JP2005006192A - Image signal processing apparatus and software rewriting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To rewrite software with an easy and simple configuration. <P>SOLUTION: When a receiving processing block 11 extracts information multiplexed to a broadcast signal and the information includes notification to download new software, when a storage medium with new software stored therein is mounted through a peripheral interface 32 or when a software rewriting instruction command is supplied from an external device, the downloaded new software, the new software stored in the storage medium or the new software supplied from the external device is stored in a memory for image processing which is used as a memory for work when an uncompressed image signal is used to perform signal processing. Then, the new software stored in the memory for image processing is used to rewrite software stored in a memory for software storage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image signal processing apparatus and a software rewriting method. Specifically, when executing the software stored in the software storage memory and performing signal processing using an uncompressed image signal, when using the image processing memory provided for the work of this signal processing, When a software rewrite instruction is issued, the new software is stored in the image processing memory, and the new software stored in the image processing memory is written into the software storage memory so that it is stored in the software storage memory. The software is rewritten.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional image signal processing apparatus, for example, a digital broadcast receiver that processes an image signal obtained by receiving a digital television broadcast and generates a drive signal according to a display device is used to change a service form of a broadcasting station, etc. The control program can be rewritten so that
[0003]
When the digital broadcast receiver rewrites the control program, for example, in the invention of Patent Document 1, a control program that is sequentially transmitted in packet units using broadcast waves is stored in an image decoding memory. Thereafter, the control program stored in the image decoding memory is written into the flash ROM, and the control program is rewritten.
[0004]
In the invention of Patent Document 2, download data is constantly monitored, a program or the like sent as download data is received, and stored in a data area other than the currently used data area of the nonvolatile memory. When the memory becomes full, the program is rewritten by overwriting the received new program data on the old version of the program.
[0005]
Furthermore, in the invention of Patent Document 3, the control program is stored in a separate area that is distinguished from video data, audio data, and data broadcast data in the hard disk.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-78491 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-112133 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2002-152650 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when the image signal processing apparatus does not have a decoding processing function of the encoded image signal, an image decoding memory is not provided. For this reason, when software including program data and display data is rewritten, new software cannot be stored in the image decoding memory. Similarly, when the image signal processing apparatus does not include a hard disk, software cannot be stored in the hard disk. Further, when software is stored in a data area other than the currently used data area in the nonvolatile memory, a nonvolatile memory having a large memory capacity is required, resulting in an increase in cost. Furthermore, if the software in use is rewritten with new software, there is a possibility that correct operation cannot be performed, and thus new software may not be overwritten.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention provides an image signal processing apparatus and a software rewriting method capable of easily rewriting software with a simple configuration without having a decoding processing function or a hard disk.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image signal processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a software storage memory for storing software in a rewritable manner, signal processing means for performing signal processing using an uncompressed image signal, and image processing provided for use in signal processing work Memory, instruction means for instructing software rewriting, and when rewriting is instructed, new software is stored in the image processing memory, and the new software stored in the image processing memory is stored in the software storage memory. Rewriting control means for rewriting software stored in the software storage memory by writing.
[0010]
In addition, the software rewriting method executes image processing software provided in a memory for storing software in a rewritable manner and performs signal processing using a non-compressed image signal. Rewriting method of image signal processing apparatus using image memory, instruction process for instructing software rewriting, and new software is stored in image processing memory when rewriting instruction is made, and the image processing memory The rewriting control step of rewriting the software stored in the software storage memory by writing new software stored in the software storage memory.
[0011]
In the present invention, information multiplexed on a broadcast signal is extracted, and when this information includes a notice for downloading new software, or a storage medium storing new software is loaded. At this time, an instruction to rewrite the software stored in the software storage memory is issued. Further, based on a command from an external device, an instruction to rewrite software stored in the software storage memory is issued. When this rewriting instruction is performed, the new software downloaded, the new software stored in the storage medium, or the new software supplied from an external device performs signal processing using an uncompressed image signal. At this time, it is stored in an image processing memory used for a work. Thereafter, the new software stored in the image processing memory is written into the software storage memory, and the software stored in the software storage memory is rewritten.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a configuration when the image signal processing apparatus is, for example, a television broadcast receiver. In order to simplify the explanation, the part relating to the audio signal is omitted in the television broadcast receiver shown in FIG.
