KR100586063B1 - Data structure of flash memory with variable size system field which can be updated, usb memory therewith and a control method of the system field - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed are a flash memory data structure capable of being updated and having a system area of variable size, a USB storage device having the flash memory, and a method of updating the system area. According to the present invention, a flash memory data structure provided in a USB storage device is not allowed to be arbitrarily written and deleted by a user, and management information of the USB storage device and a program executed when the USB storage device is connected to a host or And a system area in which the reproduced content is recorded and which can add or update a program or content by a predetermined update program. This makes it possible to easily update a program or content recorded in the USB storage device through a USB host or a server connected to a network without recovering the USB storage device from the user.

Description

A flash memory data structure having a variable size and having a system area capable of updating data, a USB storage device having the flash memory, and a control method of the system area {Data structure of flash memory with variable size system field which can be updated, USB memory therewith and a control method of the system field}

1 is a block diagram of a general USB storage device,

2 is a block diagram of a controller for controlling a USB storage device;

3A is a view showing data storage areas of a flash memory in a USB storage device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for each purpose;

3B to 3D are reference views for explaining a storage location of an update program for updating the system read / write area 320 among the flash memory areas shown in FIG. 3A;

4 is a flowchart showing drive information according to an area of a flash memory by a host recognizing a USB storage device;

5 is a flowchart of a process in which a host reads data stored in a USB storage device;

6 is a flowchart of a process of a host transferring a command for updating a system read / write area 320 to a USB storage device;

7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of updating a system read / write area 320 by a USB storage device receiving an update command.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data storage technology, and more particularly, to a flash memory data structure capable of updating corresponding data and having a variable size system area, a USB storage device having the flash memory, and a method of controlling the system area. It is about.

With the development of data storage technology, various types of portable storage devices are used. Among these portable storage devices, a storage device having a universal serial bus (USB) interface and a flash memory therein is generally referred to as a USB storage device, which has a large storage capacity, is easy to carry, and is connected to a PC or another device. It is easy to use and widely used in various fields such as storing document data, music, pictures, and video files. Flash memory is a type of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM). There are two types of NOR types that support I / O units in bytes and NAND types that support I / O units in pages.

On the other hand, the data storage area of the flash memory is divided into a system area that the user cannot delete or write arbitrarily, and a user data area (public area) that the user can access to read, delete, and write data. The system area contains the management information of the USB storage device and the programs or content played back by the host when the USB storage device is first recognized by the USB host (for example, when it is inserted into a USB slot on the PC). For example, the autorun program).

However, the conventional system area can not be arbitrarily resized by the user, nor can the stored content be changed, and the size of the area is determined at the time of production of the USB storage device, so that a program or content is stored. Therefore, the size of the system area cannot be changed later, and updating of programs or contents stored therein is impossible.

Therefore, when updating a program or content stored in the system area, it is inconvenient to collect all the USB storage devices and store the program or content again or update the content by using a special equipment or system program.

Accordingly, a technical object of the present invention is to provide a flash memory data structure having a variable sized system area for changing the size of a system area of a USB storage device and enabling updating of programs or contents stored in the area. The present invention provides a USB storage device having a memory and a method of controlling the system area thereof.

According to the present invention, in the memory data structure provided in the USB storage device, if recording and deletion are not allowed by a user arbitrarily and management information of the USB storage device and the USB storage device are connected to a host, The program to be executed or the content to be played back is recorded and achieved by the memory data structure of the USB storage device, characterized by including a system area for adding or updating a program or content by a predetermined update program.

The data structure preferably further comprises a public area which is allowed to be recorded and deleted by the user.

The system area may include: a hidden area in which recording and deletion is not allowed by a user and which records management information of the USB storage device or a program to be executed or content to be played; And a system read / write area for recording a program or a content to be played when the USB storage device is connected to the USB host without being allowed to be recorded and deleted arbitrarily by a user.

The hidden area is not displayed by the searcher mounted on the host, and the size of the area is preferably changed.

