JP2008225763A - Update method for firmware, program and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an update method of firmware for easily updating the firmware without using any memory exclusive for the firmware, and for, when there is any problem in the new firmware, easily returning the new firmware to old firmware, and to provide a program and electronic equipment. <P>SOLUTION: New firmware acquired from the outside is recorded in the continuous free clusters of a flash ROM in a state where firmware is recorded in the flash ROM beforehand. Thus, it is possible to easily update the firmware by changing the leading cluster of the memory area of the firmware. Also, when the update of the firmware fails, it is possible to return to the old firmware by returning the leading cluster of the memory area of the firmware to the original state. In any case, it is consequently possible to start electronic equipment, and to prevent the equipment from being operated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device whose firmware can be updated.

  In an electronic device such as a digital camera, a mobile phone, a portable computer, a portable music player, and a PDA, the firmware is generally updated in order to improve the function of the device. Here, the firmware is a program for controlling the electronic device, and is generally recorded in a non-volatile memory in the electronic device.

As a method for updating firmware, Patent Document 1 discloses that firmware for update is automatically detected from a memory card loaded in an electronic device, and the firmware recorded in the electronic device is rewritten with the detected firmware. A method for updating firmware has been proposed. In the firmware update method described in Patent Document 1, the firmware recorded in the memory dedicated to the firmware in the electronic device is compared with the old and new firmware for update recorded in the memory card loaded in the electronic device. If the firmware for update is newer than the firmware recorded in the electronic device, erase the firmware recorded in the electronic device, then record the update firmware in the dedicated memory in the electronic device, Update the firmware.
JP-A-2005-115505

  However, the method of Patent Document 1 has the following drawbacks. That is, in the method of Patent Document 1, since firmware is recorded in a memory dedicated to firmware, it is necessary to write new firmware after deleting the firmware recorded in the memory dedicated to the firmware in advance. Therefore, if the electronic device cannot be started up using the new firmware because part of the new firmware has been damaged in advance, the pre-recorded firmware has been erased. There is a problem that cannot be used.

  Also, since the firmware is recorded in the dedicated memory, in order to record various data such as images and sounds inside the device, it is necessary to prepare a memory inside the device that is different from the memory that records the firmware. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is possible to easily update the firmware without using firmware dedicated memory, and to replace the previous firmware when there is a problem with the new firmware. It is an object to provide a firmware update method, a program, and an electronic device that can be easily returned.

  The battery-operated device according to claim 1, in order to achieve the object, a step of acquiring new firmware to be updated in a firmware update method for an electronic device in which firmware is recorded in a nonvolatile memory in which various data are read and written. And recording the new firmware in a continuous free area of the non-volatile memory in a state in which the firmware pre-recorded in the non-volatile memory is recorded in the non-volatile memory. To do.

  According to the firmware update method of claim 1, in the electronic apparatus that records various data and firmware in the nonvolatile memory, the firmware recorded in advance in the nonvolatile memory is recorded in the nonvolatile memory, New firmware obtained from outside the electronic device is recorded in a continuous free area of the nonvolatile memory. As a result, when the old firmware is updated to the new firmware, it is only necessary to change the top cluster in the firmware memory area, so that the firmware can be easily updated. Also, if there is a problem with the new firmware, it can be easily restored to the previous firmware.

  In order to achieve the object, the firmware update method according to claim 2 is the firmware update method according to claim 1, wherein the new firmware is recorded in a continuous free area of the nonvolatile memory. After the non-volatile memory is defragmented, the new firmware is stored in a continuous free area of the non-volatile memory.

  According to the firmware update method of claim 2, the new firmware received from the outside of the electronic device is stored in the firmware by storing the new firmware in a continuous free area of the nonvolatile memory after defragmenting the nonvolatile memory. Is recorded in a continuous free area of a non-volatile memory recorded in advance. Thus, even when there is no continuous free space for recording new firmware in the nonvolatile memory, the new firmware can be recorded in the nonvolatile memory. Also, if there is a problem with the new firmware, it can be easily restored to the previous firmware.

  The firmware update method according to claim 3, wherein, in order to achieve the above object, in the firmware update method for an electronic device in which firmware is recorded in a nonvolatile memory in which various data are read and written, a step of acquiring new firmware to be updated And storing the new firmware in the non-volatile memory in a state where the firmware pre-recorded in the non-volatile memory is recorded in the non-volatile memory, and defragmenting the non-volatile memory. It is characterized by including.

  According to the firmware update method of claim 3, in the electronic device that records various data and firmware in the nonvolatile memory, the electronic device is configured to defragment the nonvolatile memory after storing the new firmware in the nonvolatile memory. The new firmware received from the outside is continuously recorded in the nonvolatile memory in which the firmware is recorded in advance. As a result, when the old firmware is updated to the new firmware, it is only necessary to change the top cluster in the firmware memory area, so that the firmware can be easily updated. Also, if there is a problem with the new firmware, it can be easily restored to the previous firmware. Further, even when there is no continuous free space for recording new firmware in the nonvolatile memory, the new firmware can be recorded in the nonvolatile memory.

  In order to achieve the above object, a firmware update method according to claim 4 is the firmware update method according to claim 1, wherein the new firmware is set as a startup firmware, and the electronic device is replaced with the new firmware. A step of determining whether or not the new firmware operates normally. In the step of determining whether or not the new firmware operates normally, when the new firmware operates normally, The area where the pre-recorded firmware is stored in the nonvolatile memory is released as an area for recording various data. If the new firmware does not operate normally, the pre-recorded firmware is Start-up Characterized by resetting the firmware.

  According to the firmware update method of the fourth aspect, after the new firmware is recorded in the non-volatile memory, the new firmware is set as the startup firmware and the electronic device is started. When the electronic device starts up normally, it is determined that the new firmware is normal, the old firmware is erased, and the area is released as an area for recording various data. If the electronic device does not start up normally, it is determined that the new firmware is not normal, and the old firmware is reset as the startup firmware. As a result, when the electronic device starts up normally, the memory dedicated to the firmware is not used, so the area where the old firmware was recorded can be released as an area for recording various data by deleting the old firmware. it can. Therefore, the memory can be used effectively. If the electronic device does not start normally, the first cluster in the firmware memory area may be restored, that is, it can be easily restored to the previous firmware. Therefore, in any case, the electronic device can be activated and the device can be prevented from becoming inoperable.

