JP2002312175A - Information processor and method, recording medium, storage medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To download softwares by using a storage medium. SOLUTION: In the event that a semiconductor memory is determined to have been inserted, when a power supply is turned on in steps S1 and S2, a CPU determines whether there is an objective directory in the root directory of the semiconductor memory and further determines whether software having a prescribed extension exists in the objective directory in steps S3 and S4. When it is determined that there is a software having the prescribed extension in the objective directory, namely and that the software to be downloaded exists, the CPU downloads the software stored in the semiconductor memory.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, a storage medium, and a program. For example, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a software capable of downloading software using the storage medium. The present invention relates to a method, a recording medium, a storage medium, and a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The applicant of the present invention has disclosed, for example,
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4580, a browser and other storage media storing necessary programs or data are mounted on a receiving device, and the programs and data stored in the storage medium are taken in, thereby expanding the functions of the receiving device. It was suggested earlier to do so.

[0003]

However, in the earlier proposal of the present applicant, it is possible to rewrite a program or the like recorded in the receiving device, but it is possible to download a program that is not recorded, Alternatively, depending on the version of the program, it may not be possible to rewrite, that is, it may not be possible to add a function.

[0004] In recent years, software has been updated by downloading using a satellite.
However, there is a possibility that a trouble occurs at the time of downloading and that the upload cannot be performed correctly. In such a case, the software must be downloaded again using the satellite, and the operation is complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and it is an object of the present invention to reliably update and download software using a storage medium.

[0006]

A first information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a first determining means for determining whether a predetermined directory exists in a storage medium; As a result, when it is determined that the directory exists, a second determination unit that determines whether software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory,
And a executing unit that downloads the software stored in the storage medium when it is determined that the software is present as a result of the determination by the determining unit.

[0007] A third determination means for determining whether or not the storage medium is loaded may be further provided.

If the result of the determination by the first determination means is that the directory does not exist, or if the result of the determination by the second determination means determines that the software does not exist, the directory is already stored. Control means for controlling the activation of the installed software may be further provided.

If the result of the determination by the second determination means is that the software is present, a third determination means for determining whether the software indicates forced download is further provided. Can be.

If the result of the determination by the third determination means is that the software indicates forced download, the execution means can be made to execute the download regardless of the software version.

If it is determined that the software does not indicate the forced download as a result of the determination by the third determining means, an investigating means for investigating the software version may be further provided.

[0012] As a result of the examination by the examination means, when it is determined that the software version is newer, the execution means can be made to execute software download.

[0013] As a result of the examination by the examination means, if it is determined that the software version is not newer, a message indicating that the software download is unnecessary can be displayed.

If it is determined that the software is present as a result of the determination by the second determining means, it is possible to further provide a checking means for checking the software version.

A third judging unit for judging whether or not the download of the software executed by the executing unit is successful; and
Display control means for displaying a message may be further provided.

The execution means may rewrite the other software when another software corresponding to the software is recorded.

The storage medium comprises a rewritable memory.

According to a first information processing method of the present invention, a first method for judging whether a predetermined directory exists in a storage medium or not is provided.
When it is determined that the directory exists as a result of the determination step and the determination in the first determination step,
A second determining step of determining whether software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory;
If it is determined as a result of the determination in the determination step that the software exists, an execution step of downloading the software stored in the storage medium is performed.

The program recorded on the first recording medium of the present invention includes a first determining step of determining whether a predetermined directory exists in the storage medium, and a determination by the processing of the first determining step. As a result, if it is determined that the directory exists, a second determination is made as to whether or not the software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory.
As a result of the determination step and the determination in the second determination step, when it is determined that the software is present,
Executing the download of the software stored in the storage medium.

A first program according to the present invention includes a first determining step of determining whether a predetermined directory exists in a storage medium, and a result of the determination in the first determining step that the directory exists. When it is determined, further, a second determination step of determining whether software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory and a result of the processing of the second determination step determine that the software is present. In this case, the computer is made to execute an execution step of downloading software stored in the storage medium.

A first information processing apparatus and method according to the present invention,
In the program, it is determined whether or not a predetermined directory exists in the storage medium, and it is determined whether or not software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory.
The software stored in the storage medium is downloaded based on the results.

The first storage medium of the present invention has a feature that a predetermined directory is provided, and software is stored in a lower hierarchy of the directory with a name having a predetermined extension.

The first storage medium is constituted by a rewritable memory.

In the first storage medium of the present invention, software is stored in a lower hierarchy of a predetermined directory with a name having a predetermined extension.

A second information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first information processing apparatus for determining whether a first directory exists in a storage medium.
The result of the determination by the determination means of
If it is determined that the directory exists,
Second determining means for determining whether a second directory exists in a hierarchy lower than the first directory;
As a result of the determination by the determination means, if it is determined that the second directory exists, a third determination means for further determining whether or not software exists in a lower hierarchy of the second directory; And executing means for downloading the software stored in the storage medium when it is determined that the software is present as a result of the determination by the determining means.

A fourth determining means for determining whether or not a storage medium is mounted may be further provided.

If the result of the determination by the first determination means is that the first directory does not exist, the second directory
When it is determined that the second directory does not exist as a result of the determination by the determination unit, or when it is determined that the software does not exist as a result of the determination by the third determination unit, the software already stored is deleted. Control means for controlling the activation may be further provided.

A fourth determining means for determining whether the software indicates forced download may be further provided.

If the result of the determination by the fourth determination means is that the software indicates forced download, the execution means can be made to execute the download regardless of the software version.

If it is determined that the software does not indicate the forced download as a result of the determination by the fourth determination means, a research means for researching the software version may be further provided.

As a result of the examination by the examination means, if it is determined that the software version is newer, the execution means can be made to execute software download.