On the other hand, according to another field of the present invention, the technical problem is at least one flash memory; A USB interface unit; And a controller configured to perform an update by receiving an update command of data stored in a system area in which data is not allowed to be recorded or deleted arbitrarily by a user among the data storage areas of the flash memory.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the technical problem is a method of updating the system area data of the USB storage device, (a) the USB storage device is inserted into the USB host to receive the command to update the system area data Doing; (b) determining whether the system area size needs to be changed to perform the update command; And (c) changing the size of the system area and updating the data recorded in the system area according to the determination result.

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

1 is a block diagram of a general USB storage device.

The USB storage device 100 includes a USB interface unit 110, a controller 120, and a flash memory 130. The USB storage device 100 is recognized by the host when there is a USB connector 140 that can be connected to a host such as a PC and connected to the USB port of the host. The USB interface unit 110 receives a USB signal from the host and separates the USB signal into an address and data and transmits the same to the controller 120. The controller 120 finds out which block in the flash memory 130 to write data to or read data from, and writes or reads data according to the address.

2 is a block diagram of a controller for controlling a USB storage device.

The controller 120 includes a first buffer 200, a processor 210, a second buffer 220, a ROM 230, and a RAM 240. Data received from the USB interface unit 110 is stored in the first buffer 200, the processor 210 calculates the data recording position on the flash memory is transferred to the second buffer 220 and written to the flash memory 130 do. The ROM 230 stores a system program for performing this process, and the RAM 240 is a memory for executing the program. The system program may be separately stored in the external ROM 250 instead of the ROM 230 inside the controller 120.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a data storage area of a flash memory in a USB storage device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The data storage area of the flash memory is divided into a hidden area 310, a system read / write area 320, and a public area 330. Each area may be divided according to a physical method or may be divided according to a logical method. Dividing according to a logical method means dividing flexibly by means such as a program. The hidden area 310 and the system read / write area 320 are collectively called a system area. The hidden area 310 records system data such as Vendor ID (VID), Product ID (PID), Electronic Serial Number (ESN), and the like, which are basic information about the USB storage device.

Meanwhile, the hidden area 310 may not only download and store a program or content from a host or a remote server connected to the host, but also may execute a program in the public area 330 or the host or system read / write area 320. Derivative information created or manipulated by, for example, cookie information or logon information for accessing a particular website may be stored. This derived information may also be updated in the hidden area 320 by the update program.

In addition, an authentication key required to execute or play a program or content recorded in the USB storage device may be stored. This authentication key can be used for the authentication required to execute or play the program or contents even if they are stored in the host and not in the USB storage device.The USB key for the remote server can be transferred to the remote server. It can also be used to determine the connection eligibility of. The authentication key may be stored in the system read / write area 320 as well as the hidden area 310.

This authentication key can also be used to access data recorded in the public area 330 or system area described later. That is, a program or content stored in the system area or the public area 330 is executed only when the authentication key is read and determined to be a valid user or a valid USB storage device, or the data content recorded in the public area 330 is shown to the user. .

To this end, when a program stored in a USB storage device or a host is executed by the host, the corresponding program loads the authentication key to determine the validity of the authentication key, and the program is executed only when the valid authentication key is used.

Meanwhile, the program or content may be stored and executed in the hidden area 310 as well as the system read / write area 320, and the program or content may be updated as well as the size of the area may be changed.

The authentication key may be recorded in the system area from the time of production of the USB storage device and used as a unique authentication key, or may be downloaded from a host or remote server and updated.

In addition, when the authentication key is downloaded from a remote server or host and updated, the update program may encrypt the authentication key and store it in the system area.When the authentication key is loaded, the update program may be decrypted by the update program and transmitted to the corresponding program. have.

On the other hand, the authentication key may be stored anywhere in the system area, but preferably stored in the hidden area 310 for security.

On the other hand, the data recorded in the hidden area 310 is not generally displayed as a explorer of the host, but utility information provided by the manufacturer who manufactured the USB storage device may display file information or memory information of the hidden area 310. Do.

