JP2002223402A - Electronic device, program update method, setup file generator and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device that can easily execute update of a processing program of the electronic device through a recording medium and to provide a program update method, a setup file generator and its method. SOLUTION: An electronic camera 10 is provided with a nonvolatile memory 182 that records part or all of a processing program for an information processing means 180 controlling each section of the electronic camera 10 and with a recording medium interface 179 that reads an update program of the processing program from a removable recording medium 177 with the update program recorded in advance, and the information processing means 180 updates the processing program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 182 on the basis of the update program read from the recording medium 177.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device, a method of updating a program, an apparatus for creating a setup file and a method thereof, and more particularly, to an electronic device capable of updating a processing program, a method of updating a program, and a setup file. The present invention relates to a creating device and a method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, firmware has been used for EEPROM.
M to be stored in rewritable storage means such as M, and to change the program content in the EEPROM from another communication device via the communication means, and to upgrade the firmware for function improvement and performance improvement. Available electronic cameras are on sale.

[0003]

However, according to the conventional method of upgrading the processing program such as firmware of an electronic camera, communication means and software for performing update of the firmware in the electronic camera are not provided. In addition to the necessity, a processing program for updating, a communication means, and software for communication are required on a device such as a personal computer that transmits update information. Especially in recent years, RS-232C, SCSI, U
In order to correspond to each of various types of trendy communication interfaces such as SB, IEEE1394, IrDA, etc., an enormous number of development steps are required.

[0004] In the case of a communication means such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), setting an electronic camera communicatively connected to a personal computer as a storage class has an advantage that a standard storage mode can be easily used. However, when trying to update firmware other than the recording medium, a problem has arisen that a vendor-specific update processing program must be developed using a unique protocol.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an electronic apparatus, a program updating method, and a setup file creation method capable of easily executing a processing program of an electronic apparatus via a recording medium. It is intended to provide an apparatus and a method thereof.

[0006]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus capable of easily executing an update of a processing program, and controls each part of the electronic apparatus. Information processing means, and a recording means for recording a part or all of a processing program of the information processing means, and a non-volatile memory capable of reading and writing a part or all of the processing program based on an instruction of the information processing means Recording means, and a recording medium interface capable of reading out the update program from a removable recording medium in which an update program of the processing program is recorded in advance based on an instruction of the information processing means, The processing unit updates the processing program recorded in the nonvolatile recording unit based on the update program read from the recording medium. It is characterized by executing a control of each part of the electronic device based on the processing program the updated.

According to the present invention, there is provided information processing means for controlling each part of an electronic device, and recording means for recording a part or all of a processing program of the information processing means, the processing being performed based on an instruction from the information processing means. Reading the update program from a removable recording medium in which a part or all of the program can be read and written, and a removable recording medium in which the update program for the processing program is recorded in advance, based on an instruction of the information processing means; The information processing means updates a processing program recorded in the non-volatile recording means based on an update program read from the recording medium, and updates the processing program. Since the control of each part of the electronic device is executed based on the And it is possible to carry out easily with.

[0008] Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a semiconductor device comprising:
The present invention provides a setup file creating apparatus that creates a setup file on which an update program for updating a processing program of an electronic device is recorded on a recording medium, wherein the communication unit transmits and receives information to and from the electronic device; Recording means for creating, on a recording medium, a setup file in which identification information unique to the electronic device received via the means and an update program for the electronic device are recorded.

According to the present invention, a communication means for transmitting / receiving information to / from an electronic device, a setup file in which identification information unique to the electronic device received via the communication means and an update program for the electronic device are recorded. Since the recording device is provided on the recording medium, the processing program of the electronic device can be easily updated via the recording medium.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which an electronic apparatus according to the present invention and a personal computer are connected by communication.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic camera 10 which is an embodiment of an electronic device includes a cradle 12 and a communication cable 1.
4 can transmit and receive information to and from the personal computer 80. Further, the personal computer 80 is provided with a recording medium mounting portion 878 for mounting the recording medium 177, and records an update program for processing of the electronic camera 10 on the recording medium, and also transmits the update program from the electronic camera 10 via the communication cable 14. The received identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 can be recorded on the recording medium 177.