  In order to achieve the above object, a firmware update method according to claim 5 is a firmware update method according to claim 4, wherein the electronic device is started by setting the new firmware as a startup firmware and starting the electronic device. In the step of setting the new firmware as the startup firmware after starting the dog timer and determining whether the new firmware operates normally, if the watchdog timer does not time out, the new firmware is normally It is determined that the firmware has been operated, and when the watchdog timer has timed out, it is determined that the new firmware did not operate normally.

  According to the firmware update method of claim 5, when the watchdog timer is started, the electronic device is started with the new firmware, and when the watchdog timer does not time out, the new firmware operates normally. If the watchdog timer expires, it is determined that the new firmware did not operate normally. Thereby, it is possible to automatically know whether the new firmware operates normally.

  In order to achieve the above object, a firmware update method according to claim 6 is the firmware update method according to claim 4, wherein the electronic device is started by setting the new firmware as a startup firmware and starting the electronic device. In the step of setting the new signal to be the boot firmware after setting the signal input of the interrupt to the boot firmware and determining whether the new firmware operates normally, if the interrupt does not enter before the operation of the new firmware is completed It is determined that the new firmware has operated normally, and if the interrupt is input during the operation of the new firmware, it is determined that the new firmware has not operated normally.

  According to the firmware update method of the sixth aspect, the electronic device is started with the new firmware after setting the predetermined signal input to the interrupt, and if the interrupt does not occur before the end of the operation of the new firmware, the new firmware is If it is determined that the firmware operates normally and an interrupt occurs during the operation of the new firmware, it is determined that the new firmware did not operate normally. Thus, the operator of the electronic device can determine whether the firmware can be updated and can instruct the electronic device.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computing device to execute the firmware update method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects in order to achieve the object.

  The electronic device according to claim 8 is recorded in the non-volatile memory in an electronic device in which firmware is recorded in a non-volatile memory from which various data are read and written in order to achieve the object. And an arithmetic unit that reads the program from the nonvolatile memory and executes the program.

  According to the present invention, the firmware can be easily updated without using the firmware memory, and if there is a problem with the new firmware, the previous firmware can be easily restored.

  The best mode for carrying out a camera according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof. This electronic device is a digital camera that receives light passing through a lens with an imaging device, converts the light into a digital signal, and records the signal on a recording medium.

  The camera body 12 of the digital camera 10 is formed in a horizontally-long rectangular box shape, and as shown in FIG. 1, a photographing lens 13, a flash 16, an AF auxiliary light lamp 18 and the like are provided on the front surface. On the top surface, a shutter button 22, a mode lever 24, a power button 26, and the like are provided. Further, a USB connector 15 and a slot cover 11 that can be freely opened and closed are provided on the side surface. Inside the slot cover 11, a memory card slot 14 for mounting a memory card is provided.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a monitor 28, a zoom button 30, a playback button 32, a function button 34, a cross button 36, a MENU / OK button 38, a DISP / BACK button 40, etc. are provided on the back of the camera body 12. It has been.

  Note that a bottom surface (not shown) is provided with a tripod screw hole and an openable / closable battery cover for housing the battery inside.

  The lens 13 is constituted by a retractable zoom lens, and is extended from the camera body 12 when the power of the digital camera 10 is turned on by the power button 26. In addition, since the zoom mechanism and the retracting mechanism of the lens 13 are well-known techniques, description of the specific configuration is omitted here.

  The memory card slot 14 is a connection unit for mounting a memory card in which various data such as image data of captured subjects, audio data, and firmware are recorded.

  The USB connector 15 is a connection unit for connecting a USB cable in order to transmit a signal to / from an external device such as a personal computer or a printer.

  The flash 16 is configured using, for example, a xenon tube as a light source, and is formed so that the amount of light emission can be adjusted. In addition to a xenon tube, a flash using a high-luminance LED as a light source can also be used.

  The AF auxiliary light lamp 18 is composed of, for example, a high-intensity LED, and emits light as necessary during AF.

  The shutter button 22 is composed of a two-stroke switch composed of so-called “half press” and “full press”. When the shutter release button 22 is half-pressed, the digital camera 10 performs shooting preparation processing, that is, each of AE (Automatic Exposure), AF (Auto Focus), and AWB (Automatic White Balance). When the image is processed and fully pressed, the image is captured and recorded.

  The mode lever 24 functions as a shooting mode setting means for setting the shooting mode of the digital camera 10, and the shooting mode of the digital camera 10 is set to various modes according to the setting position of the mode dial. For example, an “auto shooting mode” in which an aperture, a shutter speed, etc. are automatically set by the digital camera 10, a “movie shooting mode” for moving image shooting, a “person shooting mode” suitable for portrait shooting, and a moving subject shooting “Sports shooting mode”, “Scenery shooting mode” suitable for landscape shooting, “Night scene shooting mode” suitable for sunset and night scene shooting, the scale of the aperture is set by the photographer, and the shutter speed is automatically set by the digital camera 10 The photographer sets the “aperture priority shooting mode” to be set automatically, the shutter speed is set by the photographer, and the “shutter speed priority shooting mode” in which the digital camera 10 automatically sets the aperture scale, the aperture, the shutter speed, etc. “Manual shooting mode” to be set.

  The power button 26 is used to turn on / off the power of the digital camera 10, and is turned on / off when pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds).

  The monitor 28 is composed of a liquid crystal display capable of color display. The monitor 28 is used as an image display panel for displaying a photographed image in the reproduction mode, and is used as a user interface display panel for performing various setting operations. In the photographing mode, a through image is displayed as necessary, and is used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view.

  The zoom button 30 is used for a zoom operation of the photographic lens 13 and includes a zoom tele button for instructing zooming to the telephoto side and a zoom wide button for instructing zooming to the wide-angle side.

  The playback button 32 is used for an instruction to switch to the playback mode. That is, the digital camera 10 is switched to the playback mode when the playback button 32 is pressed during shooting. When the playback button 32 is pressed with the power off, the digital camera 10 is activated in the playback mode.

  The function button 34 is used to call up various setting screens for shooting and playback functions. That is, when this function button 34 is pressed during shooting, a setting screen for image size (number of recorded pixels), sensitivity, etc. is displayed on the monitor 28. When this function button 34 is pressed during playback, the image is erased on the monitor 28. A print reservation (DPOF) setting screen is displayed.