In addition, the hidden area 310 is configured as one hidden area, and can store all the USB storage device management information such as VID, PID, and software or content to be executed in one hidden area, or is composed of a plurality of hidden areas. In addition, the software or content to be executed may be stored in separate hidden areas, or the authentication key may be stored in another hidden area.

Meanwhile, the demand for digital rights management (DRM) has recently increased in MP3 players. Therefore, when the data structure of the present invention is applied to the MP3 player, the downloaded music file is stored in the hidden area and the authentication key is placed in the system area so that the music file can be driven only in the MP3 player.

That is, music files in the hidden area are not displayed by the explorer except the provided utility software, making it difficult to copy music files randomly, or even if the user wants to copy and play them on another host, the authentication key is found in the system area. You can only make music files play.

Meanwhile, when a new music file is later downloaded and updated to the MP3 player, the music file in the hidden area may be updated by a separate update program.

The system read / write area 320 stores a program or content to be executed when the USB storage device is connected to the USB port of the host. The public area 330 is an area in which data can be read and written by a user, and the user can arbitrarily write data or read data stored in the area 330.

The public area 330 may be divided into an area that is directly displayed in the searcher when a removable disk is inserted and an area that is displayed in the searcher by inserting a password or user information.

Meanwhile, the size of the system read / write area 320 and the hidden area 310 of the flash memory according to the present invention is changed in size, and the program or content recorded therein can be updated. Since the update to the hidden area 310 and the size change of the area are made in a manner similar to that of the system read and write area 320, the embodiment will be described mainly with the system read and write area 320, which is the hidden area 310. Also applies to

In addition, the present invention not only can update a program or content in a system area by an update program, but also can be applied when a content or program to be executed from a host or a remote server is downloaded and stored in a public area and an update thereof is required. .

The size change of the system read / write area 320 and the update of the program or the contents are preferably performed by an update program stored in the flash memory. The update program may be stored in the host to perform the update.

The update program is connected to a network through a host to newly download a program or content stored in the system read / write area 320 from a server, or change the size of the system read / write area 320 in which the program or content is stored.

3B to 3D are reference diagrams for describing a storage location of an update program for updating the system read / write area 320 among the flash memory areas shown in FIG. 3A.

The update program 300 may be stored in the hidden area 310 as shown in FIG. 3B, or may be stored in the system read / write area 320 as shown in FIG. 3C, as shown in FIG. 3D. As described above, the data may be stored in the public area 330.

The update program is preferably stored in the hidden area 310 or the system read / write area 320. This is because when the update program is stored in the public area 330, the update program may be deleted by mistake or intentionally. If the update program is deleted, the information necessary for the update cannot be exchanged with the host.

 The updated program or content may be stored in a USB host or in a server connected to the USB host through a network. In addition, the update program itself may be updated by a host or a server so that various functions can be updated later. That is, the update program itself can also be updated. For example, when the update program is stored in the hidden area 310 or the system read / write area 320, the update program may be updated together when updating the program or the content stored in the areas 310 and 320.

4 is a flowchart illustrating drive information according to an area of a flash memory by a host recognizing a USB storage device.

When the USB storage device is inserted into the USB port of the host, the host detects that the USB storage device is inserted (S410). USB storage devices are plug and play on most of Microsoft's Windows operating systems and are automatically recognized by the host. In this case, the plurality of drives may be recognized according to the storage area of the flash memory (S420). For example, the system read / write area 320 is recognized as a CD-ROM drive and cannot be written by a user, and the public area 330 is recognized as a drive that can be read and written by a user, such as a removable disk. The data exchange is possible through the user interface of the host.

Drive information recognized differently according to the region is shown to the user as it is (S430). Each drive that is recognized as a different drive has control information needed to recognize the Mass Storage Device Class in the host's operating system, and each drive is automatically executed because the system program in the USB storage device control unit interoperates with the host. Is recognized. Therefore, when the USB storage device is manufactured, logically dividing the data areas of the flash memory to define the area can be recognized as two or more drives, and the characteristics of the area can be defined as a CD-ROM drive or a removable disk. Can be. All of these drive recognition processes depend on the system program of the controller 120.