Also, instead of recording the update program of the processing of the electronic camera 10 on the recording medium 177 provided in the personal computer 80, the program is transmitted to the electronic camera 10 via the communication cable 14 and is attached to the electronic camera 10. May be recorded on the recording medium 177 which is provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention.

An image processing section of the electronic camera 10 which is an embodiment of an electronic apparatus having an image pickup means includes an image pickup means 150 for forming an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, photoelectrically converting the image, and outputting an image signal. Change image size, sharpness correction,
An image processing unit 153 for performing processing such as contour processing and contrast correction, and an A / D converter 154 for converting an analog image signal into digital image data are provided.

The communication means of the electronic camera 10 for transmitting and receiving image data, identification information unique to an electronic device, and information such as a setup file to and from other communication devices by communication transmits information such as image data to a carrier wave such as a radio wave. A short-range transmitting / receiving means 157 for transmitting or receiving data, an antenna 156 for transmitting / receiving a carrier wave and image data, a communication connector 162 for transmitting / receiving information such as image data to / from another communication device via a communication cable, A cradle connector 163 transmits and receives information to and from other communication devices via a cradle to which the camera 10 is attached.

The electronic camera 10 also includes a compression / expansion means 167 which performs compression processing or thinning-out processing of information such as image data by a method represented by JPEG or motion JPEG, or expands / decompresses image data or the like which has been compressed. OS for on-screen display of various characters and message data to be displayed on the display means 168 together with images
D169 and a signal processing unit 170 that performs white balance processing on image data obtained by imaging, performs gamma conversion, YC conversion processing, conversion processing of the number of pixels, electronic zoom processing, trimming processing, and the like; A frame memory 171 for temporarily storing image data of a preview image to be displayed and a D / A converter 172 for converting digital image data into a composite signal for display or the like are provided.

The electronic camera 10 includes an input unit 173 provided with a power switch, a release button, a communication button, a transmission button, a function switch, a cross key, a decision switch, a mode switch, and the like. I / O 17 which is an interface for inputting and outputting input information and information for display means such as LEDs
4, a recording medium mounting portion 178 for detachably mounting the recording medium 177, and a recording medium interface 179 for recording and reading information such as image data on and from the recording medium 177. The recording medium 17
Reference numeral 7 denotes a semiconductor such as a memory card or a removable recording medium represented by a magnetic recording type represented by an MO or an optical recording type.

The electronic camera 10 includes the electronic camera 1
Controlling the entire image and controlling the sampling timing of the image data, controlling the recording of the image data, recognizing the graphic of the image data, reading the model information of the electronic camera 10 or the identification information unique to the device, controlling the communication, and recording the image and sound. Information processing means 1 for performing control such as control relating to display and display control
80, a non-volatile memory 182 (recording means) capable of rewriting information and storing stored information such as various constants for adjustment even after power is turned off, a model name of the electronic camera 10, ROM 183 in which identification information unique to the electronic device such as a serial number, a default operation program, constants, and the like are stored, and RAM 18 which is a high-speed readable / writable storage means serving as a work area when executing the program.
4 are provided.

The electronic camera 10 also has a calendar clock 190 for ticking time, a power supply 191 for supplying various powers for driving the electronic camera 10, a power supply connector 192 for receiving power supply from an external power supply, A light emitting unit 193 that emits light to a subject during imaging to compensate for a shortage of light amount, and a light emission control unit 194 that adjusts the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 193 and the amount of emitted light are provided.

The information processing means 18 of the electronic camera 10 described above.
0 and each peripheral circuit are connected by a bus 199,
It is possible to transmit information to each other at high speed.

The cradle connector 163 may be provided with terminals related to the power switch, terminals related to the power connector 192, and the like, in addition to the terminals related to the communication connector 162. When the power supply function is provided in the cradle serving as a holding table of the electronic camera 10, the electronic camera 10 is mounted on the cradle to supply power to the electronic camera 10 from the cradle, and Operation and charging of a rechargeable battery provided in the power supply 191 can be performed.