  The cross button 36 functions as direction instruction means for inputting instructions in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and is used, for example, for selecting a menu item on a menu screen.

  The MENU / OK button 38 functions as a button (MENU button) for instructing transition from the normal screen to the menu screen in each mode, and functions as a button (OK button) for instructing selection confirmation, execution of processing, and the like. To do.

  The DISP / BACK button 40 is used for a display content switching instruction (DISP function) of the monitor 28 and an instruction for canceling an input operation (BACK function), and is assigned according to the setting state of the digital camera 10. The function is switched.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the digital camera 10 includes a CPU 110, an operation unit (shutter button 22, mode lever 24, power button 26, zoom button 30, play button 32, function button 34, cross button 36, MENU / OK button 38. , DISP / BACK button 40, etc.) 112, flash ROM 114, RAM 116, VRAM 120, imaging optical system 124, imaging optical system drive control unit 126, imaging device 128, timing generator 130, analog signal processing unit 132, A / D converter 134, Image input controller 136, image signal processing unit 138, compression / decompression processing unit 140, USB I / F 142, media controller 146, display control unit 148, AE / AWB detection unit 152, AF detection unit 154, flash control unit 156, AF It is composed of Johikari lamp controller 158 or the like.

  The CPU 110 functions as a control unit that performs overall control of the overall operation of the digital camera 10, and also functions as a calculation unit that performs various types of calculation processing. The CPU 110 is configured according to a predetermined control program based on an input from the operation unit 112. Control each part.

  The flash ROM 114 stores firmware, which is a control program executed by the CPU 110, various data necessary for control, camera setting values, captured image data, and the like. As will be described later, the captured image data is normally recorded on the memory card, but if the user selects it, the memory card is not loaded, or if the memory card capacity is insufficient, etc. Recorded in the ROM 114.

  The RAM 116 is used as a work area for the CPU 110 and is used as a temporary storage area for image data, and the VRAM 120 is used as a temporary storage area dedicated for display image data.

  The photographic optical system 124 includes the photographic lens 13, a diaphragm, and a shutter, and each component operates by being driven by a drive unit 124A configured by an actuator such as a motor. For example, the focus lens group constituting the photographing lens 13 is driven by a focus motor to move in the front-rear direction, and the zoom lens group is driven by the zoom motor to move in the front-rear direction. The diaphragm is driven by a diaphragm motor to expand and contract, and the shutter is driven by a shutter motor to open and close.

  The photographing optical system drive control unit 126 controls the driving unit 124A of the photographing optical system 124 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, and controls the operations of the photographing lens 13, the diaphragm, and the shutter.

  The imaging device 128 is configured by, for example, a color CCD having a predetermined color filter array, and electronically captures an image of a subject formed by the photographing optical system 124.

  A timing generator (TG) 130 outputs a timing signal for driving the image sensor 128 in response to a command from the CPU 110.

  The analog signal processing unit 132 is for the purpose of reducing correlated double sampling processing (noise (particularly thermal noise) included in the output signal of the image sensor) and the like for the image signal output from the image sensor 128. The process of obtaining accurate pixel data by taking the difference between the feed-through component level and the pixel signal component level included in the output signal for each pixel is amplified, and output.

  The A / D converter 134 converts the R, G, and B analog image signals output from the analog signal processing unit 132 into digital image signals.

  The image input controller 136 has a built-in line buffer of a predetermined capacity, accumulates an image signal for one image output from the A / D converter 134 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, and records it in the RAM 116.

  The image signal processing unit 138 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that interpolates a spatial shift of the color signal associated with the color filter array of the single CCD and converts the color signal into a simultaneous expression), a white balance correction circuit, and a gamma correction. Circuit, contour correction circuit, luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, etc., and according to a command from the CPU 110, the input image signal is subjected to necessary signal processing to obtain luminance data (Y data) and color difference data (Cr, Cb data). ) Is generated.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 140 performs compression processing in a predetermined format on the input image data in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 to generate compressed image data. Further, in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, the input compressed image data is subjected to a decompression process in a predetermined format to generate uncompressed image data.

  The USB I / F 142 detects a command transferred from an external device connected via the USB connector 15 and controls reading / writing of data with respect to the external device in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. Note that the command detected by the USB I / F 142 is supplied to the CPU 110.

  The media controller 146 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the memory card 144 loaded in the memory card slot 14 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110.

  The display control unit 148 controls display on the monitor 28 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. That is, in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, the input image signal is converted into a video signal (for example, NTSC signal, PAL signal, SCAM signal) for display on the monitor 28 and output to the monitor 28. The graphic information is output to the monitor 28.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 152 calculates a physical quantity necessary for AE control and AWB control from the input image signal in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. For example, as a physical quantity required for AE control, one screen is divided into a plurality of areas (for example, 16 × 16), and an integrated value of R, G, and B image signals is calculated for each divided area. The CPU 110 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection circuit 152, and calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for shooting. Then, an aperture value and a shutter speed are determined from the calculated shooting EV value and a predetermined program diagram. Further, as a physical quantity necessary for AWB control, one screen is divided into a plurality of areas (for example, 16 × 16), and an average integrated value for each color of R, G, and B image signals is calculated for each divided area. . The CPU 110 obtains the ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area from the obtained R accumulated value, B accumulated value, and G accumulated value, and R of the obtained R / G and B / G values. The light source type is discriminated based on the distribution in the color space of / G and B / G. Then, according to the white balance adjustment value suitable for the determined light source type, for example, the value of each ratio is approximately 1 (that is, the RGB integration ratio is R: G: B≈1: 1: 1 in one screen). Then, a gain value (white balance correction value) for the R, G, and B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit is determined.

  The AF detection circuit 154 calculates a physical quantity necessary for AF control from the input image signal in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. In the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, AF control is performed based on the contrast of the image obtained from the image sensor 128 (so-called contrast AF), and the AF detection circuit 154 has a focus indicating the sharpness of the image from the input image signal. An evaluation value is calculated. The CPU 110 detects a position where the focus evaluation value calculated by the AF detection circuit 154 is maximized, and moves the focus lens group to that position. That is, the focus lens group is moved from the closest distance to infinity in a predetermined step, the focus evaluation value is obtained at each position, and the position where the obtained focus evaluation value is the maximum is set as the in-focus position, and the focus lens group is at that position. Move.