As a result of the investigation by the investigation means, if it is determined that the software version is not newer, a message indicating that the software download is unnecessary can be displayed.

[0033] As a result of the determination by the third determining means, if it is determined that the software is present, an investigating means for investigating the software version may be further provided.

A fourth determining means for determining whether or not the download of the software executed by the executing means has succeeded, and based on a result of the determination by the fourth determining means,
Display control means for displaying a message may be further provided.

[0035] When another software corresponding to the software is recorded, the execution means can rewrite the other software.

[0036] The first directory may be a directory having a model ID of the information processing apparatus in the name, and the second directory may be a directory having a function ID of the software in the name.

The storage medium is constituted by a rewritable memory.

According to a second information processing method of the present invention, a first method for determining whether a first directory exists in a storage medium or not is provided.
As a result of the determination step and the determination in the first determination step, if it is determined that the first directory exists, it is further determined whether the second directory exists in a hierarchy lower than the first directory. If it is determined that the second directory exists as a result of the second determination step of determining whether or not the second directory exists, the software exists in a lower hierarchy of the second directory. A third determining step of determining whether or not to execute, and as a result of the processing of the third determining step, when it is determined that software is present, an execution step of downloading the software stored in the storage medium And characterized in that:

The program recorded on the second recording medium according to the present invention includes a first determining step for determining whether a first directory exists in the storage medium, and a processing of the first determining step. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the first directory exists, a second determination step of determining whether a second directory exists in a hierarchy lower than the first directory; If it is determined that the second directory exists as a result of the determination in the determination step, a third determination step is further performed to determine whether software exists in a lower hierarchy of the second directory. If it is determined that the software is present as a result of the determination in the third determination step, the software stored in the storage medium is downloaded. Characterized in that it comprises an execution step.

The second program according to the present invention comprises a first determining step for determining whether a first directory exists on a storage medium, and a first determining step for determining whether a first directory exists in the storage medium. If it is determined that the directory exists, the second directory is further added to the lower hierarchy of the first directory.
A second determination step of determining whether or not a directory exists, and a result of the determination in the processing of the second determination step, when it is determined that the second directory exists,
Further, as a result of the third determination step of determining whether or not software exists in a lower hierarchy of the second directory and the determination by the processing of the third determination step, when it is determined that software exists, And an execution step of downloading the software stored in the storage medium.

A second information processing apparatus and method according to the present invention,
In the program, it is determined whether or not the first directory exists in the storage medium, and whether or not the second directory exists in a hierarchy lower than the first directory is determined. It is determined whether or not software exists in a lower hierarchy, and the software stored in the storage medium is downloaded based on the result.

The second storage medium of the present invention has a first directory and a second directory in a lower hierarchy of the first directory, and software is stored in a lower hierarchy of the second directory. It is stored.

The first directory may be a directory having a model ID of the information processing apparatus in the name, and the second directory may be a directory having a function ID of the software in the name.

The second storage medium comprises a rewritable memory.

In the second storage medium of the present invention, the first storage medium
And a second directory at a level below the first directory, and software is stored at a level below the second directory.

[0046]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital television receiver to which the present invention is applied. A set-top box 21 is connected to the digital television receiver 4.

The parabolic antenna 1 is an LNB (Low Noise B
It has a lock down converter (2) and converts a signal from a satellite (broadcast satellite or communication satellite) (not shown) into a signal (RF (Radio Frequency) signal) of a predetermined frequency and supplies the signal to the set-top box 21.

The set-top box 21 demodulates a signal of a predetermined channel from the RF signal supplied from the LNB 2 of the parabolic antenna 1 and supplies the signal to the signal processing unit 12 of the digital television receiver 4. The set-top box 21 is provided with a slot 22 for mounting a semiconductor memory 23 composed of, for example, a Memory Stick (trademark).

A memory stick is a type of flash memory card developed by the present applicant. This Memory Stick is an EEPROM (Electr), a non-volatile memory that can be electrically rewritten and erased in a small, thin plastic case measuring 21.5 x 50 x 2.8 [mm].
A flash memory device, which is a kind of erasable and programmable ROM, can be written and read out of various data such as images, voices, and music via a 10-pin terminal.

The terrestrial tuner 11 of the digital television receiver 4 generates a video intermediate frequency signal from a broadcast wave received via the terrestrial broadcast antenna 3 and supplies the signal to the signal processing unit 12.

The signal processing unit 12 performs control for transmitting or receiving the video signal, the audio signal, and their control data supplied from the set-top box 21, and controls the digital television receiver 4. Control the peripheral circuits. The signal processing unit 12 is divided into a digital block unit and an analog block unit (neither is shown).

The image / audio processing unit 13 includes the signal processing unit 12
A predetermined signal processing is performed on the video signal supplied from, and the video signal is output to the display unit. The image / audio processing unit 13 also performs predetermined signal processing on the audio signal supplied from the signal processing unit 12 and outputs audio to the speaker 15. The image / audio processing unit 13 is divided into a digital block unit and an analog block unit (neither is shown).

The display section 14 displays the video signal supplied from the image / audio processing section 13. The speaker 15 reproduces the sound supplied from the image / sound processing unit 13.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the set-top box 21.

The tuner 61 of the front end 31 demodulates the RF signal output from the LNB 2 of the parabolic antenna 1 and supplies the RF signal to a QPSK (Quadriphase Phase Shift Keying) demodulation circuit 62. The QPSK demodulation circuit 62 performs QPSK demodulation on the signal demodulated by the tuner 61 and supplies the signal to the error correction circuit 63. The error correction circuit 63 performs an error correction process on the QPSK demodulated signal and corrects the signal as necessary.