[0013]
In the reception processing block 11 of the television broadcast receiver 10, the modulation wave of the channel designated by the user is selected and demodulated, and the obtained image signal such as a composite video signal or Y / C signal is processed in the signal processing block 15. To the signal selector 16. Further, when simultaneously displaying an image of another channel different from the main channel designated by the user, the image signal of the main channel and the image signal of the other channel are supplied to the signal selection unit 16.
[0014]
Further, when the reception processing block 11 has a digital broadcast reception function, the target image packet is separated from the multiplexed transport stream packet obtained by performing demodulation. Further, the separated packet is decoded, and the obtained luminance signal and color difference signal are supplied to the signal selection unit 16. In addition, when an SDTT (Software Download Trigger Table) packet, which is download notification information, is detected from the multiplexed transport stream packet, the control unit 30 described later is notified.
[0015]
The signal input terminal 12 is used to input a composite video signal or a Y / C signal. The image signal input from the signal input terminal 12 is supplied to the signal selection unit 16. The signal input terminal 13 is used to input an analog luminance / color difference component signal. The analog component signal input from the signal input terminal 13 is supplied to the signal selection unit 16. The digital input terminal 14 is used to input a digital luminance / color difference component signal. The digital component signal input from the digital input terminal 14 is supplied to the signal selection unit 16.
[0016]
The signal selection unit 16 of the signal processing block 15 selects an image signal of a main image to be displayed on the display device 25 described later from signals supplied from the reception processing block 11, the signal input terminals 12 and 13, and the digital input terminal 14. To the signal integration processor 17. Further, an image signal of a sub-image to be displayed on the display device 25 described later is selected and supplied to the signal integration processor 18.
[0017]
The signal integration processor 17 integrates various types of input image signals into predetermined image signals. For example, when the input image signal is an analog signal, it is converted into a digital signal. When the input image signal is a composite video signal, a Y / C signal is generated by performing three-dimensional Y / C separation. Further, the Y / C signal is subjected to chroma decoding and converted into a component signal. Also, noise removal processing is performed on each signal, and various types of image signals are integrated into a digital component signal with less noise. The image signal in a predetermined form generated by the signal integration processor 17 is supplied to the densification processor 19 and the conversion processing unit 201 of the image optimization processor 20.
[0018]
The signal integration processor 18 performs the same processing as the signal integration processor 17, integrates various input image signals into predetermined image signals, and supplies them to the conversion processing unit 201.
[0019]
The densification processor 19 generates and outputs a densified image signal based on the input image signal. For example, a motion vector of an image based on the input image signal is detected, and class classification processing corresponding to the feature of the image signal is performed in consideration of the detected motion vector. Further, the class data generated by the class classification process is supplied to the prediction coefficient ROM, and the prediction coefficient corresponding to the class data is read from the prediction coefficient ROM. The prediction coefficient ROM stores a prediction coefficient obtained by learning for each class classified in consideration of the motion vector of the image. Further, prediction calculation processing is performed using the read prediction coefficient and the input image signal, and a high-density image signal is generated and supplied to the conversion processing unit 201.
[0020]
The image optimization processor 20 optimizes an image displayed on the display device 25 using the image signal supplied from the densification processor 19 and the image signal supplied from the signal integration processors 17 and 18. The conversion processing unit 201 of the image optimization processor 20 selects an image signal to be used for displaying an image on the display device 25 from the image signal. Further, scaling processing is performed, and the selected image signal is converted into an image signal having an image size corresponding to the display size of the display device 25 and supplied to the multi-screen processing unit 202.
[0021]
The multi-screen processing unit 202 generates an image signal for displaying the main image or the main image and the sub-image on the screen of the display device 25 using the supplied image signal, and supplies the image signal to the image quality improvement processing unit 203. For example, the image signal after scaling processing supplied from the signal integration processor 17 or the densification processor 19 is used as the image signal of the main image, and the image signal after scaling processing supplied from the signal integration processor 18 is used as the sub image. Used as an image signal, an image signal for displaying a main image and sub-images at the same time or displaying a main image and a plurality of still sub-images is generated.
[0022]
The high image quality processing unit 203 performs noise removal processing, non-linear enhancement, and the like, and performs high image quality of the main image and the sub-image. The image signal processed by the image quality enhancement processing unit 203 is supplied to the graphic superimposing unit 204.