  The flash control unit 156 controls the light emission of the flash 16 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110.

  The AF auxiliary light lamp control unit 158 controls the light emission of the AF auxiliary light lamp 18 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. That is, if the CPU 110 determines that the subject is dark during AF or determines that the subject has a low contrast, the CPU 110 causes the AF auxiliary light lamp 18 to emit light via the AF auxiliary light lamp control unit 158 and emits AF auxiliary light to the subject. Irradiate and execute AF control.

  Next, the operation of the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  First, photographing, recording operation, and reproduction operation of the digital camera 10 will be described.

  When the power button 26 is pressed and the power of the digital camera 10 is turned on, the digital camera 10 is activated under the shooting mode.

  First, the driving unit 124A of the photographing optical system 124 is driven via the photographing optical system drive control unit 126, and the photographing lens 13 is extended to a predetermined position. Then, when the photographing lens 13 is extended to a predetermined position, the imaging element 128 performs photographing for a through image, and the through image is displayed on the monitor 28. That is, images are continuously picked up by the image pickup device 128 and the image signals are continuously processed to generate image data for a through image. The generated image data is sequentially added to the display control unit 148 via the VRAM 120, converted into a signal format for display, and output to the monitor 28. As a result, the image captured by the image sensor 128 is displayed through on the monitor 28. The photographer determines the composition by looking at the through image displayed on the monitor 28 and presses the shutter button 22 halfway.

  When the shutter button 22 is half-pressed, an S1 ON signal is input to the CPU 110. In response to the S1 ON signal, the CPU 110 executes shooting preparation processing, that is, AE, AF, and AWB processing.

  First, the image signal output from the image sensor 128 is taken into the RAM 116 via the analog signal processing unit 132, the A / D converter 134, and the image input controller 136, and added to the AE / AWB detection unit 152 and the AF detection unit 154.

  The AE / AWB detection unit 152 calculates a physical quantity necessary for AE control and AWB control from the input image signal, and outputs it to the CPU 110. Based on the output from the AE / AWB detection unit 152, the CPU 110 determines an aperture value and a shutter speed, and also determines a white balance correction value. At the same time, it is determined from the detected subject brightness whether flash emission is necessary. When it is determined that the flash 16 needs to emit light, the flash 16 is pre-lighted, and the light emission amount of the flash 16 at the time of actual photographing is determined based on the reflected light.

  Further, the AF detection unit 154 calculates a physical quantity necessary for AF control from the input image signal, and outputs it to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 controls the driving of the driving unit 124A of the photographing optical system 124 via the photographing optical system drive control unit 126 based on the output from the AF detection unit 154, controls the movement of the focus lens, and controls the movement of the photographing lens 13. Focus on the main subject. At this time, the CPU 110 causes the AF auxiliary light lamp 20 to emit light as necessary, and executes AF control.

  The photographer confirms the focus state of the photographing lens 13 by looking at the through image displayed on the monitor 28 and executes photographing. That is, the shutter button 22 is fully pressed.

  When the shutter button 22 is fully pressed, an S2 ON signal is input to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 executes photographing and recording processing in response to the S2ON signal.

  First, the image sensor 128 is exposed at the aperture value and shutter speed obtained in the above AE process, and a recording image is captured. At this time, when the flash 16 is caused to emit light, the flash 16 is caused to emit light based on the light emission amount of the flash 16 obtained from the result of the pre-emission via the flash emission control unit 156.

  The recording image signal output from the image sensor 128 is taken into the image input controller 136 via the analog signal processing unit 132 and the A / D converter 134 and stored in the RAM 116. The image signal stored in the RAM 116 is added to the image signal processing unit 138 under the control of the CPU 110. The image signal processing unit 138 performs predetermined signal processing on the input image signal to generate image data (YUV data) including luminance data and color difference data.

  The image data generated by the image signal processing unit 138 is temporarily stored in the RAM 116 and then added to the compression / decompression processing unit 140. The compression / decompression processing unit 140 performs a predetermined compression process on the input image data to generate compressed image data.

  The compressed image data is stored in the RAM 116 and is recorded on the memory card 144 via the media controller 146 as a still image file (for example, Exif) in a predetermined format. If there is no free space in the memory card 144 where the image file can be stored, or if the operator selects it, the image data stored in the RAM 116 is a still image file (eg, Exif) in a predetermined format. It is stored in the flash ROM 114. When image data is stored in the flash ROM 114, the image data is stored in a plurality of clusters, usually a plurality of consecutive clusters.

  The image data recorded in the memory card 144 or the flash ROM 114 in this manner is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28 by setting the mode of the digital camera 10 to the reproduction mode. Transition to the playback mode is performed by pressing the playback button 32.

  When the play button 32 is pressed, the CPU 110 reads the compressed image data of the last recorded image file. When the last recorded image file is recorded on the memory card 144, the CPU 110 reads the compressed image data of the image file recorded last on the memory card 144 via the media controller 146. When the last recorded image file is recorded in the flash ROM 114, the CPU 110 can directly read the compressed image data of the image file from the flash ROM 114.

  The compressed image data read from the memory card 144 or the flash ROM 114 is added to the compression / decompression processing unit 140, converted into uncompressed image data, and then added to the VRAM 120. Then, the data is output from the VRAM 120 to the monitor 28 via the display control unit 148. As a result, the image recorded in the memory card 144 or the flash ROM 114 is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28.

  Image frame advance is performed by operating the left and right keys of the cross button 36. When the right key is operated, the next image file is read from the memory card 160 and reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28. When the left key of the cross button 36 is operated, the previous image file is read from the memory card 144 or the flash ROM 114, and is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28.

  While confirming the image reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28, the image recorded on the memory card 144 or the flash ROM 114 can be erased as necessary. The image is erased by pressing the function button 34 while the image is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28.

  When the function button 34 is pressed, the CPU 110 displays, via the display control unit 148, a message on the monitor 28 that indicates image deletion such as “Are you sure you want to delete this photo” superimposed on the image. When the MENU / OK button 38 is pressed, the image is erased. When image data is recorded on the memory card 144, the CPU 110 erases the image file recorded on the memory card 144 via the media controller 146. When image data is recorded in the flash ROM 114, the CPU 110 can directly delete the image file from the flash ROM 114.

  As described above, the digital camera 10 captures, records, and reproduces images.