Conventionally, an area which can only be read by a system (CD-ROM area) has already been determined at the time of production of a storage medium, and data recorded in that area is only read by a user. Therefore, the data stored in the read-only area (CD-ROM area) cannot be deleted or updated by the user. However, the present invention prevents the user from arbitrarily writing or deleting the read-only area, and by means of the update program stored in the USB storage device, the data stored in the read-only area (CD-ROM area) can be repeatedly updated. The size of the read-only area also changes according to the size of the data to be updated.

 When a program or content in the system area is updated, the update program and the system program of the USB storage controller are interworked, and the system program of the USB storage controller is programmed to be executed in such a manner.

5 is a flowchart of a process in which a host reads data stored in a USB storage device.

Referring to FIG. 5, a process of reading and executing data stored in the USB storage device according to a key value recorded in the system area of the USB storage device will be described. First, when it is detected that the USB storage device is connected to the USB port of the host ( S510), and reads the authentication key recorded in the system area (S520). The authentication key is a key for reading or writing data stored in the flash memory or for executing or playing a program or content recorded in the system read / write area 320, the public area 330, or the host.

The authentication key can also be used as a unique key to automatically access a particular file on a host or remote server. For example, inserting a USB storage device into a host can automatically launch a host's specific file or automatically connect to a predefined website.

Meanwhile, when used as an authentication key for automatically accessing a website, the authentication key may have internet address information.

It is determined whether the read authentication key is a key value of an authorized user to access data stored in the USB storage device (S530). If the correct user key is read, various applications or contents stored in the USB storage device are read (S540). This is executed (S560). The application or content may be a program or content to be automatically executed when the USB storage device is connected. If it is determined that the user is not the correct user or the correct USB storage device, error processing such as displaying an error message is performed (S550).

The authentication key may be fixed and recorded at the time of production of the USB storage device, and may be updated by a host or a remote server. For example, it can be updated together when updating a hidden area or a system read / write area. As a result, there is an effect that the user is authenticated from time to time, the security is excellent, and can be used even when charging the user. That is, it can be used as an authentication key for determining which user has downloaded which program or content from a remote server.

6 is a flowchart of a process in which a host transmits a command for updating a system read / write area 320 to a USB storage device.

When it is detected that the USB storage device is connected, an authentication procedure is performed as necessary (S610). Authentication may be made by the authentication key as described above, it may be made by a built-in unique number. The built-in unique number is the same as the serial number determined at the time of manufacture of the USB storage device and can be authenticated depending on the authenticity of the value. Alternatively, authentication can be achieved by sending a unique identifier of the USB storage device to the host. Unlike the unique number, the unique identifier may be composed of a combination of characters or a combination of various symbols and characters.

The above-described authentication key, unique number and unique identifier may be stored in the USB storage device according to the purpose, and the types of data may be different, but the purpose and effect are similar. These authentication keys, unique numbers and unique identifiers are preferably stored from the time of production of the USB storage device, but may be stored thereafter. For example, Microsoft's KeyGen (Key Generator) software is stored in the system area and when the USB storage device is inserted into the host for the first time, it recognizes the KeyGen and operates to generate a unique value and store it in the system area. It is also possible. On the other hand, the above-described authentication step (S610) may be omitted as necessary.

An update program for updating the system read / write area stored in the USB storage device is read and executed (S620), and information necessary for updating is downloaded and it is determined whether or not the update is necessary (S630). For example, a program or content stored in the system read / write area includes version information, so that it is possible to determine whether an update is necessary by comparing the version information with the version information of the newly downloaded program or content. Alternatively, if a unique identifier of the USB storage device and the contents or program information in the system area are passed to the host or remote server, the program or content of the USB storage device can be updated depending on whether this information is the correct value. have.

