JP2008541219A - Data structure of flash memory having system area having variable size capable of data update, USB memory device having flash memory, and method for controlling system area - Google Patents

Abstract

A data structure of a flash memory having a system area having a variable size capable of updating data, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device having the flash memory, and a method for controlling the system area are disclosed. The data structure of the flash memory of the USB memory device does not allow the user to record or delete data, and the management information of the USB memory device and the program executed or reproduced when the USB memory device is connected to the host And a system area where contents are recorded, and programs and contents are added or updated by an update program.

Description

  The present invention relates to data storage technology, and more particularly, to a data structure of a flash memory having a system area having a variable size capable of updating data, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device having a flash memory, and a method for controlling the system area. .

  Recently, various types of portable memory devices have been developed with the development of data storage technology. As one of portable memory devices, a USB memory device generally has a USB interface and a flash memory. USB memory devices have features of large storage capacity, portability, and easy connectivity with other devices such as personal computers (PCs). Because of these characteristics, it is widely used for storing music files, image files, and moving image files. Flash memory is a kind of EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory), and is classified into a NOR type that performs input / output operations in byte mode and a NAND type that performs input / output operations in page mode. .

  On the other hand, the data storage area of the flash memory is classified into a system area where data cannot be erased or recorded by the user and a user data area (public area) where data can be read, erased or recorded by the user. In the system area, when the USB memory device is first identified by the USB host (for example, when the USB memory device is inserted into the USB slot of the PC), the management information of the USB memory device and the host (for example, an autorun program) are executed. Stored programs and content to be played back.

  Conventionally, since the size of the system area is determined when the USB memory device is manufactured, the user cannot change the size of the system area or update a program or content stored in the system area.

  Therefore, there is a problem that the USB memory device must be collected so as to reformat or update the program or content stored in the system area of the USB memory device by the specific device or system program.

  The present invention provides a data structure of a flash memory having a system area having a variable size capable of updating data, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device having the flash memory, and a method for controlling the system area.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a data structure of a memory of a USB memory device is provided, and the data structure is not allowed to record or delete data by a user, and management information of the USB memory device and the USB It includes a system area in which programs and contents to be executed or reproduced when the memory device is connected to the host are recorded, and the programs and contents are added or updated by the update program.

  The data structure may further include a public area that is allowed by the user to record and delete data.

  The system area is not allowed to record and delete data by the user, and the USB memory device management information or a hidden area where the program to be executed and the content to be played are recorded, and the user to record and delete the data The system may include a system reading / recording area in which a program executed when the USB memory device is connected to the USB host and a reproduced content are recorded.

  The system reading / recording area and the concealment area may be variable in size.

  The hidden area may not be displayed through a file searcher included in the host.

  The system area is used when executing or reproducing a program or content recorded in the system area, public area, host, or long-distance server, or accessing user data recorded in the public area or accessing the host. When obtaining approval for connecting to the linked remote server, a necessary authentication key may be stored.

  The update program may be stored in the system area or public area of the memory, the host, or the long-distance server.

  The update program may transfer a program or content information recorded in the system area or public area of the USB memory device to the host or long-distance server.

  The system area stores information such as at least one program or content stored in the public area, and if the program or content stored in the public area is deleted, the corresponding program or content is removed from the system area. It may be copied to the public area.

  The public area, the hidden area, or the system reading / recording area may store a program or content downloaded from a host or a long-distance server by a predetermined update program.

  The hidden area may store information generated or processed when the system reading / recording area, the public area, or the program stored in the host is executed.

  According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least one flash memory, a USB interface, and an update for updating data stored in the system area of the flash memory that is not allowed to record and delete data by a user A USB memory device is provided that includes a controller that receives instructions and performs an update process.

  The flash memory is not allowed to record or delete data by the user, and stores management information of the USB memory device and programs and contents that are executed or reproduced when the USB memory device is connected to the host, and A system area in which programs and contents are added or updated by an update program may be included.

  The flash memory may further include a public area that is allowed by the user to record and delete data.

  Some or all of the programs and contents stored in the system area may be stored in the host or public area, and the programs and contents stored in the host or public area may be updated.