When the cradle is provided with a function for communication, the electronic camera 10 is mounted on the cradle so that the electronic camera 10 transmits and receives information to and from other communication devices via the cradle. It becomes possible.

When the cradle is provided with a so-called power switch for switching the operation mode of the electronic camera 10 between an operation state and a non-operation state, a terminal for the power switch provided on the cradle connector 163 is provided. Through the electronic camera 1 without operating the power switch provided on the electronic camera 10.
It is possible to switch the operation state of 0.

An image pickup process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

An image to be picked up is formed on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 150 by the lens 102, and the formed object image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 153. The image processing unit 153 performs image processing such as correlated double sampling, amplification, and noise reduction processing on the image signal, and converts the image signal into digital data by the A / D converter 154.

The image data converted into the digital data is transferred to the signal processing means 170 in accordance with a command from the information processing means 180, and the white balance, gamma correction, YC
After performing image processing such as conversion, zoom processing, and pixel number conversion processing, the image data is temporarily stored in a frame memory 171 such as a VRAM. The frame memory 171 includes a display unit 16
8 and a storage capacity corresponding to the gradation of the color to be expressed.

The information processing means 180 includes a frame memory 1
Image data stored in the D / A converter 1
The instruction is transmitted to the display unit 168 and displayed on the display unit 168 together with information such as a character generated from the OSD 169.

When the user presses a release button provided on the input unit 173 for instructing image capturing, the information processing unit 180 enters a mode for capturing an image of a subject. Then, the information processing unit 180 records, in the RAM 184, image data having a 12-bit gradation for each of the RGB primary colors, for example, converted into digital data by the A / D converter 154.

When an image is to be recorded on the recording medium 177, the image stored in the RAM 184 is sequentially read out and transferred to the signal processing means 170, where white balance and gamma correction of the image, YC conversion, zoom processing, and the like are performed. After performing image processing such as pixel number conversion processing and performing gradation conversion and image size conversion processing of each color, the compression / expansion means 167
Is forwarded to

The image data that has been subjected to the compression processing under the predetermined conditions by the compression / expansion means 167 is temporarily stored again in the FILE work area of the RAM 184 for a period of time based on the instruction of the information processing means 180, and thereafter is temporarily stored for recording. After converting the image data into image data, the image data is output to the recording medium interface 179, and the image data is sequentially recorded on the recording medium 177.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 1
From 0, device-specific identification information such as the serial number or ID of the electronic camera 10 and image data can be transmitted to the personal computer 80 via the cradle 12 and the communication cable 14.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the setup file creating apparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in the figure, an information transmission / reception unit (communication means) of a personal computer 80 which is an embodiment of a setup file creating apparatus includes an antenna 856 used as short-range wireless communication means, a transmission / reception means 857, a communication connector 859, ,
A transmission / reception unit 865 (including functions of a transmission unit and a reception unit) for a public line for transmitting / receiving information to / from a communication device or the like on a network such as the Internet via the public line 860 is provided.

The personal computer 80 has a display means 868 for displaying information such as images and characters, and a display control means 869 for outputting an image signal for display to the display means 868 based on a command from the information processing means. And the user enters the input means 87
I / O 8 for reading various information input through the interface 3 and transmitting it to information processing means described later, or outputting a display command to a notifying means such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing means.
74 are provided.

The personal computer 80 has a recording medium 877.
And a recording medium interface 879 for recording and reading information such as image data on and from a recording medium 877 (same as the recording medium 177). The recording medium 877 is a removable recording medium similar to the recording medium 177.

The personal computer 80 includes an information processing means (CPU) 880 for controlling the whole of the personal computer 80, and a ROM or information processing means 880 in which a program for operating the information processing means 880 and various constants are recorded. A memory 881 composed of a RAM serving as a storage means serving as a work area when executing processing, various constants relating to processing of a personal computer, a dial-up telephone number for communication connection with a communication device on a network, attribute information, URL (Uniform
Resource Locators), address, gateway information D
A recording unit 886 such as a hard disk for recording information such as connection information such as an NS (Domain Name System) and a calendar clock 890 for counting time are provided.