Alternatively, the update program of the system read / write area stores the same information as the at least one program to be executed in the public area in the system read / write area, and if the corresponding program of the public area is deleted, the program is read and written by the update program. You can update it by copying it from the zone to the public or hidden zone.

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

 New programs or content and information or content necessary for updating may be stored in the host, or may be received by connecting to a remote server through a network.

If it is determined that the update is necessary, it is determined whether it is necessary to adjust the size of the system read / write area in order to perform the update (S640). If the file size of the updated program or content is larger than the file size of the original program or content, you need to increase the system read / write area to store it, and if it is smaller, add more public or hidden areas to store user data. There is a need to reduce the system read and write area for wider use.

When the system read / write area is large enough to be updated from the time of manufacture, it is not necessary to adjust the size of the area. However, if the size of data to be updated or added is larger than the size of the system read / write area determined at the time of production of the USB storage device, the size of the area is adjusted.

If it is necessary to adjust the size of the system read / write area, a command to adjust the size of the system read / write area is transmitted to the USB storage device (S650), after the update command is transmitted (S660), and if there is no need to adjust the update command immediately It passes (S660).

7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of updating a system read / write area 320 by a USB storage device receiving an update command.

If authentication is required before using the USB storage device, the authentication procedure is first performed (S710). Then, after executing a program for updating the system read and write area (S720), it is determined whether the update command is input (S730), if the update command is input, further determine whether the system read and write area size adjustment command is input (S740), As a result, the size of the system read / write area is adjusted (S750). Otherwise, the program or content of the system read / write area is updated (S760).

The system area update method of the flash memory of the present invention described above with reference to FIG. 7 can be easily applied to an MP3 player using a flash memory or a hard disk memory as well as a USB removable storage device.

On the other hand, the above-described method for updating the system area of the flash memory can be created by a computer program. Codes and code segments constituting the program can be easily inferred by a computer programmer in the art. In addition, the program is stored in a computer readable media, and read and executed by a computer, thereby implementing a method of updating a system area of a flash memory. The information storage medium includes a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, and a carrier wave medium.

So far I looked at the center of the preferred embodiment for the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, while repeatedly updating a program or content stored in a system area of a USB storage device, the system area is continuously adjusted to provide new useful information and functions if necessary. .

That is, a program or content recorded in the system area can be easily updated through a USB host or a server connected to a network without retrieving the sold USB storage device from the user.

In addition, by mounting an authentication key for executing a program or content stored in a USB storage device or host, it is useful when using a program or content that requires security.

The update program can not only update a program or content in the system area, but also easily update a program or content downloaded in the public area.

Claims (31)