  The controller may use the EEPROM rather than the ROM in order to update the system program to yet another system program transferred from the host or server.

  The system area is not allowed to record and delete data by the user, the management information of the USB memory device or the hidden area in which the program to be executed and the content to be played are recorded, and the data is recorded by the user. The system may include a system reading / recording area in which a program executed when the USB memory device is connected to the USB host and a reproduced content are recorded, which is not permitted to be deleted.

  The data stored in the system area may be downloaded and updated from the USB host via the USB interface in accordance with an update command for updating the system area.

  The controller may execute or play back programs and contents recorded in the system area, public area, long-distance server, or host, or may access user data recorded in the public area or access the long-distance server. An authentication key stored in the system area may be used to determine whether there is an approval for access.

  According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a method for updating data in a system area of a USB memory device is provided, and the method includes data in the system area when the USB memory device is connected to a USB host. Receiving an update instruction for updating the system area, determining whether it is necessary to change the size of the system area in order to execute the update instruction, and based on the determination, the system area And updating the data in the system area.

  The step of determining whether or not the size of the system area needs to be changed includes authenticating a user with an authentication key recorded in the system area of the USB memory device, and if the authentication is confirmed, Determining whether it is necessary to change the size of the system area in order to execute the update instruction.

  The data stored in the system area may be downloaded from the USB host and updated according to the update command.

  The data stored in the system area may be a program executed when the USB memory device is connected to the USB host or a content to be reproduced.

  The present invention can be effectively applied to a data structure of a flash memory having a variable size capable of updating data, a USB memory device having a flash memory, and a method of controlling a system area.

  The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a general USB memory device. The USB memory device 100 includes a USB interface 110, a controller 120, and a flash memory 130. The USB memory device 100 further includes a USB connector 140. When the USB connector 140 is connected to a USB port of a host such as a personal computer (PC), the USB memory device 100 is identified by the host. The USB interface 110 receives a USB signal from the host, divides the USB signal into an address and data, and transfers the address and data to the controller 120. The controller 120 refers to the address to determine a block of the flash memory 130 from which data is read or recorded.

  The controller 120 and the flash memory 130 may be integrated rather than separated from each other.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the controller 120 that controls the USB memory device 100.

  The controller 120 includes a first buffer 200, a processor 210, a second buffer 220, a read only memory (ROM) 230, and a random access memory (RAM) 240. Data received from the USB interface 110 is stored in the first buffer 200. The processor 210 calculates the position where the data is recorded in the flash memory 130 and transfers the data to the second buffer 220. The ROM 230 stores a system program necessary for performing such a process. The random access memory 240 is a memory necessary for executing a program. The system program may be stored in the external ROM 250 instead of the ROM 230 provided in the controller 120.

  The system program cannot be re-recorded in the ROM 230 after being recorded in the ROM 230. Thus, instead of ROM, EEPROM can be used to update system programs received repeatedly from the host or server.

  FIG. 3 shows a data storage area of the flash memory of the USB memory device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The flash memory is classified into a hidden area 310, a system reading / recording area 320, and a public area 330. Flash memory can be classified according to physical or logical methods. “Logical method” means that the flash memory is classified by a program, for example. The system area includes a hidden area 310 and a system reading / recording area 320. System data such as a vendor ID (VID), product ID (PID), and electronic serial number (ESN), which are basic information of the USB memory device 100, are recorded in the hidden area 310.

  The hidden area 310 stores a program or content downloaded from a host or a long-distance server connected to the host. The hidden area 310 can store information generated when a program stored in the public area 330 or the system reading / recording area 320 is executed. Examples of information include cookie information and logon information necessary to access the website. Such information can be updated by an update program in the hidden area 310.

  Programs and content include reproducible data and files. The entire data storage area does not additionally provide the public area 330 and can function as the system reading / recording area 320.

  An authentication key necessary for executing or playing back a program or content stored in the USB memory device 100 can be stored. The authentication key can be used for authentication when a program or content stored in the host is executed or reproduced by the USB memory device 100. The authentication key is transferred to the long-distance server and reads whether the USB memory device is permitted to access the long-distance server. The authentication key may be stored not only in the hidden area 310 but also in the system reading / recording area 320.