Information processing means 880 in the personal computer 80;
Peripheral circuits including a display control unit 869, an I / O 874, a memory 881, a recording unit 886, a calendar clock 890, and the like are connected by a bus 899, and the information processing unit 880 can control each peripheral circuit. Has become.

The short-range wireless communication means is a communication means using a carrier wave such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, or light such as infrared rays.
When using radio waves, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as a wireless LAN (local area network).

In the above description, the personal computer 80 is used as the communication device. However, any communication device provided with recording means, communication means, and the like can achieve the object of the present invention.

When the user operates the mode switching dial provided on the electronic camera 10 and selects, for example, a storage class (a mode such as a still image mode), the electronic camera 10 is connected to the personal computer 80. This is a mode in which the recording device is regarded as a completed recording device. Then, the PC 80
Accesses the electronic camera 10 and accesses the electronic camera 1
It is possible to read and write information from and to the recording medium 177 mounted on the recording medium 177.

The user places the electronic camera 10 in the cradle 12
By attaching to the PC 80 side, for example, US
In order to automatically detect (using the Plug & Play function) the connection of the electronic camera 10 via a communication means such as B, information communication with the electronic camera 10 is automatically started. Then, the personal computer 80 reads identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 and identification information unique to the recording medium 177 necessary for establishing communication. When the information necessary for establishing the communication is exchanged and the mutual authentication is completed, the communication is thereafter performed according to the processing of the application software of the personal computer 80. For example, the application software of the personal computer 80 automatically starts an image viewer for displaying a list of images in the electronic camera 10, a setting screen for updating a processing program of the electronic camera 10, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an electronic camera setting screen displayed on the display means 868 of the personal computer 80.

For example, when the electronic camera 10 is mounted on a cradle, an image viewer is automatically started. Then, when the user selects a camera setting function described in the menu of the image viewer, a camera setting screen 90 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG.
In 0, an opening screen setting display 92 describing the setting / non-setting of the opening screen and a storage location and a file name of an image to be displayed as the opening screen, and a copyright character to be set / non-set and a copyright to be set are input. A copyright box 94 in which an input box to be displayed is displayed, and a wipe screen 96 of an auto play for setting a wipe function for switching a plurality of images at the time of auto play for continuously playing and browsing images. An OK button 98 for instructing to determine camera settings;
A cancel button 99 for instructing to discard the camera settings is displayed.

On the camera setting screen 90, the user can customize the processing such as the opening screen display program, which is the processing at the time of starting the electronic camera 10, for example. When the user instructs the update of the processing program of the electronic camera 10 on the camera setting screen 90, the personal computer 80 generates a setup file in which the update program of the electronic camera 10 is described, and records the setup file on the recording medium 177.

FIG. 5 shows a setup file created by the personal computer 80 in the recording medium 177 and its contents.

As shown in the figure, the recording medium 177 has a root directory “@” for storing various files and a directory “SET” for storing setup files and the like.
UP "and a directory" IMAGE "for storing images captured by the electronic camera 10 and the like.

In the directory “SETUP”, a file “SETUP.DAT” in which contents for updating the processing program of the electronic camera 10 are described and, for example, when the electronic camera 10 is started up, a display means of the electronic camera 10 is displayed as an opening screen. The image data file “OPE
NING. JPG "is recorded. If necessary, a directory “IMAGE” for storing images and various image files “DSCF000” are stored in the recording medium 177.
1. JPG "may be recorded.

Also, as shown in the figure, after the address “0000” described in the setup file “SETUP.DAT”, it is determined that the item in which information relating to the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 is described. Show 2
Information of byte “0100” and address “0002”
Thereafter, information “0500” indicating the size of the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 (size information indicating that the identification information is composed of 5-byte data) and an address “0”
After “004”, identification data “592D393939” (representing Y-999) unique to the electronic camera 10 obtained by the personal computer 80 from the electronic camera 10 via communication is described.

In the same manner, update information of processing programs such as an opening screen setting command, a copyright setting command, a wipe setting command, and a gamma correction command are described.