[0023]
The graphic superimposing unit 204 superimposes a graphic signal for performing menu display, GUI (Graphical User Interface) display, channel display, and the like on the image signal and supplies the image signal to the display driving block 24.
[0024]
The image optimization processor 20 includes memory control units 205 and 206, and the memory control unit 205 is connected to the software storage memory 22, and the memory control unit 206 is connected to the image processing memory 23. The memory control unit 205 controls writing to and reading from the software storage memory 22 in response to a write request and a read request from the control unit 30 serving as a rewrite control unit. Further, the memory control unit 206 controls writing and reading with respect to the image processing memory 23 in response to a write request or a read request from the control unit 30 or the conversion processing unit 201.
[0025]
The software storage memory 22 stores software for operating the television broadcast receiver 10. The software storage memory 22 is configured using a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash ROM so that the stored software can be rewritten.
[0026]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a memory map of the software storage memory 22. The software includes program data for controlling the operation of the television broadcast receiver 10 and graphic data and font data for performing various displays such as menu display and GUI display on the television broadcast receiver 10. In this case, the software storage memory 22 is provided with a program area MA1 for storing program data, a backup area MA2 for program data, and a data area MA3 for storing graphic data and font data.
[0027]
The image processing memory 23 is used for work when the image optimization processor 20 performs various signal processing using uncompressed image signals, and uses a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic RAM). It is configured. FIG. 3 shows an example of a memory map of the image processing memory 23, and the image processing memory 23 performs processing for optimizing the display image by the image optimization processor 20, as shown in FIG. 3A. In addition, a work image signal area MB1 for temporarily storing image signals is provided. When the above-described program data is executed by the control unit 30, it is not necessary to provide a work memory separately by providing the image processing memory 23 with the work area MB2 for writing and reading various information. . Further, when the image processing memory 23 can be read at a higher speed than the software storage memory 22, a program cache area MB 3 and a data cache area MB 4 are provided in the image processing memory 23, and the software storage memory 22 If program data and frequently used graphic data and font data are copied to each cache area and read from the cache area, the program data and desired graphic data can be read at high speed.
[0028]
The display drive block 24 uses the image signal supplied from the image optimization processor 20 to perform contrast correction according to the characteristics of the display device 25 such as a cathode ray tube, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), etc. While performing γ correction, gradation correction, and the like, a drive signal corresponding to the display device 25 is generated. The display device 25 performs image display based on the drive signal generated by the display drive block 24.
[0029]
The user interface 26 generates an operation signal corresponding to a user operation and supplies the operation signal to the control unit 30. The user interface 26 includes a remote control signal receiving unit, an operation switch, and the like, and generates an operation signal based on a transmission signal from the remote control device and a switch operation.
[0030]
The control unit 30 reads and executes the program data, supplies various control signals based on the operation signal to the reception processing block 11, the signal processing block 15, etc., and controls the operation of the television broadcast receiver 10. The control unit 30 also controls software rewrite processing.
[0031]
The peripheral interface 32 is an interface for connecting a memory card, a computer device, and the like. For example, a card interface, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), or the like is used as the peripheral interface 32. New software is supplied from the memory card or the computer device to the television broadcast receiver 10 via the peripheral interface 32, and the software stored in the memory of the television broadcast receiver 10 is updated to the new software. As a result, functions are changed or expanded.
[0032]
The supply of control signals from the control unit 30 and the writing and writing to the software storage memory 22 and the image processing memory 23 are performed via the bus 35. Further, assuming that the software storage memory 22, the image processing memory 23 and the peripheral interface 32 are provided in the image optimization processor 20, if DMA transfer is performed between the peripheral interface 32 and the memory control units 205 and 206, Even before the image optimization processor 20 is incorporated in the television broadcast receiver 10, software can be written or rewritten.
[0033]
Next, the software rewriting process will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the software rewriting process.