CAM (Conditional Access Module) 71
Is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM, and RAM
(Random Access Memory) and stores a key necessary for decrypting the encryption together with a decryption program. That is, since a signal transmitted via a satellite is encrypted, an encryption key and a decryption process are required to decrypt the code. Therefore, the CAM7 is transmitted via the card reader interface 35.
This key is read from 1 and supplied to the demultiplexer 33.

The CAM 71 stores a key and a decryption program required for decryption, as well as billing information.

The demultiplexer 33 uses the key read from the CAM 71 via the card reader interface 35, and uses the error correction circuit 63 of the front end 31.
Decrypts the encrypted signal of the predetermined broadcast channel supplied from the. The demultiplexer 33 temporarily stores the decoded signal in a data buffer memory (SRAM: Static RAM) 34. The demultiplexer 33 is connected to the CPU
32, the data buffer memory 34
Read the decoded signal from the
EG (Moving Picture Experts Group) Video Decoder 3
6, the audio signal is converted to an MPEG audio decoder 40
Respectively.

The demultiplexer 33 takes in EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data and the like in addition to the video signal and the audio signal supplied from the front end 31, supplies the data to the EPG area 34a of the data buffer memory 34, and Remember. EPG data is
Information about the program on each broadcast channel from the current time to several tens hours later (for example, the program channel, broadcast time,
Title, category, etc.). Since the EPG data is frequently transmitted via a satellite, the demultiplexer 33 creates a sort table from the EPG data stored in the EPG area 34a,
Store it in 2.

The MPEG video decoder 36 stores the input digital video signal in a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) 37 as appropriate, and decodes the video signal compressed by the MPEG method. The decoded video signal is NTSC (Na
nation Television SystemCommittee) Encoder 38
And converted into a luminance signal (Y), a chroma signal (C), and a composite signal (V) of the NTSC system.
Of the converted signals, the luminance signal and the chroma signal are amplified by buffer amplifiers 39Y and 39C, respectively, and output as S-video signals. Further, the composite signal is amplified and output by the buffer amplifier 39V.

The MPEG audio decoder 40 appropriately stores the input digital audio signal in the DRAM 41,
The audio signal compressed by the MPEG system is decoded. The decoded audio signal is D / A (D
igital to Analog) D / A conversion in the converter 42,
The left channel audio signal is supplied to the buffer amplifier 43
It is amplified by L and output. On the other hand, the audio signal of the right channel is amplified and output by the buffer amplifier 43R.

The RF modulator 44 is an NTSC encoder 3
8 and the audio signal output by the D / A converter 42 are converted into RF signals and output.
When the TV (Television) mode is set, the RF modulator 44 passes an NTSC-type RF signal input from an AV device such as a cable box and transmits the other AV signal.
Output directly to the device. In the case of the set box 12, the video signal and the audio signal are supplied to the signal processing unit 12 of the digital television receiver 4.

The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 51,
The QPSK demodulation circuit 62, the error correction circuit 63, and the demultiplexer 33 are controlled. The CPU 32 can receive an input of a predetermined command when an operation button or a switch on the front panel 45 is operated by a user. Further, an infrared signal (IR signal) transmitted when a remote commander (not shown) is operated by the user is received by the IR receiving unit 46, and the received light
2, the CPU 32 can receive a predetermined command.

The reset button 47 is operated (pressed) by the user when the CPU 32 executes the reset processing of the set-top box 21. The reset button 47 may be provided on the front panel 45.

The memory control unit 48 has a slot 2
The data is read from the semiconductor memory 23 mounted on the memory 2 and the data supplied from the CPU 32 is written to the semiconductor memory 23.

The flash ROM 50 stores data (for example, the reception history of the tuner 61, the channel number received immediately before the power was turned off, or the software used for the download processing to be described later) to be held even after the power was turned off. The function ID and the version ID) are stored as appropriate. The ROM 51 stores a program for executing various types of processing, as well as a hardware ID (also referred to as a model ID) for use in download processing described later.

The modem 53 is a device for connecting to the public line network, and transmits the data supplied from the CPU 32 to another device via the public line network or transmits the data via the public line network. CPU3
Feed to 2.

Next, the basic operation of FIG. 1 will be described. Here, the flow of a signal received by the parabolic antenna 1 will be described.

The RF signal output from the LNB 2 of the parabolic antenna 1 is demodulated by the tuner 61 of the front end 31 of the set-top box 21, and is decoded by the QPSK demodulation circuit 62.
The QPSK signal is demodulated, error-corrected by an error correction circuit 63, and supplied to a demultiplexer 33.

The demultiplexer 33 uses the key read from the CAM 71 via the card reader interface 35 to decode an encrypted signal of a predetermined broadcast channel supplied from the error correction circuit 63. Then, the decoded signal is temporarily stored in the data buffer memory 34. The demultiplexer 33 appropriately reads a signal stored in the data buffer memory 34 based on a command from the CPU 32, and outputs a video signal to the MPEG video decoder 36 and an audio signal to the MPEG audio decoder 40, respectively.

The digital video signal input to the MPEG video decoder 36 is decoded and supplied to an NTSC encoder 38, where it is converted into a luminance signal, a chroma signal, and a composite signal of the NTSC system. The digital audio signal input to the MPEG audio decoder 40 is decoded and D / A converted by the D / A converter 42. The composite signal output from the NTSC encoder 38 and the audio signal output from the D / A converter 42 are converted into RF signals by the RF modulator 44 and output to the signal processing unit 12.

The signal processing section 12 transmits the video signal and the audio signal supplied from the set-top box 21 to the image / audio processing section 13. The image / audio processing unit 13 performs predetermined signal processing on the video signal supplied from the signal processing unit 12, outputs the video signal to the display unit 14, displays the video signal, and performs predetermined signal processing on the audio signal. The sound is output to the speaker 15 and reproduced.