When the electronic camera 10 is started, the setup file “SETUP.DA” of the recording medium 177 is stored.
T ”, and the setup file is stored in the recording medium 17.
When it is recognized that the file is recorded in the setup file 7, the setup file and its associated image and other files are read out, and the processing program of the electronic camera 10 is updated in accordance with the contents described in the setup file. Then, after the next activation, the processing operation is executed based on the newly updated processing program.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart relating to updating of the processing program of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention.

According to the figure, the power switch of the electronic camera 10 is turned on, the operation program is loaded from the ROM 183 or the non-volatile memory 182 and started, the opening screen or the like is displayed on the display means 168, and the start processing is completed. I do. Then, the processing program of the information processing means 180 branches to step S100 “power ON” (hereinafter, abbreviated as S100) and proceeds to the next S102 “SETU”.
Is there a P file? Proceed to the determination of

In S102, the setup file "S
ETUP. It is determined whether or not "DAT" is recorded on the recording medium 177. If the setup file has not been recorded on the recording medium 177, it is determined that there is no update program for the processing program of the information processing unit 180, and the processing program is not updated, and the process proceeds to S124 “normal operation”. The process branches to execute the normal operation processing of the electronic camera 10.

If it is determined in step S102 that the setup file exists in the recording medium 177, the processing program proceeds to the next step S104, "number of SETUP file contents confirmation items? Opening screen check".

In S104, the information processing means 180 reads information described in the setup file, and
The content and the number of items are checked, and a file such as an opening screen is checked.

FIG. 7 shows a camera customization screen 200 displayed on the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10 during, for example, S104 processing.

As shown in the figure, the camera customizing screen 200 includes a customizing screen display 201 for notifying the user that the processing program of the camera is being updated, and a setup file for the user.
77, a setup file display 202 for notifying that the information is recorded in 77, an opening screen confirmation display 203 for executing confirmation of a newly updated opening screen,
Autoplay addition confirmation display 204 for confirming a newly updated autoplay addition item, copyright confirmation display 205 for confirming newly set copyright, and program update processing for all items And an execution display 206 for instructing execution / non-execution of the execution.

The user operates the cross key or the like provided on the input means 173 to display the opening screen confirmation display 2
03. When the cursor is moved to the item of the auto play addition confirmation display 204 or the copyright confirmation display 205 and the confirmation button provided on the input unit 173 is pressed, the screen transits to various confirmation screens. For example, when the copyright item is not set (for example, when there is no description of the copyright in the setup file), the copyright item that is not set may not be displayed, and the gray scale display may be omitted. To indicate that it is not available.

Here, for example, when the user designates the opening screen confirmation display 203, the opening confirmation screen 210 shown in FIG.

The opening confirmation screen 210 shown in FIG. 8 includes an opening screen display 212 for notifying the contents of the currently displayed opening confirmation screen 210, and a registered image 214 which is a conventionally used opening image.
, A newly registered image 216 that is an opening image to be newly registered this time, and “B
A return display 218 for instructing a process to return to the camera customization screen 200 by pressing the “ACK” button is displayed. The user confirms the opening confirmation screen 210
, The registered opening image displayed when the electronic camera 10 is activated with the current setting can be compared with the newly registered opening image.

The camera customization screen 200 shown in FIG.
When the user designates the auto play addition confirmation display 204, the display means 168 displays an auto play confirmation screen 220 shown in FIG. The auto play function is a function of displaying a plurality of recorded images in such a manner as to automatically turn a page.

The auto play confirmation screen 220 shown in FIG. 9 includes an auto play screen display 222 for notifying the contents of the currently displayed auto play confirmation screen 220, a currently displayed current image 224, and an oblique next. Next, a next image 226 that is gradually switched and displayed while wiping, and a return display 218 are displayed.

The auto play screen 22 shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a view showing a confirmation screen of auto play by another wipe method. The wiping method is not limited to the diagonal wiping method shown in FIG. 9, but may be a spiral wiping method as shown in FIG. It may be a wipe method in which the screens are switched in the same manner, or a combination thereof.