A computer-readable recording medium on which data having a memory data structure provided in a USB storage device is recorded. Recording and deletion are not allowed by the user. The management information of the USB storage device and the program or content to be played when the USB storage device is connected to the host are recorded, and the program or content is added by a predetermined update program. System areas that can be updated or updated; And A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon data having a memory data structure of a USB storage device, the device comprising a public area allowing recording and erasing by a user. delete The system of claim 1, wherein the system area is A hidden area in which recording and deletion are not allowed by a user and which records management information of the USB storage device or a program to be executed or content to be played back; And And a system read / write area for recording a program to be executed or a content to be played when the USB storage device is connected to a USB host, without being allowed to be recorded and deleted arbitrarily by a user. A computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon data. The method of claim 3, And said system read / write area and hidden area are variable in size. The computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon data having a memory data structure of a USB storage device. delete The method of claim 1, The system area executes or plays a program or content recorded in the system area, a public area or a host, or obtains a connection qualification for accessing user data recorded in the public area or accessing a remote server connected to the host. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon data having a memory data structure of a USB storage device, characterized in that it stores an authentication key necessary for storing the authentication key. The method of claim 6, The authentication key is recorded at the time of production of the USB storage device, or stored in the USB storage device, the authentication key generation program is generated by the authentication key is recorded on the USB storage device or updated through the host, characterized in that A computer readable recording medium on which data having a memory data structure of a USB storage device is recorded. The method of claim 1, And said update program is stored in a system area, a public area, or a host of said flash memory. The method of claim 1, And the update program transfers the contents or program information recorded in the system area or the public area of the USB storage device to the remote server. The method of claim 1, The update program transmits the information of the update program to the remote server, and the update program is downloaded from the host or the remote server, and the update program itself is updated. The computer program can record the data having the memory data structure of the USB storage device. Recording media. The method of claim 1, The system area stores the same information as at least one program or content to be executed in the public area, and when the corresponding program or content in the public area is deleted, the program or content is copied and updated in the public area in the system area. A computer-readable recording medium on which data having a memory data structure of a USB storage device is recorded. The method according to claim 1 or 3, The public area, the hidden area, or the system read / write area may store a program or content downloaded from a host or a remote server by a predetermined update program. Recording media. The method of claim 3, The hidden area is a computer-readable recording medium for recording data having a memory data structure of a USB storage device, characterized in that the system read and write area or the public area or information stored or handled as the program stored in the host is executed. The method of claim 1, And said memory is a flash memory. The computer-readable recording medium for recording data having a memory data structure of a USB storage device. delete Recording and deletion are not allowed by the user. The management information of the USB storage device and the program or content to be played when the USB storage device is connected to the host are recorded, and the program or content is added by a predetermined update program. At least one flash memory including a system area that can be updated or updated; A USB interface unit; And And a controller configured to perform an update by receiving an update command of data stored in a system area in which data is not allowed to be recorded or deleted arbitrarily by a user among the data storage areas of the flash memory. delete The method of claim 16, wherein the flash memory USB storage device further comprises a public area that is allowed to be recorded and deleted by the user. The system of claim 16, wherein the system area is A hidden area in which recording and deletion are not allowed by a user and which records management information of the USB storage device or a program to be executed or content to be played back; And And a system read / write area for recording a program to be executed or a content to be played when the USB storage device is connected to a USB host without being allowed to record and delete by a user. The method of claim 16, The data stored in the system area is downloaded and updated from the USB host through the USB interface unit by the system area update command. The method of claim 16, wherein the control unit Access credentials for executing or playing a program or content recorded in the system area, a public area or a host, or accessing user data recorded in the public area or accessing a remote server with an authentication key stored in the system area. USB storage device, characterized in that judging. The method of claim 21, The authentication key stored in the system area may be stored at the time of production of the USB storage device, or the authentication key generation program may be stored in the USB storage device, and the authentication key may be generated and recorded on the USB storage device or updated through the host. USB storage device characterized in that. The method of claim 16, The update program transfers the information of the update program to the remote server, the update program is downloaded from the host or the remote server to update the update program itself. The method of claim 16, The update program transfers the content or program information stored in the system area or the public area of the USB storage device to the remote server. The method of claim 16, The system area stores the same information as at least one program or content stored in the public area, and if the corresponding program or content in the public area is deleted, the program or content is copied from the system area to the public area. USB storage device, characterized in that the update. The method of claim 18 or 19, And the public area, the hidden area, and the system read / write area store a program or content downloaded from a host or a remote server by a predetermined update program. The method of claim 19, The hidden area is a USB storage device, characterized in that for storing the information generated or manipulated by the system read and write area, the public area or a program stored in the host is executed. delete In the method of updating the system area data of the USB storage device, (a) connecting the USB storage device to a USB host to receive an update command of the system area data; (b) an authentication step of authenticating a user according to an authentication key recorded in a system area of the USB storage device; (c) if the authentication is successful, determining whether the system area size needs to be changed to perform the update command; And (d) changing the size of the system area according to the determination result and updating the data recorded in the system area. The method of claim 29, The data stored in the system area is updated by downloading and updating from the USB host by the system area update command. The method of claim 29, The data stored in the system area is a program that is executed when the USB storage device is connected to the USB host or content to be updated, characterized in that the USB storage device.

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