Patent ID: 6789162
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: G06F,G11B,Y10S

Abstract:
A storage device controller configured for coupling to a storage device having a plurality of locations for storing data, wherein the controller is coupled to receive a write command including write data, and wherein the write command does not specify a location of the storage device where the write data is to be stored, and wherein the controller is configured to respond to the write command by: (i) selecting an unused location of the storage device, and (ii) writing the write data to the storage device, wherein the writing of the write data includes directing the storage device to store at least a portion of the write data in the unused location, wherein the controller is coupled to receive the write command from a host, and wherein the host is configured to track usage of the locations of the storage device, wherein the controller is coupled to receive a FREE command from the host, and wherein the FREE command specifies a location of the storage device which should be identified as unused.