Patent ID: 7483297

Claim:
A nonvolatile memory apparatus, comprising: a flash memory including a first flash memory area and a second flash memory area; and control means for controlling said flash memory, and including a volatile memory, wherein said first flash memory area is capable of being accessed by a host system connectable to said nonvolatile memory apparatus, wherein said second flash memory area is capable of storing one or more pieces of firmware therein, wherein said control means is capable of receiving a first command, which is issued from said host system, for selecting from said one or more pieces of firmware in accordance with information included said first command, and is capable of reading the selected piece of firmware from said second flash memory area to said volatile memory, wherein each of said first flash memory area and said second flash memory area includes a management area, wherein said management area of said first flash memory area stores first information indicating a data storing area, wherein said management area of said second flash memory area stores second information indicating a firmware storing area, wherein said control means further includes a nonvolatile memory for storing first operation steps of a basic function of said nonvolatile memory apparatus, and wherein said firmware stored in said second flash memory area includes second operation steps of an additional function of said nonvolatile memory apparatus.