  The authentication key can be used to access data recorded in the public area 330 or the system area. That is, when it is determined that the user who uses the authentication key or the USB memory device 100 is approved, the program or content stored in the system area or the public area 330 is executed, or the data recorded in the public area 330 is stored. Provided to the user.

  That is, when a program stored in the USB memory device or the host is executed by the host, the program reads the authentication key and determines whether the authentication key is valid. If the authentication key is valid, the program is executed.

  On the other hand, programs and contents can be stored and executed in the system reading / recording area 320 as well as the hidden area 310. The program and content can be updated in the hidden area 310 and the system reading / recording area 320. Further, the size of the hidden area 310 and the size of the system reading / recording area 320 can be changed.

  The authentication key may be recorded in the system area when the USB memory device is manufactured so that a unique key code is assigned to the authentication key. The authentication key may be downloaded from a host or a long-distance server and updated.

  Instead of storing the authentication key at the time of manufacture, a program stored in the USB memory device and permitting access to the host or the long-distance server may be used. That is, the member information stored in the USB memory device may function as an authentication key when the program is first executed to access the host or the long-distance server and the member registration process is completed.

  Further, when the authentication key is downloaded and updated from the host or the long-distance server, the authentication key may be encrypted by an update program and stored in the system area. When the corresponding program reads the authentication key, the authentication key may be decoded by the update program and transferred to the corresponding program.

  Even if the authentication key can be stored in the system area, the authentication key is preferably stored in the hidden area 310 for security.

  Data recorded in the hidden area 310 generally does not appear on the host file searcher, but information about files and memory in the hidden area 310 is displayed using utility software provided by the manufacture of the USB memory device. Can.

  The data stored in the hidden area 310 is composed of a general file allocation table (FAT) used for the Microsoft window OS, and is combined with the application programming interface (API) of the manufacturer of the USB memory device, and thus the host. It cannot be displayed by the file searcher, or can be defined and used independently.

  The hidden area 310 can be a single area for storing USB memory device management information such as VID and PID, software to be executed, and contents. As an alternative, the concealment area 310 can be composed of a plurality of areas for individually storing software to be executed and contents and for storing an authentication key.

  On the other hand, demand for MP3 equipped with DRM (Digital Rights Management) solution has increased. That is, when the MP3 player adopts the data structure according to the embodiment of the present invention, the downloaded music file is stored in the hidden area, the authentication key is stored in the system area, and the music file is played only by the MP3 player. Can.

  That is, since the music file stored in the hidden area cannot be displayed through other software of utility software provided by the manufacturer, it is difficult to duplicate the music file. Furthermore, even if the music file is copied so as to be played back to another host, the music file can be played back only when the authentication is successful by inputting the authentication key stored in the system area.

  Also, the DRM protected music file can be stored in the public area 330 or the host from the hidden area, and can be played using the authentication key in the system area.

  When a new music file is downloaded and an existing music file in the MP3 player is updated, the existing music file recorded in the hidden area can be updated by an additional update program.

  The authentication key may be a part of software or software rather than a combination of data and numerical values.

  That is, when there is a DRM-protected music file and a software player that plays the music file, the software player can function as an authentication key for playing the music file.

  The system reading / recording area 320 stores programs and contents to be reproduced when the USB memory device is connected to the USB port of the host. The public area 330 is an area where data can be read and recorded by the user.

  The public area 330 is divided into an area displayed on the file searcher when a disc is inserted and another area displayed on the file searcher when a password and user information are input.

  The sizes of the system reading / recording area 320 and the concealment area 310 can be changed, and the programs and contents recorded in the system reading / recording area 320 and the concealment area 310 can be updated. In this embodiment, an update process in the system read / record area 320 and a process for changing the size of the system read / record area 320 should be described. Since the update process in the hidden area 310 and the process for changing the size of the hidden area 310 are the same as those performed by the system reading / recording area 320, the description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, programs and contents in the system area can be updated using an update program. In addition, programs and contents downloaded from a host or a long-distance server can be stored and updated in a public area.