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment, when the power of the set-top box 21 is turned on while the semiconductor memory 23 is mounted in the slot 22 provided in the set-top box 21, 23
Is determined by determining whether the software recorded in the file has a predetermined file name and extension as keywords.

First, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a description will be given of a process of recording download software having a keyword of a predetermined file name and extension in the semiconductor memory 23. FIG.

A technician of the manufacturer providing the software inserts the memory slick 21 into a slot (not shown) of the personal computer and confirms that the memory slick 21 is formatted. Specifically, the contents of the data recorded in the semiconductor memory 23 are displayed in a window, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, and a file indicating that the data is formatted (in the example of FIG. 3, “Memstick.i
nd "file), the format is confirmed.

The technician creates a directory in the root directory to indicate the location where the software for download is stored. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, a directory of “ABC” for storing the download software is created in the root directory of the semiconductor memory 23.

The technician prepares software for download, and according to a predetermined rule, a file name (for example,
"ABC_B1234") and an extension (for example, "DEF"), and a lower layer of the "ABC" directory (directory for storing download software) created in the root directory of the semiconductor memory 23. And store it.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which software for download (file “ABC_B1234.DEF”) is stored in a directory “ABC” (directory for storing download software).

By the way, the file name "ABC_B1234.DE" given to the download software shown in FIG.
In "F", "ABC" indicates the file name of the download software, "B" following it indicates a forced download, and "1234" following it indicates the software version ID. If "B" is not added before the version ID, the software is a non-compulsory download.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A download process when the semiconductor memory 23 in which the software is recorded as described above is mounted on the set-top box 21 will be described.

In step S1, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a power source (not shown) has been turned on by a user operation, and waits until the power source is turned on.

If it is determined in step S1 that the power has been turned on by a user operation, the process proceeds to step S2, where the memory control unit 48 determines whether or not the semiconductor memory 23 is mounted in the slot 22, and If it is determined that the semiconductor memory 23 is not mounted on the ROM 22, the process proceeds to step S16, and the CPU 32
The set-top box 21 is normally started without executing the software download operation stored in the set-top box 21.

If it is determined in step S2 that the semiconductor memory 23 is installed in the slot 22, the process proceeds to step S3, where the memory control unit 48 reads data from the semiconductor memory 23 installed in the slot 22, Supply to CPU32. From the input data, the CPU 32 determines whether or not a target directory (a directory storing software to be downloaded, in this case, a directory of “ABC”) exists in the root directory of the semiconductor memory 23. Is determined.

In step S3, the semiconductor memory 23
If it is determined that the target directory exists in the root directory, the process proceeds to step S4, and the CPU 32 further adds a predetermined extension (the extension of the software to be downloaded, , “DEF”) is determined.

If it is determined in step S4 that there is software having a predetermined extension in the target directory, the process proceeds to step S5, and the CPU 32 further proceeds to step S5.
Software with the desired file name (in this case, “ABC_
B1234.DEF ”or“ ABC_1234.DEF ”file).
It is determined whether or not the software corresponding to the software stored in the flash ROM 50 is recorded in the target directory of the semiconductor memory 23.

If it is determined in step S5 that the software having the target file name exists, the process proceeds to step S6, and the CPU 32 further determines whether the software having the target file name indicates a forced download. That is, the version ID included in the file name
It is determined whether “B” indicating forced download is added before “.”.

For example, in the case of the file “ABC_B1234.DEF”, “B” is added before “1234” indicating the version ID, which indicates that the file indicates forced download.

If it is determined in step S6 that the software having the target file name does not indicate forced download, the process proceeds to step S7, where the CPU 32
The software version stored in the flash ROM 50 is compared with the software version to be downloaded (stored in the semiconductor memory 23),
It is determined whether the software to be downloaded is newer.

If it is determined in step S7 that the software to be downloaded (stored in the semiconductor memory 23) is newer, the process proceeds to step S8.
Proceed to. If it is determined in step S6 that the software having the target file name indicates forced download, the process in step S7 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S8. That is, in this case, the process of step S8 is executed regardless of the version.

In step S8, the CPU 32 controls the memory control unit 48 to download software (in this case, “ABC_B123”) recorded in the semiconductor memory 23 mounted in the slot 22.
4. DEF "file) and transfer it to the SRAM 52. At this time, the CPU 32 reads the SRA from the semiconductor memory 23.
A message indicating that the software is being transferred to the M52 is sent to the signal processing unit 12, the image / audio processing unit 13
Is output to the display unit 14 via the PC and displayed. Thereby, for example, a message screen such as “Downloading” as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.

When the transfer of the software from the semiconductor memory 23 to the SRAM 52 is completed, the CPU 32 terminates the display of the message screen shown in FIG. 6, proceeds to step S9, and proceeds to step S9.
It is determined whether or not the deployment of the software from the to the SRAM 52 has been successful.

In step S9, the semiconductor memory 23
If it is determined that the software has been successfully deployed from the software to the SRAM 52, the process proceeds to step S10, where the CPU 32 reads out the software once stored in the SRAM 52 in the process of step S8, transfers the software to the flash ROM 50, and stores the same. Thus, the software downloaded from the semiconductor memory 23 is recorded (updated) in the flash ROM 50. Then, in step S11, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the download has succeeded,
The software read from 52 is flash ROM 50
Then, it is determined whether or not the file has been correctly stored. If it is determined that the download has been successful, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the CPU 32 outputs to the display unit 14 a message indicating that the software recorded in the semiconductor memory 23 has been successfully downloaded, and displays the message. Thereby, for example, FIG.
Is displayed, such as "Download was successful. Turn off the power and remove the Memory Stick."