  Now, in the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, the firmware can be updated, so that functions can be added and improved. This firmware update process is executed by setting the digital camera 10 to a predetermined update mode. The update mode is set by, for example, pressing the power button 26 while pressing the DISP / BACK button 40.

  Hereinafter, a processing procedure in the firmware update process will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow in the firmware update process. The following processing is performed by the CPU 110.

  When the update mode is set with the memory card 144 in which the update firmware is recorded in the memory card slot 14, the digital camera 10 is turned on and the activation program recorded in the flash ROM 114 is executed. (Step S10).

  When the activation program is executed, the media controller 146 performs an access test of the memory card 144 to check whether or not the memory card 144 is loaded (step S12).

  If the memory card 144 is not detected, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the memory card 144 is detected, it is confirmed whether firmware is recorded on the memory card 144 (step S14).

  If no firmware is recorded on the memory card 144, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the firmware is recorded on the memory card 144, the firmware version information recorded on the memory card 144 is read, and the firmware version information is updated based on the firmware version information recorded on the flash ROM 114. A comparison is made (step S16).

  If the firmware version recorded on the memory card 144 is older than the firmware version recorded on the flash ROM 114, the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the firmware version recorded on the memory card 144 is newer than the firmware version recorded on the flash ROM 114, the update firmware (new firmware) recorded on the memory card 144 is written to the flash ROM 114. It is determined whether or not there is a sufficient continuous free area (free cluster) (step S18).

  If there are not enough consecutive free clusters to write the new firmware, the display control unit 148 displays an error message on the monitor 28 such as “Cannot upload. Please delete the image data and update again.” It is displayed (step S22).

  On the other hand, when there are continuous free clusters sufficient to write new firmware (see FIG. 5A), the new firmware is written into the continuous free clusters in the flash ROM 114 (step S20). Then, the above process is continued until it is determined that the writing of the new firmware has been completed (step S24). When the writing of the new firmware to the flash ROM 114 is completed, as shown in FIG. 5B, the firmware (old firmware) recorded in advance in the flash ROM 114 and the new firmware are recorded in successive clusters. ing.

  When the writing of the firmware to the flash ROM 114 is completed, the start address of the firmware is changed from the start address of the old firmware (FIG. 5B) to the start address of the new firmware (FIG. 5B) (step S26). . Then, the digital camera 10 is restarted (step S30) with the watchdog timer set in 10 seconds (step S28).

  Here, the start address of the firmware is written in the camera setting value in the flash ROM 114, and the CPU 110 activates the digital camera 10 after obtaining the start address written in the camera setting value. Therefore, when the start address of the firmware is changed, the startup firmware is changed from the old firmware to the new firmware, and the digital camera 10 is restarted with the new firmware set as the startup firmware.

  In this embodiment, the watchdog timer is set to 10 seconds, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  After restarting the digital camera 10, it is determined whether or not the watchdog timer has expired (step S32). If the new firmware is operating normally, the new firmware will reset the watchdog timer before the watchdog timer expires, so the watchdog timer will not time out, but the new firmware will If not, the new firmware does not reset the watchdog timer, so the watchdog timer overflows and times up.

  When the watchdog timer expires, that is, when the digital camera 10 cannot be activated with the new firmware, the digital camera 10 is restored with the firmware start address restored and the old firmware reset to the activated firmware. Is restarted (step S34). Thereby, even when there is a problem with the new firmware, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming inoperable.

  If the watchdog timer has not expired, a self-diagnosis is performed by the following method to determine whether or not the digital camera 10 has been normally activated by the new firmware (steps S36 to S37). That is, the firmware hash value is calculated (step S36), and it is determined whether the calculated value matches the firmware hash value (step S37).

  If the calculated value calculated in step S36 does not match the hash value of the firmware (NO in step S37), that is, if the digital camera 10 has not started normally, it is determined whether the watchdog timer has timed up. The process returns to the determining step (step S32).

  On the other hand, if the calculated value calculated in step S36 matches the hash value of the firmware (YES in step S37), that is, if the digital camera 10 has started normally, before the digital camera 10 is restarted. The set watchdog timer is stopped (step S38). Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the old firmware of the flash ROM 114 is erased, and the area where the old firmware is recorded is released as a free cluster for storing various data (step S40). As a result, the memory can be used effectively.

  In step S34, after the boot firmware is returned to the old firmware, the defective new firmware is erased, and the area where the new firmware is recorded in the flash ROM 114 is released as an empty cluster for storing various data. It may also be used (see FIG. 5D).

  According to the present embodiment, when updating from old firmware to new firmware, it is only necessary to change the top cluster in the memory area of the firmware, so that the firmware can be easily updated. In addition, when the digital camera is normally activated, the memory dedicated to the firmware is not used, so that the area where the old firmware is recorded can be released as an empty cluster for various data by deleting the old firmware. Therefore, the memory can be used effectively. In addition, if the digital camera does not start normally, the startup firmware can be easily returned to the old firmware by resetting the first cluster in the firmware memory area from the new firmware to the old firmware. Even in such a case, the digital camera can be activated, and the device can be prevented from not operating. In addition, by setting the watchdog timer before restarting, it is possible to automatically know whether the new firmware operates normally.

  In this embodiment, the firmware is updated by recording the new firmware recorded on the memory card in the flash ROM, but it is connected to an external device such as a PC by a UBS (Universal Serial Bus) cable, The firmware may be updated by recording new firmware recorded in the external device in the flash ROM via the cable. In this case, the following processing is performed instead of the processing in steps S12 to S18 of the present embodiment.

  When a firmware transfer command is received from an external device via the USB cable and the USB connector 15, the USB I / F 142 detects the command and supplies it to the CPU 110. When the command is supplied, the CPU 110 checks the firmware version and the state of the flash ROM 114 and satisfies the conditions (the firmware version to be transmitted is new and there is a continuous free cluster in which the firmware can be recorded in the flash ROM 114). In this case, the new firmware to be transmitted is recorded in continuous free clusters in the flash ROM 114. Note that the processing in the case where the above condition is not satisfied is the same as the case where the firmware is recorded on the memory card 144.

<Second Embodiment>
In the digital camera according to the first embodiment, when there is an empty cluster in which the firmware can be continuously recorded in the flash ROM, the firmware is continuously recorded in the empty cluster of the flash ROM. However, the firmware is stored in the flash ROM. The recording method is not limited to this.

