"Do you know if the "discrete data segment" are actual files that needs a open or close function or a protected area of memory"

"protected area of memory"...you would have to mean on a volatile memory?

The only volatile, as I consider unprotected memory, is the segment sized cache (currently highlighted as patent 108 claim 1 term b)...the only volatility to a file is a segment sitting in this cache.

As to the "open or close"....that would happen in this cache entity process....nothing is processing in the flash.. its just a storage element. At this cache is conceived how the file segment is to be wrapped with OS functionality...such as contagious storage, or non contagious storage. If an application platform is involved like video processing...they mix functionality into the segments allowing editing...or what have you.

They can do many things, IMO, they can semi virtually manage, or no virtual manage with a mix.....depends on how much RAM resource you want on a device and how often its utilized.

What is processing is one discrete segment at a time to different degrees of sophistication....for OS consideration and application....and as small as the cache is, it's fast enough to signal all the ingredients to a display and make things look normal.

doni