The user who confirms this message screen,
After pressing the button “OK”, the power of the main body is turned off, and the semiconductor memory 23 is removed from the slot 22.

If it is determined in step S11 that the download has failed, that is, the software read from the SRAM 52 has not been correctly stored in the flash ROM 50, the process proceeds to step S13, in which the CPU 32
A message indicating that the download has failed is output to the display unit 14 and displayed. Thereby, for example, a message screen such as “Download failed” as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

The user who confirms the message screen,
When the button “Cancel” is pressed, the download process is stopped. Note that, when the button indicated as “retry” is pressed on the message screen illustrated in FIG. 8, the CPU 32 may return to step S8 and repeat the above-described processing thereafter.

In step S9, the semiconductor memory 23
When it is determined that the software has failed to be loaded into the SRAM 52, the process proceeds to step S14, where the CPU 32 outputs a message indicating that downloading is not possible to the display unit 14 and displays it. Thereby, for example, FIG.
Is displayed, such as "Cannot download. Turn off the power and remove the Memory Stick."

The user who confirms this message screen,
After pressing the button "OK", the power of the main body is turned off, the semiconductor memory 23 is removed from the slot 22, the semiconductor memory 23 is mounted in the slot 22 again, and the power of the main body is turned on. As a result, the above-described processing is repeated.

Then, again, in step S9, if the software deployment from the semiconductor memory 23 to the SRAM 52 fails, it is considered that there is some problem in the software recorded in the semiconductor memory 23. An inquiry is made to the manufacturer of the semiconductor memory 23 to obtain a new semiconductor memory 23, and the download process is executed again.

If it is determined in step S7 that the software to be downloaded (stored in the semiconductor memory 23) is not newer,
Proceeding to 15, the CPU 32 outputs a message to the display unit 14 to indicate that the download is unnecessary, and displays it. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, “No download is required.
Please remove the Memory Stick. "

The user who confirms this message screen,
After pressing the button “OK”, the power of the main body is turned off, and the semiconductor memory 23 is removed from the slot 22.

When it is determined in step S3 that there is no target directory in the root directory of the semiconductor memory 23, it is determined in step S4 that there is no software having a predetermined extension in the target directory. In this case, further, in step S5,
If it is determined that the software having the target file name does not exist, the process proceeds to step S16, and normal startup processing (execution processing of already stored software is executed).

As described above, in the semiconductor memory 23, software having a predetermined file name and extension serving as a keyword (ie, software for download)
By judging whether or not the software exists, the software can be easily downloaded.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, when the power is turned on with the semiconductor memory 23 mounted in the slot 22 provided in the set-top box 21, the software recorded in the semiconductor memory 23 is turned on. Is a specific hardware ID (a model I
The download process is executed by determining whether or not D) and the function ID (software ID) are provided.

First, a directory structure in the semiconductor memory 23 used in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the root directory of FIG.
A directory having the name of the ID (model ID) is created.
In the hierarchy below the directory whose name is the hard ID,
A directory with the name of the function ID (software ID) is created. Further, software for download is stored in a directory having a function ID as a name.

That is, in the case of the example of FIG.
The function ID “B12” is located below the directory “A1234”.
34 ”directory is created, and“ ABCD ”
****. EFG ”is stored. A directory with the function ID“ 1235 ”is created in the lower hierarchy of the directory with the hardware ID“ A1235 ”. .EFG ”software file is stored.

Next, a description will be given of a process of recording in the semiconductor memory 23 download software having a keyword of a predetermined hardware ID and a function ID.

The engineer of the manufacturer who provides the software inserts the semiconductor memory 23 into the slot of the personal computer and confirms that the memory is formatted. Then, as shown in FIG. A directory having a name of a hard ID (for example, “A1234”) (a directory for storing predetermined download software) is created, and a function ID of the download software (for example, “1234”) is provided in a lower hierarchy of the directory. Create a directory with the name ")." That is, in the example of FIG. 11, a directory of “A1234” is created in the root directory, and a directory of “1234” is created in a lower hierarchy.

The technician prepares download software, inputs a file name (for example, “ABCD ****”), attaches an extension (for example, “EFG”),
It is stored in the directory “1234” in the lower hierarchy of the directory “A1234” in the semiconductor memory 23. If the software to be stored is forcibly downloaded, add "B" to the beginning of the directory name (before the function ID) of the directory whose name is the function ID, so that the software stored in that directory is forcibly downloaded. Can be shown.

Next, the download processing of the software recorded in the semiconductor memory 23 as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S21, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the power of the main body (not shown) has been turned on by the user, and waits until the power is turned on. If it is determined in step S1 that the power has been turned on by the user, the process proceeds to step S22, in which the memory control unit 48 determines whether or not the semiconductor memory 23 is mounted in the slot 22. If it is determined that it is not mounted, the process proceeds to step S38, where the CPU
32 executes a start-up program stored in the ROM 51 and normally starts the set-top box 12.

If it is determined in step S22 that the semiconductor memory 23 is installed in the slot 22,
Proceeding to step S23, the memory control unit 48
Data is read from the semiconductor memory 23 mounted on the slot 22 and supplied to the CPU 32. The CPU 32 determines from the input data whether or not there is a directory having a hard ID in the root directory of the semiconductor memory 23.

In step S23, the semiconductor memory 2
If it is determined that there is a directory having a hard ID in the root directory of the third directory, the process proceeds to step S24, and the CPU 32 further proceeds to a directory having a function ID in the lower hierarchy of the directory having the hard ID. Then, it is determined whether or not there is one indicating the forced download. That is, it is determined whether a directory name prefixed with “B” exists.