  The digital camera of the present embodiment records firmware in a continuous free cluster after defragmenting the flash ROM. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the firmware update mode in the present embodiment.

  When the update mode is set with the memory card 144 having the update firmware recorded in the memory card slot 14, the digital camera 10a is turned on, and the activation program recorded in the flash ROM 114 is executed. (Step S10).

  When the activation program is executed, the media controller 146 performs an access test of the memory card 144 to check whether or not the memory card 144 is loaded (step S12).

  If the memory card 144 is not detected, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the memory card 144 is detected, it is confirmed whether firmware is recorded on the memory card 144 (step S14).

  If no firmware is recorded on the memory card 144, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the firmware is recorded on the memory card 144, the firmware version information recorded on the memory card 144 is read, and the firmware version information is updated based on the firmware version information recorded on the flash ROM 114. A comparison is made (step S16).

  If the firmware version recorded on the memory card 144 is older than the firmware version recorded on the flash ROM 114, the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the firmware version recorded on the memory card 144 is newer than the firmware version recorded on the flash ROM 114, the flash ROM 114 is defragmented (step S42). As described above, when image data is stored in the flash ROM 114, the image data is stored in a plurality of clusters, usually a plurality of consecutive clusters. However, even if image data is stored continuously, if a certain image is deleted, only a part of the stored data is deleted, so that the empty cluster is not continuous and divided. become. Therefore, the flash ROM 114 is defragmented and the clusters are rearranged neatly as shown in FIG.

  After the completion of the defragmentation, it is determined whether there are enough continuous free clusters to write the update firmware (new firmware) recorded in the memory card 144 in the flash ROM 114 (step S18).

  If there are not enough consecutive free clusters to write the new firmware, the display control unit 148 displays an error message on the monitor 28 such as “Cannot upload. Please delete the image data and update again.” It is displayed (step S22).

  On the other hand, when there are enough continuous free clusters to write new firmware (see FIG. 7A '), the new firmware is written into the continuous free clusters in the flash ROM 114 (step S20). Then, the above process is continued until it is determined that the writing of the new firmware has been completed (step S24). When the writing of the new firmware to the flash ROM 114 is completed, as shown in FIG. 7B, the firmware (old firmware) recorded in advance in the flash ROM 114 and the new firmware are recorded in successive clusters. ing.

  When the writing of the firmware to the flash ROM 114 is completed, the start address of the firmware is changed from the start address of the old firmware (FIG. 7B) to the start address of the new firmware (FIG. 7B) (step S26). . Then, the digital camera 10a is restarted (step S30) with the watchdog timer set in 10 seconds (step S28).

  Here, the start address of the firmware is written in the camera setting value in the flash ROM 114, and the CPU 110 activates the digital camera 10a after obtaining the start address written in the camera setting value. Therefore, when the start address of the firmware is changed, the startup firmware is changed from the old firmware to the new firmware, and the digital camera 10a is restarted with the new firmware set as the startup firmware.

  In this embodiment, the watchdog timer is set to 10 seconds, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  After restarting the digital camera 10a, it is determined whether or not the watchdog timer has expired (step S32). If the new firmware is operating normally, the new firmware will reset the watchdog timer before the watchdog timer expires, so the watchdog timer will not time out, but the new firmware will If not, the new firmware does not reset the watchdog timer, so the watchdog timer overflows and times up.

  When the watchdog timer expires, that is, when the digital camera 10a cannot be activated with the new firmware, the digital camera 10a is restored with the start address of the firmware restored and the old firmware reset to the activated firmware. Is restarted (step S34). Thereby, even when there is a problem with the new firmware, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming inoperable.

  If the watchdog timer does not expire, it is determined whether the digital camera 10a has been normally activated by the new firmware by performing a self-diagnosis (step S36).

  If the digital camera 10a does not start up normally, the process returns to the step of determining whether the watchdog timer has timed up (step S32).

  On the other hand, when the digital camera 10a is normally started, the watch dog timer set before the digital camera 10a is restarted is stopped (step S38). Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the old firmware in the flash ROM 114 is erased, and the area where the old firmware is recorded is released as a free cluster for storing various data (step S40). As a result, the memory can be used effectively.

  In step S34, after the boot firmware is returned to the old firmware, the defective new firmware is erased, and the area where the new firmware is recorded in the flash ROM 114 is released as an empty cluster for storing various data. (Refer to FIG. 7 (d)).

  According to the present embodiment, by defragmenting the new firmware before writing it into the flash ROM, the new firmware is recorded in the flash ROM even when there is no continuous free cluster for recording the new firmware in the flash ROM. can do.

<Third Embodiment>
In the digital camera according to the first embodiment, when there is an empty area in which the firmware can be continuously recorded in the flash ROM, the firmware is continuously recorded in the empty cluster of the flash ROM. In the digital camera according to the embodiment, the flash ROM is defragmented and then the firmware is recorded in continuous empty clusters. However, the method of recording the firmware in the flash ROM is not limited to these.

  The digital camera of the present embodiment records the firmware in the flash ROM and defragments it. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the firmware update mode according to the present embodiment.

  When the update mode is set with the memory card 144 in which the update firmware is recorded in the memory card slot 14, the digital camera 10b is turned on and the activation program recorded in the flash ROM 114 is executed. (Step S10).

  When the activation program is executed, the media controller 146 performs an access test of the memory card 144 to check whether or not the memory card 144 is loaded (step S12).

  If the memory card 144 is not detected, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the memory card 144 is detected, it is confirmed whether firmware is recorded on the memory card 144 (step S14).

  If no firmware is recorded on the memory card 144, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the firmware is recorded on the memory card 144, the firmware version information recorded on the memory card 144 is read, and the firmware version information is updated based on the firmware version information recorded on the flash ROM 114. A comparison is made (step S16).

  If the firmware version recorded on the memory card 144 is older than the firmware version recorded on the flash ROM 114, the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the firmware version recorded on the memory card 144 is newer than the firmware version recorded on the flash ROM 114, it is determined whether or not there is an empty cluster in the flash ROM 114 that can record all the firmware (step). S19).

  If there are no free clusters that can be recorded by the firmware, the display control unit 148 displays an error message such as “Cannot upload. Please delete the image data and update again” on the monitor 28. (Step S22).

  On the other hand, if there is an empty cluster that can record all the firmware, the new firmware is written to the empty cluster in the flash ROM 114 (step 44). Then, the above process is continued until it is determined that the writing of the new firmware has been completed (step S46).