  The process for changing the size of the system reading / recording area 320 and the process for updating the program and contents are preferably performed by an update program stored in the flash memory in advance. The update program can be stored and executed by the host.

  The update program is connected to the network through the host, downloads a new program or content from the server, and updates the existing program or content stored in the system reading / recording area 320. Further, the update program changes the size of the system reading / recording area 320 in order to store the program and contents.

  FIGS. 4 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the positions where the update program for updating the system reading / recording area 320 is stored in the flash memory of FIG.

  The update program 300 is stored in each of the hidden area 310, the system reading / recording area 320, or the public area 330 as illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, or FIG.

  When the update program 300 is stored in the public area 330, it can be deleted accidentally or intentionally by the user. Therefore, the update program 300 is preferably stored in the hidden area 310 or the system reading / recording area 320. If the update program is deleted, information necessary for the update cannot be replaced by the host.

  The updated program and content are stored in a USB host or server connected to a USB host on the network. The update program can be updated by the host or server so that it can have more functions. For example, if the update program is stored in the hidden area 310 or the system reading / recording area 320, the update program is updated while updating the program or content stored in the hidden area 310 and the system reading / recording area 320. be able to.

  The program and content can be stored in the USB memory device, and the program and content can be updated by the host from the USB memory device. The programs and contents stored in the USB memory device and the programs and contents updated by the host can be combined and operated as if the programs and contents stored in the USB memory device are updated.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the host recognizes the USB memory device and displays drive information for each area of the flash memory.

  When the USB memory device is inserted into the USB port of the host, the host detects whether the USB memory device is inserted (S410). The USB memory device is automatically detected by the host because the host generally includes a Microsoft OS having a plug-and-play function. At this time, each storage area in the flash memory is recognized by the drive (S420). For example, the system reading / recording area 320 is recognized by a CD-ROM drive that cannot be recorded by the user, and the public area 330 is recognized by a drive such as a removable disk that can be read and recorded by the user.

  Information about the drives recognized differently according to each area is displayed to the user (S430). That is, since control information necessary for recognizing the mass storage device is provided to the host operating system, each area is automatically recognized as an independent drive, and the system program in the controller of the USB memory device is Interlocked with the host. Therefore, the data area of the flash memory can be logically divided into a plurality of areas when the USB memory device is manufactured, and thus the area can be recognized by two or more drives. Each area can be recognized by a CD-ROM drive or a removable disk drive. The process for recognizing the drive depends on the system program of the controller 120.

  Generally, a read-only memory area such as a CD-ROM is determined in advance when a storage medium is manufactured, and data recorded in the read-only memory area can be read by a user but cannot be recorded. Therefore, data stored in a read-only memory area (for example, a CD-ROM area) cannot be deleted or updated by the user. However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, even if the data stored in the read-only memory area cannot be deleted or updated by the user, the data stored in the read-only memory area such as a CD-ROM is repeatedly updated. The size of the read-only memory area can be changed based on the size of the data updated by the update program stored in the USB memory device.

  When a program or content recorded in the system area is updated, the update program is linked with the system program of the controller of the USB memory device. The system program of the controller of the USB memory device is programmed so as to be linked with the update program.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a host reads data stored in a USB memory device.

  A process for reading and executing data stored in the USB memory device according to the key value recorded in the system area of the USB memory device will be described with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined that the USB memory device is connected to the USB port of the host (S510), the authentication key recorded in the system area is read (S520). The authentication key performs an authentication process when data stored in the flash memory is read and recorded, or when a program or content recorded in the system reading / recording area 320, the public area 330, or the host is executed or reproduced. Used to do.

  The authentication key can be used as the only key to automatically access files on the host or remote server. For example, when a USB memory device is inserted into a host, a predetermined file of the host is automatically executed, or the host is automatically connected to a predetermined website.