In step S24, if it is determined that there is no directory indicating the forced download in the directory having the function ID in the lower hierarchy of the directory having the hardware ID, the process proceeds to step S33, and the CPU 32 proceeds to step S33. It is determined whether the function ID (the function ID of the set-top box 21) has been written in the flash ROM 50.

In step S32, the flash ROM
If it is determined that the function ID has been written to the flash memory 50, the process proceeds to step S34, and the CPU 32 writes the function ID to the flash ROM 50 in the lower hierarchy of the directory having the name of the hard ID recorded in the semiconductor memory 23. It is determined whether there is a directory having the name of the function ID that exists.

In step S34, the semiconductor memory 2
If it is determined that there is a directory having the function ID written in the flash ROM 50 in the lower hierarchy of the directory having the name of the hard ID recorded in No. 3, the process proceeds to step S35, and the CPU 32 further proceeds to step S35.
It is determined whether or not the software having the target file name exists in the directory having the function ID as the name. Specifically, the CPU 32 determines whether or not the software corresponding to the software written in the flash ROM 50 is recorded in a directory having the function ID of the semiconductor memory 23 as a name.

If it is determined in step S35 that the software having the target file name exists in the directory having the function ID, the process proceeds to step S36, where the CPU 32 determines whether the software written in the flash ROM 50 (Semiconductor memory 23
And the software to be downloaded is determined to be a newer version.

If it is determined in step S36 that the version of the software to be downloaded is newer than the version written in the flash ROM 50, the process proceeds to step S26.

If it is determined in step S24 that there is a directory having the function ID in the lower hierarchy of the directory having the hardware ID as the name indicating a forced download, the process proceeds to step S25.
The CPU 32 further determines whether or not the software having the target file name exists in the directory having the name indicating the forced download.

If it is determined in step S25 that the software having the target file name exists in the directory having the name indicating the forced download, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S 26, the CPU 32 controls the memory control unit 48 to read out software for download recorded in the semiconductor memory 23 mounted on the slot 22, and
To transfer. At this time, the CPU 32
To output the message to the SRAM 52 via the signal processing unit 12 and the image / audio processing unit 13 to display the message indicating that the software is being transferred to the SRAM 52 (FIG. 6).

When the transfer of the software from the semiconductor memory 23 to the SRAM 52 is completed, the process proceeds to step S27, where the CP
The U 32 determines whether or not the software has been successfully expanded from the semiconductor memory 23 to the SRAM 52 in the process of step S 26. If the U 32 determines that the software has been successfully expanded to the SRAM 52, the process proceeds to step S 28. .

In step S28, the CPU 32 reads out the software once stored in the SRAM 52 in the processing in step S26, transfers the software to the flash ROM 50, and stores the same. Thus, the software downloaded from the semiconductor memory 23 is stored (updated) in the flash ROM 50. Then, the CPU 32 determines in step S29
, Whether the download was successful,
Software read from SRAM 52 is flash ROM
It is determined whether or not the data has been correctly stored in the file 50, and if it is determined that the download has been successful, the process proceeds to step S30.

In step S30, the CPU 32 outputs to the display section 14 a message indicating that the software recorded in the semiconductor memory 23 has been successfully downloaded as shown in FIG.

If it is determined in step S29 that the download has failed, that is, that the software read from the SRAM 52 has not been correctly stored in the flash ROM 50, the process proceeds to step S31, where the CPU 32
The message shown in FIG. 8 for indicating that the download has failed is output to the display unit 14 and displayed. When the button “retry” is pressed in the window shown in FIG.
26, the above-mentioned subsequent processing may be repeated.

In step S27, the semiconductor memory 2
If it is determined that the software has failed to be loaded from 3 into the SRAM 52, the process proceeds to step S32, where the CPU 32 outputs the message indicating that downloading is not possible, as shown in FIG. Also, in step S25, if it is determined that the software having the target file name does not exist in the lower hierarchy of the directory having the name indicating the forced download, the CPU
The process proceeds to step S32, where the message shown in FIG. 9 is output to the display unit 14 and displayed.

If it is determined in step S36 that the software to be downloaded (stored in the semiconductor memory 23) is not a newer version than the software written in the flash ROM 50, the process proceeds to step S37, in which the CPU 32 The message shown in FIG. 10 for indicating that the download is unnecessary is output to the display unit 14 and displayed.

If it is determined in step S23 that there is no directory having the name of the hard ID in the root directory of the semiconductor memory 23,
In step S33, the function ID is stored in the flash ROM 50.
If it is determined that has not been written, step S3
4, the hardware recorded in the semiconductor memory 23
If it is determined that there is no directory having the function ID written in the flash ROM 50 in the lower hierarchy of the directory having the ID, the process proceeds to step S35. If it is determined that there is no software having the target file name in step S38, the process proceeds to step S38, and a normal startup process of the software is executed.

As described above, it is necessary to determine whether or not the software for download exists in the directory having the name of the predetermined hard ID and function ID as the keyword in the semiconductor memory 23. Depending on,
The software can be surely downloaded.

A plurality of directories having a function ID as a name are created in a lower hierarchy of the directory having a hardware ID as a name, and the download software is stored in each of the directories. You can also download.

Also, as described above, the semiconductor memory 23
If there is software to be forcibly downloaded, the software can be downloaded beyond the limitation of the version, so that not only the software version can be upgraded but also the software version can be downgraded.

Further, whether to download the software recorded in the semiconductor memory 23 is determined by the SR.
Since the determination can be made before the development to the AM 52, when the download is unnecessary or impossible, it is possible to quickly return to the normal start-up mode.

In the above, the case where software is downloaded using a memory stick has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to other storage media.