The camera customization screen 200 shown in FIG.
When the user designates the copyright confirmation display 205 in, a copyright confirmation screen 230 shown in FIG.

Copyright confirmation screen 230 shown in FIG.
Displays the currently displayed copyright confirmation screen 230
, A copyright display 234 displaying a copyright registered for confirmation, and a return display 218 are displayed.

In S104 shown in FIG. 6, the electronic camera 10 stored in the ROM 183 of the electronic camera 10 is used.
The unique identification information is read, and for example, the address “00” of the setup file recorded on the recording medium 177 is read.
The information may be collated with the identification information described after "04", and if the information does not match, it may be determined that an error has occurred.

If the identification information stored in the electronic camera 10 and the information described in the setup file do not match in S104, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 is disabled from being updated. Is also good.
In this way, for example, it is possible to prevent an image file or the like for an opening screen downloaded for a fee on condition that only one electronic camera is used from being illegally used by a plurality of other electronic cameras. Becomes possible.

Also, the right to use the wipe function, such as an image to be displayed by wiping in the right direction, switching by wiping in an oblique direction, or wiping in a spiral shape, is sold by an auto wipe function or the like. Thus, the present invention is effective for use by a user using only one electronic camera and for preventing unauthorized use.

In the determination of the next step S106 "SETUP file error", as a result of checking the setup file performed in the previous step S104, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred due to an error in the described item. Is going.

If an error has occurred, the processing program branches to S108 "Error display" and displays the error occurrence status on the display means 168 or the like of the electronic camera 10 to notify the user. When the display of the error status ends, the processing program proceeds to S124, and executes the normal operation processing.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show display examples of errors displayed on the display means 168. FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a protection confirmation screen 240 for warning that the recording medium 177 has been set to the write protection state. Protect confirmation screen 24
At 0, a customization screen display 201 and a protection confirmation display 242 are displayed.

When the setup file is deleted after the processing program of the electronic camera 10 is updated, the setup file cannot be deleted if the recording medium 177 is set in the write-protected state.
A warning is displayed in advance without performing the processing program update processing.

FIG. 13 shows the ROM of the electronic camera 10.
If the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 recorded in the storage medium 183 does not match the identification data recorded in the storage medium 177, the warning is displayed on the display unit 168. . On the serial number confirmation screen 250, a customization screen display 201 and a serial number confirmation display 252 are displayed. If it is necessary to prevent the opening screen image file, etc., downloaded for a fee on condition that it is used by only one electronic camera, from being used illegally by multiple other electronic cameras, the serial A number confirmation display 252 is displayed to warn the user.

If it is determined in S106 that no error has occurred in the setup file, the processing program proceeds to the next processing of S110 "Customization operation execution / non-execution selection display".

In step S110, a display requesting the user to select whether or not to update the processing program of the electronic camera 10 is displayed on the display means 168 according to the setup file recorded on the recording medium 177.

When the user inputs an instruction based on the selection display, the processing of the information processing means 180 proceeds to the next step S112.
Proceed to the determination of "execute customization operation?" In S112, the instruction input by the user via the input unit 173 is
It is determined whether the instruction is a customization operation execution instruction.

If it is determined that the instruction input by the user is not the execution of the customizing operation, the processing program branches to S124 without executing the customizing processing, and executes the normal operation processing.

If it is determined in S112 that the instruction input by the user or the execution of the customizing operation is performed,
The processing program proceeds to the next S114 “Change processing program contents, EEPROM setting value change (hourglass display)”.

At S114, processing for updating the processing program of the information processing means is performed according to the contents described in the setup file read from the recording medium 177. Then, the updated new processing program is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 182 such as an EEPROM. In the meantime, if it takes some time to update the program, an hourglass or the like may be displayed on the display unit 168 to notify the user that the processing is being performed.

When the updating and recording of the processing program are completed in S114, the hourglass displayed on the display means 168 is deleted, and the flow advances to the next step S116 "Delete SETUP file". In S116, the setup file “SETUP.DA” recorded on the recording medium 177 is displayed.
T "and related image files are deleted.
By erasing the setup file in S116, it is possible to prevent the same program from being updated again, and if the setup file has a one-time use right, the unauthorized use of the setup file may be repeated several times. This can be prevented.