  On the other hand, when used as an authentication key for automatically accessing a website, the authentication key may have Internet address information.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the read authentication key is an authorized user key for accessing data stored in the USB memory device (S530). If it is determined that the authentication key is the authorized user's key, the application program and content stored in the USB memory device are read (S540) and executed (S560). The application program and content can be automatically executed or reproduced when the USB memory device is connected. If it is determined that the authentication key is not an authorized user key, an error process is performed, for example, an error message is displayed (S550).

  The authentication key can be recorded at the time of manufacture of the USB memory device or can be updated by a host or a long-distance server. For example, it can be updated at the same time as the concealment area and system read / record area are updated. In this case, since user authentication can be performed at any time, security performance can be improved, and an authentication key for charging a user for service can be used. That is, the authentication key can be used to determine what program or content the user has downloaded from the remote server.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the host transfers an update command for updating the system read / record area 320 to the USB memory device.

  If it is determined that the USB memory device is connected, an authentication process is performed (S610). The authentication process can be performed by using the authentication key described above or can be performed by using a unique embedded number. The only embedded number is similar to the serial number assigned at the time of manufacture of the USB memory device. The authentication process can be accomplished by transferring the unique identifier of the USB memory device to the host. The unique identifier may be constituted by a combination of a unique embedded number and other characters, or a combination of symbols and characters.

  The authentication key, the unique embedded number, and the unique identifier described above can be individually stored in the USB memory device. The authentication key, unique embedded number, and unique identifier can have different data types, but are similar to each other in terms of purpose and effect. The authentication key, unique embedded number, and unique identifier are preferably recorded at the time of manufacture of the USB memory device, but may be stored later. For example, when a USB memory device is first inserted into the host, a Microsoft KeyGen (key generator) stored in the system area can generate and store a unique value in the system area. Step S610 may be omitted as necessary.

  An update program for updating the system reading / recording area in the USB memory device is read and executed (S620). After the information necessary for updating is downloaded, it is read whether or not the system reading / recording area needs to be updated (S630). As an example, since the program and content stored in the system reading / recording area include version information, the version information of the program and content stored in the system reading / recording area and the version information of the newly downloaded program and content are included. By comparing, it is possible to determine whether to update the program or the content. As another example, if the unique identifier of the USB memory device and the content or program information stored in the system area are transferred to the host or long-distance server, is the information stored in the USB memory device valid? It can be updated depending on whether or not.

  As yet another example, the update program recorded in the system reading / recording area can store the same information as at least one program stored in the public area in the system reading / recording area. When the program stored in the public area is deleted, the program can be copied from the system reading / recording area to the public area or the hidden area by the update program.

  Such a process is performed by an update program and a system program stored in the controller 120.

  New programs, contents and information necessary for updating can be stored in the host or received from a remote server connected to the network.

  If it is determined that the update process is necessary, it is determined whether the size of the system read / record area needs to be adjusted to perform the update process (S640). If the size of the updated program or content is larger than the size of the original program or content, it is necessary to increase the size of the system reading / recording area for storing the updated program or content. If the size of the updated program or content is smaller than the size of the original program or content, the system read / record so that the user can use a larger public area or hidden area for storing user data. It is necessary to reduce the size of the area.

  If the system reading / recording area is sufficiently large, it is not necessary to adjust the size of the system reading / recording area. However, if the size of the updated or added data is larger than the size of the system reading / recording area determined when the USB memory device is manufactured, the size of the system reading / recording area needs to be adjusted.

  If the size of the system reading / recording area needs to be adjusted, a command for adjusting the size of the system reading / recording area is transferred to the USB memory device (S650), and an update command is transferred (S660). If the size does not need to be adjusted, the update command is transferred immediately (S660).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the USB memory device that receives the update command updates the system reading / recording area 320.

  If an authentication process is required before using the USB memory device, the authentication process is performed first (S710). After the program for updating the system reading / recording area is executed (S720), it is determined whether or not an update command is input (S730). When an update command is input, it is determined whether a command for adjusting the size of the system reading / recording area is input (S740). When a command for adjusting the size of the system reading / recording area is input, the size of the system reading / recording area is adjusted (S750). If a command for adjusting the size of the system reading / recording area is not input, the program and contents stored in the system reading / recording area are updated (S760).

