The semiconductor technology allows such a memory storage device to withstand many of the kinds of physical shock and reduce power consumption or weight. These flash memory storage devices are a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for partitioning a memory storage device into multiple drives. Such a method is performed by the controller, instead of the host. Each of said multiple drives is exactly a drive for the host, but not a logical drive. If the host executes a “partition program” to partition each drive and then a copy of partition information will be written into the first block of each drive. Thereby, it reduces the possibility of partition information defect or computer virus infection. Moreover, a drive could be subdivided into a variety of areas; some are freely accessed by any end users and the others can be accessed just for the specific users passing the password identification. Thereby, the function of data protection or security could be implemented. The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawing.

[0006] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for partitioning a memory storage device into multiple drives. Such a method is performed by the controller, instead of the host. Each of said multiple drives is exactly a drive for the host, but not a logical drive. If the host executes a “partition program” to partition each drive and then a copy of partition information will be written into the first block of each drive. Thereby, it reduces the possibility of partition information defect or computer virus infection. Moreover, a drive could be subdivided into a variety of areas; some are freely accessed by any end users and the others can be accessed just for the specific users passing the password identification. Thereby, the function of data protection or security could be implemented. The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawing.

Problems solved by technology

Although hard disk drives are widely used in current computer system, there are still a variety of deficiencies regarding such rotating, magnetic mass storage devices, like an inherent latency during accessing the hard disk drives, high power consumption, being unable to withstand the physical shock, and having a large weight for portable computer devices.

If the first block is defective or infected by the computer virus, all the logical drives indicated by the partition information may not be detected by the host.

It is a risk for a drive partitioned into multiple logical drives by the host.

Furthermore, because the host can easily free access all the data, some important files, like system files, may be deleted by careless end users.

It is another risk or inconvenience.

Thereby, it reduces the possibility of partition information defect or computer virus infection.

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