  After the writing of the new firmware is completed (see FIG. 9B), it is determined whether or not the new firmware is recorded in the continuous cluster of the flash ROM 114 (step S48).

  When the new firmware is recorded in the continuous cluster of the flash ROM 114, the start address of the firmware is changed from the start address of the old firmware (FIG. 9 (b) 'm) to the start address of the new firmware (FIG. 9 (b)' n. (Step S26).

  On the other hand, when the new firmware is not recorded in the continuous cluster of the flash ROM 114 (see FIG. 9B), the new firmware is recorded in the continuous cluster of the flash ROM 114 (see FIG. 9B ′). Thus, the flash ROM 114 is defragmented (step S50). Thereafter, the start address of the firmware is changed from the start address of the old firmware (FIG. 9 (b) 'm) to the start address of the new firmware (FIG. 9 (b)' n) (step S26).

  Then, the digital camera 10b is restarted (step S30) with the watchdog timer set in 10 seconds (step S28). Here, the start address of the firmware is written in the camera setting value in the flash ROM 114, and the CPU 110 activates the digital camera 10b after obtaining the start address written in the camera setting value. Therefore, when the start address of the firmware is changed, the startup firmware is changed from the old firmware to the new firmware, and the digital camera 10b is restarted with the new firmware set as the startup firmware.

  In this embodiment, the watchdog timer is set to 10 seconds, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  After restarting the digital camera 10b, it is determined whether or not the watchdog timer has expired (step S32). If the new firmware is operating normally, the new firmware resets the watchdog timer before the watchdog timer times out, so the watchdog timer will not time out, but the new firmware If not, the new firmware does not reset the watchdog timer, so the watchdog timer overflows and times up.

  When the watchdog timer expires, that is, when the digital camera 10b cannot be started with the new firmware, the digital camera 10b is restored with the start address of the firmware restored and the old firmware reset to the startup firmware. Is restarted (step S34). Thereby, even when there is a problem with the new firmware, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming inoperable.

  If the watchdog timer has not expired, it is determined whether the digital camera 10b has been normally activated by the new firmware by performing a self-diagnosis (step S36).

  If the digital camera 10b does not start up normally, the process returns to the step of determining whether the watchdog timer has timed up (step S32).

  On the other hand, when the digital camera 10b is normally started, the watch dog timer set before the digital camera 10b is restarted is stopped (step S38). Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, the old firmware in the flash ROM 114 is erased, and the area where the old firmware is recorded is released as an empty cluster for storing various data (step S40). As a result, the memory can be used effectively.

  In step S34, after the boot firmware is returned to the old firmware, the defective new firmware is deleted, and the area where the new firmware in the flash ROM 114 is recorded is released as an empty cluster for storing various data. Alternatively, refer to FIG. 9D.

  According to the present embodiment, since new firmware is first recorded in the flash ROM, the new firmware can be recorded in the flash ROM even when there is no continuous free cluster for recording the new firmware in the flash ROM. it can. Also, after the new firmware has been written, in order to check whether the new firmware is recorded in a continuous cluster of flash ROMs, if the new firmware is recorded in a continuous cluster of flash ROMs, Since there is no need to defragment, the time required for firmware update can be shortened.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the digital camera of the first embodiment, the watchdog timer is set to determine whether or not there is a problem when the new firmware is started. However, there is no problem when the new firmware is restarted. The method of determining whether or not is not limited to this. For example, the operator may determine and give instructions.

  The digital camera according to the present embodiment is configured to determine whether or not there is a problem when the operator performs a specific operation to start up with the new firmware. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the firmware update mode in the present embodiment.

  When the update mode is set with the memory card 144 having the update firmware recorded in the memory card slot 14, the digital camera 10c is turned on, and the activation program recorded in the flash ROM 114 is executed. (Step S10).

  When the activation program is executed, the media controller 146 performs an access test of the memory card 144 to check whether or not the memory card 144 is loaded (step S12).

  If the memory card 144 is not detected, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the memory card 144 is detected, it is confirmed whether firmware is recorded on the memory card 144 (step S14).

  If no firmware is recorded on the memory card 144, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the firmware is recorded on the memory card 144, the firmware version information recorded on the memory card 144 is read out, and the firmware version is updated based on the firmware version information recorded on the flash ROM 114. A comparison is made (step S16).

  If the firmware version recorded on the memory card 144 is older than the firmware version recorded on the flash ROM 114, the processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the firmware version recorded on the memory card 144 is newer than the firmware version recorded on the flash ROM 114, the update firmware (new firmware) recorded on the memory card 144 is written to the flash ROM 114. It is determined whether or not there is a sufficient continuous free area (free cluster) (step S18).

  If there are not enough consecutive free clusters to write the new firmware, the display control unit 148 displays an error message on the monitor 28 such as “Cannot upload. Please delete the image data and update again.” It is displayed (step S22).

  On the other hand, when there are continuous free clusters sufficient to write new firmware (see FIG. 5A), the new firmware is written into the continuous free clusters in the flash ROM 114 (step S20). Then, the above process is continued until it is determined that the writing of the new firmware has been completed (step S24). When the writing of the new firmware to the flash ROM 114 is completed, as shown in FIG. 5B, the firmware (old firmware) recorded in advance in the flash ROM 114 and the new firmware are recorded in successive clusters. ing.

  When the writing of the firmware to the flash ROM 114 is completed, the start address of the firmware is changed from the start address of the old firmware (FIG. 5B) to the start address of the new firmware (FIG. 5B) (step S26). .

  Thereafter, the port to which the DISP / BACK button 40 is connected is set as an interrupt (step S52), and the display control unit 148 displays on the monitor 28 such as “Press the DISP / Back button if it does not operate normally”. A message is displayed (step S54). As a result, it is possible to inform the operator that the DISP / Back button is to be pressed when it does not operate normally.

  Thereafter, the digital camera 10c is restarted (step S30). Here, the start address of the firmware is written in the camera setting value in the flash ROM 114, and the CPU 110 acquires and starts the start address written in the camera setting value. Therefore, when the start address of the firmware is changed, the startup firmware is changed from the old firmware to the new firmware, and the digital camera 10c is restarted with the new firmware set as the startup firmware.

  After the digital camera 10c is restarted, it is determined whether or not the DISP / Back button 40 has been pressed (step S56).