[0138] Further, the message indicating the success of the download or the like is displayed on the display unit 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
You may express by the number of lighting. For example, if there is software to be downloaded in the semiconductor memory 23, two LEDs are turned on. If the software is successfully downloaded, three LEDs are turned on. If the download fails, four LEDs are turned on. By doing so, the user can be informed of the status of the download.

In the above, an example in which the present invention is applied to the set-top box 21 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various devices provided with slots into which the semiconductor memory 23 can be mounted are provided. Can be widely applied to. For example, when the present invention is applied to the computer 101, it is configured as shown in FIG.

The CPU 111 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM 112 and the storage unit 118. The ROM 112 stores programs for executing various processes, as well as hardware IDs. RAM 113 has C
Programs and data necessary for the PU 111 to execute various processes are appropriately stored. Flash ROM 11
4 stores a function ID, a version ID, and the like.
CPU 111, ROM 112, RAM 113, and Flash R
The AMs 114 are mutually connected via a bus 115 and also to an input / output interface 116.

The input / output interface 116 includes an input unit 117 including a keyboard and a mouse, and an LCD (Liquid Cr).
and a storage unit 119 including a hard disk and the like, a communication unit 120 communicating with a public line network, and a semiconductor memory 23. Slot 121 is connected.

The input / output interface 116 has a drive 12 for installing a program.
2 are connected, and a magnetic disk 131, an optical disk 132, a magneto-optical disk 133, and the like are mounted as needed. The processing described above is executed by the CPU 111 according to a program (software).

The above-described series of processes can be executed by software. The software is a computer in which a program constituting the software is built in dedicated hardware, or a general-purpose personal computer that can execute various functions by installing various programs. For example, it is installed from a recording medium.

As shown in FIG. 13, the recording medium is a magnetic disk 131 (including a flexible disk) on which a program is recorded and an optical disk 132 which are distributed separately from a computer to provide the user with the program. (CD-ROM (CompactDisk-Read Only Memory),
It includes a DVD (including a Digital Versatile Disk), a magneto-optical disk 133 (including an MD (Mini-Disk)), or a package medium including a semiconductor memory 23 or the like.

In this specification, the step of describing a program recorded on a recording medium may be performed not only in chronological order but also in chronological order according to the described order. This also includes processing executed in parallel or individually.

[0146]

According to the first information processing apparatus, method and program of the present invention, it is determined whether or not a predetermined directory exists in a storage medium, and whether or not software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory. Since it is determined whether or not the software is stored and the software stored in the storage medium is downloaded based on the result, it is possible to execute the software update or the forced download using the storage medium. .

According to the first storage medium of the present invention,
Since the software is stored in a lower hierarchy of the predetermined directory with a name having a predetermined extension, the software can be updated or forcibly downloaded.

Further, according to the second information processing apparatus, method, and program of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the first directory exists in the storage medium, and the first directory is determined in the lower hierarchy of the first directory. It is determined whether or not the second directory exists, it is determined whether or not the software exists in the lower hierarchy of the second directory, and the software stored in the storage medium is downloaded based on the result. Thus, software update and forced download can be executed using the storage medium.

Further, according to the second storage medium of the present invention, there is provided a first directory and a second directory below the first directory, and a lower directory below the second directory. Since the software is stored in the software, software update and forced download can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital television receiver to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the set-top box of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a window display example of data recorded on a memory stick.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a window display example of data recorded on a memory stick.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a download process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a message screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of another example of a message screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a message screen of another example.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of another example of a message screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a message screen of another example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a directory structure in a semiconductor memory.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a download process.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 digital television receivers, 21 set-top boxes, 22 slots, 23 memory sticks, 32 CPUs, 48 memory control units,
50 Flash ROM, 51 ROM, 52 SRAM,
101 computer, 111 CPU, 112 R
OM, 113 RAM, 114 Flash ROM, 12
1 slot, 122 drives, 131 magnetic disk, 132 optical disk, 133 magneto-optical disk

