IP Library Granted Patent US 7,921,340
Granted Patent B2
US 7,921,340 · App. 12/160,972 · Granted Apr 5, 2011

Nonvolatile memory device, nonvolatile memory system, and defect management method for nonvolatile memory device

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,921,340
App. No.
12/160,972
Granted
Apr 5, 2011
Kind
B2
Abstract

A life parameter generator generates life parameters related to the life of a nonvolatile memory device by using parameters related to allowable capacity for memory defect and occurrence capacity for memory defect. The life parameters are stored in a life parameter storing block of a nonvolatile memory. An access device reads and displays the stored life parameters. Thus, the user can precisely know the life of the nonvolatile memory device or the moment when a device having a built in nonvolatile memory such as a portable audio becomes unusable.

Claims (16)

1. A nonvolatile memory device which reads and writes data in accordance with commands for an access from outside, comprising:

a nonvolatile memory;

a life parameter generator for calculating an occurrence speed for memory defect of said nonvolatile memory device and estimating an estimated remaining time for a life of said nonvolatile memory device based on an allowable capacity for memory defect of said nonvolatile memory device and said occurrence speed for memory defect; and

a life parameter output part for outputting said life parameter to the outside.

2. A nonvolatile memory system including an access device and a nonvolatile memory device which reads and writes data in accordance with commands for an access from said access device,

wherein said nonvolatile memory device comprises:

a nonvolatile memory;

a life parameter generator for calculating an occurrence speed for memory defect of said nonvolatile memory device and estimating an estimated remaining time for a life of said nonvolatile memory device based on an allowable capacity for memory defect of said nonvolatile memory device and said occurrence speed for memory defect; and

a life parameter output part for outputting said life parameter to the outside, and

wherein said access device comprises:

a life parameter receiver for receiving parameters from said life nonvolatile memory device; and

a display part for displaying the life parameter received by said life parameter receiver.

3. A defect management method for a nonvolatile memory device having a nonvolatile memory comprising steps of:

calculating an occurrence speed for memory defect of said nonvolatile memory device;

estimating an estimated remaining time for a life of said nonvolatile memory device based on an allowable capacity for memory defect of said nonvolatile memory device and said occurrence speed for memory defect; and

further indicating said estimated remaining time.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Mar 6, 2009
From: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
To: PANASONIC CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 022363/0306 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 10, 2008
From: NAKANISHI, MASAHIRO
To: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 021668/0368 →