  When the DISP / Back button 40 is pressed, it is determined that the digital camera 10c cannot be activated with the new firmware. Therefore, the digital camera 10c is restarted in a state where the start address of the firmware is restored and the old firmware is reset to the startup firmware (step S34). Thereby, even when there is a problem with the new firmware, it is possible to prevent the device from becoming inoperable.

  On the other hand, if the DISP / Back button 40 has not been pressed, it is determined whether the digital camera 10c has been normally activated by the new firmware by performing a self-diagnosis (step S36).

  If the digital camera 10c does not start normally, the process returns to the step of determining whether the DISP / Back button 40 has been pressed (step S56).

  On the other hand, when the digital camera 10c is normally activated, the interrupt of the port to which the DISP / BACK button 40 set before the digital camera 10c is restarted is stopped (step S58). Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the old firmware of the flash ROM 114 is erased, and the area where the old firmware is recorded is released as a free cluster for storing various data (step S40). As a result, the memory can be used effectively.

  In step S34, after the boot firmware is returned to the old firmware, the defective new firmware is deleted, and the area where the new firmware in the flash ROM 114 is recorded is released as an empty cluster for storing various data. (Refer to FIG. 5D).

  According to the present embodiment, the operator determines whether or not the new firmware is operating normally, and instructs the digital camera if there is a malfunction. Can be activated, and the device can be prevented from becoming inoperable.

  Note that the application of the present invention is not limited to a digital camera, and is similarly applied to an electronic device capable of updating firmware such as an imaging device such as a mobile phone with a camera or a video camera, a portable music player, or a PDA. be able to.

1 is a front perspective view showing an external configuration of a first embodiment of an electronic apparatus (digital camera) to which the present invention is applied. It is a back perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of 1st Embodiment of the said digital camera. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of 1st Embodiment of the said digital camera. It is a flowchart of 1st Embodiment of the said digital camera. It is explanatory drawing which shows the cluster arrangement | positioning of flash ROM of 1st Embodiment of the said digital camera, (a) shows the state of the cluster before new firmware recording, (b) is the cluster after recording new firmware (C) shows the state of the cluster when the electronic device starts normally with the new firmware, and (d) shows the state of the cluster when the electronic device does not start normally with the new firmware. . It is a flowchart of 2nd Embodiment of the digital camera to which this invention was applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows cluster arrangement | positioning of the flash ROM of 2nd Embodiment of the said digital camera, (a) shows the state of the cluster before new firmware recording, (a) 'shows the state of the cluster after defragmentation. (B) shows the state of the cluster after recording the new firmware, (c) shows the state of the cluster when the electronic device has started up normally with the new firmware, and (d) shows the electronic device with the new firmware. Indicates the state of the cluster when does not start normally. It is a flowchart of 3rd Embodiment of the digital camera to which this invention was applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the cluster arrangement | positioning of flash ROM of 3rd Embodiment of the said digital camera, (a) shows the state of the cluster before new firmware recording, (b) is the cluster after recording new firmware (B) ′ shows the state of the cluster after defragmentation, (c) shows the state of the cluster when the electronic device has started normally with the new firmware, and (d) shows the electronic device with the new firmware. Indicates the state of the cluster when does not start normally. It is a flowchart of 4th Embodiment of the digital camera to which this invention was applied.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10a, 10b, 10c ... Digital camera, 12 ... Camera body, 14 ... Memory card slot, 15 ... Connector for USB, 26 ... Power button, 28 ... Monitor, 40 ... DISP / BACK button, 110 ... CPU, 114 ... Flash ROM, 116, RAM, 142, USB I / F, 144, memory card, 146, media controller, 148, display control unit

Claims (8)

In the firmware update method for electronic devices in which firmware is recorded in a nonvolatile memory from which various data are read and written,
Obtaining new firmware to update; and
Recording the new firmware in a continuous free area of the non-volatile memory, with the firmware pre-recorded in the non-volatile memory being recorded in the non-volatile memory;
A method for updating firmware, comprising:   The step of recording the new firmware in a continuous free area of the nonvolatile memory includes storing the new firmware in a continuous free area of the nonvolatile memory after defragmenting the nonvolatile memory. The firmware update method according to Item 1. In the firmware update method for electronic devices in which firmware is recorded in a nonvolatile memory from which various data are read and written,
Obtaining new firmware to update; and
Storing the new firmware in the non-volatile memory in a state where the firmware pre-recorded in the non-volatile memory is recorded in the non-volatile memory;
Determining whether the new firmware stored in the non-volatile memory is continuously stored in the non-volatile memory;
In the step of determining whether or not the new firmware is continuously stored in the nonvolatile memory, if it is determined that the new firmware is not continuously stored in the nonvolatile memory, the nonvolatile memory is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Defragmenting, and
A method for updating firmware, comprising: Setting the new firmware as boot firmware;
Activating the electronic device with the new firmware;
Determining whether the new firmware operates normally;
Further including
In the step of determining whether or not the new firmware operates normally, if the new firmware operates normally, various data are recorded in an area where the previously recorded firmware is stored in the nonvolatile memory. The firmware of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the firmware is released as an area, and when the new firmware does not operate normally, the pre-recorded firmware is reset as startup firmware. Update method. In the step of starting the electronic device by setting the new firmware as the startup firmware, starting the watch dog timer and then setting the new firmware as the startup firmware,
In the step of determining whether or not the new firmware operates normally, it is determined that the new firmware has operated normally when the watchdog timer has not timed up, and when the watchdog timer has timed out The firmware update method according to claim 4, wherein the new firmware is determined not to operate normally. In the step of starting the electronic device by setting the new firmware as a startup firmware, a predetermined signal input is set as an interrupt, and then the new firmware is set as a startup firmware.
In the step of determining whether or not the new firmware operates normally, it is determined that the new firmware has operated normally if the interrupt is not received by the end of the operation of the new firmware, and the new firmware operates during the operation of the new firmware. 5. The firmware update method according to claim 4, wherein when an interrupt is input, it is determined that the new firmware does not operate normally.   A program for causing a computing device to execute the firmware update method according to claim 1.   In an electronic device in which firmware is recorded in a nonvolatile memory from which various data is read and written, an arithmetic device that reads the program from the nonvolatile memory and executes the program recorded in the nonvolatile memory Electronic equipment characterized by comprising.

Images