  The method for updating the system area of the flash memory according to an embodiment of the present invention described in detail with reference to FIG. 10 is applied to an MP3 player employing a flash memory or a hard disk memory as well as a USB memory device. Can be done. In addition, the present method can be applied to a digital camera or a mobile phone including the basic structure of a USB memory device.

  On the other hand, the above-described method of updating the system area of the flash memory can be recorded in a computer program. Codes and code segments constituting the program can be easily inferred by a computer programmer who is skilled in the art. The program is stored in a computer-readable medium and read and executed by a computer so as to embody a method for updating the system area of the flash memory.

  Examples of computer readable media include magnetic recording media, optical recording media, and carrier wave media.

  According to the present invention, programs and contents stored in the system area of the USB memory device can be repeatedly updated, and the size of the system area can be adjusted.

  That is, it is possible to easily update programs and contents recorded in the system area through a USB host or a server connected to a network without having to collect a USB memory device from the user.

  Also, an authentication key necessary for executing a program or content stored in the USB memory device or the host is provided. The authentication key is used for programs and contents that require security.

  Furthermore, the program and content stored in the system area can be updated through the update program, and the program and content downloaded to the public area can be easily updated.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various modifications, variations, and changes without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims. Should be understood.

It is a block diagram of a general USB memory device. It is a block diagram of the controller which controls a USB memory device. 1 is a diagram showing a data storage area of a flash memory of a USB memory device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a position where an update program for updating a system reading / recording area is stored in a flash memory in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a position where an update program for updating a system reading / recording area is stored in a flash memory in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a position where an update program for updating a system reading / recording area is stored in a flash memory in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a host recognizes a USB memory device and displays drive information for each area of a flash memory. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a host reads data stored in a USB memory device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a host transfers an update command for updating a system reading / recording area to a USB memory device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which a USB memory device that receives an update command updates a system read / record area.

Claims (35)