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 5B076 AB17 EB02

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus in which software stored in a storage medium is downloaded, a first determination unit that determines whether a predetermined directory exists in the storage medium, and the first determination. As a result of the determination by the means, when it is determined that the directory exists, further, a second determination means for determining whether the software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory, and the second determination means The information processing apparatus, further comprising: an execution unit that downloads the software stored in the storage medium when it is determined that the software is present as a result of the determination. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third determination unit configured to determine whether the storage medium is mounted. 3. The result of the determination by the first determining means,
When it is determined that the directory does not exist, or when it is determined that the software does not exist as a result of the determination by the second determining unit, the control unit controls to start the already stored software. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. The result of the determination by the second determination means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a third determination unit configured to determine whether the software indicates forced download when the software is determined to be present. 5. The result of the determination by the third determining means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that the software indicates forced download, the execution unit executes the download regardless of a version of the software. 6. The result of the determination by the third determination means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an investigation unit configured to investigate a version of the software when it is determined that the software does not indicate forced download. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, as a result of the examination by said examination means, if it is determined that the version of said software is newer, said execution means executes downloading of said software. Information processing device. 8. When a result of the investigation by the investigation means determines that the version of the software is not newer, a message indicating that the download of the software is unnecessary is displayed. Item 7. An information processing device according to Item 6. 9. The result of the determination by the second determination means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a research unit configured to research a version of the software when it is determined that the software exists. 10. A display for displaying a message based on a result of the determination by the third determining means for determining whether or not the download of the software executed by the executing means is successful. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when another software corresponding to the software is recorded, the execution unit rewrites the other software. 12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is configured by a rewritable memory. 13. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus in which software stored in a storage medium is downloaded, wherein: a first determination step of determining whether a predetermined directory exists in the storage medium; When it is determined as a result of the determination in the first determination step that the directory exists, a second determination step of determining whether the software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory; Executing the downloading of the software stored in the storage medium when it is determined that the software is present as a result of the determination in the processing of the second determining step. Method. 14. A program for controlling an information processing apparatus from which software stored in a storage medium is downloaded, wherein: a first determination step of determining whether a predetermined directory exists in the storage medium; When it is determined as a result of the determination in the first determination step that the directory exists, a second determination step of determining whether the software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory; A step of executing the download of the software stored in the storage medium when it is determined that the software is present as a result of the determination in the processing of the second determination step. A recording medium on which a readable program is recorded. 15. A first determination step of determining whether a predetermined directory exists in the storage medium in a computer to which software stored in the storage medium is downloaded; When it is determined that the directory exists as a result of the processing, a second determining step of determining whether the software exists in a lower hierarchy of the directory; and a second determining step. Executing the step of downloading the software stored in the storage medium, if the result of the determination in step (a) is that the software is present. 16. A storage medium in which software to be downloaded to an information processing device is stored, the storage medium having a predetermined directory, and a lower level hierarchy of the directory having a name with a predetermined extension. Is stored. 17. The storage medium according to claim 16, wherein said storage medium comprises a rewritable memory. 18. An information processing apparatus in which software stored in a storage medium is downloaded, wherein: a first determination unit that determines whether a first directory exists in the storage medium; As a result of the determination by the determination means, when it is determined that the first directory exists, a second determination is further performed to determine whether a second directory exists in a hierarchy lower than the first directory. Means, if it is determined that the second directory exists as a result of the determination by the second determining means, further determine whether the software exists in a lower hierarchy of the second directory. When it is determined that the software is present as a result of the determination by the third determining unit, the software is stored in the storage medium. The information processing apparatus characterized by comprising an execution means for executing the downloading of serial software. 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a fourth determination unit configured to determine whether the storage medium is mounted. 20. When it is determined that the first directory does not exist as a result of the determination by the first determination unit, the result of the determination by the second determination unit is the second directory.
When it is determined that the directory does not exist, or when it is determined that the software does not exist as a result of the determination by the third determination unit, the control unit controls to start the already stored software. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising: 21. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a fourth determination unit configured to determine whether the software indicates forced download. 22. If the result of the determination by the fourth determination means is that the software indicates forced download, the execution means executes the download regardless of the version of the software. 22. The information processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein 23. The apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a surveying unit for examining a version of the software when it is determined as a result of the determination by the fourth determining unit that the software does not indicate forced download. Item 22. The information processing device according to item 21. 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein as a result of the examination by said examination means, when it is determined that the version of said software is newer, said execution means executes downloading of said software. Information processing device. 25. A method according to claim 25, wherein as a result of the investigation by said investigation means, when it is determined that the version of said software is not newer, a message indicating that downloading of said software is unnecessary is displayed. Item 23. The information processing device according to item 23. 26. The information according to claim 18, further comprising an investigation unit that investigates a version of the software when it is determined that the software exists as a result of the determination by the third determination unit. Processing equipment. 27. A fourth determining means for determining whether the download of the software executed by the executing means has succeeded, and a display for displaying a message based on a result of the determination by the fourth determining means. 19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a control unit. 28. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the execution unit rewrites the other software when another software corresponding to the software is recorded. 29. The first directory is a directory having a name of a model ID of the information processing apparatus, and the second directory is a function I of the software.
19. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the directory is a directory having a name of D. 30. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said storage medium is constituted by a rewritable memory. 31. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus in which software stored in a storage medium is downloaded, wherein: a first determination step of determining whether a first directory exists in the storage medium; As a result of the determination in the first determination step, when it is determined that the first directory exists, it is further determined whether a second directory exists in a hierarchy lower than the first directory. A second determining step of determining, and as a result of the determination in the processing of the second determining step, when it is determined that the second directory exists, the software is further stored in a lower hierarchy of the second directory. A third determination step of determining whether or not the software exists; and a result of the determination by the processing of the third determination step, wherein the software When it is determined to be present, the information processing method characterized in that it comprises an execution step of executing the downloading of the software stored in the storage medium. 32. A program for controlling an information processing device from which software stored in a storage medium is downloaded, wherein: a first determination step of determining whether a first directory exists in the storage medium; As a result of the determination in the first determination step, when it is determined that the first directory exists, it is further determined whether a second directory exists in a hierarchy lower than the first directory. A second determining step of determining, and as a result of the determination in the processing of the second determining step, when it is determined that the second directory exists, the software is further stored in a lower hierarchy of the second directory. A third determination step of determining whether or not the software exists. As a result of the determination by the processing of the third determination step, the software If E A is determined to exist, a recording medium readable program computer which comprises an execution step of executing the downloading of the software stored in the storage medium is recorded. 33. A first determination step for determining whether a first directory exists on the storage medium in a computer to which software stored on the storage medium is downloaded; and the first determination step. When it is determined that the first directory exists as a result of the processing of the second step, a second determination is further performed to determine whether a second directory exists in a hierarchy lower than the first directory. And if it is determined that the second directory exists, as a result of the determination in the processing of the second determination step, it is further determined whether the software exists in a lower hierarchy of the second directory. And a result of the determination in the third determination step determines that the software exists. If, program characterized by executing an execution step of executing the downloading of the software stored in the storage medium. 34. A storage medium storing software to be downloaded to an information processing apparatus, comprising: a first directory; and a second directory below the first directory in a lower hierarchy. A storage medium wherein the software is stored in a lower hierarchy of a second directory. 35. The first directory is a directory having a name of a model ID of the information processing apparatus, and the second directory is a function I of the software.
The storage medium according to claim 34, wherein the storage medium is a directory having a name of D. 36. The storage medium according to claim 34, wherein said storage medium comprises a rewritable memory.