The next S118 "Confirm whether the power is turned off?"
In the processing program of the new electronic camera 10 updated as described above, a display for inquiring whether or not to restart is performed, and a process of waiting for an input instruction from the user is performed.

If the user instructs to restart the processing program (if the power is turned off), the processing program proceeds to S122 “power off”, and restarts the electronic camera 10 with the newly updated processing program ( The process of once turning off the power and restarting the operation is started. If the user has not instructed to restart the electronic camera 10 in S118, the processing program proceeds to S124,
The electronic camera 10 performs a normal operation process.

FIG. 14 shows a restart confirmation screen 260 in which the user selects whether to execute the restart immediately or later. According to the figure, the restart confirmation screen 260 includes a customization screen display 201, a restart display 262 for prompting a restart by operating a power switch and the like, and the user continues to operate the electronic camera 10 with the current processing program. A post-display 264 for instructing to turn the power on after the operation by pressing the “BACK” button is displayed. By giving an instruction according to the content displayed on the restart confirmation screen 260, the user can select the time to start.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention, there are provided information processing means for controlling each part of an electronic device and recording means for recording a part or all of a processing program of the information processing means. A non-volatile recording unit capable of reading and writing a part or all of the processing program based on the instruction of the unit, and a removable recording medium in which an update program of the processing program is recorded in advance based on the instruction of the information processing unit. And a recording medium interface capable of reading the update program.The information processing means updates the processing program recorded in the non-volatile recording means based on the update program read from the recording medium. Since the control of each part of the electronic device is executed based on the updated processing program, the processing program of the electronic device is controlled. It is possible to update implemented easily via a recording medium.

According to another aspect of the invention, communication means for transmitting / receiving information to / from an electronic device, identification information unique to the electronic device received via the communication means, and an update program for the electronic device are recorded. Since the apparatus includes a recording unit for creating the set-up file in the recording medium, the processing program of the electronic device can be easily updated via the recording medium.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which an electronic device according to the present invention and a personal computer are connected by communication.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the setup file creating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a setting screen of an electronic camera displayed on a display unit of a personal computer.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a setup file created in a recording medium by a personal computer and its contents.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for updating a processing program of an electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a camera customization screen displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an opening confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an autoplay confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an autoplay confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a copyright confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a protection confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a serial number confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of the electronic camera.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a restart confirmation screen displayed on the display unit of the electronic camera.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: electronic camera, 12: cradle, 14: communication cable, 80: personal computer, 90: camera setting screen, 92:
Opening screen setting display, 94: copyright box, 96: auto play wipe screen, 98: OK button, 99: cancel button, 150: imaging means, 15
3 image processing means, 154 A / D converter, 156 antenna, 157 transmitting / receiving means, 162 communication connector,
163: cradle connector, 168: display means, 16
9 OSD, 170 signal processing means, 171 frame memory, 172 D / A converter, 173 input means, 1
74 I / O, 177 recording medium, 178 recording medium mounting section, 179 recording medium interface, 180 information processing means, 182 nonvolatile memory, 183 RO
M, 184 RAM, 190 calendar clock, 191
Power supply, 192: power connector, 193: light emitting means, 19
4: Light emission control means, 199: Bus, 200: Camera customization screen, 201: Customization screen display, 202
... setup file display, 203 ... opening screen confirmation display, 204 ... auto play addition confirmation display, 20
5 ... Copyright confirmation display, 206 ... Execution display, 210
... opening confirmation screen, 212 ... opening screen display, 214 ... registered image, 216 ... newly registered image, 21
8 ... Return display, 220 ... Auto play confirmation screen, 222
... Auto play screen display, 224 ... Current image, 226 ... Next image, 228 ... Auto play screen, 230 ... Copyright confirmation screen, 232 ... Copyright screen display, 234 ...
Copyright light display, 240 ... Protection confirmation screen, 24
2: Protect confirmation display, 250: Serial number confirmation screen, 252: Serial number confirmation display, 260: Restart confirmation screen, 262: Restart display, 264: Rear display, 856
... antenna, 857 ... transmitting and receiving means, 859 ... communication connector, 860 ... public line, 865 ... transmitting and receiving means, 868 ...
Display means, 869: display control means, 873: input means,
874: I / O, 877: recording medium, 878: recording medium mounting unit, 879: recording medium interface, 880:
Information processing means, 881, memory, 886, recording means, 8
90 ... Calendar clock, 899 ... Bus