In step ST1, it is determined whether the start mode or the rewrite mode is set. Here, when it is determined from the operation signal that the operation for viewing the desired channel selection program has been performed by the television broadcast receiver 10, it is determined that the operation mode is the start mode, and the process proceeds to step ST2, where the channel selection program is selected. An operation of displaying an image on the display device 25 (hereinafter referred to as “normal operation”) is started. In addition, when a rewrite instruction to new software is issued from the rewrite instruction means when the normal operation is not being performed, for example, when it is notified that the SDTT packet for notifying the software download is detected in the reception processing block 11, or When a software rewrite command is issued from an external device via the peripheral interface 32, or when a memory card is inserted into the peripheral interface 32, it is determined that the rewrite mode is set, and the process proceeds to step ST3.
[0034]
In step ST3, as shown in FIG. 3B, the image signal area MB1 of the image processing memory 23 is set as the temporary storage area MB5, and the process proceeds to step ST4. In step ST4, writing of new software to the temporary storage area MB5 is started. For example, a process of writing new software downloaded using broadcast waves, new software supplied from an external device via the peripheral interface 32, and new software stored in a memory card in the temporary storage area MB5 To start.
[0035]
In step ST5, it is determined whether or not new software has been written. If not, the process returns to step ST5. If writing has been completed, the process proceeds to step ST6.
[0036]
In step ST6, new software written in the temporary storage area MB5 is read out and written into the software storage memory 22, and the program data in the program area MA1, the font data and graphic data in the data area MA3, etc. are updated and rewriting processing is performed. finish.
[0037]
When it is confirmed that the program data written in the program area MA1 is correct, the program data is written in the backup area MA2, and the program data in the backup area MA2 is updated to new program data. Thus, by updating the program data in the backup area MA2, for example, the program data can be read from the backup area MA2 even if the program data cannot be read from the program area MA1. Further, the backup area MA2 may be controlled to store program data immediately before the update. In this case, even if a problem occurs due to the use of new program data, the program data before update is read from the backup area MA2, thereby returning the operation of the television broadcast receiver 10 to the operation state before rewriting the program data. be able to.
[0038]
FIG. 5 shows an operation performed between the image optimization processor 20 and the control unit 30 at the time of software rewriting. When a reset cancellation instruction is issued from the control unit 30, the image optimization processor 20 confirms the mode as to whether it is a start mode or a rewrite mode. Here, in the rewrite mode, a writing instruction is supplied from the control unit 30 to the image optimization processor 20, and the image optimization processor 20 makes a software request to the control unit 30 in response to the writing instruction. Note that a request to the control unit 30 and a response to the notification from the control unit 30 are performed from the memory control units 205 and 206, or a control circuit is provided in the image optimization processor 20 and is performed from this control circuit.
[0039]
The control unit 30 performs a process of transferring new software to the image optimization processor 20 in response to a software request. For example, new software downloaded using a broadcast signal is transferred to the image optimization processor 20. Alternatively, new software reception notification is sent to the external device, and the new software supplied from the external device is transferred to the image optimization processor 20. Alternatively, new software is read from the storage element and transferred to the image optimization processor 20.
[0040]
The image optimization processor 20 stores the transferred new software in the temporary storage area MB5. When the storage of the new software is completed, the new software stored in the temporary storage area MB5 is transferred to the software storage memory 22, and the software stored in the software storage memory 22 is changed to the new software. rewrite. When this rewriting is completed, the controller 30 is notified of the end of rewriting. The control unit 30 resets the image optimization processor 20 in response to the rewriting completion notification, and enables an operation based on new software.
[0041]
In this way, when image signals are not written to or read from the image processing memory for optimizing the display image, new software is temporarily stored in the image signal area of the image processing memory. The stored new software is written into the software storage memory 22 to rewrite the software stored in the software storage memory 22. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a temporary storage memory for temporarily storing new software used for rewriting, or to increase the memory capacity of the software storage memory 22 to provide a temporary storage area. The broadcast receiver 10 can be configured at low cost. Further, since new software can be temporarily stored by effectively using the image processing memory, the software can be rewritten without having a memory or a hard disk for decoding.
[0042]
In addition, even if the signal processing settings and display functions of the television broadcast receiver differ due to differences in destinations, the operation of the television broadcast receiver can be performed easily and quickly by using the software rewriting method described above. Can be set according to the destination, and the function can be changed or expanded for each destination.