A data structure of a memory in a USB memory device,
The user is not allowed to record or delete data, the management information of the USB memory device and the program or content executed or reproduced when the USB memory device is connected to the host are recorded, and the program or content is updated. A data structure characterized by including a system area added or updated by a program.   The data structure according to claim 1, further comprising a public area in which data can be recorded and deleted by a user. The system area is
The user is not allowed to record and delete data, the USB memory device management information or a concealed area where the program to be executed and the content to be played are recorded,
A system reading / recording area in which a program executed when the USB memory device is connected to a USB host and a reproduced content is recorded, and is not permitted to record and delete data by a user. The data structure according to claim 1.   4. The data structure according to claim 3, wherein the size of the system read / record area and the hidden area is variable.   4. The data structure according to claim 3, wherein the hidden area is not displayed through a file searcher included in the host.   The system area is used when executing or reproducing a program or content recorded in the system area, the public area, the host, or a long-distance server, or for accessing user data recorded in the public area, or 2. The data structure according to claim 1, wherein an authentication key necessary for obtaining an authorization for connecting to the remote server coupled to the host is stored. The authentication key is recorded when the USB memory device is manufactured,
The authentication key is generated by an authentication key generation program stored in the USB memory device and recorded in the USB memory device;
7. The data structure according to claim 6, wherein the authentication key is generated by a user and recorded in the USB memory device, or the authentication key is updated through the host.   The data structure according to claim 1, wherein the update program is stored in the system area or public area of the memory, the host, or a long-distance server.   2. The data structure according to claim 1, wherein the update program transfers a program or content information recorded in the system area or public area of the USB memory device to the host or a long-distance server.   The update program transfers information related to the update program to a long-distance server, and the update program is updated by downloading a new update program from the host or the long-distance server. 1. The data structure according to 1.   The system area stores information such as at least one program or content stored in the public area, and when the program or content stored in the public area is deleted, the corresponding program or content is stored in the system area. 2. A data structure according to claim 1, wherein the data structure is replicated from one to the public area.   The data structure according to claim 2, wherein the public area, the hidden area, or the system reading / recording area stores a program or content downloaded from a host or a long-distance server by a predetermined update program.   4. The data structure according to claim 3, wherein the public area, the hidden area, or the system reading / recording area stores a program or content downloaded from a host or a long-distance server by a predetermined update program.   4. The hidden area stores information that is generated or processed when a program stored in the system read / record area, the public area, or the host is executed. The data structure described. At least one flash memory,
USB interface,
A controller for receiving an update command for updating data stored in the system area of the flash memory, which is not permitted to record and delete data by a user, and for performing an update process; Memory device.   The flash memory is not allowed to record or delete data by a user, and stores management information of the USB memory device and a program or content that is executed or reproduced when the USB memory device is connected to a host, and 16. The USB memory device according to claim 15, further comprising a system area in which programs and contents are added or updated by an update program.   17. The USB memory device according to claim 16, wherein the flash memory further includes a public area in which data can be recorded and deleted by a user.   The program or content stored in the system area is partially or entirely stored in a host or public area, and the program or content stored in the host or public area is updated. USB memory device.   16. The USB memory device according to claim 15, wherein the controller uses an EEPROM rather than a ROM in order to update the system program to another system program transferred from a host or a server. The system area is
A concealed area in which management information of the USB memory device or a program to be executed or content to be played back is recorded, which is not permitted to record and delete data by a user,
A system reading / recording area in which a program executed when the USB memory device is connected to a USB host and a reproduced content is recorded, and recording and deletion of data by a user is not permitted. The USB memory device according to claim 16.   17. The USB memory device according to claim 16, wherein the data stored in the system area is downloaded and updated from the USB host via the USB interface according to an update command for updating the system area.   The controller executes or reproduces a program or content recorded in the system area, public area, long-distance server, or host, or accesses user data recorded in the public area, or 16. The USB memory device according to claim 15, wherein an authentication key stored in the system area is used to determine whether or not there is an approval for accessing the long-distance server. The authentication key stored in the system area is stored when the USB memory device is manufactured,
The authentication key is generated by an authentication key generation program stored in the USB memory device, recorded in the USB memory device,
The authentication key is generated by a user and recorded in the USB memory device, or
The USB memory device according to claim 22, wherein the authentication key is updated through the host.   The update program transfers information related to the update program to a long-distance server, and the update program is updated by downloading a new update program from the host or the long-distance server. 16. The USB memory device according to 16.   17. The USB memory device according to claim 16, wherein the update program transfers a program or content information recorded in the system area or public area of the USB memory device or the host to a long-distance server.   The system area stores information such as at least one program or content stored in the public area, and when the program or content stored in the public area is deleted, the corresponding program or content is stored in the system. The USB memory device according to claim 16, wherein the USB memory device is copied from an area to the public area.   18. The USB memory device according to claim 17, wherein the public area, the hidden area, or the system reading / recording area stores a program or content downloaded from a host or a long-distance server by a predetermined update program.   21. The USB memory device according to claim 20, wherein the public area, the hidden area, or the system reading / recording area stores a program or content downloaded from a host or a long-distance server by a predetermined update program.   21. The hidden area stores information processed or processed when executing a program stored in the system reading / recording area, public area, or host. USB memory device. A method of updating data in a system area of a USB memory device,
Receiving an update command for updating data in the system area when the USB memory device is connected to a USB host;
Determining whether the size of the system area needs to be changed in order to execute the update instruction;
Changing the size of the system area based on the determination and updating the data in the system area. Determining whether it is necessary to change the size of the system area,
Authenticating a user with an authentication key recorded in the system area of the USB memory device;
If the authentication is confirmed, determining whether it is necessary to change the size of the system area in order to execute the update instruction;
32. The method of claim 30, comprising:   31. The method of claim 30, wherein data stored in the system area is downloaded from the USB host and updated according to the update command.   32. The method of claim 31, wherein the data stored in the system area is downloaded from the USB host and updated according to the update command.   31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the data stored in the system area is a program executed when the USB memory device is connected to the USB host or content to be reproduced. .   32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the data stored in the system area is a program executed when the USB memory device is connected to the USB host or content to be played back. .