Claims (12)

[Claims] An electronic device capable of easily updating a processing program, comprising: an information processing unit for controlling each unit of the electronic device; and a part or all of a processing program of the information processing unit is recorded. A non-volatile recording unit capable of reading and writing a part or all of the processing program based on an instruction from the information processing unit; and a removable recording unit in which an update program of the processing program is recorded in advance. And a recording medium interface capable of reading the update program from a simple recording medium based on an instruction of the information processing means. The information processing means stores the non-volatile data based on the update program read from the recording medium. Update the processing program recorded in the recording means, and control each part of the electronic device based on the updated processing program. Electronic apparatus, characterized by the execution. 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit configured to capture a subject image, wherein the information processing unit records the captured image on the recording medium. 3. The information processing means updates a processing program recorded in the nonvolatile recording means based on an update program read from the recording medium.
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a command to delete an update program recorded on the recording medium is output to a recording medium interface. 4. The recording medium interface reads out identification information unique to the electronic device recorded on the removable recording medium, and the information processing means records identification information unique to the electronic device. The update program read from the recording medium only when the identification information unique to the electronic device is read from the recording means, and the identification information read from the removable recording medium is compared with the identification information. The processing program recorded in the non-volatile recording means is updated based on the processing program, and control of each unit of the electronic device is executed based on the updated processing program. Electronic device as described. 5. The update program recorded on the recording medium and identification information unique to the electronic device are recorded in one setup file in the recording medium. The electronic device according to any one of the above. 6. An electronic device, comprising: a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from another communication device; wherein the information processing unit transmits the identification information unique to the electronic device to another communication device. 6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: reading and transmitting the unique identification information; and outputting to the recording medium interface a command for receiving the setup file via the communication means and recording the setup file in the recording means. 7. An electronic device program updating method capable of easily updating a processing program or the like, wherein a part or all of a processing program of an information processing means for controlling each unit of the electronic device is recorded. Reading and writing a part or all of the processing program with respect to a non-volatile recording unit; reading an update program from a removable recording medium in which an update program of the processing program is recorded in advance; A step of updating a processing program recorded in the non-volatile recording unit based on an update program read from a recording medium; anda step of executing control of each unit of the electronic device based on the updated processing program. A program updating method characterized by including: 8. A setup file creating apparatus for creating a setup file in which an update program for updating a processing program of an electronic device is recorded on a recording medium, comprising: communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the electronic device; Recording means for creating, on a recording medium, a setup file in which identification information unique to the electronic device received via the electronic device and an update program for the electronic device are recorded. 9. The recording device transmits the setup file to the recording medium mounted on the electronic device via the communication unit, and creates the setup file in the recording medium. The setup file creation device according to claim 8. 10. A determining means for determining whether or not the electronic device is a model capable of executing a processing program update based on identification information unique to the electronic device received via the communication unit. Wherein the recording unit creates the setup file on the recording medium only when the result of the determination indicates that the electronic device is a model capable of executing a processing program update. Item 8. The setup file creation device according to Item 8 or 9. 11. A receiving device for receiving an update program for an electronic device via a communication network such as the Internet, wherein the recording device is configured to record the update program for the electronic device received via the receiving device. 11. The setup file creation device according to claim 8, wherein the setup file creation device creates a file. 12. A setup file creating method for creating, on a recording medium, a setup file in which an update program for updating a processing program of an electronic device is recorded, wherein identification information unique to the electronic device is transmitted from the electronic device via communication means. Receiving, and creating a setup file in which the received identification information unique to the electronic device and an update program for the electronic device are recorded on a recording medium.