[0043]
In the above-described embodiment, the case of a television broadcast receiver as the image signal processing device has been described. However, any device having an image processing memory is not limited to a television broadcast receiver. Of course.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when an instruction to rewrite the software stored in the software storage memory is issued, the new software is used for image processing that is used for work when performing signal processing using an uncompressed image signal. New software stored in the memory and stored in the image processing memory is written into the software storage memory, and the software stored in the software storage memory is rewritten. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a temporary storage memory so that new software can be temporarily held, and it is not necessary to provide a temporary storage area in the software storage memory, and the image signal processing apparatus is configured at low cost. it can.
[0045]
Also, when the information multiplexed in the broadcast signal is extracted and this information includes a notice to download new software, the downloaded new software is stored in the image processing memory. Thus, it is possible to easily update or expand the function of the image signal processing apparatus using the broadcast signal. Further, when a storage medium storing new software is loaded, the new software stored in the storage means is stored in the image processing memory, so even if it does not have a function of receiving a broadcast signal, It is possible to easily update or expand the functions of the image signal processing apparatus. Further, a rewrite instruction is issued based on a command from the external device, and new software supplied from the external device is stored in the image processing memory. Therefore, it is possible to easily rewrite software in the software storage memory with desired software by connecting an external device in the manufacturing process of the image signal processing apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a television broadcast receiver.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a memory map of a software storage memory.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of an image processing memory.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a software rewriting process.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation performed between an image optimization processor and a control unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Television broadcast receiver, 11 ... Reception processing block, 12, 13 ... Signal input terminal, 14 ... Digital input terminal, 15 ... Signal processing block, 16 ... Signal selection , 17, 18 ... signal integration processor, 19 ... densification processor, 20 ... image optimization processor, 22 ... memory for storing software, 23 ... memory for image processing, 24 · Display drive block, 25 ... display device, 26 ... user interface, 30 ... control unit, 32 ... peripheral interface, 35 ... bus, 201 ... conversion processing unit, 202 ..Multi-screen processing unit, 203... High image quality processing unit, 204... Graphic superimposing unit, 205 and 206.

Claims (10)

A software storage memory for storing software in a rewritable manner;
Signal processing means for performing signal processing using an uncompressed image signal;
An image processing memory provided for the signal processing work;
Instruction means for instructing rewriting of the software;
When the rewriting instruction is made, new software is stored in the image processing memory, and the new software stored in the image processing memory is written in the software storage memory, thereby storing the software in the software storage memory. An image signal processing apparatus comprising: rewrite control means for rewriting stored software. The image signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing memory is provided for a work for optimizing a display image based on the image signal. The instruction means extracts information multiplexed in the broadcast signal, and when the information includes a notice to download new software, performs the rewrite instruction,
2. The image signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rewrite control unit stores the downloaded new software in the image processing memory. The instruction means performs the rewrite instruction when a storage medium storing new software is loaded,
2. The image signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rewrite control unit reads new software stored in the storage medium and stores the new software in the image processing memory. The instruction means performs the rewrite instruction based on a command from an external device,
The image signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rewrite control unit stores new software supplied from the external device in the image processing memory. An image signal that uses the image processing memory provided as a work for the signal processing when executing the software of the software storage memory for storing the software in a rewritable manner and performing the signal processing using the uncompressed image signal A software rewriting method for a processing device,
An instruction process for instructing rewriting of the software;
When the rewriting instruction is made, new software is stored in the image processing memory, and the new software stored in the image processing memory is written in the software storage memory, thereby storing the software in the software storage memory. A software rewriting method comprising a rewriting control step of rewriting stored software. 7. The software rewriting method according to claim 6, wherein the image processing memory is provided for a work for optimizing a display image based on the image signal. In the instruction step, when the information multiplexed in the broadcast signal is extracted and the information includes a notice for downloading new software, the rewriting instruction is performed,
7. The software rewriting method according to claim 6, wherein in the rewriting control step, the downloaded new software is stored in the image processing memory. In the instruction step, when a storage medium storing new software is loaded, the rewriting instruction is performed,
7. The software rewriting method according to claim 6, wherein in the rewriting control step, new software stored in the storage medium is read and stored in the image processing memory. In the instruction step, the rewriting instruction is performed based on an instruction from an external device,
7. The software rewriting method according to claim 6, wherein in the rewriting control step, new software supplied from the external device is stored in the image processing memory.

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