Method and memory device for generating a time estimate

A method for generating a time estimate in a memory device, the method comprising:

• performing by a processor in a memory device embedded in a host:
• storing a plurality of files in the memory device, wherein each of the plurality of files stores a respective time stamp;
• generating an estimate of what time it is from the time stamps stored in the plurality of files, wherein the memory device does not have a real-time clock;
• and
• using the estimate of what time it is to perform a time-based activity in the memory device.

A method for generating a time estimate in a memory device, the method comprising:

• performing by a processor in a memory device embedded in a host:
• obtaining a plurality of time stamps, each time stamp being associated with a respective source having a respective validity ranking;
• selecting one or more of the plurality of time stamps based on the validity rankings;
• generating an estimate of what time it is from the selected time stamp(s), wherein the memory device does not have a real-time clock;
• and
• using the estimate of what time it is to perform a time-based activity in the memory device.

A memory device comprising:

• a memory configured to store a plurality of files and file system metadata for each of the plurality of files, wherein each file comprises a respective time stamp, and wherein file system metadata for a given file contains a time stamp associated with that file;
• and a controller in communication with the memory and operative to perform the following:
• generate an estimate of what time it is from one or both of the time stamps in the file system metadata for the plurality of files and the time stamps stored in the plurality of files, wherein the memory device does not have a real-time clock, and wherein the memory device is embedded in a host;
• and
• use the estimate of what time it is to perform a time-based activity in the memory device.